Articles

The Committee of Financial Supervision CFT will be meeting with parliament's permanent financial committee in a closed door session of the House. The main topic of discussion will be the country's financial situation.

The establishment of the CFT dates back to the latter four years pre-2010 when we attained country status (2006 – 2009). During that period, the globe saw the crash of the financial markets in mid-2008. This would signal the development of the global recession which is still felt even today, five years later. The financial crash brought forward the worse recession that was comparable to the Great Depression 60-years ago.

Country Sint Maarten during the past three-four years has had to present a deficit free national budget while countries around the world – many – used public funds to make investments in their economy resulting in job creation or maintaining the level of employment in order not to be confronted with a social crisis. Sint Maarten on the other hand has been grappling with presenting balanced budgets. The agreements made in the period 2006-2009 with the Dutch Government, and saw the formation of the CFT which critiques the country's budget to see if it conforms to the Kingdom Laws for budget discipline needs to be reviewed.

This review is not only a Sint Maarten reality, but a global one as well. Reviews and recommendations have been brought forward by the financial and economic experts in Europe as well as for the rest of the world on what needs to be done to get the global economy moving forward again creating employment and business opportunities for people.

European Union (EU) finance experts have reached a preliminary agreement on changing the way the 28-nation bloc determines some deficit figures which will lessen the pressure for austerity measures in some crisis-hit European economies. Spain has record unemployment of about 26 per cent. The new change in budget policy will allow Spain's government to invest thereby fostering growth.

The EU's change in budget policy according to financial experts will go a long way in easing the economic problems. The closing or narrowing of budget deficits in the 28-bloc of countries in the midst of a recession and record European unemployment was seen as counter-productive and has been seen as an acknowledgement that the deficit-cutting programs of the past three years have failed to address growth.

A 2013 report by the United Nations (UN) Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), says that governments must address the fundamental causes of the global economic crisis, in particular rising income inequality, the diminishing role of the State (Government), and the predominant role of the poorly regulated financial sector.

The Trade and Development Report 2013 notes that developed countries have so far addressed the crisis by implementing stimulus measures that rely on expansionary monetary policies, but these have been unsuccessful in fostering growth, as they have been combined with fiscal austerity and subdued private demands.

In contrast, developing countries have been able to mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis in the developed world by implementing countercyclical policies, which stimulate the economy when it is facing a downturn. However, the effects of these policies are fading away and the economic environment shows few signs of improving, making it increasingly difficult to avoid slowdowns.

The report contends that developing and transition economies that heavily depend on exports must reconsider their development strategies and rely more on domestic and regional demand. Country Sint Maarten in my opinion falls within this category. We export sand, sun and sea, and we need to diversify our product to also include medical tourism and sports tourism besides cruise and stay-over tourism. With respect to stay-over tourists, we need to focus on the Latin American market as well as China/Asian markets.

The report also says that developed countries are not addressing the root causes of the financial crises, and this, compounded with mishandling the crisis itself, has contributed to the current disarray of the - global economy. This statement alone is a strong argument why the role of the CFT and the Kingdom Laws that gives it the authority needs to be reviewed and adapted to the current economic realities of the world, of which Country Sint Maarten is also a micro part thereof.

The UNCTAD says that since 2008, the world output growth has slowed down and does not show signs of recovering. It fell from 4.1 per cent in 2010 to 2.8 per cent in 2011 and then to 2.2 per cent in 2012. The report predicts that it will further decelerate to 2.1 per cent this year-2013. These are most definitely wake-up calls for all nations including country Sint Maarten to start thinking and doing rather than only looking and procrastinating. Hon. Prime Minster Sarah Wescot-Williams a few months ago called for the establishing of an Economic Task Force and the Minister of Finance Hon. Martin Hassink a few weeks ago mentioned the same for a Financial Task Force. These are indeed necessary and should be put in place as soon as possible.

The report looks at three economic areas and says that the increased tendency towards fiscal austerity in the EU makes it highly unlikely to return to a higher growth trajectory. In the US, private domestic demand has begun to recover but cuts in public spending are having a "contractionary" effect. In contrast, the Japanese Government is providing both strong fiscal stimulus and monetary expansion aimed at reviving economic growth and curbing deflationary trends.

Members of Parliament of the honourable House should put pertinent questions to the CFT on Wednesday with respect to whether current economic realities do not dictate a change in the way the committee reviews the budgetary information and whether a budgetary deficit should be allowed for a certain period of years.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Editor,

Please allow us to address our Parliamentarians through the opinion section of your newspaper. Dear Members of Parliament, Soualiga Social Movement took notice of the UNICEF report on "Children in the Dutch Caribbean" and more specifically "The Situation of Children and Adolescents in Sint Maarten: key findings and recommendations" that was published in April this year. The latter begins with the following: "A situation analysis of Sint Maarten's children and adolescents was undertaken in 2012. Commissioned by the United Nations Children's Fund-The Americas and Caribbean Regional Office, it was conducted by the Observatorio Social del Ecuador (OSE), a non-governmental organization based in Quito. The research had two main dimensions: 1. A review of sources and statistical data to understand the reality of the country; and 2. Dialogue with 48 key informants (25 state and 23 civil society actors) as well as 3 focus groups to collectively determine the advances and challenges in the situation of children and adolescents."

The introduction is followed up by a brief explanation about the geography and demography of Sint Maarten. Then the areas like Health, Education, Protection and Participation are being reviewed and the progress made in those areas as well as challenges remaining are mentioned. The section after that is the section in which twenty-four (24) recommendations are made and it ends with the following conclusion: "Sint Maarten is a new country under construction and is in the process of developing new laws, policies, programs and activities for institutional strengthening, consolidating an organized society and training local cadres in public administration. The budget reflects a country with high investment in social areas, and major progress has been made in fulfilling the rights of children and adolescents. Important successes include universal health-care coverage for children and adolescents, the low child mortality rate and the introduction of compulsory education. Undoubtedly one future priority should be collecting and collating adequate information in order to understand and tackle the main challenges of childhood and adolescence through a continued emphasis on the formulation of evidence-based laws, policies and programs aligned to the CRC and CRC Committee's recommendations."

We would like to be informed by parliament, as our elected representatives, what actions have been undertaken by you and the respective ministries on the following recommendations: 1. Strengthen the Department of Statistics to produce accurate and timely information derived from not only the census but also new surveys on household living conditions in order to prepare specific indicators for monitoring compliance with the rights of children and adolescents. 2. Create a social observatory to monitor state actions concerning children and adolescents with special emphasis on the situation of those who are immigrants. 3. Design and implement a youth employment policy and create more opportunities for adolescents aged between 15 and 19 through integrated academic and technical training to meet the country's development needs. 4. Design and implement a unified model of secondary education aimed at all schools using similar methods and the same language of instruction. 5. Increase the supply of high quality, subsidized childcare centers to relieve the burden on working parents, especially mothers. 6. Introduce, expand and, when feasible, fund after-school programs for children and adolescents to promote the best use of free time and develop artistic and cultural expression as well as encouraging participation in sports. 7. Enhance coordination between government and civil society actors engaged in providing child protection services. 8. Reinforce and implement legislation against domestic violence and develop mass education programs on prevention, treatment and resolution of problems of violence to encourage people to report incidents. 9. Create social mechanisms to prevent the normalization of violence against and among children and adolescents. 10. Set up a telephone hotline or other means of communication about the problem to provide counseling services and referrals to child protection services for victims of abuse, violence and neglect. 11. Design an early warning system for violations of the rights of children and adolescents that involves the judicial, health and education systems and civil society watchdogs. 12. Design and implement an integration policy for immigrant children that includes a process to normalize their immigration status, school insertion and access to health services as well as neighborhood programs encouraging cultural integration. #sxmmovement

Soualiga Social Movement

Dear Minister of Finance Mr. Martin Hassink,

Some time ago I published my opinion in the local media, requesting government to set aside the amount of US $. 2,000,000.00 to assist landowners with expenditures ranging from the huge Cadastre, land measuring, notary, legal and lawyer fees etc. to be able to make use of their properties, sitting there for years, only to create more complications in finding the rightful owners of these sometimes extensive properties.

As you know, there is no more government land to be gotten while many of those who hold titles to government long lease land, simply can't do anything with it or just hold it for the sole purpose of "speculation".

Since I have become known as an active "activist" in defense of illegitimate children and other unfortunate persons, I have come to know that many can obtain their rights to succession land if only they could afford expensive litigation, and more and more of them as well as legitimate owners are coming to me for assistance but because of the lack of financing for their purposes, they unfortunately pass on leaving their property to an uncertain future and the suffering goes on and on.

In view of the above, I, on behalf of these unfortunately people request you to seriously look into the possibility of setting something aside in the next budget to assist these persons, even if they have to pay it back.

I trust that you will understand by putting yourself in these people's positions and actually do something to assist.

A confirmation of receipt of this message will be highly appreciated.

Thank you for you time and understanding.

Yours truly,

Norman C. Wathey

Once again we have a massive fish kill. This time it was so many that people are calling it a river of fish.
Do you realize how long this has been going on? When do you, our government, think you might be able to solve this problem and prevent it from happening again?
How many more years and how many more dead fish will it take?
We have spent years polluting our salt pond. We have a huge dump in the middle of the salt pond which I am sure is causing toxic run off into the pond.
I am no scientist but I know there are many issues causing these fish kills that keep happening.
It's much more complicated than low oxygen levels which is all we the public are ever told.
I also know there probably is no easy solution. A solution MUST be found though, and it MUST be made a priority of government.
I don't care who is in power, or who has been in power. Not one government we have ever had has dealt properly with this issue.
I don't know if you read Facebook but the comments and pictures there tell a tragic story.
People are horrified and sick of this still happening.
What a great picture this presents when we try to advertise ourselves as a tropical paradise!
Tropical paradise? With thousands of dead fish lying in our waterways?
I guess dead fish can't vote because if they could, this problem would have been solved years ago.

Regards,

Barbara Cannegieter

Dear Editor,

The Parliament of Sint Maarten will be embarking upon an open house within the next two weeks. During the weekly open house, members of civil society will learn about the separation of powers between the Executive (Council of Minsters) and the Legislature (Parliament) branches of Government and the roles they play in law-making.

The House is also in its fourth year since the birth of country Sint Maarten on 10-10-10 and before the next constitutionally due elections. Various pieces of legislation have been tabled in the House during the past three years that came from the former Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles and still had to be formalized.

There have been some new initiative law efforts and this is still an on-going process. In the remaining months of the 4th sitting of the House of Parliament, parliamentarians can still research and draft initiative laws that could be handled by the 5th sitting of the House for the parliamentary year 2014-2015.

The country's existing laws forms the foundation that guide the governing and functioning of society in our democratic constitutional system. However, some laws date back to the 1900s and much has changed since then. These laws need to be brought in line with today's societal trends. Therefore, parliamentarians have to be up to speed on current and emerging issues that impact public policy and society overall.

One current issue that impacts all countries around the world including Sint Maarten is lead paint. Countries have been called upon to strengthen national actions to eliminate lead paint, a major source of potential poisoning for young children which causes some 600,000 new cases of intellectual disabilities each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Lead poisoning remains one of the most important environmental health concerns for children globally, and lead paint is a major flash point for children's potential lead poisoning. According to the WHO, exposure to lead paint can be entirely stopped through a range of measures to restrict the production and use of lead paint.

This week is International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action under the theme: "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future." Lead paint can be found in the home, on toys, furniture and on other objects. Decaying lead paint on walls, furniture and other interior surfaces creates lead-contaminated dust in the home that young children easily ingest.

Mouthing lead-painted toys and other objects also exposes young children to lead. The sweet taste of lead paint means that some children even pick off and swallow small chips of paint. WHO estimates that 143,000 deaths per year result from lead poisoning, with lead paint a major contributor.

Exposure to lead creates health problems for many years into the future. Even in countries that have banned leaded paint decades previously, such paint continues to be a source of exposure until it is finally stripped and replaced. Alternatives to lead paint are readily available. Worldwide, 30 countries have already phased out the use of lead paint. The aforementioned Global Alliance has set a target of 70 countries by 2015.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten could add the country to the list – lead-free paint Sint Maarten – but first parliament would have to do some research to see to what extent the product of lead paint is available via retailers and wholesalers.

At high levels of exposure, lead affects brain development in children, resulting in reduced IQ, behavioral changes such as shortening of attention span and increased antisocial behavior, and reduced educational attainment. These effects according to the WHO are believed to be irreversible. Adults are at increased risk of kidney disease and raised blood pressure.

It is in our own interests that of the children of the nation to do something about lead paint.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Editor,

Please allow us to express our concerns on the illegal status of so many immigrants on Sint Maarten. We're not saying that illegal residents are the sole reason for the problems on Sint Maarten and neither are we saying that people without blood ties to Sint Maarten are second class citizens. As a matter of fact, every legal resident of Sint Maarten has the right and duty to participate to the fullest in Sint Maarten's society and make the best of his/her life. What we are saying is that the amount of illegal residents on Sint Maarten needs to be reduced drastically for more than one reason. The growing amount of illegal residents on St. Maarten is weighing the proverbial seesaw down, forcing the legal residents and government to be 'up in the air' with their feet swinging for stability, instead of grounded to our society and how we can move forward.
Many ministries and parts of our society are feeling the pressure when it comes to illegal immigrants. Think about the compulsory education law that makes our public schools have to enroll illegal children to their schools, (some who do not speak English and with their parents contributing little to nothing financially) causing classes to increase in size and the costs of education to rise. Children's right to education should be respected, but this also counts for those who are residing here legally. There are many unpaid bills for medical treatments of uninsured illegal residents left at the Sint Maarten Medical Centre. Every person has the right to have access to medical care, but government (and thus tax paying residents) pays for these bills.
For years we have been talking about increasing the compliance of paying taxes, but it is known that many employers are hiring illegal residents that don't pay wage tax. It is known that there are illegal residents that conduct business without paying any income or profit tax. Government needs to create a safe environment, but we often read about criminal activities conducted by illegal residents, some ending up in our jails for years. At the end of the day, the tax payer is paying all of these bills.
Too often also, illegal residents become victim of abuse by their employer, are living in deplorable circumstances and are dealing with social ills like poverty and domestic abuse. Because illegal residents live 'below the radar' they are usually afraid to seek justice or any help from the authorities. These standards should not be allowed on Sint Maarten. Not for legal residents and not for illegal residents. Some heavy fines need to be issued for illegal constructions and hazardous living situations. Look at the disaster last weekend with the fire in Cole Bay that left over a hundred homeless. Does a similar tragedy need to happen in Cay Hill, Cay Bay, Middle Region and/or Dutch Quarter for us to do something about this? We did not even touch on the negative influence of illegal residency on youth unemployment.
There are many other reasons why the amount of illegal residents should be reduced drastically. With all the current and past budget woes it might be time to allocate more funds and or efforts to not only protect our borders, but to also evacuate those who are residing on Sint Maarten illegally. All the policies are in place, but the (financial) tools are lacking. Hopefully this does not end up encouraging (political) favoritism by singling out individuals or businesses to go after them or the opposite. One way to increase funds to evacuate illegal residents is fining employers that employ illegal residents heavy. Not just Ang 5,000.00, but rather Ang 50,000.00 or more per employee. Same for those who "sign for" or "invite" people that overstay their visa. It can work as a deterrent as well. It's time for both the executive and legislative branches of our government to wake up, before Sint Maarten burns down to the ground. #sxmmovement.

Soualiga Social Movement

'suck your own blows...'

Dear 'Honorables' of Country St. Maarten,

Now that your own 'chickens are coming home to roost', you seem to have discovered the St. Maarten people - wattating nuh.
Mind you, these are the very same people whose very existence, each and every one of you - without exception - betrayed by refusing to even recognize in the constitution - let alone refused to protect and to preserve.
Talking about shamelessness.....
Therefore, be advised to 'swallow your own spittle' .
We, the grassroots St. Martin movement will have none of it.
As the good old saying goes; 'What goes around, comes around' or, 'what goes up, must come down' - sooner or later - that's for sure.
Enjoy the feeling now you are accustomed dishing out with pleasure and with arrogance for decades to others, especially to native, indigenous St. Martin people.
Know now, what it is not have control over your own situation and destiny, because it is in the hands of others.
As the Dutch say ; 'U zit nu in het beklaagden-bankje' - you are now just another 'suspect sitting in the dock'.
And by the way, if you did nothing wrong, you will be exonerated at the end of the investigation anyhow.
Then, in that case, you will be really able to carry the title 'honorable' with a sense of pride and dignity, knowing you deserved it - not 'bought' it.
For now, that honorable title, is very 'tainted' to say the least.
Oops, by the way, the fact we have declined to participate in the NDP's so-called 'democratic dialogue', was always based on our total lack of trust in Government and in any institutions associated with Government.
In that regards it is interesting to say the least, that our distrust in Government could not have been stronger proven justified, than the present investigation of the Dutch Government, signed by Royal decree.
So, much for the credibility of the NDP.
In ending dear 'Honorables', please do not throw anymore 'tantrums' and do not make any more silly remarks about 'not cooperating' and about going politically 'independent' in the name of the people - certainly not in the name of the native, indigenous St. Martin people - it will not work.
Just like when you were doing all your dealing and wheeling and kept the people out - this time, keep us out as well and 'suck your blows'.

Yeah, me again,

Leopold James
President of the St. Martin nation building and unification movement and
Proud native, indigenous St. Martiner - without apologies.

