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With his full prior knowledge and understanding, attached letter was personally handed out by me, Leopold JAMES to Mr. Cimmaron MARLIN, who is a tenant living in one of my apartments.
It is a final request to Mr. MARLIN, that I will no longer be able to sacrifice the responsibility to my own family, as well as to my own financial commitments, if he is not able to pay for the outstanding rents he owes us.
For the record.
I have always had, and will continue to have a very close friendship with Cimmaron MARLIN and I regret having to write this statement.
However,because of the fact, that Mr. Julian ROLLOCKS has placed a lien on all the bank accounts of his brother Cimmaron MARLIN, such has made it impossible for him to live up to his own commitments, including his rent obligation to me.
For years, Mr. Cimmaron MARLIN has been treated as a family-member of ours.
Consequently, I have allowed for Mr. MARLIN to continue using the apartment, hoping he will be able to pay up at a given time.
However, I can no longer sacrifice the interest of my own family because of the situation he and his own brother Julian ROLLOCKS has placed him in, financially.
I look forward that this situation be resolved as soon as possible.

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

Dear editor,

Questions often arise as to what is a liberal? What is a conservative? What does it mean to support the Left? Or the Right? What does a certain political party stand for? Although some positions change over time and it's never good to make generalizations about what a certain group thinks. I will clarify some of the basic ideological definitions. Politicians have a wide range of opinions; thus, any particular leader doesn't necessary fit neatly into these categories.The original definition of a liberal was someone who advocated change, new philosophies, and new ideas. A conservative was someone who avoided change, instead preferring to stick to the tried and true. In modern times, these definitions have expanded to include a wide set of political beliefs (which are defined below). To be Leftist or agree with the Left political point of view is synonymous with being liberal. To be Rightist or agree with the Right political point of view is synonymous with being conservative. The Left and Right terms were created because political ideology is viewed on a continuum. For example, if you agree more with liberal ideas, you're considered more Leftist in your thinking, and if you agree more with the conservative, you're considered more rightist in your thinking. The difference in political ideology: on abortion Liberals Pro choice, Conservative Prolife (Christian Values). On healthcare, Liberals believe make 100 percent government controlled. Conservative believes de-regulate and introduce free market reform. In business: Increase regulation, Conservative ease regulation and keep government out of business. On crime protect the rights of the accused first and foremost, Conservative provide maximum punishment and protect the rights of the victim first and foremost. On the issue Samesex marriage, Liberals believe Legalize, Conservative believe it must be ban (Christian Values). On Religion, Liberals maintain separation of church and state; prevent faith-based government initiatives. Conservatives maintain separation of church and state but introduce more religion in schools; allow faith-based government initiatives(Christian Values) .On Death penalty, Liberals believe it must be Ban, Conservative believe it should be maintain. On Gun control, Liberals believe in Ban, Conservative protect gun ownership, every man must have the right to protect himself because we are living in an imperfect world. On minimum wage, Liberals believe it should be increase. Conservative, do not believe in a minimum wage or maximum wage they believe in performance determine a man earnings. On social security (pension), Liberals increase age of beginning eligibility (e.g. 68 or 70); increase salary limits subject to tax. Conservative believes privatize; i.e. allow citizens control over their own money and allow stock investments. On taxes Liberals increase taxes, especially on the rich. Conservative cut taxes, especially on businesses that invest and hire because they create jobs and not government. On unions, workers should be unionized wherever possible, even if it means mandatory joining of a union to work at a place. Conservatives believe unionization should be limited, and workers should never be forced to join. Physician assisted suicide, Liberals believe it should be allow, Conservatives believe it must be prevented. Immigration, Liberals believe prevent the creation of a national ID card & database to track people in the country. Conservatives create a national ID card & database to track people in the country. On government size, increase the government and use more socialistic policies. Conservatives reduce the government and use more capitalistic, free-market policies. On personal Responsibility, Liberals believe government needs to protect people from themselves. Conservatives believe people should be responsible and be held accountable for their own actions. I hope you now have a better understanding of which side of the political spectrum you are. And now you may know if you are a conservative or a liberal. Conservatives are usually people of Christian values. And Liberals tends to be less in favor of Christian values. As human beings we all must respect each other's views even if we disagree. I leave it up to you to determine if DP, UPP or NA is liberal or conservative. Political ideology is not an American thing it exists in most countries of the world. I Miguel Arrindell am definitely a conservative. I believe only God our creator can do as he is please, and no man or government has the right to regulate sin and make it legal or make wrong right. For an example abortion and samesex marriage. However, I must continue to love all people. That is a commandment from God.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Nationalism is often associated with an unwavering national pride, with a love of country, of their nation and unquestionable loyalty. Strong feelings of patriotism, which would be more accurately termed strong feelings of allegiance, are usually just called 'Nationalist' feelings and these are often exaggerated or distorted the essence of people to create an easily identifiable visual likeness in the media as an unwavering support of the country, regardless of facts, regardless of what the country is doing to people abroad or at home. But nationalism is distinct from simple minded support. After all, it is amazing how many people in the world just happen to be born in the country they believe is the best in the world. Just as its quite amazing how many people just happen to be born into the 'one true religion'.Nationalism is world outlook. An ideology. A belief that the nation is the most logical basis to build a state or country around, as opposed to other modern ideologies which build states and countries based on the acceptance of certain premises, or simply define and build them by who holds particular documents, or who pays taxes, or who belongs to a particular religion. While modern liberalism states that a country is nothing more than an aggregate of participants, of which the background and cultural heritage of the participants is meaningless (and at the same time very meaningful in multicultural terms, an odd paradox), nationalism states that a country is defined by the very people which founded it (native StMaarteners), and that it is an organic entity. A nationalist country is a country which defines itself by the people. Finland for example doesn't define what a Finn is, but a Finn defines what Finland is. Likewise, Japan isn't a country which makes its inhabitants Japanese, but the country Japan is founded upon the Japanese culture and ethnicity. The people define what Japan the state is. So a nationalist can be thought of in a strict sense, as one who holds the belief that the nation (in the literal sense) is the most appropriate basis for building political entities on. This is in opposition to the liberal ideal where a country (a term they use interchangeable with nation, as if they are the same thing) is simply an administrative entity; a resource which could consists of any type of citizen or any combination. More importantly, a nationalist works for the betterment of their nation, for its evolution, its cultural growth, its well being, prosperity and sustainability. One cannot improve their own home if they don't admit there
is room for improvement. Nationalism vs. 'blind patriotism'. But does a nationalist have to love his or her country? Is it necessary to be a nationalist to believe that your country is the best there is that all is good? Is it necessary to defend your government actions against critics? Holding the belief that a state needs a deeper, more significant definition that simply being a group of people who hold ideas of 'mate ship', eating fish and rice and dumpling, watching baseball and softball or basketball, doesn't mean that one has to necessarily hold the idea that their country is the best there is, that it must be supported despite what it does. The actions of the state, of the government and even of many of its citizens are distinct from what the nation is. What the country has become is again distinct. A nationalist wants the best for their country, but will acknowledge if there is a sorry state of affairs. Likewise, a nationalist may indeed feel dismay at their country, even so far as to hate what it's become. Take for example a lady whose husband has taken to alcoholism. She may still love him, may still support him, because he is her husband. But she doesn't have to love what he has become, what he is. She knows deep down that he perhaps is not the best man in the world, she knows what he's doing is wrong and damaging to both him and her. But she cannot in good conscience lash at out those who criticize him, nor lie to herself and belief that these criticisms aren't true. Inside she may be torn between sticking by the man she met and fell in love with, and the man he has become, destructive, despotic and distant. To love your country, make it more lovable. For people to love a country, it must be lovable. It must provide fair opportunities for those who work to create them, a space to live, breath and be and to respect the national identity (or native people). Nationalism isn't about simply stating that one's country does this, it's about making one's own country like this. True nationalists don't just wave flags at softball or basketball games, they set about making their country one they would be proud to support and live in. They oppose those manipulate the state to the detriment of the nation. A nationalist works for his or her people, and cannot improve their nation, if they don't admit there is room for improvement. You cannot restore a sense of love of country by winning the softball game, or having a diversity day. You cannot demand patriotism, as if it were a switch that could be flicked. You must work toward building a nation that people can be proud of, that they feel attachment to. To have St.Maarteners love and support their country, you have to work at making it worthy of support. This is the true heart of Nationalism. Building and maintaining a country which one would want to be in. It is for this reason that Nationalist Alternative seek to redress issues of unaffordable housing, silly multicultural principles, unsustainable population growth through immigration and economic injustice. We support our nation, and want the state to be worthy of the people within the nation. For us, St.Maarten isn't defined by the government, but by the culture and native StMaarten people not forgetting the born here or naturalize people that love this country StMaarten. Our country is for our people, for ourselves, just as we believe that every other peoples of the planet should have a place they can call home, that they can be proud of. There is no need to say 'my country is the best in the world', but there is definitely a need to say 'my country is the best one for me', something that ideally every human should be able to say, or at least aspire for. I will take a break again until next time please read and digest good.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Free Will is the ability to do what you want, and pursue your interests. In other words, Free Will is the ability to pursue the object of your passions, motivations, wants, interests, and desires. So where do our "wants" come from? Clearly, not everyone has the same motivations; otherwise everyone would end up in the same role (as a soldier, or a nurse, or a banker, etc). If you're driven to become President, you may settle for Governor, but you probably won't change direction and become a nurse. Think about it. Where do interests and passions come from? They can't be taught, or forced upon us. Yet our interests define who we are, our identity. Personal Responsibility is taking responsibility for your actions, accepting the consequences that come from those actions and understanding that what you do impacts those around you and you as a person. When the people of StMaarten apply these two concept of life you decide to take matters in your own hand and begin to form your destiny. All successful people in life apply these two concepts. In politics, political parties want politician of this kind of character. But many political parties do not want people to pursue this concept, because then there will be little or no need for politicians. In political science and ideology conservative stress personal responsibility and freewill from it members, but they also teach people that conservative value. Liberals wants the government to think for you and they believe the average man cannot think for his or herself. That is why they believe in big government, big government spends too much of the taxpayers money. Small government usually respect taxpayer's money and believe the people knows how to spend their money best. In social studies some women are very foolish always making bad decisions to have a relationship with a man they know who will not treat women as a human, same for some men with women. If you apply personal responsibility then you will know it is you that have to make it your business to find out about people before you get involve with them in a relationship. Be it a lover or a friend. Being intentionally ignorant or not using freewill to think about your actions deserves you unhappiness and sorrows. When people in StMaarten apply personal responsibility and freewill the greater the chances are for you to attain wealth and the less you will have to rely on government. Conservatives practice and train people how to be self reliant, Liberals believe only few people can be self reliant and therefore you need a big government to control the masses of people. That concept has never worked. But our master God knows best he gives us the Ten Commandments not only to please him, but it is the rule of self responsibility and freewill to apply them to protect ourselves from destruction. The conclusion is if God give us freewill and expect us to be responsible, then it is up to us to apply them. If we do we will become masters of our own destiny with God being the mighty master of all of us. Then need for government is very limited. Good luck with your endeavors in life, use personal responsibility and freewill. God bless StMaarten and its people.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Oh no, not my words.
These are the words from some-one, who knows everything about funerals.
They come from a well-known, local, native, indigenous St. Martin undertaker/Minister of the Country St. Maarten.
We ourselves, do not have much to add to that observation.
Leading up to this 'joke' called 'Country St. Maarten', we have said repeatedly, that this status was never about people, and most definitely not about St. Martin People, other than, in fact it would be the final declaration of genocide against the St. Martin People.
So, nothing can surprise us anymore from these policians.
Perhaps the people, who were fooled and who were denied the opportunity to listen to people like Eldrige vand Putten and Leopold JAMES.
One of the greatest proponent of this 'Brave New World', as he called it, was the 'award-winning' talk-show host, Lloyd RICHARDSON.
This man did everything within his power to ridicule and to deny Eldrige van Putten the opportunity to warn the people, that they were not ready for this status change and that it would cots the tax-payers lots of money.
Now, this great proponent, on the first anniversary of his own 'Brave New World', did not dedicate ONE single word to this event; rather he had two guests on.
Guess from where ? - from Curacao !
So, what does this mean ?
Then last night, Mr. Oral GIBBS, 'begged' for at least ONE person to call in to say something- anything, if possible good about the new status.
Guess he is still waiting, because, indeed, not ONE person called in to say ANYTHING good about this 'Brave New World'.
And Oral himself closed off the program, somber - full well realizing now, that there is absolutely no confidence in this 'joke' called 'Country St. Maarten', whose Government had completely betrayed the native people of this land.
In keeping with the 'Undertaker' in Government, I say.
Get used to it.
Every year again, when '10-10-whatever' comes around - it will be like a funeral all over again - unless, the native, indigenous People are finally recognized, preserved and protected in the Constitution.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Once more, Mrs. Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS, the 'honorable' Prime-minister of 'Country St. Maarten', has made her position clear, as it relates to the St. Martin people.
This time around, in an article in the Daily Herald, of Thursday, October 6, 2011, entitled; Sarah; Defining St. Maartener, change to Constitution not easy'. (see attachment)
On the eve on 'Constitution Day 2011', one year after going into the new constitutional status, the future outlook for St. Martiners, if left up to the Prime-minister and her Government, would be about non-existent.
Although the Prime -minister in the past has said, that among 'matters outstanding' in the constitution, was the defining of the St. Martiner, as was to be expected, that was simple lip-service when she was in the opposition to score cheap points.
Now, that the good lady has become the 'honorable' Prime-minister, she sings a completely different song.
While, more and more St. Martiners are realizing that they have been betrayed, the best thing our 'honorable' P.M. can say to them is, that defining the St. Martiners is not an 'easy matter'.
A reality check, however teaches us that Government's definition of 'easy' depends on whom they are dealing with.
In other words.
As soon as our politicians hear, or are confronted with the term St. Martiner, they panic, get very uneasy, insecure, defensive, annoyed and extremely uncomfortable.
And even, when they seem to have some vague clue, they hasten to quote that the law prohibits Government from protecting the native people of this island.
'We can't break the law to recognize and protect you native St. Martiners' is their favorite response as well as more of that type of rhetoric and, bla, bla, bla....
But, alas.
The moment it pertains to immigrants entering the island illegally and breaking every law of the land, everything changes - drastically.
Oh Lord, we can not deport them, because they live here already, their children are born-here and don't know any other place.....
Response of Sarah and her Government to those transgressions against our laws by illegal immigrants ?
Reward them.
Reward them by 'regulating' their residence- and work permits, followed by granting them permanent residency and amnesty.
Eventually, reward them by offering naturalization, giving them the right to vote and to run for political office.
Never mind, that Government itself is breaking its own laws by rewardiong this type of illegality.
Clearly, by doing this Government itself is violating its own laws, just to please and appease illegal immigrants.
That, the 'honorable' P.M. does not consider a 'not easy' matter.
Of course not.
That is a very easy matter; after all, if gives benefits to non-St. Martiners, even if it is against our own laws !
The number of examples are too many to mention, where Government continues to reward illegality and lawlessness by immigrants, in the process rendering us St. Martiners victims of genocide by substitution.
Clearly, what Sarah and her Government are in fact doing, is a 'throwing St. Martiners under the bus'.
No wonder, that certain illegals have no problem attacking natives like Mr. Theophilus Priest on his own property.
They are emboldened and empowered by our own Government and politicians, who clearly have given up on us and have betrayed us as a people.
Thank God however, that we do not need Government to define us, the St. Martin people.
We have defined ourselves already.
More than that, we have issued our own St. Martin ID-card, for which the interest is growing tremendously.
Not only by St. Martiners on the island and abroad, but also by non-St. Martin residents, who want to be part of our nation and who realize that being accepted by the grassroots St. Martin People's movement, is worth far more than being recognized by a set of politicians, lacking pride and dignity in their own St. Martin heritage.
Clearly, as native, indigenous St. Martin people, we are the only ones to define ourselves as a people and to take the initiative to include others with an added value as part of the bigger picture - the St. Martin nation building - and unification process.
This process has already begun and is irreversible.
It is up to Government of both sides of the island to endorse this bottom up, grassroots movement and to arrive at a consensus on this matter, or not.
Failing to do such, will result in us eventually championing our case with the United Nations or via any members of this body.
So, easy or not 'honorable' Prime-minister, just like you went to the extreme to achieve 'country status', we are prepared to do the same and more.
Respect,

Leopold JAMES
President grassroots St. Martin nation building and unification movement.

I'm not suggesting that every crime will be prevented and every life saved by relaxing gun laws, because that's completely unrealistic. What I am saying is that arming yourself will at least give you a chance when you ever find yourself in the situation where on St. Maarten you eventually will be attacked, robbed or raped. The present laws mean that whilst the criminals remain armed, you are now defenseless from attack. St. Maarten is overflowing with irresponsible people who give no thought to the longer-term consequences of their action; that is why we have such a high level of young single parents and a terrorist Juvenile delinquent gang problem.

Giving those people firearms really is not a responsible action. Do I believe that most people should be allowed to be armed? Yes. However, I would not give legal access to firearms to the people I have just described. Therefore, we would need to implement a sensible licensing system as a temporary measure until these issues are resolved. If we are going to allow responsible citizens to be armed, we should also introduce severe penalties (such as the death penalty) on those who commit murder or other violent crimes, with or without firearms.

This will create two deterrents to criminals and violent gang members - the possibility of being killed by an armed victim, and severe punishment if they succeed in committing the crime but subsequently are arrested and convicted of the death penalty offence. It is not difficult to stop guns getting into the hands of criminals; it is impossible. This is something that people in St. Maarten should really start accepting as fact so that we can start to deal with the problem. Unfortunately, many people in this country are still desperately clinging on to the idea that if we make gun laws strict enough then criminals will eventually start obeying them. In an ideal world, this is what I would like to see, but the truth is it is never going to happen.

No matter how hard we try, we will never have a society where criminals do not have ready access to firearms. When weapons cannot be purchased legally, the bad guys arrange to have them smuggled into the country and then buy them illegally. They'll get them any way they can, so why not give the victims a chance as well? We've tried a total ban as a means of reducing armed crime, but that failed massively. Then we tried the approach of minimum sentences, which has proven to be equally ineffective. The biggest problem is that most of the people that support gun control seem blind to the fact that the laws they protect and the new laws they pass are always ignored by criminals. Tightening gun laws further will not solve the problem, as criminals really don't care if the government says they can't do something.

For this reason, we now need to try a different approach to this problem. One thing that firearms do effectively is to equalize those who are unequal. Take an elderly person, a pregnant mother or someone weak or disabled because of serious health problems. People made vulnerable by situations outside of their control are always victimized by cowardly rapists, burglars and street criminals due to the massive power advantage that the fit and able-bodied criminal has over his victim. Firearms remove this massive advantage and create a "level playing field". The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.

Peter Gunn

Honourable President,

By electronic mail dated September 25th with a heading that states « exchanges with the Presidency of the Republic », you have kindly copied to me (and also to other elected officials) your correspondence with the President of the Republic regarding the issues concerning the financial compensation of the COM for the new obligations and the present financial difficulties that our young Collectivité was confronting. Yet, as I was opening the attached files, I noticed that you inadvertently sent the same document twice, namely your letter dated July 20th, but failed to copy the reply that you have apparently received.
Recently, as I was surfing the net and more specifically a local news website, I noticed that the document that was missing was actually online there – the reply issued by M. Guillaume LAMBERT, the adviser to the President of the Republic.
The reply from the Presidency's offices, some 10 months after your urgent solicitation and some 2 months after your urgent reminder, leaves me wondering, alarmed and stunned.
Allow me a quick recap. Mister President, as we noticed the absence of consideration given by the conclusions of the Committee in charge of evaluating the new responsibilities of this Collectivité, amongst which were obligations for which the Commune collected allowances (allowances attributed by the legislator and funded by a tax – the Octroi de Mer – collected and paid, in Guadeloupe), in the name of my group, RRR, on January 9th, 2009, we have had a deliberation taken and voted which authorized you to take all necessary measures against the state and its services, and it also gave you mandate to call the state before the Court of justice to safeguard and defend the financial interest of this Collectivité. Since the voting of that deliberation, – whether during executive council meetings or during territorial council meetings – we have regularly reminded you and requested from you an update of the actions taken in that regard.
According to your letter (copied to me), it is only by November 12, 2010 that you have finally decided to file a formal complaint to the President of the Republic in which you requested his urgent intervention as referee in the various litigations that opposed the COM to the State.
Considering the silence, the indifference of the Presidency of the Republic to your request (the absence of acknowledgement of receipt of your formal request and worse yet, the absence of a reply), considering the fact that from a legal standpoint it had been more than three to four months that you had formed your request, according to your letter, it is then that you « decided to express your petitions by other ways, namely by way of a legal action".
Let us analyze your proceedings:
- Letter to the President of the Republic dated November 12, 2010 (final formal complaint),
- Then probably somewhere around July 4th, legal action before the Council of State,
- Then a reminder to the Presidency of the Republic by July 20 requesting His « kindest intervention... my Collectivité more than ever needs your assistance » (complaint with a supplication on bended knees),
Would your willingness to provide information on the reply you received, be a clearly indication that you had no idea of what was being concocted behind your back in matters regarding your exclusive competency as head of the executive and legitimate representative of the Territorial Council and Collectivité of Saint-Martin ?
I cite the reply you received from the President's offices « On this matter, I can assure you that the offices of the Presidency of the Republic have been, for several months now, diligently working on this matter in direct collaboration with M. Louis-Constant FLEMING, Senator of St-Martin (...). Furthermore, the Head of the State has requested from his advisor M. (...) that he meets with you on these matters. I therefore ask, if you so wish, that you contact his secretariat (...) ».
Mister President, I am alarmed, worried and stunned by the manner in which the authority that you are supposed to embody has been treated (or has agreed to be treated) and worse yet, I am appalled by the image that you provide of St-Martin and by the feeling that is derived from the manner in which this dossier has been treated.
How should one understand and admit that in their disregard for you, the offices of the Presidency of the Republic have dealt and worked with the Senator on dossiers that are of your exclusive competency when he had not been mandated by you and you have not even been informed?
I presume, Mister President, that had you mandated the Senator, you would have known that negotiations and discussions were ongoing for the past months and, Sir, you would not have risked being ridiculous by initiating a legal action and reminding the President of the Republic on a matter that had been receiving the highest attention for several months from the Palace of l'Elysée.
Mister President, please explain to the elected officials and to the population,
- In which capacity and according to which mandate Senator L-C FLEMING intervened exclusively (without your knowledge and backing) in this dossier?
- Following your visit in Paris this week, could you be so kind as to let us know what is the true progress that has been made in this matter, the strategy chosen, the arguments as well as the points of law used as the basis for your plea and to win this case in court?
Our Collectivité, Mister President, can no longer continue to excel in being ridiculous and the authority and the executive power which you embody can no longer be treated and considered as the last wheel of the carriage.
While await your prompt reply,

I remain yours respectfully,

St-Martin, September 28, 2011.
Alain RICHARDSON
Président du groupe RRR.

Dear editor,

I am just back from vacation and updating myself with the current events. I notice the Ministry of Finance has hired Ravi Daryanani. And I look on the blogs and see positive and negative comments. Some people making comments about his ethnic background and heritage, some is making political comments. This is how I see it. Congratulations to the young man on his achievements. I have told all native StMaarten people and born here to promote the StMaarten Nation Building Foundation, and yet many still neglect to promote this organization. The SNBF was also criticize for granted Mr. Rawtani an sxm id card. This gentleman supports us in so many ways. While many of our own native StMaarten people criticize us and never supported us. But we still love them and forgive them. This situation of Mr. Daryanani is a blessing in disguise because I hope now the native StMaarten people and born here and naturalize people start supporting our cause of nationalistic pride and stop putting political party before country. Many of you who is against his appointment are the same people who voted for the people who granted him the position, and if he is qualify and is a Dutch citizens of StMaarten do not blame him. It is all right. The first thing I notice is people start the colour issue, I Miguel Arrindell does not believe in that nonsense of colour. However I do promote native people of StMaarten Heritage in all aspects first if they qualify for a job. Native StMaarten people is mostly black but they are also who is white and of different colour so for me colour is not important, I promote people of StMaarten Heritage. It is true that he has been taught to defend and protect his heritage first and I cannot blame him for that if he does so. It is up to us StMaarten people to start promoting our StMaarten culture and heritage and make sure that our manner of doing things dominates StMaarten atmosphere. The native StMaarten people who is black should wake up teach their children to be responsible and make sure they learn their lesson. Then you all would not have to be complaining about colour and heritage. I now challenge you to join and promote people of StMaarten heritage cause, to make sure our people will be always represented properly and stop complaining when it is us who are allowing StMaarten to become in this situation. Do not blame this gentleman and his heritage for capitalizing on our failure to promote our people of StMaarten heritage. On October 10, 2010 we invited people of StMaarten to come out to our event at the historic monument at the border. Besides a couple of other people of StMaarten heritage our Friends and now StMaarteners Damador Rawtani and Kishor Mirchandani again was there with us supporting our cause. It is in our conscience and is justify and fair to grant these people an sxm i.d card, they deserve it. We keep implying if native StMaarten people and born here do not start to take charge of their country then others who legally has come here regardless of what heritage they came from will rule. This is our wakeup call and a blessing in disguise. It is up to the people of StMaarten Heritage and the born here to take it seriously. Small minded people jealous others, positive people learn from others. We both can join hands as people of StMaarten heritage and succeed together or you can go it alone and fail alone. The choice is yours. We conclude this is a blessing in disguise. Do or die. God bless all people in StMaarten.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

OUR COMMENTARY; From a number of civil-servants, we received a copy of an invitation from the Office of the 'honorable,Prime-minister, Mrs. Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS.
To say that many civil-servants are livid about this type of invitation, would be an understatement; rather many consider it a 'motion of no confidence' in the civil-service.
I myself, had to read it, in order to believe it.
Perhaps, because I am not so smart, and/or, because I am not an 'honorable' so-and -so, that I fail to understand how something that is supposed to be'happy', must be mandatory to attend.
Really ?
Why isn't it also mandatory to, for instance attend carnival ?
Or, why wasn't it mandatory for the people to ratify the results of the negotiations with the Netherlands, before actually going into 'separate status', with all the miserable consequences for the people ?
Who now decides when and why certain activity should be mandatory ?
Has 'Country St. Maarten' now turned into 'Banana -country' St. Maarten, in which 'Big sister' now has the power to force people to be attend 'happy' events ?
Wattating.
If it is so 'happy' for true, what is the sense of making it mandatory ?
Apart from its legal validity, what is the real motivation to force civil-servants to attend this oh, so 'happy' (for whom-) event ?
Would it really have been necessary to compel civil-servants to attend, if the 'honorable' P.M. was sure that her civil-servants believed in this fiasco, called 'Country St. Maarten' ?
Together, with many others, I too, believe that if attending this event to listen to 'motivational' (brainwashing ?) speeches, was not mandatory, perhaps the 'honorable' P.M. would be speaking to, an all but empty church, with the exception of perhaps some of her cabinet-members and parliamentarians.
Now, the church might be filled to capacity by one bunch of 'happy' civil-servants.
Please give me a break.
Clearly, the P.M. does not respect the free will of her civil-servants in this regard, for very obvious reasons - there absent might have sent out a very clear message of no-confidence in her leadership as well.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Our Gun Control Laws was copied directly from Hitler's Nazi Weapons Act of 1938 (Translated to English) Read it, and you will see they are the same gun control laws we have on our books today.
"Classified guns for "sporting purposes". All citizens who wished to purchase firearms had to register with the Nazi officials and have a background check. Presumed German citizens were hostile and thereby exempted Nazis from the gun control law. Gave Nazis unrestricted power to decide what kinds of firearms could, or could not be owned by private persons. The types of ammunition that were legal were subject to control by bureaucrats. Juveniles under 18 years could not buy firearms and ammunition".
"Regulations Against Jews' Possession of Weapons 11 November 1938 With a basis in #31 of the Weapons Law of 18 March 1938 (Reichsgesetzblatt I, p.265), Article III of the Law on the Reunification of Austria with Germany of 13 March 1938 (Reichsgesetzblatt I, p. 237), and #9 of the Führer and Chancellor's decree on the administration of the Sudeten-German districts of 1 October 1938 (Reichsgesetzblatt I, p 1331) are the following ordered: #1 Jews (#5 of the First Regulations of the German Citizenship Law of 14 November 1935, Reichsgesetzblatt I, p. 1333) are prohibited from acquiring, possessing, and carrying firearms and ammunition, as well as truncheons or stabbing weapons. Those now possessing weapons and ammunition are at once to turn them over to the local police authority. #2 Firearms and ammunition found in a Jew's possession will be forfeited to the government without compensation. #3 The Minister of the Interior may make exceptions to the Prohibition in §1 for Jews who are foreign nationals. He can entrust other authorities with this power. #4 Whoever willfully or negligently violates the provisions of §1 will be punished with imprisonment and a fine. In especially severe cases of deliberate violations, the punishment is imprisonment in a penitentiary for up to five years. #5 For the implementation of this regulation, the Minister of the Interior waives the necessary legal and administrative provisions. #6 This regulation is valid in the state of Austria and in the Sudeten-German districts. Berlin, 11 November 1938. Minister of the Interior Frick."
Countries with the highest crime rates in the world all have similar gun control laws Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Venezuela, Mexico, Iran, Libya, Cuba and Zimbabwe, including St. Maarten all have similar gun control Laws.
Our gun control laws have only served to limit the freedom, victimize and criminalized the good person and empowered the criminal. We are urging parliament to do their research and review these laws. We are also urging parliament to carefully review the new gun license regulation bill that will be brought to parliament shortly by the justice department for ratification. We must all be careful not to make additional laws that will further empower the criminal, criminalize the good person and make it useless or impossible for good citizens to own a gun legally for self-defense purposes.

Peter Gunn

Here is a quote that really speaks to today. Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1787: "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."

My observation is that socialist societies are all about corrupting the people so that they will need masters, and that is happening in StMaarten at an alarming rate. "We cannot expect the St.Maarten people to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism until they wake up one day to find they have Communism." —Nikita Khrushchev

Socialism is the social, economic, political, and spiritual system of Secular Humanism, and it was founded in the Garden of Eden. The founder, Satan, wrote their constitution when he said, For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof (of the forbidden fruit), then you eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Rev. 3:5)

Secular Humanists believe they are their own god's, and they have decided for themselves what is good and what is evil. As the Bible says, they call good evil and evil good.

In StMaarten these Socialists are the Liberals and the Far Left. On a scale of 5 to 10 (Liberals are an automatic 1 to 4 minimum) all Liberals are somewhat Socialistic to outright Socialist.

In short, Liberals are Socialists, and Socialists are Secular Humanists, and Secular Humanism is an antichrist system. Socialists are always for big government and higher taxes, and they are pro abortion, and pro euthanasia. Look at the majority of the European nations.

In France the Liberals are outlawing Evangelical Christianity but leaving Islam alone. Why? Because (in the simplest of terms) Evangelical Christians are opposed to Socialism (big government, high taxes, diminished liberty and free will agency) and Moslems are not, and France's Socialist revolution of 1789-1799 continues in France and most of Europe today. It is all about political power and corruption (the lust of the flesh, the love of money, and the power it brings).

Taken one step further, Socialism is by nature Anti-Christ. Therefore, we Christians must teach the truth about the enemy of the faith, and counter their lies.

Liberals will often sling mud at Rightwing and Evangelical Christians, comparing us to Hitler and the Nazi party. Yet, the truth is, Hitler and Mussolini and Stalin were all Socialists. Just as the French Revolution was a Socialist Revolution, so was the Russian Revolution. The word Nazi is an acronym for "National Socialist Party," and Fascist is an acronym for "Federal Socialist Party," and the USSR stood for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics." Talk about being mean spirited, it is the very nature of Socialist states to oppress the masses.

L. Jeffrey

After reading the Daily Herald of October 12, 2011 with the headline entitled: "MPC Director resigns with immediate effect" ~will be working with SZV~, it has my deepest concern not only as a parents with a child attending MPC but also as a citizen demanding to know what really prompted this decision.
In this article it was mentioned that the resignation of the MPC director was fuelled by the fact that he had not been able to accomplish much in terms of improvements at the two schools. The Director, Mr. Wolff went on to say that his background and knowledge of banking would be an asset to his new position at SZV. My question to the school board and to Government is what next. Here we have a school director that did not even have the courtesy to give the school at least a one month's notice to assist in the transition period of a new director because of his immediate resignation. In addition to that the school board and Government did not explain to parents and the people of St. Maarten how they are planning to deal with the improvements that the director was not able to accomplish. What were those improvements that were so difficult that the director was not able to achieve them. These questions should not go unanswered because when one of our former local directors were in that position she was forced to resigned because according to reports it was stated that she could not get the job done. We then gave the position as director of the MPC to a European Dutch who now emphatically states that he can not handle the position and therefore he has resigned. Above that he has now been rewarded with a position at the SZV as an investment officer. Didn't the Government or the school board realize in the first place that someone with a banking background would not be able to run two large secondary schools with over 1600 students. All along while Mr. Wolff was the principal of the MPC and Sundial he was advising SZV on pensions for several months with written permission from the board. No wonder he could not assess the problems and create the proper plans to be able to make the necessary improvements because he was too busy elsewhere which caused him to neglect our children. Or maybe he has left our children and the school on their own because of greener pastures. All along the Government and the school board should have been aware that they were setting up the MPC for a failure by hiring someone as director without the proper background in education. My main concern however is not Mr. John Wolff but rather the students that have been left without a solution for the improvement of the schools. Anyone that runs away from solving a problem I would consider a failure which in this case goes for the MPC Director. As a parent I am demanding that the school board and the Government in particular the Minister of Education gives us an explanation of this situation so that we would know where our children stand. If these improvements are not solved what will be the affect on our students. What are the improvements that the director was not able to put into effect. Why did the MPC director resign immediately without proper notice. Who will now take over the directorship of the school. Who is currently the interim director of the schools. These questions we would like to have answered for the benefit of our students and their parents, who I believe deserves to know. In conclusion I would like to make it quite clear that no where in the world would any Government reward a principal of a school with any influential position after leaving the future of a country, which is it's young people, in an uncertain and unsolved dilemma.

Jeffrey Richardson
Concerned citizen and parent

With interest, we took notice of the headlines of the TODAY-Newspaper, of Wednesday, October 19, 2011 (See attachment)which quoted you as saying; "Interest Dutch Politicians in St. Maarten is zero".
While for many St. Maarteners such a statement might have come across as insensitive and insulting to their plight, for us, it can be termed as follows.
'De ware aap is uit de mouw gekomen' - 'Monkey has shown his real face'.
For a very long time, we realized that many Dutch politicians were not to be trusted with the care for the St. Martin people.
Feel free to include yourself and former Secretary for Kingdom Affairs, drs. Anke BIJLEVELDT-SCHOUTEN in that notorious group.
I had the 'privilege' of meeting you and was not very impressed by you as having any interest in the PEOPLE of this island.
Clearly, despite our many warnings in writing over the years, to the Dutch Government, that the PEOPLE of St. Maartem were not ready for any constitutional change, without guarantees for their very existence, you were one of the promoters of this genocide against our people.
We know that you were in 'infatuated' with our leaders, who simply 'twisted' you all around their proverbial fingers, at the cost of the PEOPLE of this land.
In that sense we totally agree with your colleague MP, Ronald VAN RAAK, that Dutch politicians like you, dr. PECHTOLD and BIJLEVELDT-SCHOLTEN are co-responsible for the mess on this island.
Therefore, it is cheap of you to now wash your hands off the people of this island.
What you did, boils down to that is pure betrayal of the PEOPLE of this island, for which history will hold you accountable as well.
You have once more, knowingly chosen to side with the corrupt political establishment at the expense of the PEOPLE, who now are left totally up to themselves
Meanwhile, you should explain to us, how come that the Dutch Government's interest in the 'Saba-bank' is not 'zero' .
Alas - the colonial 'koopmans-geest' (mercantile-instinct) remains very much alive in your mental genome, that is clear.
Clear is also, that this constitutional disaster will cost everyone a lot of headache and money - including your Government, whether your interest is 'zero' or not.
Just look at the 'Palestinian question', that will not go away any time soon for Israel as well.
Every people is entitled to its own homeland and there is no exception for the St. Martin people.
In ending.
As the article in the TODAY newspaper, states at the bottom, ...It's an adventure for me' - we could not agree more.
An adventure for you, not for us.

Leopold JAMES
A very conscious and proud, native, indigenosu St. Martiner
Without apologies.

We are exactly one year after our new constitutional status that we received on October 10, 2010. When I listen, observe and analyze what has this status done so far for us as a people I ask myself the question if we have move forward and made any progress as the politicians that negotiated this status promised us. We heard our leaders made comments or remarks like after we pull away from the Netherlands Antilles, especially from Curacao we will have sufficient funds to govern St. Maarten.
To the contrary we saw that one of our generating incomes which are the T.O.T. was increased shortly after our status change from 3 to 5 %.

Is this not a cause for concern in which we should ask ourselves if our leaders made a wrong calculation with their analysis. We all make mistakes at times. However I believe that when we make mistakes we should be big enough to apologize to the persons that will suffer from these mistakes which in this case is the people of St. Maarten. The population continues to complain and to appeal to our Government for some kind of relief and for solutions in areas such as the following.

The rise of crime, unemployment, high cost of living e.g., high electricity bills, high gasoline prices, high food prices, high medical expenses, the high cooking gas prices, high school fees, deteriorating roads which causes damaged vehicles, unaffordable and decent rental of apartments. These amongst other areas are some of the problems that St. Maarten is faced with on a daily basis. I know that for the people of St. Maarten the Federal Government has come to them instead of being in Curacao as was the case in the Netherlands Antilles constellation. However this status is not new for most leaders of this Government because we have persons like the Honorable Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and a number of the parliamentarians who where in the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles which is now the Parliament of St. Maarten. And even better yet which now have 15 members of Parliament all from St. Maarten oppose to the three we had when we were in the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles. My question to all of the above is what is so new about this status. The Council of Ministers and the Parliament has their role to play in ensuring that the people receive proper representation that must be in their best interest.
One year after do we the people of St. Maarten continue to allow Government make excuses by saying that the constellation is new and that they need time before they would be able to function properly. I believe that we should demand that whoever is in Government whether representing the Government or not should play their role by knowing that St. Maarten people should be taken care of and not constantly putting their head in the sand like an ostrich by continually informing the St. Maarten People that their demands are difficult to be met but have no problem bending over backward to ensure that others are well taken care of by finding ways to solve their problems because of Human Rights. Are the St. Maarten people not humans as well.

I would like St. Maarten to live on and function to its full potential but we can only do this if our own people are given the opportunity to build this nation and to be the foundation in this process. One year has come and soon will be gone. What is your vision for St. Maarten and its people. Our entities are faced with problems that have our people insecure about their future. I spoke about the many problems that St. Maarten are faced with but I want to make a suggestion to our Government and our parliament which I believe will be in the best interest at least for our people. That is to make a decision to be real leaders so that others will follow by rolling back the salaries of all Ministers and Parliamentarians. Our elected and appointed officials should start the process by being an example seeing that we are faced with an economic recession and it would be in the best interest that they cut their salaries to a reasonable amount so that Government would have more money in their coffers. I challenge this Government to take this first step which I believe others will be willing to take if it starts with our elected officials. The people have to always be the first to make sacrifices. I believe that we should now reverse this and have our politicians set the stage by being an example. This would be a way of telling the people that we miscalculated our income after 10-10-10 and for this we will also share in paying the price for our mistakes which is a normal procedure.

Jeffrey Richardson

After a year of our government fumbling and making excuses, I believe I have a suggestion that must be given serious consideration.

We need a change of government. We do not need new elections. All we need is for 8 of our Members of Parliament to show that they really love our Country and our people.

In my opinion, we do not want the same old tired politicians that only know how to bicker and complaint.
I suggest that the following Members of Parliament get together and form a government.
They are; George Pantophlet, Lloyd Richardson, Hyacinth Richarson, Leroy De Weever, Ruth Meyers, Ruth Douglas, Romaine Laville and Janchie Leonard.

I don't want any of them to be a minister. They must appoint professional ministers.
These 8 Members of Parliament must put a program together with a budget to carry it out. The appointed Ministers must work within the governing program.

If they have any doubt about whether or not they can do it, then I respectfully ask them to step aside and let a newer breed of politicians take their places.

As far as I remember, They all asked us to vote for them because they wanted to govern. Now that they have been elected, it's their time to govern.

It won't be a Coup d'Etat. They will be Saving We Country.

Clifton R. Wilson

Dear editor,

For a while I have been reading the many posts, letters and articles about how people feel about our current situation on Sint Maarten. General feeling: the present government sucks!

When it comes to: financial relieve, immigration, crime, education, environment, youth programs, prison, pensions, elderly care, health care reform, functioning of parliament, labor issues, tax system (reform), communication/information, construction, monies spent, national anthem, national holiday, standing up for your citizens etc etc etc etc etc. Our government failed us miserably.

Why is it that it seems that our government does not care about us? In my humble opinion it has to do with what I experienced as a child and am still experiencing: when you play with fire, you'll get burned...when you walk bare footed in glass, you'll get cut...when you don't listen, you'll feel. Apparently, our so-called representatives never experienced these things on a political level.

As a born Dutch native with roots going deep in history on this island I can only say, that whatever happens, I am proud of Soualiga. This is MY island. I refuse to roll over and play dead when a bunch of no good, crooked, self-enriching people are on a mission to destroy MY island for a quick buck for their self and their own.

The time has come that we channel our voices and say enough is enough.

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Dear Editor,

"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will – his personal responsibility." Albert Einstein. "It is a painful thing to look at your own trouble and know that you yourself and no one else has made it." Sophocles. "A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make." Denis Waitley.

What is one of the most boring and tiresome words ever? Like discipline, responsibility is one of those words you have probably heard so many times from authority figures that you've developed a bit of an allergy to it. Still, it's one of the most important things to grow and to feel good about your life. Without it as a foundation nothing else here or in any personal development book really works.

So today I'd like to explore personal responsibility with the help from some timeless thoughts on the topic : 1. There is always a price to pay.

"Freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves" Friedrich Nietzsche. "Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." George Bernard Shaw

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change." Not taking responsibility may be less demanding, less painful and mean less time spent in the unknown. It's more comfortable. You can just take it easy and blame problems in your life on someone else. But there is always a price to pay. When you don't take responsibility for your life you give away your personal power. Plus more!

2. Build your self-esteem. "Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem and personal satisfaction." Brian Tracy. The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs." Joan Didion.

Why do people often have self-esteem problems? I'd say that one of the big reasons is that they don't take responsibility for their lives. Instead someone else is blamed for the bad things that happen and a victim mentality is created and empowered. This damages many vital parts in your life. Stuff like relationships, ambitions and achievements. That hurt will not stop until you wise up and take responsibility for your life. There is really no way around it. And the difference is really remarkable. Just try it out. You feel so much better about yourself even if you only take personal responsibility for your own life for day.

This is also a way to stop relying on external validation, like praise from other people to feel good about yourself. Instead you start building a stability within and a sort of inner spring that fuels your life with positive emotions, no matter what other people say or do around you. This brings us to the next reason to take personal responsibility.

3. Give yourself the permission to live the life you want. "When we have begun to take charge of our lives, to own ourselves, there is no longer any need to ask permission of someone." George O'Neil. By taking responsibility for our lives we not only gain control of what happens. It also becomes natural to feel like you deserve more in life as your self-esteem builds, and as you do the right thing more consistently. You feel better about yourself. This is critically important, because it's most often you that are standing in your own way and in the way of your success.

It's you that start to self-sabotage or hold yourself back in subtle or not so subtle ways once you are on your way to the success you dream of. To remove that inner resistance you must feel and think that you actually deserve what you want. You may be able to do a little about that by affirmations and other positive techniques. But, the biggest impact by far comes from taking responsibility for yourself and your life, by doing the right thing.

4. Taking action becomes natural. "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility." Dietrich Bonhoeffer "The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs." Joan Didion.

We conclude it is wise to use personal responsibility and freewill.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

A corrupt government is one in which laws and rules are broken in favor of the ruling individuals or parties. (In StMaarten maintaining of families and friends in power). Political corruption has on the one hand been understood very broadly as "unethical behaviour which violates the norms of the system of political order". This includes almost anything and may embrace all sorts of moral and political judgments. On the other hand, it has been understood as "the breaking of the formal rules that regulate a position of political authority. Political leaders may use their power to capture and accumulate resources in an illegal and immoral way through bribes, embezzlement, and fraud. Fraud is an act of deception (to fool) intended for personal gain. Embezzlement (stealing) is is the act of dishonestly attaining assets by one or more individuals to whom such assets have been entrusted. The same purpose of accumulation can be achieved also in processes of privatization, land allocation, public contracting, lending, and through preferences that benefit the business interests of office holders, even when they are legal or made relatively legal. Direct extraction from the private sector includes bribes, "commissions", and fees demanded from private businesses. It includes the classic (demand side) forms of corruption: payments taken for the granting and delivering of government services, licenses, guarantees and loans, public projects and contracts. Bribes can also be taken to "protect" companies, and for the political creation of market protection, preferences, and monopoly rights. It includes payments taken for giving exemptions and relief from, for instance, tax regulations, environmental protection, and labour laws. The ruling elite can extract by giving preferences and favours to businesses in which they have a direct ownership. It is political corruption when through such means power-holders build up their private businesses and enterprises, while in power. It includes many of the same mechanisms as above, like the political granting of services, contracts, and licenses, politically created market protection and monopolies, and regulatory exemptions. The ruling elite can also extract through theft and embezzlement (stealing) of public resources. These practices include off-budget transfers and manipulated privatisation processes, and they include extraction from (and sometimes the depletion of) the country's natural resources, such as oil and gas, fish. This is how incumbents maintain power preservation. Incumbents (people who are present in government) can use many techniques to maintain power, of which many are perfectly legal while others are illegal and corrupt. The corrupt use of political power for power preservation and extension may take the form of buying political support through favoritism, clientelism, co-optation, patronage politics and vote buying. Patronage is the financial support or business provided to a store, hotel, or the like, by customers, clients, or paying guests. The means include the distribution of financial and material benefits (money, gifts and rents), but also symbolic values like status and "inclusion". The corrupt use of political power for power preservation and extension also includes the manipulation of various oversight and control institutions, creating various "impunity syndromes". Impunity means exemption from punishment, penalty, or harm. When our justice system cannot punish these corrupt politicians, it is up to the people to use the power of the ballot to change things. Unfortunately the electorate of StMaarten is becoming poorer and allows the Politian's to by their votes. The conclusion is as long as we do not have the character and the personal responsibility along with freewill to change then hope for StMaarten is lost. Use your hearts and mind to find out if you have a good or bad character to change StMaarten for the better.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

The truth behind everything lies within the facts and the emotional outcry of the Teachers at P.S.V.E. The fingerprint machine and threat of losing your job sends a clear dictatorship leadership style message to the teachers if they don't register. "Be prepared to fight for your job" was the message sent from management to the teachers for standing up for their constitutional rights.
The school board does not care about their teachers, the school board cares about making more money from the tax payers, funding agency, the government. The school board is never aware of the activities and the stress that teachers go through on a daily basis. How could they with only two members?
Teachers have been dealing with issues from this school board from year 1 until now. Teachers still have to walk up and down for classes, teachers are still abused by students, teachers are still told to be creative with insufficient resources. Can the finger print machine help?
How can you teach a computer class without a functioning computer room? There are students who have NOT received computer lessons in 2 years. Currently there are still students that are not receiving any computer lessons. Who is responsible? But yet they have a fingerprint machine. What is more important?
The problem with all of this in the eyes of the teachers is that the school board is willing to invest money in monitoring teachers rather than dealing with the bigger issues on campus. If the school board knows who the culprits are that are abusing the system why not deal with them.
As a teacher how would you interpret that? The teachers have been dealing with serious issues for many years in silence. Some of these issues are:

1. Outdated and insufficient text books for student.
2. Lack of teaching materials.
3. Non- functioning computer lab and necessary software for more than one year.
4. No photocopy machine.
5. Dilapidated infrastructure and classrooms.
6. Hanging ceiling tiles.
7. Improper and inadequate safety measures.
8. Rooms with exposed electrical wires.
9. 62 teachers that aren't registered with the APNA pension fund.
10. No curriculum for some subjects.
11. Insufficient classroom space.
12. Threats of losing their jobs or renewing their papers and conflict of interest.
13. Inadequate and unfair disciplinary measures taken against some students.
14. Inappropriate gestures to students by teachers.
15. Insufficient bathrooms for teachers.

On several occasions the teachers have expressed concerns to management and the school board about these problems, but nothing had been done. After all the complaints more bathrooms were built for the students and 4 class rooms were renovated. However, how can you have a staff of over 50 personnel and only 2 bathrooms? This is neither sanitary nor healthy for teachers.
The government authorities haven't inspected the premises adequately to insure the safety of the students and staff. If they did, how come they never saw the exposed wires and falling ceiling in many of classes?
This makes you wonder about quality control. Many of these classes have been in the same state for years. Some classes have rust and mold on the walls and on the beams. If you are wondering what happened to the front part of the school, sometime last year the extending front portion collapsed where the students usually have assembly.

Pension Fund

There are 62 persons not registered for the APNA pension fund but yet the money comes out of their salaries every month. When contacting APNA about the whereabouts of the monies they are clueless themselves, especially when those 62 teachers aren't registered in their system. Where is the money? One teacher reported that up to 31.000 guilders has been deducted from their salary over the years. If they are not registered by APNA, where is the money?

Computer Lab

The computer lab has been out of order for more than a year. This situation is so bad that students can't receive any lesson because of this. Students are frustrated with the lack of knowledge in that area but yet nothing has been done to fix this problem. How can you allow students to sit in an exam that requires them to use the computer but yet have no skills or knowledge to use it?
Look at this computer room to the right, where are the computers?
In another computer lab there aren't any computers to teach the students information technology or WPR. How can this happen?

Text Books

Parents are required to pay a school fee of Naf 780, - per child but yet their children aren't given any text books for years. How do the teachers teach without text books? Why do parents pay a school fee if their child cannot have a text book? When they do use books from school they are outdated.

Graduation

The graduation was cancelled last year after a years' worth of preparation by teachers and students. In order to make their graduation feel special they rented out the WESTIN conference room to the school. Graduation gowns were purchased and invitation went out to parents and then the school board broke the morale of everyone by cancelling the graduation. The school board was under no obligation to finance this event because it was already paid for by the students.
The point of the matter is, if the school board is subsidized by government and paid by the parents in the form of school fees in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment, what happened? The teachers have been over-worked and taken for granted for many years and government is allowing the school board to violate their constitutional rights.
What's next? This has been going on for a long time and no one has tried to better the situation. Teachers are tired, but committed to their students and their jobs. They should not have to decide whether they want to keep their job over an issue such as this, which borders on violating rights to privacy stipulated in our constitution.
So tell me, who would want to remain in this dangerous environment, and can the finger printing machine solve this problem?

Click here to view more photos of St. Maarten Academy P.S.V.E.

Micheal Thomas

Dear editor,

In StMaarten it is normal that many of the men are patsy for the government or yes man.

A patsy is a person who is easily cheated, victimized, etc. Or is use as a scapegoat.