Sarah dangerously incompetent.

By now, the gravity of the situation facing St. Maarten should have sunk in. St. Maarten has been publicly humiliated before the entire world! Never in the annals of relations between two peoples has one people so publicly repudiated another. One can try to hide behind the false argument, that it is really and only about the politicians. But fact of the matter is that the Dutch have expressed a deep distrust of us as a country and as a people collectively, period. None of us are exempt. It is delusional to think otherwise. We produced those politicians! You say how? We voted for, and elected them, time after time, even when we knew they were up to no good. We sold our votes to them. Some, for raw cash, others for building materials or furniture, and still others for favors. We did it over and over, repeatedly, for forty long years. Being corrupt had become a political sport on St. Maarten. We all participated in one way or the other. We all wanted a piece of the action.
This new crisis calls, for some serious reflection, because we must respond. There must be a confrontation, because we simply cannot submit to this investigation. It is out of the question! Things can never return to what they were before between us and Holland. If at times the Dutch political class was diplomatic in its approach, this time all pretense of diplomacy has been dropped. The mask has been removed, and their true feelings expressed. There is no way back. We have been shown the door. The message is clear: "You want to stay in the Kingdom? "Then this is what to expect". We have, in Mafia parlance, been made an "offer we cannot refuse!" This has serious implications for us as a people. We no longer really have a choice. It is no longer, if, but when. It means among other things, that we will have to seriously think about whether or not this is the right time, for the King to visit. It will be extremely awkward for him to meet with a bunch of people, who in his name, by his government and under his seal and authority, have just been repudiated. This includes the governor also. He is a product of St. Maarten politics. This is the political milieu in which he operates, the pond in which he swims. He is a skillful political player. His appointment as Governor is a direct result of his knowing how to play the political game on St. Maarten. The Dutch cannot trust him either! He is one of us!
There are two pieces of business which we must urgently attend to even while dealing with this new crisis. The first one, is holding accountable the so-called leaders who have lead us into this mess. The National Alliance and MP Frans Richardson should be counting their blessings that they were kicked out of government. This shows how timely two old adages are: "everything happens for the better" and, the second, "you might just get what you wished for". Sarah fought tooth and nail during the collapse of the last government to remain in office. She maneuvered, she schemed, she plotted. She kicked and screamed. She raved and ranted. She wanted to remain Prime Minister and Leader of Government at all cost. She got what she wanted. Now that it has blown up in her face, she must accept full and total responsibility for this fiasco. Sarah and the UPP must face the music alone. They have been totally and completely discredited and humiliated. Sarah's heated response, and faux indignation is too little too late. She has utterly failed as a leader. Her epitaph will forever be one of abject defeat and humiliation. Her feeble attempt to call on civil servants not to cooperate with the Dutch investigation is pathetic. It rings hollow. She does not have the moral authority to lead a pack of kindergarten children across the street.
Theo so far, has wisely chosen to remain silent, as well he should. He is the intellectual and spiritual author of all that is corrupt on St. Maarten. In that regard, he has truly followed in his grandfather's footsteps. His influence on the body politic is toxic. He can be no Moses. His old school vision of money politics has met its final defeat.
The people of St. Maarten therefore need to urgently undertake action. Step one, must be the immediate resignation of the entire cabinet with step two being the calling of new elections.
The UPP/DP government simply does not have the credibility to deal with the Dutch government. They do not have the credibility to face us, their own people. They certainly cannot pretend to represent us, for every day they remain in office, represents an affront to our dignity as a people. The UPP and DP parties should be disbanded and banned forever from politics. They are dangerously incompetent. They have grievously injured the people they were elected to lead, and yes, protect. They certainly do not have the credibility to do any talking to the Dutch, especially on behalf of the people of St. Maarten. They do not have the slightest semblance of the prestige needed to constitute a government. It has been ripped to shreds. We cannot allow this present group, and yes, that includes governor Holiday, to represent us any longer. In a sense, this disappointment is a blessing in disguise. It allows for the creation of totally new political parties and for a new class political class to emerge. This is the time for new faces and new political parties. We simply cannot allow the same, bad old actors, back on stage. Even coming from their parties is too much. We need a totally new political class. We saw what happened last election when we brought in new faces. Laville and Jules James, two of the freshest and most promising new faces soon found themselves embroiled in controversy and, in the case of Laville, scandal. They came from a corrupt party, led by a corrupt leader who had spent his entire political career in the corrupt, but politically successful Democratic Party. His political style, resembled more than anything, that of a mafia don, right down to the dark eye glasses. His actions while Minister spawned much suspicion and distrust. The new political class must in no way, shape or form be associated with him, or any of the existing parties for that matter. The task at hand is simply too serious to be left in the hands of bad faith actors, offering their same old influence peddling, self- enrichment schemes.
The real mission of the new political class should be independence. Not ten years from now, not five years from now, but now! That should be the one and only agenda point. Remaining in the Kingdom after we just been so rudely shown the door is pointless. Trying to pretend that what was expressed was not directed at all of us is self-deception. We are no longer welcome in the Kingdom.
We need a fresh set of faces untainted by scandal to clean up the mess created by the present corrupt and inept bunch, who have lead their people to shame and embarrassment.
We need a new Moses, to undertake the urgent and glorious task of taking us into the promised land of an independent St. Maarten.

Name Withheld Upon Author's Request

The integrity investigation
Are Theo and Duncan secret targets?

The cool, detached bureaucratic tone. The legalistic jargon. A chilling, sinister, implied threat. One has to hand it to the Dutch. They are good learners. One can easily imagine that one is reading a Nazi directive posted in square of some dorp in Holland circa 1942. The similarities are eerie, scary even. This approach is what made the Dutch the most effective killing machine for the Nazi's. Jews were invited via mail, delivered to their homes, to report to their deportation stations. Date, time and place were meticulously noted. Coats were to be dropped off here, shoes there, jewelry over here. All along the Dutch claimed they did not know the Jews were being deported to extermination death camps. The Germans appreciated their efficiency. After a while they did not even have to supervise them anymore. The Germans considered the Dutch fellow Aryans, and junior partners in crime. Many Dutch it must be mentioned did refuse to collaborate. Many were shot for refusing to collaborate. Today they are remembered as heroes while the former, are remembered, rightfully, with scorn and loathing.
Such is the effect reading their latest exploit, the so-called "instruction" to the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity investigation. He is being recruited, somewhat in the manner of war time collaborators, to round up the "usual" suspects for extermination. One has to pity his situation. Called upon to do the dirty work for the prestige of being governor. One doubts whether they will even pay him, since his more than generous salary is wholly paid for by the tax payers, yep, you and I, of St. Maarten. Will he chose to be remembered as a hero, or does he want to be remembered, rightfully, with scorn and loathing?
The document itself, is mercifully short. It is also a mass of contradictions, perhaps owing to the haste in which it was drafted. After going to great lengths to accuse the government of St. Maarten of basically being a bunch of thieving, corrupt, dishonest bastards, it turns around and calls for an investigation to find out if it is really true that they are in fact thieving, corrupt, dishonest bastards. Then, the use of the word "integer", or honest. This word occurs over and over in the document, leading one to surmise a Freudian slip. The drafters must have serious doubt about their own honesty. Why else are they constantly talking about honesty? It reminds one of the homophobe, who tries to cover his fears about his own sexuality by being hyper-aggressive towards gays.

History repeats itself?
As was pointed out elsewhere in SMN News, it is exactly twenty years ago, to be exact, February 25, 1993, that St. Maarten was placed under Higher Supervision for, yep, you guessed right! For being thieving, corrupt bastards. Even the approach was the same. First a report was commissioned, the now infamous Pourier report. The committee submitted its report in May, 1992, and guess what, it found that indeed, St. Maarten politicos were a bad lot. "By using political patronage, the same group maintained its grip on power" the report stated, "Government leaders eventually found themselves in the position where government decisions, and thereby the use of public funds, was too often directed towards maintaining their own position, and too little for the general interest." This crossed an "imaginary line" the Pourier committee reported, which justified jumping in to stop the abuse. Even the actors were the same. Then as now, the Democratic Party was in power. The UPP and the DP are of the same provenance so in fact we do have a DP government. The party one hopes, can be proud of its long lineage of corruption and bad governance. This is the second time in twenty years that it has managed to drag the country, which it so badly wants to govern, into the mud.

Theo and Duncan in the cross hairs.
St. Maarten politicos are now facing a real manhood crisis. This "instruction" is plenty mean. It shows just who is boss. It is much more intrusive that the 1993 version, which only required the island to submit decisions for review before passing them into law, and then only if it involved sums greater than Naf. 25,000. This time, the Dutch are going for blood or serious jail time. The Ministers and their staff, are ordered to lend their "cooperation" to the investigators. They are supposed to meekly submit and, just as the Jews during the Second World War, blindly follow instructions to their own demise. These investigators are not supposed to be from St. Maarten, so expect plane loads of Dutch technical assistants. This should warm the heart of the Minister of Justice. During the first Higher Supervision he was Lt. Governor. He practically burst with pride as he basked in the company of his "friends" who were his closest allies and confidants. He will soon have the opportunity to welcome a new contingent again. One can see him beaming with joy as he welcomes them to "his island". The "instruction" is intentionally vague. The investigators are given a free hand to ram sack any Ministry. They can demand to see emails, files, anything, order civil servants to stay home, while they search offices, and God knows how far they can go depending on what they find. It can lead to criminal prosecution, because you can be sure that if they find anything suspicious they will be happy to run to the prosecutor. Remember these folks have come to find proof of guilt. If they do not produce such proof, their paymasters in The Hague will be very unhappy. When one reads, that they want to investigate the granting of permits for infrastructural works, it does not take a genius to understand that they want to investigate just how Theo managed to navigate through all the laws and rules to build his Causeway. Ditto for Duncan when they state that they want to investigate prostitution and permits, meaning residence permits, which Duncan issued. One local paper was on a one man campaign to smear Duncan as a whore house manager, and the Dutch now want to find proof of guilt.
The politicians have only themselves to blame for the mess they now find themselves in. Instead of leading the people out of the Kingdom, and into independence, the chose to "love the lie". The lie being that there is a happy home for us in the Kingdom of Holland.

Name Withheld Upon Author's Request

In September, King Willem Alexander gave his first budget speech in which he used the term welfare state. He claimed that Dutch society would be moving away from a 'welfare state' to a 'participation state'. His definition of a participation state is one where people must take responsibility for their own future and create their own social and financial safety nets, with less help from the national government.
Many people took this to mean that people of less means would have to find some way to survive on their own. This is true but there is another aspect of a 'participation society' that most people tend to forget. That is the role of the participation society of those with more means.
The idea here is if the government is to stimulate a society where everyone can participate, then those with more means have arguably a larger role to play then those with less means. This type of society is only possible if all members of the society buy into the process. The main reason for this 'all involved' process is that those of lesser means can never 'create their own social and financial safety nets' if the basis of the economy is based on 'exploitation of the masses'. Unfortunately, most so-called democratic free market societies are actually exploitative societies where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
You see like any other commodity, money has limited availability. Now I am aware that money is a complicated financial model that seems endless but when you look at the basic aspect of money, if someone gets more, someone is getting less. Even though governments can just print more money, this money has to be backed up by something else, oil, gold, silver or in our situation foreign exchange.
The goal of this article is to have you think about the coming change in our society because just like in Holland, we live in a 'welfare state', even though many people fall through the cracks. The change to a participation society will have serious consequences on us and if something is not done to change the exploitative nature of our economy, we will all suffer.

Kendall Dupersoy

Le 16 octobre à 18 h 30 au collège de Quartier d'Orléans, le vice-procureur de la République, M. Flavien NOAILLES, le 1er Vice-président Guillaume ARNELL et le Préfet délégué Philippe CHOPIN ont réuni les comités de quartier et les associations de prévention de la délinquance pour leur demander d'assurer le relais de la campagne de retrait des armes organisée du 7 octobre au 17 novembre.
Cette réunion très constructive a fait l'objet d'échanges très intéressants entre les élus, les institutions et les associations et de nombreux jeunes présents.
Des questions concrètes ont été posées, le Procureur de la République et le Préfet ont apporté les réponses suivantes:

• pour rassurer les jeunes qui ne souhaitent pas décliner leur identité il est proposé que les armes soient collectées par une tierce personne ou une association à la condition expresse que celles-ci soient très rapidement déposées à la gendarmerie,
• l'exemption de poursuites pénales en cas de dépôt d'armes durant la campagne sera indiquée sur l'imprimé remis au dépositaire par la gendarmerie nationale,
• lors d'une éventuelle nouvelle campagne les affiches seront rédigées en plusieurs langues (espagnol, créole....),
• une coopération et une opération communes seront proposées aux partenaires de Sint Maarten,
• enfin et sur sujétion d'un élu territorial une telle opération pourra être relayée dans la presse (réalisation de spots.....) par des associations de jeunes qui pourraient être aidés dans le cadre du fond interministériel de prévention de la délinquance.

Vous êtes une association et vous avez des projets dans le cadre de la prévention de la délinquance et pour la cohésion sociale dans les quartiers, le Contrat Urbain de Cohésion Sociale (CUCS) s'adresse à vous.
Le CUCS est un contrat signé entre l'Etat, l'Agence nationale pour la Cohésion Sociale et l'Egalité des chances (l'ACSE) et la Collectivité d'Outre Mer de Saint-Martin.
Ce contrat s'inscrit dans le cadre de la politique de la ville. Il vise à soutenir des projets associatifs de développement social urbain en faveur des habitants des quartiers et à accompagner leurs actions de prévention des actes de délinquance.
En 2013, le CUCS de Saint-Martin a financé 34 projets d'un montant de 285 600, 00 euros autour des thèmes de la prévention de la délinquance, de la Santé, de l'Education, de la cohésion sociale et des vacances scolaires.
Vous avez jusqu'au 20 décembre 2013, midi, dernier délai, pour déposer vos projets à la préfecture de Saint-Martin.
Pour plus d'information, contacter le 0590 29 69 74 ou rendez vous sur le site de la préfecture (rubrique association) http://www.saint-barth-saint-martin.pref.gouv.fr/ pour télécharger le dossier.

En présence de Fleur Pellerin, ministre déléguée chargée des PME, de l'innovation et de l'économie numérique, et de Laurent Grandguillaume, député de la Côte d'Or, le Premier ministre a reçu ce jour dix entrepreneurs pour évoquer le bilan des Assises de l'entrepreneuriat tenues début 2013, et les questions qui doivent être approfondies.

Les Assises de l'entrepreneuriat avaient réuni durant quatre mois plus de 300 acteurs du monde économique et social autour de 9 groupes de travail. Elles avaient débouché sur une quinzaine de mesures en faveur de l'entrepreneuriat annoncées par le Président de la République le 29 avril dernier.

Six mois après la clôture des Assises de l'entrepreneuriat, le Premier Ministre a souhaité souligner le très bon niveau de mise en œuvre des mesures. L'indicateur « 040 » a été supprimé. La réforme de la fiscalité des plus-values de cession et la mise en place du PEA PME sont en cours d'adoption. Le cadre du financement participatif sera finalisé prochainement.

Fort de ce bilan, le Premier ministre a marqué sa volonté de poursuivre la dynamique engagée. Un nouveau rendez-vous de l'entrepreneuriat sera organisé au printemps 2014. Il sera cette fois consacré à une thématique spécifique : « les jeunes et les PME ».

Jean-Marc Ayrault a dessiné, avec les entrepreneurs, trois axes de réflexion prioritaires : comment favoriser un accès plus large des jeunes, dans leur diversité, à la création d'entreprise ? Comment développer l'attractivité des PME auprès des jeunes ? Enfin, comment mieux s'appuyer sur les nouvelles générations pour développer l'esprit de conquête des petites et moyennes entreprises ?

Fleur Pellerin sera chargée de préparer ce nouveau rendez-vous en lien avec les autres ministres concernés.

Par ailleurs, le Gouvernement mettra en place très prochainement une conférence des financeurs publics de l'aide à la création d'entreprise, afin d'optimiser l'emploi des quelque 2,7 Mds € affectés chaque année au soutien à l'entrepreneuriat dans notre pays.

Enfin, le Premier ministre a souligné l'attention qu'il portera aux conclusions de la mission confiée récemment à Dominique Restino, chargé de proposer des pistes concrètes pour moderniser les modes d'intervention et le financement de l'Agence Pour la Création d'Entreprises (APCE) d'ici la fin de l'année.

Entre le 7 août et le 24 septembre 2013, plusieurs agressions et vols de chaînes en or sont perpétrés sur la voie publique au préjudice de passants dans les quartiers de Concordia, Marigot et Sandy Ground.
Après un travail minutieux d'investigations, les enquêteurs de la communauté de brigades de Saint-Martin, saisis de l'ensemble des faits, parviennent à identifier l'auteur de ces agressions et vols violents
La perquisition menée au domicile de l'individu le 3 octobre 2013 lors d'une première tentative d'interpellation de l'intéressé amène à la découverte de biens provenant de vols de deux roues, matérialisant ainsi les infractions de recel.
Le 23 octobre 2013, une nouvelle opération d'interpellation est menée conjointement par les enquêteurs de la communauté de brigades de Saint-Martin, appuyés de deux éléments de l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile de Melun et conduit cette fois-ci à l'arrestation de l'individu recherché et à son placement en garde à vue. Celui-ci, passablement agité et énervé, se rendra par ailleurs coupable à cette occasion d'outrage, de rébellion et de destruction de bien public.
Poursuivi des chefs de vols avec violences sans I.T.T, de tentative de vol aggravé, de recel de bien provenant de vol, de rébellion, outrage et destruction de bien public, il est présenté à l'issue de sa garde à vue le jeudi 24 octobre 2013, devant le Procureur de la République de Basse-Terre puis placé en détention provisoire dans l'attente de son jugement en comparution immédiate.
Le 25 octobre 2013, le tribunal correctionnel de Basse-Terre le condamne à une peine de 2 ans d'emprisonnement, ainsi qu'à la révocation d'un sursis de 6 mois d'emprisonnement.

Le Premier ministre a reçu, à l'hôtel de Matignon, le 25 octobre 2013, le Président du Conseil italien, Enrico Letta.

Leur entretien a été l'occasion d'un échange de vues chaleureux et approfondi sur les réformes en cours en France et en Italie, la situation en Europe et les relations bilatérales dans la perspective du prochain sommet franco-italien, qui aura lieu à Rome, en novembre. Jean-Marc Ayrault et Enrico Letta ont constaté l'excellence des relations franco-italiennes dans tous les domaines et ont souhaité que le prochain sommet permette de nourrir cette dynamique par de nouveaux projets concrets.

Les échanges ont également porté sur les principaux enjeux européens, qu'il s'agisse de la mise en place de l'union bancaire, des suites données au drame de Lampedusa ou de la protection des données à caractère personnel. Les deux chefs de Gouvernement ont constaté une large convergence de vues entre la France et l'Italie et confirmé leur volonté de poursuivre leur concertation étroite sur tous ces sujets.

Le Premier ministre a appris avec beaucoup d'émotion le décès de Jean-Marie Barbier, Président de l'association des paralysés de France jusqu'à ces derniers mois.

Il souhaite saluer le militant qui a mis son engagement au service des personnes en situation de handicap, de leurs familles, de leurs proches, et de leurs droits.

Son ambition, portée par sa très grande détermination et sa force de conviction, était de rendre la société plus ouverte à tous, plus inclusive, pour que les personnes en situation de handicap puissent exercer pleinement leur citoyenneté.

Le Premier ministre souhaite présenter à son épouse et ses enfants, ainsi qu'à ses proches, ses sincères condoléances et leur exprimer toute sa sympathie face à la disparition d'un homme dont la vie a été un engagement.

Le Premier ministre, Jean-Marc Ayrault, a réuni, mercredi 23 octobre, Mme Christiane Taubira, ministre de la justice, M. Manuel Valls, ministre de l'intérieur, Mme Nicole Bricq, ministre du commerce extérieur, M. Arnaud Montebourg, ministre du redressement productif, M. Philippe Martin, ministre de l'écologie, du développement durable et de l'énergie, Mme Geneviève Fioraso, ministre de l'enseignement supérieur et de la recherche, M. Jacques Pélissard, Président de l'Association des maires de France, M. Jean-Paul Bacquet, député, M. Jean-René Lecerf, sénateur, M. Bruno Sido, sénateur, M. Yves Rome, sénateur et Président du Conseil général de l'Oise, Mme Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Présidente de la commission informatique et liberté, plusieurs dirigeants de sociétés développeuses ou utilisatrices de solutions de sécurité, des présidents de groupements industriels, et plusieurs personnalités qualifiées, dans le cadre du lancement du comité de la filière industrielle de sécurité (CoFIS).

Il a signé à cette occasion, avec des représentants de la filière, de pôles de compétitivité, des utilisateurs de solutions de sécurité, et de la Banque publique d'investissement, la charte installant la filière industrielle de sécurité.

Il s'agit d'instituer un dialogue public/privé rénové, au service de la sécurité du citoyen et de la compétitivité de l'industrie française.

L'ambition de ce comité de la filière industrielle de sécurité (CoFIS) mis en place aujourd'hui par le Premier ministre est de développer des solutions technologiques efficaces et mondialement compétitives, pour répondre à des missions aussi diverses que la protection des grandes infrastructures publiques ou privées, la sécurité du transport, le secours aux personnes, la lutte contre le terrorisme et la grande criminalité, la gestion de crise, ou encore la cybersécurité.

Tous les secteurs technologiques et toutes les compétences publiques et privées doivent être mobilisés pour :

- renforcer une industrie qui, avec ses grands groupes, PME et centres de recherche, représente plus de 10 Mds€ de chiffre d'affaire annuel et 50 000 emplois hautement qualifiés. Plusieurs leaders mondiaux sont des sociétés françaises, sur un marché en forte croissance (7% de croissance mondiale annuelle), mais très concurrentiel;

- garantir aux grands opérateurs, à la protection civile et aux forces de sécurité, le libre accès à des solutions de sécurité fiables, tant du point de vue de leurs performances que de leur origine, compétitives, adaptées à leur besoin, et respectueuses des libertés et des droits fondamentaux.

Afin de répondre à ce double défi, les membres du comité ont présenté collectivement au Premier ministre une feuille de route qui reprend les principaux objectifs du Livre blanc sur la défense et la sécurité nationale. Cette feuille de route s'articule autour de sept axes :

- identifier les forces et faiblesses du marché français de la sécurité;

- identifier les technologies critiques et stratégiques à préserver ou développer;

- élaborer un premier recensement des besoins prioritaires de l'Etat et des opérateurs;

- soutenir le lancement de projets de démonstrateurs structurants pour la filière;

- soutenir les entreprises française à l'export, en favorisant l'émergence d'un « Club France »;

- utiliser le levier européen, en proposant une stratégie nationale publique-privée vis-à-vis des instruments européens;

- mettre en réseau les acteurs.

Les acteurs de la filière se sont engagés à déployer ces objectifs dans la concertation. Un premier rapport d'étape est attendu d'ici à l'été 2014.

Le 13 octobre 2013 une dispute éclate à proximité du car-wash de Quartier d'Orléans en bordure de la RN7 entre trois individus au cours de laquelle plusieurs coups de feu sont tirés. Atteint à deux reprises, un jeune homme de 23 ans décédera de ses blessures tandis que la seconde personne visée sera blessée grièvement aux membres inférieurs. À l'issue des faits, le tireur et principal suspect prendra la fuite en véhicule en direction de la partie hollandaise de l'île de Saint-Martin. Immédiatement dépêchés sur les lieux, les militaires de la compagnie de gendarmerie, appuyés par ceux de l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile de Melun, procèdent à un gel des lieux et aux premières constatations en présence d'une centaine de badauds. Un dispositif de sécurisation est également mise en place au centre hospitalier de Marigot, lieu d'admission de la seconde victime afin d'éviter tout trouble à l'ordre public.
Après plusieurs jours d'enquête et de contacts avec des membres de son entourage, l'auteur présumé formellement identifié finit par accepter sa reddition. Le samedi 19 octobre 2013, H.C.A se présente de lui-même à la gendarmerie où il est immédiatement placé en garde à vue dans les locaux de la brigade de recherches de Saint-Martin. Le lundi 21 octobre, à l'issue de sa garde à vue, il est présenté devant le Procureur de la République de Pointe-à-Pitre puis mis en examen et placé en détention provisoire à la maison d'arrêt de Basse-Terre dans l'attente de son jugement.

Le 30 mars 2013, entre 12h et 13h, deux vols à main armée sont commis successivement dans un supermarché de la Baie Nettlé et dans une station service de la Baie Orientale par deux individus qui, sous la menace d'une arme de poing, se font remettre le fond de caisse et la recette de la matinée.
L'enquête est alors confiée à la brigade de recherches de Saint-Martin. Après de longues et minutieuses investigations, les militaires parviennent à identifier les deux malfaiteurs. Une opération judiciaire est alors lancée le lundi 23 septembre 2013 avec l'appui du peloton d'intervention de l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile de Melun et débouche sur l'interpellation des deux suspects qui sont immédiatement placés en garde à vue.
À l'issue de leur garde à vue, K.J et J.W sont présentés devant le Procureur de la République puis placés sous mandat de dépôt à la maison d'arrêt de Basse-Terre dans l'attente de leur jugement.
Jugés le 18 octobre 2013 par le tribunal correctionnel de Basse-Terre, K.J est condamné à 1 an d'emprisonnement. À l'issue de l'audience, se trouvant en situation irrégulière sur le territoire français, il est confié aux fonctionnaires de la police aux frontière, chargés de la procédure de reconduite à la frontière. J.W est quant à lui condamné à 3 ans d'emprisonnement ferme et incarcéré à la maison d'arrêt de Basse-Terre.

Au cours du mois de mai 2012, un survol de l'île de Saint-Martin effectué par l'hélicoptère de la direction générale des gardes-côtes (douanes) et les agents des opérations douanières de Saint-Martin permet de repérer plusieurs sites de culture de plants de cannabis sur Concordia et Agrément. Saisie de l'enquête par soit-transmis de Monsieur le Procureur de la République, la brigade de recherches de Saint-Martin procède à un nouveau survol de la zone avec l'appui aérien de la section aérienne de la gendarmerie de Pointe-à-Pitre, et parvient à localiser trois sites de production situés sur les hauts de Concordia et d'Agrément au milieu d'une végétation dense et difficile d'accès. Après reconnaissance, il ressort que la plupart de ces sites sont équipés d'un groupe électrogène permettant le fonctionnement d'une pompe à eau et d'un système de récupération d'eau de pluie qui, après traitement chimique, permet l'irrigation des plans. Au total, ce sont plus de 2000 pieds de cannabis qui sont découverts.
Après de longs mois d'investigations et de surveillances discrètes mises en place par les militaires de la brigade des recherches et du peloton de surveillance et d'intervention de la gendarmerie de Saint-Martin, les enquêteurs parviennent à identifier plusieurs individus dont le principal cultivateur chargé de l'entretien et de la culture du plus grand site et les principaux participants au réseau de vente d'herbe de cannabis. Selon les estimations, le site le plus important rassemblait à lui seul environ 1700 pieds de cannabis et représentait une production de 50 kilogrammes depuis décembre 2012.
Le mardi 15 octobre 2013, une opération judiciaire réalisée conjointement par la brigade de recherches, le peloton d'intervention de l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile de Melun et le peloton de surveillance et d'intervention de la gendarmerie, aboutit à l'interpellation et au placement en garde à vue de cinq individus identifiés et à la destruction des sites de production.
Les perquisitions réalisées aux domiciles des mis en cause, permettent la saisie de 305 pieds de cannabis et de matériels dédiés à la culture des plants (armoire de séchage avec lampes à ultraviolet et ventilation intégrées), des graines de cannabis et du fertilisant, ainsi que des cahiers de compte et une carabine de calibre 22 long-rifle.
À l'issue des gardes à vue, le principal mis en cause est transféré devant le Procureur de la République puis placé en détention provisoire à la maison d'arrêt de Basse-Terre dans l'attente de son jugement. Trois autres personnes sont remises en liberté et font l'objet d'une convocation en justice pour le 6 décembre 2013. Le dernier individu est quant à lui placé sous contrôle judiciaire.

Dans le cadre de la Semaine Bleue, semaine consacrée aux personnes âgées qui se tiendra du 21 au 27 octobre 2013, les enfants du club de l'Avenir Sportif de Saint-Martin participeront à des épreuves sportives avec les aînés de la maison de retraite Bethany Home, le samedi 26 octobre 2013, au stade Albéric Richards de 9h à midi.
Au programme, des activités durant lesquelles ces deux tranches d'âge opposé s'allieront pour être le meilleur : un 400 mètres en fauteuil roulant assisté d'un jeune athlète du club, une épreuve de course durant laquelle un jeune athlète devra représenter une personne âgée. Les aînés devront aussi en découdre, puisqu'ils s'affronteront sur un 100 mètres marche, et divers ateliers d'athlétisme leur seront consacrés.
Gageons que tout comme l'an dernier, cette rencontre intergénérationnelle permettra des discussions entre jeunes et anciens, et que l'ambiance sera chaleureuse.

Les vacances de la Toussaint seront athlétiques pour les championnes de l'Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin. En effet, Sareena Carti, championne de France 2013 du 400 mètres catégorie cadets, et récemment médaillée d'or sur la même distance au Festival Olympique de la Jeunesse Européenne, a été invitée par la Fédération Française d'Athlétisme à participer à deux stages.
Le premier se tiendra dans le Sud-Est de la France, du 19 au 24 octobre prochain, au CREPS Saint-Raphaël Boulouris, un établissement qui se positionne clairement comme un centre de ressources pour l'entraînement des sportifs de Haut Niveau. Elle sera accompagnée lors de ce déplacement par son entraîneur Patrick Trival.
Le deuxième stage auquel Sareena participera, se tiendra en Italie, du 24 octobre au 1er novembre 2013, à l'invitation de l'Equipe technique nationale sprint/haies de la Fédération Française. Ce stage a pour objectif de regrouper des athlètes présentant le potentiel pour participer aux échéances internationales estivales jeunes des deux prochaines années.
Au même moment, Lisa Coquillas licenciée elle aussi au club Avenir Sportif de Saint Martin, championne de la Guadeloupe du 2000 m marche catégorie benjamine, participera à un stage de marche athlétique du 24 au 29 octobre 2013, organisé par la commission de marche et le club de l'Etoile d'Athlétisme en Guadeloupe.

Autant dire qu'à travers ses athlètes, Saint Martin sera brillamment représenté durant les vacances de la Toussaint.
Le club tient à remercier la Collectivité de Saint Martin, et plus particulièrement la Présidente de la Collectivité, Madame Aline Hanson, sans qui ces projets n'auraient pas vu le jour.

Oui, monsieur le président, mesdames, messieurs les députés, monsieur le président JACOB, vous m'épaterez toujours parce que vous êtes toujours dans l'emphase et dans la grandiloquence. Et à chaque fois il y a toujours quelque chose qui ne marche pas. Vous avez voulu faire la leçon sur tout, et vous avez même évoqué l'organisation de primaires... Et en matière de primaires, monsieur le président JACOB, je vous félicite : vous avez été brillant pour l'élection du président de l'UMP...
Mais voilà, monsieur le président JACOB, pour revenir à des choses sérieuses...
Vous avez interpellé, vous m'avez interpellé sur la situation d'une famille kosovar, qui a fait l'objet d'un arrêté de reconduite à la frontière après les différentes procédures, le 9 octobre dernier. Il se trouve qu'hier et aujourd'hui, une émotion particulière s'est exprimée concernant une jeune fille membre de cette famille qui a été interpellée alors qu'elle était dans un bus scolaire, à l'occasion d'une sortie scolaire. Je tiens à vous dire, monsieur le président JACOB que je suis très attaché aux principes du droit.
Vous avez parlé de la République. La République n'appartient pas à la gauche, elle n'appartient pas non plus à l'UMP. Elle appartient aux Françaises et aux Français. Et la base de l'Etat républicain, c'est le droit. Mais la base de l'Etat républicain, c'est aussi l'humanité et la fraternité.
S'agissant du cas de cette jeune fille, jeudi, une émotion particulière s'est exprimée, je l'ai entendue, je la comprends. C'est la raison pour laquelle après m'en être entretenu ce matin avec le ministre de l'Intérieur, Manuel VALLS, qui est aujourd'hui en mission en Guadeloupe à ma demande, et qui va arriver dans quelques heures à Pointe-à-Pitre, une enquête a été diligentée. Une enquête dont nous aurons les résultats dans 48h.
Et je voudrais rappeler que s'agissant des recours, et une fois qu'ils ont été expulsés en application de notre droit et du droit d'asile, si ils donnent lieu à des arrêtés de conduite à la frontière, ils ne permettent pas, n'autorisent pas que des enfants scolarisés puissent être interpellés au sein de l'enceinte scolaire, et l'enceinte scolaire, ce sont aussi les activités qui sont associées à l'école, et notamment les déplacements dans le cadre des activités scolaires, et c'était le cas dans cette situation.
En fonction des résultats de l'enquête et après le rappel du droit et de nos principes, et de nos valeurs, et concernant le respect des droits de l'enfant, je voudrais vous dire qu'en fonction des résultats de cette enquête, monsieur le président JACOB, je prendrai toutes les responsabilités qui s'imposeront le moment venu. Et s'il y a eu faute, l'arrêté de reconduite à la frontière sera annulé. Cette famille reviendra pour que sa situation soit examinée, réexaminée en fonction de notre droit, de nos principes et de nos valeurs.