Let me explain myself. A yes man is a person, team, etc., that is easily taken advantage of or defeated. It is also someone who allows them self to be easily used and do dirty work for another person. A yes man is also a push over. A yes man is also a person who allows oneself to be used for another's profit or advantage; a puppet. A yes man is also a loyal follower who does not think for himself but carry information for his so call leader (oppressor). If you go at the various bars where politicians hang out they are like whores waiting for their pimp to greet them, hoping to get a contract so they can act and feel important. Many of these people are in different committees and boards in order to serve their master in government. In reality they are also what you call a fall guy. A fall guy a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of. The UP party has a lot of yes men. Yes my friend the real prime minister your honorable prime minister I give you a lot of respect you have a lot of yes men that you use. Guest what I agree with you, if a jackass allow himself to be ride, then ride him. I like how you break the National Alliance and you keep those yes men in order. You are a master chess player and I mean this I give you respect for that. My honorable prime minister teach me how to keep the sheep's in the herd. For those that does not know what is a herd, a herd refers to a social grouping of certain animals of the same species, either wild or domestic, and also to the form of collective animal behavior associated with this to its control by another species such as humans or dogs. This system is what has StMaarten in the way it is. And you need a person or people with great character to break this slave mentality of bowing or letting themselves be use because for the love of money. That's why StMaarten people in general are passives they were broken for the last 60 years and were taught to be good yes men and women. Never challenge government even when they are wrong, be a good yes man or woman for UP or DP or National Alliance. That is why the native StMaarten people sit back and let so many wanabees influence them to hate or resist anything that portrays and promote native people of StMaarten heritage. We become cowards and fools by staying quiet, believing things will change for the better by being silence. I know these words hurt, but believe it or not I love you, it is because I love you I have no choice to tell you the truth. Relax sit back look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself the question, is the Patriot Miguel saying the truth? My friend, do not let no man or government be it UP, DP or National Alliance put fear in you. StMaarten will change but it is up to you. The change starts with you. Do this for me, raise your right hand and swear I will not allow myself to be no sheep for no man but only to Jesus Christ. And it is my responsibility to stand against any corrupt people or politicians to deceive me and my children, for the love of my country StMaarten. So help me God. I pity all those people who continue to be yes man, your life style will soon the draw the line in the sand, because it is inevitable you will destroy yourself. Be a man or a woman of good character. In my next article I will explain what character is. The conclusion is being a yes man is in reality being a dam fool or a jackass (donkey). God bless St.Maarten and its people, guide them and give them the courage and knowledge to change StMaarten to be a nation of moral character.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Dear Editor,

I just had to come off my break. Right now my blood is boiling. Mrs. Sarah Wescott Williams has done the most dishonorable thing by stating it will be tough to change the constitution and define who is a StMaartener. That should be no surprise, that is what you call incompetence. To all native people of StMaarten heritage, born here and naturalize people we all know you are not the problem. I have never seen an illegal immigrant demand rights; it is our so call educated people like Sarah Wescott Williams and the entire Democratic Party, William Marlin and the entire national Alliance who are fools that break their own heart and give those people amnesty. I did not attack UPP Party yet because our real Prime Minister Theo Helliger did not say those anti StMaarten words so far. I will give him credit for that. But if Theo goes along with that nonsense then we will have to use all means necessary to change StMaarten. I personally will never forgive people like Sarah and William for betraying the native people of StMaarten Heritage. Jesus Christ said it best (John 14:15) If you love me you will keep my commandments. The StMaarten electorate was promise that the first task of parliament will be to define who is a StMaartener, and not to make excuse why it is difficult to amend constitution to define who is a StMaartener. Sarah and Marlin think it is always easy to amend the constitution when it comes in the interest of defending the law breakers or illegal immigrants. I have to be honest here; Sarah & William both have committed political suicide and have done a very foolish thing. Sarah and William are incompetent because they negotiate from a point of weakness and not strength; they do not know how to make deals. (Or intentionally when it comes to native people of StMaarten Heritage). The Jews are about 6 million people the Muslim is over 1 billion. And the Jews are definitely in control, which is what you call negotiating from strength and character along with wisdom. The entire DP and NA are a bunch of so call educated people with no character that let poor uneducated illegal people from other countries make them into a pauper. At the same time the native people of StMaarten are left to die. Our honorable Prime Minister Theo Heyliger your choice of words or action will decide your faith. Mr. Theo you know exactly what I mean, I am just waiting for you to show your real intentions. You either with the native people of StMaarten heritage or you against us. The choice is yours, I guarantee you we do not play dead or role over, and we are willing to die for our country StMaarten. People of StMaarten if you have heart and are willing to sacrifice for your children and grand children, the time is much closer than you think it is. This is not about me Miguel the Patriot this is about our very existence as a people. A crash course on StMaarten history, both DP and NA was in power the last 50 years that brought us in this mess. And now that we have woken up and are fighting back, their decision now is to destroy us the native people of StMaarten heritage. The Lord said it best. You do everything to make peace, but if your enemy (government of StMaarten) demands war, bring it on and so be it. In StMaarten we have people that will do anything for money, and then we have men of real honor like Leopold James, Theophilus Priest, Jeffrey Richardson and the Patriot Miguel Arrindell. These are native people of StMaarten heritage who knows who is a StMaartener. These men I respect. God bless them. All those that say they cannot determine who is a StMaarten knows in their heart they are not people of StMaarten Heritage. These words I quote from a StMaarten blogger from SMN news.com (Mellow Yellow) I give him credit he explain in short who is a StMaartener. I quote "To go a step further, Nationality comes at a price, Identity is inherited." That is exactly what we mean. Only a true and real StMaartener knows who we are. Many native people of StMaarten Heritage have suffered from this vindictive government in power up until present. We conclude only who knows who is a StMaartener will die for StMaarten people and those who betrays the StMaarten people will pay the price, sooner or later.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Is MP James for real????...Cash-For-Guns has never worked anywhere it was tried. It has only served to disarm a few good citizens that had unregistered guns in Australia, Washington D.C., Chicago, New York City and other cities and countries that tried this program. It was also tried in Mexico. See what's going on there now where only the criminals are armed. All of these cities and countries have some of the highest crime rates anywhere, because only gang members, armed robbers and drug dealers remain armed. We must ask ourselves these questions. Will a carpenter trade in his saw and hammer? So, what makes us think that criminals will trade in their tools of the trade?
One needs to look no further than last month's rioting in London to see that violence and chaos does not end when the populace has been disarmed. At least 100 homes burned to the ground and shopkeepers watched helplessly as their businesses were pillaged and their livelihoods destroyed. London's Metropolitan Police issued a 13-point list of 'crime prevention' tips that boiled down to a few basic recommendations: Remove valuable items from view, fire up closed-circuit surveillance cameras and call the police emergency number when the rioters arrive. Not that placing one of the 20,800 calls received in a night would have done much good. By the time the police restored order, damage estimates exceeded $300 million.
When chaos hit the streets of Los Angeles in 1992, police beat a hasty retreat. Shop owners in Asian neighborhoods, by contrast, took matters into their own hands. They organized themselves and stood watch from rooftops with their personal rifles, shotguns and pistols. They opened fire on local gangs and approaching looters, enabling the good guys to end the day with their places of business unmolested and their lives spared.
Leftists prefer everyone to become victims. Allowing good people to defend themselves requires the intolerant admission that there's a difference between good and evil. It's safer for them to put all of their reliance upon government and blame society when the state isn't up to the task.

Peter Gunn

In two separate emails identical letters were sent to both, Mrs. Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS, Prime-minister of St. Maarten and to Mr. Frantz GUMBS, president of the Collectivity of Saint Martin, an offer was made by Mr. Leopold JAMES, president of the St.Martin grassroots people, granting both governments the opportunity to delegate a representative as an observer in the movement.
With a growing interest from various ethnic groups and businesses within our community in the importance of this grassroots movement, it is clear that such a partnership with both governments, would not only take the concept of unity to the next level, but will close all legal loopholes, which are preventing measures of importance to all the people on the island, to be really effective.
Many politicians who have bee contacted, privately state that it is time that Governments indeed acknowledge and establish a close working relationship with this grassroots movement.
Clearly, the upcoming St.Maarten/St.Martin day 2011 celebrations, certainly offer Governments on both sides the opportunity to give more content to the notion of unity.
Therefore, missing this offer to delegate observers, would be hard to explain to a very restive population.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia
The grassroots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement.

Dear Editor,

Lots of people continue to ask me my position on the St. Maarten song. Some wonder when I am going to break my silence on the issue. There is a group with a Website to cast an opinion about the St. Maarten song. Well my people, what I am going to say may not be nice to some of you, and yes I do love all of you. But how in heaven's name can you defend a song about a people if they do not exist, or if you cannot determine who they are?

We have the proud senator of Guyanese heritage William Marlin and so-called Prime Minister a lady of native St. Maarten heritage Sarah Wescot-Williams stating they cannot determine who is a St. Maartener; where was the uproar on defending ourselves as a people? If we do not have an identity as a people, then the St. Maarten song is null and void. Anthems only exist to define a people and if the people are not defined, let's forget about the St. Maarten song or anthem. You cannot defend something that describes people, if you believe they do not exist.

Lovers of the St. Maarten song, defend the native people of St. Maarten heritage first – then we can defend a St. Maarten song. People come before and are more important than a song.

At present, the St. Maarten culture and real ID card is on a boom, especially from people of St. Maarten heritage in the United States, Holland, Aruba and Curaçao, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Guadeloupe, Martinique, France and the Dominican Republic. All these people prove their mother or father or grandparents are from St. Maarten and have land they inherited to prove they are indeed people of native St. Maarten heritage. The government of St. Maarten can give you an ID card owned by the state, but you have to be of St. Maarten heritage to get our real St. Maarten ID card that defines who is a St. Maartener.

The government knows we have done what they failed to and could not do. Lots of people from the Caribbean islands say they are happy to see the native St. Maarten people define who they are. They say they have great respect for Mr. Leopold James and the SNBF, who define the native St. Maarten people so eloquently and truthfully. When the Parliament passes our motion of who is a St. Maartener, only then I can pursue the St. Maarten song cause.

Unlike certain people in our government who are not in favour of the St. Maarten song because it was written by a white gentleman, we love all people of colour. We love our white brothers and sisters of native St. Maarten heritage from Simpson bay; we love our red, brown brothers and sisters from Grand case and French Cul-de-Sac of native St. Maarten heritage. We love all of our people of native St. Maarten heritage; colour is not important. We love our people and we are one people with same culture and heritage.

The conclusion is the native people of St. Maarten heritage must be defended before we can defend a St. Maarten song. God bless the people of St. Maarten.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Exactly one year after the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne organized the convention "10-10-11 A year after and ahead...." together with the Amsterdam law firm Van Doorne. The speakers of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, KPMG Meijburg (Dutch Caribbean) and Van Doorne discussed the latest developments in investment opportunities, structures and taxes in the new jurisdictions.

The convention was held in Amsterdam in the auditorium of Van Doorne, and opened by the managing partner of Van Doorne, Thijs Clement. In his word of welcome, he mentioned, inter alia, that the new countries have to undergo a certain development as yet in the governance culture, and that the new countries themselves are primarily responsible for it.

Focco Lunsingh-Scheurleer, partner with VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne in Curaçao, spoke about the introduction of a regulation by which the Court can order an inquiry in case of possible mismanagement in a company and intervene. Under the title "right to institute an inquiry, at last or last?" he discussed the question whether there is a need for this regulation or whether serious objections are attached to it. He argued that introduction of the right to institute an inquiry is indeed desirable, but given the experiences with the system in the Netherlands and developments there, there are points that should be inserted in the regulation in the future. Inter alia an amendment to law of legal entities, the inquiry regulation is part of, is now debated in Parliament in Curaçao. The introduction is expected in 2012.

Reagan Celestijn, lawyer with VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne in Bonaire, introduced approximately 75 guests mainly working in the Dutch trust sector, legal profession, and fiscal sector to the Dutch Caribbean Stock Exchange (DCSX). The DCSX meanwhile has 11 listings. Celestijn also set out the changing legislation in the BES Islands and the attraction hereof to be expected on investors.

Jan Willem Schenk, notary with Van Doorne, brought back to life the "SPF" (Foundation Private Fund) with his lecture "SPF in the BES Islands: new style asset protection!". By using a combination of Book 2 Civil Code (BES Islands), Book 2 Civil Code (Netherlands) and tax legislation, a new form of asset protection is created that can be very interesting to the South-American market, inter alia.

Rob Truijens of KPMG Meijburg (Dutch Caribbean) concluded with the latest fiscal developments in Curaçao in an international perspective, highlighting some fiscal structures through Curaçao.

Finally, Robert van Beemen, lawyer with the Dutch Caribbean Desk of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne in Amsterdam, invited the Ministers Plenipotentiary of Aruba, Mr. Edwin Abath, St. Maarten, Mr. Mathias Voges, and the Substitute Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Mr. Humphrey Senior, for a panel discussion. Mr. Abath extensively discussed the cooperation within the Kingdom, giving concrete examples of cooperation between Aruba and the Aruban business community and the Dutch Gas Company and Schiphol Airport. The Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten mentioned the hub function of St. Maarten to the north-eastern Caribbean islands as one of the focal points of the economic policy of St. Maarten.

The afternoon was concluded with a Caribbean reception where the guests could enjoy cold Polar beer and Caribbean snacks.

Philipsburg:--- The Positive Foundation recently received some 250 2012 agendas from the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
Foundation President Shelly Alphonso explained that this was the first year that an organization from St. Maarten had been featured in the annual publication. Each year organizations from different islands and countries in the region are highlighted based on their efforts to combat breast cancer.
This year's agenda profiles organizations from Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Curacao, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, St. Maarten and Trinidad and Tobago. The agendas, like traditional ones, allow space for planning and organization, but also features art work from across the region focused on breast cancer.
"I'm quite impressed with the product I received, especially the art. These pieces really give an idea of the different thoughts people throughout the Caribbean have about breast cancer. The art work for St. Maarten was done by Bevil Byam and the poster for the Positive Foundation was created by Zetsia Shigemoto of Blue Orange," Alphonso explained.
Alphonso also explained that AstraZeneca is the company which sells most of the medication used in the fight against breast cancer in the region and because of this wanted to give something back to the different organizations and foundations which carry out breast cancer awareness related activities.
"The company basically donates the agendas to the foundations so that they can be used to raise funds for their activities. They approached us to be a part of their initiative and we were only too happy to do so. We will mainly use our agendas as thank you gifts to our various sponsors and the remainder we will sell to raise funds for our organization," Alphonso said.
According to Alphonso the locations where the agendas can be purchased will be released at a later date.
Alphonso said she also plans to use the agenda as a networking tool, to help establish links with other foundations in the region.
"We all have the same main goal, so to speak, which is the eradication of breast cancer as a disease, so the more we work together the sooner we will be able to achieve this, I believe, and so I look forward to networking with the other organizations featured in the 2012 agenda," Alphonso said.

Philipsburg:--- Organizers of the 2nd annual PINK PARADE, a march which raises awareness concerning breast cancer, is reminding the general public to come out and support their efforts on Saturday, October 1 at 4pm.
The march is a collaborative effort between the Positive Foundation and local radio personality Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt. The members of the Positive Foundation have been using their platform to provide information about breast cancer to the island community for the last 13 years. In recent years Elektra came on board to help get information on the issue out to the maximum amount of people.
"Elektra has the ability to grab the attention of a lot of men and women in our community and we want to reach them, so we are very happy that this collaboration is continuing and will continue into the future," Shelly Alphonso, Postive Foundation President, said.
The PINK PARADE will begin at the John Larmonie Center on the Longwall Road, proceed onto Frontstreet and end at Holland House on the Boardwalk. Once at Holland House those in attendance will be a part of the official launch of the Elektralyets Foundation, which is being established by Wyatt and has a platform which focuses on women issues. There will also be live music and entertainment until 10pm. Those in attendance are expected to be dressed in pink, since the pink ribbon is recognized worldwide as the symbol for the fight against breast cancer. Everyone is encouraged to come out and participate, especially since vital information about their health will be provided.
"This year we wanted to make sure that we reach large amounts of people on both the French and Dutch sides of the island, so we created a full schedule for the entire month which includes a lot of entertainment events where the information would also be presented. We're hoping this encourages more people to turn out and receive information which just may save their lives," Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation said.
Alphonso explained that while many people still tend to view breast cancer as a women's issue, the rates of occurrence in men are also on the increase and so everyone should be offered the opportunity to learn about the disease.
"Breast cancer awareness should be a community concern and attempts to eradicate breast cancer should be a community effort. Breast cancer affects not only our women, but also our men and children, both directly and indirectly," Alphonso said.
All members of the community are encouraged to come out and march for those who have been impacted by the illness.
"We are looking for a strong turnout, because it sends a message to those who are currently fighting that they are not alone. Also it gives us an opportunity to reach people and share with them what we know about protecting themselves against the ravages of the disease. Early detection is still the best way to fight this illness, because of this we encourage women to perform their breast self exams, annual screenings with a doctor and mammograms are all means to help women maintain control of their health," Alphonso said.
People are also encouraged to like and look at the foundation's page on Facebook for more information about all of the events scheduled throughout the month of October.

Y2X, the youth wing of The Victorious Living Foundation, is inviting all music ministers, (singers, musicians, dancers, mimes, writers, choir members, praise and worship teams, radio dj's, etc...) to "ZAMAR 2011" – Music Ministry Conference and Concerts from October 20th – 23rd, 2011 at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Centre. ZAMAR 2011 will feature Curtis Jordan (T&T), Koen Duncan (T&T), Omalie (AXA) and AZ1 (AXA) and a host of dynamic local ministering artistes in concert plus interactive workshops for music ministry.

Register today or get your tickets at: Nature's Discount in Simpson Bay and Philipsburg, Victorious Living Foundation (158B, Backstreet) as well as from members of the Y2X organizing team.

For more information, contact Y2X President, Lenworth Wilson Jr. at 581-0448 or the Victorious Living office at 542-2663, or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- The plenary session of Parliament that was held on October 11 and adjourned will continue on Tuesday, October 18 at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament.

Prime Minister and Minister responsible for General Affairs Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams along with support staff will be present for the session to provide information to Members of Parliament (MPs).

The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament in a letter dated October 05, 2011 requested the initial meeting to discuss developments surrounding the taking over of postal services by Sint Maarten from Nieuwe Post Nederlandse Antillen (NPNA). The first meeting was adjourned and will continue on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting which is also open to the public will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

The October 17 Central Committee meeting about consumer protection and price control that was adjourned on Monday, will continue on Thursday, October 20 at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of Parliament.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Franklin Meyers and support staff were present in Parliament on Monday to address the agenda point.

The Minister will be back in Parliament on Thursday to provide answers to questions asked by MPs.

The National Alliance faction had requested the aforementioned meeting in a letter dated October 03, 2011.

This meeting will also be carried live via St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto is currently in The Netherlands on a working visit. On Wednesday he visited the Sint Maarten House where he met with Minister of Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges and staff. Minister Voges discussed the Cabinet's budget along with the financial outlook for the different tasks of the cabinet.

Montserrat recorded a surprise three-run win over Antigua and Barbuda in what was a warm up match in the NAGICO/Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament on Thursday at the Warner Park in St. Kitts. Montserrat batting first scored 216 runs for 8 from 50 overs, while Antigua and Barbuda could only muster 213 all out in 49.1 overs. Montserrat's Captain Lionel Baker scored 58 runs, Jaison Peters 43 and McPherson Meade 37. Bowling for Antigua and Barbuda Vincent Shadrach started an onslaught finishing with 3 for 44 and Mali Richards 3 for 48.
In Antigua and Barbuda's inning, Justin Athanaze scored 68 runs, seven of which were boundaries; Hayden Walsh Jr. 31 and Juari Edwards 26. Bowling for Montserrat Tevin Osbourne 3 for 38and McPherson Meade 2 for 46.
In the second match of the day at the Conaree Cricket Grounds in St. Kitts, St. Kitts pulled of a one wicket win over Nevis. Having won the toss, Nevis chose to bat and scored 195 runs all out in 43.5 overs. Tonito Willet scored 58 runs and Carlon Smithen and Javia Liburd 32 runs each to round out Nevis' inning. Bowling for St. Kitts Steve Liburd had 2 for 25, Elsroy Powell 2 for 27, Elvin Berridge 2 for 41 and Calvin Williams 2 for 47.
In reply, St. Kitts made 197 for 9 off 45.3 overs. Jacques Taylor cracked 45 runs not out, Steve Liburd 38 and Calvin Williams 30. Bowling for Nevis Jason Campbell scored 5 for 41and Nelson Bolan 2 for 43.
St. Kitts batsman Steve Liburd lauded Captain Jacques Taylor for his knock of 45 runs but said they are still issues with the team's fielding. "We still need to do some work on our fielding. Even though we won today, the fielding wasn't up to scratch," Liburd said, noting that they will be working on this aspect of their game. He nevertheless applauded his teammates for their work. "The win today came from an all round team effort," he said. St. Kitts lost to Nevis in the opening match on Sunday in Nevis. "We bowled well and playing at the Conaree grounds you need at least 300 to be competitive," Liburd added.
Friday is a rest day for the teams and games are expected to resume Sunday in St. Kitts. St. Kitts will on home soil take on Anguilla, while defending champions Antigua and Barbuda play the British Virgin Islands also in St. Kitts. Games also continue Monday with Montserrat versus Nevis in Nevis and St. Maarten vs. St. Kitts on St. Kitts.

Antigua booked their spot in the finals of the NAGICO Leeward Islands One Day Cricket Tournament with a comprehensive 132 run win against Anguilla. The match was the second semi-finals at the Warner Park in St. Kitts. Antigua and Barbuda will now face Nevis in the finals on Sunday at the same venue. Hayden Walsh Jr. was undoubtedly the most productive player on the pitch bowling three overs, all of which were maiden overs, taking two wickets without giving up any runs.
Losing the toss, Antigua and Barbuda was sent in to bat and scored 270 for 8 in 50 overs. In reply, Anguilla could only muster up 138 runs in 39.8 overs. Antigua's Austin Richards scored 54 runs from 9 balls, Kerry Mentore 54 after spending 112 minutes in the crease facing 84 balls and Justin Athanaze 41 runs. Richards knocked four 4s and Mentore five 4s. Bowling for Anguilla Chesney Hughes took 3 wickets for 74 runs, Yannick Leonard 2 for 66 and Omari Banks 1 for 13. Shane Burton took a wicket for 27. Austin Richards and Kerry Mentore thrived in an impressive partnership that kept hopes alive for Antigua when they were looking vulnerable with the score at 166 for 5. Both improvised and delivered impressive shots that manipulated the gaps in the Anguilla's fielding.
In Anguilla's innings, Moncin Hodge hit a commendable 42 runs, Lyndell Richards 25, Jamar Hamilton 15 and Chaka Hodge 33. Apart from Walsh' impressive bowling stats, other Antigua bowlers Rahkeem Cornwall took 3 wickets for 60 runs, Larry Joseph 1 for 24 and Justin Athanaze 1 for 22.
The Anguilla innings started a bit promising with Lyndell Richardson and the only centurion in the tournament so far, Moncin Hodge building what would have been a thriving partnership. Hodge picked up the run rate with two consecutive boundaries for 4 and kept the pressure on his opponents. Lyndell Richardson then began his onslaught with 4 quick fours and a 6, exciting the spectators. But no sooner had he done this, the next play saw him racing trying to run a single with the ball not beyond the 30 meter circle. Hodge chose not to run, but Richardson was already in the middle of the pitch and began racing back to cover his crease to no avail. He was out for 25. Chesney Hughes, the next in line and a very experienced batsman was expected to settle in and aid Hodge in anchoring Anguilla's inning, but he failed miserably scoring just six runs before caught at slips by Antigua and Barbuda's wicket keeper Kerry Mentore from Rahkem Cornwall's bowling. If that was not enough Omari Banks then failed, after attempting a single that eventually cost him the wicket for just one run. Prior to his fall, Shane Burton was out for 1. At this moment, it was just over the 15th over and Anguilla was on 58 for 4; at this point in Antigua and Barbuda's inning, they were 40 without loss.
As the inning wore on, Anguilla lost further momentum despite a valiant effort by Moncin Hodge, who in the dying moment of the game was bowled by the productive Hayden Walsh Jr. At that point it was no looking back for the defending champs who wrapped up the match comfortably in front a very small crowd at the Warner Park.
Antigua's captain Austin Richards said his team is very confident now and they are enjoying themselves on the pitch. He said the team is united and they have a deep batting line up. "We don't have a tail end batsman. All these guys have scored first class centuries back home....I have a lot of confidence in these guys," Richards said. He is looking forward to the finals against Nevis, especially seeing that the Nevis team manager Elquemedo Willet is seeking revenge of the loss earlier this week in Nevis. The finals start at 9:30am.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Preparations are progressing on schedule for the upcoming symposium to be held under the theme "Checks and Balances in a Democracy and the Role of High Councils of State."

The symposium that will be hosted at the Westin Dawn Beach Hotel & Casino, on Friday, October 14, is a joint effort of the General Audit Chamber, the Advisory Council and the Ombudsman.

Registration and welcome of invited attendees will start at 8.00am followed by the opening at 8.30am. His Excellency Governor drs. Eugene Holiday will address the invited guests after the opening welcome.

Thereafter, the first presentation will be given by Dr. Samuel Polanen at 9.00am under the theme, "The importance of checks and balances within a democracy."

After Polanen's presentation, at 9.45am Justice Bob Wit will address attendees under the theme, "Roles of High Councils of State in a Democracy."

Attendees will then enjoy a short intermission before the panel discussion where the guest speakers and the representatives of the HCOS will expound on the symposium's topics. Attendees will also be afforded the opportunity to interact with the panel and High Councils as the panel will entertain questions from the audience. The symposium will come to a close at 12.00pm.

Dr. Samuel Polanen is a Constitutional law consultant and the Director of the Foundation for Civic Education, as well as serving as an advisor to the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs for Suriname.

Justice Bob Wit currently serves as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice and is the President of the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten.

The objective of the symposium is to increase the awareness in a general sense regarding the role and value of the High Councils of State within a democratic system especially where it relates to checks and balances on the functioning of the system.

The invitees to the symposium will comprise of Members of Parliament, Ministers, Secretary Generals, Department Heads, and Section Heads and other stakeholders in the community, as well as invitees from abroad.

The Ombudsman, the General Audit Chamber and the Advisory Council, are three of the High Councils of State constitutionally recognized in Country Sint Maarten.

The District Governor of the Lions Club 60B, Lion Lloyd Barker from Barbados under which the local St. Maarten Lions Club falls under, was very impressed with the work that the club has been doing under the immediate past President Lion Lissandra Havertong and the present President Lion Merlyn Schaminee.

The customary annual audit was recently done to gauge the functioning of the Lions and Leo Clubs of St. Maarten. "After following the St. Maarten club's progress for the last few years, I see that the financial and audited records are in order to the District and Lions International and also see that monies which are donated to the club along with monies from fundraising events are being well spent in the St. Maarten community in form of great projects" said the District Governor in his address to the St. Maarten Lions Club general membership at the Holland House Beach Hotel.

The board and members which included the 1st Vice District Governor Tony "Toontje" Buncamper and Zone Chairperson Melinda Hoeve, who are also members of the local club highlighted several major projects that the club produces such as the Nelson v/d Linde Senior Citizen's Party at Boo Boo Jam, Lions Health Fair, 40thAnniversary Celebration along with the other activities used to raised funds for the club. The major fundraising activities include the annual Christmas Bingo amongst other events throughout the year.

Lion District Governor Barker was also equally impressed with the work of the Leo Club and congratulated the young Leos for their commitment to the community as well in their audit.

After the extended audit and discussions on various topics of the local club and district, the club hosted a three course dinner followed by a gift presentation to the District Governor from all members of the St. Maarten club. Lion District Governor Lloyd Barker ends his term as District Governor
in June 2012 whereby he will be replaced by Lion Tony "Toontje" Buncamper who will be the third District Governor from St. Maarten.

The Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation invites the community of Sint Peters to make use of the possibility to have their memory tested FREE of charge on Saturday coming October 22 from 8.00 am – 3.00 pm. Medical students of the American University of the Caribbean will volunteer for the SInt Maarten Alzheimer Foundation posting at the various supermarkets and at the gas station in Sint Peters.

The Sint Maarten Alzheimer's Foundation has as main objectives to :

• raise the awareness of the disease called "Alzheimer" and / or other related dementia,
• offer support to persons who suffer from the disease of "Alzheimer" and / or related dementia and to their caretakers.

Early diagnosis and treatment has benefits according to this year's World Alzheimer's Report of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI). The report is completely dedicated to "The benefits of early diagnosis and intervention". Memory Tests can help to identify who needs further testing and diagnosis.

FREE MEMORY TESTING

The Sint Maarten Alzheimer's Foundation (SMAF) is providing FREE MEMORY TESTS. Offering and administering these FREE MEMORY TESTS will raise the awareness and the interest of the community to get more information from the Alzheimer foundation.

• Offering FREE MEMORY TEST in the community districts makes it also easier to support the people in the community in detecting the need for support for persons and family members affected by the disease of Alzheimer's or a different kind of dementia.
• Scoring the MEMORY TEST gives a pre-screening of the memory and brain condition, which results can lead to referral to the home physician.

AUC'S BIANNUAL COMMUNITY ACTION DAY

This year on October 22nd students of the American University avail themselves to assist the Alzheimer Foundation as volunteers providing FREE MEMORY TESTING in the community of Sint Peters.

• The students will post from 8 am – 3 pm in pairs of three at shops and mini-markets in St. Peters.
• The students will be identified as volunteers from the Alzheimer foundation and of the AUC
• The student SMAF-volunteers will provide information leaflets from the Alzheimer Foundation
• The student SMAF-volunteers will provide free memory tests.
• The student SMAF-volunteers will assist with the scoring the same day upon return to the AUC campus
• The SMAF-board members will communicate the test results to the persons for follow up.

An amount of 30 students have volunteered to assist the Alzheimer foundation and the community of Sint Peters on Saturday coming October 22 from 8.00 am – 3.00 pm. Student coordinators for the student volunteers for SMAF are Kayla Kelly (527 9027) and Jillian Ruggiero (586 8442).

Do not miss this opportunity to have your memory tested for FREE.

LOCATIONS IN ST PETERS FOR FREE MEMORY TESTING:

1. Mang Chung Supermarket – LB Scot Road (Former Sheik)
2. Petro SOL Gas Station St. Peters – LB Scot Road 96
3. Sint Peters Supermarket – Sint Peters Road # 1
4. Fruteria Sarah - Sint Peters Road # 2
5. Ho Supermarket – Sint Peters Road # 11
6. Dessam Supermarket - Sint Peters Road # 61
7. Tung Yuen Supermarket - Apricot Road
8. Samuell Sint Peters Food Market - Lime Road # 20
9. Sunshine Supermarket - Genip Road # 18

St. Kitts and Nevis both registered wins on Monday to keep their semi-final berth at home alive in the 2011 NAGICO/Leeward Islands One Day Cricket Tournament. While it has not yet officially been declared which two teams will move on to the semi-final round from Group B (St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Anguilla), St. Maarten are beating themselves for losing to St. Kitts at the Warner Park in St. Kitts, when it appeared at one point that they were dominating the match. All three teams have a win each and the decision and the two teams with the highest net run rate will move on to the finals. It was a close encounter between St. Kitts and St. Maarten, with the former winning by a wicket. St. Maarten set a total of 249 for 9 off 50 overs. St. Maarten's captain Romain Doodnauth scoring a scintillating 92 runs from 118 balls; scoring nine 4s and two 6s. Akeem Charles had 38 from 60 balls (four 4s and one 6), Shaquil Martina 32 and Kenroy David 25. Bowling for St. Kitts: Elvin Berridge picked up and impressive six wickets for 43 runs and Sheeno Berridge 2 for 27.
St. Kitts in reply performed creditably with 250 for 9 off 47.4 overs. Steve Liburd cracked 73 runs, 7 of which were 4s; Codville Rogers 59, Jacques Taylor 40 and Dylan Liddie 23. Bowling for St Maarten, K. David had 2 for 45, Joel Browne 1 for 27 and Moreland Le Blanc 1 for 27. Steve Liburd of the St. Kitts team believed the batting delivered for his team, but there are still issues with the fielding. He said they came out with the aim of bowling St. Maarten out for 230 but with that not happening, they were motivated by being at home and needing to be in the semi-finals. St Maarten coach Rishie Singh commended his batsmen and felt the score could have been defended.
The two opening bowlers he said, bowled well despite a strong partnership by St. Kitts. "We played some good cricket up to the 47th over. A crucial (dropped) catch at the end cost us the game," Singh said. Both Liburd and Singh said they are awaiting official word to determine which two teams will advance to the semi-finals.

Nevis crushes Montserrat

Nevis continue to put their stamp on this year's tournament with a 140 run win at the Elquemedo Willet Park in Nevis. The match was reduced to 48 overs due to overnight showers at the venue. Winning the toss, Montserrat sent Nevis in to bat. The home team scored 247 for 5 with Javia Liburd and Tonito Willet scoring impressive runs of 99 and 61 respectively. Bowling for Montserrat McPherson Meade took a wicket for 32 runs and Lionel Baker 1 for 40. Montserrat in reply sputtered to 107 all out in 30.1 overs. Roscoe Sinclair made 22 runs and Lionel Baker 19. Nelson Bolan picked up 3 for 17, Akito Willett 2 for 2 and Jason Campbell 2 for 36. The tournament continues today with Montserrat facing the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the Warner Park in St. Kitts.

Rotary International has designated the month of March as Literacy Month and as such all Rotarians are called upon to increase their focus on literacy efforts in their communities and around the world. Guided by the RI's objectives The Rotary Club of St. Maarten since October 2009 has been distributing English Dictionaries to third grade students during the month of October to all Government subsidized primary schools on St. Maarten and this year the first 100 were distributed on 10-10-11 to Oranje School, St. Joseph School and Sr. Borgia School.
If illiteracy were such a simple problem, Rotarians would have solved it by now. The reasons that so many people can't read or write are myriad: a scarcity of schools and learning materials, insufficient government spending on education, cultural stigmas that limit education for women and girls, and more. The problem goes far beyond the inability to decipher words on a page. In an increasingly complex world, poor reading comprehension condemns adults to the lowest rungs of society. The magnitude of the problem is daunting. UNICEF estimates that one billion children and adults, approximately 15 percent of the world's population, lack basic literacy skills. According to the International Reading Association, which cooperates with many Rotary clubs worldwide on literacy projects, 113 million children in developing countries alone are not in school and not learning to read. And worldwide, approximately
500 million women are illiterate, making up two-thirds of the adult population that cannot read. Literacy rates vary widely, according to a 2007 UNESCO report, ranging from 23.6 percent in Burkina Faso in West Africa to more than 99 percent in North America, Europe, and a majority of former Soviet republics and allies. But even those high literacy rates are deceiving.
In the developed world, people who can only recognize words on paper cannot compete in an environment that requires high-level comprehension skills to get even basic jobs, shouldn't be to have basic literacy; it should be to be proficient with reading."
And yet there is reason for hope. Rotary clubs worldwide have been pursuing thousands of literacy projects for decades. In 1992, RI established its first Literacy Task Force to assist clubs and districts in creating literacy projects.
In the coming weeks, under the leadership of Committee Chairperson Henna Budhrani all 16 primary school third grade students will receive their own dictionary. According to the established curriculum this is the period in which the students start learning to use the English dictionary.

Philipsburg:--- The Head of the Bureau Ombudsman of Amsterdam, Mrs. Petra Visscher arrived on Sint Maarten on September 25th 2011 on a working visit as a continuation of the exchange program established between the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Dr. Nilda Arduin and Dr. Ulco van der Pol of Amsterdam.

Mrs. Visscher's visit centered mainly on reviewing the work procedures of the bureau with Ms. Philips, the Chef de Bureau on Sint Maarten. The exchange focused on the complaints the Strategic Plan, the policies and regulations established to govern the Ombudsman institution of Sint Maarten.

In order not to stagnate the efforts of the Ombudsman Sint Maarten in building the institution the Bureau Ombudsman of Amsterdam also advanced the financing of this trip that will ultimately be refunded by USONA, the Dutch Funding Agency. In addition the Bureau of Amsterdam will also advance the working visit of the complaint Officer, Miss Charlene Bell, to Amsterdam in the coming weeks. Last mentioned trip was due since the beginning of September, and could no longer be postponed due to the time scheduled to receive Sint Maarten's Complaint Officer for training.

Philipsburg:--- Sint Maarten's President of Parliament will be one of the guest speakers at the 25th Anniversary of Aruba's country status.

The anniversary also marks 25-years of existence of Aruba's House of Parliament.

The event will take place on Tuesday, October 25 at the Westin hotel Aruba, Grand Ballroom.

The keynote speaker is Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament President Gerdi Verbeet.

The welcome address and master of ceremonies is Hendrik Croes. The first speech will be given by Aruba's President of Parliament Hon. drs. P.F.T. Croes, followed by the Secretary General of Parliament Jacqueline Bastien-Sherman.

Former Netherlands Antilles Prime Minister Hon. Etienne Ys will give a speech followed by President of Curacao's Parliament Hon. Ivar Asjes, then President of Sint Maarten's Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell.

The Secretary of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission Parlatino Walter Gavida will also address the event followed by the keynote speaker.

"Aruba is a clear example of how beneficial country status has been for them during the past 25-years after they left the constellation of the former Netherlands Antilles.

"Our country is just one-year old and there is still much to be done and to build. We are on the right track and things will take time especially in the current volatile global economic environment that we are being confronted with as an open economy small island nation. I am happy to share experiences with colleagues and discuss the role parliament plays in a sustainable progressive society," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Monday.

Philipsburg:--- Sint Maarten's President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell presented a gift to the President of Aruba's Parliament Hon. drs. Pauldrick Croes at the 25th Jubilee Anniversary of Aruba's House of Parliament.

The event took place on Tuesday, at the Westin hotel Aruba, Grand Ballroom.

The Saint-Martin Tourist Office, the sea trade association Metimer and the Anchorage Multicoques and Anyway Marine attended the 39th edition of the 2011 Grand Pavois from September 14 to 19 in the Port Les Minimes in La Rochelle.
The biggest show of the French marine industry since its creation in 1973, the Grand Pavois once again met the expectations of enthusiastic visitors and providing to the marine professionals the required services. This world famous tradeshow demonstrated the French knowledge and expertise in boating.
This year the show attracted more than 94,000 visitors who came to see the innovations of the 850 exhibitors representing 35 countries in just 6 days of exhibition. 700 boats from which 400 afloat, were exhibited during this tradeshow for the great delight of professionals and sea lovers.

Saint-Martin once again demonstrated its leading position as a nautical destination with its large range of sea activities. With its 10 marinas that can accommodate up to 1400 boats, the island of Saint-Martin is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean for yachting and cruising.
Small or large, modern and luxurious, marinas and nautical facilities in Saint-Martin offer all the amenities and facilities meet the recreational and cruise passengers needs.
Saint-Martin is definitely one of the best destination for all sea lovers.

It was considered the worse performance in recent years by a St. Kitts cricket team. On Friday, Nevis humiliated the sister island on home soil at the Warner Park cricket stadium, with a comprehensive 175 run win to book their spot in the 2011 Nagico/Leeward Islands One Day Cricket Tournament finals on Sunday. Nevis romped to a scintillating 272/6 in 50 overs having won the toss and choosing to bat. St. Kitts in reply, limped to 97 all out with Nevis' Tonito Willet, the man of the match destroying St. Kitts' top order batting line up with 6 wickets HAUL for 21 runs. The St. Kitts innings was a disaster, with wickets falling in the space of three minutes apart. The first to go was Shane Jeffers from the bowling of Nelson Bolan thanks to as catch from Willet with the score on 16; followed by Tashmail Mills four minutes later. Steve Liburd's wicket was a mere three minutes later for two runs with the score just on 17 runs from Willet's bowling.
The nimble foot work and effective catching from Nevis' wicket keeper J. Tyson was instrumental in the next few wickets as Codville Rogers was next on the hit list three minutes later for just a run. Tyson caught him at slips with Nelson Bolan's bowling. Then if that was not enough with the score being on 25, St. Kitts Captain Jacques Taylor was taken out, followed a few minutes later by Leon Clarke with the score creeping to 56 runs for 6 wickets.
Elsroy Powell scored 25 runs and it seemed he would have kept hopes alive but wickets falling, his causality was just a two minutes later bowled LBW by Jason Campbell with the score still on 56. Twelve minutes Calvin Williams' time to go courtesy of Javia Liburd's bowling. Dylin Liddie was bowled LBW for 18 with the score on 80 just a mere six minutes later followed by Sheeno Berridge.
With Tonito Willet's impressive haul, Trevier Smithen aided with 4 for 21, Nelson Bolan 2 for 24 and Jason Campbell 1 for 26. With the bat, Nevis was just as impressive. Poor fielding continued to plague St. Kitts in this tournament with drop catches, two of which were against Willet who eventually went on to score 53 runs. Kejel Tyson scored 61 from 108 balls; Javia Liburd 59 and Dennyson Browne 23 runs. Willet's father and manager of the Nevis team Elquemedo Willet was proud of his son's effort. "He is just continuing what he started and the thing about it he started the season not in very good form," Willet said. The first West Indies test cricketer from the Leeward Islands said he does not think the dropped catches against Willet affected St. Kitts chances but was very impressed with his team's performance. "This is a real confidence booster after losing against Antigua...I am very happy," Willet said.
On the other hand, St. Kitts' team manager Leroy Percival apologized to the fans for the poor performance of the team and labeled the worse since he has been manager of the team. "I really apologized that we performed so poorly. We have to go back to the drawing board and get those faulty things correct," Percival said. He admitted that dropped caches continue to be a problem, noting that at least six catches were dropped. "This is the worst performance I have had as manager. It's a pity. All I can say better luck next time," Percival said.
Despite this poor performance, Mr. Percival believes at least three players from St. Kitts will make the Leeward Islands team for the West Indies 40 overs regional tournament in Guyana later this month.
On Saturday Antigua and Barbuda will play Anguilla in what promises to be an exciting encounter as it is the repeat of last year's finals. The match starts at 9:30am at the Warner Park in St. Kitts. The matches are free and all able to attend are invited.

Philipsburg:--- The Chamber of Commerce has given the Nieuw Post Netherlands Antilles (NPNA) and Postal Service St. Maarten (PSS) until later today to come to an amicable agreement to re-open the Post Office in Philipsburg by tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty said that he first gave NPNA and PSS until 1pm on Wednesday to reach an agreement but up to now parties could not come to an agreement. Carty said he already instructed HBN Law firm to file an injunction against NPNA and PSS to force them to reopen the Post Office. "The Chamber has been receiving a number of phone calls from businesses who depend on the Post Office to conduct their business. Besides that, our economy is already bad and we cannot afford to make it worse," said the President of the Chamber of Commerce.
Attorney at Law Martin Le Poole confirmed that he is busy gathering information to file a petition with the court to have the NPNA and PSS reopen the Post Office.
In the meantime, the NPNA and PSS continued with their negotiations until late Wednesday night when they were able to come up with a draft agreement.
Sources close to the negotiating team said that the draft agreement has to be reviewed by the Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams who might eventually sign the document by midday on Thursday.
SMN News learned that the draft agreement that is before the Prime Minister will allow NPNA to continue managing the Post Office on St. Maarten until December 31 2011.

The 6th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards fundraiser is less than a month away and we still have the following open spots for nominations left. The categories include: Rookie of the Year (1), Hospitality Employee of the Year (1), Hospitality Supervisor of the Year (1), Trade Employee of the Year (1), Trade Manager of the Year (4), Trade Employer of the Year (2), Outstanding Employee Training Achievement (2), Outstanding Environmental Achievement (2) and Secondary School Teacher of the Year (1).

Nominations close on Friday, October 28th at 12 noon. It's a first come, first serve procedure with limited positions. Be sure to be the first to fill out one of the empty positions by going to www.shta.com and clicking on the CPA tab on the left hand side. There you will find the nomination form, along with a category list.

For more questions and/or information, please feel free to contact us at the SHTA office at 542-0108.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto discussed a number of issues with Dutch Minister of Home and Kingdom Affairs Hon. Piet Hein Donner on Monday.

One of the main issues was debt payment funds to the tune of Naf.40 million. This is a very important issue according to Minister Shigemoto for country Sint Maarten which is linked to agreements that led to the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

With respect to the BES islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, those discussions focused on the issue of exemption of the Turn over Tax with respect to goods shipped to the aforementioned islands.

Minister Donner was informed that the 2012 National Budget has been approved by the Council of Ministers and is currently going through the advisory process.

The possibilities of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) being used by patients from Saba and St. Eustatius instead of the former having to travel to Guadeloupe or Martinique were discussed, and Minister Donner recommended that the Ministers of Public Health of the respective countries should follow-up on this.

Middle-level Vocational Education (MBO) was another point deliberated upon and the possibilities for students from Saba and St. Eustatius to also make use of the educational opportunities on Sint Maarten. It was recommended that the Ministers of Education of Holland and Sint Maarten should follow-up on this point.

Minister Shigemoto briefed Minister Donner about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visit to Sint Maarten in connection with article IV consultation; the current account deficit; and the monetary union.

Paris, France:--- The bilateral Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in France, His Excellency Hugo Siblesz and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to UNESCO, His Excellency Robert Zeldenrust held a reception in honor of the St. Martin and Curacao delegations to the 36th General Conference of the world body Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the official residence of the bilateral envoy in Paris.
St. Martin's education minister, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, and her counterpart from Curacao, Mr. Lionel Jansen were the special guests. Dr. Arrindell, in her brief remarks, thanked both ambassadors for their hospitality and the assistance and support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in securing St. Martin's associate membership in UNESCO, a historic event which she described as the first step in a long journey.
Dr. Arrindell further added that she looked forward to closer cooperation among the partners in the Kingdom in several other areas in which they could come to one another's assistance and offer meaningful support.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday morning Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto updated Dutch State Secretary of Finance Hon. Frans Weekers about the agreement that was concluded Thursday evening between Sint Maarten and the Dutch public entities of Saba and St. Eustatius with respect to GEBE.

The Minister said that Weekers welcomed the news and that he pledged once again to support positive developments for the BES Islands and Sint Maarten.

The establishment of a Petite Committee of Experts from the Netherlands and Sint Maarten will still take place Minister of Finance Shigemoto said on Friday from The Hague, but that it will have one less issue to deal with, that of GEBE.

"Weekers understand that some issues will take time to sort out and is of the opinion that the committee of experts is the correct approach to take.

"One of the issues is Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) where the Dutch public entities of Saba and St. Eustatius have shares," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto said on Friday morning.

Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto met with Dutch State Secretary of Finance Hon. Frans Weekers on Wednesday, where they discussed a number of issues.

Once the Petite Committee of Experts present their findings on options on how to resolve the open issues that exists between Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, the Governments of Holland and Sint Maarten will meet to take the political decisions.

At 3:30pm, Genevieve de Weever Primary school will take on the defending champions the Ruby Labega Primary school for the Championship game, should Ruby Labega School win that game then they are automatically Champions, if Genevieve De Weever wins then both teams will pause and take a break for 15 minutes and then they will play in a deciding game for the Championship.

At 5:30pm, Milton Peters College Team 1 will take on the defending champions the SXM Academy school for the Championship game, should SXM Academy win that game then they are automatically champions, if MPC 1 wins that game then both teams will pause and take a break for 15 minutes and then they will play in a deciding game for the Championship.

We are inviting all students, teachers, parents, and friends of Ruby Labega Primary school, Genevieve De Weever Primary school, SXM Academy School, and Milton Peters College school to come out and cheer and support these young athletes as they get themselves involved in something positive on Friday, 4th November 2011 from 3:30pm to 8pm.

Montserrat defeated BVI on Tuesday at the Warner Park in St. Kitts by 40 runs in the NAGICO/Leeward Islands One Day Cricket tournament. It was the final game for Montserrat having lost to Nevis on Monday and last week to Antigua and Barbuda and is thus knocked out of the tournament.
Montserrat, sent in to bat after losing the toss, scored 271 for 5 off 50 overs. Jaison Peters scored 71 runs from 87 balls hitting seven 4s; Roscoe St. Clair scored 56 runs from 81 balls hitting seven 4s and two sixes. McPherson Meade scored 51 not out and Lionel Baker 50 not out. Bowling for the BVI Brent De Fraites took two wickets for 15 and Maxford Pipe 2 for 3.
BVI in reply scored 231 all out off 46.1 overs. Richard Fredericks scored a commendable 81 from 100 balls notching six 4s, Dennisford Browne 22, Montgomery Butler 21 and Brent De Fraites 20 runs. Bowling for Montserrat Deno Baker grabbed 4 wickets for 50 runs and Tevin Osborne 3 for 53 runs. BVI having lost their two matches so far are already out of the tournament. They play their last match against Nevis on Thursday at the Elquemedo Willet Park in Nevis. BVI coach Charlie Jackson while disappointed in the loss felt his team stuck to the game plan. He believed it went wrong when Brent De Freitas went out with shoulder injury. "We got a couple of soft catches...so there is room for improvement there," he said. "Overall (it's a) much improved performance than the Antigua game and certainly one of the best attempt at the run chase than I have seen in recent times," Jackson said. He is looking forward to a good game against Nevis before heading home Thursday.
Coach Sylvester Greenaway of Montserrat said the tournament was a bad one for his team. He nevertheless commended Deno Baker and Jason Peters for exceptional batting performances and ending the tournament on a high note with a win.


Meanwhile, team St. Kitts top Zone B which comprised Anguilla and St. Maarten. All three teams had a win each but St. Kitts with a net run rate of 0.086 eventually topped the group followed by 2010 beaten finalists Anguilla with a net run rate of 0.064. St. Maarten finished with a net run 0.028. The tournament continues Wednesday at the Elquemedo Willet Park in Nevis where the home team will take on defending champions Antigua and Barbuda. On Thursday Nevis will play BVI to round out the preliminary round also in Nevis before the first semi-final on Friday between St. Kitts and the runner up in Zone A (either Antigua and Barbuda or Nevis) On Saturday Anguilla will play the winner of Zone A and Sunday at the Warner Park will be the finals.

Sint Maarten (October 18, 2011) – Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten is pleased to announce a new charter partnership with Italian tour operator Eden Viaggi as a result of a joint effort with the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau.

On December 18, 2001 Eden Viaggi will launch a year-round, direct flight from Milan's Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), once per week every Sunday. The flight will be operated by Alitalia on its A330 aircraft offering a total capacity of 277 persons including 20 Magnifica business class seats. The flight will initially make a stop in La Romana, Dominican Republic, however it will shortly be dedicated to SXM. Packages will be on sale as of November 1, 2011.

"The partnership with Eden Viaggi was generated from our participation with ITB Berlin 2011, the largest travel tourism trade show to support the European market," said Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino General Manager Juan Fernandez, who spearheaded the deal. "We look forward to our new partnership as a major boost to our resorts and the economy of Sint Maarten."

"This is a tremendous boost to our island's tourism sector," says Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau Interim Director May-Ling Chun. "Italy has been an excellent country of support to our destination and we anticipate the new flight will further bolster this important market."

Honorable Minister Franklin A. Meyers, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affaires, Transport & Telecommunications, said, "This is a monumental accomplishment as we expand our presence even further into the European continent. We are happy to be partnering with The Maho Group on this charter, a company that remains dedicated to the success of our overall tourism development."

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino will receive membership into Eden Viaggi's exclusive Eden Gold, which features elite destinations selected for their location, quality of services and appeal to international customers, while Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino will be categorized as Eden Special, recognized for location, value for money and reliability of service. Both resorts will be designated as preferred locations for Eden Viaggi travelers.

All-inclusive packages are priced from approximately 1400 EURO per week including airfare. Rates will vary on season and room category.

Eden Viaggi was founded in 1983 under the leadership and entrepreneurial experience of Nardo Filippetti. The company has since become a leading Italian tour operator, offering comprehensive travel services for individuals and groups. In 2010, the company offered travel services to more than 500,000 customers. http://www.edenviaggi.it

About Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino

A serene Caribbean haven, the 257-room Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino is located on Sint Maarten's one mile stretch of soft white sand near the vibrant capital of Philipsburg, named #1 Latin American/Caribbean Destination by TripAdvisor.com's 2008 Traveler's Choice Awards. This four-star property invites guests to unwind with three swimming pools, three restaurants, four bars, fitness center and Golden Casino. Adding to the excitement and amenities are a host of water sports, tours and excursions, tennis, internet service, meeting rooms and live nightly entertainment. Call 1-800-223-0757 or visit www.sonesta.com/greatbay.