Le Premier Ministre a réuni le 16 octobre, à Matignon, les principaux ministres engagés dans l'action économique et sociale de l'Etat en faveur de la Bretagne. Etaient présents M. Pierre Moscovici, Mme Nicole Bricq, M. Arnaud Montebourg, M. Philippe Martin, M. Michel Sapin, M. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Mme Geneviève Fioraso, M. Stéphane Le Foll, Mme Marylise Lebranchu, Mme Sylvia Pinel, M. Bernard Cazeneuve, M. Frédéric Cuvillier, M. Guillaume Garot, M. Benoit Hamon, ainsi que le préfet de la région Bretagne, M. Patrick Strzoda.
Le Premier Ministre a réaffirmé la mobilisation du Gouvernement pour répondre aux situations d'urgence sociale et territoriale. Il s'est engagé à ce que l'Etat, aux côtés de la Région, des collectivités locales et des acteurs économiques, aide la Bretagne à surmonter ses difficultés actuelles et à préparer son avenir économique et social.
Un Pacte d'avenir Bretagne sera finalisé d'ici la fin de l'année. Ce Pacte reposera sur trois piliers : les premières actions annoncées aujourd'hui, le Plan Bretagne pour l'agro-alimentaire que le Préfet et le Président du Conseil Régional ont déjà commencé à préparer et l'accélération du Contrat de Plan entre l'Etat et la Région. Ce contrat de Plan portera sur 5 axes essentiels : l'enseignement supérieur, la recherche, et l'innovation ; les filières d'avenir et l'usine du futur ; les infrastructures et usages du numérique ; les mobilités multimodales ; et la transition écologique et énergétique.
L'élaboration de ce Pacte fera l'objet d'une large concertation avec les forces vives économiques, sociales et politiques et d'une négociation entre l'Etat et la Région, associant les collectivités locales.
En outre, une mission d'appui auprès du Préfet de Région sera mise en place dans les prochains jours. Elle sera composée de fonctionnaires de haut niveau spécialisés dans le développement agricole et agroalimentaire, dans le reclassement des salariés et la redynamisation des territoires et en matière d'accompagnement économique et financier des entreprises.
L'ensemble des actions entreprises pour la Bretagne seront suivies par un comité de pilotage placé sous l'autorité du Premier ministre et associant les ministères concernés et le Préfet de Région. Gilles Ricono rejoindra le cabinet du Premier ministre pour suivre les questions d'aménagement du territoire et en particulier le Pacte d'avenir pour la Bretagne.
La situation à laquelle sont aujourd'hui confrontés les salariés de Gad, après ceux de Doux, est insupportable. Le Premier ministre tient, avant toute chose, à exprimer sa solidarité envers les salariés et leurs familles, et les assure que l'Etat remplira son rôle, et mettra tout en oeuvre, avec les collectivités locales et les partenaires sociaux, pour les accompagner et favoriser leur reconversion.
Le Gouvernement prend un engagement : chaque salarié sera accompagné personnellement et de façon globale pour répondre à toutes les difficultés auxquels il aurait à faire face et trouver une solution suite à la perte de son emploi. Les salariés se verront proposer un contrat de sécurisation professionnelle renforcé avec 3 volets : un quasi-maintien du salaire net pendant 12 mois (97% en moyenne), un accompagnement renforcé avec 1 expert pour 20 salariés (contre 1 pour 50 habituellement) et un volet formation opérationnel. Une équipe spécialisée conventionnée par l'Etat apportera en outre un soutien personnel aux salariés qui le souhaiteraient. Cet accompagnement global se fera dans un lieu unique, au plus près des salariés.
L'Etat prévoit en outre un appui des territoires fragilisés, notamment dans le Finistère, pour dynamiser les reclassements : lancement immédiat d'une mission pour recenser les possibilités de reconversion pour les salariés ; mise en place d'une  plateforme territoriale d'accompagnement des mutations économiques ; bourse d'emplois des Industries Agro-Alimentaires ; action de reconversion des sites.
Par ailleurs, le Gouvernement augmente les moyens consacrés à la politique de prévention des difficultés des entreprises. L'examen de chaque situation sera fait au cas par cas. L'équipe du Commissaire au Redressement Productif sera renforcée à cet effet. Le gouvernement s'attachera à aider les entreprises en difficulté, notamment dans le secteur agroalimentaire, à redresser leur situation. Dans ce secteur, 15 millions d'euros sont mobilisés pour les entreprises fragilisées pour des mesures d'urgence et pour les aider à financer leurs investissements.
Pour soutenir durablement l'activité et l'emploi dans la Région, l'Etat a décidé, directement et via ses opérateurs, un certain nombre d'actions.
S'agissant des éleveurs et des entreprises agro-alimentaires, le Premier Ministre a déjà annoncé l'élaboration d'un Plan Bretagne pour l'agro-alimentaire, qui s'appuiera sur des mesures pour les filières porcine et avicole, sur le développement de la méthanisation et sur la déclinaison régionale du contrat stratégique de filière signé le 19 juin dernier, ainsi que sur une simplification réglementaire des installations classées pour la protection de l'environnement (ICPE porcines) et des programmes d'action contre la pollution par les nitrates. Les partenaires de l'export réunis au sein de BPI France export élaboreront des plans de développement à l'exportation personnalisés. L'objectif est de donner les moyens à l'ensemble des entreprises agricoles et des industries agroalimentaires de se moderniser et de retrouver de la compétitivité, tant sur le plan économique qu'environnemental, pour recréer de la valeur ajoutée et des emplois.
Le Gouvernement entend en outre accroître l'effort financier entrepris depuis plus d'un an pour développer de nouveaux projets ou de nouvelles filières d'activité en Bretagne. La Banque Publique d'Investissement a augmenté ses concours de 20% sur un an au premier semestre 2013: plus de 3300 financements d'entreprises ont été accordés sur cette période pour un montant d'environ 450M€. Cet accompagnement sera intensifié et les équipes de Bpifrance s'organiseront pour aller à la rencontre individuelle des entreprises bretonnes porteuses de projets, et leur proposer leurs services. Le Programme d'investissements d'avenir, qui a déjà sélectionné plus de 350 projets impliquant des acteurs bretons et représentant plus de 550M€ de financements et d'investissement, continuera par ailleurs à accompagner les meilleurs projets de ces nouvelles filières. C'est par exemple le cas dans les énergies marines ou dans le développement des usages du numérique et le très haut débit que soutient le programme d'investissements d'avenir. Les concours de la Banque européenne d'investissement seront également recherchés.
Le Premier ministre et les ministres ont également examiné les problèmes soulevés par la prochaine mise en oeuvre de l'écotaxe en Bretagne.
Le produit de l'écotaxe est affecté à l'Agence de financement des infrastructures de transport de France (AFITF), dont elle constitue un outil de financement essentiel.
Prenant en compte le caractère périphérique spécifique de la région Bretagne, l'Etat a déjà accordé une réduction de 50 % du montant de l'écotaxe et exclu du réseau taxé la route nationale 164, arc vital de la Région pour le secteur agroalimentaire, ainsi que l'intégralité du réseau local. Les véhicules affectés à la collecte de lait et les véhicules agricoles sont exonérés de l'écotaxe poids lourds.
Conscient des inquiétudes exprimées, le Premier ministre a demandé que l'observatoire des transports de Bretagne étudie tous les impacts de la mise en oeuvre de l'écotaxe sur la situation des entreprises et l'activité économique. Afin de soutenir les entreprises qui connaîtraient des difficultés de trésorerie, Bpifrance renforcera par ailleurs son action en la matière dans les semaines à venir.
L'engagement financier de l'Etat en faveur des infrastructures de transport routier et ferroviaire ira bien au-delà des recettes de l'écotaxe. Avec ce produit, complété par d'autres dotations, l'Etat se met ainsi en capacité de consacrer dans le cadre du Contrat de Plan Etat Région 2014-2020 près de 100 M€ pour faire progresser la mise à 2X2 voies de la RN164, en accompagnement d'un effort similaire des collectivités locales et notamment de la Région. Cela permettra de mettre en deux fois deux voies les tronçons situés dans le Finistère, dans les Côtes d'Armor et en Ille-et-Vilaine.
La Bretagne traverse un moment difficile mais elle a toute la force pour relever les défis qui sont devant elle et devant nous. Le Gouvernement met en oeuvre tous les moyens permettant de passer ce cap et de dessiner un nouvel avenir. La Bretagne est riche de son histoire, de son identité, de son dynamisme : elle peut s'appuyer sur de formidables atouts, qui sont sa fierté et la nôtre, et développer ses nombreux potentiels. La France à besoin de la Bretagne et le Gouvernement sera à ses côtés.

L'annonce, par le tribunal de Commerce de Rennes, de la fermeture de trois sites et de la suppression de près d'un millier d'emplois chez GAD est « un nouveau choc pour la Bretagne », estime le Premier ministre.

« L'urgence pour le Gouvernement est de tout faire pour aider les personnes touchées à la fois en termes d'indemnisation et de reconversion professionnelle. Le Gouvernement utilisera tous les moyens à sa disposition pour permettre le retour à l'emploi des femmes et des hommes touchés par la fermeture des sites », affirme le Premier ministre.

« L'emploi dans le secteur agro-alimentaire doit être l'objectif central du plan « Bretagne » que j'ai annoncé lors de ma participation au Space le 12 septembre. J'ai demandé pour la fin de l'année au Préfet et au Président de la Région sa mise en œuvre le plus rapidement possible d'ici la fin de l'année. Tous les acteurs doivent se mobiliser pour que la Bretagne consolide sa première place au niveau européen », conclut le Premier Ministre.

Le vendredi 11 octobre 2013, vers 01h30, à Marigot, les gendarmes du peloton de surveillance et d'intervention, épaulés par ceux de l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile de Melun, procédaient à l'interpellation en flagrant délit de 9 individus auteurs présumés
d'infractions relatives à l'entrée irrégulière sur le territoire national et aide au séjour irrégulier.
Vers 01h15, les policiers territoriaux de quart au centre de supervision urbaine de la Collectivité détectaient sur l'écran de visionnage d'une caméra de vidéo-protection couvrant l'agglomération de Marigot, un débarquement inhabituel de plusieurs personnes sur le front de mer, à proximité de la gare maritime. Aussitôt, le centre opérationnel de la gendarmerie était prévenu et deux patrouilles étaient immédiatement dépêchées sur les lieux.
À leur arrivée sur place, les gendarmes découvraient 9 personnes (7 cubains, un Ste-Lucien et un martiniquais) venant de débarquer d'une embarcation légère. En outre, les gendarmes découvraient que les 7 individus de nationalité cubaine étaient porteurs d'un sac contenant leurs effets personnels, leur pièce d'identité ainsi que d'importantes sommes d'argent en dollars et en euros soigneusement emballées dans du papier en plastique les rendant ainsi étanches.
Les gendarmes ayant de suite déterminé qu'il s'agissait du débarquement de personnes en situation irrégulière, il a été procédé à leur remise au service de la Police aux Frontières de Saint-Martin qui s'est vu confier la direction de l'enquête judiciaire relative à ces faits.
Cette opération illustre de toute évidence la qualité de la collaboration entre les services de l'État et de la Collectivité, chargés ensemble de lutter contre la délinquance sous toutes ses formes.

Le Premier ministre a appris avec une infinie tristesse le décès de Patrice Chereau. Homme de théâtre, homme de cinéma, homme d'opéra, il laisse une œuvre immense consacrée au bonheur des auteurs, des acteurs et des publics qui l'ont cotoyé.

Organisateur d'une tension créatrice féconde, il fut tour à tour metteur en scène, cinéaste, acteur, et directeur de théâtre.

Du Ring du centenaire, vision révolutionnaire de l'oeuvre de Wagner, de la Reine Margot, récit esthétique d'une fracture historique fondatrice, à l'Homme Blessé, image douloureuse de la différence, il laisse une oeuvre profondément humaniste, reflet des combats pour l'homme et pour la justice qui l'ont animé.

Sa dernière mise en scène d'Elektra, à Aix-en-Provence cet été, témoigne de sa passion du texte, du jeu, du dialogue et de l'écoute.

A sa famille, à ses amis, à son public, Jean-Marc Ayrault adresse ses condoléances les plus vives.

Le 1er octobre 2013, 7 jeunes majeurs tous originaires du quartier de Sandy-Ground étaient jugés devant le tribunal correctionnel de Basse-Terre après avoir été extraits pour cinq d'entre eux des centres pénitentiaires de Guadeloupe, où ils étaient déjà incarcérés soit dans le cadre de mesures de détention provisoire accompagnant leurs mises en examen, soit dans le cadre d'autres affaires pénales pour lesquelles ils avaient déjà été condamnés. Un d'entre eux, incarcéré à la prison de Pointe-Blanche à Sint-Maarten, a été jugé par défaut ; tandis qu'un autre est en liberté à St. Martin après avoir déjà purgé 8 mois d'emprisonnement dans le cadre d'une mesure de détention provisoire.
Tous ont été reconnus coupables pour leur participation à une importante série de vols à main armée commis entre la fin de l'année 2011 et le début de l'année 2012, principalement dans l'agglomération de Marigot et à Sandy-Ground. L'essentiel de ces vols avaient été commis à l'encontre d'épiceries de proximité.
Les condamnations prononcées sont les suivantes :
- I.J.: 40 mois d'emprisonnement
- G.K. : 40 mois d'emprisonnement dont 12 mois de sursis avec mise à l'épreuve
- P.P.: 40 mois d'emprisonnement dont 15 mois de sursis avec mise à l'épreuve
- M.M.D. : 18 mois d'emprisonnement
- E.B. : 30 mois d'emprisonnement dont 6 mois de sursis avec mise à l'épreuve
- J.D.H. : 1 an d'emprisonnement dont 6 mois de sursis avec mise à l'épreuve.
- J. M. : 1 an d'emprisonnement dont 6 mois de sursis avec mise à l'épreuve.

Le 04 octobre 2013, un individu recherché pour un vol avec violences commis le 25 septembre 2013 à Concordia devant le lycée des îles du nord est interpellé sur la voie publique à Quartier d'Orléans, par une équipe du peloton de surveillance et d'intervention de la gendarmerie. Celui-ci est placé en garde à vue par les gendarmes de la communauté de brigades et fait l'objet d'une convocation devant le tribunal correctionnel de St Martin pour le 28 novembre 2013.

Le 26 septembre dernier, une jeune homme âgé de 14 ans résidant à Quartier d'Orléans est interpellé et placé en garde à vue par les gendarmes de la communauté de brigades de St Martin après qu'il ait tenté de mettre le feu à sa résidence, suite à une dispute au sein de sa famille. Les investigations réalisées à son sujet permettent également de le mettre en cause pour environ une dizaine de cambriolages commis sur les secteurs Quartier d'Orléans, de la Baie orientale, de la Savane, et de Mont-Vernon au cours des dernières semaines. A la fin de la mesure de garde à vue, le jeune homme a été présenté devant les autorités judiciaires à Basse-Terre. Il fait l'objet d'un placement provisoire au centre éducatif fermé de la Guadeloupe, avant de rejoindre le centre éducatif renforcé du Jura.

Le 29 septembre dernier, un vol est commis sur la plage de Grande Caye, les investigations réalisées permettent rapidement d'identifier les auteurs du vol, résidant à Grand Case et à Cul-de-Sac. Ceux-ci sont interpellés le jour même et une perquisition est réalisée à leurs domiciles. A l'issue de leur placement en garde à vue par les gendarmes, ils ont été convoqués devant le tribunal correctionnel de St. Martin pour le 07 novembre 2013.

Madame/ Monsieur le Président,
Monsieur le Ministre,
Monsieur le Président de la Commission des Affaires économiques,
Monsieur le Rapporteur,
Mes chers collègues,

Notre Assemblée est appelée aujourd'hui à examiner la proposition de loi du Sénateur Serge Larcher, adoptée par le Sénat le 21 mai dernier, visant à prolonger la durée de vie des Agences pour la mise en valeur des espaces urbains de la zone dite des cinquante pas géométriques et à faciliter la reconstitution des titres de propriété en Guadeloupe, en Guyane, en Martinique, à La Réunion, à Mayotte et à Saint-Martin.
Les Agences des cinquante pas géométriques ont été créées pour quinze ans par la loi du 30 décembre 1996, pour la mise en valeur des espaces urbains de la zone dite des cinquante pas géométriques. Ces Agences devaient notamment conduire le processus de régularisation des occupants sans titre des terrains du domaine public littoral. Or, face notamment à ce constat de l'augmentation de l'activité des Agences, la loi du 12 juillet 2010 portant engagement national pour l'environnement a décidé la mise en place d'Etablissements Publics Fonciers d'Etat, pour assurer la mission de régularisation foncière sur la zone des cinquante pas. En attendant la mise en place de ces EPF, les Agences ont été prolongées de deux ans par décret, soit jusqu'au 1er janvier 2014. Ces EPF n'étant toujours pas mis en place en raison d'une problématique résultant d'une « confusion juridique », cette proposition de loi sénatoriale vise notamment à prolonger à nouveau l'existence des Agences des cinquante pas géométriques.
Ce court texte comporte donc trois dispositions :
L'article premier permet ainsi au gouvernement de prolonger la durée de vie des Agences des cinquante pas géométriques ;
L'article 2 qui en découle, reporte au 1er janvier 2015 la date limite de dépôt des demandes de régularisation.
Enfin, l'article 3 de cette proposition de loi, issu d'un amendement du gouvernement en commission au Sénat, modifie les modalités de mise en œuvre de la procédure de reconstitution des titres de propriété outre-mer prévue par l'article 35 de la LODEOM.
Le texte, qui a fait l'objet d'un vote unanime en première lecture au Sénat, a été adopté sans aucune modification en commission des Affaires économiques.
Comme le groupe UMP l'a d'ores et déjà fait savoir, je tiens à souligner de nouveau que nous voterons pour cette proposition de loi.
Une proposition de loi concise, dont les enjeux pourraient échapper à certains, mais qui sont pourtant d'une importance cruciale pour nos territoires ultramarins. Cruciale, ne serait-ce que parce que la question du foncier, et plus spécifiquement encore celle de l'habitat urbain dans nos territoires outre-mer, sont des sujets particulièrement sensibles, dans lesquels se mêlent des considérations et des problématiques, qui sont à la fois sociales, environnementales et économiques.
A ces problématiques plurielles, qui rendent complexe l'adoption et l'application de mesures définitives ou simplement pérennes sur ce sujet central, s'ajoute une grande instabilité juridique perdurant depuis les années cinquante. En effet, la zone des cinquante pas géométriques, dont la création remonte au XVIIème siècle, a été domaine privé de l'Etat en 1955, avant que la loi « Littoral » de 1986 ne la fasse basculer dans le domaine public maritime, puis que la loi de 1996 ouvre enfin la possibilité de céder des parcelles à leurs occupants.
Si les soubresauts de la législation apparaissent comme autant de freins qui ont pu régulièrement entraver la gestion de la zone dite des cinquante pas géométriques et si le statut même de ces établissements publics que sont les Agences des cinquante pas géométriques doit bien évidement évoluer, il ne faudrait pas que le travail engagé depuis 1996 et la loi relative à l'aménagement, la protection et la mise en valeur de ces zones, retombe comme un soufflet. La disparition pure et simple des Agences, en l'absence de dispositifs palliatifs, entraîneraient l'annulation de milliers de procédures de régularisation en cours : il est donc impératif de combler ce vide juridique, ce que permet l'article premier de cette proposition de loi.
Je rejoins néanmoins les inquiétudes du Rapporteur du texte sur l'article 2 relatif au délai de dépôt des dossiers. Prolonger l'existence des Agences des cinquante pas géométriques de deux ans jusqu'au 1er janvier 2016 me semble en effet insuffisant, puisque dans les faits, ce délai n'équivaut qu'à une année supplémentaire de délai pour le dépôt de dossiers, quand – encore une fois - plusieurs milliers de procédures sont toujours en cours dans nos territoires. Je ne doute pas que cette problématique retiendra toute l'attention de M. le Ministre des Outre-mer, qui, je le sais, est particulièrement sensible à cette question de la gestion de nos zones littorales.
Enfin l'article 3 de cette proposition de loi permet la reconstitution des titres de propriétés dans les outre-mer. Cette procédure de titrement revêt une importance capitale, particulièrement pour le Saint-Martinois que je suis. Car si la prolongation de l'existence des Agences des cinquante pas géométriques est sans effet à Saint-Martin compte-tenu du transfert du domaine public appartenant à l'Etat à la Collectivité d'outre-mer depuis juillet 2007 et l'accession à son nouveau statut, la question du titrement en revanche est fondamentale pour ce territoire...
Si la gestion des zones littorales outre-mer doit être pensée globalement et que cette proposition de loi peut paraître insuffisante, le texte, qui met en lumière la question de l'habitat urbain ultramarin, répond néanmoins à une véritable urgence. Une urgence que le groupe UMP a bien compris, qui donnera un vote positif à ce texte.