Philipsburg:--- The Positive Foundation and the Elektralyte Foundation are collaborating with the St. Joseph School in order to raise breast cancer awareness this weekend.
This event, which has been scheduled for Saturday, October 22, will take place at the St. Joseph School on Frontstreet, between the hours of 10am-2pm.
Shelly Alphonso, president of the Positive Foundation said that during the open house free clinical breast examinations would be conducted by Dr. Ruth Douglas. Students from the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) would also be on hand to provide demonstrations on how to do breast self examinations (bse). Alphonso further explained that in order to reach as many women as possible DVD presentations of bse would also be shown in both English and Spanish. Finally free bse shower guides would be distributed throughout the day.
Alphonso said that she is encouraging all women to come out and make use of the opportunity to have themselves checked and expressed gratitude to the St. Joseph School for partnering with the foundations on this venture. She also reminded businesses that foundation representatives were available to present demonstrations to their staff and urged them to get in contact with her at 580-9658/580-9005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Alphonso explained that during the last two weeks of this year's campaign the foundations would still be engaged with a lot of activities and events promoting breast cancer awareness. She said that there were scheduled school visits and demonstrations planned at various businesses, but also the Breast Cancer Awareness Movie Night scheduled for Wednesday, October 26 at Caribbean Cinemas, the Breast Cancer Awareness High Heel Race, which will be held on Friday, October 28 at the Boardwalk and the PINK PARADE 2, on the French side of the island, on Sunday, October 30.
Alphonso also issued a reminder to all women on the island about the free medical screenings which were being provided across the Dutch side throughout the month of October. She said that tests were still available at the following places at the listed times: Friday, October 21; Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Saturday, October 22; Bush Road Medical Clinic, Bush Road, 9-11am, Wednesday, October 26; Family Medical Center, Cay Hill, 9-11am, Dr. H. Deketh, Maho, 9-11am, Saturday, October 29; Bush Road Medical Clinic, 9-11am, Dr. Spencer, 10am-12pm.
Both foundations are encouraging women to take advantage of every opportunity to get themselves examined.
"Get Checked, breast screening is at your fingertips and breast screening saves lives. Early detection remains the best protection against this deadly disease. We cannot say this enough and we doing our best to get the word out there. Now we need the support of community," Alphonso said.

...

The Nature Foundation announces that it will be increasing day and night patrols both inside and outside the Man of War Shoal Marine Park specifically to combat illegal shark poaching. The practice of intentionally fishing for sharks has been forbidden since the 12th of October, when the Honorable Minister Franklin A. Meyers temporarily banned the practice of intentionally poaching sharks in the territorial waters of St. Maarten. The act of trying to catch by tracking, stalking, baiting, chasing, trapping, hooking, netting, shooting or otherwise hunting - sharks, rays and skates is prohibited and therefore the animals may not be wounded, caught, landed, or killed. Violators may be punished with jail and a considerable fine issued. If Sharks are accidentally caught all steps should be taken to release the animal with as little harm as possible.
Recently the Nature Foundation had been receiving reports that individuals are trophy hunting the resident shark population within the Man of War Shoal Marine Park and subsequently killing them. Sharks have a very high value to the ecology of the island and the island coral reef ecosystem and they also are a major attraction to visiting dive tourists. The majority of divers who visit the island hope to see a shark while diving. The Nature Foundation and local dive operators have also been using sharks as a control method for the present lionfish invasion. Less and less sharks are being seen, and those that are being seen have been showing disturbing signs of considerable fishing damage. Populations have been going from approximately twenty individuals to now only two or three being seen in the locations where they are known to frequent.
Sharks are an apex predator and are essential to the health of local coral reefs. "If we do not have sharks we will loose our coral reef ecosystem. Sharks keep the reefs clean of unhealthy fish which keeps the ecosystem in balance. Also the majority of visiting divers come to see local coral reefs as well as sharks. A system collapse will occur if we loose these species and this very important tourism product will be lost, that is why this step taken by government is a true milestone in Marine Conservation, allowing the shark population to return to numbers needed to sustain a healthy population" commented Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager Tadzio Bervoets.
The present ban shows Government's commitment to Marine Conservation and Conservation in general. St. Maarten can now boast to be one of very few countries in the world that recognizes the importance of sharks to both the ecosystem and the economy of St. Maarten. There has already been wide global interest regarding the ban, with both National Geographic and the New York Times featuring the ban in future publications.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Civil Registry Department would like to inform the general public that as of Thursday, October 27, the department will resume the issuing of passports.

Due to unforeseen technical matters last week related to the hardware that supports the operations of the department's passport system, the office was unable to issue passport services.

Persons wishing to renew their passport should visit the Civil Registry Department between 8:00am – 11:45am. Appointments in the afternoon will only be taken between 12:00pm – 3:00pm from Monday to Friday. Appointments will also be taken on Wednesdays from 8:00am – 11:45am.

The department would like to remind persons who hold a Dutch passport to make sure that the passport is valid at all times.

The management of the Civil Registry Department apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused while the system was down.

Paris, France:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, met yesterday with her counterpart from Curacao, the Hon. Lionel Jansen, for talks that covered a wide gamut of issues pertaining to their portfolios.
The talks, the first between the two ministers were described as very friendly and perhaps even long overdue given the common challenges both islands are facing particularly in the field of education.
The two ministers said they shared a common vision of focusing on the region and identified areas of deepening cooperation in teacher training, legal studies, nursing training and possible collaboration between the University of Curacao (formerly UNA) and the University of St. Martin.
Their discussions further centered on the Foundation Based Education, (FBE), the implementation of Compulsory Education and St. Martin students currently studying in Curacao.
Dr. Arrindell further asked her colleague Minister Jansen for support in St. Martin's bid to host the 2013 Kingdom Games which the latter said he would consider.
Both ministers extended an invitation for each to visit the other's island before the end of the year, which invitations have been accepted in principle.
St. Martin and Curacao were both admitted as associate members of UNESCO Tuesday, October 25 at the 36th General Conference of the world body.

Philipsburg:--- NAGICO's Customer Service area will undergo major renovations beginning Monday October 31, in order to optimize the customer service experience to our clientele.

To accommodate the renovation, the Life Insurance Division and Adjusters will be temporarily relocated to our offices situated on E.C Camille Richardson Street in Philipsburg above Dr. Mercuur's Office. The Customer Service Department will be temporarily moved to the other side of the building, in the same area where our Claims department is located.

"We will do our best to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible, without too much inconvenience to you our valued customers. Our telephone numbers and other contact information will remain the same. We kindly ask for your patience during this renovation, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that you may experience as a result of the temporary changes. We look forward to serving you in much more comfortable surroundings in the near future.

Great Bay:--- Lydia – From Heterosexual to Bisexual to Lesbian to God by Lydia G. Henderson was launched to a standing-room-only audience at The Alley Lounge last Saturday night, according to House of Nehesi (HNP), the book's publisher. On Monday, Henderson said the public response to her book on the following Sunday was encouraging, and "being at the airport on Monday morning and seeing people walking around with my book in their hands is amazing." At the October 1 book party the new author gave a surprise song performance during a video presentation of meditative music, nature images, and scriptural quotes. Guest speaker Dr. Judith Arndell called Henderson's autobiography "courageous." At the end of the program a rush of impromptu well-wishes from guests that took hold of the microphone, added a family touch to the book party in the Lounge's VIP nightclub setting, said HNP. Lydia is available at Van Dorp, Arnia's, and Shipwreck bookstores, Family Bookstore, and Fresh Market. In above photo: Lydia Henderson sings her heart out during book party with the tune "God's wondrous work." (Saltwater Collection photo)

The Mental Health Foundation's (MHF) Information and Prevention Department was delighted to have the 6th graders of the St Dominic Elementary School visit MHF's candle room, as part of the school's art project, on the 12th and 13th of September in Cay Hill.
The two 6th grade classes were each given a day for the visit where the students, along with their teachers, were welcomed by staff in the conference room and then escorted to the candle room. While there, they were given details about the mixing of materials, the candle's cool down process and the many different shapes and colors used for fabrication.
The students also received a brief presentation called "What is Mental Health?" which enlightened them on the subject and challenged their thoughts on mental health in relation to what they knew about physical health.
"The students were very active in the discussion and it was not surprising to hear that many of the students had some idea about what mental health was and what some signs of mental Illness look like. Many of them picked up these cues from what they saw in the community, heard from friends and even family members. The information we wanted to pass on to the students was that mental health is not about being sick but instead it is about being healthy and finding ways to maintain or improve that aspect of your health as young as they are" says a staff member.
Other activities during the 2- hour visit included candle quizzes and prizes in which the students actively participated. Each student and teacher was handed a candle as a reminder of their visit.
The Mental Health Foundation would like to thank the parents, teachers and principal of the St Dominic Elementary students for the opportunity to share information about mental health and MHF's candle room project.
If you are interested in having your school visit MHF's candle room or would like to purchase candles, you can contact the Mental Health Foundation at 5421677.

Philipsburg:--- The members of the Positive and Elektralytes foundations are reminding the general public to come out and participate in the annual walk to promote breast cancer awareness on Sunday morning.
This year's PINK, PHIT, PHABULOUS walk-a-ton is scheduled for Sunday, October 9, at 6:30am and participants are encouraged to show up by 6am in order to receive one of the 700 free shirts which will be distributed.
Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso is urging all those planning to walk to not only show up, but also bring along family members and friends.
"We cannot reiterate enough that breast cancer is a disease which impacts not only individuals, but friends, families and communities. The more people that come out and get information about breast cancer and early detection, the more we are spreading the necessary message about monthly breast self exams, clinical screenings and mammograms, the more lives we are potentially saving. So we really want to see a strong turn out again this year. And the route is on which is doable for all ages, so families can come and walk together as well," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that this year's walk will start at Divico in Colebay, pass up Colebay Hill, continue on to Link One and end at the Festive Village in Philipsburg. She said that each year the walk-a-ton remained a constant in breast cancer awareness campaign; because it reinforced the idea that exercise and proper nutrition is key to a healthy life.
"Breast cancer continues to claim victims year after year, but we are trying to get the message out there that while there is no way to prevent the disease, there are ways to manage your health and improve your chances of successfully beating the illness. Incorporating a fitness program into your life, managing your eating habits and checking your breasts regularly are all strategies that women need to consider using to safeguard their health," Alphonso said.
Once at the village participants will be able to buy breakfast and also partake in Zumba classes, but more than anything Alphonso would like people to turnout and enjoy the camaraderie of the walk.
"Together, as a community, we can accomplish so much. We can inform ourselves and also help to inform others. So I'm looking forward to walking on Sunday with a strong crowd of enthusiastic women, men and children," Alphonso said.
She also encouraged women to check the foundation's Facebook page for information about the free clinical screenings being provided by doctors offices across the island.

Philipsburg:--- An urgent plenary session of Parliament will be held on October 11 with the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for General Affairs Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams.

The meeting will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament on Tuesday at 2:00pm.

The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament in a letter dated October 05, 2011 requested this meeting to discuss developments surrounding the taking over of postal services by Sint Maarten from Nieuwe Post Nederlandse Antillen (NPNA).

The meeting which is also open to the public will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

The October 3 Central Committee meeting related to doctor cards, granting of social aid and labour affairs that was adjourned to be continued on Monday, October 10, is now scheduled for Monday, October 24.

The meeting could not be held on October 10 due to the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour who would be off island on that particular day.

Coordinator of Teen Times Mike Granger and a young writer of the staff Luis Hurtault, were the guests of the board of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten in recognition of Rotary's fifth avenue of service "New Generations". New Generations joins Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service as the foundation of club activity.
Granger was invited to speak about Teen Times, its history, purpose and role in the community. He also used the opportunity to impress upon Rotarians that contrary to popular thought; young people are not only interested in light entertainment. "They are also eager to learn, and drawn to information that shapes their identities, builds their sense of social belonging and makes sense of the world," he said.

Going through Teen Times' list of accomplishments over 15 years, Granger credited Rotarian and President of The Daily Herald Roger Snow for having the vision to "green light" Teen Times, a media project that is The Daily Herald's contribution to St. Maarten's greatest asset, its youth.

"While we are proud of our history and our activities, we hold true to Teen Times as a youth media project that celebrates youth voice and showcase youth accomplishments. At our core is positive youth development and civic engagement. Through partnerships with our schools and others, young people learn the craft of communications and how to address local and global issues affecting their lives," Granger told the Rotarians.

He added that criteria such as being credible, comprehensible and uplifting, and empowering youth to think for themselves were recognized as key ingredients in making a quality publication.

He said it was encouraging to see young people taking up the challenge to provide their peers with diversified and high-quality media content, create opportunities for young people's voices to be heard and push for ethical coverage of the youth. In this context he mentioned the recently launched Voice of Our Children youth group which have already launched their radio program and is about to launch their youth news TV program.

"But serious obstacles to advocating for children and youth through the media remain. Among them the lack of funding and the need for far more training for youth and for those producing material about or for young audiences. For our part, Teen Times intends to continue fulfilling our role in our community, we will continue harnessing the enormous positive potential of the media to make a real difference in the lives of St. Maarten's young people by informing them, listening to them and ultimately empowering them," Granger said.

Following his presentation the Rotarians asked a number of questions regarding the advertising content of Teen Times, its importance in stimulating literacy, the make-up of the staff and the role the papers plays in showing young people that their generation is key teaching teens not to be divisive.

Youngster Luis Hurtault, a recent graduate of the St. Maarten Academy and former Interact Club member, told Rotarians that Teen Times inspires him to write, plays an important role in the community in terms of teenagers actually reading something. Luis intends to further his education in Holland where he will study Political science.

Philipsburg:--- Saturday, October 15, will be the last opportunity for audiences to watch the entertaining and informative theatrical production "Boobs, a breast story musical" at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center.
This production, which was written and produced by Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt, directed by Joost de Jong, and choreographed by Ihndhira Marlin, with DirkJan Jansen as Musical Director, began on Thursday and will end this evening.
Audiences thus far have been thrilled by the performances put on by the assembled cast.
"We're pleased with what we have been able to put on for audiences. The intention of this production was to inform people about breast cancer and early prevention and we have succeeded in doing so," Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation said.
This year the breast cancer awareness campaign continues collaborative efforts between the Positive Foundation and Elektra.
"Elektra is able to reach a great many people in the community and because of that we are extremely happy that she decided to work with us on our platform and that she continues to work with us every year. This year she has outdone herself with ideas such as this one and we pleased by the feedback we are getting from the community," Alphonso said.
The production uses dance, poetry, acting, song and other art forms to impart a strong message about breast self exams, screenings and mammograms.
"The more women we reach and encourage to check their breasts, the better the chances of preventing death. Early detection is always the best protection as it relates to this disease and so we are encouraging women to take control of their breast health and use the suggested methods," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that she is really urging people to turn out and support the production in its final night.
"The information you receive might just help you save a life and you never know that life might be yours," Alphonso said.
Showtime is at 8pm sharp and tickets are available at the venue for $20.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell, has forwarded a letter to the High Council of State the General Audit Chamber, with respect to the latter's letter dated October 4 regarding certain constitutionally due dates that have been surpassed.

The points noted in the General Audit Chamber letter is related to the 2010 Annual Accounts not being presented by the prescribed deadline of September 1, and other matters related to the Compatibility National Ordinance.

Arrindell as Chairlady of Parliament forwarded a letter to the Minister of Finance dated October 14 with respect to the letter that was received by Parliament from the General Audit Chamber.

The President of Parliament received a detailed letter from the Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto dated October 17 outlining in detail the current state of affairs with respect to the 2010 Annual Accounts along with a timeline when the aforementioned will be handled by the Council of Ministers.

The Minister of Finance explained the dilemma of having to split the financial year of 2010 into two, one related to the Island Territory and the second part or the latter three months of 2010, as country Sint Maarten.

This process resulted in a number of delays due to deliberations that needed to take place with different entities in order to sort the aforementioned out and develop the approach that would be in line with good and proper governance.

Minister Shigemoto also gave an update with respect to the 2012 National Budget which has been approved by the Council of Ministers and has been sent to the Council of Advice and the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT for their advice before it goes to the Governor to be forwarded to Parliament for handling.

"Our checks and balances system is in place, however we must all acknowledge that this first year some matters took longer to comply with under the circumstances and the date we assumed our new country complicated matters. We are working diligently to ensure full compliance for the new fiscal year," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- The 2010 Annual Accounts of the former Island Territory is expected to be handled by the Council of Ministers (COM) after November 17. This has also been communicated to the General Audit Chamber.

The new approach embarked upon by the Ministry of Finance with respect to the Annual Accounts resulted in a delay in having the 2010 accounts submitted to the General Audit Chamber by September 1st.

The new approach as the Minister of Finance outlined a week ago will cover the period from January 1, 2010 to October 9, 2010 when the island still maintained the status of Island Territory under the constellation of the Netherlands Antilles.

The General Audit Chamber was informed about this approach in a letter dated October 17, 2011 from the Minister of Finance. The same letter also mentioned that the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT was also in agreement with the approach.

The period of October 10, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the first three-months of country status, will be included in the 2011 Annual Accounts therefore creating an extended annual accounts for the period 2010/2011.

"Splitting the 2010 year into two accounts, much deliberation took place with relevant entities and then additional brainstorming before we could come to the final solution which was accepted by all concerned.

"Considering that we have limited resources, this process took longer than we had anticipated. The 2010 Annual Accounts could not be finalized or submitted before there was a solution on how to deal with the complication of becoming a country on the 10th day of the 10th month in the year 2010 therefore creating the situation of a split book year besides a new constitutional status with different laws and administrations.

"The financial administration of country Sint Maarten had to be developed for the transition of Island Territory to Country status. Besides this, we had the challenge of getting an approved 2011 national country budget that took approximately nine months and this of course affected the timely compilation of the national budget for 2012.

"Having said the aforementioned, I put this down to growing pains from the transition of island to country and building a country from scratch within the space of a year. Curacao had everything already in place from the former Netherlands Antilles and Sint Maarten did not have that luxury. All in all, I believe we have done very well with the limited resources we had, and we are all working diligently to make sure that we meet future constitutionally due deadlines with quality products," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto explained on Sunday.

The Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto says the differentiation between Island Territory and country had to be made, and the General Audit Chamber was also of the same opinion.

The General Audit Chamber is of the opinion that determining the starting financial position of the country is of importance with respect to the execution of its own accounting control for the country's first annual account based on the rule of law.

The CFT agreed to the Minister's approach in a letter dated October 11, 2011.

"One must expect delays with the transition process from Island Territory to Country status. Next year we will meet the constitutional due date of having the annual account submitted before September 1st.

"As I stated a week ago, the entire process is expected to be completed within a month. The Council of Ministers is expected to discuss the draft 2010 Annual Accounts after November 17, 2011. After COM has approved the accounts, the former will be sent to the Council of Advice, the General Audit Chamber and the CFT.

"Once the aforementioned bodies have given their advice on the 2010 accounts, the latter will be sent to Parliament for further handling. Preparations will immediately start to prepare the extended 2010-2011 annual accounts," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto said on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested a suspect they identified as R.M. as a suspect in the murder of Marlon Sebelon who was shot to death next to his Sucker Garden home on October 14th 2011. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the suspect was arrested around 4pm on Wednesday afternoon on Arch Road. Henson said police was tipped off that the suspect was in the Sucker Garden area and they immediately responded and managed to apprehend the suspect even though he tried to escape by running.
The police spokesman said police surrounded the area when they received information that the suspect was in the neighborhood. He was arrested and handed over to the Detective Department. In the meantime, Prosecutor Bart den Hartigh confirmed that there was an outstanding arrest warrant for the suspect.

The National Organizing Committee of the Royal Visit 2011 hereby informs the general public, businesses and other users that the access to the central parking lot in Philipsburg will be closed off for parking as per Saturday, October 29, 2011 in connection with the preparations for the Royal visit and related public activities that will take place at the Clem Labega Square.
Parking access can be resumed on November 4, 2011 as per 12:00 noon.

The Committee apologizes for any inconveniences caused.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- The United States Consulate General Curacao announces the Diversity Visa (Visa Lottery) Program for 2013. The annual DV program makes visas available to persons meeting simple, but strict, eligibility requirements.
Entries for the DV-2013 program must be submitted electronically between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Tuesday, October 4, 2011, and noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Saturday, November 5, 2011. Applicants may access the electronic DV Entry Form (E-DV) at www.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. We strongly encourage applicants not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in website delays. No entries will be accepted after noon, EDT, on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
There are NO COSTS or FEES to register for the DV Program. The U.S. Government employs no outside consultants or private services to operate the DV program. Any intermediaries or others who offer assistance to prepare an application do so without the authority or consent of the U.S. Government.
To enter the DV program, participants must be natives of one of the eligible countries and must meet either the education or work experience requirement of the DV program. The law and regulations require that every entrant must have at least a high school education or its equivalent or have, within the past five years, two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience. The U.S. Department of Labor's database O*NET Online (http://www.onetonline.org/) will be used to determine qualifying work experience.
Before submitting their application entrants are advised to carefully consult the detailed instructions of the program which may be found via the United States Consulate General webpage at http://curacao.usconsulate.gov/immigrant_visas2.html as well as the Department of State webpage at http://travel.state.gov/
All entrants, including those NOT selected, may check the status of their entry through the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website at www.dvlottery.state.gov and find out if their entry was or was not selected. Entrants must keep their own confirmation page information from the time of their entry until at least June 30, 2013. Status information for DV-2013 will be available online from May 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. Entrant Status Check will be the sole means by which DV-2013 entrants are notified of their selection or non-selection. The Department of State will not be mailing out notification letters. Those selected in the random drawing are NOT notified of their selection by e-mail. Those individuals NOT selected will be notified of their non-selection through Entrant Status Check. U.S. embassies and consulates will not provide a list of selectees.
Should you receive an e-mail notification or a mailed letter about your E-DV selection, be aware that the notification is not legitimate. The Department of State will not ask you to send money by mail or by any other electronic transfer services.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) fell miserably short in its attempt to defeat Nevis and end their 2011 NAGICO/Leeward Islands Tournament run on a high. The BVI lost to Nevis at the Elquemedo Willet Park in Nevis by 111 runs, after Nevis, winning the toss and choosing to bat, scored 282 for 8 off their allotted 50 overs. In reply the BVI could manage 171 all out in 38 overs. Batting for Nevis, Tonito Willet scored a massive 75 runs from 60 balls, Kejel Tyson 51 from 70 balls and Javia Liburd 46.

Bowling for the BVI Brent De Freitas had 2 for 63 and Maxford Pipe 2 for 65. In the BVI innings, Maxford Pipe scored 66 and Richard Fredericks 40. Bowling for Nevis Jason Campbell was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 48,Tonito Willet 2 for 10 and Akito Willett 2 for 24.

The preliminary round of the tournament has ended and the semi-finals begin on Friday at Warner Park in St. Kitts. The first semi-finals begin with St. Kitts squaring off with sister island Nevis at 9.30am after an opening ceremony at 9. On Saturday October 8 at Warner Park the second semi-finals will be played featuring Antigua and Barbuda vs. Anguilla at 9:30am. The finals will be held at the same venue starting at 9:30am.

Philipsburg:--- A public plenary session of parliament is scheduled for October 10 regarding the draft laws from the former Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.

The purpose of the meeting is to formally decide on the continuation of the handling of the draft laws from the former Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, submitted on Friday October 7th by the government.

It's a procedural decision not to debate the contents of the draft laws at this point in time but to handle them at a later date as they are submitted by the various ministries.

Parliament has already started to deal with legislative changes that were submitted by the Minister of Justice Hon. Roland Duncan that were partly handled in the former Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.

Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams have been invited to the meeting.

The meeting of parliament will take place at 2:00pm on Monday in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

This meeting is open to the public and will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

SHTA met with Police Commissioner Carl John and Inspector Benjamin Gout of the Traffic division of the Police on Thursday morning to discuss our concerns regarding the traffic situation in Simpson Bay/ Cole Bay. They explained in detail the role of the police department within the chain of command, from the Minister of Justice to VROM to the contractors to the police. Mr. John also explained that they have been enacting a new general policy of communication and working closer with the community.

During the meeting, SHTA relayed concerns from the establishments in that area that are seeing significant drops in business as a result of the congestion and inaccessibility, as well as the enormous negative publicity St. Maarten is receiving as a result of the traffic congestion. SHTA then went on to propose, amongst others, the following suggestions to alleviate traffic in the Cole Bay/ Simpson Bay area:

• Reopen the Union Road to two way traffic all the way to the Midas Roundabout. It serves no purpose to send all of the traffic from Marigot and Cole Bay through the Welfare road or the warehouse district. This traffic does not have to be there and wouldn't be there if the Union Rd. was open to the Midas Roundabout.
• Either reverse the direction of the Cake house Road (Alexis Arnell Rd.), or, make it temporarily open to two-way traffic as it was in the past and most recently during the construction of the Midas roundabout. All traffic from Marigot and Cole Bay can then go to Philipsburg via the Cake house Rd. or through the Midas Roundabout.

Traffic police informed SHTA that the aforementioned alternatives had been tried in the past and that the present circular motion route is the best option under the circumstances. It was made evident that there are no easy answers. The Police also stated that our roads are not meant for the current traffic volume that we have i.e. there are too many cars on the road and that the amount of cars is growing at a rapid pace. However, a course of action was discussed. The Police will be working with the control unit twice a day at the peak traffic hours to help facilitate smooth flow of traffic through the Daily Extra/Cay Bay Rd. bottleneck. Police officers will be on the scene to reduce illegal traffic maneuvers and to help with traffic flow in the extended area, to keep everyone moving as quickly as possible and to serve as a deterrent to the many abusers of traffic laws driving on the wrong side of the road and some of the other aggressive actions being witnessed daily that are counterproductive and dangerous.
The police were very appreciative of the meeting and happy they were to be able to communicate with the SHTA regarding this matter as they have been under extreme pressure to find remedies to a problem that is complicated. All in all, it was a very positive meeting that changes very little, except for the level of understanding.

SHTA plans to meet with other departments/ entities to ensure that private sector is included in the planning stages from now on, and also to better understand the schedule of the current works and whether it is likely to be completed on schedule or not. Furthermore, SHTA will explore methods to deal with and respond to the negative impact on destination St. Maarten.

Madam Chair, your excellency Governor Holiday, honorable members of Parliament, ministers of Government, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, people of St. Maarten;
Today we celebrate one year of "Country Status", our own "constitution" day.
I don't know for any-one else, but any time doubt creeps into my mind regarding the wisdom of our collective choice back in 2000, I remember with extreme pride that evening of October 9th, 2010 and the dawning of the morning of 10-10-10.
I remember the faces and the expectations of our whole community; the satisfaction of accomplishment, of fulfillment of long held aspirations.
The 10th of October 2010 came amidst times of global economic uncertainties, as well as during the time that these uncertainties and global economic tumults were casting shadows on St. Maarten's path.
Nevertheless, we braced ourselves and heralded the long awaited status with much confidence in our country and ourselves.
The first Government of St. Maarten started its work on that day of October 10, 2010.
At face value during the first months not much changed. Our Parliament could not immediately occupy its new chambers;
some civil servants were still in limbo as far as their position with the new Country St. Maarten was concerned; there were quite some uncertainties relative to the workings of the new systems of government.
Recall that firstly the government's structure had changed dramatically, as our familiar island council had become parliament and our executive council, our council of Ministers.
Gone was the familiar position of the Lt. Governor.
The governor is no longer part of the daily governing of the country, yet his signature is affixed to the decrees of government. The governor also receives the decision lists of the Council of Ministers.
I am proud to note that we have insisted on and built the institutions worthy of country St. Maarten. But they too needed to get their feet wet and their bearings going.
Not only the Parliament and the Government, the Justice organization, completing the Trias Politica, but also the institutions for the checks and balances of these very three, to mention the Council of Advice, the General Audit Chamber, the Ombudsman and the SER.
Has everything gotten off to a smooth start? No, definitely not. But who is defining what we are becoming with all the bumps and hurdles in the roads? We are!
Slowly but surely, our country is taking shape, definite shape. However, we must also be prepared and assertive, ready to face new challenges that might come our way. And ready to adjust our sails to the wind.
All actors are understanding their role better and as we look at the coming 12 months, our focus should be on crafting a vision for St. Maarten that has the input of every-one and takes into account every-one.
This is no less of an undertaking that our first undertakings as a new country, and it requires a new collective mindset, that begins with each individual realizing his/her "debt" to St. Maarten.
This debt is one of gratitude. Gratitude for what this country, our country has allowed us to be and to become.
Looking back over the last 12 months, many things stand out. On the inside of government, the placement of civil servants is practically complete. This process continued even as other personnel matters had to be organized, such as the salary indexations and training of civil servants.
The government continues to seek a durable solution for the myriad of plans to be executed and the financial constrains facing government at this time.
The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in the Hague is also up and running, representing us in the Kingdom Council of Ministers.
As St. Maarten achieved its country status, efforts to solidify regional collaboration, started immediately. St. Maarten has become a player in international and regional fora. With that however, comes the responsibility to live up to and meet reporting obligations in many areas, to mention a few: international standards and obligations relating to labor, finances, human rights and human development.
The legacy left behind by the Netherlands Antilles has had many pitfalls, but also some left us some strengths.
When I look at how, because of our former constitutional constellation, we have on St. Maarten a pool of resources, not in terms of money, but persons who have remained with us on St. Maarten, this is definitely a plus.
Government remains committed to use this legacy and seek with former Antillean islands and Aruba ways to strengthen relationships that are mutually beneficial.
Other matters that might not have gotten the attention they deserve, but are an important part of this nation and state building that we are engaged in, are e.g. the works towards our national archive, securing our historic documents, digitalizing our historic records.
In looking back over the past year, we can therefore safely conclude that we have met the challenges head-on, that a few challenges still elude us, but that we have built the foundation of country St. Maarten, and now should continue with the shaping and unifying of what is to be "the country St. Maarten".
On this day, I wish to again congratulate all who worked so hard to make our status happen, I commend those who were involved during the past year in further building our country and I call on the community at large to join in shaping the nation St. Maarten.
A nation is more than a state. A state demarcates the political lines and borders, but a nation is determined primarily what takes place within those borders. What distinguishes us from every-one else?
How do we live and work and treat one another?
I used the term "getting in gear" some days ago. And I wish to close with the expression of the hope that in the coming year and years, what we do and the preparations we have made will manifest themselves in tangible results for the people of our nation St. Maarten.
Madame Chair, I am one of those who always see the glass as being half full. Why? Because half full is not enough. It drives all women and men of good will to strive for better, ever better, always critical of ourselves firstly.
Those who see the glass as half empty, if not of a strong character and good will, will throw their hands in the air and constantly look for those who caused the glass to be half empty in the first place and knock any achievement, regardless how great or meaningful.
When I look back, sacrifices told and untold by so many persons, time lost in the process, never to be regained, still I say, if I had to do it all again, I would.
I will never stop hoping and...... working for a better St. Maarten. Never stop believing in St. Maarten and it's people. Never stop saying, we can do it ourselves.
Never stop believing, that in the words of the Rev. Father Bob Johnson earlier, we can accept the pains of change and soar like the Eagle. We can rise from the proverbial ashes, however these are brought upon us. Why?
After all, we are St. Maarten.

HAPPY CONSTITUTION DAY.

Philipsburg:--- The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payment services, recently announced a new price structure on its consumer to consumer services from St. Maarten towards any destination around the world where the Western Union® Money Transfer(SM) Service is available.

Western Union offers its international money transfer services, through a solid network of Agent locations, which includes DHL and RBTT Bank.

With the new prices, the consumers can use the Money in Minutes Service and send up to US$100 paying US$5*. For amounts above US$ 100.01 and up to a US$1,000, the consumers will pay 5 percent of the sending amount.

"Western Union is always listening to its consumers and we value their loyalty. The new price structure service is a response to support the customers' needs," explained Veronica Turner, Western Union Country Director for the Central Caribbean.

How to send and receive money with Western Union from St. Maarten:

DHL and RBTT Bank, Authorized Agents of Western Union, offer the Service at locations conveniently distributed around the island. Customers using the service at RBTT locations are not required to have a bank account. RBTT locations that offer Western Union are in Phillipsburg, Simpson Bay and Cole Bay. DHL offers service from two locations: Cole Bay and Bohwema in Phillipsburg. For extended service, the Western Union Service is available including on Saturdays at the DHL locations.

For added convenience, customers can sign up for the Gold Card that allows them to process transactions faster and easier at the point of sale.

*Western Union also makes money from currency exchange.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, will commemorate World Food Day at the University of St. Martin's (USM) Exhibition on Sunday, October 16.

World Food Day is an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) system. It is celebrated annually to remind the world how important food in general is. This year's theme is: "Food Prices from Crisis to Stability."

Price swings, upswings in particular, represent a major threat to food security in developing countries. Hardest-hit are the poor. According to the World Bank, in 2010-2011 rising food costs pushed nearly 70 million into extreme poverty.

The theme selected this year was chosen to shed some light on the trend of price instability and what can be done to mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable.

Minister Meyers is extending an invitation to one and all to visit the exhibition at USM which will have various agricultural technologies on display along with information and persons to help advise and tell you about home gardening.

"It is a great opportunity for the family to come out on Sunday to visit the exhibition and learn what is available and what we as individual households could do as well. For example, if you are able to start a little garden in your garden, why not.

"The emphasis on World Food Day 2011 is for nations to look seriously at what causes swings in food prices, and do what needs to be done to reduce their impact on the weakest members of global society.

"I take this opportunity to call on the business community, the food wholesalers and retailers to look at what they can do to keep prices low for our people and offer specials, discounts, and certain days with percentages off in these difficult and challenging times.

"With everybody working together we can contribute positively to reducing the costs of food in different ways and therefore lowering the costs of living," Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Franklin Meyers said on Friday.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Wiliams signed the Transfer, Support and Assistance Agreement on Saturday, October 15, 2011 guaranteeing postal services for the country.

The agreement was signed by the Prime Minister as shareholder representative, along with Interim Managing Director of Postal Service Sint Maarten N.V. (PSS) Denicio Richardson, Nieuwe Post N.A. N.V. (NPNA) General Managing Director Franklin Sluis, and St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) President Ludson Evers.

As of October 15th 2011, all concession related postal services and employees will be transferred to PSS. This specifically means that all revenues and operational expenses of the concession related services will be for the account of PSS.

In connection herewith, all employees will receive a transfer letter for the transfer from NPNA to PSS, to be signed by NPNA, PSS and the employee. This transfer letter is to guarantee the continuation of employment in the spirit of this agreement.

Employees are also asked to take into account that due to the dynamic nature and developments of the postal sector the possibility might exist that they may be offered a different function than their current function for which they will be retrained if necessary.

Within two weeks PSS will inform the employees and their representatives on the new organizational structure of PSS. Within two months after the signing of the agreement the union and PSS shall meet to start negotiations for a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

The current CLA of NPNA, signed on April 4, 2011, will remain in effect for PSS and SMCU until the date of expiration. The employees shall maintain their accrued pension rights and shall remain in the General Pension Fund of the Netherlands Antilles (APNA) until these rights have been transferred integrally to the pension funds of Sint Maarten (APS).

All claims originated from the period prior to the transfer date (date of signing of this agreement) will be for the account of NPNA and all cost originated from the transfer date and onwards will be for the account of PSS.

Parties agree that NPNA will support PSS with the management of PSS for the period starting October 15, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011, referred to as the support period to provide the universal postal service on Sint Maarten.

PSS strives to start local postal operations within two days after signing while the international postal operations is estimated to start within a week after signing date.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius De Weever visited the Sint Maarten House on Tuesday in The Hague and met with Minister of Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges.

Voges introduced De Weever to the staff of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentary, to Vice Minister of Plenipotentiary Hon. Richard Panneflek, and he was given a tour of the building.

Minister Voges also discussed with Minister De Weever the issue of old aged pension of Sint Maarteners residing in Holland who receive the aforementioned from SVB Curacao.

The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary received numerous phone calls from pensioners who didn't receive their full old-aged pension, and received a letter from SVB Curacao stating that due to the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, commencing October 2011, SVB Curacao would only pay for the years the person lived in Curacao, and the years worked and lived in Sint Maarten would have to be paid by SZV Sint Maarten.

Minister Voges discussed the issue with Interim Managing Director of SZV Dennis Richardson which led to the successful resolution of the matter. It was agreed that SVB Curacao would continue to pay the full old aged pension until January 2012 and thereafter SZV Sint Maarten will pay the pensioners in Holland the portion of years they lived in Sint Maarten and SVB will pay for the years the pensioner lived in Curacao.

On account of the tremendous response to the First St. Maarten GOLDEN STARS Karaoke Festival, the Festival has been moved from the Senior Citizen Recreation Center in the Hope Estate to Celebration Palace on the Bush Road.
A tent will be erected to protect the audience from possible rain and drizzle and at the same time create a cosy atmosphere for all. Participants are not obliged to sing on stage if they do not wish to do so.
Valet service is being worked on to assist with parking.
Every day persons are contacting the organizers of the show with request to be on the show. The Aging with Grace foundation would love to accommodate all excited singers who would like to get the opportunity to showcase their talents, but regrets that in view of the amount of singers, the Aging with Grace Foundation cannot put them on the line-up and invited them to come to the show and participate in the sing along session and contact the organizers after the show for future festivals and shows.
All participants must be at the celebration Palace no later than 7 o'clock. Participants arriving late may not get the opportunity to sing and will have to buy a ticket to see the show.
The general public is also requested to buy tickets before the show and to be on time in order to avoid long lines of people at the door while the show is on.
The general public, young and old, are invited to come out and enjoy a great show with our Golden Stars taking the stage. You will be greatly entertained golden voices of Don Hughes, Marelva Salmond, Russell Simmonds, Helena Richardson, Julian Rollocks, Shirley Carti, Barry Sinclair, and many more golden stars.
This is a show that you do not want to miss. Get your tickets at Van Dorp or from Aging wit h Grace Foundation members, Linda Richardson at 554 6979 or Helena Richardson 556 4740 or per email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto is currently in The Netherlands on a working visit. On Monday, he met with Dutch Minister of Home and Kingdom Affairs Hon. Piet Hein Donner.

Representatives of SHTA, Ministry of VROMI/ Department of new Projects Development and Planning, Windward Roads, Control Unit, the Traffic Police and Minister Heyliger's cabinet met yesterday to evaluate the decision, taken last week, to open up the Union road to two-way traffic. During the meeting, each stakeholder was given the opportunity to voice its opinion on the flow of traffic of the present scenario vs. the past in which traffic on Union road was one-way and filtered through the intersection at the Daily Extra.

The sentiment of all, with the exception of the traffic police and control unit, was that although traffic has shifted from Simpson Bay to Cole Bay hill, the flow overall is better than in the previous situation. According to most, time spent in traffic in Simpson Bay was hours (even with the assistance of traffic police) compared to traffic on Cole Bay Hill, which on average is between 30 min to an hour max.

The traffic police and control unit's concerns and willingness to revert to the previous system related to the stressful and dangerous situation their officers are exposed to, having to cover two way traffic as well as 3 intersections (Midas roundabout, Cakehouse-Union road junction and Union road- Orange Grove junction) as opposed to just the one at Daily Extra supermarket.

Maurice Lake, Executive Assistant to Minister Heyliger informed that Minister Duncan had recently approved the use of 10 BAFPOL (police trainees) to assist with traffic control; this is in addition to the 7 officers from the Control unit. With this new information, it was then collectively agreed to continue the present scenario with increased presence of officers throughout the day and especially at peak hours to help facilitate a smooth flow of traffic for the next 6 weeks starting this Friday. The situation will be re-evaluated with stakeholders next Wednesday.

The SHTA is asking the community to respect the instructions of the traffic police and to remain calm and patient on the roads. SHTA is also calling for understanding during this time, because these upgrades, although inconvenient now, are being done for the betterment of this island and the quality of our lives.

Philipsburg:--- Convicted murderer Anthony Spencer who was sentenced to 20 years behind bars managed to escape from the Pointe Blanche Prison early Sunday morning. A press release from the Prison states that Spencer escaped around 5:30am. According to the press release, Spencer was taken out of his cell to be taken to the kitchen where he works. "Spencer saw the opportunity to climb onto the roof of the kitchen, he ran across and jumped onto the roof of the prison command central. He then jumped off the roof and climbed over the fence of the prison and ran away."

According to the release, "watch post two (2)" saw Spencer while running on the roof of the kitchen and sounded alarm, but he still managed to get over the fence and escape before the prison guards could react.

Anthony Spencer was sentenced on October 12, 2011 to 20 years for the murder of Christian Lloyd.

Anthony Spencer is the second prisoner to escape the Pointe Blanche Prison for the year 2011. Earlier this year Chucky Omar Nelson escaped from the prison, he was later recaptured.

Philipsburg:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet on November 2 with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius De Weever.

The meeting will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament on Wednesday at 2:00pm.

The agenda point is the labour situation on the island.

The Minister will respond to questions that were asked by Members of Parliament in the last Central Committee meeting of October 24 which was adjourned.

The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament in a letter dated August 31, 2011 requested this meeting to discuss the aforementioned.

The meeting which is also open to the public will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Cay Hill:--- Several police officers were at the St. Maarten Medical Center and a home on A.T Illidge Road on Saturday afternoon investigating the death of three year old Anjali Singh. The little girl was shot with a flare gun while sleeping in her bed by her seven year old brother.
The father of the children identified as Nandrai "Avinnash" Singh (33) an employee at Bobby's Marina was arrested by police moments after his daughter passed away in the intensive care unit of the St. Maarten Medical Center around 05:30 pm Saturday afternoon. Police also escorted the children's mother Celina Singh and her seven year old son Rahul to the Philipsburg Police station for questioning.
The mother of the two children said the children were in their bed and at some point Rahul went into a drawer and removed the flare gun and was playing with it next to his little sister when the gun went off hitting Anjali in the head. The mother also said she was in the living room when the incident occurred. The incident has clearly left little Rahul shocked. Neighbors said the little boy sat in the same location for about three hours without speaking or saying anything to anyone
The little girl was burnt on her face and head where the flare entered. Neighbors rushed Anjali who was unconscious the moment she got hit by the flare to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment. According to one of the neighbors, they tried calling the ambulance department and 911 but no one answered the phone so the public spirited neighbors decided to rush the child to the hospital.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said the father will most likely be charged with causing a homicide through negligence and the possession of an illegal firearm. Mos said the investigation is in its preliminary stages but the police would have to determine if the father has a license to carry a flare gun. Mos also said the body of the three year old victim was confiscated as they continue their investigations.
Several experts in the marine industry said a flare gun is not a firearm neither is it an illegal weapon. They said even minors can walk into the marine shops at Bobby's Marina or Island Water World and purchase a flare gun.
"Flare guns are used in cases of emergencies and the father in this case is boat fabricator who sometimes works at sea. Yes, we know it's a dangerous item to have in a home but the police needs to know what is in the firearm ordinance before they arrest and charge people."
Attorney at law Shaira Bommel, the lawyer representing Nandrai Singh said the police is making mistake because they think a flare gun is considered to be an Alarm Pistol in the firearms ordinance, but that is not the case. A flare is not a fire arm and it is not in the fire arm ordinance.

Simpson Bay:--- On Friday September 30th, Ms. Judith Vogelpoel was sworn in as an attorney by the High Court.

Attorney Vogelpoel is an experienced attorney from the Netherlands and specializes in Civil Law in particular Labour and Rental cases.
Attorney Vogelpoel has worked as an attorney in the past on St. Maarten and is well acquainted with the island and the local legal system.

Attorney Judith Vogelpoel will join Attorneys Bart Garnaat and Remco Stomp at Stomp Lawyers office in Simpson Bay.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Joint controls by multiple government agencies are planned for the last quarter of 2011.

The objectives of the controls are to guarantee quality service to residents and visitors on the island by making sure that establishments are adhering to the rules and regulations that govern their operations.

The Agencies involved in carrying out the inspections are the Control and Inspection Departments of Economic Affairs, Public Health and Labour and the Fire Department.

Controls will take place unexpected on a regular basis.

Establishments are required to have all documentation such as a business license, operational license, labour registration, personnel list, work schedules, overtime, wages, insurance and employment permits all in order and available for display when requested.

The conditions of the aforementioned establishments with respect to fire and food safety will also be checked.

Establishments must meet codes and maintain safety codes where it concerns the amount and state of fire extinguishers (serviced annually), fire emergency exits, exit signs, emergency lights, gas bottles and installation, and the building structure and electrical wiring.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The High Councils of State (HCOS) are planning a symposium for October 14 at the Westin Dawn Beach Hotel & Casino.

The symposium will be held under the theme "Checks and Balances in a Democracy and the Role of High Councils of State."

There will be a number of speakers who will address the invitees that will comprise of Members of Parliament, Ministers, Secretary Generals, Department Heads, and Section Heads and other stakeholders in the community, as well as invitees from abroad.

The objective of the symposium according to the Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin, speaking on behalf of the organizers, is to inform the community at large about the importance of checks and balances in a democratic society, and the role of HCOS in our young country.

The organizers have invited a large contingent of the community, as well as counterparts in Curacao, and Aruba, officials from Saba and St. Eustatius and the Northern side of the island.

Approximately 150 persons have been invited and invitees according to Dr. Arduin are encouraged to make use of a unique opportunity to be informed by a well prepared panel of speakers regarding the theme.

The HCOS recognized in the Constitution of Sint Maarten are, the Office of the Ombudsman, the General Audit Chamber and the Advisory Council.

This photo of a Semipalmated Sandpiper was taken at Saline's d'Orient by Mark Yokoyama during Environmental Protection in the Caribbean's (EPIC) free Bird Walk held this past Saturday. During migration, taking place now, this sandpiper is one of the most commonly seen in the region. Rarer birds were observed as well, bringing the total number of species to 34. Some species are travelling through on their way south from as far away as the Arctic Circle where they breed. Others will stay for the winter. All depend on good habitat for resting and refuelling before continuing the arduous journey of migration as well as building up energy reserves needed for successful nesting. For a full list of species seen and to report your own sightings, visit http://sintmaarten.observado.org/index.php. The next walk will take place on December 10. Join EPIC on Facebook to stay up to date on events www.facebook.com/epicislands.

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Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Talks until now between NPNA and PSS have for numerous reasons not resulted in an agreement between parties for the takeover of the postal services by PSS.

This matter practically came to a head as NPNA publicly announced cessation off all activities carried out by the post office to date.

This has take place without an agreement with PSS pertaining to the operation and without an agreement with their personnel on Sint Maarten regarding their future.

"A last minute effort on my side and involving the chairman of the board of NPNA resulted in the management of NPNA and my representative going back to the table Thursday afternoon.

"On Wednesday evening I called for a meeting of the employees of NPNA to apprise them of the status of affairs. I did this as Prime Minister of the country and responsible for the delivery of service to the people of Sint Maarten.

"However, the workers of NPNA came to the building this morning and I granted them an audience, bringing them up to speed with what was taking place. The meeting therefore at six Thursday evening did not take place.

"Naturally these workers are quite perturbed about the state of affairs and from what I was told, staged a sit-out at the Post Office for the balance of the day today, Thursday.

"I promised the workers to make a statement following the meeting with Management of NPNA and thus I would like them know that parties are meeting and an agreement as to how to proceed as of October 10th seems imminent. Of course not all hurdles are cleared yet, but that was not expected in this first meeting.

"With respect to what is expected of the workers tomorrow Friday, their employer (NPNA) will communicate this to them, directly or through their union," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams stated on Thursday evening.

Great Bay:--- The Petition to Protect the Great Salt Pond has topped over 1,000 signatures, said author/poet Lasana M. Sekou.
"The idea of keeping the petition open is for more people, from both parts of our island, to have an opportunity to sign it," said Sekou following a radio interview last Sunday on "Now You Know" with Valerie van Putten.
Sekou did not give a date for closing the petition but said that anyone wishing to can sign it at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the St. Maarten Museum.
The petition is intended for submission to the territory's Parliament – calling on government to "immediately put in place zoning legislation to conserve the Great Salt Pond" and "Stop Landfill Expansion, Dumping, and Pollution in the Great Salt Pond."
"By keeping the petition open, we also generate a bit more awareness about the importance and stressed-out state of the great pond," said Sekou on behalf of the petition organizer, House of Nehesi Publishers Foundation (HNP).
"Signing the petition is a concrete way to make an individual stand or act, to show love, support, and pride in the historic body of water," said Sekou. In his writings the Great Salt Pond has been called the "Cradle of the St. Martin nation."
As HNP's projects director, Sekou made more generalized comments in the interview about historical and cultural connections between the St. Martin people, "property value," nature, and the great pond, but he noted that the petition is very specific in its "key objectives."
The "key objectives" were outlined at the petition launch in February 2011, as: Oppose the expansion of the Great Salt Pond landfill; Assure the protection of people, wildlife, and the wetlands; Redirect and enhance the Territory's government's approach; Include solid waste management for government agencies as a fundamental element of urban and Territorial planning; and Preserve and protect the Great Salt Pond.
On the Sunday radio show Sekou also asked listeners to support environmentalists islandwide. He cited work by conservationists such as Rueben Thompson, Love the Lagoon project,and schools that involve students in caring for and knowledge of the island's natural health and scenic beauty.
Explaining the pond petition as a natural outgrowth of HNP's work, Sekou said that the publisher's activities and books such as National Symbols and the poetry collection of Borromeo Hodge have championed nature for nearly 30 years "from historical and cultural" perspectives.
As to more places to sign the petition to protect the pond, Van Putten pointed out that the Petition's online version had been closed.
Sekou confirmed that the online version had reached the expiration date of Care2.com  and said that the petition can still be signed on-island at the library and the museum. "Schools and teachers that wish to have a copy of the petition to explain it to students, and to possibly have them sign it as a social studies project, can contact House of Nehesi
(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)," said Sekou.