M. Daniel GIBBS

Une opération de lutte contre la délinquance routière, ciblant en particulier les personnes conduisant sous l'empire d'un état alcoolique, était menée dans la nuit du dimanche 29 au lundi 30 septembre 2013 par la compagnie de gendarmerie départementale de Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélémy.
Réalisée conjointement par la brigade motorisée de Saint-Martin, l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile 22/1 de Melun, le peloton de surveillance et d'intervention ainsi que la communauté de brigades de Saint-Martin, l'opération mobilisait au total une dizaine de militaires de la gendarmerie, engagés en différents points de passage obligé sur le territoire de Saint-Martin.
Une trentaine de conducteurs ainsi que leurs véhicules ont été contrôlés, permettant de relever les infractions suivantes :
- 05 conduites sous l'empire d'un état alcoolique présentant un taux délictuel, > 0,4 mg/litre d'air expiré (1,02 - 0,83 - 0,65 - 0,56 - 0,53) ;
- 05 conduites sous l'empire d'un état alcoolique présentant un taux contraventionnel, compris entre 0,25 et 0,39 mg/litre d'air expiré (0,34 - 0,32 - 0,31 - 0,31 - 0,27) ;
- 03 défauts de permis de conduire ;
- 01 défaut de port de casque ;
- 01 infraction pour pneumatiques lisses.
À noter que deux des conducteurs en état d'alcoolémie étaient en outre non détenteurs du permis de conduire ; par ailleurs, celui présentant le taux le plus élevé (1,02 mg/litre d'air expiré) était en état de récidive.

Le Premier ministre a réuni ce jour les ministres concernés par la question des exceptions au repos dominical dans les commerces.

Le gouvernement rappelle que le repos dominical est un principe essentiel en termes à la fois de protection des salariés et de cohésion sociale.

Pour autant, l'existence du travail dominical est une réalité. La législation et la réglementation applicables comportent des dérogations pour permettre certaines activités le dimanche. Elles sont nécessairement de natures diverses car répondant à des besoins différents (temporaires ou permanents, généraux ou territoriaux...). Une part de complexité est donc inévitable. Mais ces dérogations ont été rendues confuses par les interventions réglementaires et législatives de la majorité précédente.

L'ouverture dominicale soulève des questions à la croisée d'enjeux économiques, sociaux et sociétaux : aspirations des consommateurs, respect des droits des salariés notamment du droit au repos, adaptations aux nouveaux modes de vie sur les territoires dans leur diversité, conciliation vie personnelle et vie professionnelle, attractivité des territoires.

Le gouvernement souhaite que la question des exceptions à ce principe général soit examinée pour clarifier le cadre juridique.

C'est pourquoi le Premier ministre a décidé de confier une mission sur cette question à M. Jean-Paul Bailly. Il devra examiner les faiblesses du dispositif actuel, éclairer les enjeux de l'ouverture de certains commerces le dimanche et faire des propositions au gouvernement.

Le Premier ministre souhaite que cette mission repose sur un dialogue approfondi avec l'ensemble des parties prenantes : partenaires sociaux, élus, représentants de la société civile, associations de consommateurs et de professionnels...

Son rapport et ses propositions sont attendus pour la fin du mois de novembre.

Enfin, le gouvernement rappelle que les décisions de justice doivent être respectées.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- For those planning to get a glimpse of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima on Wednesday, November 13, visit the Government's website for the official program.

Go to www.sintmaartengov.org and select the link in the main bar titled "What's New," and you will come across 'Royal Visit 2013;' select the aforementioned which will bring you to the page with the program as well as other information.

The other information available is about members of the Royal House, the Royal Visit Quiz and the Royal Visit Art Contest.

"Wear your St. Maarten Colors, fly your flags, and show your Pride"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams encourages the community to show their support for the celebration of the National Holiday on the eleventh of November. The Prime Minister, currently attending a meeting regarding the strengthening of the regional integration of the British and the Dutch OCTs on the regional response to HIV/AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago, stressed for the community of St. Maarten to come out in force to celebrate St. Maarten's Day "I would like to urge the community to Celebrate St. Maarten. To all the people of St. Maarten, born here, belong here, visiting here; I would like to encourage you all to commemorate St. Maarten's Day. Our Country deserves that we celebrate her, that we celebrate how fortunate we are to be living on St. Maarten so please wear your St. Maarten Colors, fly your flags and show your Pride," commented the Prime Minister.

The PM also encouraged everyone to attend the various celebrations commemorating St. Maarten's Day. "This year it is St. Maarten South that will be hosting the festivities so I encourage everyone to take part in what is being offered, what is being organized for everyone to celebrate our country," stressed Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

St. Maarten south will be hosting the St. Martin's Day Celebrations this year, however there will be various events held on both sides of the island to celebrate the 521st birthday of the Friendly Island.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP) would like to inform all ticket holders and the general public that its Family Fun Day and Car Raffle scheduled to be held on Sunday November 3rd, 2013, at the Rupert Maynard Community Center St. Peters, has been postponed to Sunday December 15th, 2013. The tickets already purchased will remain valid. OSPP humbly apologizes to all supporters and ticket holders for any inconvenience caused and is seeking the continued support of the general public for the newly advertised event and raffle date of Sunday December 15th, 2013.

OSPP Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Baby Wellness Clinics at the Brouwer's Road 6A (behind FATUM Insurances Building) for the age group 0-4 years will be closed on Monday, November 04, Tuesday, November 05 and Wednesday morning November 06.

The clinic will be open Wednesday afternoon.

The closure of the clinic is in connection with staff attending a training related to dengue and mosquito control.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

For additional information you can call: 543-2070 or 543-2071.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sports Tourism Council (STC) St Maarten will soon welcome the Executive Vice President of the Chicago White Sox Kenny Williams to St Maarten to explore sports tourism opportunities for the destination. This is seen as a significant development by the STC.

Sports Tourism Consultant and Executive Board Member of STC Reggie Plaisir met Kenny Williams last August at the Annual MLB Civil Rights Game held in Chicago. At the luncheon Plaisir extended an invitation to Kenny Williams to visit the Friendly Island.

Williams will stay at Sonesta Maho Reef Hotel & Casino for five nights complimentary by the aforementioned hotel.

Kenny Williams is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball. He was selected by the White Sox in the 3rd round of the 1982 amateur draft. Williams made his debut in 1986. In November 1992, Williams rejoined the White Sox organization as a scout. He became the team's director of minor league operations in 1995. In 1997, he was named Vice President of player development, a position in which he remained until 2000.

On October 26, 2012, Kenny Williams was promoted to Executive Vice President of the Chicago White Sox.

The Sports Tourism Council (STC) Sint Maarten Foundation has been structured to attract annual sports events to the island and to stimulate economic development. STC Sint Maarten seeks to develop triathlon event, marathon, cycling tour, youth basketball tournaments, softball tournaments, indoor slot model car racing, a kickboxing event, celebrity games, cricket tournaments, baseball tournaments, soccer tournament and other sports related events.

The Sports Tourism Council has a dynamic team of founders namely: Juan Pablo Piscione as President, Reggie Plaisir as Secretary, and Peter Arndell, board member.

For those requiring additional information about the Sports Tourism Council, you can call 522-2828 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour is working with different stakeholders to host an event on Saturday, November 2nd related to health, education, literacy and prevention.

The free screening event will take place at the St. Peter's Community Center on Saturday with registration set for 9:00am until 11:00am. Screening starts at 9:30am and runs until 12:00pm.

The free screening will be for height, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as blood glucose.

Screenings will be done by physicians in training from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in collaboration with Dutch licensed physicians of Sint Maarten.

The screening also falls within the scope of the Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever's 'Get Checked' campaign, which calls for a healthy nation, a healthy country, and that can only be achieved by early and effective screening.

The stakeholders involved and sponsoring the event are American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Minister Hon. Maurice Lake and Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson who are both spearheading the Task Force to deal with the so-called shanty town issues, met last week Friday with the Task Force to discuss a plan of action.

A criterion is to be drafted with respect to so-called shanty town areas; an inventory will also be taken with respect to the areas that are most prone to become a shanty town.

An inventory is planned of buildings that do not meet the building code of the country; an inventory will also be taken of families that will have to be relocated; a plan is also to be designed for low income homes that are hurricane resistant and meets the building codes of the country.

Research will also be carried out regarding the process that has to be followed for landowners who could work with a developer to construct dwellings that meet country building codes.

"The objective is to work closely with all stakeholders as it is people we are talking about – human beings. Landowners, Community Councils and Government have to work together to deal with this issue once and for all.

"The first walk through is planned for this weekend with the Cape Bay Community Council, members of the Task Force, and landowners. I am very confident of the long-term results that this synergy will bring forth from the stakeholders. We are dealing here about back to basics, and this approach will also be valid for other districts.

"We have to improve the living conditions of all the people in this country. We are all human beings. Things won't happen right away, but this is a short to long-term planning with structures being put into place to initially avoid any further expansion of so-called shanty town areas. It's a start with an end result!

"We all must work together to make our country a better place to work, live and play, and this also includes those who have made Sint Maarten their home. They also have a responsibility to work in the interests of the country," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.

The Task Force includes the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of VROMI, Social Affairs, Fire Department, GEBE and several other government departments.

MARSEILLE, France:--- The Global Islands Partnership and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the European Overseas Program have recognized the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area as an Island Bright Spot, citing the park and the Nature Foundation as Championing the Global Aichi Targets and the key role of Islands as bright spots for marine biodiversity conservation. Aichi Targets have been set forth through the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) that address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society through reducing the direct pressures on biodiversity and the promoting of sustainable use. The Man of War Shoal Protected area was chosen based on demonstrated measurable success in advancing conservation of island marine biodiversity. A presentation was given on the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, the Nature Foundation and Government's steps towards the establishment of the County's first protected area during the International Marine Protected Area's Congress in Marseille France.

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation recently attended the International Marine Protected Areas Congress where the organization held significant discussions with regards to St. Maarten's steps towards the establishment of a Marine Protected Area and the subsequent development and management of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area.

Despite being severely understaffed and underfunded and faced with issues related to poaching, climate change and coastal development, the Nature Foundation and the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area was able to show measured success since its establishment on the 30th of December 201o. Travel and accommodation for the Nature Foundation to the world's largest Marine Protected Areas Congress was made possible through the support of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and the World Wildlife Fund.

GREAT BAY:--- The role of a mentor within our school system has proven to be an eclectic and challenging one. As a mentor you are the first person a student may contact when any social, educational or emotional issue arises that the student feels he or she cannot handle. You are also the person your school community relies on to signal when something may not be right with a student. Being a mentor in our modern day society comes along with many responsibilities and requires many skills. No longer can we continue to require teachers to be mentors without equipping them with the necessary skills.

From February through October 2013, thirteen (13) PSVE teachers, representing all 4 PSVE school on the island, were trained in different aspects of mentoring. Topics such as the responsibilities of a mentor (mentor profile), when is it time to refer a student to a professional (referral procedures), confidentiality of a student (confidentiality protocols), were a few that were dealt with during this training. This training was set up as "train-the-trainer" and so its goal was to provide schools on the island with resource persons who are capable of doing in-house trainings for new and existing colleagues.

The Division for Educational Innovations (DEI) could not be more thrilled with the results of the training. The Sundial team and management for instance has already carried out workshops for their staff members and have drafted a mentorship 'manual' that will act as a guide for all future mentors, while the MPC team and management have already started implementing other aspects of the training and warmly accepted recommendations on the way forward.

The training was organized by the Division for Educational Innovations (DEI) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, carried out by Mrs. Marjan de Visser and funded by the Dutch agency USONA. The certificate ceremonies were held per school board last week.

DEI and the Ministry of Education wishes to congratulate all the participants and to encourage the PSVE schools to make good use of their in-house experts. A warm thank you goes out to the trainer for all her hard work and thanks also to USONA for its continued contribution to the education system on the island.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of the Bodybuilding & Fitness Association of Saint Martin visited The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. on October 25th, 2013 to express thanks for their financial support towards the training of bodybuilders and events held. Mr. Francois Carty also informed WIB's marketing manager Mr. Ferdinand of their preparations to host the 42nd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding (CAC) Championship in St. Maarten in Oct 2014.

WIB congratulated the Association on being selected to host the regional tournament and hopes that St. Martin's bodybuilders perform well at the event.

WIB Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Romeo Marlin, head of the Civil Registry Department which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs announced on Wednesday that her staff of civil registrars and extraordinary civil registrars has received new attire (togas and bibs) for when they officiate at a marriage.

The new togas display the colors of the national flag with the coat of arms of Sint Maarten enclosed by the name of the department.

There are 12 registrars that perform marriages with six Civil Registrars located at the Civil Registry and five extraordinary Civil Registrars who assist the department with external tourist marriages.

All 12 have been sworn in at the Court of First Instance prior to performing their duties.

So far the Civil Registry Department has performed 180 marriages for 2013.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Have you always wanted to see what a Coast Guard cutter or a Navy ship looks like on the inside? Always wanted to know how they operate and what they stand for? Then visit the Coast Guard Open Day on November 11 at the Cruise Terminal in Pointe Blanche.

On St. Maarten Day, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard will also organize an Open Day, the St. Maarten Maritime Day. During this day, ships from the Coast Guard, Royal Netherlands Navy and from our neighbor islands Anguilla and Saint Martin, but also from the United States and the St. Maarten Sea Rescue, will be open for the public. This year as an added attraction, the Coast Guard helicopter will make its first landing on the pier.

HNLMNS Amsterdam and Coast Guard
One of the ships that can be visited is HNLMS Amsterdam (A836). This is the last replenishment ship serving with the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Amsterdam is operating for the Coast Guard in the vicinity of St. Maarten. To conduct the Coastguard tasks, the Amsterdam has a detachment of personnel from the Coast Guard Substation St. Maarten embarked. Together (ship and Coastguard personnel) they patrol the waters around Sint Maarten, Saba and Statia and conduct frequent inspections on shipping towards and from the islands. The helicopter is used for surveillance flights for which the ship, other Coastguard assets or partners can respond.

Regional Cooperation
Besides cooperation with its partners such as police, customs and immigration on St. Maarten, the Coast Guard has good connections with the neighbor countries. For example, the Rescue and Coordination Center (RCC) in Curaçao coordinates on a regular basis Search-and-Rescue actions with its partner RCC in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Several SAR actions have been conducted in good cooperation using both French assets and those of the Coast Guard. This includes flying assets from substation Hato and maritime assets from substation Sint Maarten. Regarding maritime law enforcement, both French and Coast Guard have to coordinate their operations, since the territorial waters are almost bordering around some islands. Furthermore, valuable information is exchanged on a regular basis.

Program
The ships will be open starting at 11:00AM. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations with the Coast Guard vessels on the water and with the helicopter and the Dash-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the air. At 4:00PM the Open Day closes its doors for the public.

Parking and transportation
Parking for the general public is available at the first turn off after Dock Maarten on your right on the sandy area. Guests are asked to follow the securities instructions. Parking will be open at 9:30AM and closes at 5:00 PM sharp. After parking, guests can walk around via the sidewalk to the main entrance. Photo I.D. will be a requirement for entering the facility. Bags and other items may be subject to inspection. Free transportation is also provided with water taxis from Captain Hodge Wharf to the location of the activities.

Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Board of financial supervision (College financieel toezicht – Cft) visited Sint Maarten from October 28 to 30 and made its first formal visit to the Government that was sworn in, in June 2013. Meetings were also held with the Governor, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Council of Ministers and members of Parliament. Meetings were held as well with relevant stakeholders in society. The 2014 budget was the main topic of the discussions, as well as the execution of the 2013 budget.
The Cft advised the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom in the beginning of September to issue an instruction to Sint Maarten to finalize the 2013 budget. Sint Maarten completed the budget 2013 mid-September and in doing so an instruction was no longer necessary.

2014 Budget
Since then, Sint Maarten devoted its efforts to preparing its budget for 2014. The Cft acknowledges that the government of Sint Maarten faces some serious challenges with regard to the multiannual budget and its liquidity position. Over the past years, the liquidity position has deteriorated, leaving the current government with a limited amount of financial resources. At the same time, revenues were estimated too high and had to be adjusted downwards during the year. This process of budget cuts during the year proved to be very difficult and time consuming.

Cautious approach
To break this vicious circle of unbalanced and unrealistic budgets and a deteriorating liquidity position, the Cft has advised the government to adopt a cautious approach with respect to the budget 2014. Looking at the outcomes of 2011 and 2012 and the current year to date, a cautious approach implies that Sint Maarten can generate revenues in the order of ANG 420 million. If during 2014 additional revenues are generated, the government can incorporate those in the budget through a budget amendment.

Decisive action
This cautious approach means that the government of Sint Maarten faces challenges in balancing its budget. Decisive action by the government is necessary to break the vicious circle Sint Maarten is in at the moment. A realistic budget, finalized in time, could break this circle and lead to an improvement of the liquidity position. Furthermore, it opens up possibilities for Sint Maarten to invest in projects to strengthen the economy of Sint Maarten, by using the borrowing facility provided by the law, once the multiannual budget is in equilibrium.

Cft Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Martin Hassink told reporters on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that he met with the CFT recently to discuss the 2014 budget which his Ministry is busy preparing. Minister Hassink said that the CFT wants the Government of St. Maarten to have a balanced budget of up to Naf. 420 million. The Finance Minister further explained that the CFT warned government that they should prepare the 2014 budget with caution and they should not have more income that could not be realized.

Minister Hassink said he expects to submit the 2014 budget to the Council of Ministers in the coming weeks. He further stated that it would be quite challenging for government to balance its budget with the figures given to them by the CFT. He said the 2013 budget was at Naf. 440 million but they now have to cut another Naf. 20 million off for the 2014 budget which means his Ministry would have to propose some more cost cutting measures while finding ways to increase income. He said the deadline to have the 2014 budget approved by Parliament is December 15th, 2013.

Stiff Controls to Start on November 15th, 2013 --- Naf. 1.5 million in Road Tax not paid.

Minister Hassink also announced on Wednesday that up to the end of September 2013 some Naf. 1.5 million guilders were still outstanding in road tax payments. He said normally by the end of September government would collect about 85 Million guilders on the sale of road tax but that amount was lacking Naf. 1.5 million.

Finance Minister said that in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice stiffer road controls will be conducted by the police starting November 15th, 2013 to find the persons who have not yet paid their road taxes. The Finance Minister said persons that did not pay their road taxes for the year 2013 will have to pay the road tax as well as a Naf. 300 fine. He said the necessary legislation is being worked on to make it possible for the Naf. 300 fine to be imposed. The Minister has once again issued a strong call to vehicle owners to pay their road taxes to avoid the Naf. 300 fine.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Guyana confronted the Government of St. Maarten on an alleged breach of the Vienna Convention after SMN News published an article on the most recent visit of the Guyanese General Consul of Barbados to St. Maarten to conduct consular services.

SMN News learnt that the Government of Guyana went after the Government of St. Maarten alleging that St. Maarten breached the Vienna Convention which protects diplomats of Foreign Countries. According to one Minister, the Government of St. Maarten had to escape by informing the Government of Guyana that they are not responsible for what was published by SMN News and that they were not involved in any mal-treatment of the Guyanese Diplomat. After the article was published on Monday, the Director General of Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an unsigned note, bearing no date and no letter head stating that they are warning SMN News that if we publish any more articles maligning their government or officials we may face legal action. The note sent to SMN News is beneath this article.

On Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing, SMN News reporter asked the Prime Minister of St. Maarten if St. Maarten has full autonomy on Foreign Relations and if the Bureau of Foreign Affairs on St. Maarten establishes how financial transactions by these foreign consuls and or diplomats are conducted. Instead of answering the question posed to her by SMN News reporter, the Prime Minister lashed out saying that the Government of Guyana and the Government of St. Maarten have followed the necessary procedures and protocols to allow the diplomat of Guyana to enter St. Maarten to conduct consular services. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams further stated that if a certain group of people has a problem with the consuls that are sent by the Government of Guyana to St. Maarten then those people need to address the Government of Guyana with their concerns and not St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said that the Government of St. Maarten will not be dragged into an issue with some nationals of Guyana residing on St. Maarten and an official that was appointed by the Government of Guyana. Wescot Williams said that the Government of St. Maarten received an official request from the Government of Guyana for a representative of the Government of Guyana to conduct activities on St. Maarten and that permission was granted. She said that is as far as the Government of St. Maarten was involved.

Wescot Williams said the Government of St. Maarten is responsible on the basis of the Vienna Convention for consular officers or officials of any country that comes to St. Maarten's shores. "We need to respect and protect the representative of that sovereign country."

It should be noted last week Wednesday when SMN News asked the Prime Minister if she was aware of the consul's visit to St. Maarten she claimed she had no idea and neither did she meet with the General Consul of Guyana who was on the island at the time conducting consular services. The Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister also said he did not have any knowledge of the Guyanese Diplomat's visit.

Shortly after the weekly press briefing, the office of the Prime Minister sent out a press release on the issue, they also sent out a press release that was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana. While two releases were issued no one on St. Maarten including the Prime Minister said whether or not the Acting Head of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs on St. Maarten could grant Guyana's request without the blessings of the Netherlands.

SMN News has since taken this matter further, by informing the office of the President of Guyana of the activities that are taking place on St. Maarten by its appointed Consuls and General Consuls. SMN News also raised this issue with the Governor of St. Maarten who promised to look into the matter further. SMN News also sent the article published on its website on Monday to officials in the Netherlands since the Kingdom Council of Ministers issued a Royal Decree for the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an investigation on integrity within the Government of St. Maarten. Several Members of Parliament also expressed concerns on the clearance the Bureau of Foreign Affairs of St. Maarten gave to the Government of Guyana and plans to deal with this matter on the floor of Parliament.

Click here to view the letter sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to SMN News.

Press Release from the Government of St. Maarten regarding Consular Relations With Guyana.

The Government of St. Maarten has taken note of a press release by the Government of Guyana expressing its concern regarding allegations as printed in an online news blog discrediting both the Consul General to Barbados, Mr. Michael Brotherson and the Interim Director of the Department of Foreign Relations for St. Maarten. In the absence of a consular representative Mr.Brotherson was given full authorization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to conduct consular duties; representing the interest of the Guyanese residents on St. Maarten. Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and the Directorate of Foreign Relations of Country St. Maarten followed all necessary protocols with regard to accreditation including due process.

The St. Maarten Government regrets that our country's name is being tarnished by irresponsible blogging. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana executed the consular activities by Mr. Brotherson in total conformity with the applicable procedures on the basis of a request. As a country, St. Maarten is obliged to treat consular officials of other countries with courtesies and protection afforded to all such personnel on the basis of the Vienna Convention.

The falsehoods contained in the story on aforementioned blog site, could have seriously jeopardized the relationship between Guyana and St. Maarten,based on articles of the Vienna Convention on consular relations .The Government of Guyana has also stated that they will issue a letter of warning to the blogger, and that legal actions could result if no heed is taken.

The Council of Ministers has been informed of this communiqué and further action is possible. A breach of the Vienna Convention is a serious issue and the Government of St. Maarten will not accept that any individual or group compromises the name of St. Maarten for personal reasons. A copy of this Press Release has also been forwarded to the Government of Guyana.

The Government of St. Maarten again stresses that due diligence was followed in the matter related to consular activities of Guyana on St. Maarten. Meanwhile the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana has issued a statement that all consular fees, as fixed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, were processed in accordance with the financial regulations of the Government of Guyana, with the required Government receipts issued.

The Government of St. Maarten is concerned with these incidents of false "news" stories, baseless allegations, and unfounded damaging reports which circulate on this so-called news blog. While the Government of St. Maarten is all for ensuring and respecting the freedom of the press and appreciates the role the media plays in informing the public, the media too has to operate within the framework of professional and ethical journalism and respect for the rights of others.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of St. Maarten

Press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to express its grave concern over an article written by Bibi Hodge Shaw and carried in the St Maarten News Network (SMN News) which has sought to discredit the Consul General of Guyana to Barbados Mr Michael Brotherson.
The Ministry wishes to inform that in the absence of a consular representative in St Maarten, Mr Brotherson was authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to travel to St Maarten to attend to the consular needs of the Guyanese community there. This visit was made only after the necessary protocols were followed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of St Maarten.
In the article, Bibi Hodge Shaw has maligned the characters of the public servants of Guyana and St Maarten and has made unfortunate accusations that are totally unfounded.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise that all consular fees, as fixed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, were processed in accordance with the financial regulations of the Government of Guyana, with the required Government receipts issued. All such revenue is remitted to the Government of Guyana Consolidated Fund. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further wishes to advise that in a separate communication, Bibi Hodge Shaw has been cautioned that any further articles with similar content and which carry false and damaging information, will result in legal action being taken against her.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that in an effort to strengthen the relations between Guyana and St Maarten and to better serve the Guyanese community, a request was made to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its approval for the appointment of a consular representative to be accredited in St Maarten. The Ministry is awaiting a response to this request.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
OCTOBER 29, 2013

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has over the last several days been conducting wide-scale research into the cause of last week's massive fish die-off that has affected only the Tilapia population in the Great Salt Pond. Staff of the Nature Foundation tested the water quality of the Great Salt Pond before and after the Fish-Die off and have been dissecting a specimen from last week as well as a specimen caught while still alive this week.
The Report which was requested of the Nature Foundation by VROMI Minister the Hon. Maurice Lake and Member of Parliament the Hon. Theo Heyliger is hoped to be submitted by the end of this week. Skin samples will also be delivered to the Ministry of Public Health for analysis and samples will also be sent by the Nature Foundation to the University of the West Indies for separate analysis.

PHILIPSBURG:--- October 24th 2013, several fathers took time off for their personal emotions to flow out in a gathering of about 60 Fathers at the University of St. Martin. This Project Jointly organized by the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and Sundial School.

This was the First Phase of discussion of Active Parenting for Fathers which involved some community figures to talk about their personal feelings on how they were involved in raising their children and what were the good things and the drawbacks they faced.

Among the Panelists were a Doctor, Businessmen, Member of Parliament, Principal of School & office Manager. Each Panelist were asked different question and had to answer in their own personal level and the truth. The room was filled with only men and there were many emotional moments across as for many fathers it was a realization that such things can happen, or "oh I never did this" and "oh god I have to do these changes in bringing up my kids".....So people, friends all of us have to make sure that we be part of raising our kids for them to have a better life then ours.

In today's society men seem to have a difficult time settling into life. Many struggle with a 'Peter Pan syndrome'. They do not want to grow up, and yet they realize they were created for a higher purpose than endless play in never-never land. How sad it is to see men at the end of their lives, estranged from their families, still unsure about spiritual realities, still questioning the reason for their own existence, and still wondering if they have succeeded in growing into manhood. Just as sad to see are the countless families whose sons fall into the predictable traps along the road of life because they don't know what a man is, much less how to become one.
It is clear that the lack of an intentional transition into adulthood creates a variety of problems for men of all ages. In an attempt to compensate for the lack of a transitional event, some teenage males unknowingly create their own rites of passage by resorting to violence, alcohol other drugs and sexual conquest. In the corporate world some men in leadership positions use the authority of their job titles to prove they have arrived, threatening others into submission.

While the two concepts, manhood and maturity seem very similar, they are as different as night and day. Manhood is bestowed upon a young male by the trusted elders (fathers, grandfathers, uncles, pastors, coaches, and teachers) of his society during a rite of passage. Maturity is gained as a man grows in knowledge, wisdom and character. Manhood is a gift that we adults give to our sons. Maturity is the gift that they give back to us.

If you fathers want to set yourself as a good example to your kids and give them some valuable time please try to attend the Phase II Project which will be coming shortly by our own Rodney Davis, who is a parenting expert and life-skills coach. He is a social worker by profession, and has spent all of his adult life working with young people in various capacities.

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday October 28th, 2013, a presentation was given at the Police Headquarters in Philipsburg by Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin and her staff, Secretary General Patricia Philips and legal advisor Marlon Hart. This presentation was given on request of the Police Department with the intention to inform its personnel on the workings of the office of the Ombudsman. The one hour presentation was well attended by police officers and administrative workers. During this very informative presentation many issues such as "propriety" were discussed. At the end of the presentation the Dr. Arduin presented the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John with the Year Report 2012, which illustrates the reports that were filed at the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the police. The Management will definitely take this report into account and deal with those situations. The police wants to show transparency, be protective and generous, no misuse or abuse of power and to be polite, have good manners and most of all show professionalism. Dr. Arduin promised to give a follow-up presentation in the near future.

KPSM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday October 20th, 2013, Community Police Officers, Felix Richards, Ethelwoldus Josepha, Helen Cristina-Romeo, and Juan Statie along with Inspector Ricardo Henson and Edelmiro Jansen from the Department of VROMI traveled to Fort Meyers Florida to attend an advanced three days course in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). All participants already followed the basic course in CPTED last year on Sint Maarten and have received certification as a specialist. All participants followed this advanced course successfully and received a certificate from the National Institute of Crime Prevention (CPD) and a diploma from the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute through the Office of the Attorney General. The goals of the course were to have a good understanding of how to implement the CPTED strategies, to recognize the use of lighting as it relates to safety among many other objectives.

KPSM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Island Gems foundation members and Philipsburg Jubilee Library Director, Monique Alberts (standing center) are seen here in the Children's Section of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, where a new, kid-friendly, reading rug and two foam chairs were purchased from Island Gem's donation of $ 675 to the library. Two children are also pictured making good use of the new furniture presented to the library.

PHILIPSBURG:--- WIB congratulated Mrs. Virginie Matser, the winner of their 2013 Swipe and Win campaign.

The WIB "Swipe & Win" campaign offered all WIB ATM smart card holders the opportunity to win Ang 5,000.00 by simply swiping their WIB ATM Card at any WIB merchant terminal, during the months of June, July, August, and September. The transactions were queried electronically of all smart card purchases of 100 ANG and more during the 4-month period.

WIB also took the opportunity to make generous donations to 5 Foundations, namely The Diabetes Foundation, The Helping Hands Foundation, Rode Kruis St. Maarten(Red Cross St. Maarten), Turning Point, and The Ujima Foundation), thanking them for their great work within our community

"It pays to swipe with your Windward Island Bankomatiko smart card"

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake and members of his Cabinet met with the Progress Committee last week with respect to developments at Ministry VROMI based on the plans of approach that were established for that ministry.

The general feeling is that the Plan of Approach for Ministry of VROMI might soon be finalized as much progress has been made.

The committee wanted to know when certain critical vacancies at the ministry will be filled, however Minister Lake explained that there are two perspectives on this. He explained that you have the plan of approach calling for the filling of critical vacancies and you have the Financial Supervisory Committee CFT saying no more hiring due to the financial situation.

"It's like you're in a Catch 22 position, but we are making progress despite the challenges. I am very pleased with what we have been able to achieve. Progress has been made with respect to the backlog in building permits.

"Where enforcement is concerned, the staff from the Ministry has received extra ordinary Police training via our Justice Academy so the committee was informed that this has been completed.

"The committee wanted to know how integrity issues are dealt with in the Ministry and an explanation was given. They were also informed about procedural processes within the Ministry as well as the tendering process with respect to the system that is used.

"I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

The Progress Committee was established by Royal Decree to ensure that the agreements between the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Territories of Curacao and Sint Maarten in regards to attainment of country status that the national tasks these new countries would receive are executed accordingly.

Members of the Progress Committee are: Ronald Bandell, Chairman; Richard Gibson Sr., member for Sint Maarten; Nico Schoof, member for the Netherlands; Gert-Jan Stortelers, secretary; and Terrance Rey, deputy secretary.