Philipsburg:--- While the workers of Nieuw Post Netherlands Antilles (NPNA) are left out in the cold with the official shut down of St. Maarten operations for the lack of an agreement with the Government of St. Maarten and Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS). SMN News managed to secure the chamber registration of a company that was registered by the chairman of NPNA board Franklin Alexander Sluis and Elise Marie Romer who will be operating the non postal services here on St. Maarten. The operations were scheduled to begin since Monday at two locations.
It should be noted that Marie Elise Marie Romer is the current Marketing and Sales Manager of NPNA St. Maarten. She was among the workers who protested on Thursday in front of the Government Administration Building with the other workers who are very much concerned about their job security since NPNA shut down their operations on St. Maarten. However, Romer was nowhere to be seen on Tuesday when the plight of the Post Office was discussed in Parliament. The public tribune of parliament was filled to capacity with the other workers of NPNA as well as with their union representatives from St. Maarten Communications Union (SMCU).
According to the business registration of Sluis and Romer, "New Advanced International Mailhouse Services NV" was going to conduct its operations at 34 Airport Road Simpson Bay, but recently Sluis rented a building on Cannegieter Street, St. Maarten where they also intend to operate as Soualiga Service Point. (SSP). New Advanced International Mailhouse Services NV was registered in 2003 but was amended in 2009 to conduct broad based postal and financial operations.
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten and the shareholder representative of NPNA Sarah Wescot-Williams said last week that the SMCU signed an agreement with the NPNA where the union committed PSS in the agreement. However, Ludson Evers of SMCU admitted they signed a protocol with NPNA but he said they did not bind PSS in the signed agreement. According to reliable sources, the SMCU allegedly sold out its members to NPNA because the union representatives are not demanding that NPNA pay out the workers as requested by PSS before the workers could be transferred to PSS. The workers' rights were one of government's sticking points on Sunday when they were negotiating a new service level agreement with NPNA.
On Tuesday, SMN News asked SMCU representative Ludson Evers why NPNA refused to pay out the workers for their years of services with NPNA and Evers said if NPNA is to pay out the workers then St. Maarten would have to forfeit its 25% shares in the company. Evers seems to be fighting the battles of the workers with the government of St. Maarten instead of holding NPNA responsible for their workers since SMCU and NPNA has a signed collective labor agreement. What is not clear to the people of St. Maarten and to SMN News is why the workers whose concerns are legitimate have decided to down tools when they are being paid by NPNA their official employers and most importantly why did NPNA not take action against the union and its members.
On Tuesday, the National Alliance Faction called for a public debate on the ongoing discussions between NPNA and PSS and the current state of affairs of the workers who are currently work for NPNA. During the debate several Members of Parliament requested information concerning the status of PSS and if it was fully registered and recognized by the United Postal Union. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams in her response said PSS was established in October 2010 and that the government of St. Maarten granted the concession for postal services to PSS in November 2010. Wescot Williams also informed Parliament that PSS has also been recognized by the UPU and just recently they received their postal codes from the UPU. She also said that NPNA has informed the UPU that they are no longer responsible for the postal services on St. Maarten.
The Prime Minister further explained that the workers who attended the parliamentary sessions were in the employ of NPNA and they are entitled to all their benefits as stipulated in the Collective Labor Agreement(CLA) signed by NPNA and SMCU. The Prime Minister also said that based on her understanding the workers "down their tools on Thursday and Friday" but on Monday the building that housed the Post Office was officially shut down by the NPNA since their operational agreement for the period of one year ended on October 9th 2011. Wescot-Williams also explained that while NPNA said they were operating at a loss on St. Maarten, they are bent on keeping the non postal services for themselves even though they are not in possession of a license or concession to conduct business on St. Maarten. Some Members of Parliament wanted to know if the government of St. Maarten granted a business license to Soualiga Service Point (SSP) to operate on St. Maarten while the Post Office is now closed. Wescot-Williams in her response said no licenses were granted to SSP but she also made clear that SSP and NPNA is one. SSP is the (DBA) of NPNA.
According to the 2010 financial actual provided to St. Maarten by NPNA in a shareholders meeting, NPNA claimed they suffered a 1.4 million guilders loss in 2010 while for the first half of 2011 they indicated that they are -672,619.00 guilders in deficit, all of which Wescot Williams said included third party agreements. The Prime Minister made clear that she did not know if the figures were posted correctly because the only document she received was the actual (profit and loss) and not the balance sheet.
The Prime Minister also clarified that PSS does not have any agreement to payout pensions. She said NPNA is the one who signed a contract with SVB now SZB to make pension payment and even though NPNA has several contracts with other businesses they chose to cease all negotiations with the government of St. Maarten and PSS to continue services here on St. Maarten.
The Prime Minister said they were working on a service level agreement (SLA) over the weekend but she could not have signed the agreement when she realized that NPNA wanted government (parties) to acknowledge that NPNA will provide non concessional services on St. Maarten. She said she wanted to know what that article has to do with guaranteeing the workers position and the transitional transfer to St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said government could not sign a document which would not bind the workers current employers to the workers' rights and benefits.
She said PSS was willing to take over the workers if NPNA honors the CLA that governs the workers prior to the termination of the workers. She said that government felt that NPNA is obliged to pay the workers their benefits prior to terminating them. She said NPNA should have known they were operating a losing company.


Click here to view to the Chamber Registration of New Advanced International Mailhouse Services NV.

The Real Estate Association of St. Maarten (RAM) and SHTA have confirmed a partnership agreement which will allow for a supportive working relationship on areas of common interest. Both entities will remain completely independent bodies, but the boards of both associations have agreed to work closely together and meet on a regular basis.

The suggestion for both associations to work closely together occurred when Marc Van Der Bilt board member of SHTA and Project Director of Indigo Bay became a member of the Real Estate Association of St. Maarten (RAM). A relatively new association RAM has a membership base of approximately 20 local real estate companies with a goal of reaching 50 members by the end of the year.

"Earlier this year when we were in brainstorming sessions for creating RAM, we made several references to SHTA as an example of how much a well run association can accomplish within the community. To be working closely with them, I believe we will save a few years worth of hurdles in terms of gaining recognition and credibility. They will help us get a better understanding of the overall economy, and we will be able to share valuable information with the SHTA about the local real estate industry, which is one of the most important pillars of our economy. From a tourism perspective its important to note that a foreigner who owns a vacation home here contributes far more to our GDP then any hotel guest or cruise passenger, its important we value this industry and make sure the agents they come in contact with operate ethically and professionaly. Working closely with SHTA I think we will be able to accomplish a lot and their guidance will be helpful for us to grow as an association. We still have a lot to do, but I believe this is a big step forward," said Arun Jagtiani, Chairman of RAM.

Coming soon, the St. Martin grassroots nation building movement, through its soon to be launched, new Virtual St. Martin Nation platform, will be offering very interesting challenges to persons interested in providing alternative forms of journalism, making use of the latest internet technologies.
Especially, young, outspoken and dynamic persons, who want to able able to develop skills such as camera-work, field-work, or hosting their own programs using live-streaming possibilities etc, are welcome.
Our platform will offer many spin-off possibilities for developing an own career, as well as possibilities for various forms of networking and partnerships in this field with unlimited possibilities.
This offer is made to any persons, or any groups, that want to contribute in their own specific way, to the discussions and means to promote the St. Martin nation building- and unification process, through preservation of the St. Martin heritage as well as the harmonious inclusion of all others with an added value.
This is the opportunity for many to get involved and to help shape your own country, by becoming a real factor - this is your chance.
Remember, if you miss this opportunity, then you can not blame others for determining your future for you.
It is time for those who think they know, to step up to the plate and to be really counted.
Persons interested in accepting this challenge and who would like to start their own talk-shows, or other programs can contact Mr. Leopold JAMES: Tel: 5443512/0590272401/ 5204325/5875207 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Member of Parliament George Pantophlet wondered how he missed it the first time. But when listening to the Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and having to weed through the overuse of words he understood why. In the presentation by the Prime Minister on the serious problem surrounding the future of the employees of the post office and their families the words futile exercise stood out. The Prime Minister said and let me paraphrase that the information I requested regarding all correspondence involving matters pertaining to New Post Netherlands Antilles, Post Services Sint Maarten, Sint Maarten Communication Union and the government is a futile exercise? Is the Prime Minister saying that a process which according to her that started some 10 to 11 months ago which involves the future of the employees of the Post office of Sint Maarten that providing Parliament (her boss) with this information is a futile exercise? Is the Prime Minister saying that services which these employees provide under the present New Post Netherlands Antilles for which has granted licenses to operate that will infringe upon or make the jobs of some if not most of these employees extinct a futile exercise? Wasn't the Prime Minister on the representative on the board of New Post Netherlands Antilles? Was her presence there a futile exercise? The Member of Parliament is asking why is it taking so long for government to provide the requested documentation and let him decide whether it was a futile exercise or not. The information was requested on Friday October 7. By the time this article appears in the daily newspapers, five working days would have already elapsed and no documentation has yet been provided to members or at least the faction of the National Alliance. And this although the Prime Minister said and he quotes: "By the time we finish the discussions this afternoon all information can be made available to the members of Parliament" end of quote. It is indeed proving to be a futile exercise.

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Philipsburg:--- Police arrested the daughter of Angele Priest as they continue their human smuggling investigation against the well known businessman. Police arrested Minuska Priest Doran on Friday as an accomplice to the crimes her father Angele Priest was charged for. Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed the arrest of the latest suspect.
Minuska Priest Doran is the wife of Officer Raeshall Doran. Sources close to the investigation said the officer in question accosted an exotic dancer who escaped from Border Bar. According to well placed sources Officer Doran saw the dancer on Front Street and he accosted her. The dancer later filed a complaint against the elder Priest who owns and operates Border Bar. Sources said the dancer accused Priest of forceful and unprotected sex. Several police, detectives, a prosecutor and a judge of instruction raided Border Bar during the early morning of August 31st where they seized monies and documents while arresting Angele Priest who remains in pre-trial detention. In a press release issued on August 31st 2011, Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said the raid took place because of information that reached their office. Mos said that there were indications that human trafficking (vrouwenhandel) was taking place at the erotic animation club. Mos said vrouwenhandel is a serious crime under article 260 of the penal code which has a maximum prison sentence of five years.
In 2008, Police arrested the owner of Players Club for the same crimes. He was later convicted.

Philipsburg:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) Student Government Association (SGA), in collaboration with the Positive Foundation, recently held an information session on breast cancer awareness and the importance for doing clinical breast examinations.
This event held on October 11, 2011 was conducted by Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso and her sister Dilys Alphonso.
The Positive Foundation also gave the students in attendance information booklets, pamphlets, brochures and calendars for their personal use, but all contained useful information about breast cancer.
"With your help, we can unite as a community, and make a difference in this important fight against breast cancer," SGA President Zamada Solomon said.
The Student Government Association is a student-run organization that focuses on getting students and teachers involved in activities on the campus.
The SGA plans and promotes activities including informative speeches, fundraisers, and other key events.
The Student Government Association is an outlet for student voice, involvement, leadership, and service. We encourage all students to take part in this hands-on and worthwhile activity, Solomon said.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Union Road as of Friday, October 21 at midday will become a two-way road for traffic starting from the junction at Harley Davidson/SOL-Tackling Gas Station, according to Head of the Department of New Projects Development & Planning Kurt Ruan.

A number of stakeholders that included Traffic Police, Control Unit, and General Contractor Windward Roads, met at the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) on Wednesday to review the current traffic situation and to come up with a plan for traffic alleviation.

The so-called Cake House Road will remain a one-way road for traffic heading in the direction of Cole Bay from Cay Hill. At the junction with Union Road, it will be prohibited to make a left turn onto the Union Road. There will be clearly marked traffic signs that motorists must observe and follow.

The Orange Grove Road will also remain as a one-way road.

The Government Traffic Control Unit will be present during peak hours to assist with the flow of traffic.

Cashew Tree Drive (side road next to St. Martin Cars) will be closed off for a period of three weeks starting Monday, October 24. This will enable the contractor to carry out the necessary upgrading works on the Welfare Road.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, acknowledged on Monday, October 24 the international observance of World Development Information Day.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1972 instituted World Development Information Day to draw attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide in principle with UN Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second UN Development Decade.

The Assembly felt that improving the dissemination of information and the mobilization of public opinion, particularly among young people, would lead to greater awareness of the problems of development, thus, promoting efforts in the sphere of international cooperation for development.

Meyers says that the world today significantly differs to 40-years ago when World Development Information Day was established. The flow of information was much more restricted then, while today society lives in the era of the internet and other modern sophisticated modes of telecommunication.

"The need for development information remains extremely important. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is an area that is at the top of the development agenda of country Sint Maarten.

"With 2015 approaching, Government is diligently working to make sure that Sint Maarten will achieve many of the goals set out in the Millennium Declaration," Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Franklin Meyers said on Monday.

Minister Meyers added that each member of the Council of Ministers have a role to play in country Sint Maarten achieving those goals as set out by nations around the world under the coordination of the United Nations system.

The first phase of EPIC's twice yearly Environmental Education program which started in September is now in its final weeks. Free Environmental Education classes have been provided to clubs, community groups and hundreds of pupils and students of St. Maarten's Primary and Secondary Schools. EPIC encourages teachers who still wish to schedule presentations to email the foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible. Participants may choose from presentations on ocean pollution, the environmental challenges St. Maarten faces or on the wildlife and ecology of St. Maarten's wetlands. Classroom presentations may be complemented by field trips to nearby wetlands or to conduct marine debris clean-ups. This school year's second phase of EPIC's Environmental Education presentations and excursions will commence in February 2012.

Philipsburg:--- The new alternator replaces the one that caught fire last March, leaving GEBE with 10MW less power production capabilities, resulting in occasional capacity shortages. Transportation of this oversized piece of heavy equipment was done by Shajel NV and was a major challenge considering the ongoing road works in Colebay. The replacement alternator is currently being installed and should be operational in the next three weeks. The job (including further coupling, installation and commissioning of the unit) is being performed by Wärtsilä technicians who have been flown in for the assignment.
With the 11.3MW engine once again online, GEBE will be able to perform scheduled maintenance on other units and be in a better position to meet peak demand during the upcoming high season.

Member of Parliament George Pantophlet wants to know what is holding up the process for completing the legal position of claims by former Central Government Civil Servants on the former Netherlands Antilles. A letter dated September 16, 2011 was sent to civil servants of the former Netherlands Antilles stating that it was agreed in the Sociaal Statuut (Social Statute) that all legal cases will be handled prior to October 10, 2010 and that no claims on rectification of the legal position of former central government civil servants will be accepted by St. Maarten. This process was not completed and because of this, it has to be finalized by the new government of country St. Maarten. The former Central Government civil servants were asked to submit their claims on the former Netherlands Antilles prior to October 10, 2010. Those who have not done so as yet have been given until December 1, 2011 to do so. The claims have in the mean time been turned over to the Personnel Department of St. Maarten by the Curacao government. The Member of Parliament said that he will be sending a letter to Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams as Personnel Department falls under her responsibility. He is seeking information as to how many persons have submitted claims against the former Netherlands Antilles for which St. Maarten apparently is now responsible and when will this matter be resolved. In addition to that, he would like to know the financial cost involved and where will the monies come from seeing the Budget constraints. He also plans to send a letter to the Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto requesting information on the 60 million guilders that was placed on the central bank account to pay off former creditors of the Netherlands Antilles. He read where the Minister is in the Netherlands seeking clarity on the 40 million guilders. But is not sure whether it has anything to do with the 78 million that the Netherlands has withheld because the bills of the creditors of St. Maarten were not presented on time. It took 25 years for the settlement committee (vereffenings commissie) to complete the process for Aruba and he is concerned that this process is heading in the same direction. In the second annual report 2011 it was reported that by 2014 the settlement committee should finalize matters and if not the life of the committee can be extended every time by a year. A letter will also be sent to the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan requesting information on the legal positions of the members of the Police Force seeing that they represent the largest amount of persons affected. The member is seriously concerned about the finances that are to be shared among the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. He heard that they are being depleted and St. Maarten is not receiving her share. The longer it takes the more St. Maarten stands to lose.

Philipsburg:--- Sint Maarten's President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell who was one of the guest speakers at the 25th Jubilee Anniversary of Aruba's House of Parliament, in her speech last week called for a closer functional cooperation between Aruba and Sint Maarten.

Arrindell in her speech told the gathering: "My friends, 25 years is but a brief moment in the life of a country and building Aruba is still a great work in progress. But, as you celebrate your silver Jubilee, as the great architects of the Aruba Miracle, you can hold your heads high, and with pride, bask in your accomplishments. Congratulations!

"As we in Sint Maarten embark on our own journey with full responsibility for our own nation-building, we hope to make full use of your archives and of your experiences. For there is much we can learn from you. There is much we can learn from each other. There is also much that we can, and must do together. We need to rekindle and reenergise our friendship. In partnership, we must explore and exploit to the fullest all possible areas of functional cooperation to the mutual benefit of our people."

The theme of the congress was: "The State without a Parliament, a desirous situation?"

Arrindell in her speech also called for the possible re-engineering of Sint Maarten's government organs: "The underlying theme; the separation of powers and the role of the Peoples representative therein.

"Important to any discussion of this theme must be consideration of how best can our relatively small societies achieve functional systems in the area of checks and balances without an overkill of regulations and institutions that stifle genuine policy making and how best do we establish legal frameworks that are financially affordable and sustainable, while allowing for our peoples' active participation and involvement in governance.

"While I do not pretend to be well-informed about what happens here in Aruba, I can assure you that in our case in Sint Maarten, we have several institutions and structures in place to facilitate the necessary checks and balances and we are beginning to realise that some of these institutions might even require some re-engineering.

"All of these entities are guided by their respective assessment regulations which serve as the light against which the actions of the political establishment are held. But against this background, one serious question arises: If there is not a balanced approach to the exercise of the power and the authority of these restraining entities, who will want to be a Member of Parliament in the next decade, especially if we add the effects of the social networks to the existing equation?

"Who will want to be a Member of Parliament in the next decade when taking into account that the social networks will continue to transform the way countries are governed with every word and every action being scrutinised and immediately transmitted to the rest of the world - sometimes defying familiar set of rules and regulations?"

The jubilee celebration took place last week Tuesday at the Westin hotel Aruba, Grand Ballroom and the keynote speaker was Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament President Gerdi Verbeet.

"At the jubilee celebration I expressed warm greetings and congratulations from the people of Sint Maarten. Aruba has been a pioneer within the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and they have done a great job these last 25-years," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- A public plenary session of parliament will take place on Monday, October 03 at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

This meeting is the continuation of the plenary session that was held on Monday, September 26. Seven additional agenda points have been added for the October 3 parliamentary session.

During the September 26 plenary session, the House of Parliament dealt with three out of the eight agenda points with the first one related to incoming documents followed by amendments to the Civil Code having to deal with paternity; and the raising of children.

The other five agenda points are related to inheritance; purchasing of non removable property and assets; consumer protection; sole proprietorship; bankruptcy and claims.

The seven additional agenda points that have been added to the October 3 session are: National Ordinance Trust Companies; Establishment of a Central Registration System for Child Abuse; National Ordinance Rent; National Ordinance Insurance and Annuity; National Ordinance Married in the Community of Goods; Changes to National Ordinance Book 2 Civil Code; and National Ordinance New Criminal Code.

This meeting is open to the public and will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

The Central Committee of Parliament will also be meeting on Monday morning at 10:00am with the Hon. Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Cornelius de Weever to provide information about Doctor's Cards, Social Aid and Labour. The meeting will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament at 10:00am.

The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament in a letter dated August 31, 2011 requested this meeting to discuss the aforementioned.

This meeting which is also open to the public will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Philipsburg (COM):--- Teachers are making enormous contribution to learning. Education has changed greatly over the past four decades.

Educational systems around the world have had to upgrade in order to respond to the new socio-economic challenges of a rapidly globalizing world. Access to education has improved, but some educational systems are still struggling throughout the world.

On World Teachers Day, October 5, Vice Prime Minister Hon. Theo Heyliger, would like to congratulate the nation's teachers on this special day.

"We are committed to realizing quality education for all learners. This is an integral part of Governments efforts and the efforts of the Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Rhoda Arrindell to help ensure a better life for all.

"Teachers are the heart of our country's educational system. It is essential that teachers receive the support of all including parents. Achieving excellence in teaching and learning cannot only be left up to teachers alone.

"It is the responsibility of Government, school boards and management, as well as parents to help advance present and future generations. Children and adult learners deserve nothing less in our country.

"I express my sincere appreciation to the teachers of the nation, for your dedication and commitment to delivering a quality education to all our students.

"Teaching is a demanding profession and on this World Teachers Day, we acknowledge the critical role that teachers play and thank them for the invaluable contribution they make to shaping and helping to secure the future of society," Vice Prime Minister Hon. Theo Heyliger said on Tuesday in his World Teachers Day Message.

World Teacher's Day was inaugurated on 5th October 1994 by the United Nations (UN) Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to commemorate the 1966 joint signing of the UNESCO/International Labour Organization (ILO) Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

In adopting this recommendation, governments unanimously recognized the importance of competent, qualified and motivated teachers in society.

Antigua and Barbuda continued their impressive run Wednesday in the 2011 NAGICO/Leeward Islands One Day Cricket Tournament with a 104 run win over Nevis at the Elquemedo Willet Park in Nevis. Winning the toss and batting first, Antigua and Barbuda racked up 238 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Austin Richards Jr. scored 66, Gavin Williams 57 and Kerry Mentore 20. Bowling for Nevis Jason Campbell grabbed an impressive 5 wickets for 44 runs and Nelson Bolan 2 for 44.

In reply Nevis were scuttled out for 134 in 38 overs. Javia Liburd scored 24 runs, Tonito Willet and 21 and Jason Campbell 20. Bowling for Antigua and Barbuda, Hayden Walsh Jr. picked up 2 for 23, Larry Joseph 2 for 28 and Gavin Tonge 2 for 34. This match was the last for Antigua and Barbuda and they are comfortably into the semi-finals to face Anguilla on Saturday at the Warner Park in St. Kitts. Nevis, despite this loss is assured the second place spot from Zone A and will face sister island St. Kitts on Friday in the first semi-finals also at the Warner Park. Nevis will play their last preliminary match on Thursday against the British Virgin Islands (BVI) that is only playing for pride at this point. That match will be played in Nevis. The finals will be at the Warner Park on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- A father and son is expected to face the judge of instruction on Friday for stabbing of at least two of four youths confirmed Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos.
On Tuesday evening, a fight among some young men and the father and son landed some five people in the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment. Four of the five men received stab wounds, while the fifth suspect received wounds from a rock.
SMN News learnt that one of the youths is a patient at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. Two of the five youths that were stabbed on Tuesday are avid sports men whose careers are now in jeopardy.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) is calling on the Sint Maarten community to support and get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness activities for the month of October.

The health survey of 1999: "How Healthy is St. Maarten", revealed that for self-examination of the breast, a preventive action against Breast Cancer, 89% knew about the test and 57% did the test, while only 27% had done the test with the recommended frequency of once a month.

Regular breast self-exams can help women learn how their breast normally feels and make it easier for the women to notice and find any changes in their breasts. Remember doing a breast self-exam regularly is not a substitute for regular mammograms and consultations with your general practitioner.

CPS is encouraging women to make breast cancer screening a regular part of their life.

Breast Cancer is linked to the uncontrollable division or growing of cells. Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. Sometimes, cells in a part of the body grow and divide out of control, which creates a mass of tissue called a tumor. If cells that are growing out of control are normal cells, the tumor is called benign (not cancerous) If however the cells that are growing out of control are abnormal and don't function like the body's normal cells, the tumor is called malignant (cancerous).

Cancers are named after the part of body from which they originate. Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple.

Like other cancers breast cancer can invade and grow into the tissue surrounding the breast. It can also travel to other parts of the body and form new tumors, a process called metastasis.

At present there is no known cause on what causes breast cancer; however there are certain risks factors, which may put individuals at higher, risk of developing breast cancer, e.g. person's age, genetic factors, personal health history and diet.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 35-54. Breast cancer can also be diagnosed in the male gender even though very rare.

It is necessary for each female to make room in her schedule for regular self breast examination, medical consultation and routine mammograms! Check the tatas regularly!

Philipsburg:--- The police have arrested two women from Middle Region for stabbing another woman confirmed Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte. De Witte who is currently off island said the incident occurred around 06:00 pm.
No details on the motive of the attack neither the condition of the victim have been released.
SMN News will bring you more information on this latest stabbing on Friday.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Representatives of the Dutch Red Cross Immanuel Nijssen responsible for Strategy & Policy and Johanna van Sambeek, Director of Strategy & Policy, on Thursday met with Sint Maarten's Minister of Plenipotentiary Mathias Voges. A number of issues were discussed including the upcoming December conference of all Red Cross chapters in the Kingdom including Sint Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- The faction leaders who attended the special meeting of Parliament on Monday to celebrate constitution day had mixed messages for those that attended the ceremony. Attending the special meeting were the Governor of St. Maarten Drs. Eugene Holiday, Acting Governor Reynold Groneveldt, Ombudsman Nilda Arduin Lynch, the Dutch representatives, members of the Council of Ministers, and Members of the Councils of State.
Independent Member of Parliament Frans Richardson said this first year anniversary should be used as a moment of reflection for them to analyze their achievements and or shortcomings. Richardson said often times the shortcomings on St. Maarten were blamed on not having the tools to accomplish the job that they set out to do when the island was part of the Antilles. Richardson further explained that the past year is not all it should have been since there are many people in the community that either feel they are left out or were abandoned by government. Many people Richardson said has openly said that there has been no difference in their livelihood today compared to a year ago. Richardson said politicians should now ask themselves how they are going to move forward while involving the people. He said the letters to the editors and comments on the blogs has led him to believe that the people feel alienated from the concept of being a country. He said government cannot think about sustainable development without thinking about the environment while more emphasis must be placed on the indigenous St. Maarteners.
He said on this first year anniversary, St. Maarten is faced with many social ills within society. Richardson quoted articles 44 and 67 of the country's constitution as he made his point on the negligence of the people.
Leader of the National Alliance and Member of Parliament William Marlin chided parliament for not following the rules of order and good governance. Marlin said St. Maarten is celebrating its first year as a country and to date there is no minutes of the meetings that were held this past year. He further explained that when requests for meetings are submitted the rules or order is not respected. Marlin also called on Government to make sure that 10/10 is declared a national holiday so that the people who voted for a change of status can celebrate. Marlin said the constitutional change did not come overnight and the process itself was not easy. The National Alliance leader said politicians promised the people that they would be better off with the constitutional change and these people he said were looking for that change in their personal lives and that did not come. He said while many people would say they are not better off, he felt that those sentiments should not discourage them from moving forward. Marlin said that the pensioners cannot celebrate because of their benefits that were cut. As for the postal workers who are now protesting, he said that would not have happened if government had their priorities right. Marlin said he believes that the matter at hand regarding the postal workers will be resolved. He also chided government for removing the names of handicapped persons from the social aid lists because this is not what they expected to happen when St. Maarten achieved it status.
Members of the Democratic Party faction in Parliament were notably absent as well as Independent Member Patrick Illidge.
However, Minister Franklin Meyers in his address said that every politician said the road ahead was not going to be easy and today they are reaping the success of that. Meyers said there is no success without struggle while there is no fame without sacrifices. The Economic Affairs Minister said that it took St. Maarten ten years before she could have achieved country status and if people think that those in government could fix all the problems they have in one year then they are not serious about governing their country. He called on his critics to put their hands on the deck since they all said prior to achieving country status that all hands needed to be on deck for the development of their new country. Meyers said while each and every person is different in some way or another its time they put their differences aside and look at their similarities and what they have in common which is the people of St. Maarten. "My message to you today is everybody has to place their hands on the deck if we are to make St. Maarten the place we want it to be since failure is not an option. Only together we can succeed."
Also addressing the nation were Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Minister of Education and Culture Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, faction leader of the United Peoples Party Roman La Ville, Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto and the Chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell.

Click here to view photos of Constitution Day celebration.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday morning President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell, will welcome Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament Chairlady Gerdi Verbeet and seven faction leaders represented in the aforementioned Parliament in The Hague.

The Dutch parliamentary faction leader's delegation is on an official working visit to Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and Caribbean Netherlands (the islands of Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire).

The delegation will be met at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) by the President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell, Acting Chairlady of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Dr. Ruth Douglass, the Secretary General of Parliament J.D. (Jossy) Semeleer, and Dutch Representative in Philipsburg G. Van der Wulp.

The Dutch faction leaders are: A. Slob (CU), Stephanus A. Blok (VVD), Job Cohen (PvdA), J. Sap (GL), A. Pechthold (D66), S. van Haersma Buma (CDA), and C. van der Staaij (SGP).

On Friday afternoon the faction leaders will meet with His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday, followed by the Parliament of Sint Maarten where all MPs have been invited to attend a meeting for 3.00pm. After the meeting the Dutch faction leaders will meet with the Council of Ministers.

On Saturday the delegation leaves for Saba and St. Eustatius and returns to Sint Maarten on Monday. Upon returning from St. Eustatius, the Dutch faction leaders will visit the I Can Foundation and the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility.

Members of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations are Chairman MP Hon. Roy Marlin, MP Hon. William Marlin and MP Hon. Patrick Illidge. MP Illidge is currently off island and MP Hon. Roy Marlin who is also off island will join the delegation later in the day upon his return.

Accompanying the Dutch delegation are Secretary General Jacqueline Vermeijden e/v Biesheuvel, Head of Information J.J. Jochemsen and Second Chamber Secretariat Staff Member Antoinette Meere as well as eight journalists from the media in Holland.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday morning President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell, gave a warm welcome to Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament Chairlady Gerdi Verbeet and seven faction leaders represented in the aforementioned Parliament in The Hague.

The Dutch parliamentary faction leader's delegation is on an official working visit to Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and Caribbean Netherlands (the islands of Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire).

"It is important for the faction leaders to visit and get a personal feel for what is happening in our surroundings. This should be seen as a continuation of reaching out to each other as Members of Parliament in dealing with the issues of importance to the people of Sint Maarten and have understanding for the issues as we build this new nation," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.

The delegation were met at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) by the President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell, Acting Chairlady of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Dr. Ruth Douglass, the Secretary General of Parliament J.D. (Jossy) Semeleer, and Dutch Representative based in Curacao G. Van der Wulp.

The Dutch faction leaders are: A. Slob (CU), Stephanus A. Blok (VVD), Job Cohen (PvdA), J. Sap (GL), A. Pechthold (D66), S. van Haersma Buma (CDA), and C. van der Staaij (SGP).

On Friday afternoon the faction leaders met with His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday, followed by the Parliament of Sint Maarten

On Saturday the delegation leaves for Saba and St. Eustatius and returns to Sint Maarten on Monday. Upon returning from St. Eustatius, the Dutch faction leaders will visit the I Can Foundation and the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility and meet with the Council of Ministers.

Members of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations are Chairman MP Hon. Roy Marlin, MP Hon. William Marlin and MP Hon. Patrick Illidge.

Accompanying the Dutch delegation are Secretary General Jacqueline Vermeijden e/v Biesheuvel, Head of Information J.J. Jochemsen and Second Chamber Secretariat Staff Member Antoinette Meere as well as eight journalists from Holland.

Philipsburg:--- On Thursday October 13th at 2:00 pm, three members of the United Peoples Party (UPP) who are also members of Parliament namely Johan "Janchi" Leonard, Sylvia Meyers, and Romain Laville attended a meeting with the Police Management team headed by Chief Commissioner Peter de Witte along with Acting Chief Carl John, Public Relations and Communications Officer Inspector Ricardo Henson, Head of Human Resources Mrs. Lourdes Lake and Henk van Straten (advisor).

During this meeting a PowerPoint presentation was given concerning several topics and some of these topics were: The plans of the new police structure, the placement plan, the budget, mobility plan, capacity (manpower), promotions and recruitment. The drafting and implementation of new laws and the amendment of existing laws were also a part of this discussion.

The parliamentarians gave the management team the assurance that they will do everything in their power to make sure that the police receives all the necessary funds and equipment to be able to upgrade the police department and turn it into a professional organization, a police organization the community of Sint Maarten deserves.

After this very informative meeting, the members of parliament were given a tour of the police station and the new police cells. Future meetings between parties will also be held to monitor the progress of the growth and advancement in the police organization.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Monday, October 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty which has been observed every year since 1993.

Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams says that country Sint Maarten has committed itself to the betterment of the human condition and the quality of life of all our people.

During World Food Day Exhibition on Sunday at the University of St. Martin (USM), the Prime Minister stressed that all over the world, those living in poverty are always hardest hit by skyrocketing food prices.

The theme of the 2011 observance is "From Poverty to Sustainability: People at the Centre of Inclusive Development."

In 1993, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries, a need that has become a development priority.

At the Millennium Summit with respect to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), world leaders committed themselves to cutting by half by the year 2015 the number of people living in extreme poverty, people whose income is less than one dollar a day.

The MDG's are eight internationally-agreed targets aimed to reduce poverty, hunger, maternal and child deaths, diseases, inadequate shelter, gender inequality and environmental degradation by 2015.

The country MDG Report aims to capture Sint Maarten's progress towards these Goals, while at the same time, highlighting the challenges and strategic policy interventions needed to meet them on or before 2015.

"October 17 presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.

"Sint Maarten has subscribed to the MDG and is working diligently to meet these goals by 2015. It is indeed a challenge, but the Integrated Neighborhood Development Program (INDP) is a project that will benefit the districts in a positive and sustainable manner," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday.

Participation of the poor themselves on October 17 around the world has been at the centre of the Day's celebration since its very beginning.

The commemoration of 17 October also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.

The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), through its Dollar A Day program, has come to the assistance of Teen Times in its efforts to take talented young St. Maarteners on an educational performing arts trip to New York.

Teen Times will take the winners of its annual event, Talent Showdown, to New York to not only take part in performing arts activities, but to do their small part in promoting St. Maarten. The group of youngsters will take to Time Square to distribute St. Maarten promotional items as well as push the friendly island on Black Entertainment Television (BET).

"Teen Times has been in existence for 16 years, and strives to showcase the talent of the youth on St. Maarten. With this being said, SHTA is proud to say that they have agreed in assisting Teen Times by donating US $2000 towards their trip to New York City, which will be a prize for the winners of its upcoming talent show," Executive Director of the SHTA Valya Pantophlet said.

"The trip SHTA is helping to sponsor is an educational tool for the talented, where the young individuals will take several classes in different performing arts fields, workshops, and get the chance to visit historical institutions. This trip to New York is also used to represent St. Maarten, and the youngsters have a chance to market the island with flyer distributions to encourage Americans to visit," she said.

Coordinator of Teen Times Mike Granger expressed gratitude to the SHTA for recognizing the important role positive St. Maarten youth play at home and abroad. "These teens are filled with energy and pride when talking about their island to potential visitors. They love their island. We are very happy that the SHTA has come onboard with us in this venture. In these times of economic difficulty, the SHTA's assistance will go a long way in making the trip a reality," Granger said.

Teen Times has taken groups of 20 or more youngsters from St. Maarten to New York on five previous occasions.

Philipsburg:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) invites the public to a viewing of the documentary film "Life and Debt," directed by Stephanie Black, followed by a lecture by Arjen Alberts who is expected to put issues highlighted in the film in perspective of St. Maarten.
This unique event scheduled for Thursday, October 20th, 2011 from 7pm to 9:00pm, is part of the USM Lecture Series under the theme "Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sint Maarten."
Utilizing the text of the award winning book "A Small Place" by Jamaica Kincaid, the 2001 American documentary film "Life and Debt" examines the economic and social situation in Jamaica, and specifically the impact thereon of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank's globalization policies. Part of these policies were conditional on structural adjustment policies, which required Jamaica to enact harsh economic reforms, including trade liberalization, privatization, and deregulation. However, the reforms were unsuccessful and left the country with $4.6 billion dollars in debt.
After the film, Mr. Alberts, a lecturer at USM, will focus on explaining globalization and its effect on small island economies, comparing and contrasting issues presented in the film to that of Sint Maarten and setting these issues within the broader context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Come and join USM students and faculty at this event which is a first of its kind at USM, officials said on Tuesday. The event is free and will be held at the USM Lecture Hall which has a seating capacity of 200 people.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams on Monday met with Caribbean Regional Manager of Money Gram International Steve Higgins to discuss future business relations with the country's national postal authority PSS. Also attending the meeting was Chairman of the Board of PSS Hubert Pantophlet and PSS Interim Managing Director Denicio Richardson.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Emory University Research Team are on the island and started Monday morning at 7:30am with the adolescent survey at seven participating secondary schools.

Section General Public Health of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is asking former high school students to sign-up as well to do the survey which is computerized and confidential. If the young person is underage, their parents are invited to contact CPS. Surveys targeting the out of school population will be carried out during the early evening hours.

The survey is for youth between the ages of 13 to 19. Participants will be able to fill in the survey using the computer. There will also be focus group discussions.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports are working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Emory University, St. Maarten Aids Foundation and local stakeholders to carry out the survey in order to get an overview of the issues that might affect young people's, ages 13-19.

The general objective is to enhance the understanding of factors that influence the health and wellness of young persons, with the emphasis on HIV, sexual and reproductive health.

The information derived from the survey will lead to the development of target interventions and to serve as a baseline. The survey will assess protective and risk factors related to the health and wellness of young persons and their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of young people related to HIV, sexuality and other sexual and reproductive health issues.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Interested parents and former students should contact CPS Eva de Weever or Maria Henry at 542-2078 or 542-3003 for further information.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Roland Duncan has denied two officers their promotions. SMN News learnt that the Minister informed the officers via a letter sent to the Chief of Police Peter de Witte some days ago. Reliable sources say the Minister denied Carlyle Rogers his promotion claiming that Rogers must choose between the union and the Police Force if he wants his promotion. Carlyle Rogers is the President of the NAPB St. Maarten.
The selection committee submitted their advice to the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan at the end of July to appoint Rogers as the Station Head of the Simpson Bay Police Outpost, while they recommended that Randolph Bloeiman be appointed as the Station head of the Philipsburg Police Outpost. Bloieman was selected to fill the position Commissioner Carl John vacated a year ago.
Minister Duncan denied Bloieman his position because Bloieman wrote a report against the Minister of Justice on the Brooks Tower Procedures that landed at least seven persons behind bars earlier this year.
The source said that the two officers also received warning letters from the Minister a month ago when the immigration and police officers protested at the Government Administration Building.
Bloieman received the highest score in the interview that was given to the four candidates that were interested in the vacancies. The four officers that applied for the positions were Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson, Wendell Thode, Carlyle Rogers and Randolph Bloieman.
SMN News further learnt that both officers are meeting with lawyers to file a court injunction against the Minister's decision.

Sunday October 30
St. Maarten Zoo
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tickets: Children $15.00 Adults FREE
Purchase tickets now at the Zoo. Limited Availability

There will be a Spooky Tour (bring a flashlight), competition for best costume, games,prizes.
Face painting.
Kids get a hot dog, drink and candy.
Call 543-2030 or 588-0777 for more information.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto met with two Sint Maarten students who will be completing their studies in the Netherlands respectfully in 2012 and 2013 and planning to return to the country to take up posts in the Ministry of Finance.

Government is working to hire young Sint Maarteners studying abroad to fill key positions within the country Government apparatus.

Minister Shigemoto met with C. Pompier who is attending the Erasmus Univeristy in Rotterdam. Pompier is expected to complete her studies in December 2012.

J. Chiyadi is currently working at the Dutch Ministry of Finance in The Hague where he is getting on the job training experience. He will be completing this in December and will come to Sint Maarten to work with the Department of Fiscal Affairs.

The Minister also met with two other students both employees of the Tax Authority, T. Trinidad and S. Khodabaks, who are studying for their Masters in Fiscal Law in Holland and are preparing to return to the country by 2013/2014.

All students informed the Minister that they are doing well with their studies which sometimes can be challenging, but they are all anxious to learn as much as possible in order to return home and better serve their country.

On Thursday Shigemoto also had a lunch meeting with the Vice Minister of Plenipotentiary Hon. Richard Panneflek to discuss internal matters.

The Minister of Finance paid a courtesy call on the country's tourism rep for the Netherlands Interreps BV in Voorschoten, and the Director and staff gave an overview of promotional activities and were informed that the bureau had received an award for the best promotional campaign.

Dutch travel writer and designer of the travel website droomplekken.nl, Corno van den Berg on October 25 was awarded the Caribbean Travel Writer Award for 2011, and the winning article was entitled: "St. Maarten, Caribische mix van Frankrijk en Nederland."

On Friday the Minister will be meeting with S4 Student Coordinating Organization in Amsterdam to also get an overview of operational activities and to meet with students from the island.

"I make it a point to visit students in order to provide them with factual information on current developments back home. It is also an opportunity for me to hear from the students about their progress with their studies and how it is going studying in a different environment when compared to home," Hon. Minister Hiro Shigemoto said on Thursday.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, says it is welcome news that US travellers are expected to increase vacation spending in 2011/2012.

The news comes from the latest American Express Spending and Saving Tracker which provides insight into consumer spending habits. An average family of four expects to spend US$2,636 on holidays, an increase of US$200 per person compared to 2010.

"As a tourism destination, this is positive news as it is an indication that Americans are regaining confidence in their economy. The US economy also grew by 2.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2011 which again is another indication that the US economy is coming out of the recession.

"This spells great news for us. The past three years have been very difficult for countries within the region including Sint Maarten where visitor spending has been down due to the global financial economic crisis.

"We have an open one pillar economy and whatever impacts the US economy also influences ours, however, there are positive signs coming out of the US and on our end we as Government are working on different things which will yield positive results in the mid to long-term for our country," Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Franklin Meyers said on Thursday.

In 2010, sixty-one per cent of Americans said they did not plan to travel at all, the latest survey indicated that figure had dropped to 56 per cent.

Bookings would be made three months or more in advance, but 21 per cent will book only a month before the holiday with 73 per cent of those people booking only a week before they travel, and mostly using online travel sites.

According to the study, 42 per cent of travellers are looking to increase their budget. Longer trips were planned by 21 per cent, 19 per cent wanted to upgrade accommodation and 17 per cent planned on travelling in larger parties.

The consumers surveyed expressed an interest in more memorable experiences and if the budget was extended by US$500, 24 per cent commented they would use this additional money for new experiences as opposed to lengthening their stay, which was favoured by 18 per cent of the people.

Fellow Teachers,
Educators all,
Ladies and gentlemen.

It has not been the best of times for teachers all over the world. In the United States, for example, teachers have been losing their jobs almost at a steady and certainly disturbing rate as a result of the current economic meltdown. And although this may, thankfully, not be the case on St. Martin, it is nevertheless so that the image of the teacher, once revered in society, has taken such a beating that it has become a caricature of what it used to be. What has happened to the noble profession of teaching that many of our young ones do not want to consider it as a career option today?
One answer could be found in that Bob Dylan classic: "The times, they are a-changing." But no matter how times change, one thing is clear: we need teachers as much as we did at any other time in our history, and perhaps even more so today. It is, therefore, relevant for us to reflect on why this day was established and the theme of the celebration this year.
World Teachers' Day was established to commemorate the signing in 1966 of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers and also to celebrate the essential role of teachers in offering quality education at all levels. This year, World Teachers' Day is being held under the theme: "Teachers for Gender Equality."
I am sure you are all well aware of the emphasis I have been placing on gender equality, particularly regarding the highly disproportionate ratio of female to male teachers in our classrooms. This has been an area of serious concern for me since I assumed office and we are currently devising ways and means to attract more male teachers to join the teaching corps. The situation right now, to put it bluntly, is not healthy for the education of our children, especially the boys, who seldom have male role models before them in the classrooms. In fact, when I look at the gender composition of the Ministry of Education, and the school managers, especially in the Public School system, the question that readily jumps to mind is: where are all the men gone in our education system?
I am sure, all of you teachers – male and female – share the same concern. Where are all the men gone? This is not a question for teachers alone to answer; it is a question that should trigger a more intense and constructive debate within society at large.
However, gender equality is not an issue that plagues the teaching corps alone; a look at our classrooms, especially the graduating classes at the secondary school level, would also reveal a trend that should worry all of us, teachers as well as parents; policy makers as well as the general public. It appears that the girls to boys ratio in those classes mirrors what we see in front of the classrooms with respect to the ratio of female to male teachers. This becomes very noticeable at graduation ceremonies. We will study this phenomenon in detail to determine why it is the way it is and what measures we can take to remedy it.
I depart, of course, from the premise that it takes a male teacher to relate more intimately and effectively with a male student and, therefore, inspire that student to be the best he can be.
I am not a behavioral psychologist, but picture with me that young boy who has to take orders from his mother at home because the father is not around, and who goes to school and has to take instructions from another female figure – his teacher. What is going on within his rebellious mind? Why would he be motivated to become a teacher if most of his teachers are female? Aren't we forcing him to equate teacher with the feminine gender? Who can he model his life after? Are we surprised then when he drops out of school presumably "to be a man" in the "real world"?
May I humbly submit, here and now, that it is imperative for us to address the issue of drop-outs where the boys seem to outnumber the girls, and make education so attractive that our children – both boys and girls – will stay in school longer and complete their studies within the specified period.
Of course, there are those who may argue that gender equality already exists within our system because our educational laws do not discriminate against any gender. Unfortunately, they would be missing the point. As I said earlier, our reality shows clearly that there is an unacceptable imbalance between male and female teachers as well as male and female students, especially in the final years of secondary school and the first years of tertiary education. It is a reality we would be ignoring at our own peril.
From the policy point of view, it seems to me that, as I have said before, we would have to come up with a program specifically targeting our young men, offering them special incentives to enter the teaching profession. Call it a sort of "affirmative action" program for male teachers, if you will. The form these incentives will take is still being worked out. What we do not have the luxury to do however, is fold our arms and expect the situation to improve by itself. If we do nothing, then we should expect nothing to happen.
In fact, I dare say that the quality education we are expected to provide as teachers at all levels will, to a certain degree, depend on eliminating the gender inequality in our teaching corps and in our student body.
Similarly, that quality we are called to deliver begins with us becoming "quality teachers" ourselves. We should no longer condone mediocrity, neither for ourselves nor in our profession. That mediocrity has chipped away at the image of teaching as a noble calling. In order to repair the damage, in order to redeem that lost honor and glory, we must, as teachers, go back to making excellence job number one. In this, I want to emphasize again, there can be no compromise. We should no longer feel comfortable with mediocrity. Our motto henceforth should be, "away with mediocrity; up with quality."
All of this does not mean that teachers have not done a lot in the development of our island. That would be a gross misrepresentation of the facts. What it means is that we must be the first to recognize that we have a lot of work to do. We must be honest enough with ourselves to know that we cannot rest on our oars, and that where it concerns gender equality, all of us must put our heads together to correct the current course in which our island seems to be on.
While you should be proud of your achievements, you should be even more resolute in your determination to put a stamp of excellence on each mind entrusted to your care. I'm sure you will agree with Marva Collins, the African-American educator who said: "The good teacher makes the poor student good and the good student superior." According to her, "when our students fail, we, as teachers, too, have failed." How I wish, on a day like this, we would accept the performance of our students as a measure of our own success as teachers. But I am encouraged by the fact that most of you, indeed, are concerned about improving the quality of education on our island.
May you continue to grow in knowledge and may the Almighty grant you the wisdom required to move our nation forward, one child at a time.
Happy World Teachers' Day to all the teachers of St. Martin!
I thank you.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday 30 September, Norbert Hijmans, attorney at law at VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, was sworn in by the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius in St. Maarten.

Norbert graduated in 1970 at the University of Groningen. From 1971 until 1974 he was a junior lawyer at the Dutch law firm Stibbe in Amsterdam. After moving to the east of the Netherlands he worked at various law firms, most recently at Damsté Lawyers and Notaries, where he was engaged in commercial practice and insolvency law, while he also led the commercial and corporate law division in later years. Since its establishment, Norbert has been actively involved in the specialized insolvency association Insolad, where he also served as a board member during a period of five years.

Norbert was a court appointed receiver in many bankruptcies in the Netherlands. Furthermore he was substitute judge in Almelo and vice-chairman of the Board of Arbitrators with the KNVB (Royal Netherlands Football Association). In addition, Norbert was a national teacher of bankruptcy law at the Dutch internship training.

In February 2011, Norbert moved to St. Maarten. Since July 1, 2011, he has been working with VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, where he is involved in the start up of the office in St. Maarten.

VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne is a law firm with offices in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten and a Dutch Caribbean Desk in Amsterdam. With approximately 35 specialized lawyers, the firm provides legal services to businesses and governments, both transactional and litigation.

Marigot:--- Presidential hopeful and President of the newly formed Union for Democracy Daniel Gibbs submitted his letter of resignation to the Union Mouvement Popilaire (UMP) on October 6th 2011, exactly one year after resigning from the Union pour les Progres.
In a press release issued by Gibbs, it said that Gibbs had been a member of the UMP since 2006 and a founding member of UMP St. Martin and President of Friends of Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007.
The first vice president said in his resignations letters "no engagements to accompany St. Martin in its new status was respected." He felt that the State has abandoned St. Martin due to the fact that they have shown no interest. Gibbs also mentioned the bad administration by the Territorial Council which he said has left St. Martin in economic turmoil. Gibbs also expressed concerns about the non- democratic functioning of UMP St. Martin.
Gibbs added that the direction imposed by the President of the Federation, and the family-run office, excludes all possibilities of managing efficiently the engagements taken on by the UMP-UP list in 2007.
"These are engagements to which I have always been faithful to on my part," he said. "In February, I asked for a meeting to express my concerns but my request was never answered."
He said in his opinion UMP of St. Martin is no longer the political party that it could be because it is "entirely in the hands of one man who is only representing himself. There is no advantage in having connections with a metropolitan political party because little can be achieved and St. Martiners cannot count on metropolitan parties to advance what is important for St. Martin."

French Quarter:--- The mother and daughter that stabbed Cecilia Henry to death on Monday night were transferred to Guadeloupe on Wednesday where they appeared before the "juge des libertés et de la detention" who decided if they are to remain in pretrial detention.
According to reliable sources, the Gendarmes have decided to charge the duo with premeditated murder since both mother and daughter were armed with a knife when they assassinated Henry on the French Quarter main road.
Residents of St. Georges identified the suspects as Imelda Reysil and Carrella Vincente. Two sisters of the victim told SMN News in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that their sister received almost 50 stab wounds about her body and head. The sisters also said a third suspect was involved in the brutal attack but the gendarmes they said could not identify the third person.
So far the Gendarmes have not released any information on the arrests of the suspects.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- On 4 October 2011, 13 volunteers from the 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron located at the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) and members of the U.S. Consulate staff visited Fundashon Sentro di Dama (SEDA). Volunteers armed with paint brushes and rollers applied a fresh new coat of paint to the exterior of the SEDA community center building.
Volunteers also delivered boxes of donations filled with infant clothing. The U.S. Consul General and Chief of Mission, Valerie Belon, commented , "I was delighted to join the FOL volunteers on this project to help SEDA, a local nonprofit organization which provides essential services to women and families in need."

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- October 10, 2011 will mark the first anniversary of the attainment of Sint Maarten's new constitutional status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Every journey begins with a first step.

It is also the first anniversary of the present government, as well as the first anniversary of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

To mark the occasion in a dignified and solemn manner, an ecumenical service will be held at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church on Front Street at 8:30 – 9:45 am on Monday, October 10.

A special plenary session of Parliament will be convened shortly after the ecumenical service at 10:00 – 11:00 am to which all members of the Council of Ministers will be invited.

The parliamentary session will be carried out under the auspices of parliament. The scheduled speakers are the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture and the Faction Leaders who will address the topic of "The Experience of the New Constitutional Status".

From 10:00 am refreshments at Celebration Palace will be served to civil servants as a recognition and appreciation for their patience and resolve in enduring and managing the unchartered course that was set for country Sint Maarten.

The civil servants will passively participate in the parliamentary session by use of viewing the session via internet on three screens at the Celebration Palace.

Busses will be parked at the Government Administration Building at 9.00am for transportation to Celebration Palace and will return to the Government Building at 1.00pm. Due to limited parking at the venue, civil servants are requested to utilize busses which have been provided by Government.

Various government departments that provide services to the public will continue to operate such as the Census Office, Receivers and Tax Department among others.

At 11:15 am the Prime Minister who is also charged with the Human Resource Department will welcome all civil servants to a special motivational session in which a civil servant as well as someone from the private sector will deliver the key note address. The motivational session will come to a close at 12:30 pm.

Philipsburg:--- Besides the marching by the police and BAVPOL officers and the church service held in front of the Philipsburg Police Station, the Police Organization honored three officers of the law for their long service while they swore in 22 new recruits. The three officers that were honored are Norwin Barnebella and Humphrey Gitterson for serving as officers of the law for the past 40 years along with Helen Romeo for being a police officer for the past 25 years.
The police department also added 22 new men and women to their crew, 13 of which are still undergoing training here on St. Maarten to become full fledged police officers, while nine officers that completed their police training were sworn in by Minister of Justice Roland Duncan and Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte.
The sermon was conducted by Pastor Royston Philbert. Philbert focused on the service the police should be giving to the community of St. Maarten. He made clear that if the crime situation is to change then the people residing here including the Police must change individually.
Delivering speeches were the Minister of Justice and the Chief Commissioner of Police. De Witte said that Constitution Day is indeed a historical day since St. Maarten celebrated its first anniversary as a country within the Kingdom and the Police celebrated their first anniversary as KPSM.
The top cop said as a new country there are challenges for everyone including the police. He said they have to overcome the challenges they will face in the coming years but Rome he said was not built in one day. The police he said is working hard to meet their challenges and the team is determined to move forward together in order for them to achieve their goals. The goal of the police he described as being simple and that is to serve and protect the people of St. Maarten. "We are committed to give the people of country St. Maarten a five star police organization that provides the best safety and the best service in the region and while this may not be visible for everyone we know our task and you the people of St. Maarten deserve no less than the best," De Witte said.
De Witte said during the last parliamentary debate they agreed that there has been a serious rise in violent criminal activity which is unacceptable. However, the community must join forces with the police to bring an end to criminality. Security is a rule of law which requires an adequate budget. "Last year, we started off with a solid plan of approach for the next five years. However, our setback is that we are presently in discussions with our Minister of Justice for changes to this plan. I nevertheless, have full confidence that these discussions will be completed very soon, so we will have a new clear course of direction. We will then be able to finally fill-in our placement-plan," the top cop said.
De Witte said their growing concern is the fight against crime and with the additional manpower such as the new recruits and the 20 Dutch officers who have joined KPSM for the next three years will help them to decrease the crime rate. He stressed that the police wants to do things right but that he said is difficult with limited manpower. The top cop said he is indeed grateful to his officers for their loyalty and passion as they continue to work overtime on the ongoing investigations and patrol the streets of St. Maarten.
The 20 officers coming from the Netherlands will be working in the uniform and investigation divisions of the police force which would help with the workload currently on the backs of the local officers.
The top cop said next year the police force of St. Maarten will be hosting the "Police Kingdom Games" which will be on October 10 2012. During this event, there will be delegations from the police forces of the Netherlands, the BES islands, Suriname, Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten taking part in the games. KPSM he said is already busy preparing to make sure the event is the most memorable ever.

Click here to view photos of the police celebration and swearing in of new officers.

UTS hereby informs that currently RIM, the company that offers Blackberry Services world-wide, is currently experiencing technical difficulties with the Blackberry Service offered to the Caribbean, Latin American region and Canada. St. Maarten also falls within this service area and local subscribers are also affected. BlackBerry customers may experience delays and interruptions in BlackBerry Messenger service, BlackBerry Enterprise email service and third party integrated email accounts and problems browsing the Internet through the BlackBerry device. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the service interruption as soon as possible.

UTS will issue an update on the resolution timeframe as new information becomes available.

Marigot:--- SMN News learnt that the man that was found dead early Saturday morning in Maho has been identified by French authorities. Sources close to the family said the victim has been identified as Michael Grainville (31), a resident of Grand Case. SMN News further learnt that the victim was an employee of Crystal Bugs in French Quarter and he was working as an exterminator.
According to reliable information reaching SMN News, the victim it is believed was attacked around 8:00am in Maho by bandits. They said Grainville did not die of natural causes as reported by police on the Dutch side of the island. SMN News further understands that an autopsy was conducted on the body on Thursday and the pathologist already determined that the victim did not die of natural causes.
According to the information received on this latest victim, the Dutch side is now busy investigating at least 12 of the 15 homicides that were committed for the year 2011.

Sucker Garden:--- Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson has confirmed that an early morning shooting has left one person dead. Several neighbors in the area said they heard about four gunshots fired shortly before 8am.
The Police Spokesman said the victim was shot in his head in the vicinity of El Capitan and the old Japanese Club building. Henson also confirmed that police arrested one person but he said he is not sure if the suspect in custody is related to the fatal shooting.
SMN News learnt that the victim is a national of Curacao and he resides in Toochie Meyer's apartment building. Neighbors identified the victim as Michael Sebelon. They said the victim was about to leave his home to take his girlfriend to work when he was shot multiple times. Sources close to the family said the police has detained the girlfriend as a witness to the fatal shooting. They said Michael and his girlfriend filed several reports at the Philipsburg Police Station because bandits broke into their home on several occasions.
According to some eyewitness, the shooter went to the scene on a scooter and fired several shots. Police, they said are in possession of the scooter while the shooter made his escape on foot. Sebelon's murder has brought the amount of murders committed on St. Maarten thus far for the year 2011 to 16.

Below is the Police Report regarding the Sucker Garden shooting.

Man Shot in Sucker Garden.

On Friday October 14th, at approximately 08:00am several police patrols, detectives, ambulance personnel and forensic officers were directed to the apartment building between "El Capitan" and "Seamans Club" where a man was shot and lying on the ground. On the scene, the investigating officers located a man with initials M.F.S. from Curacao who was bleeding from a wound to his forehead. The victim who was in very critical condition was treated on the scene by paramedics and transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for urgent treatment. However, shortly after the victim died of the wounds he sustained. The crime scene was closed off and the Forensic department started their investigation collecting evidence. The detectives are busy questioning witnesses and the investigation is ongoing.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams on Thursday met with President of the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten E. Tromp who is on a working visit to the island. He briefed government officials about the bank's operations, general macro-economic developments and an update on preparations to expand the branch of the bank on the island.

Philipsburg:--- This Sunday, October 16, motorcycle aficionados from across the island will ride out to support the campaign for breast cancer awareness.
This ride which is being called "Bikers for Boobs" has been organized by the Positive Foundation and the Elektralytes Foundation in collaboration with UTS and Hard Rock Cafe as a part of the annual breast cancer awareness initiative started by the former entity some 13 years ago.
"Every year we try and add something different to the schedule so that the events remain interesting and so that as the various segments of our community are impacted. We want to educate everyone about breast health, because this illness still remains one of the most prevalent cancers amongst women," Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation explained.
This year Elektra thought it was a great idea to work together with the Caribbean Eagles Foundation and reach out to the biker community on the island. Foundation president Jane Therond welcomed this initiative and the plan for "Bikers for Boobs" took hold.
The bikers will start at the Caribbean Eagles Club House which is right across from Prime Distributors in Colebay travel through Airport Boulevard, Low lands, Marigot, Grandcase, through French Quarter to the Dutch side and end at Hard Rock Cafe on the Boardwalk, in Philipsburg, where there will be an official "Bikers for Boobs" after party. Along the way bikers will stop at various locations for photo ops. |
While the ride is scheduled to begin at 4pm and last until 6pm, participants are encouraged to show up early in order to line up and also to take advantage of the shirts which will be distributed. Local radio personality Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt, who is the president of the Elektralytes Foundation explained that are only a limited number of shirts available and said that these would be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The 400 t-shirts were donated by UTS and Hard Rock Cafe also sponsored some 200 bandanas which will also be shared out prior to ride time.
"Of course we really want everyone to be decked out in pink as we ride across the island, because this will create a visual reminder to those we pass to think about and check their breasts and this is very important. We cannot stress enough how important early detection is. The sooner women know what is going on with them, the sooner they can begin to do something about it and higher their chances of beating the illness," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that everyone interested in being a part of the cause should turn up ready to ride and this included individuals on bikes, but also those riding scooters or quads.
"What's important is not what you're riding, but what you're riding for. This motorcade is all about raising community awareness for our cause. We want to save women, as many women as we can and so we need a huge turnout to help us do this. The more visible we are, the more women are reminded to check themselves or have themselves checked by a healthcare provider," Alphonso said.
People who ride, but may not own their own motorcycle, scooter or quad are asked to check the various rental companies for best rates and still come out and be a part of this worthy event. People are urged to wear pink just in case they are not early enough to receive one of the complementary t-shirts.
"On Sunday we will ride for the women in our community. For those who are battling this caner and also for those who have lost the battle. We encourage people from all across the island to come and ride with us," Alphonso said.
All organizers are reminding riders to come out with their helmets and ride responsibly so that the event goes off without a hitch.

Philipsburg:--- The 2010 Annual Account of the former Island Territory that was prepared by the Department of Finance and Hassink & Roos Accountants has been reviewed and discussed with the Governments Accounts Bureau SOAB.

Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto, says the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT will be sent a draft copy and the General Audit Chamber will be officially informed with respect to the new approach and requested to give its opinion before going forward.

The Annual Account will cover the period from January 1, 2010 to October 9, 2010 when the island still maintained the status of Island Territory under the constellation of the Netherlands Antilles.

The Minister of Finance says that Parliament's permission will be sought with respect to the Annual Report for 2011 to include the period of October 10, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the first two-months of country status.

"This will not be in accordance with the accountability ordinance, and therefore Parliament's approval is needed. Government is ensuring that aspects of good governance and transparency are fulfilled with respect to this approach.

"The CFT has been informed and they said they will approve this approach. The entire process is expected to be completed within a month," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto said on Sunday.

The CFT letter that they would approve this approach was received by the Minister of Finance on October 11, 2011.

Philipsburg:--- The October 17 Central Committee meeting about consumer protection and price control that was adjourned on Monday, will continue on Thursday, October 20 at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of Parliament and not 2:00pm as was published earlier.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Franklin Meyers and support staff were present in Parliament on Monday to address the agenda point.

The Minister will be back in Parliament on Thursday to provide answers to questions asked by MPs.

The National Alliance faction had requested the aforementioned meeting in a letter dated October 03, 2011.

This meeting will also be carried live via St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Cay Bay:--- On Tuesday the 18th of October 2010, staff of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten responded with their vessel Yellow Tail to reports of an oil spill approximately 500 yards from shore of the Cay Bay/ Pelican area. Once on scene the situation was assessed and it was determined that there was no oil entered into the water and the alleged oil spill was run-off from land. Samples were taken and Initial results found that a small quantity of oil was present but that the runoff was comprised mostly of silt and sand, with some industrial materials being present, indicating that the runoff was entered into the sea from a land-based source. There was no oil present in the coastal area by Cay Bay and no activity was observed regarding oil entering the water from industrial sources on Cay Bay.

It appears that the run-off was caused due to a truck rupturing a water pipe causing sediment to flow into the water. Some heavy metals and oil were found in the sample, but this was only limited to trace amounts.

Philipsburg:--- For the past four years, Fun Miles and its partners have consistently organized the biggest and most talked about end-of-year campaigns on four islands. Many people still fondly remember 'Funopoly', 'Fungo', 'The Funstones' and 'Swipe, Scratch & Win'. Today, Fun Miles unleashes its brand new campaign, which is simpler and more attractive than ever: FunJack, the fun way to play blackjack! The campaign is obviously based on blackjack, the most popular card game in the world. The impressive list of prizes includes a tip to Las Vegas, a home makeover by Kooyman and thousands of instant prizes. FunJack will take place from October 19, 2011 through January 31, 2012 on Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten. For more than 13 years, Fun Miles has been the Caribbean's biggest free saving and redemption program.

Instant prizes for fun on the spot
Fun Miles cardholders who make a purchase and swipe their card at participating companies will receive one or more FunJack cards. The amount for which they receive a FunJack card varies per company. Each card can be opened directly for a chance to win one of the many instant prizes, ranging from a case of Heineken to one minute of free shopping at Sunny Foods. The instant prize can be collected by handing in the FunJack ticket at the indicated partner.

Make 21 for the Grand Prizes
Those who want to play for the Grand Prizes, a trip to Las Vegas and a home makeover by Kooyman, should glue the FunJack cards to the special game board, which is available for free at all participating companies while supplies last. The cards on the game board must have a total combined value of exactly 21 points. It does not matter how many cards are used to achieve this. The game board should then be filled out completely and deposited in the FunJack raffle bins at Kooyman, Sunny Foods or at Fun Miles in Cay Hill before January 31, 2012. It is important that participants write their 12-digit Fun Miles-card number and phone number on the FunJack game board. The winner must be a registered Fun Miles cardholder. The Grand Prize winners on St. Maarten will be announced in February 2012.

About Fun Miles
For more than 10 years, Fun Miles has been the Caribbean's biggest free saving and redemption program. With over 100.000 members on Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten, Fun Miles has become part of the culture. It keeps providing new ways to experience fun things.

More information about FunJack?
Please contact Fun Miles Customer Service at tel. 543 3301.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is monitoring several large measles outbreaks in the European and African regions, with several reported outbreaks in the Americas linked to imported cases from Europe and Africa.

CPS is therefore recommending residents prior to travel to ensure that their vaccination status is up to date.

As of September 20, 40 of 53 Member States in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region have reported over 26,000 confirmed measles cases for the period January to July 2011. The highest number of cases was reported from France with over 14,000 cases for the first six months of the year.

In addition, 11 of all cases in the Region were lethal (Six in France and one in each of Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the United Kingdom).

CPS is reminding residents who plan to travel to Europe, and the Americas to check with their family physician to make sure their vaccinations are up to date, especially for measles.

The Americas reported their last case of endemic measles was reported from the region in 2002. In 2011 the Region has received reports of several outbreaks linked to importation of measles virus from other regions.

Quebec, Canada, involves 742 reported cases, 89 requiring hospitalization, but no measles-associated deaths. The second largest outbreak in the Americas has been reported in the United States of America, 213 cases. Most of these outbreaks are linked to importations from Europe, except for outbreaks in the United States linked to cases from Malaysia.

It is recommended that any resident of the Americas planning to travel to other regions of the world should be protected against measles and rubella (Measles, Mumps, Rubella MMR combination vaccine) prior to departing on their trip.

Travel increases the risk for exposure to measles virus and its further spread into susceptible populations if not vaccinated. An outbreak of measles is defined as a chain of transmission with three or more confirmed cases.

Measles is spread by contact with an infected person and through droplets in the air when someone coughs and/or sneezes.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that causes complications and death, even in previously healthy individuals, but is fully preventable by vaccination.

Countries need to ensure that they reach 95 per cent coverage with two doses of measles vaccine across all age groups up to 15 years of age. Otherwise the country will experience measles outbreaks with large numbers of cases, associated hospitalizations and deaths.

The recent outbreaks in countries with high volumes of international travelers can lead to measles exportation to regions previously frees of measles, such as the Region of the Americas or certain African countries.

These exportations can lead to large outbreaks and associated deaths. Sint Maarten coverage ranges between 85 to 90 per cent. This coverage is influenced by the parent's consent and population mobilization. It is necessary for parents/guardians to double check their children's vaccination status to ensure that your child is up to date.

Travelers who have not been vaccinated against measles and rubella are at risk of getting the disease and transmitting it to their friends and family members who may not be up to date with their vaccinations.

To prevent further spread, WHO encourages health authorities to advocate for immunization before travel and to provide immunizations through health systems' immunization services according to existing national immunization schedule.

WHO recommends at least one dose prior to international travel for adolescents and adults who are unsure about their immunity status.

Measles are highly contagious and remains one of the world's biggest causes of death among young children. Travelers may be exposed on airplanes or in airports. This disease can be prevented through a safe and effective vaccine, the combination MMR vaccine.

International travelers must show evidence of immunity to measles and rubella by ensuring that they have had two doses of measles-containing vaccine before their trip.

Talk to your doctor to check if your vaccinations are up to date!

The first MMR vaccine is routinely recommended at age 12 months. Ensure that you and your child are well vaccinated. For children, birth through 17 years of age, contact Youth Health Care (YHC) and for adults consult your family physician.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Section General Public Health of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, in collaboration with its local stakeholders (secondary schools, parents, community organizations, students) and the assistance of Emory University research team, will carry out an adolescent survey in the week of October 24.

The survey will be carried out within the secondary schools, and among the out of school students, youth between the age of 13 to 19, as well as those who have dropped out of school.

It will be confidential and students will be able to fill in the survey using the computer. There will also be focus group discussions.

CPS is seeking former high school students of the aforementioned age to also be part of the survey. Parents and youths are encouraged to contact CPS for further information.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports are working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Emory University, St. Maarten Aids Foundation and local stakeholders to carry out the survey in order to get an overview of the issues that might affect young people's, ages 13-19.

The general objective is to enhance the understanding of factors that influence the health and wellness of young persons, with the emphasis on HIV, sexual and reproductive health in Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Curacao, Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius and the Cayman Islands.

The information derived from the survey will lead to the development of target interventions and to serve as a baseline. The survey will assess protective and risk factors related to the health and wellness of young persons and their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of young people related to HIV, sexuality and other sexual and reproductive health issues.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Interested parents and students should contact CPS Eva de Weever or Maria Henry at 542-2078 or 542-3003 for further information.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Friends of the Island Government Fire Fighters and the Fire Department Section Fire Prevention, are organizing Fire Prevention Week 2011.

Preparations have been completed for activities to kick-off on Monday, October 24. It will be a week packed with activities to raise fire safety awareness within the community.

The theme of this year's Fire Prevention Week is "Protect Your Family against Fire. The Time to Act is now."

"The theme for this fire prevention week is on the mark! There are indeed simple measures that can be taken to prevent a potential devastating fire from occurring in our homes.

"The week that is being organized is to inform the public and make sure they are educated about fire hazards and prevention. It's about safety and life, first and foremost. Our country's Fire Department is committed to helping educate, as underscored by the aforementioned theme of creating awareness.

"An ounce of prevention can save lives, and protect our homes and everything we hold dear. It is the responsibility of every Sint Maartener to educate themselves on simple fire prevention measures. I wish staff of the fire department much success with their fire prevention week," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday.

The Fire Department falls under the Ministry of General Affairs which is the responsibility of the Prime Minister.

A number of activities have been organized for Fire Prevention Week from October 24-29 which will include a school competition, lectures, information sessions and an open house.

The activities for Fire Prevention Week are: Monday-Radio Interviews; Tuesday-Lecture Architects; Wednesday-School Information Sessions; Thursday-Lecture Day Care Centres; Friday-School Information Sessions; and Saturday-Open House at Fire Department in Cay Hill 8.00am – 5.00pm. All activities take place at the department in Cay Hill including the announcement of the winner of the school competition on Saturday, October 29.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The National Organizing Committee (NOC) for the Royal visit, has organized a protocol training workshop for various government entities that handle Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The NOC has invited Henrik de Groot to provide a series of seminars in the area of protocol in connection with the Royal visit.

De Groot is a teacher of International Protocol and Diplomats at the Clingendael Institute in the Netherlands.

Representatives from various ministries, the organizing committee members, sectors of government and training clubs, have been invited to the workshops that kick off this week.

Participants will learn about the universal principles of protocol, etiquette, courtesy and manners; navigate and manage interpersonal dynamics in important encounters; avoid causing offence or embarrassment in high profile situations.

They will also learn to display appropriate international business etiquette in many contexts; prepare and host VIP visits and formal occasions; and interact respectfully with people from many cultures, nations and regions.

The recently held co-sponsored Fatum Insurances and Orco Bank Pension Seminar, under the theme "Your Future Starts Now", was attended by a wide cross section of the private and public sectors of the community; the event also served as a platform for open discussion on pension planning options available to employers and employees.

Master of Ceremony Mr. Marcel Gumbs stated: "There was a high attendance by key decision makers, including advisory councils, parliament members, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Labor Union Representatives, Human Resources Managers, Insurance Brokers, private business owners and individuals. Invitees were interested in being informed on pensions for their day to day professional lives or simply for information and eventual implementation or revision of their personal pension plans."

Orco Bank Manager, Mr. Ronald Halman and Managing Director for Fatum Insurances Mr. Diego Frankel each gave welcoming remarks on behalf of their respective companies. Mr. Frankel expressed the challenges Aruba's government and businesses faced in the past in relations to pensions and gave general advice to the attending parliamentarians and other members of government. In his opening remarks, Mr. Ronald Halman stated: "...Pensions have covered the local and international news during the past years. With St. Maarten becoming a country on 10.10.10 we found it fitting to organize this pension seminar to give presentations on current pension developments..."

The first guest speaker, Fatum Manager Employee Benefits, Ir. Valerie Sinot, described a pension plan as the replacement of income when it is no longer there. He outlined that income can come from many sources including one's employer, SVB, a business venture, rental property or even children who support their retired parents. He stated that the main question to answer was how much one would need during retirement and the income sources necessary to bridge the pension gap. He outlined how important pensions are, the components, and who is responsible for each component. A general outline of pension calculations was given, which included how much it would cost to put one in place over a specific number of years. He concluded with a strong message on the importance of starting as young as possible and that pension awareness is for both the young and old.

Secretary General Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor and Head of Steering Committee Reform Pension System for the Government of St. Maarten, Drs. Jorien Wuite started her presentation by outlining the role of government. She gave an overview of the history and present status of the St. Maarten Social Security System and outlined the challenges and realities being faced by St. Maarten as it pertains to the AOV and the need for its reformation. As the sole panelist representing government, she answered most questions on the AOV and the current reformation plans.

Actuary and Managing Director of Keesen Actuarissen, Mr. Laurence Keesen was the final of the three guest speakers to make a case for the importance of having a pension plan and starting as early as possible. He outlined world wide pension trends and compared these to that of St. Maarten. He reminded everyone of the reduced interest rates on investments, which have resulted in a need to set aside approximately five times more pension savings compared to the times prior to the financial crisis. Mr. Keesen outlined pension plans for employees and the benefits of these plans to the employers, including tax advantages. He concluded by urging the audience to save more, use all tax incentives permitted by law as pension savings whenever possible, prepare for working longer as countries increase retirement age to cope with the higher costs of pensions, and watch out for inflation. He encouraged government to increase tax incentives on pension savings. In a humorous manner he asked the audience to consider retiring in a country with a low cost of living or considering having lots of kids.

Fatum Insurances Manager for the Windward Islands Mr. Olivier van de Gevel closed the seminar stating: "I was very pleased with the number of persons who attended and based on the number and type of questions addressed to the panelists. We know that there is a need for more informative sessions like this one, that address pension planning options and financial planning as a whole. This is the second seminar for Fatum on St. Maarten and we look forward to continue providing this platform as a catalyst to increase pension awareness. Ultimately the awareness would result in implementation of pension plans by employers for their employees or individuals who are in need of supplemental pension income. I can conclude that having Orco Bank as a co-sponsor and Mr. Marcel Gumbs as an MC made the process of putting this pension seminar together an effective and enjoyable one."

Click here to view more photos of the Fatum and Orco Bank Pension Seminar.

Philipsburg:--- The Supreme Court of the Netherlands quashed the verdict delivered by the Appeals Court on February 10th 2010 against now Member of Parliament Louis Laveist. The Supreme Court found that the appeals court made a technical error by failing to mention the evidence they used to convict Laveist in their sentencing. Article 402 of the criminal procedures states that the sentence must contain the evidence used by the court to convict a suspect.
The Supreme Court orders that the case be retried by the Appeals Court and the suspect can still appeal his case to the Supreme Court if he is not satisfied with the verdict rendered in the new case.
Louis Laveist was convicted on five counts in the lower courts in 2008. Three of the five charges were not proven during the appeal hearing.
The joint court of appeals threw out three of the five charges brought against Laveist who was a commissioner at the time of his arrest and trial. The Appeal Court convicted Laveist of accepting bribes when he accepted an airline ticket to Canada from BEMAL Enterprises and $10,000 for traveling expenses from the same company. The panel consisting of three judges found it proven that Laveist had also accepted $6000.00 from Bargains Unlimited that was paid to his foundation Culture Club in exchange for work permits. Laveist was convicted to six months suspended sentence and three years probation while they banned him from public office for a period of three years. The judges in the appellate court indicated in their ruling that the only reason Laveist escaped harsh punishment was because the investigating offers used illegal ways to obtain evidence against him. The illegal procedures used include the tapping of Laveist's cellular phone for a period of two weeks and the illegal surveillance of his home and movement for the same period of time. The court said the investigating officers violated the councilman's privacy based on the Human Rights Charter. The court threw out the charges of forgery, in two instances. One where he was accused of forging the Culture Minutes in an effort to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22,750. The court also found that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to show that Laveist was the owner of the Barber Shop where migrant Samuel Boney was working.

Click here to view the verdict delivered by the Supreme Court.

Paris, France:--- Sint Maarten today became the newest Associate Member of UNESCO right after Curacao, during the 36th General Conference of the international body. In her brief acceptance speech, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, described the occasion as a "joyous moment" for the people and government of St. Maarten. She pledged that the island would uphold the goals and ideals of UNESCO as it looked forward to participating fully in the organization at all levels.
Congratulating Sint Maarten, Temporary President of the 36th session of the General Conference, His Excellency Ambassador Davidson L. Hepburn, Permanent Delegate of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas recalled how neither St. Maarten nor Curacao were new to the affairs of UNESCO, having been associate members via the now defunct Netherlands Antilles.
After reading the required letters of support from the Dutch Foreign Minister, responsible for external affairs for both territories, Ambassador Hepburn proceeded to submit the membership of Curacao then St. Maarten to a vote. Since there were no objections, the two islands were admitted by acclamation.
This brings to 201 the number of member states and associate members of UNESCO making it the largest of all UN agencies. Ambassador Hepburn expressed particular pride that the two new associate members were from the Caribbean region and disclosed that he had personally visited both islands where he felt at home.
In her welcome address, delivered both in English and French, the two official working languages of UNESCO, Director General Irina Bokova said it was a pleasure to welcome St. Maarten to the UNESCO family, calling the associate membership of the island "a step in the right direction."
While pledging UNESCO support in several areas, Ms. Bokova added that "all states will also benefit from the participation of St. Maarten.
Curacao's Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Mr. Lionel Jansen in his acceptance speech congratulated St. Maarten while Dr. Arrindell also returned the favor when it was her turn.
The representatives of the Netherlands at UNESCO also offered their congratulations, and concurred that the Kingdom of The Netherlands now had full representation at UNESCO, with Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten as Associate Members.
The admission of both St. Maarten and Curacao was the highlight of the morning session. The two islands are expected to deliver their National Statements later during the week, with St. Maarten scheduled for Saturday morning.

Philipsburg:--- Due to a number of recent waterborne accidents, Government has introduced additional temporary safety measures according to the Water Sports Ordinance, AB 1978 nr. 13.

The Ordinance applies to all water sport activities, in the broadest sense of the word. The definition non rider applies to the term water skier.

Special Purpose Water Craft (SPWC) are not allowed to operate in any harbour, bay or inland water when there is at least one warship, large yacht, passenger or cruise ship in the respective harbour, bay or inland water, in port, moored or at anchor.

An exception are SPWC used for commercial purposes, and then only in the approved area of water and under the operating parameters as designated by the Maritime Authority which is the Shipping Inspectorate.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, says that water sports recreation is a source of income for a number of small businesses on the island.

The Minister added that there are also a number of residential recreational users who own watercraft and they are requested to take note of these temporary safety measures.

Motorized SPWC, driven by an internal combustion engine, must have an approved engine stopping mechanism; a throttle limiter installed if the total engine cylinder volume is more than 700 cubic centimetres, to the satisfaction of the Marine Authority.

The Marine Authority may at any time add additional or change safety requirements and operational parameters to any craft, especially those unforeseen in the future.

No operator license is required if the SPWC remains afloat on the surface and does not travel faster than 10km per hour. This also applies to small boats and tenders less than 16 feet, providing no wake is caused – or must remain under the direct accompanied supervision of a guide in the employment of an official water sport company and then only in a ratio of 1:5.

All underwater activities must display a diver flag or dive float – alpha – clearly indicating their presence to other users on the surface.

The minimum age for a rider is sixteen (16), accompanied by an adult of minimum 18 years and the minimum age of a professional, insured guide is 21-years.

All SPWC operating outside Simpson Bay Lagoon must have a certificate of seaworthiness, issued by the Maritime Authority.

All water sport entities must ensure that riders and non riders comply with the Ordinance otherwise the SPWC will be confiscated and forfeited.

The changes to the Ordinance will be available shortly for review on the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org.

Philipsburg:--- The Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation Inc. under the directorship of Arthur Lugisse is very pleased with Model Yulanda Gentle's performance at U.S. Virgin Islands Fashion Week. Gentle won Direct Music TV America' s 2011 Caribbean Model & Bikini Event that was held on August 27.

Gentle said she made many contacts in Miami, Africa, St. Kitts and New York and has been asked to participate in multiple fashion week events and photo shoots in the near future. The young model is working with Arthur Lugisse and the Chief Executive Officer/Founder of St. Thomas Fashion Week to bring Fashion Week to St. Maarten.

The 24-year-old model will be following up with contacts she made out of New York where she would like to promote the island besides pursuing her career with one of the top agencies such as Ford Models or Elite Models. Her dream is to adorn one day the products of Victoria Secret as a super model from country St. Maarten.

The Fashion Week took place from October 4-9 in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., at Frenchman's Reef Marriott & Morning Star Resort and is one of the premiere fashion events in the Caribbean. The event, considered a unique platform seeks to unite established and up-and-coming local, regional and international fashion designers, accessory designers, models, photographers, stylists and media houses.

Yulanda Gentle; the 5'9, dark skinned beauty winner of the Direct Music TV America's 2011 Caribbean Model Search; as the winner, her prize was to represent her beautiful island at the Virgin Island Fashion Week.

"The Fashion Week in St Thomas was a great experience, so many photographers, models, designers from all over the Caribbean and the USA, which gave me a great opportunity as the winner of the Direct Music TV America Caribbean Model Search to represent St Maarten to the fullest of my ability.

"I had the pleasure to meet and learn from different entities and individuals about modeling in particular and the fashion industry in general, at the same token it gave me the honor to promote St Maarten and our other local models and to promote St Maarten as a tourist and shopping destination," Yulanda Gentle said about her experience.

During the event, Gentle met several important and quite famous people in the fashion industry such as Viva Davanna and well known designer John Ashford. One of the highlights of the show was when Gentle was approached by designer Sonia Noel to wear her signature piece and portray as an African Queen.

Paris, France:--- "Education is the key to the success of the new nation we are trying to build on the foundation of a virile, resilient, and dynamic culture," Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell told the 36th General Conference of UNESCO on Saturday, October 29, 2011 while presenting St. Martin's National Statement to the world body.
Dr. Arrindell focused on the issue of language as it impacts learning, as well as the implementation of compulsory education, an area she said the island would tap into the experience and expertise of UNESCO if needed.
"The language issue on St. Martin has been at the heart of our education reform process," the Minister said. "We are a multi-lingual society, but despite being a half-Dutch, half-French condominium, English is the mother-tongue of our people, while Spanish is the second most spoken language."
She continued: "Cognizant of the role language plays in our education system, as well as in the development of our nation, my government is pursuing a policy of linguistic versatility, which seeks to make each student who completes secondary education proficient in at least three to four languages — English, Dutch, French, and Spanish. This, we believe, is the way to go for the new Caribbean man and woman."
"The implementation of compulsory education has been complicated by the issue of undocumented immigrants," she went on. "However, my government has separated the two issues thus facilitating the integration of children of undocumented immigrants into our educational system."
"Compulsory education in St. Martin, however, is still a work in progress. We will be calling on UNESCO to assist us where necessary so that, hopefully, we could soon report that the process has been completed," Dr. Arrindell said.
Turning to culture, the Minister stated: "Culture, Madame President, is inseparable from identity, and identity is not only about who we are, but also about who we want to be. St. Martiners are a resilient people who know that true peace is not only the absence of war, but rather an indispensable condition for all of us, big and small, rich and poor, to pursue happiness and live in harmony with one another and with our environment.
"That peace," Dr. Arrindell stressed, "starts and must grow and flourish in the minds of every man and woman, indeed of every child and teenager. If there is a message a small Caribbean island like St. Martin can offer the world, it is that we must focus on what unites us as a human family rather than on what divides us. There is no other way to create a culture of peace."
"Culture," as St. Martin's foremost poet sings, "is work", she said, "and work is what we are here to do. We hope to benefit from the experience and expertise UNESCO can offer us, specifically in the areas of tangible and intangible heritage."
Several heads of delegations congratulated her on what one minister called "a magnificent speech." Among those who came to hear Dr. Arrindell speak was the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to UNESCO, His Excellency Robert Zeldenrust. He also congratulated the Minister for a "very good speech."
Dr. Arrindell capped a very busy week at the UNESCO headquarters with a courtesy call on the Director – General, Ms. Irina Bokova, who once again, congratulated her personally for St. Martin's admission as an associate member and offered her all the assistance the island might require from the organization.

 

 

Madame President,
Chairlady of the Executive Board,
Honorable Director-General,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is, indeed, a privilege for me to address this august body and an honor to have been admitted to your fold. This honor comes at a most propitious time for St. Martin, having just marked the first anniversary of our new constitutional status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is by virtue of this new status that we are here today.

My government intends to take full advantage of this opportunity to the benefit of our nation and its people.

St. Martin, as you may know, is an island of 37 square miles divided between the Republic of France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. That political divide is, however, artificial in a sense because there are no physical or mental borders in the minds of our people, for whom freedom of movement of goods, services and, persons has existed since the very beginning of our history.

Madame President, size is really a relative concept. Our attitude to size is summed up in these lines by one of our poets: "If 37 square miles of land/seems like a grain of sand/In your hand/Drop it in your eye and/Come again."

Our size has not prevented us from facing the same challenges as countries a thousand times larger than we are, yet, our dreams are as big as those of the biggest nations in the world.

Education is the key to the success of the new nation we are trying to build on the foundation of a virile, resilient, and dynamic culture.

In his acceptance speech at the UNESCO Literacy Day in 2009, the representative of the Pashai people of Afghanistan, said that his people were "determined that their heritage, language, and culture will not die."

We, on St. Martin, are also determined that our heritage, language, and culture will not die. We have, similarly, recognized that simple fact about how language impacts learning and have consequently made English the language of instruction in our schools.

In fact, the language issue on St. Martin has been at the heart of our education reform process. We are a multi-lingual society, but despite being a half-Dutch, half-French condominium, English is the mother-tongue of our people, while Spanish is the second most spoken language.

Cognizant of the role language plays in our education system, as well as in the development of our nation, my government is pursuing a policy of linguistic versatility, which seeks to make each student who completes secondary education proficient in at least three to four languages — English, Dutch, French, and Spanish. This, we believe, is the way to go for the new Caribbean man and woman.

In line with UNESCO's Education For ALL program, I am pleased to report, Madame President, that compulsory education is in its third phase of implementation in St. Martin. First implemented in 2008, it requires that our children be schooled between the ages of 4 and 18. The implementation of compulsory education has been complicated by the issue of undocumented immigrants. However, my government has separated the two issues thus facilitating the integration of children of undocumented immigrants into our educational system.

Compulsory education in St. Martin, however, is still a work in progress. We will be calling on UNESCO to assist us where necessary so that, hopefully, we could soon report that the process has been completed.

Another issue we are faced with in our education system is that of gender parity, not only among students in the classroom, but also in front of the classroom. As with students, there is a huge disparity between teachers, as female teachers greatly outnumber their male colleagues. We are seeking ways to balance this equation.

Madame President, accurate, reliable, and timely education statistics are essential for our education system to achieve its goals of using our limited human and material resources optimally. We have, therefore, developed an "Educational Digest" as a first step in our effort to efficiently and effectively deal with the challenges we face in this 21st century.

Culture, Madame President, is inseparable from identity, and identity is not only about who we are, but also about who we want to be. St. Martiners are a resilient people who know that true peace is not only the absence of war, but rather an indispensable condition for all of us, big and small, rich and poor, to pursue happiness and live in harmony with one another and with our environment.

That peace starts and must grow and flourish in the minds of every man and woman, indeed of every child and teenager. If there is a message a small Caribbean island like St. Martin can offer the world, it is that we must focus on what unites us as a human family rather than on what divides us. There is no other way to create a culture of peace.

"Culture," as St. Martin's foremost poet sings, "is work" and work is what we are here to do. We hope to benefit from the experience and expertise UNESCO can offer us, specifically in the areas of tangible and intangible heritage.

Madame President, I did not come here to present a shopping list. In fact, St. Martin believes its associate membership of this organization will enable it to make a more meaningful contribution in areas such as language and publishing to the rest of the Caribbean region, and perhaps even beyond, as our destiny calls us to do. We are, therefore, eagerly looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.

May I end, Madame President, by congratulating you on your election and wish you continued wisdom and strength to guide this organization successfully.

I also wish to thank all the members for the unanimous support given to St. Martin's admission into this global body. We pledge to uphold its ideals and to work diligently with its institutions to ensure that, together, we can achieve the goal of universal solidarity based on "the wide diffusion of culture, and the education of humanity for justice and liberty and peace (which) are indispensable to the dignity of man and constitute a sacred duty which all nations must fulfill in a spirit of mutual assistance," as the UNESCO Constitution states.

I thank you.

Cripple Gate:--- St. Martin Trails hiking club will be hosting its First Annual Unity Walk-a-ton on November 13th 2011 under the theme United for our Environment.

The Club hikes trails on both sides of the island every Sunday morning and feels that there is a need on both sides to maintain the trails and protect the environment. Thus the idea for a unity Walk-a-ton was born.

The Walk-a-ton will start at the Entrance of the Festival Village in Philipsburg and end at the parking lot next to Home and Tools in Bellevue, with a twist at the end. Just across from the Entrance of Port the Plaissance the walk goes off road! There will be a small hike at the end of this walk where participants can discover one of the trails of the island.

Proceeds from this walk will go to maintaining and the marking of the trails for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. 'We have a wealth of beauty and nature left on this island, just waiting to be explored. Very often we encounter people who would like to discover the trails but not necessarily early on a Sunday morning' says Gisele Jermin Public relations Officer for the club.

Tickets are $10/10Euros and include a t-shirt and breakfast. Tickets can be purchased from members of St. Martin Trails and from the following businesses: Blue Point Gas Station, General Tire Center, Change Caraibes and Grillades Antillaise on the waterfront for the French Side as well as Tri-Sports and Napa Auto parts (Cole Bay and Illidge Road locations) on the Dutch Side. Walkers will have the opportunity to win prizes 'raffle style' at the end of the walk.

For more information and tickets call 0690 67 83 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For weekly hiking schedule visit www.stmartintrails.com and SXM Trails on Facebook.

Antigua and Barbuda recorded the largest win so far in the 2011 NAGICO/Leeward Islands One Day Cricket Tournament with a 223 run win over the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on Sunday. The match was played at the Conaree Cricket Grounds in St. Kitts. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the defending champs piled on 309 runs for 7 in its 50 overs with a handsome performance from Mali Richards with 84 runs from 96 balls and Raheem Cornwall 78 from 2 balls. Orlando Peters and Justin Athanaze rounded out the batting for Antigua with 45 and 41 runs respectively.
The BVI bowling seemed effective during the early part of the match but faltered midway in the Antiguan inning. Earl Prescott picked up 2 wickets for 46 runs for the BVI, Richard Fredricks 2 for 46, Neil Niles 1 for 35 and Dorian Auguiste 1 for 44.
In reply, the BVI could only muster 86 runs all out in 22 overs. Montgomery Butler registered 43 runs. Bowling for Antigua & Barbuda Gavin Tonge nabbed 5 for 2 and Larry Joseph 3 for 34. Antigua & Barbuda's next game will be October 5th vs Nevis at the Elquemedo Willet Park in Nevis.

 St. Kitts on back foot after losing to Anguilla

In the day's other encounter, Anguilla pulled off a big win three wicket win against St. Kitts at the Warner Park in the St. Kitts capital of Basseterre. St. Kitts, sent in to bat after losing the toss, made 251 runs for 8 in 50 overs. Codville Rogers racked up 73 runs, Steve Liburd 38, Tashmail Mills 37 and Jacques Taylor 26. Bowling for Anguilla Yannick Leonard took 3 for 28 and Omari Banks 2 for 68.
Anguilla in reply got off to a slow start before Moncin Hodge (26 runs) and Chesney Hughes (67 runs) made a worthy partnership to keep the team in the match. The 47th over from St. Kitts proved to be costly as a many as 13 runs were recorded, including a six from Chesney Hughes and a four at a time when only 21 runs were needed to win. Shane Burton scored 21runs for Anguilla and L. Richardson 20 to round out Anguilla's batting attack. Bowling for St. Kitts, Elvin Berridge grabbed 6 wickets for 40 runs and Steve Liburd 1 for 63 runs.
With this win, Anguilla are placed in a position to qualify for the semi-finals having lost to St. Maarten last week in St. Maarten. Both St. Kitts and Anguilla will have to wait and see what happens in the St. Kitts vs. St. Maarten match at the Warner Park on Monday to determine who moves on to the semi-final. Anguilla's coach Cardigan Connor was pleased with the manner in which his team fought back to win the match. "After the break, St. Kitts came back well and they fought hard...in the end a couple of cricketers in Shaka Hodge and Walters, been orthodox at times, but they did us a great job in getting us over the line," Connor said. St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Maarten are in Group B with the top two teams moving on to the semi-finals. If St. Kitts wins, the match will be decided on net run rate as all three teams would have a win. But manager of the St. Kitts team Leroy Percival is confident his team can bounce back and qualify for the semi-finals. "If we bat first, we have to score 260 or 300...if St. Maarten bat first we should try get them out for under 150 and them make 150 for less than five wickets....we can't be at home and not be in the semi-finals and finals," Percival said.

Marigot:--- The staff of Radio St. Martin (La Voix St. Martin) surprised their boss Francois Cuchi Hunt on Monday with a birthday bash. Friends and listeners of La Voix St. Martin were also invited to share a drink and snack with the veteran broadcaster. At the radio station on Monday, the staff invited the Mighty Dow to play the steel pan for Cuchi live on air. Cuchi celebrated his 57th birthday.

Great Bay (GIS):--- On September 30, Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever met with members of the Howard University Hospital (HUH) Medical Association to discuss their pending symposium on St. Maarten.

The HUH Medical Association, a group of Medical professions who did their studies and/or internships at Howard University Hospital, will be held early next year. This event will mark their 19th year.

"The decision to hold the meeting on St. Maarten," said Marilyn McPherson Corder, chairman of the association, "from the warm reception from Government and the local medical doctors and establishment to the shopping and the beautiful beaches. St. Maarten has a lot of offer."

Some of the other locations that the association held their symposium are: Antigua, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, Brazil, among other destinations.

Minister De Weever said that it was a pleasure to host this distinguished group. We welcome you and don't hesitate to call us. I also urge the local medical professionals on the island to attend this workshop, and anyone else who is interested in the field of medicine, in its many forms.

The theme this year is: "Old problems, New Challenges, Issues Confronting Today's Health Care Providers."

This year again the grassroots St.Martin nation building-and unification movement, will be handing out a number of St. Martin ID-cards to a number of outstanding recipients.
The event will take place on St. Martin/St. Maarten day, November 11, 2011,'11-11-11'.
On this special day, the cards, which normally costs USD 20 for local residents, will be handed out without any costs, courtesy of the movement to 10 recipients.
To qualify for the cards for this particular occasion, recipients must be people of St. Martin heritage, or residents on the island of other heritage, who have made a significant contribution to this island and its people.
We hereby invite the public to recommend to us persons, for this prestigious St. Martin ID-card with a short motivation.
Looking forward to your input.

Leopold JAMES
President grassroots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement
Telephone 54 43512 / 05 90 272401
Email; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./infoesprit @yahoo.fr
Mobile; 5204325 / 5875207

Philipsburg:--- The postal workers along with members of the management team and their union gathered outside of the Philipsburg Post Office on Thursday morning before marching over to the Government Administration Building where they met with Minister of Labour Cornelius de Weever and Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams.
The Prime Minister also met with the chairman of NPNA and other members on Thursday afternoon.
Members of the St. Maarten Communications Union (SMCU) Ludson Evers and Sherman Serastcs told members of the media that the union and the workers need straight forward answers from the NPNA shareholder representative Sarah Wescot Williams who is also negotiating with NPNA and PSS. Evers said that the union was part of the working group and each time they met parties were speaking about becoming a member of UPU and how the government of St. Maarten is trying to acquire monies from Holland for PSS (Postal Services St. Maarten). Evers said at no time was the working group addressing the transfer of the 38 workers of NPNA to PSS and when he requested information from the chairman of PSS Mr. Pantophlet he was asked who told the union that PSS was going to take over the NPNA workers.
Evers further explained that he found the statements of the PSS chairman to be bold because PSS was set up for the transfer of the NPNA workers and postal services when St. Maarten attained its country status. While the union and its membership were waiting in front of the Government Administration Building Chairman of NPNA Franklin Sluis contacted the union and informed them that he received a letter from Minister Charles Cooper who basically asked NPNA to continue its services on St. Maarten until December 2011. However, NPNA was only willing to assist St. Maarten until December 2011 if it's a "win win" situation for NPNA, Sluis indicated to Minister Cooper. The NPNA board members including its chairman traveled to St. Maarten on Thursday where they met with the Prime Minister and PSS.
However, the workers were adamant when they heard what their union representative said. They all said that they were not willing to go back to work unless they know what agreement NPNA and PSS reached.
The protesting workers wrote placards at the back of their shirts saying "there is money for carnival and the regatta but to hell with the postal workers." While expressing their dissatisfaction, Member of Parliament George Pantophlet was seen among the workers as they vented their frustration. When the workers arrived at the Government building security was immediately beefed up. Two workers from the control unit were seen guarding the door of the government building while they also assisted the security guard with escorting the Prime Minister to her office.
The St. Maarten Communication Union members said that as of Monday next week the postal services on St. Maarten will cease its operations and the workers need to know what will happen to them. Evers said while they read in the media that the Prime Minister is taking the discussions to a political level to date she has not told the workers anything concerning their job security.
When asked about the agreement the union signed with NPNA in Curacao on behalf of PSS and the government of St. Maarten. Evers said the union signed a protocol that was being discussed since December 2010. Evers said the union was waiting for NPNA and PSS to come to an agreement before they signed the protocol but sometime in between, the Prime Minister of St. Maarten sent a letter to Mr. Franklin Sluis informing him that he must reach an agreement with the union on the transfer of the employees separately. Besides the letter sent by the Prime Minister, Evers said Denicio Richardson the Director of PSS also indicated to Mr. Franklin Sluis that the transfer of the employees has to be handled separately. Evers said when Sluis presented those letters to the SMCU they decided that they will continue the negotiations with NPNA. He further explained that the protocol signed between NPNA and SMCU is a draft document that did not commit PSS to anything. That document he said was presented to PSS and they requested that PSS give their comments on the draft document but so far they have refused to enter into negotiations. Evers said while PSS refused to begin negotiations they are requesting more information about the workers benefits.
Evers said he does not agree with the idea that NPNA will keep the non postal services to themselves but that aspect of the negotiations lies in the hands of the shareholder representative of St. Maarten.
The Operations Manager of Nieuw Post St. Maarten Clinton Gumbs informed the workers that the Prime Minister eventually invited the management team to a meeting at 6pm on Thursday but that meeting was later called off. Gumbs and all the workers entered a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour when the Prime Minister arrived at the Government Building on Thursday morning.

NPNA to begin Non Postal Services on Monday.

SMN News has been reliably informed that NPNA will begin operations as early as Monday for non postal services. The source said that Franklin Sluis rented a property belonging to Michael Ferrier which is located on Cannegieter Street across from the Kadaster's Office. When contacted on Thursday Ferrier admitted that he rented his building to Franklin Sluis. "Yes, my building was rented out to some people from Curacao who will be offering e-zone and other monetary services there. The contract was signed by Franklin Sluis but he did not sign the contract on behalf of NPNA," Ferrier said.

In the meantime, Minister of Economic Affairs Franklin Meyers said on Thursday that government has not issued any licenses to NPNA on St. Maarten. "As a matter of fact, I met with Economic Affairs on Wednesday and there is nothing on file at Economic Affairs for that business. Also, I was in contact with the director of Bureau Telecommunications to see if they issued a concession to the company without government advice and I was informed that no such concession was issued," Minister Meyers said.

Click here to view more photos of the protest action by NPNA workers on St. Maarten.

The Tennis Club of St. Martin is organizing an Open House event this Saturday October 08th 2011 in Marigot, (just before the Sandy Ground bridge). Several demonstrations will take place such as the use of a DEFIBRILLATOR, how to string your tennis racket and friendly games. For those who might be interested in refereeing, the Tennis Club of St. Martin has now its own international referee! This event is open to both children and adults, experienced and beginners tennis fans!
Also, the Tennis Club of St Martin is organizing an Adult Tournament between the 07th and the 23rd October 2011 for all categories. You can call us on (599) 524 5353 or 0690 22 15 76 or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- An extra ordinary plenary session of parliament will take place on Monday, October 10 at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament, to mark the first year of country status.

This meeting has been convened at the request of Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Hon. Dr. Rhoda Arrindell.

His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday will be attending the extra ordinary plenary session of parliament.

The Council of Ministers will also be present and the Prime Minister, Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams will address parliament with respect to the 10-year journey to country status.

Faction leaders will also be addressing parliament, namely, Independent Faction Member of Parliament Hon. Frans Richardson, Democratic Party Faction Leader MP Hon. Roy Marlin, National Alliance Faction Leader MP Hon. William Marlin, and United People party Faction Leader MP Hon. Romain Laville. Minister Hon. Dr. Rhoda Arrindell will also address parliament.

This session of parliament will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20 at 10:00am.

Maho:--- Police were called to the Maho area next to Platinum Club, where they found the body of a Caucasian man. Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte said police received a call shortly before 8 am informing them that a dead body was lying in the vicinity of Platinum Club. So far, the body has not yet been identified by relatives or friends.
De Witte also said there was no indication that a crime was committed. He said it appears as though the man died of natural causes.
In the meantime, a press release from Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson states that several police patrols, detectives, forensic officers and ambulance personnel were directed to the Maho Reef area at the entrance of Amazon road (road leading to Point Pirouette) where a man was found lying on the ground close to the parking lot. The man was bleeding from his nostrils and mouth and had a very weak pulse. Henson said when police arrived at the scene they closed off the area and traffic was rerouted. On the scene, the paramedics tried to revive the victim, however, he did not survive.
Shortly after, the police doctor was called in and he pronounced the death of the victim. Detectives are currently questioning witnesses who may have seen what happened or seen the victim prior to the incident. The body of the victim did not show any signs of violence or foul play. The Forensic Department collected evidence at the scene to try to piece together what happened. The identity of the victim, who is a white male is still unknown. The investigation is ongoing and when the victim's identity is established the media will be informed. In the meantime, anyone who may be able to identify the victim, should get in contact with the Detective Department.

Marigot:--- A middle aged woman who is well known to have been suffering from mental problems went berserk last Saturday night, injuring five people during the frenzy before she could have been restrained by the gendarmes.
A press release from the gendarmes states that they had difficulty clearing the way for the emergency services to enter the crime scene as there was a huge crowd of people who gathered around those that were injured.

The woman (suspect) was immediately placed under psychiatric care for an expert evaluation and the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.
In an unrelated case that same evening, two motorists were detained during a routine traffic control when they were found to be in possession of illicit drugs. One had 118 grams of cannabis and the other 6 grams of cannabis. The former was summoned to court while the latter was released with a fine.
The press release also states that on October 6, a car thief was detained by Gendarmes suspected of stealing a car at gun point from a man in Orient Bay on September 11. Fortunately for the victim the vehicle was found in tact.
On Wednesday October 5, Gendarmes arrested two suspects implicated in the theft of a gold chain from a female college student in French Cul-de-Sac on September 30. The investigation revealed that the two suspects had committed the same offense on September 20 in the same location. They would approach victims on their scooter and snatch items of jewellery before speeding away. One of the suspects was transferred to a closed education facility in Guadeloupe while the other was summoned to the juvenile court.

Orco and Fatum, two prominent financial institutions on the island, will be hosting a pension seminar on Friday 21st of October at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino. It will mark the first joint venture between the two companies.

Three guest speakers will address the audience including: Fatum Manager Employee Benefit, Ir. Valery Sinot, Managing Director of Keesen Actuarissen, Mr. Laurence Keesen and Secretary General Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor and Head of Steering Committee Reform Pension System for the Government of St. Maarten, Drs. Jorien Wuite.

Presentations will cover various topics including how pensions work, the benefits of having a personal or group pension and current developments as it relates to pensions on the whole. Former Netherlands Antilles Member of Parliament Mr. Marcel Gumbs will be master of ceremony, and will chair a panel discussion at the end of the three presentations.

Ronald Halman, Manager Orco Bank: "Financial planning covers a wide array of topics including but not limited to income and expenses, investments, savings, and insurances – finding the right balance when managing these, helps ensure a solid financial foundation, with an adequate fund for one's retirement years. We are pleased to co-sponsor this seminar with Fatum Insurances as we continue to provide financial solutions to our existing and potential customer base."

"We look forward to receiving invited interest groups in the public and private sector of industry. Business owners, Human Resources Managers and private individuals interested in attending are most welcome. Due to limited space, we encourage pre-registration online via www.fatum.an, and invitees to RSVP at the earliest." stated Fatum Manager for the Windward Island Mr. Olivier van de Gevel.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Last week Sint Maarten's Vice Minister of Plenipotentiary Hon. Richard Panneflek accompanied by Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges, visited the Aruba House in The Hague where Minister Panneflek was introduced to Aruba's representative in Holland Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Edwin Abath.