CAY BAY:--- On October 28th the Cay Bay Community Council (CBCC) and Soualiga Social Movement (SSM) met at the Seaside Nature Park to discuss community farming, back yard farming and agriculture in general. SSM is one of the many groups in today's society that wants to bring back agriculture as a way to reduce the cost of living, reduce the flight of monies out of the country and increase the general health of the population on Sint Maarten. The first front runner to get government policies in place pertaining agriculture was Cay Bay's very own agriculturist Mr. Ewaldo Richardson, father of well-known agriculturist Mr. Joslyn Richardson.
A basic plan for a community garden was discussed and several locations were mentioned as to where this community garden can be placed with the help of SSM. The idea is that the community garden will be maintained by residents of Cay Bay collectively and that produce and fruits will be divided among the caretakers of the community garden. The community garden will also be used for educational purposes on agriculture and Cay Bay's history. A "Harvest Day" as a new local festivity was proposed by the CBCC while SSM will be offering free introduction classes on back yard farming to the residents of Cay Bay.
The CBCC gave numerous examples of what role agriculture used to play in Cay Bay and expressed their interest in bringing back agriculture to their neighborhood. Several possible locations for a community garden will be visited in the following weeks and a first draft plan of the Cay Bay Community Garden will be presented to the CBCC for fine tuning.
The CBCC thanked SSM for choosing Cay Bay to start their "Re-introduction to Agriculture Program" and SSM thanked the CBCC for hosting the very informative meeting.

SIMPSON BAY:--- United Kingdom (UK) flagship, British Airways (BA) is very interested in commencing service to the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). This was revealed by SXM Airport Managing Director, Regina LaBega, following a recent meeting in Martinique with Colm Lacy, Head of the Commercial Division of BA.

The meeting was facilitated by executives of Menzies Aviation, with the main aim of familiarizing BA with SXM as a preferred hub for the country partners Anguilla, St. Barths, and Dominica, who were also represented at the meeting. Minister of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Hon. Ted Richardson was represented by his Chef du Cabinet, Ludwig Ounniche.

In his PowerPoint presentation, Jerome Gumbs of the Marketing and Customer Service Department of SXM outlined the physical infrastructure, air services and expansion projects currently being undertaken at the airport.

According to LaBega, it was clear that the relationship among the country partners and the importance of SXM to their tourism industry resonated well with the BA representatives who noted how a combined Caribbean offered an enhanced market opportunity.

BA took good note of the capacity of SXM and the initiative to establish pre-clearance there which received the enthusiastic support of Anguilla as well as the number of UK visitors to St. Maarten, which stood at 14,500 in the period October 2010 – September 2011. It was pointed out that this figure was achieved without any marketing and with no direct flights from the UK to SXM.

In order to exploit this opportunity, SXM and the country partners were seeking to establish a strategic partnership with BA because of its understanding of the dynamics of the Caribbean market vis-à-vis its culture, people and features.

Pointing to the fact that SXM has conducted preliminary research into the UK market, LaBega stressed that some of the country partners already have both an established presence in that market as well as a relationship with BA and its vacation arm, British Vacations.

"We are confident," she said, "that the product range of our country partners – and past experience supports this – meets the needs of key segments of the UK market, particularly in the upper and middle segments thereby providing an airline partner with a very attractive fare mix, from first class to economy class, on a possible UK – SXM route."

"Indeed, the interest shown recently by Virgin America in establishing service to SXM is testimony to the attractiveness of the destinations to the upper and middle class markets," LaBega added.

She expressed great satisfaction at the strong support that the country partners present at the meeting gave SXM, particularly in recognizing it as their own international airport.

"We really spoke with one voice, as one destination and I'm sure this resonated well with the BA representatives," she said, stressing that the soon-to-be-established Air Service Development Committee between the country partners will be the entity that will develop a joint marketing strategy and determine the marketing budget in consultation with BA.

For his part, BA's Lacy said the timing was right for this initiative, given that the airline is now preparing its 2014-2015 winter schedule and is expected to increase service to Jamaica and a couple of other Caribbean destinations.

Lacy was not only interested in the hotel stock and the type of rooms available but also in the expansion that was planned in each of the destinations in the next 3-5 years.

He similarly took particular note of the large number of visitors to SXM who took day trips to Anguilla as well as the potential of a multi-destination travel opportunity. So impressed was the BA representative, that he requested a copy of the presentation.

"The ball is in our court now to follow up speedily and explore this possibility to its fullest," added LaBega.

DUTCH QUARTER:--- Two men were arrested by police in the Union Farm area on Saturday October 26th, 2013 at approximately 4:15am after they were caught in the act of removing parts from a silver colored Kia Picanto that was reported stolen. The tools that were used to remove the parts from the stolen vehicle and the vehicle itself were confiscated for further investigation. Another vehicle that the suspects used to transport the stolen parts was also confiscated for further investigation. None of these vehicles had documents to prove ownership. The suspects who are 19 and 20 years old were arrested on the spot and are being held for questioning by the Detective Department.

KPSM Police Report

SIMPSON BAY:--- On Sunday morning October 27th, 2013 at approximately 5:30am, an eighteen year old male was arrested for the possession of an illegal firearm by a Simpson Bay police patrol after he was seen behaving quite suspicious in the vicinity of McDonalds in Simpson Bay. The patrol saw when this man threw away an object that he had, hidden under his shirt between the vehicles that were parked in the parking lot of McDonalds. The suspect was stopped by the police and when the investigating officers searched the area a double barrel handgun was found and confiscated. The suspect was arrested on the scene and taken to the Philipsburg police station where he was held for questioning by the Detective Department.

KPSM Police Report

COLE BAY:--- The Special Robbery Unit is busy investigating three armed robberies that took place on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th of October 2013. These robberies occurred at three Chinese supermarkets in Cole Bay. One of these supermarkets was robbed on Friday and on Saturday at gunpoint. During these robberies small amounts of cash were taken. The owner of the other supermarket suffered an injury to his hand during the struggle to defend his establishment and was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for further treatment.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in collaboration with the Jazzeko band invite you to their event, "An evening with Lieve Hugo: a taste of Suriname", on Saturday, November 2, at 7:30 pm, in the PJL Lounge.
At the core of this jointly organized event will be the use of music as a tool to bring awareness about the diversity within the Surinamese culture, to the community of St. Maarten. The multi-talented musicians of Jazzeko and the Library will be presenting a series of events to introduce the St. Maarten community to the rich, cultural heritage of Suriname.
The entire evening will be dedicated to a popular style of Surinamese music, called Kaseko. This music style brought by the enslaved is a fusion of Jazz, Caribbean and other popular music from the various cultural groups residing in Suriname, with Afro-Surinamese folk traditions.
In tribute to Kaseko music, the documentary film, "Iko, The King of Kaseko", will be shown. This documentary is about Julius Theodoor Hugo Uiterloo, the popular, folk-music-singer known today as "Lieve Hugo". Produced in 2008 by Vincent Soekra, the documentary film chronicles the life of Hugo through the experiences of close relatives and friends, while illustrating the development of "Kaseko" music.
Lieve Hugo, one of Suriname's most renowned performing artists, transformed Suriname's original traditional music style into something modern. He managed to not only popularize Kaseko music on Suriname but managed to take his music to the Netherlands, as well. Hugo's music addressed the beauty of love and the complexity of politics in both Dutch and the Surinamese Creole language, Sranan Tongo.
The King of Kaseko died on November 15, 1975 of a heart attack, exactly 10 days before Suriname obtained its independence. His last song, "Srefidensi", which means independence in Sranang tongo, was written and dedicated in observance of this memorable day in Suriname's history.
Jazzeko, a multi-talented band established in 2009, whose name is a reflection of two of their favorite music styles, Jazz and Kaseko, merged together, is testament to the legacy left behind through Lieve Hugo's music. Jazzeko will be playing the music of the late Lieve Hugo in tribute to his life and music.
The Library and Jazzeko hope to highlight the contributions of the Surinamese Community, in the musical and cultural development on St. Maarten.
For more information on this event and to purchase your ticket at a cost of $10, please contact Robin Austen at 554-8265 or Andreas Joedoleksono at 554-0088.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of the University of St. Martin (USM), Mrs. Annelies Oliver-Van den Assem and Director of Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJ) and Ms. Monique Alberts signed a Service Labor Agreement (SLA).
This SLA is an important step forward in the integration process of the USM library and the PJ Library.
As per the SLA, PJ will be providing information services to USM students and faculty on both USM and PJ premises. An academic section for USM students will be created at the premises of PJ Library.
The information services provided by PJ's librarians will certainly enhance the quality of education at USM. For the PJ library, the academic literature and online database will be a welcomed addition to its existing collection.
USM President says: USM is subjected to the economy of scales of our small country with a limited student population. Nonetheless USM still wishes to provide quality education to its students and that requires, among other things, a high-quality library function. For USM to take on this challenge on its own is a very costly affair, again, because of its limited number of students. Working together with the PJ Library is a win-win situation for both institutions. Piggybacking on the amenities of PJ Library through this SLA the economies of scale rises. Hence, USM gets total access to a professional library function, while PJ Library, through its service to USM, is strengthened as institution also.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The voting period for the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association has officially been opened as of today, October 29th, 2013. This puts YOU in the perfect position to vote for those individuals and organizations you think should really be recognized for their outstanding performance in the Tourism and Trade Industry: May it be an excellent employee, an outstanding manager or for example, someone who has really contributed towards our island's industry.
Voting can be done on www.shta.com. Simply click on the 'Crystal Pineapple Awards' under the 'Events' tab on the left hand side of the page and follow the instructions. A link to the voting poll has also been placed on the Crystal Pineapple Awards face book page. The polls will only be open for approximately two weeks and will close on Monday November 11th, 2013 at 5pm. Remember that your vote can make someone feel like a star that evening.
The Crystal Pineapple Award Gala is the ONLY event on the island that recognizes Hospitality & Trade personnel, organizations and associations for their contribution towards the tourism industry. Individuals who are employed in the Hospitality and Trade industry can receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Restaurants and Trade as well as categories such as, Environmental Achievement and Outstanding Community Service.
Tickets for the event are NOW on sale at the SHTA office and can be picked up any time during office hours. Please make sure to reserve your Gala tickets right away, as there is limited seating.
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, November 22nd, 2013 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The gala evening includes a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle, dancing and much more.
The SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website www.shta.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Parliament for Finance will meet in a closed door session on October 30 with the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT.

The committee will meet on Wednesday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point for session is the financial situation of country Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Parliament for Health Care, Social Development and Labour will meet on October 29 with employees of RBC Bank at 6:00pm instead of 10:00am in the morning in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. The meeting will be a closed door session.

The agenda point for the meeting concerns the proposal to lay off a number of employees of RBC Bank and what impact this will have on those who are to become redundant.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake would like to remind all stakeholders about the importance of attending the second public consultation related to the drafting of development plans for Dawn Beach and Point Blanche will be held on October 31. Residents of Oyster Pond and Guana Bay are also invited since the draft plan also includes their areas.

The public consultation will take place Thursday, October 31 at 7:00pm at University of St. Martin, Philipsburg.

The process of the preparation of zoning plans in the format of public consultations is cardinal for the preparation of the aforementioned that meet the needs and expectations of the community of Sint Maarten, and specifically those of the important stakeholders such as the neighborhood community councils, home owners associations and other entities that serve a role in voicing the concerns of residents within the neighborhoods.

"This is a follow-up public consultation and the input of the community is considered paramount in this process and in order for the right choices to be made. I look forward to a very good turnout as this relates to the development of your neighborhoods," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.

The aforementioned plans will guide the future spatial development of the country where it relates to government and private land.

The town hall meeting process is part of process of drafting of development plans/ "zoning plans" for country Sint Maarten which was initially started back in the first quarter of 2012 under former Minister of VROMI Theo Heyliger.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake on Wednesday met with the Cay Hill Community Council and concerning a number of issues including those related to community infrastructure. The visit also included a walk-through in a so-called shanty town on the hillside. A follow-up meeting is planned with the council.

Council members spoke about the resurfacing of the Wellgelegen road; waste water running on the Puma road; drainage issues in the area; garbage bins; parking; and stray dogs in the neighborhood.

Also discussed was the sewage plant at the Executive Building in Cay Hill, and how repairs need to be carried out to prevent raw sewage from running on the streets.

The walk-through on the hillside where there is a so-called shanty town was very revealing with a number of dwellings built too close to each other; no space for emergency vehicles to reach the area; and running waste water.

The Council has requested a piece of government property in order to build a Community Center in the vicinity of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex.

Members of the Cay Bay Community Council would like residents to park their vehicles in their yards rather on the street. Another issue was the cleaning of side-walks in front of various homes, which the Council feels is an individual responsibility.

Minister Lake agreed that every homeowner or person residing at the respective address should have pride and keep their surroundings clean. Adding that if everybody did their bit, it would result in an entire outlook for the neighborhood where everybody is a part of and has a stake in.

"I had a fruitful meeting with the community representatives. My back to basics approach includes meeting with the various community councils and maintaining an open, regular and transparent dialogue with them.

"The issues brought forward and those that I have observed during the walk-through will be drafted into a plan of action by my Cabinet and Ministry and executed in a timely manner," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Besides representatives of the Cay Hill Community Council, the Community Police Officer (CPO), concerned residents and representatives from Ministry VROMI were present for the walk-through.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Bureau Ombudsman is inviting the communities of Cole Bay, Cape Bay, Simpson Bay, Pelican and Low Lands to its District Information Session for Tuesday, October 29.

The district information session on Tuesday is from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the Salvation Army Building in Cole Bay.

The purpose of the session is to acquaint citizens with the tasks and procedures of the Bureau Ombudsman and most importantly on the various propriety requirements. During these sessions focus will be placed on the standards of proper conduct.

The district sessions are catering to citizens, members and boards of various foundations, associations and civic organizations within the community.

The Bureau Ombudsman is appealing to the aforementioned organizations, Community Councils and Churches to encourage their members in their particular areas to come out to the session, and can even contact the bureau to confirm their participation.

The aforementioned can also contact the Bureau Ombudsman for further information at telephone: 542-1250 or 520-7378 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MAHO:--- Police and Ambulance personnel rushed to the Maho Beach around 2pm on Sunday to rescue a male tourist at the beach. According to information reaching SMN News, a male tourist from Canada was pulled out of the water showing no signs of life. It is believed that the victim came off one of the cruise ships that were in port on Sunday. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that a male tourist died by drowning at Maho Beach. Henson said he did not have much information on the victim as that was not yet available to him. He further stated that according to information he received, the victim was a passenger on one of the cruise ships.

Man suffers heart attack at Mullet Bay Beach.

On Sunday October 27th, 2013 at approximately 1:00pm, police patrols were directed to Mullet Bay beach were a tourist that arrived on the island with the cruise vessel Norwegian Sun had became ill and was not showing any signs of life. On the scene paramedics tried to reanimate the victim without success. The male victim, a Canadian national, was pronounced dead by a medical doctor who stated that the victim had died from a heart attack. According to witnesses, the victim was coming out of the sea at which time he became ill. The body of the victim was transported to the morgue. The wife of the victim will make arrangements for body to be transported back home.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Parliament for Health Care, Social Development and Labour will meet October 29 with employees of RBC Bank.

The permanent committee will meet on Tuesday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point for the meeting concerns the proposal to lay off a number of employees of RBC Bank and what impact this will have on those who are to become redundant.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Acting Head of St. Maarten Foreign Affairs Department Khalilah Peters allegedly gave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana the green light to conduct what could potentially be international money laundering between St. Maarten and Guyana without realizing that if that is the case she can be held liable for breaching the agreement St. Maarten has with the Kingdom on Foreign Relations.

Peters allegedly authorized the Guyana General Consul of Barbados Michael Brotherson to visit St. Maarten to conduct consular services to nationals of Guyana residing on St. Maarten. Brotherson came to St. Maarten last week Saturday and left the island with an unknown amount of money on Wednesday which allegedly was not declared, additionally the one percent tax on US currency that is charged at banks was not deducted since Brotherson and a small group of Guyanese nationals that have been conducting consular services on the island allegedly do not have a bank account on St. Maarten for their monetary transactions.

Brotherson came to St. Maarten twice in just over one month to provide consular services, yet he did not call a meeting with the Guyanese population living on St. Maarten. A small advertisement was placed in the classified section of one of the local newspapers informing Guyanese nationals that the Guyanese General Consular of Barbados would have been on the island to offer consular services. Those services were offered in one of the rooms at Maho Resort. Brotherson was receiving assistance from Vanessa Frazer, one of the two persons the consul of Antigua gave written authorizations to act on his behalf. However, just over a year ago the Ambassador of Guyana in a letter to the Bureau of Foreign Affairs of St. Maarten stated that neither of the persons were authorized by Guyana to provide consular services on St. Maarten even though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana was dealing with one Diane Douglas through the back door for her to grant the much needed services to Guyanese nationals on St. Maarten. In that letter the Ambassador made clear that the consul on Nevis was also not authorized to conduct consular work for Guyana nationals residing on St. Maarten. Since then Douglas stopped offering the services she was providing, yet she is plagued by Guyanese nationals who gave their passports to the authorized persons and are having problems getting their documents back.

SMN News reporter called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana on Wednesday who confirmed that they got written permission from Peters for Brotherson to visit the island to conduct consular services. A senior employee of Guyana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also clearly stated that the only person authorized to provide consular services on St. Maarten is the General Consular of Barbados Micheal Brotherson who is also a resident of that island. The senior civil servant further stated that Brotherson is veteran diplomat who has over 20 years of experience. However, the well versed "diplomat" chose to conduct his consular services in secrecy in one of the rooms of Maho Resort. One would expect that a veteran diplomat like Brotherson would establish all that is needed to do monetary transactions between two countries but instead of following proper procedures Brotherson did the same thing the other consul and his aides were doing over the years.