Philipsburg:--- The draft agreement presented to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams between the Nieuw Post Netherland Antilles (NPNA) and Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS) is still not signed. Sources close the Prime Minister's cabinet said the Prime Minister still wants some changes to be made to the draft agreement. Those changes they say are in the interest of the NPNA workers on St. Maarten. "Our Prime Minister wants to make sure NPNA takes it's responsibility when it comes to the workers' rights and benefits, therefore, she believes that has to be clearly outlined in the draft agreement which will expire on December 31 2011." SMN News also learnt that the St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) is trying to force the government of St. Maarten to sign an agreement with them. The source said SMCU wants to make sure both the union and NPNA is relieved of its financial responsibilities but the government of St. Maarten refused to enter into any agreement with the union since it is not relevant to the draft agreement they worked on late Wednesday night.
While the government of St. Maarten, the NPNA, and PSS are continuing to stall the process to reopen the Philipsburg Post Office, the Chamber of Commerce has initiated a court case against NPNA and PSS. President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty said a number of businesses on St. Maarten are being affected by the closure of the Post Office and the injunction that was filed by HBN law is to force all parties to come to an agreement and reopen the Post Office. Carty further explained that the economy of St. Maarten is already very bad and now that the Post Office is closed that will make the economy even worse.
Attorney at Law Maarten Le Poole said the injunction was filed on Friday and the hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Le Poole said the petitioner is the Chamber of Commerce while the defendants are PSS and NPNA.
SMN News will bring you more information as both parties progress with the negotiations.

Great Bay:--- The "Little Miss St. Martin Pageant" contestants are getting extra lessons at rehearsal about "St. Martin's history, culture, unity, and the importance of love for oneself and country, along with etiquette and pageant protocol," said organizer Nzinga Lake.
The pageant "princesses" Shendricia Daal, Tsjaniqua Jeffrey, Kiara Meyers, and Joliyah Abram also have a number of upcoming heritage activities to attend, media appearances, and a visit with Minister of Culture Dr. Rhoda Arrindell in preparation for the November 6 event, said Lake.
Earlier this month the contestants visited the St. Martin's Home on Senior Citizens Day, "where they introduced themselves and mingled with the elderly," said Lake. Last weekend, motivational storyteller and dance coach Nkosazana Illis took the girls through their opening dance routine, "which we can't wait to show the public on
November 6 at Celebration Palace," said Lake.
Laptops, a Winair trip, and bank savings book are among the prizes that the winners will take home. "But the main idea of the Little Miss St. Martin Pageant is still to motivate and inspire positive activities for girls and to honor the traditional sense of unity that St. Martin Day stands for," said the organizer.
"We would like to thank so far the Ministry of Culture, Winair, Mr. Boykie of Clean St. Maarten, the St. Martin Day committee, Ms. Zaida Vlaun of Travel Planners, parents, and schools for their support," said Lake.
The contestants are "encouraged to excel in cultural knowledge and to value educational excellence, while being graceful ambassadors of their schools, neighborhoods, and St. Martin," said Lake.
One of the competition categories calls for the girls to model the dress or uniform of the profession that they want to work in when they grow up. "The idea again is to challenge the princesses as much as to entertain our audience," said Lake. The pageant winners will participate in the official St. Martin Day activities hosted by the minister of culture on November 11, said Lake.

Philipsburg:--- The bandits that are invading homes and businesses are getting braver by the day as the number of burglaries or house break-ins commtted is increasing daily. On Monday, bandits invaded the home of Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte. De Witte lives in the Oyster Pond area and he confirmed to SMN News that he met his house in a complete mess when he arrived home around 5:30pm on Monday afternoon. Bandits also invaded the home of another person in the same area on Monday.
In an invited comment, De Witte said the burglars made a mess of his home as they scattered his belongings and those of his family all over the place. At the time of the interview De Witte said he could not tell exactly what the thieves took out of his home since he had not yet taken an inventory of his belongings. Police he said was at his home processing the scene on Monday evening. De Witte also said no one was at home when the thieves raided his house.
While residents and businesses are constantly complaining about the increase in brutal crimes on the island, somehow the amount of robberies and house break-ins that are committed daily is not being reported. It has been reported that 16 murders were committed for the year 2011 but the amount of robberies and house break-ins is yet to be reported. These burglaries go un-reported by the police department for unknown reasons.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said burglaries are indeed on the rise because he received information from the Police Department stating that there are at least 10 burglaries committed per day on St. Maarten.
Mos finds the amount of burglaries to be alarming, he said right now there is no immediate solution for these crimes since there is a lack of prison space for criminals that commit petty crimes such as house break-ins or burglaries."Burglars would spend like 26 days in a police holding cell after which they are released."
SMN News reported in the past that these bandits target police officers quite often because on more than one occasion they managed to steal the officers' service weapons. Some months ago bandits invaded the home of the CID head Richard York and stole his service revolver. Brigadier Richards lost his service revolver while on the French side sometime ago. All of which went unreported by police. It is not known if the culprits who target and steal the police weapons were ever caught because that too is kept under the proverbial carpet. Police also fail to say if any of the weapons that were stolen from police officers were used in any murders that were committed thus far for the year or prior years.
Several Members of Parliament have expressed concerns on the growing crime rate on St. Maarten especially since there is nothing in place for the younger generation. Jobs they said are taken up by the undocumented or foreigners who recently applied for the Brooks Tower Permit.

Philipsburg:--- The vice chairman of the committee organizing the Royal visit Marcel Gumbs presented the programme of activities they put together for the Royal visit scheduled for November 3rd 2011. The theme for the Royal visit is Public Health, Environment and Education.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams outlined the programme which includes a "National Manifestation, Embracing St. Maarten's tradition". According to the programme, the National Manifestation will be held on November 3rd at the Clem Labega Square.
The Royal Family is scheduled to arrive on St. Maarten at 10:30am at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
The inauguration of the Mental Health Facility will take place at 3:10pm in Cay Hill, while the Environmental and Nature Foundations will make their presentation at the Emilio Wilson Park at 3:45pm. The third presentation will be done at the Sundial School where the Culinary Arts students will make their presentation at 4:40pm. The final presentation for that day will be the National Manifestation, hosted by the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams it is scheduled for 8:00pm at the Clem Labega Square.
During these presentations each Minister will participate depending on their portfolios. The Royal Family, namely Her Majesty Queen Beatrix will meet with the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament. A meeting is also scheduled with the Royal Family and the Governor of St. Maarten Drs. Eugene Holiday, who will be hosting the dinner for the Royal Family.

Click here to view the official programme for the Royal Visit.

Philipsburg:--- Police responded to the Jump Up Casino area where a man was shot in his buttocks on Monday evening. The victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment confirmed Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte.
According to Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who was at the scene of the crime, two men were arguing over a bill in the parking lot of SEL Maduro and Sons when one of them took out a gun and shot the other one in his buttocks. Henson said the suspect then fled the scene on foot. Police up to press time was combing the area to locate the shooter. The police spokesman further explained that the crime scene was processed by members of the forensic department.

Pointe Blanche:--- The Police and Prosecutor's office were called to the Pointe Blanche Prison facilities early Tuesday morning when the body of Robert Leroy Reid was discovered hanging in the bathroom of the sickbay.
Director of the Prison Facility Rudsell Ricardo said Robert Reid was showing signs of suicide since last week and he advised the nurse who informed him of the suspect's demeanor to call in the Mental Health Foundation. However, Ricardo could not say if anyone from the Mental Health Foundation visited the suspect after they were notified. "The nurse told me that Reid was suicidal on Friday and I instructed the nurse to call in the Mental Health Foundation. I can't tell you whether or not they visited him because that falls under the health section. Robert Leroy Reid developed a lot of trust in one of the nurses who was seeing him daily and he gave her indications that he would have taken his life," Ricardo said.
Ricardo said at 5:10 am on Tuesday morning one of the inmates who was also in the sick bay discovered Reid's body hanging in the bathroom when he went to urinate. Ricardo said Robert Reid tore a bed sheet into small pieces and made it into a rope which he used to hang himself. The suspect tied the makeshift rope on the fancy blocks inside the bathroom to hang himself.
Robert Reid was placed in the sick bay because he was being treated for the burns he received. SMN News understands that the suspect was placed in those cells because he was at high risk among the regular prison population. When asked if the investigations that were conducted completely ruled out foul play or crime, Ricardo said he could not comment on that since that investigation was conducted by the police.
The prison director further explained that at the time of the incident there were four prisoners in the sick bay. When asked by SMN News if controls are done at night Ricardo said that controls were conducted by the guards at 11pm, 1:00am, and at 3:00am and the body he said was found at 5:10am. When asked if the prison does not have cameras that would allow the guards to see when something is amidst, Ricardo responded in the negative.
Ricardo said police conducted an investigation when they were called to the scene.
Prosecutor Den Hartigh confirmed that an investigation was conducted into the death of Robert Leroy Reid and it showed that the suspect died of hanging, therefore, his office released the body to his relatives for burial.
Robert Reid was arrested on September 6th 2011 when police found the body of his 13 year old daughter in a ravine in South Reward. Reid was accused of killing his daughter whom he picked up from school that day. Prosecutor Bart den Hartigh said last week that Reid had opted to use his right to remain silent and as such the police were not able to get much information from him. "Reid gave the police one statement and he was advised by his lawyer to remain silent while maintaining his innocence." Den Hartigh also confirmed that police was not able to confront Reid with the cause of death of his daughter Tiffany Reid who died of suffocation before her body was burnt.
The murder investigation on Tiffany Reid remains open as the prosecutor's office is awaiting reports on the technical aspects of the investigation.

Robert Reid Left Suicide Note --- Wants to be buried next to his daughter.

Robert Reid, the father of Tiffany Reid who was accused of murdering his daughter left a suicide note that the police forensic department is busy analyzing. SMN News learnt that Robert Reid said that he wants to be buried next to his daughter Tiffany Reid.
Evelyn Jervis, mother of Tiffany Reid said the police called her to the Police Station on Tuesday to officially inform her of Reid's demise and to see if she was going to take over the body for burial. The grieving mother said police informed her that Reid left a suicide note and in that note he said he wanted to be buried beside his daughter who was murdered on September 6th 2011. Jervis said she already indicated to police that she was not in a financial position to bury another person and she assisted them in contacting his relatives in Jamaica. "I called his sister while at the Police Station and I told her that her brother hung himself and that I could not bury him since I just buried my daughter. His sister promised to get back to me, she said she had to contact other relatives," Jervis said.
The Landsrecherche has launched an investigation into the death of Robert Reid. Prosecutor Bart den Hartigh said while it is most likely that Reid took his own life, an investigation has to take place to determine exactly how the prisoner managed to take his own life while in custody.

Philipsburg:--- The Permanent Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs of Parliament, will meet on October 26 with representatives of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

The meeting will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament on Wednesday at 3.00pm.

Members of the committee will be briefed about the current state of affairs and the library's future plans; additional tasks as the national library of country Sint Maarten; the current government funding system for the library; possibilities for the library to organize its own fundraising campaigns; financing of a new library building; and the need for establishing library branches in different districts.

The Chair person of the Permanent Committee is Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce, Vice Chair MP Hon. Leroy De Weever and MP Hon. Louie Laveist.

The meeting which is also open to the public will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

After a successful fundraising campaign this past Spring, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has announced that a pumpout boat, which will pump sewage out of boats and properly dispose of it, will be arriving later this year. The pump and tank will soon be installed on a skiff and then shipped to St. Maarten. However, the boat has not yet been named. EPIC encourages the public to get creative and submit potential names by visiting them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/epicislands. Once on the site, participants can enter their answer and see names suggested by others. Suggestions can also be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Entries will be accepted through November 10.

The pumpout project aims to reduce sewage wastewater entering the Simpson Bay Lagoon and surrounding waters as part of a broader Love the Lagoon protection and restoration program. Funds for the pump were provided by CA Technologies while additional funds for the boat, storage tank, and other items were donated by Island Global Yachting, Port de Plaisance, Wired Sailor, and community members. EPIC would like to thanks all those who have made this project possible.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Individuals or companies desirous of exporting wooden pallets from Sint Maarten to other countries, must notify the Inspection Department TEZVT-LVV (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) that falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, and also secure permission before making arrangements to send the pallets abroad.

The wooden pallets will need to be inspected in order to ensure that there are no pests in the pallets.

Based on a recent experience, a company exported a container of pallets to Puerto Rico and the shipment was denied entry and returned to the island because the shipment contained the Auger beetle (Heterobostrychus brunneus). The beetle is a quarantine pest for the United States of America and territories.

Sint Maarten as a country has to adhere to certain rules and regulations with respect to the export of goods. If the country does not adhere and comply to these, it can be blacklisted which could have a negative effect on our national economy, according to Mervyn Butcher from the Inspection Department TEZVT-LVV.

The Inspections Department TEZVT-LVV of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Office is located in the Savence Building (Yellow Building where Public Works and Building Inspection are located), Tamarinde Steeg #16C on the Pondfill. The office can be reached by calling 542-4519 for further information.

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- Detectives in Curacao arrested two ground handlers working at Curacao International Airport in connection with the weapons that were found aboard DAE flight 9H 981 from St. Maarten to Curacao on Thursday. Sources close to the investigation said RST officers questioned about eight ground handlers but only two of them were arrested.
Curacao investigators it is understood are waiting on St. Maarten to forward them a progress report on the investigation that is being conducted on St. Maarten. So far, no one has been arrested on St. Maarten. According to well placed sources, an RST Detective that was on board the flight on Thursday was tipped off that loaded firearms were on the flight in two unmarked bags.
The source said the detective inspected the luggages when they were taken out of the aircraft and saw the two unmarked bags, one of which was next to the luggage compartment door while the other one was all the way in the back among the passengers luggages. "Someone in St. Maarten had to take those bags and place them in the plane so it is necessary for St. Maarten to speed up the investigation and arrest the culprits involved in transporting the weapons to Curacao," the source said.
Prosecutor Bart den Hartigh confirmed that no arrests have been made on St. Maarten, Den Hartigh said he is not able to divulge information in the ongoing investigations.

June 10, 2004, Xtreme Communications NV (Xtreme) launched the first self-Service Pin Voucher machine on St Maarten at Texaco Star-Mart on the Bush Road. Fast-forward seven years and four month, Xtreme is doing it again. On October 20 2011, Xtreme placed their newest "XBC SSV Touch" Kiosk developed by Xtreme Business Concepts (XBC). The Kiosk is the first of its kind on St Maarten because it is the only self-service Kiosk that can sell Pin Vouchers ($5, $10, $20 and $50), Direct TopUp ($1 to $150), Reloadable TopUp (gift) cards, and process Bill Payments. (http://xtremebusinessconcepts.com/pin-vending-machine-xbc-touch.aspx)

Who is Xtreme?

Xtreme is an authorized Wholesaler of UTS / CHIPPIE Pre-Paid Cards, E-Pins and Direct TopUp on St. Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius. Xtreme started distribution of Chippie scratch cards on St Maarten in November 2003. Since then, Xtreme has installed and is currently managing more than 169 TopUp POS terminals on St. Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius. Xtreme has also developed the buychippieonline.com web site (http://buychippieonline.com) were Chippie prepaid customers can buy Direct TopUp using a credit card via the secure PayPal portal.

What is a Pin Voucher?
A Pin Voucher is a receipt with a printed Pin number, which a customer uses to enter in their phone to add credit. This is the first step-up from the old days when customers had to scratch and enter the number in their phones (providing the customer did not scratch off some numbers by accident). The Pin Vouchers are sold in standard denominations of $5, $10, $20 and $50.

What is Direct TopUp?
Direct TopUp is the process when the store clerk sends the credit directly to the customer's phone. Therefore, there is no need for a Pin voucher or a Scratch Card to enter in your phone. Today, Direct TopUp is used in more than sixty-five percent (65%) of Xtreme TopUp credit transactions. TopUp is available in standard denomination of $1 to $150.

What is a Reloadable TopUp Gift card (RTC)?
With the (RTC), consumers can go to any retailer to purchase and activate their RTC. The TopUp credit can be deposited on the RTC instead a phone. After funds are deposited on the card, the cardholder can login online and use the RTC (http://buychippieonline.com/xbccard.aspx) to purchase Pin Vouches or Direct TopUp. The RTC is also a gift idea for many occasions; birthdays, Valentines and do not forget this Christmas season. Parents, friends and family members may also use their RTC to share their Chippie TopUp credits or TopUp each other's phones from the comfort of their homes or hotel rooms when traveling. All you would need is your Smart phone, IPod or a PC with internet access and you will have your very own personal TopUp portal (It is like being your own retailer). You won't need to call home to have someone send TopUp to your phone. Simply load the credit to your RTC and use it when and how you want. The RTC card is currently available at Trendy Cosmetics on Back Street, The Mail Box in Simpson Bay and Island Cell phone Rentals in Royal Palm Beach Club.

What is Bill Payment?
The new Bill Payment options from Xtreme will also be the first of its own on St Maarten. In 2012, Xtreme plans to launch their Bill Pay application on their Self-service Kiosk. The concept of the Bill Pay application is to save consumers time and money from having to go to different locations to pay their bills. Consumers will be able to pay their bills at the Kiosk for a small convenience fee. Imagine no longer having to drive all over the island, sit in traffic, or wait in long lines to pay your bills.

Launch Special
With the launch of the new Self-service Kiosk, Xtreme will be giving their customers a treat when they try a direct TopUp transaction from the new Self-service Kiosk. On Monday October 31, 2011 Xtreme will be giving an additional 10% TopUp bonus for every TopUp $10.00 or more to any UTS prepaid phone from St Maarten, St Martin, the BES Island, Suriname and Curaçao using "Direct TopUp" at their Self-service Kiosk located at Texaco Star Mart on the Bush Road. The bonus special will be available on October 31, 2011 (for the entire day) exclusively from Texaco Star Mart on the Bush Road. Xtreme will also have one of their staffs at the location to help and inform customers how to use the new Self-Service Kiosk effectively. So come on over and try the new Self-service Kiosk for Chippie Direct TopUp at Texaco Star Mart on the Bush Road this Monday.

Member of Parliament George Pantophlet says that from the little he heard and read about the guns and ammunition shipment intercepted by Customs at Curacao's Airport, a lot of emphasis seems to be placed on the fact that it originated from St. Maarten. It appears that no manifest no sort of labels were on these bags. Hopefully, the ongoing investigation will bring light to the matter. But a person or persons must have had access to the ramp in order to place these bags in the luggage or cargo area of the plane. The Member of Parliament wants to go further. His query would be how did the guns reach St. Maarten in the first place? Because the last time he checked there are no gun factories on St. Maarten. Were these weapons bought on or brought in from the French Side? Were they smuggled in on a yacht in the lagoon, or by an undetected speed boat that landed on one of our patrolled beaches? Probably as the investigation intensifies we will get to the bottom of this very serious matter. And then my advice would be for the Government of St. Maarten to insist on the Dutch government that they sign the agreement that was sent a year ago for closer cooperation between the two sides of the island? In a Central committee meeting about 1 month ago the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan informed members of Parliament that the document has been sitting on someone's desk in The Hague for almost 1 year now. All indications are that the document has already been signed by France. The Member of Parliament sees this as impeding both sides from being able to protect their citizens. The Dutch have always placed great importance on trans-border crimes so why the delay? The much talked about cooperation between Dutch and French side of the island especially in the area of combating crime has to be intensified.

French Quarter:--- Aliette Hyman celebrated her 102nd birthday on September 28th with relatives and friends at her home in French Quarter. Hyman was born on September 28th 1909 in Abymes, Guadeloupe.

Philipsburg:--- The school basketball tournament started on Friday, 30th September 2001 at the L. B. Scott Sports Auditorium. The Minister of Sports the Honorable Dr. Rhoda Arrindell addressed the large crowd of parents, students, fans and players who gathered at the L. B. Scott Sports Auditorium. The Minister commended the St. Maarten Youth Beat Foundation and stressed that the school sports competition between schools in the various sports was in line with her policy. The Minister also acknowledged the participation of schools from the French Side, which is concrete proof of unity proclaimed every November 11th on St. Maarten's Day. The Minister also mentioned that St. Maarten will be bidding to host the 2013 Kingdom Games, and that basketball will form part of the Kingdom games. The Minister Declared the tournament open and made 3 attempt to shoot that basketball into the hoop.

The Tournament is a Double Elimination Tournament; meaning if a school loses 2 games then they will automatically be eliminated from the tournament.
The Games will be played at the L. B. Scott Sports Auditorium starting at 5pm on Fridays and at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex on Saturdays starting at 3pm.

The following are the results of the start of the School games that was played:

Friday, 30th September 2011
Martin Luther King school 15 Vs Genevieve De Weever School 11
SXM Academy 33 Vs Lycee from Marigot 25
SXM Academy PSVE 30 Vs MPC team 1 29

Saturday, 1st October 2011
St.Joseph Primary School 18 Vs Learning Unlimited 17
Learning Unlimited 50 Vs MPC Team 2 59
St.Dominic High 48 Vs CIA 30

Friday, 7th October 2011 L. B. Scott Sports Auditorium
5:00pm USM Vs St.Dominic High
6:00pm SXM Academy Academic Vs SXM Aacademy PSVE
7:00pm LYCEE De Marigot vs MPC team 1

Saturday, 8th October 2011 Melford Hazel Sports Complex
3:00pm Learning Unlimited VS CIA
4:00pm MPC team 2 Vs winner of St.Dominic/USM
5:00pm Loser of Academy/PSVE Vs loser of St.Dominic/USM

The Primary Schools will resume their games on Friday 14th October 2011.

 

Great Bay (GIS):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Cornelius de Weever signed the Ministerial regulation to establish the Tripartite Committee, on September 30, 2011.

The Tripartite Committee (TC) serves as a consultative body on matters relating to labor market issues and topics related to the International Labor Organization. The establishment of this committee is also in line with the philosophy expressed in Convention 144 on Tripartite Consultation. Minister De Weever subscribes to engaging in social dialogue, thus consulting with the social partners. The committee has representatives of the workers organizations, employer's organizations and government.

Sint Maarten intends to as much as reasonably possible comply with international labor standards and want to do so in consultation and collaboration with the social partners.

Once the regulation is publicized, a meeting will be convened. One of the first topics that will be discussed, according to the Minister, is the policy on employment permits.

The establishment of the Tripartite Committee (TC) is to not only improve social dialogue, but also to involve and foster greater cooperation amongst the social partners—thus forming a cohesive Government, Employer and Worker partnership.

"As a country, we want to live up to our international obligations," Minister De Weever said. "and by joining hands and heads we can begin to tackle some of the important issues pertaining to our labor market, such as putting our young people to work and creating a flexible and affordable business environment that will eventually lead to the creation of more and better jobs for our people."

Philipsburg:--- Organizers of the 2nd annual PINK PARADE are pleased with the turn out in support of Breast Cancer Awareness last Saturday, October 1.
On Saturday afternoon at 4pm marchers left the John Larmonie Center on the Longwall Road in Philipsburg, led by The Boys Brigade and Generation New Status marching bands, along with groups representing various businesses and individuals who wanted to support the cause, walked the length of Frontstreet and ended at Holland House on the Boardwalk where they were treated to live music and entertainment and also received important information about the disease.
Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot-Williams and Minister of Health Cornelius DeWeever were both in advance along with members of their cabinets. Foundations and businesses which sent representatives included St. Maarten Trails, St. Maarten Mental Health Foundation, Chuchubi Foundation, Safe Haven, St. Maarten Cable TV, GEBE, Hardrock Cafe, Scotia Bank, Heavenly Water and Chippie Cafe; the latter two were also sponsors for the event.
Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation, said that the turnout had been impressive.
"We were very happy with the amounts of people who showed up to support the cause and also with their creativity. We had the ladies of St. Maarten out with their pink umbrellas decorated with pink ribbons and also we had Pauline Gumbs-Smith whose costume made us crown her 'Queen of the Band', because it really depicted breast cancer awareness and also recognized those who had passed on because of the illness," Alphonso said.
According to Alphonso the march was the official launch of a month of activities organized by the Positive Foundation in collaboration with local radio personality Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt. Wyatt also took the opportunity to present the newly established Elektralytes Foundation to the public.
For Monday, October 3, the two entities have teamed up with GEBE NV for a special lighting ceremony at GEBE headquarters on W.J.A. Nisbeth Road. As a part of the breast cancer awareness campaign the local electricity provider has agreed to light its building pink. The event will begin with a few words by all organizations at 6:30pm and thereafter the switch will be flipped, lighting up the headquarters and a specially constructed pink ribbon. The lights will be within easy viewing of motorists traversing this busy street throughout the month of October calling awareness to breast cancer and the fight to eradicate it. Alphonso is encouraging the public to come out and view this lighting ceremony and to actively seek out information about breast cancer throughout the month of October.
"We must remember that early detection remains the best protection against this disease and we must all do our part to stop it," Alphonso said.

French Quarter:--- A stabbing in the vicinity of the French Quarter Pharmacy has left a young woman dead confirmed Commandant of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet.
Onlookers at the scene identified the victim as Cecilia Henry who was born on the island of St. Kitts.
Sources say the victim who is well known to the Gendarmerie was stabbed by a Haitian woman and her daughter multiple times. According to bystanders, a Haitian girl walked up to Henry and began stabbing her on her head and back. They said the victim received as much as five stab wounds and she died on the spot. Scores of gendarmes responded to the scene where a large amount of onlookers gathered. The gendarmes also combed the area to locate the two suspects. It is not yet known if the duo were apprehended by law enforcement.
Monday night's killing has brought the amount of homicide committed on the French Side to six thus far for 2011.

Philipsburg:--- The Positive Foundation in collaboration with the Elektralytes Foundation has scheduled a month of free clinical screenings with various medical practices across St. Maarten.
According to Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso these free examinations are a part of the foundation's annual breast cancer awareness month initiative and are meant to encourage women to have their breasts checked by a medical doctor.
"The best protection against breast cancer is still early detection, I cannot emphasize that enough, so along with doing monthly breast self exams, women should have their breasts checked regularly by their family doctors. This drive, the free clinics, is one which we have been doing for several years already and we see that the turnout is growing and we are grateful, because we know that this helps save lives," Alphonso said.
Alphonso also explained that women who had a history of breast cancer in their family were more susceptible to the illness and said that these women should pay particular attention to the health of their breasts.
"There is no way to determine who will get breast cancer and who will not, but there is data which shows that family history plays an important role, so this is something that our women on St. Maarten/St. Martin should also be mindful of. Visit your doctor, get checked and if your doctor determines that more investigation needs to be done, then also go and have your mammogram," Alphonso said.
This year the two foundations have also collaborated with the St. Maarten Medical Center to provide 100 free mammograms to women who need them, but may not have the insurance or funds to cover them. The patient must first be checked by one of the doctors participating in the free clinical screenings drive and if it is so determined will be referred to the medical center for further analysis.
The clinics, dates and times for the initial check-ups are as follows: Wednesday, October 5; Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Union Road Clinic, Colebay, 10am-4pm, Friday, October 7; Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Wednesday, October 12; Family Medical Center, Cay Hill, 9am-12pm, Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Dennaoui Medical Center, Airport Road 4-6pm, Thursday, October 13; Doctor Zamora Clinic, Colebay, 1:30-2:30pm, Friday, October 14; Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Wednesday, October 19; Madame Estate Health Care Center, Madame Estate, 2-4:45pm, Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Friday, October 21; Dr. Bryson Clinic, Dutch Quarter, 2-4pm, Saturday, October 22; Bush Road Medical Clinic, Bush Road, 9-11am, Wednesday, October 26; Family Medical Center, Cay Hill, 9-11am, Dr. H. Deketh, Maho, 9-11am, Saturday, October 29; Bush Road Medical Clinic, 9-11am, Dr. Spencer, 10am-12pm.
All interested persons should call the clinics in advance and make appointments in order to ensure that there is space available at their desired times.
"Women should make use of this opportunity to go and do something which is beneficial to their health. A lot of women resist going to the doctor to get checked out of fear, but they should not let fear stop them. Not knowing will not protect them from this disease, but knowledge will. If they know them they can do something about it, make informed decisions and save their lives," Alphonso said.
She also reminded businesses at large that the Positive Foundation members had made themselves available to organizations throughout the month of October in order to give workshops on the issue.
"Businesses interested in raising awareness concerning breast cancer should contact us via our Facebook page or by calling me at 580-9658 to schedule an appointment for a workshop for their staff. I have said before, and can only continue to reiterate this, breast cancer awareness is a community issue and we must all do our part to help eradicate it," Alphonso said.

Philipsburg:--- On Sunday, October 9, the Positive Foundation and the Elektralytes Foundation will be hosting the annual PINK PHIT PHABULOUS walk-a-ton as a part of the breast cancer awareness drive.
The presidents of the foundations, Shelly Alphonso and Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt respectively, are encouraging women from every segment of our community to come out and make this the most successful walk to date.
"This walk, in the years past, has always had a great turnout, but this year we really want to make it the best ever. This means that women who have walked with us in the past need to come out once again, but also need to bring their daughters, their mothers, their sisters, their aunts, their friends and then still grab their fathers, brothers, uncles, sons, etc., until they have their whole circle with them," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that it had been heart-warming to see families or groups of friends or colleagues walking together at this event in years prior.
"Breast cancer, like all cancers, does not only affect the individuals who have the disease, but impacts their whole family and by extension their community, so we have to fight this illness as families, and as a community. We need to remind each other to get checked, we need to help inform each other about the facts related to the disease and in order to do that we have to come out and get that information. We also have to support those who are fighting everyday to overcome this illness, and that is what we try to do each year with our walk," Alphonso said.
This year's walk-a-ton starts at Divico in Colebay at 6:30am and ends at the Festival Village at 10:30am. The walkers will leave Colebay and head into Philipsburg via Link One. Once at the village breakfast will be on sale and also there will be Zumba workshops and other informative activities for those in attendance.
"I would really like to see a turnout nearing a 1000 people. As I said before, every year our turnout keeps growing and this year I would really like to for our community to show up to support those who are valiantly fighting against this disease. It is important that those fighting know that they have our unwavering support while they fight on. Everybody knows somebody who is fighting cancer, if not breast cancer, then some other form, so on Sunday we are encouraging you to come out and walk for them.
Participants are encouraged to dress in pink, which is indicative of the pink ribbon icon used to symbolize the fight against breast cancer. There will also be 700 commemorative shirts distributed by the two foundations on that day, but they will shared out on a first come basis, so participants are encouraged to turn up no later than 6am.
"The fight against breast cancer is an important one. Annually we lose too many of our women, locally, regionally and internationally to this disease and it is also one which is affecting our men at increasing rates. As I said before, early detection is the best protection, and this can only occur when there is awareness. So come out and help us send an important message to our community about breast cancer specifically and our health in general," Alphonso said.

My Dear Colleagues,

Happy World Teachers Day to you. We of the C.U.T join millions of Teachers across the globe in celebrating world Teachers Day on 5th October. We consider the day significant to the efforts to build awareness, understanding and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. We invite and encourage everyone to be a part of the celebrations of the thousands of teachers in this region who dedicate their time and energy to teaching children, young people and adults.

We endorse the theme chosen for this year's celebration 'Teachers for Gender Equality'. We are of the firm conviction that gender equality is a human right and one that underpins human endeavors for sustainable development, social justice, peace and security, and quality education for all. We note with concern that even though there exist the enabling legislation, we, in this region, have not fully achieved gender equality. Gender inequality continues to exist, in unions, in education and in society.

Though in most territories in the Caribbean women significantly outnumber men in the membership of teachers union, the participation of women in the leadership of these unions is not in any way closely reflective of that dominance. It is the responsibility of the various unions to ensure that there is full representation and participation of both genders.

We also need to find means to ensure that more men recognize teaching as a profession which they can choose and in which they can earn a descent livelihood for themselves and their families. The relatively low number of males in the teaching profession is cause for concern.

It is also important that we address in a fundamental way the issue of the underachievement of our males in school system. We have an obligation to ascertain that no policy or practice that we carry out in any way contribute to challenges that our males face in our education system. We must continue to be vocal in our quest to maintain an education system that empowers both boys and girls.

It is important to reiterate that a high quality public education is the foundation for creating and sustaining social justice, peace and progress, and teachers are strategically placed at the centre of the process. On this World Teachers Day we make a special appeal to governments, parents, and communities to renew their commitment to teachers and teaching and to commit to equality in education.

It is said that a good teacher is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others. Let us ensure that future generations continue to have their needs met by teachers. Let us all endeavor to be teachers who promote gender equality in our practice in our classrooms.

Marvin Andall
October 2011

Divi Little Bay Beach and Isle de Sol Yacht Club have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label, making St. Maarten the first country in the Dutch Caribbean to have Blue Flag locations. This accomplishment is no small feat as both locations were required to improve certain aspects of their facilities and meet stringent international criteria in order to be considered for the eco-label.

The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches or marinas that meet a specific set of criteria concerning environmental information and education, water quality, safety, services and environmental management. The program is designed to raise environmental awareness and increase sound environmental practices among residents, tourists and the management and staff of marinas, beaches and resorts. The eco-label has become an international symbol of quality recognized by governments, non- governmental organizations and tour operators and is used for the promotion of the awarded beach, marina or destination.

The local foundation Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC) partnered with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in 2008 to work towards establishing the Blue Flag Program on St. Maarten. Since then the program has enjoyed the full support of Minister Franklin Meyers, Director of Tourism May-Ling Chun and their respective predecessors former Commissioner Frans Richardson and former Director of Tourism Ms. Regina Labega. The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, the St. Maarten Timeshare Association and the Marine Trades Association are also enthusiastic supporters of the efforts to bring the Blue Flag eco-label to St. Maarten.

The Blue Flag, which was originally a French program, became an international award in 1987 and has since spread across the world, expanding to 41 countries and 3650 Blue Flag sites. Each year, national Blue Flag juries review all Blue Flag candidates to ensure they meet the criteria for beaches and marinas at the national and international level. Those that do are then forwarded to the International Jury, which focuses on set criteria, before giving a final verdict. The International Jury is composed of representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), International Lifesaving Federation (ILS), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), an international environmental education expert, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

Initial funding for the Blue Flag award on St. Maarten came from (an American foundation) the National Fish and Wildlife Program – Coral Reef Conservation Fund and has been supported over the years by individual and corporate donors, particularly Island Food Wholesale.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and EPIC congratulate management and staff at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and Isle de Sol Yacht Club with achieving full Blue Flag status and encourages both locations to continue to work towards the improvement of their Environmental Management Systems in order to be awarded the Blue Flag for many more years to come.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The two key speakers for the High Councils of State (HCOS) symposium for October 14 is Dr. Samuel Polanen and Justice Bob Wit.

The symposium will be held under the theme "Checks and Balances in a Democracy and the Role of High Councils of State," and will be held at the Westin Dawn Beach Hotel & Casino.

Dr. Samuel Polanen is a Constitutional law consultant and the Director of the Foundation for Civic Education, as well as serving as an advisor to the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs for Suriname. He served as an international observer at elections held in various countries.

Justice Bob Wit currently serves as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice and is the President of the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten.

The objective of the symposium is to increase the awareness in a general sense regarding the role and value of the High Councils of State within a democratic system.

Specifically to provide information as to why the Councils are necessary and what tasks these institutions fulfil. Modern well-functioning democracies are characterized by the division of powers between the various branches of government as well as the existence of bodies whose sole purpose is to maintain checks and balances on the functioning of the system.

Like other parliamentary democracies, Sint Maarten has the institutions that both advise government as well as review the functioning of government. What is different in our case is that many of these institutions are new and must be developed, according to the HCOS.

Nevertheless, the institutions are expected to be functioning from inception of the new status. The challenge is to carry out the role as stipulated by law while developing the functions.

Improved awareness of the existence of the institutions as well as the function of the institutions is the ultimate goal.

In so doing the HCOS hope that the institutions will become better understood and also better able to execute the legally prescribed tasks. Another outcome is that there will be more interest for the proper development of the institutions.

As the institutions are new, it is critical that the formative stages are executed with the support of all relevant players, including government, parliament, and the public and civil society.

The invitees to the symposium will comprise of Members of Parliament, Ministers, Secretary Generals, Department Heads, and Section Heads and other stakeholders in the community, as well as invitees from abroad.

The Ombudsman, the General Audit Chamber and the Advisory Council, are three of the High Councils of State constitutionally recognized in Country Sint Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- The Operations Manager of Nieuw Post St. Maarten Clinton Gumbs held a press conference on Monday to update the media on their ongoing predicament where they still do not have an agreement on how the postal services will continue on St. Maarten.
Gumbs said at no time were they invited by the Government of St. Maarten or the NPNA on Curacao to update them on the transfer to PSS. However, the operations manager on St. Maarten read a letter that was sent by PSS to NPNA which outlined the working agreement during the transition period. Gumbs said to date the employees have no definite answer on their employment. Gumbs said the workers started the go-slow action because of the lack of information and the fact that government and PSS said the transfer of the workers would take place separately.
Gumbs said he requested a meeting with the director of PSS Denicio Richardson to discuss the predicament of the workers but he did not get a response. He said that he then requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to find out where the postal workers stand and how the negotiations were going with NPNA. He said the Prime Minister promised to get back to him since there was no final agreement in August 2011. Gumbs said he believes that the Prime Minister was misled to believe that the money gram generates a lot of monies. He said while there is a lot of money that passes through the Post Office. He said the money gram and e-zone cannot sustain the post office on St. Maarten. He said mail services dropped by 76% since electronic mail surfaced.
Gumbs said to date there is no agreement and a meeting was supposed to be held on Sunday afternoon but no one from the Prime Minister's cabinet showed up for the meeting. Gumbs further explained that NPNA no longer has the right to operate on St. Maarten since their concession expired since October 2010.
SMN News has been reliably informed that PSS is willing to have the transfer of the workers from NPNA but they are requesting that NPNA pay out all the workers for the years they worked for NPNA. The source said PSS does not believe they should take over the liabilities of the workers when there are no monies.

Philipsburg:--- The findings of the Netherlands Quality Agency (NQA) desk research into the Teacher Education Program (TEP) at the University of St. Martin (USM) have came back favorable. The desk research results came in on Monday after a four month process.
Part of the desk research was also a self evaluation report by USM in which it describes how the TEP meets the Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (NVAO) requirements set in the Assessment Framework for Higher Education.
The decision to participate in an external evaluation of the TEP was taken by USM in May 2011 because of concerns that arose on the side of the Ministry of Education regarding the quality of the TEP.
"The committee has the impression that the level of some subjects, e.g. information technology and mathematics, is higher than international standards require," the NQA noted.
Nine TEP students were adversely affected by the evaluation, since they were preparing for graduation in mid-June and a future in education and it became evident that the results of the evaluation would not be available before graduation. Despite the uncertainty of the outcome of the desk research, USM chose to still issue the degrees of these nine TEP students. This decision was made because officials at USM were convinced it was irresponsible to hold the students back from a well deserved graduation that late in the process. This decision was also made based on the belief that the quality of programs (including TEP) and courses offered at USM are meeting set standards.
USM is elated that the results are favorable for the institution but most of all for the students because the uncertainty is now over and it is clear the NQA emphasized the level of quality. USM is also happy that the Ministry of Education can rest assured that the institution is providing much needed teachers with the appropriate bachelor level education.
"The committee was impressed by the quality of these (students) portfolio's," the NQA stated.
"The committee is convinced that the portfolio's it has seen, represent the bachelor level of professional education."
The portfolios are a vital part of the TEP program and are to show performance levels, competencies, journal materials, lesson plans and reflections.
In addition, the positive response by NQA is also very good news for the freshmen and sophomore students in the TEP and TEP prospects, who were also in limbo.
"The committee is satisfied that TEP has developed a programme that supports students in reaching the final qualifications," NQA also stated.
There were also some procedural (not content) recommendations by the NQA for improvements and USM is already taking the relevant steps in this matter.

In its efforts to assist in alleviating the traffic situation in Cole Bay/ Simpson Bay, the SHTA met with Kurt Ruan of ROB and Claudio Buitenhuis of Windward Roads to reiterate concerns raised during its meeting with traffic police regarding the disastrous impact on the business community and the damage created to destination St. Maarten due to the huge influx of negative ratings on various social networks.
Ruan informed that the goal of all these road works is to upgrade the infrastructure, which is +/- 30 years behind schedule, to include sewage lines and drainage systems. This is a necessary step towards improving the quality of life of our residents, he said.
In order to ease the burden on the community, Buitenhuis explained that they only use the excavators between 9 pm and 7 am when there is least traffic and have also assigned some construction workers to assist in directing traffic. He also informed that by the end of next week, the sewage lines will have been placed and the roads filled in, which should stop people from slowing down to look at the work being carried out; that should improve the traffic flow.
SHTA, Ruan and Buitenhuis then went over various rerouting options, after which Ruan agreed to reopen the Union Road to two way traffic for a period to see if it will improve the flow of traffic. He hoped to have it reopened by Wednesday morning pending discussions with the traffic police, because an officer would have to be placed at the Union Road- Orange Grove junction to direct traffic.
SHTA asked to be included in the planning stages moving forward and requested an update on the schedule of the current and future road works. Ruan informed that the current construction is on schedule to be completed in 8 weeks on December 9th, after which the Waterfront Road will be worked on. After the high Tourist Season, the remainder of Welfare road will be addressed followed by another large project (in planning) for the Union Road.
In short, the SHTA would like to appeal to the community in general for calm and patience during this extremely frustrating period. The organization will work with the Tourism Office to counteract some of the negative reporting on the internet social networks by explaining that this period of growing pains will come to an end and will provide the Dutch side of the island with much needed infrastructure upgrades that will benefit not only our tourism product, but also the quality of life for the public in general.

Member of Parliament George Pantophlet says that he is trying to understand the actions of the President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell in adjourning the urgent meeting requested by the faction of the National Alliance on Developments at the Post Office of St. Maarten specifically with the employees who have gone on strike. The Prime Minister had given the impression that the documents could be provided immediately after the adjournment. It was just a matter of going to the files or and e-mails and having them copied by the Secretary General who would make them available to Parliament. While the Prime Minister gave a detailed account of what transpired, the documents would have provided the Member of Parliament with the dates as to when the Union was brought into the discussions. Because as he quoted one of the daily newspapers of October 7, 2011 the Union had stated they only knew what was being mentioned in the media by the Prime Minister. The statement by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams that the Post office was shut down by New Post Netherlands Antilles on Monday October 10th is interpreted by the Member of Parliament as a lock out. This has caused more confusion because what the Member of Parliament needs clarity on was upon whose authorization? In his opinion NPNA could not have taken this drastic step without the permission of its shareholder. What is also important is the financial information as read by the Prime Minister. The Member of Parliament needs to know over what period of time because mention was made of the year 2010 and also to a certain period of the year 2011. What the Member of Parliament was looking for is at least the last 5 years. Because the argument of New Post Netherlands Antilles that they were carrying the loss for St. Maarten Post office for many years has to be based on facts. He said if this is true why is it that it was never brought to the attention of the representatives or the shareholder? Being the businessman that Mr. Franklin Sluis is, it is incomprehensible that he would continue to allow New Post Netherlands Antilles to incur losses of the magnitude they claim to. The Member of Parliament is looking forward to having these documents before the week ends giving him and his colleagues sufficient time to study them before the meeting is reconvened on October 18, next Tuesday.

The SHTA acknowledges and supports Minister Duncan's efforts to safeguard the tourism industry and protect our primary industry; SHTA believes that stiffer penalties for severe crimes should be introduced across the board to all criminals. Ultimately, all crimes have a negative impact to our society and economy.
The SHTA is well aware of the limited resources of the justice department. Increasing penalties may result in more people in jail which translates into more facilities, more guards and more financial demands.
The health of our society is a direct reflection of the health of our economy. In the long term, the solutions for crime revolve around fixing our economy. The core issue is the underperforming economy, which is not producing enough revenue for the country and is therefore hindering our ability to put the necessary framework in place to effectively fight crime and fix other social ills.
Moving forward, the SHTA believes that there is hope and suggests the following to stimulate the economy and provide relief to residents and businesses.

SHORT TERM

1. Increased police presence on the streets. SHTA believes that the periods of vehicle controls which occurred sparingly over the past years were successful deterrents to crime. These should be repeated.
2. Heightened border control to prevent the trafficking of narcotics, persons and goods.

LONG TERM

1. Restructure the tax system. Broadening the tax base, creation of an environment that stimulates growth and investment. Government can generate more revenue and stimulate the economy simultaneously by lowering the tax rate, eliminating special deductions, and increasing compliance.
2. Crime is a social issue. Therefore, prevention and control should go hand in hand with socio-economic development. We need to fix the education system to better foster and stimulate the youth.

SHTA has requested the opportunity to discuss these and other suggestions with the Council of Ministers.

Philipsburg:--- Fun Miles, the Caribbean's largest free saving and redemption program welcomes its newest partner BBW concrete, SXM's premier supplier of high quality ready mixed concrete. This partnership is of particular significance because it enables builders to collect large amounts of Fun Miles with their purchases (and redeem them at BBW as well.) As a bonus, cardholders will have a chance to win 25000 Fun Miles at BBW during the entire introduction month, until November 24th.
ABOUT BBW CONCRETE
Since the 1960s, BBW Concrete has been the island's preferred supplier of ready mix concrete and other building materials. BBW offers its clients products of consistently high quality at affordable prices with a service level second to none. It is located at Opuntia Cactus Road in Sucker Garden,at the entrance of the concrete Pond Island statue.
WIN UP TO 25.000 FUN MILES AND GET EXTRA FUNJACK CARDS
As an attractive introduction, Fun Miles cardholders will temporarily have a chance to win 25000 Fun Miles. By swiping their Fun Miles card and making a purchase at BBW, they will automatically participate in the grand prize raffle. Winners will be contacted at the end of November. With a purchase of ANG 100 or more, cardholders will receive extra cards for FunJack, Fun Miles' spectacular blackjack-themed end-of-year campaign. Raffle and FunJack giveaway are valid thru November 24th.
The Fun Jack campaign will be starting Oct 19,2011
From now on Concrete Builders on St.Maarten will earn 1 Fun Mile with every Ang 2.50 spent at BBW and can also redeem their Fun Miles there.
ABOUT FUN MILES
For more than 13 years, Fun Miles has been the Caribbean's biggest free saving and redemption program. With over 100,000 members on all four islands, Fun Miles has become part of the community. The program owes its popularity to the wide range of fun things that it brings within reach. For example, you can redeem your Fun Miles for a Big Mac, groceries at Sunny Foods, call credit from UTS or gasoline from Scott's Gasstation, but also for a ticket from Insel Air or Travel Planners. With BBW Concrete as a partner, the Fun Miles program has just become even more attractive!

Philipsburg:--- Preparations are underway to send the 2012 National Budget to the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT after the Council of Ministers (COM) approved a balanced budget on Monday, Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto announced on Tuesday.

The 2012 balanced budget is Naf.432.549.600 million or Naf.11.633.003 million more than the 2011 budget of Naf.420,916.597 million.

While the CFT is reviewing the budget, it will be discussed simultaneously with the Council of Advice.

The Minister of Finance expects to receive the CFT advice two weeks after they have reviewed the national budget. The advice and budget will then be sent officially to the Council of Advice whose main focus can then be on the advice from the CFT.

When the COM receives the budget back from the Council of Advice, it will be sent to the Governor who will then send it to Parliament.

Cay Hill:--- SMMC in cooperation with Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation is holding an open house at the central patio of the hospital in support of breast cancer awareness.

"We fully support the initiative of the Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation to reduce the stigma surrounding breast cancer." Juliëtte Hassell HR/Communications Manager of SMMC says. "To help educate the general public we are organizing an Open House at the Hospital on October 19, 2011 from 11:00am till 3:00pm. During the open house we will provide information about the different aspects of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, the general treatments options and the treatment options at SMMC. We invite all to come to the hospital."

"To stimulate that persons get themselves checked, we have teamed up with the hospital this year to provide free mammograms to uninsured persons. Mammography is a screening method to detect breast cancer, by providing free mammograms we make this essential diagnostic tool more accessible", Shelly Alphonso of the Positive Foundation states.

"We are encouraging the general public to really use the opportunity that is being offered and go for a free clinical screening by one of the participating clinics" Elektra of the Elektralyets Foundation says. "The participating physicians will provide vouchers for the free mammogram if necessary.

The participating clinics where persons can still go to till the end of the month are:

Philipsburg:--- The joint committee from Dutch and French St. Martin that is organizing the activities for St. Maarten's Day told members of the media on Wednesday that the programme for the festivities surrounding St. Maarten's Day is almost complete. Committee member Fabiana Arnell said the programme for November 11th is somewhat tight as the event planners are looking at having the toast at exactly 11/11/11/11 which is to coincide with this year.
Arnell said the activities for St. Maarten's Day will commence on November 4th to November 14th. On November 11th, the official speeches and toast will take place at Festival Village. Among the items planned for this year's celebration are bicycle races, boat races for adults and youths, tennis, soccer and net ball games.
The theme for this year's celebration is "One Island, One People, and One Destiny." The day's activities will start off with the church service, followed by the laying of the wreaths, then the uniform parade, and the cultural manifestation where Indira Marlin will be making a dance presentation. After the official speeches, the cultural parade will take place at 3:30 to 4:00pm where the general public is invited to participate says the organizer Urmain Dormoy.
An essay competition is also planned which will be held in Dutch, English and French along with the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant.
The committee members is calling on persons who are interested in selling foods and snacks at the Festival Village to fill in an application form which is available at the Government Administration Building.

Philipsburg:--- The Central Committee of Parliament that started on October 03 with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius De Weever, will continue on October 24.

The meeting will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament on Monday at 10.00am.

The first agenda point is government's policy in regards to the issuance and renewal of doctor cards and government's policy on the granting of social aid.

The second agenda point is the labour situation on the island.

The Minister is scheduled to respond to questions that were asked by Members of Parliament in the meeting of October 3.

The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament in a letter dated August 31, 2011 requested this meeting to discuss the aforementioned.

The meeting which is also open to the public will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Joint controls started on October 10 and so far 21 violations were registered by the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Inspectorate VSA) and the Fire Department.

With respect to labour violations, those ranged from non-critical such as administrative infringements where businesses were not able to display a work schedule or labour registry.

A critical violation was employers employing persons without an employment permit. In such a case, employers were informed about the situation and what the consequences are if this situation remains. The employer was also advised what measures need to be taken.

In the area of food safety, there were 18 violations of which four were critical and 14 non-critical.

Several businesses were closed or partly closed, namely Subway at Maho Reef, Paris Bistro (Maho Reef), Maho Market, Carlo Bella Napoli (Cupecoy) and Stone Restaurant (Pelican).

After the infringements were corrected, and after re-inspection, these businesses were allowed to fully open or the section of the operation that was closed down was allowed back into operation. Infringements of the aforementioned businesses related to food and fire safety issues as well as equipment challenges. Some food stock was also confiscated and destroyed by the Inspectorate VSA.

The Fire Department discovered a number of fire safety infringements, three were critical and 17 were non-critical.

The infringements ranged from fire extinguishers not serviced underweight or not having sufficient extinguishers for the size of the kitchen; insulation of electrical wiring not in order; emergency gas shut off valve lacking; and emergency EXIT signs not in working order.

Business owners and staff must make sure to have proper Identification as well as copies of Resident and Employment permits with them all the time.

The objectives of the controls are to guarantee quality service to residents and visitors on the island by making sure that establishments are adhering to the rules and regulations that govern their operations.

Controls will continue on a regular basis. Cooperation from the businesses visited was very good.

Establishments are required to have all documentation such as a business license, operational license, labour registration, personnel list, work schedules, overtime, wages, insurance and employment permits all in order and available for display when requested.

Establishments must meet codes and maintain safety codes where it concerns the amount and state of fire extinguishers (serviced annually by a certified company and must be properly labelled when the certification took place and must be written in the Dutch or English language), fire emergency exits, exit signs, emergency lights, gas bottles and installation, and the building structure and electrical wiring. Any hazardous situations discovered during the inspection will result in the establishment being closed immediately.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Wholesalers and retailers who plan on importing Christmas Trees for the upcoming holiday season are hereby advised to make sure that the trees have been treated.

Wholesalers and retailers for each consignment should have a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country showing that the trees have been fumigated with methyl bromide before it leaves the exporting country.

There are ordinances that regulate the importation of goods and a permit will be required for the holiday season 2012 in order to import Christmas Trees.

Country Sint Maarten has to comply with various international regulations such as the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Government is in the process via the Department of Inspections TEZVT of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) that falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, to register as a member of the IPPC.

The Department of Inspections TEZVT-LVV has to ensure that imported Christmas Trees – even though they may appear to be harmless, there could be hidden threats - are free from insects and pests that could harm trees and vegetation on the island.

The Department of Inspections TEZVT-LVV of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Office is located in the Savence Building (Yellow), Tamarinde Steeg #16C on the Pondfill which houses various government offices such as Public Works and the Building Inspections Department. The office can be reached by calling 542-4519 for further information.

The Bottom, Saba:--- Police and other emergency workers removed the body of a Windward Roads supervisor from Dancing Trail, Saba on Monday afternoon. Information reaching SMN News states that the victim hung himself and his body was found on Monday afternoon. Residents on Saba identified the victim as Albert van Leersum whom they said is Dutch national.
SMN News contacted the Janhendrik Boekaar from Windward Roads St. Maarten for confirmation on the suicide and he said that he will be traveling to Saba on Tuesday to gather information on the incident. Boekaar said he was notified by phone on Monday and he had no details as to why the victim took his life.
Caroline Pie, Communications Officer for the BES islands confirmed that a man hung himself on Monday afternoon. Pie said she could not release the name of the person since his family was not yet notified, the relatives of the victim she said lives in the Netherlands. The communications officer said the victim is of Dutch origin and had not so long ago move to Saba. She also confirmed that the body was taken to the hospital in Saba and an investigation into the circumstances of his death was being conducted.

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested a man identified as M.L. at his home in South Reward shortly before midnight on Wednesday reported Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said the suspect is accused of stealing a jeep that was parked next to the WINAIR Building at the Princess Juliana International Airport. The Police Spokesman said after the suspect stole the vehicle he drove to his home and offloaded two large bags containing a number of items. "Inside the bags there were tools and other electrical items such as computer hard drives, computer screens, speakers, and testers." Henson said M.L. hid the items in his house and when he saw police he hid under his bed and refused to come out when they called him out. The Police Spokesman said they managed to arrest the suspect and they confiscated the stolen jeep and other items. The police he said are busy investigating the case.

Machine Gun Found in Public Area --- Suspect Arrested.

In an unrelated case, members of the Zero Tolerance team combed an area in Cay Hill on Thursday morning after receiving information stating that a weapon was somewhere in the area. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said when police received the information they responded immediately and managed to find a loaded firearm under a black bag with some food items.
The weapon is an automatic LUGER caliber 9 millimeter handgun. The gun was loaded with 9 millimeter bullets ready to fire, said the police spokesman. The weapon is in fact what you would call a "machine gun" because shots could be fired repeatedly from the weapon by only pulling the trigger once. The weapon was confiscated by police and handed over to Forensic Department who will run tests on the weapon. Henson said police already have a suspect in custody that may be linked to the weapon. The investigation is ongoing.
The Police Spokesman said that the weapon was found in an open and public area and it could have easily been found by a young child or children, had this happened persons could have been hurt or even killed.
The police department is urging the entire community to immediately get on board and join with police department in this ongoing battle against crime on Sint Maarten. This problem is not only a police problem, but a problem involving the entire community. Henson urged residents and citizens to continue to inform the police as it is their intention to remove all illegal weapons from the streets while ridding the island of criminal activities.

Philipsburg:--- Staff and students of the St. Joseph School are proud of the outcome of their breast cancer awareness initiative, which took place on Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22.
These events were, which were a Breast Cancer Awareness Prayer Day and a Breast Cancer Awareness Open House were geared at getting teachers, parents and students to think about the disease and to inform them about what measures could be taken to prevent death.
Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation said that her organization had leant what support it could to both initiatives, noting that each year the school's activities were growing.
"They started with their program a year ago and already it has grown quite impressively. Last year both the prayer day and the open house were smaller, and when I looked around this year you could see how much they had grown and they should be commended for that. Each time an organization or a foundation comes up with programs like these, it helps us to get the message out there that early detection is still the best prevention," Alphonso said.
Alphonso explained that on the Friday students had received permission to attend school in pink and to come with names written down for whom they would like to pray. The prayers were directed at breast cancer victims, survivors and those who not doing particularly well in their fight against the illness. Students and teachers representing all of the school's grades participated and one of the teachers even created a pink cake to symbolize the school's commitment to the fight against the disease.
At the open house on the Saturday, parents and members of the public were invited to come out and receive information via DVD viewings and guided demonstrations done by the students of the American University of the Caribbean (AUC). Those who attended were also able to receive a free medical screening by Dr. Ruth Douglas.
Both Alphonso and St. Joseph Cycle 1 Coordinator Edna Letang-Baly were impressed with the turnout, though Letang-Baly said that next year she would like to see much more parents turn out for the event.
"We had a lot of people come in off the street for information and for an exam, but I missed the parents. This was done in part for them and next year I hope to see a lot more. I'm also hoping that we can have one more doctor. Dr. Douglas did a great job, but one more doctor will help to create a continuous flow," Letang-Baly said.
Natalie Angus, one of the AUC students who helped with the hands on presentations, explained that her participation was a part of the university's community action day and that she had chosen this event because it allowed her to interact closer with local St. Maarteners. She said that her group had been showing DVD's and also allowing them to use fabricated breasts to search for lumps in order for them to understand what they should be looking for.
"A breast self exam should last about 10 minutes and should be done at least once a month. During the initial month it can be done everyday just so women get an idea of what their breast tissue feel like. After that it should become a once a month habit for all women over 20. Women can know their own breasts best and so can note changes in them which they can share with their doctors. This is why it is very important that women become familiar with their breasts," Angus said.
Both the St. Joseph School staff and the members of the Positive Foundation extended thanks to all who participated in the event, especially Dr. Douglas and the students of the AUC who donated their time and expertise.

Philipsburg:--- The establishment of a Petite Committee of Experts from the Netherlands and Sint Maarten, has been proposed to deal with open issues such as but not limited to the power utility company GEBE and Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) where the Dutch public entities of Saba and St. Eustatius have shares.

Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto who met with Dutch State Secretary of Finance Hon. Frans Weekers on Wednesday, says this is one of the positive outcomes so far of his working visit to the Netherlands this week.

The Sint Maarten Minister explained Weekers that the open issues with Saba and St. Eustatius must be looked at from a broader perspective.

"We have a number of issues dealing with our sister islands that includes taxes, GEBE and WINAIR to name a few. Sint Maarten consumers have been subsidizing the electricity supply for years. The two air routes to Saba and St. Eustatius also deliver losses. We understand that an air-link between the islands is part and parcel of the socio-economic development of the islands and therefore, the proposed establishment of this petite committee is a very positive and significant development is resolving these issues after the dissolution of the former Netherlands Antilles.

"The people of Sint Maarten are demanding relief and we are working diligently to bring this relief by resolving issues left undone," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto said on Thursday.

Once the Petite Committee of Experts present their findings on how to solve the aforementioned and other issues, the Governments of Holland and Sint Maarten will meet to take the political decisions.

Regarding the matter of the Turn over Tax (ToT) and the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, Minister Shigemoto explained to Secretary of State Weekers that Sint Maarten at the moment is in the process of developing a new tax system by 2013 which also includes revamping and redesigning of the ToT.

"For Sint Maarten to be able to offer any relief before that time would be extremely difficult as we have to contend with the rules and regulations of the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT as well as the presentation of lean balanced national budgets for 2011 and 2012 which covers the operational expenses of Government.

"The Government of Sint Maarten cannot afford to miss any income that would result in a deficit which goes against the financial supervision rules and regulations," Finance Minister Shigemoto pointed out to Weekers.

The finalization of the buying out of BES Islands shares of nine per cent in the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) was another area that was discussed between the Minister and Secretary of State.

This process is currently with Supervisory board of CBCS.

During the visit of the Royal family from November 3 to 6, 2011 and in order to allow for easy flow of the Royal Party, the Traffic Department hereby advises the public that there will be a series of traffic interruptions over the next few days.

To accommodate the Royal Party's transitions, certain roads will be closed for very short periods of time specifically between the hours of 10:30am to approximately 8:00pm. Diversions will be in place. Roads will reopen once the Royal Party has passed.

The affected roads are:

1. Simpsonbay Road
2. Billy Folly Road
3. Welfare Road
4. Cay Bay
5. Kruythoff Round-a-bout
6. Alexis Arnell Road
7. Cole Bay Hill Round-a -bout
8. Sucker Garden Road
9. Arch Road
10. Bishop Hill Road
11. Churchill Round-a-bout (Grand Marche )
12. Prince Bernard Bridge (Intersection)
13. Walter Nisbeth Road
14. Long Wall Road
15. A. Th. Illidge Road
16. Avenue du Lagon

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams on Friday was present for the swearing in (oath-taking) of Acting Secretary Generals (SG) of the various Ministries' of Government.

The swearing in was carried out by His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday at the Cabinet of the Governor. Absent were Ministry of Finance Acting SG Sherry Hazel and Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Acting SG Jorien Wuite. They will be sworn in at a later date. Acting SG of the Ministry of General Affairs Julien Larmonie is on contract and did not take the oath.

In December a large group of civil servants are expected to take the oath during a similar ceremony.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Roland Duncan displayed arrogance and disrespect towards Members of Parliament especially towards the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin who posed several questions to the Justice Minister during a central committee meeting on Friday.
During Marlin's presentation and questions to the Minister in the first round of the meeting Minister Duncan asked for a point of clarification claiming that the statements Marlin was making did not coincide with the agenda point that was being discussed. The Minister claimed that Marlin was playing politics and that he was using the central committee meeting to grandstand. Minister Duncan further stated that he will not accept such treatment from the Members of Parliament since Ministers are party to the debates in Parliament. He said the questions Marlin posed sounded as though he was being interrogated. As the meeting continued, Minister Duncan referred to statements and the questions posed as nonsensical.
The Minister made clear that he was not a child and he will not accept for Members of Parliament to berate him. Later in the meeting, Minister Duncan apologized for the use of the harsh words claiming that he should have been more diplomatic when answering to parliament.
Member of Parliament William Marlin who was obviously angry and disturbed at the statements made by the Minister made clear that he will not accept the Minister's disrespectful behavior when answering to Parliament. Marlin said the questions he posed to the Minister were legitimate questions all relating to the Brooks Tower Two procedures. Marlin quoted several statements from the BTA report that was issued by the committee that was established by the Minister to vet the applications submitted to the BTA team.
The senior Member of Parliament asked the Minister if he agreed to the recommendations made by the committee on how to proceed with the BTA process. This of course angered the Minister and he responded by saying that whether or not he agreed was not Marlin's business. Chiding the Minister for his behavior and reactions towards the leader of the National Alliance was Member of Parliament Louie Laveist. Laveist informed the Minister and President of Parliament that the people's business is the affairs of those elected to office. Both Laveist and Marlin warned that the Ministers must show respect to the Members of Parliament.
Marlin indicated to Parliament that for anyone to understand where they are going they first have to understand where the BTA came from and how it all started. The Member of Parliament said for years St. Maarten had a large number of undocumented foreigners who were residing on the island illegally. Many of these persons he said had children that were born on the island and they too did not have legal documents.
Marlin said to address the immigration catastrophe Government and the former Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba decided to divide these persons into three categories. Category 1 was for persons who were able to provide proof that they arrived on St. Maarten before December 31 2001, while category two was for persons who could have proved that they came to St. Maarten before January 1 2002 including up to December 31 2005. As for category 3, he said that was persons who arrived on St. Maarten after 2005 and they had to leave the island or face deportation by May 2010.
Marlin said when they first called the Minister to Parliament they were not satisfied with the answers he provided to them then and they are still not satisfied with Minister who allowed persons from category 3 to apply during the BTA 2 process for a permit. The National Alliance Leader and Member of Parliament said the BTA 2 was meant only for extension of the permits granted during BTA 1.
Marlin referred to the report issued by the committee which stated that that BTA two process was not meant for new applications and that category 3 should not have been allowed to apply.

Marlin reminded that it was the Minister who issued the verbal decree instructing the civil servants to open up the procedure to everyone. In responding to these statements, the Minister said that the Minister has discretionary power to accept and grant anyone a permit based on humanitarian grounds. He also explained that St. Maarten has over 6000 persons still residing on the island illegally and government has to find a way to address the situation. He said his intention is to grant all persons who received a category 1 permit permanent residency and he also wants to extend the pending permits to another year since those permits will only be valid until November 3 2011. Minister Duncan also laid most of the blame for the BTA confusion on the media whom he said wrote several articles about the "verbal decree." He also made clear that he has no intention to reopen the BTA process.
Marlin said the BTA 2 that was reopened by the Minister's verbal decree created so much confusion that several persons were arrested and the head of that office has been suspended to date while the Minister is still enjoying the fruits and benefits of his office and he is not claiming responsibility for the "mess" he created.
Independent Member of Parliament Frans Richardson asked the Minister if the report submitted by the committee on August 16th is valid since the committee was established for a period of three months which expired on July 21 2011. Minister Duncan said that even though the committee's time had elapsed when they issued the report it was valid. Richardson also posed several questions on granting BTA permits now since the BTA process ended since 2009.
Minister Duncan in his explanations that he had to extend the BTA procedure because when he took office in October 2010 he met the BTA process which was not completed and to date the former Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba did not transfer the entire process to his Ministry.

Philipsburg:--- Amendments approved by the House of Parliament on Friday to the Turn over Tax (ToT) Ordinance 1997 addresses some technical flaws and loopholes, says Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto.

“The amendments besides addressing technical flaws and loopholes, also clarifies the topic concerning goods supplied and services rendered by foreign entrepreneurs to local buyers or clients.

“Only import of services by foreign entrepreneurs is taxed.  Import of goods by foreign entrepreneurs is not taxed as we have no import duties. Whether it is from the French side or other international import of goods, no ToT is to be paid for the import of those goods.  Import of services, however, is subject to the five per cent ToT.

“The law has also been softened whereby local entrepreneurs, who imported services such as professional advice or other such services, can only be charged with ToT that foreign importers of services didn’t declare and pay.

“We have also softened the law to give local businesses the opportunity to make arrangements with the importers of services to pay the ToT rather than run the risk of the Tax Office coming after them for the foreign entrepreneur not having paid the ToT for imported services.

“It also encourages compliance by the foreign entrepreneurs.  It also makes local entrepreneurs more aware of the fact that the foreign business has to pay ToT on services which are being imported into Sint Maarten.  Basically, these changes are to create a more level playing field between local businesses and foreign entrepreneurs whereby now the import of services is also taxable for ToT.  Local entrepreneurs can only be charged when foreign entrepreneurs import services and they fail to declare and pay the ToT.

“The amendments also sharpens the reverse procedure regarding the payment of taxes by the foreign entrepreneur and identifies the period of taxation for the ToT.  Due to many past changes to the ToT Ordinance, some references no longer correspond and therefore these amendments were presented to Parliament to correct these omissions,” Minister Shigemoto informed Parliament on Friday.

With reference to the notice of May 31, 2011 regarding the ToT, the Minister of Finance would like to reiterate that the ToT is not to appear separately on the bills, but should be included in the price.

The Minister added that these amendments will also help to bring in additional income for the people of Sint Maarten which benefits the country’s overall national development and allows Government to make the necessary investments in education, health, crime prevention and social development.

Brief summary

Clarification of article 2, paragraph b of the Turnover Tax Ordinance 1997

• Article 2: ground rule for the taxation of ToT.
• Essence: The turnover realized by foreign based entrepreneurs through supply of goods or the rendering of service is only taxed if the supply or service rendered has taken place locally.
• It is proposed to amend article 2, paragraph b of abovementioned Ordinance in order to clarify that services rendered by foreign entrepreneurs are only taxed if their services are enjoyed on St. Maarten.

Re- instatement of article 5 paragraph 2 of the ToT Ordinance

• Article 5, second paragraph of abovementioned ordinance regulated the place of supply of goods.
• This paragraph has been erroneously deleted in a recent amendment of the ToT due to editorial changes in the draft ordinance by Legal Affairs and Legislation (JZ&W).
• Because of the importance of this paragraph for the taxation system, it is proposed that this paragraph be reinstated immediately.

Clarification of article 5, third paragraph of the Turnover Tax Ordinance

• Following the recent amendment of article 5, third paragraph, of the ToT Ordinance a debate has arisen in the media stating that the place of supply of goods by foreign entrepreneurs to a local buyer is also subjected to ToT. This perception is incorrect.
• Article 5 regulates only the place of supply of goods and services rendered and does not govern the taxability of the goods or services as such.
• The taxation of the supply by a foreign based entrepreneur is regulated in article 2.
• Under article 2, the turnover realized by foreign based entrepreneurs through supply of goods is only taxed if the supply has taken place locally.
• Import of goods is therefore, based on current legislation, never charged with ToT.
• In article 5, paragraph 2, reference is made to article 2 to avoid future debates regarding the place of supply of goods.
• No substantial change is intended with this addition.

Reverse procedure

The reverse procedure (regarding the payment of taxes) has been introduced for foreign based entrepreneurs with the recent amendment of the ToT Ordinance (article 11, second paragraph)

• After consulting with the Tax Office, the proposal has been made to add an additional condition to the reversing of the ToT payable by the foreign entrepreneur to the buyer/client.
• The tax liability is shifted to the buyer/client only if the foreign based entrepreneur has failed to pay the turnover tax to the Tax Collector on declaration. This measure is needed to enhance the tax compliance of foreign entrepreneurs.

The period of taxation

With the introduction of the General Tax Ordinance (in Dutch and abbreviated: the ALL) in 2001, the provision regarding the period allocating the turnover tax was erroneously uncompleted.

• The period of one calendar month for the payment of the ToT is proposed in article 12.
• An optional period of one calendar year is proposed for persons who exploit real estate to generate a durable income.

Philipsburg:--- Prosecutor Gonda van der Wulp released Nandrai "Avinnash" Singh on Sunday morning after she perused the weapons and fire arms law. An Acting Prosecutor arrested Singh less than five minutes after his three year old daughter Anjali Singh passed away in the intensive care unit of the St. Maarten Medical Center on Saturday afternoon, claiming they would charge the 33 year old father with illegal possession of a fire arm and causing a homicide through negligence.
However, attorney at law Shaira Bommel who was retained by the bereaved family said the police and prosecutor was making a mistake since flare guns are not listed in the fire arm ordinance. She said that even if the police and prosecutor considered a flare gun to be a weapon it is not prohibited for someone to have it at their home. Attorney at law Bommel met with Singh at the police station on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning. The public prosecutor also met with the father on Sunday morning due to sad and tragic circumstances in which he lost his only daughter. Shortly after the meeting, Singh was released and taken home by the prosecutor.
However, the body of little Anjali remains confiscated as the police continues their investigation.
Anjali was shot by her seven year old brother Rahul with a flare gun while she was sleeping. Police questioned young Rahul and his mother on Saturday evening while they kept the father in custody. At the time of the accident, Nandrai "Avinnash" Singh was working at the Bobby's Marina Boat yard when he was called by his wife who informed him of the tragic incident involving their two minor children.

Philipsburg:--- Members of the business community met with Commissioner of Police Carl John and Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson on Monday to discuss the crime situation in the Philipsburg area as well as other parts of the island.
The businessmen expressed their concerns about the crime situation in Philipsburg and other areas on the island said Henson. Commissioner John assured the merchants and is assuring the general public that the police department is doing its utmost to make the streets safe and is in the process of executing several plans. The plans will definitely help in suppressing the present crime situation said Commissioner John. A brief explanation of the plans to be executed was given to the merchants. However, the police department is also making an appeal to the entire business community and the general public to report any criminal activity they have information on.

Philipsburg:--- The thirteen recruits that departed St. Maarten earlier this year to begin their first module of police training have returned to St. Maarten where they will continue with their practical lessons to finalize the first part of the training. Several class coaches will be appointed to assist the recruits with the intake service says Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson. During the intake service the police will learn how to file a police report and how to deliver proper customer service Henson said.
The course started on Monday October 3rd 2011 at the Philipsburg Police Station and it is scheduled to last at least four weeks. After completion of the first phase, the recruits will remain on the island to complete their police training course.
The students were met at the airport by Ms. Irene Simmons who represented the Justice Ministry. Miss Simmons on behalf of the Minister of Justice wished the recruits much success. Commissioner Carl John (Coordinator) and Inspector Keturah Brown (Head School Coach) traveled along with the students from Curacao.

Philipsburg:--- On Monday morning, employees and customers of the Windward Islands Bank on Cannegieter Street were forced to leave the bank because a generator caught fire. At the time, GEBE cut electricity in the Philipsburg area forcing businesses to switch over to their emergency power supply.
About an hour later, electricity returned and services at the Windward Islands Bank returned to normal.

French Quarter:--- The mother and daughter who attacked Cecilia Henry on Monday evening and stabbed her to death on the French Quarter main road were arrested by the Gendarmes late Monday night. Several residents in St. Georges expressed outrage at the killing and arrest of the two suspects identified by neighbors as Imelda Reysil and Carrel Vicente.
The residents said the victim in this case is Carrel Vincente an employee of Blue Point. The neighbors said Henry was in the habit of beating Vicente and that her mother had to accompany her everyday to take a bus to go to work.
They said just last week Vicente had to be hospitalized because Henry allegedly attacked her and hit her on the head. The St. Georges residents said the mother and daughter who lived alone in an apartment in St. Georges filed numerous complaints with the Gendarmes to no avail. They said Monday night's attack was one too much and the mother and daughter just flipped and took the law into their own hands. "If the Gendarmes had done something with the complaints filed by Imelda and her daughter this killing would not have taken place. Just the other day a fisherman was attacked and stabbed by the Henry and law enforcement did nothing. Besides that, Cecilia used to invade people's homes and steal their belongings," one angry resident said.
Another resident said that the killing on Monday night destroyed the lives of two people who were going about their lives as decent and hard working people who now have to sit in prison for a troublemaker. "The killing in this case could have been avoided if Henry was arrested for the attack last week on Vincente and the fisherman another neighbor said.
Cecilia Henry was attacked by the mother and daughter around 7:30pm by the two suspects who stabbed her multiple times. Henry died on the spot.

Defiance:--- At least five persons including a taxi driver had to be rushed to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment on Tuesday afternoon. SMN News learnt that some men entered Frankie Van Heynigen's yard and when he asked them to leave they began fighting. Onlookers to the fracas said Van Heynigen and three other persons were stabbed while another person was badly injured when someone threw a rock at him. Several persons including family members of the injured men gathered at the St. Maarten Medical Center where the injured persons are being treated.
More details on this story later this evening.

Philipsburg:--- JCI St. Maarten is once again hosting their annual Youth Speech Contest. This year's speech contest promises to be a very exciting one, as the local high schools battle against each other for bragging rights, fabulous prizes and an all expense trip paid trip to Curacao, where they will represent St. Maarten at the National Speech Contest.
This year's topic for the speech contest topics is 'BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD' This topic was mindfully chosen as JCI International, St. Maarten being an affiliate, continues to strive to create positive impact by contributing to well-being of the people in the communities in which they serve.
The participants include Learning Unlimited, The St. Maarten Academy, Milton Peters College and CIA.
With all the negative clouds hanging over our youth, this is an event that shows we can still be proud and positive about them still. However, we need the support of everyone to come out and continue to encourage them on the right path. We hereby make an earnest appeal the schools, young people, parents and supporters to come out cheer on your favorite school or participant.
Refreshments will be on sale and the entrance fee is will only be $ 2,-
Should you have any further questions, we can be reached at 581-2181 or 581-4015. We are also accessible via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Antigua and Barbuda walked away comfortably with its fourth straight NAGICO/Leeward Islands One Day Cricket Tournament title at the Warner Park in St. Kitts on Sunday evening. The eight time champions crushed Nevis by 72 runs after setting a modest 210 all out in 46.4 overs. Nevis could only manage 138 in 38.5 overs; another thrashing at the hands of Antigua and Barbuda who defeated them last week in the preliminary round by 104 runs. For Antigua and Barbuda Austin Richards Jr. scored 69 runs from 78 balls and was judged the man of the match, cracking 12 fours in the process. Mali Richards had 38 runs and Hayden Walsh Jr. 32. Bowling for Nevis Jason Campbell took 3 wickets for 20, Akito Willet 2 for 43 and Tonito Willet 2 for 48. Antigua and Barbuda continue their dominance of this tournament, now in its ninth year. The only other team to win was St. Kitts in 2007; Antigua and Barbuda has won every other tournament.
In the Nevis innings, Jason Campbell scored 26; hitting two 6s in the process, Andre Browne 25 and Javia Liburd 23 runs. Bowling for Antigua & Barbuda Hayden Walsh Jr. proved very effective again with the ball with 2 wickets for 2 runs, Justin Athanaze 2 for 36, Larry Joseph 2 for 46, Gavin Tonge 1 for 23.
At the loss of the 5th wicket, Nevis were certainly on the back foot and it was up to Andre Browne and Jason Campbell who started what appeared to be a fruitful partnership of 48 runs. Campbell produced an exciting display for the small gathering at the Warner Park getting boundary shots occasionally and scampering for every possible run. Nevis benefited from the slack fielding in some respects by Antigua and were able to squeeze runs from every other ball. But Campbell, through indecisive batting was bowled by Gavin Tonge in the third ball of the 25th over.
Akito Willet was run out in a very unfortunate manner when his partner Andre Browne drove a straight shot onto Justin Athanaze's hand; deflecting the ball onto Willet's wicket. Willet was outside his crease; thus his dismissal. Hayden Walsh Jr. coming off a productive performance the day before against Anguilla with three straight maiden overs, continued the trend with his first over. His second over continued the stranglehold on Nevis' batting claiming the coveted wicket of the stubborn Andre Browne for 25 and Trevier Smithen for 3. At that point it was virtually over for Nevis at that point with the score at 136 for 9.
Antigua's coach Pernell Wattley spoke of the deep batting line up in his team and the vibrancy of youth in the team with commendable performances from Hayden Walsh Jr., Mali Richards Justin Athanaze and Gavin Tonge among others. "It takes hard work and dedication. I hope they can reach to the top at the end," Wattley said. He is looking to getting players like Mali Richards, West Indies Test player Gavin Tonge and others in the Leeward Islands squad. The coach said training for next year's tournament starts now as they will not be waiting until weeks before the competition to prepare.
On the other hand Nevis team manager Elquemedo Willet said his players were on the right track earlier on in the match, but got a bit "ragged" in the field later on. "I thought 210 was not a huge score from 50 overs. We actually bowled them out," Willet said. He said the outlook for next year is probably to prepare for the competition much earlier regardless of the indecisiveness of the start date of the tournament. He also agrees with coordinator of the tournament Vernon Springer that St. Kitts and Nevis should play more matches ahead of the competition. The closing ceremony was held at the Warner Park in the presence of NAGICO CEO Imran McSood, President of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) Gregory Shillingford and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Denzil Douglas. NAGICO has pledged its continued support to the tournament and will be donating EC$100 for every six hit in the tournament to two health based organisation in St. Kitts and Nevis. There sixes hit in the tournament.

Philipsburg:--- World Food 2011 will be commemorated this Sunday, October 16 with a program at the University of St. Martin.
This event under the theme "Food Prices from Crisis to Stability" is organized by the Elwaldo Richardson Agricultural Memorial Foundation, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications (TEZVT) and the University of St. Martin (USM).
The World Food Day program begins at 11am with a formal ceremony and runs through 5pm with various demonstrations and exhibitions. Local farmers will also be present and attendants can purchase locally grown produce while organic food and drinks will also be on sale.
"Come let's make a move to be self sufficient by empowering our youth to get involved with the new approaches to food production," said President of the Elwaldo Richardson Agricultural Memorial Foundation Jocelyn Richardson.
A working agriculture/aquaponics system has been set up at the USM to show participants how simple food production can be.
"Agricultural production today does not have to be hard labor in the hard sun, but rather a science on how to combine nature in order to enhance production," Richardson said.
Persons who are growing produce and have such for sale are also welcomed to contact Jocelyn Richardson if they are interested in participating in the World Food Day Program this Sunday.
The University welcomes the initiative and sees many possibilities for the youth of St. Maarten in regards to agriculture and food production. The wider community and especially students in the various schools are invited to come out and support this event.

Philipsburg:--- The symposium organized by the Councils of State is scheduled to begin at 8:00am on Friday morning announced the organizers on Thursday at a press conference.
The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Samuel Polanen with featured speaker Judge Bob Wit. The theme for Friday's event will be "Checks and Balances in a Democratic Society such as Country St. Maarten and the Roles of the High Councils of State," said Roland Tuitt Chairman of the General Audit Chamber.
Samuel Polanen told reporters that Friday's symposium is geared at informing those at the symposium the true role of the high councils of state. He said democracy is process which they intend to elaborate on Friday. He said they also intend to define checks which will be balanced out, this he said, is also a process which they intend to clarify on Friday.
Judge Wit said his focus will be on the High Councils of State and their roles in the checks and balances.
Judge Wit also said that St. Maarten's politicians should be credited for having installed the High Councils of State even when they knew it was about giving up some of their freedom.

Philipsburg:--- Members of Parliament posed several questions to the Minister of Economic Affairs Franklin Meyers on Monday regarding Price Controls and Consumer Protection. Member of Parliament George Pantophlet also submitted a list of questions to Parliament some weeks ago requesting information on the same topic, those answers were provided to him on Monday. Pantophlet said he wanted to know who is controlling the content of each propane gas tank. Pantophlet also wanted to know who is controlling the weight of the empty propane tank and if all empty cylinders carry the same weight. He further asked how many persons are currently controlling gas stations and if the persons conducting such jobs are qualified to perform the required task.
Member of Parliament Louie Laveist raised concerns about the exchange rate from dollars to guilders at the gas stations. Laveist said the rates vary depending on the gas station and he wants to know if government has established a fix rate for the USD to guilders.
While Independent Member of Parliament Frans Richardson posed questions about the agreement signed between the former executive council and USONA regarding price controlling. Richardson said at the time some NAf. 50,000.00 was made available for a study to be conducted and for a policy on consumer protection to be written. Richardson asked the Minister for a follow up on that agreement. He also wants to know if the Minister created his own policy on price control and consumer protection. He said if such policies exist then copies of it must be provided to parliament. Richardson said that St. Maarten is a duty free destination and overcharging consumers sends a bad message. Richardson also asked the Minister to provide an overview of how many businesses on St. Maarten requested a business license and how many of them submitted a request to close down their operations. He also suggested that St. Maarten establish a bureau where consumers can file complaints when they purchase goods that are not good.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin raised concerns on the rise in cost of living and the fact there are supermarkets that are over pricing their items. Besides the over pricing, Marlin said there are supermarkets that sell spoiled items such as vegetables. "Supermarkets that have items such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, onions and other perishables pre-packed are in the habit of selling spoiled vegetables and I need to know if there are regular controls at the supermarkets to eliminate this habit." Marlin also raised concerns on the expired goods that are on the supermarket shelves.
Marlin also asked about the controllers that monitor weights and scales. The National Alliance Leader also touched on the shops that are selling refurbished electronic items. He said government should have a policy in place that would force businesses to declare beforehand if the products they are selling are refurbished. He asked the Minister to give his view on such legislation. Marlin also requested information on the control of water since there is a water ordinance in place. He said that plastic can be dangerous and in many instances water is imported in plastic bottles and these bottles are left for long periods in heat and this can be extremely hazardous, therefore he wants to know if government is taking the necessary measures to control imported water. Marlin also posed questions on the controls of gasoline stations (pump settings).
While Member of Parliament Silvia Meyers raised concerns on the fuel clause that GEBE charges for electricity. Meyers said while the topic discussed on Monday has nothing to do with GEBE she feels that it falls under consumer protection. The UP Member of Parliament said that even though Parliament was given several explanations she still does not understand how the fuel clause is calculated. Meyers said she is of the opinion that government should put a policy in place which would regulate the fuel clause. Meyers also asked for more information on price controls since she was a victim in one supermarket that over charged her for baby milk even though the item is a price controlled item. St. Maarten she said has 102 supermarkets which to her is a lot but government she said must do something to make sure there is adequate control at each supermarket on the island.
The Minister of Economic Affairs will provide the answers to the questions posed to him on Thursday when the meeting reconvenes.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Education and Culture Dr. Rhoda Arrindell addressed the issue of a National Anthem after an early morning meeting with the United People's Party on Wednesday. Minister Arrindell in a long prepared speech said St. Maarten currently does not have a National Anthem and the new country is obliged to have an anthem based on the constitution of St. Maarten. She clarified that the information or "press release" that was published about the competition was done without her knowledge and consent. Minister Arrindell said someone from the Department of Education and Culture accidently sent the advice on establishing a committee to select the National Anthem to the Department of Communications who then released the information. "I can tell you the Department of Education and Culture placed the cart before the horse in this case." Minister Arrindell said to date that committee has not been established and no criteria has been set. However, she blasted the media for being unprofessional and for fanning the fire and fury surrounding the public debate currently taking place about her initiative and ideas surrounding the anthem. Minister Arrindell went as far as saying that the media pretends to be professionals but they publish information without facts. What Minister Arrindell failed to acknowledge is that her cabinet took 10 days before bringing clarity to the issue. Media representatives requested information from the Minister and that information was not forthcoming until after a meeting was held on Wednesday morning with the members of the United Peoples Party.
Minister Arrindell said she was accused of not liking the St. Maarten song "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" but no one ever asked her for her personal opinion of the song. The Minister later acknowledged that she has issues with the song but the selection of the anthem will not depend on her personal opinion since she cannot be judge and jury at the same time. She said that was the reason she decided to establish a committee and felt it was necessary for a competition to he held. She said the late Dr. Claude Wathey held a competition when he wanted to select the St. Maarten flag. She made clear that having a National Anthem is not a "Rhoda" idea but it is something that is required based on the country's constitution.
The Culture Minister also said that the song "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" was written by the late Father Kemp who also copyrighted his song. When asked by SMN News if there is money in her budget for the competition the Minister said the monies for the National Anthem is available. When SMN News asked her what it would take for her or the committee to put forward the St. Maarten song for the National Anthem the Minister said anyone who wants the St. Maarten song is free to submit the song to the committee when it is established.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams shared her own personal view on the selection of a National Anthem when asked by SMN News for her opinion on the matter. The Prime Minister said she believes that the National Anthem should be established by National ordinance. Wescot Williams said that government needs to hear the people's opinion on the matter on an issue such as the National Anthem. "I think it is important for the people to express their opinion on this matter and if you are asking my personal opinion I will tell you the St. Maarten song represents something. The people have heard that song sung in schools and they have heard it over and over. Whatever song government accepts it should be known by the people and the song should also be promoted." The Prime Minister further explained that she liked a good beat to the same St. Maarten song and she had that done in the past which is still available on CD. Wescot Williams said the song was done with a higher beat by the Philipsburg brass band. The Prime Minister said the words are fitting in the song and it definitely has a place in the annals of the history of St. Maarten.
Below is the text of Minister Dr. Rhoda Arrindell statement on the National Anthem debate.

Nothing has stirred so much public controversy and debate in recent times as the issue of a National Anthem for St. Martin. I understand the reasons for the uneasiness because, as Deputy Prime Minister and my party leader, the Honorable Theo Heyliger said, it strikes at the soul of our people. In other words, it is an issue that concerns our identity as a people. Identity works at a subliminal level, hence much of the emotional response to the issue. Let me, therefore, address the matter the only way I know how to, with candour and with facts.
On October 1st, 2011, I travelled to New York with a group of 12 high school students to enable them experience the College for a Week program of Monroe College. We returned a week later on October 8th. Before the trip, the process had already started to prepare for the first anniversary of our autonomous constitution – dubbed "Constitution Day" on 10-10-11 – and mark this milestone in a solemn and dignified way. Since that same Constitution requires that St. Martin should have a National Anthem passed by Parliament, I thought it fitting to announce on that day, the launch of a National Anthem Committee, which would be charged with organizing a competition to select a National Anthem.
This is because, contrary to what many may believe, St. Martin does not have a National Anthem at present. Before the break-up of the Netherlands Antilles on October 10, 2010, the National Anthem of St. Martin was the National Anthem of the Netherlands Antilles. This anthem was chosen via a national competition in 1997, which Ms. Zahira Hilliman, a St. Martiner, won. The "Antillean" anthem, ceased to exist with the demise of the Netherlands Antilles, although it can be safely argued that it NEVER really existed in the consciousness of the people of St. Martin. I don't know how many people can hum the melody or sing one verse of that anthem today.
But let me return to the process I started explaining concerning the National Anthem Committee that was to be put in place. This process has not been finalized even today as I speak. Some people have been nominated to serve on the Committee, however, not all have been contacted to secure their consent.
While I was away in New York, the Head of the Department of Culture sent out an "advice"/or proposal that was meant for me to the Department of Communication for a press release to be written based on its contents. This advice was at the time still being fine-tuned, given several questions I had raised about it. It was an advice to organize activities for Constitution Day in which was also included the establishment of a National Anthem Committee, since I was supposed to announce this on that occasion.
The main job of the National Anthem Committee, according to the advice itself, is to set criteria for the competition, organize this competition and select the winner(s). However, the advice also contained proposed criteria for participation in the competition, which have now been published in the media. This is unfortunate because setting criteria a priori would logically make the work of the National Anthem Committee redundant, at least in that vital aspect.
I guess out of haste to publicize the event organized for civil servants on Constitution Day, the matter of the National Anthem, which was on the same document, was mixed up with it and prematurely issued for publication. I was not privy to this situation nor did I authorize the release of any such information. As at this moment, no National Anthem Committee has yet been set up, and no criteria have been agreed to by me.
I was shocked when I read the news on Monday, October 10, and I immediately called for explanations. From these it became clear that the Department of Culture had put the cart before the horse in this case.
However, we can also look at the bright side and say a public discussion, which is necessary anyway on matters like the National Anthem, has ensued, albeit without the clarity that is needed.
Let me, therefore, speak to some critical issues I have taken note of from the ongoing public debate.
To start with, there is NO, I repeat, NO National Anthem of St. Martin at present. At the dawn of our new constitutional status on October 10, 2010, we lowered the Antillean flag, and hoisted the St. Martin Flag. The Antillean Anthem went the way of the Netherlands Antilles, but there was no St. Martin Anthem to replace it. Technically, therefore, it could even be argued that, as has been the case with other matters we took over from the defunct Netherlands Antilles, the Antillean anthem would have remained the official anthem of the new St. Martin. However, that song was withdrawn.
We need to understand that an anthem is an official, patriotic hymn that is sung at public events. What makes it official? Or how can it become official? Our Constitution answers that question in Article 1, subsection 3 where it states: "The flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem of Sint Maarten shall be established by national ordinance." In other words, by an Act of Parliament.
It is curious that those who proclaim that they are law-abiding citizens and love St. Martin so much are sometimes not too keen about upholding the Constitution. I swore to uphold our Constitution, and I have consistently endeavored to do so and will continue to do so.
What, then, is the whole issue regarding the song, "O, Sweet St. Martin Land" by Fr. G. Kemp, which is obviously very popular among a large cross-section of our society? Well, it has NEVER been proclaimed the National Anthem of St. Martin. That is to say, it was NEVER made official.
In fact, history reveals that prior to 1958, when it was composed and even many years after, it was not the song preferred by most St. Martiners. A generation of St. Martiners grew up singing at least two other songs at public events and at school. These songs were "A quiet sea" and "Island in the West". Circumstances surrounding the character and morals of the author of the second song, a teacher at the Oranje School, turned the population against it.
Furthermore, from all available data, Fr. Kemp's song was copyrighted by him. Fr. Kemp has since passed on. This means simply that nobody, except the copyright holder(s), whoever they may be, can authorize the use of the song as St. Martin's National Anthem. It also means no changes can be made to the song without prior permission from the copyright holders.
It is common practice for nations to hold a competition to choose certain national symbols like the flag, a national anthem, etc. Dr. Claude Wathey of immortal memory, one of the founding fathers of modern-day St. Martin, understood the need and the power of national symbols. Under his administration, a competition was held to choose the St. Martin flag. Rosy Richardson won that competition. This Flag was made official by Island Council Resolution of June 19, 1985. All Island Council Resolutions have since passed on to be part of our current laws in our new constitutional status. Therefore, there is no need for Parliament to approve a new flag for St. Martin. The one we have today is our official flag.
As I indicated earlier, in 1997, a competition was held to choose a National Anthem for the Netherlands Antilles. That competition was won by Zahira Hilliman, who wrote the lyrics and music, while the arrangement was done by Anastacia Larmonie and Patrick Hilliman. The whole island was proud of Ms. Hilliman's achievement.
All we have been trying to do is follow a similar procedure, which we believe is more democratic, to establish a National Anthem for St. Martin. This is why, in my address to the special session of Parliament on Constitution Day, I signaled my intention to present a proposal to Parliament for a National Anthem. I stated then, "If we do not ask this Parliament to approve a National Anthem for St. Martin, as we intend to do shortly, in accordance with the stipulations of the Constitution we are celebrating today, we would not be laying a sound foundation for that new nation we are called to build."
I take note that in certain quarters, the suggestion is being made to propose 'O, Sweet St. Maarten Land" as our National Anthem. This is not a new idea. In 2003, the Commissioner of Culture proposed to the Executive Council of the Island territory to play the "anthem of St. Maarten, instead of holding the customary moment of silence, prior to the commencement of Island Council meetings." The Commissioner was referring to "O, Sweet St. Maarten Land"
The Executive Council agreed in principle to this proposal, but it added: "however, the anthem is not officially/legally recognized as the national anthem." "This process," it stressed "must be completed first."
The matter continued to receive much attention throughout 2004, resulting in an advice to the Executive Council, signed by the Head of the Section of Culture and the Director of the Department of Education and Culture. The advice contained among others, a recommendation for Exco to approve that "a competition be held for a new anthem" for St. Martin. Two signatures were missing on that advice, those of the Head of Legal Affairs Department and of the Director of Support Services. No further action was taken on it. The process that the Executive Council said "must be completed first" in 2003 has up till today not advanced any further than where it was then.
By establishing a National Anthem Committee, I wanted to take that process to its logical conclusion as demanded by the Constitution. In addition, I wanted to extricate myself from the selection process. I recognize that in matters like this, one cannot be judge and jury at the same time.
Is this a priority for me? Quite frankly it is and should be for all of us, because if it was not, we would not be having this discussion today. If it is not a priority, why continue to play any song at public events and have our people stand up in reverence? It is my view that if this whole issue were not important to our people, there would not be so much concern and talk about it. In fact, it is so important that it is more talked about than the fact that we had no postal service in the last week or so!
A National Anthem is not a Rhoda idea. It has never been and is certainly NOT about me. A National Anthem is for Parliament to approve, not for me or anyone else to impose. I will bow to the wisdom and authority of Parliament, as I have always done, in making this choice. However, I am duty bound to initiate the process and present a proposal to Parliament.
So, why not simply table Fr. Kemp's "O, Sweet St. Maarten Land"? My response to that is, which version: the English or the French version? Isn't it curious that nobody ever speaks of the French version of Fr. Kemp's song? I wonder why.
With regards to the English version, I acknowledge that "O, Sweet St. Maarten Land" by Fr. Kemp is very popular. The media has helped popularize it over the years. But there are also other popular songs, such as Lino's "St. Martin is my Home"; King Lion's "St. Martin is number 1" and Dow's "St. Martin" to name a few. Do I have any objections to these songs? No!
Let me state here that it is not unusual for popular songs to be adopted as National Anthems.
I make these points in the hope that it would contribute to the current public debate.
I want to stress, however, that a competition would be a much more democratic way to choose an anthem as is common practice all over the globe. I do not know of any country in the world that has chosen its national anthem via a referendum.
In looking back, I think this whole affair offers us a learning moment. It shows why education is really very important to our development as a people. I am amazed that the media, which shares that responsibility of educating the public, has chosen to fan the embers of emotional responses rather than use the opportunity to teach the facts. Confusion continues to reign supreme on this matter whereas it is a simple fact that a National Anthem and a national song can be two different things altogether.
The United States of America, for example, has its National Anthem, "The Star-spangled Banner", sung at official and other public events. However, it has other songs that are just as popular or even more popular, such as "America the Beautiful" or "God Bless America" sung also with patriotic fervor. These songs co-exist side by side, but only one, the "Star Spangled Banner" is the National Anthem of the US.
There are several other countries that have a National Anthem as well as a national song or songs. Nobody has ever suggested that, on St. Martin, this cannot be the case.
I welcome the current debate and would personally like to see it center on the best way to choose the best anthem that would accurately reflect the history, culture, and the loftiest ideals and aspirations of our people, especially in view of our efforts at building a new nation.
Do we need a National Anthem? Yes, certainly. Our Constitution demands it, and our people deserve one: the best we can give them.
On a different note, at present, we have two representatives from ROC Amsterdam visiting our island at the invitation of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs. These experts have been tasked with conducting research regarding SBO-level programs for St. Martin. They have met with the Head of the Education Department, and Head of Study Financing, and they have visited the SBO at Milton Peters College.
Yesterday they had a meeting with our local SBO service center representatives. They also plan to hold fact-finding discussions with the University of St. Martin, the Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Office. On Friday morning, the delegation plans to close off when they meet the Minister to give an update on their findings.
I am prepared to answer any questions you might have for me.
I thank you.

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PRE- AND POSTPAID PACKAGES
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TOP UP YOUR PHONE WITH FUN MILES
Fun Miles cardholders can redeem their Fun Miles for UTS CHIPPIE call credit: 450 Fun Miles are worth 5 Dollars of credit. This makes staying in touch even more accessible and fun.

DO FUN THINGS WITH FUN MILES
Fun Miles owes its popularity to the wide range of fun things that it brings within your reach. For example, you can redeem your Fun Miles for a Big Mac, jewelry or gasoline, but also for a ticket from Insel Air or Travel Planners. With UTS as a partner, the Fun Miles program is even more attractive!

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUN MILES & UTS
Please contact Fun Miles Customer Service at 543-3301, visit us on Facebook.com/funmiles or www.funmiles.net

Philipsburg:--- The panel consisting of three Judges of the Appeals Court found well known businessman Owen Robert Francis Velasquez guilty of rape. Velasquez was sentenced to 15 months, 12 of which are conditional. Velasquez will also be under probation for the next three years. With the verdict delivered on Wednesday, the businessman will have to spend three months behind bars. Attorneys representing the businessman immediately filed an appeal with the Supreme Court when they received the decision of the court on Thursday.
The three judges found the statements of the victim (the great niece) of the well known businessman to be credible since she sent a message by phone asking for help. The court also ruled that the victim repeated her story to her father and a cousin while Velasquez could not clearly indicate to the court exactly where he applied suntan lotion on the victim. In his first statement to the police, Velasquez said that he applied lotion while the two of them were on his boat and in his second statement he said he applied the lotion on the victim at his home. During the court hearing, the judges asked the defendant exactly where he applied the lotion on the victim and he told the court that the incident occurred a year and half ago and he could not remember exactly where it happened.
Bobby Velasquez was detained on May 20, 2010 after weeks of rumors which stated that he had molested his great niece during the 2010 Heineken Regatta. The businessman spent 10 days in pretrial detention after which he was released by the judge of instruction.
The prosecutor was not pleased with the fact that Bobby Velasquez was declared not guilty of first degree rape and decided to appeal the sentence of June 15th 2011.
The case was heard on September 29th 2011.The prosecutor demanded 18 months jail term withdrawing six months in the event he committed another act within a two year period, the suspect would then have to serve these six months also.
The Appeals Court quashed the sentence of the Court of First Instance on Thursday when they rendered their verdict.
They gave 12 points on which they considered the suspect guilty of first degree rape.
The court considers it proven that on March 7th 2010, the accused forced his great niece to commit sexual acts to the point where entered her body.
In the summary, they said the suspect locked the bedroom door where committed the sexual act, he undressed the victim by first taking off her blouse and pulled her pants down, turned her over on the bed so that her back faced him. He refused to stop when the victim asked him to stop and told her to keep quiet. The suspect is also accused of standing in such a way that the victim could not have escaped from the attack, he pushed his entire body weight on the victim so she could not escape from him.
Those acts and the sexual intercourse consisted of grabbing the victim from behind, caressing her inner thighs and forcing his hands between her legs. The victim also claimed that the suspect kissed her on her belly area and her vagina with his tongue. He penetrated the victim's vagina with his fingers. The suspect is also accused of removing his penis from his trousers and asking the victim to allow him to do it quickly. There are other facts the defendant was accused of but it was not admitted.
The prosecution submitted declarations of the victim's parents and friends to the appeals court.
The defense tried to have the case thrown out of court, not on the grounds that their client did not rape the girl or sexually abuse her, but on the grounds that the investigating officers did not follow procedures. The court decided there was sexual abuse and it is punishable by law and therefore, sentenced the defendant to 15 months imprisonment. Deducting 12 months and giving him a period of 3 years in which he can not commit a punishable act, or he would eventually have to serve the 12 months deducted.
Of the remaining three months, the time already spent in jail or detention will be deducted.
The verdict handed down on Wednesday has left several persons in shock since the court had no physical evidence other than the statements of both parties.

Click here to view the decision of the Appeals Court rendered on Thursday.

Simpson Bay:--- St. Maarten's largest timeshare resort, Simpson Bay Resort & Marina, is announcing the final stage in its plan to ensure the future viability and value of the resort – the Simpson Bay Renovation Project.

The Simpson Bay Renovation Project calls for the complete renovation of the 337 units in the original part of the resort (formerly known as Pelican Resort Club) over a four-year period. Each year, approximately 84 units will be renovated, beginning in 2012 with the Allamanda, Croton, Caladium and Dieffenbachia buildings. Among other improvements, each unit will receive:

• New high-grade appliances
• Granite countertops
• New premium tile throughout the unit
• New furniture
• New high-grade cabinets
• New televisions
• Upgraded air conditioning, including extension to non-air conditioned areas
• New paint, finishing and related repairs

The effect of the Simpson Bay Renovation Project will be threefold. First and most importantly, members will enjoy a much better vacation experience in a unit they will be proud to share with family and friends. Second, the renovation will enhance the value of members' units far beyond the renovation cost (the units are currently deteriorating, with nearly 10% not suitable for occupancy). The resort anticipates that interval values will increase significantly over their current market value following renovation of the resort. Finally, renovation will enhance the exchange power of members' intervals, providing them with an opportunity to exchange for other five-star intervals around the globe.

Annual Fee Increases, Budget Recovery Special Assessment and Renovation Costs

Based on recommendations from VerSant – an independent accounting firm hired to assess the resort's prospective finances – Simpson Bay Resort & Marina has implemented a 10% annual fee increase in both 2012 and 2013. This previously announced increase is designed to bring fees in line with the actual costs of a streamlined and efficient resort operation. Previously, annual fees were kept artificially low, depriving the resort of required operating capital.

The annual fee increase will not cover any current renovation costs, but is projected to eliminate the need for maintenance-related special assessments in the future, as the resort will finally collect enough capital to operate and perform routine maintenance. The fee increase should also eliminate the need to borrow every year to keep the resort open. Members have already received a bill for their annual fees reflecting the 10% increase for 2012.

Simpson Bay Resort has also previously announced a Budget Recovery Special Assessment for 2012 in order to recover approximately $2.7 million in annual fees intended for use in 2011 but actually used by the previous owner to cover 2010 shortfalls. The Special Assessment will be used exclusively for budget recovery and required emergency repairs, such as roof replacement for all original resort buildings and emergency elevator replacement. The resort owner has assumed responsibility for approximately $1.5 million of the total $5 million assessment. Members have also recently received a bill for this assessment.

As the annual fee increases and Budget Recovery Special Assessment will not raise enough money to pay for renovation of 337 units, the owner company and members will share the cost of renovations. The renovation cost is estimated to average $1,300 per interval; however, the actual cost will vary by the size and type of the unit. The owner company will be responsible for the renovation cost of each un-owned interval and will pay the same rate as members.

Members will only be asked to cover the renovation cost for their intervals in the year their unit is scheduled for renovation. Members in the newer Villas building (formerly known as the Pelican Marina Residences) will not be asked to contribute to the Simpson Bay Renovation Project as their intervals are in new units that already enjoy five-star status.

Renovation expenses can be paid all at once, financed over a six-month period at 6% interest or deferred for a year or more by relocating to a unit of equal or lesser value scheduled for later renovation.

The Simpson Bay Resort revitalization project promises to usher in a new and exciting era for the resort. The resort will enjoy an enhanced image, greater stability, superior exchange power and increased financial value well into the future.

Details of the revitalization project will be released as they are finalized. Member's can contact Simpson Bay Resort & Marina with any questions or comments at 800-550-7088 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The School Bus Inspection Section has received numerous complaints from school bus drivers regarding the behavior of some school children while bussing to and from school.

Parents are therefore being called upon to address this behavior before somebody gets hurt. A school bus driver must focus on driving and is not able to address students who are misbehaving.

Students who behave in a disruptive manner on the school bus are creating a dangerous situation which puts the other children and motorists in danger thereby creating a safety hazard.

The bus driver must focus his or her attention on the road and stay on schedule. Students need to act responsibly and parents need to address this matter especially those who use the school bus.

Students must behave in a responsible manner at the bus pick-up point; they must follow instructions of the driver; students must remain seated and quiet. The school bus driver is responsible for the safe operation of the school bus and he/she requires the support of parents. Any behavior which could endanger safety on the school bus is unacceptable.

Riding on the school bus is a privilege, a service provided by Government at no cost.

With Halloween approaching, parents are being advised to speak with their kids. In the past students have thrown eggs out of the school bus at other students who are walking to or from school. School children walking past school busses also did likewise.

School busses are privately owned vehicles and parents will be held responsible for their child/children's actions.

Parents need to be observant of what's in their child's school bag. In the past school children were caught carrying potential weapons which do not belong there.

Anybody who sees any unusual behavior on or with a school bus is encouraged to report this to the Inspection Section at telephone number 542-4511 or 542-4509 or call the Police if it is an immediate danger.

Great Bay:--- House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) has rereleased St. Martin's bestselling cookbook over the weekend.
From Yvette's Kitchen To Your Table – A Treasury of St. Martin's Traditional & Contemporary Cuisine by Yvette Hyman is now in its second printing at bookstores, said HNP president Jacqueline Sample.
Because of enthusiastic responses from Amazon.com, tourism blogs, Yvette's Restaurant diners, and the general public, Bobby Daal said that, "Yvette's cookbook is putting cooking in St. Martin to another level." Daal is charged with distribution.With over 200 recipes and easy cooking instructions, especially for the island's kitchen novices, or visitors enthralled by but not versed in Caribbean cuisine, Daal may not be far from the mark with his comment.
The book offers eats that are modern and from the time of "our mothers and grandmothers" and "will teach our young how to prepare and enjoy St. Martin's unique dishes, thereby preserving a part of our heritage," said nutritionist Gloria Ferris-Bell.
There's little doubt about public demand for the prized book. "Bookstores have been knocking on the publisher's door since July because customers keep looking for Yvette's cookbook. Now the book is available well ahead of St. Martin
Day, Thanksgiving, and of course the Christmas season," said Sample.
From Yvette's Kitchen To Your Table sold out its first printing in a record one month after being launched on June 4, 2011, said the publisher. Among the bestseller's 312 colorful pages, classic favorites such as souse, Johnny cake, Conch Yvette's, lamb stew, coconut tart, guavaberry, and soursop drink are to be found, tried, and savored.
Minister of Culture Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, who has tried the sweet potato pudding, said on Sunday that, "Yvette's cookbook is now part of the gastronomic landscape of St. Martin." The 37-sq. mi. island has over 350 restaurants from around the world and "delivers" as the "culinary capital of the Caribbean," wrote Kristin Braswell at ABCnews.com.
The very design of Yvette's cookbook by Angelo and Gina Rombley is appetizing, with full-page photographs of dishes and drinks. Appetizers, Soups, Poultry, Fish and Shellfish, Meat, Salads, Dumplings, Rice and Fungi, Breads, and Desserts are some of its chapters.
From Yvette's Kitchen can be found at Van Dorp, Arnia's, Shipwreck, Caribbean Liquors, and Yvette's Restaurant. Limited copies are available at Amazon.com.

Philipsburg:--- Quick action by police around midday on Monday 24th October landed an armed robber behind bars shortly after the suspect and two other accomplices robbed Jewels Forever located on Front Street.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that at least three persons entered Jewels Forever around 11:30 am on Monday morning and robbed the store of a substantial amount of jewelry at gunpoint. Henson said police managed to arrest one of the three persons that were involved in the robbery, while they impounded a vehicle that was used in the armed robbery. The police spokesman said the officers also managed to recover some of the stolen jewelry. Henson said the Attracko Team is busy investigating the case.

Marigot:--- A group consisting of four students from the College Mont des Accords will have to appear before the juvenile courts on November 22nd to answer charges of assault reported the Gendarmerie. According to a press release from the Gendarmerie, four students between the ages of 12 to 15 years inflicted bodily harm on another student inside the school's compound on October 13th.

The press release stated that the assault stemmed from a game in which the student (victim) was selected in class and was later brought to the group to be punished. The victim was kicked, punched and slapped about his body causing serious bodily harm. The press release further states that the victim was also under 15 and since the attack occurred on school premises and committed by a group of students the suspects will have to appear in juvenile courts.

Philipsburg:--- Detectives are busy investigating the death of a 37 year old male tourist whose body was found at the Port de Plaisance Hotel on Thursday. Indications are that the person probably died of a drug over dose. SMN News learnt that police were called to the resort around 4:00pm when the body was found. Head of the Detectives Department Denise Jacob said that police have confiscated the body for further investigation to determine the exact cause of death of the male visitor.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson identified the dead man as Genaro Farca. Henson said Farca was found dead in his hotel room and due to the fact that the police doctor was not able to determine the cause of death the body was confiscated and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Farca's death. The police spokesman further explained that the case is still under investigation.

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- Custom Officers in Curacao found several firearms in two separate bags that were among the passengers luggages on DAE flight 9H 981 from St. Maarten to Curacao on Thursday. Sources in Curacao said the bags in which the firearms were found did not have any tags or marks to indicate who the owners were.
The source further stated that Customs in Curacao do not believe the bags were checked in through the regular check in process on St. Maarten, instead they believe a customs officer might be the culprit that took the bags directly to the aircraft. Custom officers in Curacao and St. Maarten are busy investigating the case.
Up to late Thursday afternoon at least seven persons were being questioned about the discovery of the firearms. Those questioned both on St. Maarten and Curacao were ground handlers of Menzies. SMN News learnt that Curacao detectives are leading the investigation.
Head of Customs on St. Maarten Anthony Doran confirmed that two  bags of weapons were found on a flight that left St. Maarten to Curacao on Thursday. Doran said the investigation is being conducted by St. Maarten and Curacao. The Customs Head who finds himself in the hot seat said he prefers to remain tightlipped on the investigation. Doran said he was not aware that Custom Officers are being considered suspects in the ongoing investigation.

Philipsburg:--- The Positive Foundation in collaboration with the Elektralytes Foundation will be hosting their first ever High Heel Race against breast cancer this Friday, October 28 at the Boardwalk.
Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso explained that this event would take place on the promenade directly in front of Holland House between 5-10pm and participants would race between designated areas in their stilettos. After the races those in attendances could relax, socialize and enjoy themselves with live music.
President of the Elektralyte Foundation and local radio personality Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt said that while this is the first time that such an event is being held on St. Maarten, it is one which has been held in many other countries before with much success.
"It's really about having fun and raising awareness at the same time. We're hoping people come out and at least try one or two races in their stilettos, but if not we still want them to come out and enjoy themselves in a social setting while getting information about how to protect themselves against breast cancer," Wyatt said.
Alphonso explained that while there would not be any demonstrations at this event, literature would be on hand for those who wanted more information about breast cancer and how to prevent death due to the illness.
"I feel like I have spent a considerable part of the month saying that early detection is the breast protection, but then I feel like I cannot say it enough. The truth is there is no way to determine beforehand who will get breast cancer. We know people who have a family history may be more susceptible, but even those who do not have family histories are at risk and because of this our message is very clear: women need to do the monthly breast self exam, they also need to get an annual medical screening and finally when they are at the appropriate age they need to get regular mammograms," Alphonso said.
Alphonso also explained that women should schedule their breast self exams around the same time every month, usually directly after their menstruations, when breasts are not a sensitive. She explained that for women who were just starting out a daily check should be carried out in the mornings so that women could get a better sense of what their own breasts feel like so that they could recognize any changes.
"This year we really wanted to get back to the basics, get back to getting the word out there about why these methods are important and why they save lives and think we are managing to do so quite nicely with the help of Elektra and the fun activities which brings new audiences from all different walks of life. This latest event is no different," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that prizes would be awarded to winners, including a card of several thousand miles donated to the organizations by Fun Miles. Both Alphonso and Elektra are encouraging people to come out and support the event and are reminding women to walk with their heels so that they can give the racing a try.

Great Bay:--- Minister of Health, Dr. Cornelius de Weever recently returned from the 7th World Health Tourism Congress in Durban, South Africa where he was introduced to the various aspects that medical tourism has to offer. Minister de Weever was invited to take part in the forum by the congress organizers Aura International and Grand Aurum Marketing under the patronage and support of the Kwazulu Natal Government. Also attending the congress was member of parliament Patrick Illidge.
The congress officially opened on October 15, 2011 and ended on October 17, 2011. The minister was introduced to such topics as health tourism, investment in health tourism, and was able to attend sessions with industry representatives.
According to the World Health Tourism Congress, medical tourism or health tourism is an emerging field which has to do with patients from countries with expensive medical systems seeking treatment for their ailments in countries that offer the combination of lower cost treatment along with quality medical care.
Minister de Weever stated that this event provided great exposure for St. Maarten because I was asked to introduce St. Maarten to the entire congress. I was able to give a speech about St. Maarten's need to develop medical tourism before showing a two minute promotional video of St. Maarten. During the break I was approached by many tour companies and individuals interested in the St. Maarten product. The organizers are considering to hold one of their upcoming medical tourism congresses in St. Maarten. This would be a great opportunity for St. Maarten and an example of medical tourism.
Countries represented at the congress included the United States of America, Belgium, Nigeria, and Thailand amongst others. St. Maarten was the only Caribbean country in attendance at the congress. This congress has been hosted in the past by Germany, Cyprus, Philippines, Spain and now South Africa.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Last week Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Wiliams toured the Post Office and spoke with employees to get an update since the signing of the Transfer, Support and Assistance Agreement on Saturday, October 15, 2011, guaranteeing postal services for the country.

The agreement was signed by the Prime Minister as shareholder representative, along with Interim Managing Director of Postal Service Sint Maarten N.V. (PSS) Denicio Richardson, Nieuwe Post N.A. N.V. (NPNA) General Managing Director Franklin Sluis, and St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) President Ludson Evers.

As of October 15th 2011, all concession related postal services and employees were transferred to PSS. This specifically means that all revenues and operational expenses of the concession related services will be for the account of PSS.

Parties agree that NPNA will support PSS with the management of PSS for the period that started October 15, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011, referred to as the support period to provide the universal postal service on Sint Maarten.

"During my meeting with the staff, I stressed to them how important it was for them and management to be creative and think outside the box to ensure the longevity of PSS.

"While traditional postal services will remain, it was primarily the non-postal activities that need to be developed in order to have a competitive and financially healthy company in the long-term.

"Our strength is our employees and they now have to make service priority number one. While there are still some uncertainties and challenges, the general sentiments were that we can and we must make it work," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- The Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation Inc. (TLH-SXMF) Director Arthur Lugisse, which recently facilitated the introduction of Leon Stubbs to the island of St. Eustatius as guest speaker for its Tourism Development Foundation 5th Gala Award Dinner, says the event was a success.

Stubbs has a diverse background in the arts and sciences, having worked in the technology field and in the field of tourism, cultural development and cultural commerce.

Leon Stubbs made a presentation at the Wine and Cheese event at the Mike van Putten Youth Center on Saturday evening, September 24. He spoke about tourism and culture and how the two impact each other and once blended together, how they can be used to benefit each other.

According to Director of the St. Eustatius Tourism Developing Foundation Charles Lindo, the objective of the feature address was to honor persons working in the tourism/hospitality sector who have made a definite contribution in some form or the other to the aforementioned sector.

Also in attendance were the Governor, Commissioners, Island Council Members, and Presidents of different boards and members of the general public.

The presentation was part of the tourism awareness activities of the Statia tourism authorities in connection with and an emphasis on the theme for World Tourism Day (September 27), "Tourism Linking Cultures."

Lindo says that tourism authorities are looking at organizing a yearly event like many other Caribbean island nations which will showcase tourism and culture, namely 'Cul-Tu-Rism.'

"We plan on bringing Leon Stubbs to Sint Maarten to compliment country Sint Maarten's opportunities that exist in positively developing cultural tourism. These difficult economic times calls for thinking outside of the box.

"With respect to Statia's request of continued support in cultural tourism and other related areas that can make a positive difference in not only in the field of tourism, but also the socio-economic development of the island, we will be pursuing further dialogue to take it to the next level.

"Stubbs and I plan to promote the 3C's in Statia and Sint Maarten development by way of community, culture and commerce. It is our intention to bring the President of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Davidson Hepburn to Sint Maarten, so we have a lot of things in the making," Executive Director of the TLH-SXMF Arthur Lugisse said on Sunday.

Leon Stubbs works as a project developer in the field of cultural tourism. He is also president of the Parks and Recreation Commission in the City of Converse, TX.

He served as director of the African American Heritage Society in Pensacola, Florida and worked with the Riley House Museum where he was and still is active in the development of the Black Heritage Trail in the State of Florida. He has conducted socio-economic research projects for CARICOM, and spent has spent over thirty-five years studying and applying personal, organizational and community development in the US.

Philipsburg:--- Several taxi drivers are protesting the way police are treating the taxi drivers who park in the vicinity of Diamond Casino on Front Street.
At least three taxi drivers told SMN News on Monday that their vehicles were towed away because the police are saying that the parking spaces at the head of Front Street is not designated to Taxi Drivers because there is no government sign at the location that indicates the parking space that is marked with a yellow line is for taxi drivers only.
The drivers said that they are of the opinion that the police is now targeting taxi drivers because they towed away a private vehicle that was parked in the taxi parking and the owner of that vehicle took the police to court and won the case. "Since that court case, the police are making it their duty to tow away vehicles that belong to taxi drivers. Driver of Taxi 141 said some officers told her to move her vehicle and she told the officers to remove the private vehicles that are parked in the space government designated for taxis but instead of towing away the private vehicles the police towed away two vehicles belonging to taxi drivers. Both drivers said they had to pay $75.00 to retrieve their vehicles. The angry drivers said they intend to meet with the public prosecutor to address their concerns.
Efforts made to reach the Minister of Public Transportation Franklin Meyers on Monday for a comment proved futile.

French Quarter:--- The sisters of Cecilia Henry who was brutally stabbed to death two nights ago said their sister who is considered to be a trouble maker in French Quarter had no parents and she lacked love. "Our sister was no saint but her mother died when she was just over one year old, she was someone who lacked love and sought it from the wrong people. Cecilia was willing to work but she could not find work on St. Martin, therefore she did what she thought she had to do to survive," the two sisters said. "My sister applied several places for work and she also completed a number of job trainings yet no one wanted to hire her. "Our grandmother was even assisting her with going back to St. Kitts to see if she could have done better back there."
The two sisters who spoke to SMN News but did not want their names published, acknowledged that their late sister Cecilia Henry had serious problems but they also felt that the killers did not have to kill their sister the way they did. "My sister had a very hot head, she was just like our late mother, but she was not someone who would interfere with people first."
One of the sisters said that her late sister told her on several occasions that the main suspect Carrella Vincente was in the habit of interfering with her and Cecilia swore she would get them back.
"One day Cecilia came to me with bruises and cuts, she told me that Carrella and her mother attacked her in St. Georges because Carrella who is a lesbian thinks Cecilia stole her girlfriend's bag that contained some important documents. That day, Cecilia told me she will get the mother and daughter one by one because they had nothing to do with the bag they claim she stole," the sisters said. They further explained that Carrella and Cecilia fought in Philipsburg on at least two occasions, but they said they have no knowledge as to who started the fights. "One day Cecilia sent me a Blackberry message telling me she was on the same bus with Carrella and the young woman was interfering with her. Cecilia asked me to reach her on the road and I did come out and wait for my sister. Shortly after, a bus stopped and I saw Carrella came out of the bus followed by Cecilia. My sister ran after Carrella and when Carrella saw her coming she hit Cecilia and they began to fight. My sister grabbed her in a head lock and held her until she passed out. That day, Carrella told me she was going to come back for Cecilia's head and so they did by killing her three weeks later.
However, on Monday night the sisters claim that the mother and daughter along with a young man ambushed their sister and stabbed her to death. "My sister was riding a bicycle on the road and on her way back they threw a rock at her and the moment she fell, both mother and daughter began stabbing Cecilia. Can you imagine there are at least 20 stab wounds in her head alone while there is another 20 to 30 about her body," one of the sisters said.
The young man that assisted them is still at large the two sisters said. They also explained that the attackers used two knives, one of which has still not been found. "There are two sizes of wounds on my sister's body. The larger knife was used on her head and that is the knife that cannot be found." The two suspects Imelda Reysil and Carrella Vicente were both arrested on the night of the killing.

Philipsburg:--- On Monday, October 3, Marianna Vierra, Manager of Blue Point, presented Imbali Founder and Director Clara Reyes with a donation of a flat screen TV.
The TV was a replacement for the one stolen during recent robberies at Imbali spaces in the John Larmonie Center in Philipsburg.
"We, at Imbali are extremely humbled and grateful for the response from the community in helping us replace our stolen equipment. We still have hope that members of the community will come forward and help us find the items stolen in the robberies, but in the mean time several businesses, including Blue Point and Bergees Sound & Vision, have come to our aid and we appreciate this," Reyes said.
Vierra said that Blue Point had decided to donate to Imbali after hearing about the break-ins and reviewing Imbali's many contributions to the community.
"We really applaud the efforts that Clara puts into our community. When we look at the efforts of Imbali Center for Creative Movement we see that it really works towards community integration. There is not a segregation of groups, Imbali trains everyone, from Bollywood to hip-hop etc and it takes time and energy to do that. So her efforts are commendable and we want to do what we can to keep her and Imbali going," Vierra said.
Reyes said that every effort is being made to secure the center so that in the future such robberies will not occur, but also called for the community to step up to safeguard the assets of its most vulnerable groups; namely children and senior citizens.
"I cannot say enough how shocked I was that people chose to rob the John Larmonie Center of all places. To me, that is like when I read about robberies at schools and other community centers. These places are used mostly by organizations assisting with youth and senior citizen projects and need all the help they can get, who would then decide to steal from just these organizations. I was truly very disappointed and disillusioned," Reyes said.
She called for more community efforts in protecting these groups and the organizations that help to develop and support them.
Reyes said that she wanted to also take the opportunity to thank those who had turned out to support the production "St. Martin for thee I cry....", which was held at teh Belair Community Center on Saturday, September 17.
"The large audience was indicative of a strong support of the arts on St. Maarten/St. Martin and we are grateful for this. When robberies like this happen on our island, whether they affect individuals, businesses, foundations, locals or tourists, it illustrates a breakdown of community on our island, this is very sad, but together we can turn this around. It is, however, up to us," Reyes said.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- With October 10, 2011 marking the first anniversary of the attainment of country status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a national anthem competition will be organized.

In keeping with the Constitution of Country Sint Maarten, a national anthem must be adopted.

In order to guarantee the widest possible public participation in this process a competition will be held, in which all citizens of Sint Maarten as well as Sint Maarteners living abroad are eligible to participate. The minimum requirement is that the person(s) entering the competition must be of Dutch nationality and must be 18 years of age.

If the competition leads to the selection of a national anthem, a prize of Nafl. 18.000, will be available for the chosen entry, of which Nafl. 9,000. -- will be for the lyrics and Nafl. 9,000. - for the melody.

The government has decided to divide the prize so as to award equal sums for the lyrics and the melody, since collaboration by two persons on participation in the competition of any given entry is conceivable. As a token of appreciation for their participation in the competition all other participants who have entered compositions that have met the criteria listed above, will receive a memento.

With respect to the criteria:

• In the text of the National Anthem the unity in diversity, inherent in the culture of Sint Maarten, should be manifested;
• Love for the country and the people should be expressed;
• The lyrics, which are to be submitted in English may consist of several stanzas
• The melody must be original and catchy, and it must not contain recognizable quotations from existing melodies.

It is proposed that the text of the national Anthem of Sint Maarten be composed in the English language considering that is the language that is most commonly spoken by the majority of persons residing on the South side of the island.

Entries can be handed in during normal working hours at the address below until December 31, 2011. All submissions will be officially receipted by the registrar at Minister's Cabinet.

The entries should consist of a neatly typed text and CD on which the composition is sung to the accompaniment of at least one of the following musical instruments: a "keyboard" or a plucked stringed instrument (for example a guitar) or an instrument that's traditional however with good tone and clarity (for example the steel pan). A clearly legible musical notation is desirable, but not compulsory. All the items should be submitted in duplicate.

Participants should be aware of the fact that if their entry is chosen as the official national anthem of Sint Maarten, they will have to surrender their copyrights to the government. Should minor corrections/changes have to be made in the chosen composition, the Committee is authorized to make them in consultation with the author(s)/composer.

Cole Bay:--- United Peoples (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Jules James has expressed his concern over the level of gun crimes committed lately saying a gun amnesty should be considered in order to get guns off the street. Owning a firearm without a license is against the law and every gun removed from the street is a success story.
The amnesty would be an incentive for individuals and an opportunity to hand in unwanted, unlicensed or illegal firearms as well as ammunition. This should be looked at from the perspective of being part of a wider firearms reduction strategy.
Persons who bring in a firearm would not be charged. The arrangement would be a sort of 'NO Questions Asked.' "It is imperative that we find ways to reduce crime and criminal activities in our multi-cultural society through intervention and transformation," the MP pointed out.
James intends to work with Parliament, the Minister of Justice, the Chief Public Prosecutor and the Chief Police Commissioner to arrange the grace period, since this would have to be regulated.
James added that the private sector should be brought into the fold where this becomes a public-private sector initiative with the latter providing the cash reward for firearms and ammunition that are brought in. There is at least one company that has committed to this initiative by offering US$1000. MP James has consulted other businesses and has also received some assurances of commitment to contribute toward this project as well.
The logistics would have to be sorted out, such as these items being turned in at the Police Station on certain days and by a specific cut-off date noting that all monies raised would be to reward people and that the process would be a free ride for non-functioning guns.
MP Jules James says that the country needs to also work with other regional countries with respect to the prevalence of illegal firearms and ammunition in perpetrating acts of crime and violence in the region, and its unintended effects, including the loss of life, human suffering, and the spread of fear and insecurity within society.
"One of our immediate priorities should be in cutting off the flow of illegal guns into the island. We are not going forward if we retrieve five guns in our amnesty project and 25 more guns come through our borders.
"Our Caribbean societies have had easy access to illicit small arms, light weapons and ammunition. The Caribbean Basin does not manufacture, export or re-export these weapons, nor import them on a large scale," MP Jules James said.
James says that last time he checked, Sint Maarten does not have any legalized gun trader but yet our island is infiltrated by these illegal weapons. It's as if we have a fire arms race, no wonder the spate of gun related incidents.
"Small arms and light weapons was an issue discussed at the 32nd Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in St. Kitts & Nevis back in July. A regional approach is needed to deal with this issue in order to protect our communities," MP Jules James said on Sunday.
James added that since foreign affairs falls under the responsibility of Holland, Sint Maarten should bring up the matter with respect to the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons at the United Nations (UN) level.
"The only international process that addresses the illicit trade in arms is the 2001 United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. In 2012, a review of the aforementioned programme of action will take place at the 2012 United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty.
"Sint Maarten should discuss the approach with our other partners in the Kingdom, such as Aruba and Curacao and then discuss it with Holland and the Kingdom approach can be brought forward to the UN with this particular subject. Sint Maarten and the other Kingdom partners do not have a seat in the UN, only Holland. UN treaties and conventions are binding on the Dutch Kingdom which also includes Sint Maarten.
"These two approaches, the gun amnesty and dealing with the global picture of small arms and light weapons at a higher level are two initiatives worth considering and working on," MP Hon. Jules James concluded.
MP James attended a number of parliamentary meetings with respect to crime during the past two weeks. After mulling over the information provided, he has offered two suggestions for public discussion.

Philipsburg:--- The department of facility services headed by Rick Martina recruited about eight prisoners who will soon finish their stint in prison to give the government administration building its new facelift for the Royal visit. Martina said using the prisoners is more of a social project which is aimed at giving prisoners the opportunity to re-integrate in society after serving time in prison. The department head said he had to work closely with the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan, Director of the Prisons Russell Ricardo and the Committee that is organizing the Royal Visit to have the prisoners work on the facelift of the government building.
During last week, several prisoners were seen painting the inner fence of the government administration building and the walls. Martina said the only reason more prisoners are not working on the project is because of the lack of personnel from the prison to supervise the prisoners while they are working.

Philipsburg:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams shed more light in Parliament on the Service Level Agreement (SLA) that was signed on Saturday between the Nieuwe Post Netherlands Antilles (NPNA), Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS), and the St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) on Tuesday at the continuation of the Parliament meeting that was called by the National Alliance to discuss the postal services on St. Maarten.
Wescot-Williams also made available to the Members of Parliament the signed agreement as well as other documents they requested during the first session of the meeting. Despite having the documents some Members of Parliament posed other questions as to the non postal services that are now offered by the Soualiga Service Point (SSP) on Pondfill Road. Some MP's mostly from the National Alliance faction said the continuation of the meeting they called was delayed specifically to give the Government of St. Maarten sufficient time to further negotiate before they could have come to an agreement.
The statements made by several Members of Parliament prompted the Chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell to say that she was not amused with the assumptions made by her colleagues in Parliament who suggested that she purposely delayed the continuation until her Government came to an agreement with NPNA. The statements made by Arrindell caused some commotion in the Parliament house as several of the Parliamentarians showed their frustration at Arrindell and her statements. During the meeting the Chairlady and Member of Parliament Roy Marlin almost hit it off when Marlin tried to speak to the Griffier Josef Semeleer.
Member of Parliament Louie Laviest also suggested to the Prime Minister and the Postal Services of St. Maarten that they offer the same services as SSP so that they can compete against the new company.
The Prime Minister also used the opportunity on the floor of Parliament to call on businesses to endorse and support the Postal Services of St. Maarten with their business since the company will be representing the people of St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- A young man who was struck in the head with a hammer is now in a coma at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital reported Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson. Police on the Dutch side of the island arrested one person for assaulting the victim.
In a press release, the police spokesman said on Tuesday October 17th 2011 the victim identified as S.J.G.B. was traveling on a bus with his mother from Marigot to Philipsburg. Henson said another man identified as R.S.P.C was also on the same bus at the time. Henson said the man identified as R.S.P.C stopped the bus in the vicinity of Harley Davidson in Cole Bay as he wanted to exit the bus. Upon exiting, the suspect R.S.P.C took out a hammer and struck S.J.G.B on his forehead. The victim was seriously injured and lost a considerable amount of blood on the scene, the Police Spokesman said. According to the mother of the victim who filed a report on Wednesday with the police department, she also exited the bus when her son was maliciously attacked and sought help to transport him to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital where he is currently being treated. The mother told police that her son was in a coma and efforts are being made by the hospital to transfer him to Guadeloupe for further treatment. The victim's mother also told police that her son and the suspect has had problems in the past. Henson said police arrested the suspect who remains in custody as the investigation continues. The Police Spokesman said the police are in touch with the hospital as they continue to investigate the case.

Philipsburg:---There will be two important meetings tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 25, for persons taking part in specific St. Maarten day festivities.
The first meeting will be held at 6:00pm at the Legislative Hall in the Government Administration Building. This meeting is for persons who have applied for vending, table stalls and booths and for those who are still interested. Limited space is still available for the aforementioned activities.
The second meeting will be at 7:00pm, same location, for the groups, organizations and others who have registered to take part in the St. Maarten's Day Street Parade. Persons and groups who have not yet registered can also attend the meeting.
The St. Maarten Day 2011 committee is urging all interested persons to attend these meetings on Tuesday.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Education and Culture Dr. Rhoda Arrindell chided the media for fanning the embers of those that are not in favor of her idea to launch a committee to establish a National Anthem for St. Maarten. The Minister responded to the cries of the people of St. Maarten who are not in favor of getting rid of the St. Maarten song "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" ten days after a press release was published by all media organizations, that press release was issued by the Department of Communications.
During the Council of Ministers press briefing last Wednesday, Minister Arrindell said that she had no real issue with "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" being submitted or selected for the National Anthem of St. Maarten. However, that song she said was copyrighted by the writer, the late Father Kemp. Minister Arrindell gave the general public of St. Maarten all sorts of explanations for why she chose to install a committee that would organize a competition.
What the Minister did not tell the members of the media is that she informed the leader and members of the United Peoples Party that based on her knowledge and 22 years as an experienced teacher she has valid proof that Christopher Columbus did not set foot on St. Maarten and thus she does not think the National Anthem should have anything to do with Christopher Columbus. Sources within the United People's Party said the leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger and Minister Franklin Meyers then instructed Minister Arrindell not to say anything about Columbus at the press briefing, since that they said would create a new discussion. The source said that some of the United Peoples Party members even confronted the Minister with her idea to change the way St. Maarten is spelt to "St. Martin" which was the name given and spelt by Christopher Columbus. "St. Martin, based on researched information is spelt the same way in French, Spanish, Italian and English. It was chosen after St. Martin Tours whose feast day was November 11 1493, the date the researchers proclaimed that Columbus saw these white sand shores."
Updated history has shown that in fact Columbus did not pass close to St. Martin but he spotted or discovered the island of Nevis that he mistakenly took for St. Martin. That however, is another debate that has to take place so that the island's people would have factual information on their history.
Minister Arrindell also told reporters that the Head of the Culture Department placed the cart before the horse when he accidentally sent out the advice that was meant for her among other documents related the celebration of Constitution Day 2011. SMN News research shows that Minister Dr. Rhoda Arrindell signed off on the advice to establish a committee for the National Anthem on December 20th 2010. That advice was signed by Minister of Education and Culture Rhoda Arrindell and Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto while the advice on the specifics and criteria for the establishing of the committee was signed off by the Director General Claudette Labega.
While Minister Arrindell said the head of the Culture Department placed the cart before the horse when he sent the information regarding the establishing of the committee and the criteria to the Department of Communications for publication. SMN News managed to secure the decision of the Ministry that was signed off by Minister Cornelius De Weever the deputy to Minister Arrindell on October 7th 2011, while Minister Arrindell was in New York.
According to that decision that is also signed by the Minister of Finance, the department was instructed to complete eight tasks for the preparation of Constitution Day. One of which reads that the department has to "publicly make known that a National Anthem committee has been established, tasked with drafting the criteria and guidelines for public participation in the competition for selecting a National Anthem." SMN News also learnt that one of the writers from the Department of Communications contacted the senior policy advisor to Minister Arrindell on Sunday October 9th requesting information on where the entries must be submitted. The source said that the idea to make the information public actually came from the Ministers' senior policy advisor who is also a veteran writer and editor, one who was very critical of the "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" when he was working for the St. Maarten Guardian.
While the Minister may have her priorities in order to make sure Country St. Maarten adopts a National Anthem as laid down in the constitution, she should stand tall and inform her constituents that St. Maarten does not have a National Anthem and taking "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" may not be the ideal thing to do since it is the only song that joins the French and Dutch side together. "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" written by Father Kemp was for the two sides and making it a National Anthem can very well prevent the French side from using the song since it would then be the National Anthem of Dutch St. Maarten and ownership of that song would eventually go to the Dutch side if it is made their National Anthem.
Click here to view the Advice to Establish National Anthem Committee of December 20th 2010.
Click here to view the Decision to make Activities of Constitution Day Public including the Announcement of National Anthem Committee that was established.

Philipsburg:--- Members of Parliament blasted the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Cornelius de Weever for his dysfunctional staff during the continuation of a Central Committee meeting on Monday. The meeting was called to discuss the processing of Social Welfare (Onderstand) and the medical aid for Social Aid recipients. Minister de Weever in his response said that when he took office the department of Social Affairs was the first place he visited to gather information on the functioning of the system. He said he was given a power point presentation and he immediately identified the bottle necks that his Ministry is working to rectify. He called on the Members of Parliament to take an inventory on the realities within the Social Welfare System.
Minister De Weever said his aim is to make sure the people of St. Maarten get fair treatment when they submit a request for social assistance and as such his office has an open door policy in place since his Ministry is about helping the people of St. Maarten. The mission of the Ministry the Minister said is to make sure everyone has access to health care, to make sure every person who is able to work is placed in the job market, and to provide a safety net for persons in financial difficulties.
Minister De Weever said he too has been confronted with the cries of the people just as the Members of Parliament. "People approach me at my office, on the road, in a store, and even at receptions to ask why they or members of their families were taken off financial and medical assistance." The Minister said when he inquired at the department he was informed that the department was busy with an extensive cleaning up of their registry since St. Maarten changed its constitutional status on October 10th 2010. Minister De Weever said over the years government had nothing structurally in place to assist people when they were taken off of medical and financial assistance.
The Minister said upon reviewing the law, anyone who was cut off from financial and medical assistance has the right to appeal within six weeks of receiving the decision. The Minister said he has established an appeals committee since taking office since there was none in place in the history of St. Maarten's existence. That committee he said is responsible for reviewing the laws as well as establishing the assignments of the committee and to provide recommendations that will improve the system in accordance with the laws. The objective of the committee is to review each case and to hear the clients if necessary and advise the Minister accordingly. Minister De Weever said the people of this island is worthy of having professional services and most importantly they are geared at being professional when they are handling the people's business. "Our people should not be subjected to their political colors or who they know at the time. Every citizen has the right to apply for assistance and if they fulfill the criteria they should be helped, they are entitled to it."
Minister De Weever further informed parliament that after numerous visits to the department he quickly realized that changes had to be made at the department and the work environment needed to be improved and they are in the process of hiring additional staff while training will also be provided for the current staff of the department. The Minister also called on the employees of the Social Affairs Department to treat everyone with respect. He made clear that it is his obligation to assist those that need it most, while he has to be financially responsible in how he handles the tax-payers monies.
Health Care and Social Assistance recipients are informed verbally to begin the renewal process at least three months prior to the expiration date the Minister said.
Although he provided an outline, Minister De Weever did not respond to all the questions that were posed to him during the first round of the meeting. Member of Parliament Louie Laviest expressed disappointment at the Minister and his support staff since they did not provide the answers to the questions he posed. Laveist also expressed concerns as to why the system would cut off the elderly and handicapped from the list of recipients of Social Aid. He asked if it was not possible for the department to simplify the process, especially for the elderly and handicapped. Laviest said that while he was grateful for the information that the Minister provided to parliament on his plans of approach. The Member of Parliament said the reason he posed his questions was to be able to put forward some proposals on how the system could have been simplified but the fact that the Minister and his staff did not provide the answers and documents he requested defeats the purpose of his questioning.
The Member of Parliament readily posed the same questions he posed in the first round during the second round hoping that the Minister and his staff will provide the answers during the second continuation of the meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Laveist said he finds it hard to accept that the department would cut off the financial assistance and medical care for people they know would not get better. He said he is upset at the entire situation since he also experienced difficulties when the medical aid (doctor card) is not renewed for the elderly or handicapped. He said he cannot understand how the department cannot understand the pain of bedridden persons whose benefits are cut. He also asked the Minister to bring clarity to parliament with regards why these persons have to provide their banking records when they apply for assistance.

Send them Home Without Pay.

Alternatively, Member of Parliament Romain La Ville was more radical when he advised the Minister to send home civil servants (4th power) who are taking decisions on their own. La Ville said he is of the opinion that certain department heads hinder Ministers from doing their duties since these civil servants are in their positions for a long time. He stressed that the Minister should send home civil servants who refuse to take directives from Ministers or hinder the process. "It does not matter who the individuals are, if they are hindering the process just send them home for a while, which would allow them to think about their job description." La Ville said he is also bombarded by people for simple matters that can be rectified by the stroke of a pen. Some department heads he said refuses to follow instructions which has people bombarding Members of Parliament.

Great Bay:--- In recognition of International Senior Citizens Day, NAGICO has found it fitting to honor and show their appreciation to three of their elderly longstanding clients by presenting them with a US$500 reduction on any insurance policy they have with the company.

The contribution of the seniors in our society cannot be overlooked as everything we have inherited and hold dear to our hearts; for example: freedom, traditions, values and norms, are things passed down to us by the elderly.

"Senior citizens are assets of any society and family. Life today is much easier for us because of the older generation, who has paved the way for us," NAGICO's Marketing Department stated. "It is in honor; respect and appreciation of this that NAGICO has decided to randomly select three of our older clients and salute them on this day."

Manager of the Customer Service and Agency Department; Mrs. Gervaise Schoobaar-Maynard made the presentations to Lexy Richardson, Wilfred Roumou and Rupert Brown at their respective homes, during which we conveyed best wishes, appreciation and thanks for their continued patronage throughout the many years.

"At NAGICO we have great customers, some of them have been with us for almost three decades from our inception and people like these should be recognized," she said. "These are loyal clients and we have many more like them. While we cannot single out everyone, know that NAGICO is grateful for your years of patronage and we appreciate you."

International Senior Citizen Day is celebrated on October 1 in many countries.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto, in reaction to an article that appeared in one of the daily papers last week Friday, says the allegations reportedly made by former Commissioner of Finance X. Blackman are groundless.

"I have a clean record as a civil servant. I have an impeccable career working as a public servant for 14 years in the service of the people and counting," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto proudly said on Sunday.

Shigemoto was addressing allegations attributed to Blackman who served as Commissioner of Finance for a period of approximately 15-months.

"I took the responsibility to act when situations arise and occurred that demanded my action as a public servant of the people. Bringing things forward 11-months after the fact, cannot be part of what we are trying to build here. Political maturity needs to move forward and politicians need to set the example for others to follow.

"With our new constitutional status as country, the people of this great island are demanding better and to do this each Minister has their responsibilities and need to take action. This sometimes can lead to difficult decisions being taken, but nonetheless, decisions that are necessary to better the organization that provides service to the community.

The allegation of making payments without the Commissioner of Finance knowledge or the knowledge of the Executive Council, Minister of Finance Shigemoto says that is also baseless.

"The allegations described in the story in the daily newspaper attributed to the former Commissioner of Finance are without value. The Commissioner had 15-months to bring forth sanctions or disciplinary action for the alleged behaviour and actions.

"I understand that in the function of Director of Resources one has to take unpopular decisions in the best interest of the island, and in doing so one doesn't make many friends, however, that is the nature of the job and if the former Commissioner during his tenure felt that I acted as he described then he should have acted at that time and present his case to the Executive Council and have me reprimanded," Minister of Finance Hon. Hiro Shigemoto pointed out.

Former Commissioner of Finance X. Blackman received three motions of no confidence within 15-months in public office. The motions according to media reports at the time were presented because the opposition party in government at the time believed the Commissioner of Finance had not handled the preparation of the 2010 budget properly, which had resulted in negative advices from the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT.

The third vote of no confidence was unanimously carried by the then Island Council which also included the National Alliance, the party that brought him in as a 'professional' Commissioner.

St. Peters:--- Teachers of St. Maarten Academy (PSVE) met with the President of the Windward Island Teachers Union (WITU) Claire Elshot on Monday to discuss some serious and urgent issues.
President of the WITU Claire Elshot told SMN News that the teachers invited her to the school after they met with the management of the school on Friday. According to Elshot, the school recently installed a fingerprint scanner that will register all the teachers' time of entry and departure from the institution. Elshot said teachers were told that they are compelled to use the fingerprint scanner and those that refuse to do so can consider their job on the line. Other issues facing several teachers is the lack of working and residency permits and their pension plan.
The teachers of the St. Maarten Academy (PSVE) were planning to take action Monday morning when the school board refused to allow them to meet with their union representative during the recess period. Elshot said she advised the two board members via email on Sunday that her members invited her to the school on Monday and she was seeking their permission to meet with the teachers during the recess at the school. Elshot said she was given permission from one of the board members on Sunday but later the other board member emailed her informing her that the school would make the premises available to them after 3:30pm since they did not want to disrupt classes during the day. However, an agreement was reached between the union and the school board and Elshot was allowed to meet with the teachers during the recess in one of the classrooms. That meeting was disrupted at the end of the recess since the classroom was needed for classes to resume. Elshot then moved to the staff room where she continued her meeting with the teachers that were free. Elshot further explained that she will be drafting a letter to send to the school board since the union and teachers need clarity on several issues. The unionist said some of her members checked out the legality of the use of a fingerprint scanner in schools and it's illegal. My members need clarity and there is a lot of vagueness that has to be explained." Elshot said.

President of the St. Maarten Academy School Board Alstain Van Dyke Bell said in an invited comment that the equipment that was installed on Friday at the PSVE section has been in operation since August at the academic section. Van Dyke Bell said the equipment is to register the teacher's time sheet. "The equipment we have at the Academy is like the one that is installed at the Parliament Building where the Parliamentarians place their finger on the machine to open the door. At the Academy, teachers have to scan their finger so that the system recognizes the teacher and registers his or her timesheet. The Board of the St. Maarten Academy implemented the new feature when they realized that teachers were committing forgery when they were writing in their own time sheet. Can you imagine when we checked the time sheet at 9am in the morning you had teachers who already filled in their time sheet for that day indicating they left at 1:30pm, and when you check at the school, the teacher left the school already. Our intention is to have an accurate time sheet and to make sure the teachers get paid for the hours they work. We have no intention to distribute the information to third parties and besides that the machine is only set up to register each teachers' timesheet." Van Dyke Bell further explained that the school is busy seeking legal advice to see if the use of the fingerprint scanner is against the law. Bell said that the union has expressed concerns on the legality and use of such equipment to monitor teachers.
When asked about the working and residency permits for foreign teachers, Bell said that the school is like every other company or individual who files for the labor and residency permits. "We submitted the request at the labor Ministry for the working permit and we have to wait on them to grant us the permit. As a school, we check on the applications time and again to see how far is the process but that is all we can do. We also do the same for the residency permit at the justice ministry and follow the same procedures," Van Dyke Bell said.

Philipsburg:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) is reminding all current applicants and those interested in applying to the University degree programs of the upcoming November 8, 2011 deadline.
Applications received after this deadline, will be subject to a late fee.
Required documents for application include a completed USM application form, original high school diploma, official high school transcripts, original exam results, two (2) passport pictures, affidavit of financial support, copy of passport and $25.00 application fee. .
Students transferring to USM from another college or university, must provide official college transcripts with course descriptions. All applicants entering USM for the first time are required to sit the university placement tests which are scheduled for November 24 and 25, 2011.
"Students who have completed their applications for the Spring 2012 semester have already received official notice regarding their admittance. I encourage the other applicants to make every effort to complete their applications before the deadline," USM Admissions Director Angelique Hazel said.
Applications for the following degree programs are now being accepted: the Associate of Arts degrees in Business with specializations in Business Management and Accounting, the Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Management, Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management, the Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Persons interested in any non-degree programs such as the Continuing Education Program (CEP) re also urged to visit the USM Admissions Office for more information.
"The Continuing Education Program is geared towards persons already in possession of a university degree, who may want to enroll in a degree course for personal development or interest," Ms. Hazel said.

The list of Continuing Education courses will be available this week at the Admissions Office. Persons interested in these courses should submit valid passport or identification card, highest degree earned, and $25 application fee.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Civil Registry Department says that it's able to issue Identification Cards (ID) once again.

Those requiring ID cards can visit the office during regular office hours.

The department will announce when it will be resuming the issuance of driver's licenses.

With respect to the issuance of passports, due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the hardware that supports the operations of the department's passport system, the office is unable to issue passport services at this point in time.

The department is awaiting the delivery of replacement material and the public will be informed when this service is available again.

The management of the Civil Registry Department apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Airport:--- SMN News has been reliably informed that Air France and their sister company KLM have decided to move their businesses from Arrindell Aviation to Halley Aviation services. The source said that the two companies will end their contract with Arrindell Aviation as early as November 2011.
SMN News further understands that a meeting between Arrindell Aviation, Air France and KLM is scheduled to take place on October 28th where the company will receive official notification on the business divorce. Sources say that personnel from the purchasing department of the two companies are scheduled to arrive on St. Maarten next week to meet with Arrindell Aviation.
The source said Air France and KLM were offered a lower handling fee by Halley Aviation and the two companies grabbed the deal since there is an economic recession which is still affecting the airline industry. SMN News contacted Air France Station Manager, Walter Borel for an official comment on the change of airport handlers and Borel said he was not in a position to comment on the ongoing discussion. Borel said that representatives from the two companies are expected on the island next week and they will make the official announcement once they meet with Arrindell Aviation.
It should be noted that Halley Aviation worked with Air France for some 28 years prior to losing her contract with them some six years ago.
SMN News further learnt that Arrindell Aviation met with their employees on at least three occasions last week where they gave about 17 employees the opportunity to either stay with Arrindell Aviation or move over to Air France and KLM.
SMN News learnt that the company met with their workers on three occasions and informed them that their salaries and benefits will remain the same should they stay with Arrindell Aviation. However, those that choose to move must inform the company by the end of this month since Arrindell Aviation will begin hiring more staff for the upcoming holiday season.
The source said that Arrindell has about 80 persons in their employ and the loss of the two major Airlines will not affect the job security of the workers.
Efforts made to obtain an official comment from the CEO of Arrindell Aviation Frank Arrindell was pushed aside. SMN News managed to get Arrindell on the phone but as soon as we posed the question to him about the loss of the two airlines he hung up the phone.

...

Paris, France:--- One of the research and training agencies of UNESCO, the International Institute for Educational Planning, (IIEP), has pledged assistance to St. Martin especially in the areas of its competency - training, research, technical assistance and policy advocacy.
The pledge was made by Director of the institute, Mr. Khalil Mahshi, who received Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell and her delegation, at the institute's headquarters in Paris, Thursday.
Mr. Khalil Mahshi was accompanied by the Head of Technical Assistance and Sector Planning, Mr. Anton de Grauwe, who explained the workings of the institute.
Dr. Arrindell said she would like to see more St. Martiners being trained at the institute, pointing to the fact that Mrs. Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere would be among the first. Mrs. Hodge-Lacorbiniere, a Policy worker at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, has just begun a Master's program at the Institute.
The IIEP also offers Distance Education training and supports UNESCO National Commissions, especially where it concerns "training the trainers."

Philipsburg:--- Businesses and residents that depend on the postal services to conduct their business will have to find another means since the NPNA has ceased all postal operations on St. Maarten as of Monday this week.
Workers at the Post office in Philipsburg were basically handling the financial transactions at the post office this week when SMN News checked there. Some of the workers admitted that customers can no longer post letters and parcels until further notice. It should be noted that large companies such as UTS and TELEM signed contracts with NPNA to deliver their bills at the end of each month.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams told reporters at the Council of Ministers press briefing that she sent a letter to Minister Charles Cooper in Curacao asking that he intervene in the ongoing saga. Wescot-Williams said that she requested that the Minister ensure that NPNA execute the agreements it has with the government of St. Maarten which was to train two persons from St. Maarten during the transition period.
The Prime Minister said she also held a discussion with the chairman of the NPNA board and she also made the same request to him. Wescot Williams said during the discussions with the chairman, the plan that was submitted by the management of NPNA which the government of St. Maarten agreed to was discussed. She said also requested that the chairman give the agreements some kind of consideration.
Wescot Williams said that government is looking at the current situation between NPNA and PSS to see how they will deal with the intentions of NPNA who seems bent on holding on to the financial services offered at the Post Office.
The Prime Minister said government is presently conducting some research to see if a license was granted to NPNA since they did submit a request for a business license, while they are already registered at the Chamber of Commerce. Wescot Williams said that government has an issue with the fact that NPNA wants to keep the non-postal services for NPNA since it was an integral part of the services offered locally.

Oyster Pond:--- Another legal weapon that was issued to one of St. Maarten's top cops is now in the hands of bandits as Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed on Tuesday that the person or persons who burglarized his house on Monday stole his service weapon. De Witte said the bandits broke into a safe where he kept the weapon. Besides the service revolver, the intruders stole a number of personal items from the Chief Commissioner of Police.
De Witte filed a complaint with the detective department about the burglary and the loss of his service revolver and other personal belongings. The Police Robbery team is busy investigating the break in, police also arrested one person whom they believe was involved in the break-ins that took place in the Oyster Pond area on Monday.
Monday's burglary at the home of a policeman is nothing new to St. Maarten. In the past, bandits broke into the home of former Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran's where they also stole his service revolver. Bandits also broke into the home of CID head Richard York and also stole his service revolver. Bandits also invaded the Back Street home of Daphne Francesca where they stole a number of items including memoirs. However, in the case of Francesca, he personally investigated his case and reported the facts to police department. Even though the culprits were arrested they were never questioned by police and were later released by the judge of instruction. According to reliable sources, the police refused to do their jobs and make sure the culprits that invaded Francesca's home get the their day in court.
Francesca lost a number of items including computers and a collection of photographs he gathered during his 40 years and six months as an officer of the law.

Philipsburg:--- Recently, the police department conducted some intense controls in numerous areas of the island. During these controls several suspects for whom arrests warrants were issued in connection with several ongoing investigations were arrested and put into custody. Also as part of the intense controls one of the main focuses was to locate and confiscate illegal fire arms that are in circulation on the island. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police confiscated several illegal guns while conducting the controls. Henson said guns ranging from caliber .22 millimeter to .45 millimeter were confiscated and taken off the streets. The police department intends to continue the general controls indefinitely.

Police carried out raid in Cape Bay.

The police spokesman said on Tuesday, October 25 at approximately 07:35pm, based on information reaching the police department regarding the sale of drugs at a home in Banjo Drive Cape Bay, police raided the home in question. During the raid and search of the home a plastic bucket containing a substantial amount of compacted marijuana was found and confiscated, also weighing scales, transparent plastic bags and other paraphernalia used to prepare the marijuana for sale were also found and confiscated. The suspect was not at home during the raid. The police department is still searching for the suspect in this case. These types of raids will also continue once proper information reaches the police department.

Philipsburg:--- Renovations at the Government Administration Building is expected to start this weekend confirmed Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams. Wescot Williams said that the Council of Ministers managed to secure some monies to start the renovations but she could not say what the total budget for the project would be.
Renovations she said will take place in her office where the tiles are lifting up, in the bathrooms and on the front courtyard of the building.
The intention of government is to finalize the much needed renovations for the Royal visit which is scheduled for November 3rd 2011.

Philipsburg:--- Murder suspect Robert Leroy Reid left three notes behind prior to hanging himself on Tuesday morning confirmed Prosecutor Bart den Hartigh. The public prosecutor said that Reid left one note for his fellow inmates who were also in the sickbay (roommates), one for the nurses that took care of him and a general note that was not addressed to anyone. In all of the notes, Reid denied any involvement in the death of his 13 year old daughter Tiffany Reid.

The Public Prosecutor also said that the Landsrecherche is busy conducting an investigation into the death of Robert Leroy Reid and the circumstances surrounding it. Den Hartigh said that no definite conclusions into Reid's death have been reached, but the results of the preliminary investigations do not show any signs of foul play.