Members of the defunct Guyanese St. Maarten Foundation paid a visit to Brotherson at the Maho Resort and were told by Brotherson that he was on St. Maarten to conduct an assessment in order for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to appoint a consul on St. Maarten, but the Vice President of the defunct foundation Neville Mars said he was shocked when he went back to the Resort to meet Brotherson and witnessed what he considered a shady operation in one of the rooms of Maho Resort. Mars said that Brotherson basically brushed him aside and refused to allow him to go into the room because there were people in his room doing business with the assistance of Vanessa Fraser. Fraser, he said is a member of the Foundation who is currently unemployed and he warned her that what she was doing was illegal because the Guyanese Diplomat was not following basic and legal procedures. "In fact he is holding state funds in his hotel room, conducting of state affairs has to take place in a public place with proper security measures but what the Guyanese Diplomats were doing is totally illegal and they can be held accountable for money laundering." Mars said when the Guyanese St. Maarten Foundation was established some years ago they are the ones who took the initiative to bring a Guyana Consul to St. Maarten because Guyanese nationals were having a hard time getting their documents. Besides that, there is a large Guyanese population on St. Maarten that was being exploited. Mars said the intention back then was for a consul from other islands to visit St. Maarten to provide the much needed service until the Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs appoints a consul here but they were unable to get that done because the consuls that come to St. Maarten decided they would exploit the Guyanese on St. Maarten instead of helping them.

Mars further explained that his late friend who was the President of the Guyanese St. Maarten Foundation tried his best to have the Guyanese Government appoint a consul here on St. Maarten because there is a large Guyanese population on St. Maarten and this person would also have been able to provide services to Guyanese nationals living in the BES islands and Anguilla. Mars further explained that the former President of Guyana refused to appoint a consul on St. Maarten because he claimed that in order for him to do that he would have to go through the Netherlands and for him (Guyana's former President) that procedure would have been too lengthy.

SMN News contacted Brotherson on Wednesday with several questions pertaining to his visit to St. Maarten and if he had met with the Government of St. Maarten. During the first phone conversation on Wednesday Brotherson claimed he met with the Government of St. Maarten and he did not just walk into St. Maarten to work. Later that same day, SMN News confronted Brotherson when SMN News reporter verified with at least four Ministers to see if they were aware of Brotherson's presence on the island. During the second phone conversation Brotherson said he met "with some people" at the Department of Foreign Affairs and they are aware of what he was doing on St. Maarten.

It should be noted that while St. Maarten is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands matters relating to Foreign Relations remain under the authority of the Kingdom. The only authority the Bureau of Foreign Affairs of St. Maarten has is to execute the decisions taken by the Kingdom. Since the island became a country there has been no change in the constitutional agreements St. Maarten has with the Netherlands regarding Foreign Relations. SMN News also dispatched a letter to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams and Deputy Prime Minister Dennis Richardson alerting them to the situation. SMN News also dispatched a letter to the Ambassador of Guyana raising several questions but up to the time this article is published the Guyanese Ambassador did not respond to the letter sent to her by SMN News reporter. SMN News also sent the letter and email to Office of the President of Guyana asking for an inquiry to take place.
Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told SMN News that he will discuss the matter with the Council of Ministers as early as Monday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten, with its small dimensions and its geographic location, is very vulnerable to many factors, such as the case with most Small Island Developing States (SIDS as recognized by the United Nations). All SIDS encounter similar sustainable development challenges, including small but growing populations, limited resources, remoteness, susceptibility to natural disasters, vulnerability to external shocks, excessive dependence on international trade, and fragile environments. The latter is an issue that has not gotten as much attention as deserved. Over the past few decades focus was more on 'development' and not on the environmental issues at hand, which can largely be attributed to the anthropogenic factors associated with 'development'.
One of the main environmental issues momentarily is the large Tilapia die-offs occurring in the Great Salt Pond. The die-offs have been known to happen over the years, but have been increasing in occurrences and scale over time.
The introduction of the non-indigenous Tilapia species has come with some positive aspects as they are known to eat mosquito larvae and thrive on nutrients otherwise unused by other organisms, thereby being known as a species to thrive in poor water quality. They grow rapidly and can tolerate high fish densities. This however brings along negative consequences to the natural ecosystem; they can out-compete the naturally occurring species and thereby disturb a natural equilibrium. As they are quite a resilient fish species (except for their non-resistance to colder waters) it is hard to eliminate such a species which is also known as one of the top 100 World's Worst Alien Invasive Species by International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN).
Tarpon is, for example, a fish species that naturally occurs in the Great Salt Pond and our surrounding waters. Just like Tilapia it can survive in brackish water, but different to Tilapia, and many other fish species, Tarpon can withstand low levels of dissolved oxygen due to their swim bladders as well as being able to 'breathe' air by gulping air at the surface. This in itself already demonstrates a reason for the Tarpon species not being affected by the lowered water quality (lower levels of dissolved oxygen) that is presently thought to be occurring.
During many of the prior fish die-offs the Nature Foundation has analyzed water samples from the affected area showing exactly that, the nutrient concentrations are far from optimal and the dissolved oxygen levels being low, pH levels being subpar and coliform bacteria being present. The high levels of ammonia also correspond to the behavior shown by the Tilapia prior to succumbing to the elements. It is however of importance to know that all these elements are interrelated, with one concentration or element affecting the other due to chemical bonds being either broken or created. It is therefore of high importance to do an in-depth analyses of what exactly is occurring in the Great Salt Pond, also as it relates to heavy metals and any other toxins that leech into the Great Salt Pond through unsustainable human impact on of the last remaining water bodies of the island.
With this reasoning the Ministry of VROMI, responsible for environmental issues, and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), responsible for public health matters, have been collaborating on finding a solution for this situation; trying to find a pro-active solution instead of resorting to reactive clean-up efforts which cause a nuisance of many of the residents of that area (smell, traffic, flies, etc.). As it is an environmental issue resulting in a public health risk it is of great importance for these two Ministries to combine efforts as well as consult the environmental NGO's that have a history of handling such issues as well as having at-hand knowledge of environmental health. Furthermore advice will have to be sought from experts on the Tilapia fish and toxicological investigations of the fish will have to be performed.
It is a known fact that fish bio-accumulate toxins which can affect human health. Without knowing what the exact cause of the fish die-offs is and what the quality of the fish residing in the Great Salt Pond is, it is highly recommended NOT to consume any fish products acquired from the Pond. This, at least until the fish die-off matter is resolved and the water quality of the historical Great Salt Pond is enhanced.

Press Release from Inspectorate of the Ministry of VSA

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) will conduct the second Business Cycle Survey for Year 2013, starting Monday, October 28. The data collection will run through December 13, 2013.

This survey is conducted twice a year with the purpose of collecting up-to-date information on business and economic developments for industries, particularly in the non-financial sector.

Additionally, STAT seeks to capture the current opinions and expectations of entrepreneurs as it pertains to business confidence, the investment climate and competitiveness.

The survey will be conducted among all businesses with more than ten employees, and a sample is drawn for those businesses with three to ten employees.

STAT-trained interviewers will be distributing and collecting the questionnaires from these businesses; they will also be on-hand to provide any additional assistance that may be required.

Businesses can also expect questions on the level of their turnover, investments made, their personnel situation over the year 2013 and general expectations for the upcoming year 2014.

STAT is appealing to all businesses approached to cooperate with the Business Cycle survey, as the private-sector input is essential for its success.

By means of this information, STAT will be able to produce amongst other indicators, preliminary GDP estimates of 2013.

These key statistics are needed for the benefit of both the government and private sectors, in their decision-making.

LOTERIE FARM:--- Click! A huddle of captivated 11-year-olds from Quartier d'Orléans crowded around a tiny, electric green Leaf-mimic Katydid in a portable photo studio at Loterie Farm, taking turns to try out close-up nature photography. The photo workshop was held as part of two sessions of art, culture and science activities organized by the Les Fruits de Mer Association for the Foyer Socio-educatif du Collège de Quartier d'Orléans program, which gives students new experiences and helps them discover their island during the school break.

The first of these sessions took place Tuesday afternoon at Pic Paradis. The students explored local trails and learned about the animals of the tropical broad-leaf forest on wildlife hikes guided by naturalist Mark Yokoyama, the author of The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin. They also enjoyed workshops on insect macro-photography and mask-making at Loterie Farm, who generously donated use of their Bamboo Room for the afternoon. Following the workshops, each student was presented with their own copy of the wildlife guide.

The second session was held Thursday morning in Cul de Sac. The students met up with Yokoyama for a guided walk of the Mangrove Discovery Trail to learn about migratory birds and the mangrove wetland ecosystem and its benefits to both humans and nature. Then they hit the water for a kayak excursion to Petite Clef with Caribbean Paddling.

"We're always looking for opportunities to teach youth about local wildlife and engage them with the arts," explained Les Fruits de Mer Association President Jennifer Yerkes. "This was perfect since we could design our sessions to incorporate several kinds of learning experiences, different ways to interact with topics like wildlife and culture."

"For kids, art can make a way to connect with nature and with each other," added Les Fruits de Mer Secretary Stephen Winkel. Winkel, a local artist, led Tuesday's mask-masking workshop, showing the students how to work with each other in partner teams to create one-of-a-kind plaster masks for Carnaval and Halloween based on insect faces. Monarch butterflies, katydids, jumping spiders, and many other colorful insects and arachnids found on the island provided natural inspiration for the students' unique wearable artwork.

"We're absolutely delighted to have been a part of this fantastic program to help these kids explore and learn about their island," said Yerkes. "We think the whole week will be something they'll really remember."

The Foyer Socio-educatif du Collège de Quartier d'Orléans program is managed by teacher Anne Coulon. Sixteen students participated in the week-long program, which included eco-snorkeling at Pinel, zip-lining at Loterie Farm, and diving with Bubble Shop as well as the two sessions of activities organized by the Les Fruits de Mer Association.

Les Fruits de Mer is a non-profit association based in St. Martin whose core mission is to raise awareness about nature, culture, and sport. The organization carries out this mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire, and inform. The Association is currently accepting new member applications on its website, http://ass.lesfruitsdemer.org.

SIMPSON BAY:--- On Thursday October 24th, 2013 around 7:45pm, a police patrol from the Uniformed Department of the Simpson Bay sub station was dispatched to the Triple "D" Supermarket on the Airport road for an armed robbery.
Upon arrival of the patrol they were met by the owner of the establishment with the initials J.L from China. He informed the patrol that not too long before he called the establishment was robbed by an unknown male person brandishing a firearm.
After demanding the money out of the cash register and receiving it the suspect then left the establishment and fled in the direction of the Old Simpson Bay road.
The detective department is further investigating the case.

The Police Department is asking the community in general for any assistance in the above mentioned case. We are also asking the drivers of our public roads to please obey the traffic signs and rules in our Road Safety Campaign.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday October 24th, 2013 around 3:30pm, a lady with the initials J.A.SB from the Netherlands came to the Detective Department and reported that while she was walking on Front Street in the vicinity of Gems Jewelers she was approached by three unknown met from the back and they surrounded her. She then felt a sharp object being pressed against her back. The suspects demanded that she hand over her money.
After complying with their demands the suspects then fled in the direction of the Boardwalk.
The Detective Department is further investigating this case.

KPSM Police Report

COLE BAY:--- On Thursday October 24th, 2013 around 3:00pm, a patrol from the Uniformed Department of the Simpson Bay sub station was dispatched to Siccardi Imports for an armed robbery.
Upon arrival of the patrol they were met by the owner of the establishment with the initials A.O.L from Guadeloupe who informed them that not long before he called two armed masked men both brandishing firearms held up the receptionist and stole the cash.
After committing this act the two suspects ran away in the direction of Orange Grove Road. The detective department is further investigating this case.

KPSM Police Report

CAY HILL:--- On Monday October 24th, 2013 around 12:00 midday the police dispatcher received a call from the St. Maarten Medical Center stating that a lady had presented herself there with a dead fetus.
Upon arrival of personnel from the Detective Department and Forensic Department they were met by a social worker and a doctor that informed them that the lady with the initials S.H.S from the Dominican Republic was brought into the emergency room by ambulance the night before and she was complaining of severe pain in her stomach while bleeding heavily.
Upon examination by the doctor on call it was discovered that the lady was approximately 17 to 18 weeks pregnant and had given birth to a fetus that had died not to long after she had given birth. Further examination and investigation proved that the lady had bought some pills on the street in the Dominican Republic when she found out that she was pregnant and wanted to be rid of this.
Upon orders of the Public prosecutor the fetus was confiscated pending further investigation. The mother remained in the hospital for further observation. The Detective Department is further investigating this case.
The Police Department is hereby informing the general public not to buy any type of medication on the streets for these types of situations, the best course of action is to seek professional medical advice in such cases.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- During their current quarterly monitoring visit, the progress committee paid an orientation visit to the Social Economic Council (SER) on Thursday, October 24. The progress committee plans of approach Sint Maarten was established by Royal Decree to monitor the post 10-10-10 improvements in certain designated areas such as the justice chain, the civil registry, VROMI and legal affairs, for which 'plans of approach' were drafted as part of the constitutional reform agreements. SER and progress committee exchanged information on their roles, objectives and achievements so far, while expressing the intention of continued future cooperation.
Although the high councils of state and the SER are not part of the progress committee's domain as such, the committee showed a high degree of interest in the buildup and role of the SER in the new constitutional framework. During the meeting progress committee chairman Bandell voiced his appreciation for the efforts of the SER, among the new institutions connected with the status of country within the Kingdom. In this context, members of the progress committee concurred with the importance of the SER receiving timely and relevant feedback from the recipients of their advice. SER chairman René Richardson from his part stressed the importance of efficiency and modern human resource management in executing the new country tasks that place a heavy burden on our civil service.
On a general note, the progress committee and the SER agreed on the enormous achievements made in the past three years, leading to a high degree of attainment in many areas of the so-called 'plans of approach' while at the same time openly facing the reality of challenges remaining in areas of competency building and strengthening of the institutional structure.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise with a team of volunteers from different groups came together in Philipsburg over the past weekend to assist the Oranje School with the painting of the exterior walls of the school.
Paint and supplies were provided by the Ministry of Education and the work started in September when teachers, students, parents and persons from the different offices of the Ministry of Education embarked on painting the institution; however, since then the work came to a standstill, stated Principal of the school, Sonia Parrotte-Warner. With no other solution in hand the Principal approached the club for their assistance and in no time President of the Club Angela Gordon recruited a team of over 65 persons to assist, namely the Security Team from the American University of the Caribbean (AUC), Sheriff Security, the Jamaican Association, members of the Rotary Club of Anguilla and the Rotary Sunrise members.
President Angela Gordon stated "When we are called upon to execute projects in the community, we are always happy to do so".
Once again the Club would like to thanked all persons who volunteered their time to make this project a reality and are happy to lend a helping hand when called on to assist for the betterment of our community.

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances' head office in Philipsburg has converted its traditional office lighting to LED lighting as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts.
"Becoming more energy efficient will help us protect and sustain our environment for the long term and at NAGICO we pride ourselves in setting the example in being good corporate citizens. LED lights can save up to 50% in electricity usage compared to traditional light bulbs and an additional benefit is that they do not emit any heat compared to traditional lights, which in turn will save air-conditioning power", says Paul Dijkhoffz, NAGICO's Executive Marketing Manager.
"We have installed the LED's in separate phases of which the last phase will be completed by next week", says Louis Henson, NAGICO's Services and Maintenance Assistant, who oversaw the LED installation.
"NAGICO's head office will serve as a bench mark for the rest of our branch offices located throughout the region at which we aim to implement the same sustainable and environmentally friendly measures", added Dijkhoffz.

NAGICO Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet October 28 with Settlement Committee member Jean James.

The committee will meet on Monday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

Jean James will provide the House with an update pertaining to the state of affairs of the committee and how they are progressing with respect to settling the division of assets and liabilities of the former Netherlands Antilles.

This meeting was requested by Members of Pariament (MPs) Hon. Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce, MP Hon. Johan Leonard, and MP Hon. Jules James from the United People's party faction in parliament.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations will meet again on October 28 concerning some kingdom related matters.

The committee will meet on Monday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The three point agenda for the permanent committee session is a draft Kingdom law regulating the nomination of a regent; the compilation of the delegation to travel to Curacao from January 7-10, 2014 for the Kingdom Parliaments Summit; and the third agenda point is preparations for the Parliamentary Summit in January.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Minister Hon. Maurice Lake recently met with a Taxi Association as they prepare for the upcoming tourist season.

Minister Lake said that his Ministry is busy reviewing the request and suggestions and a plan of action will be drafted to deal with the issues that can be handled post haste.

The Sint Maarten Police Force has a Task Force in place also preparing for the upcoming high tourist season and some of the issues fall under the responsibility of the aforementioned law enforcement agency.

One of the suggestions from the Taxi Association is making Front Street more user friendly to the disabled.

Other matters discussed were taxi stands; additional traffic signs and road markings; additional pedestrian crossings in Simpson Bay; designated drop off and pick up points at small hotels.

The taxi representatives have also requested a taxi stand in the Simpson Bay area.

"The meeting was very constructive and I am looking into the various points that fall within the confines of Ministry VROMI. A plan of action will be drafted to immediately deal with these matters of concern to our taxi drivers, our ambassadors," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

L.B. SCOT ROAD:--- On Thursday morning around 4:15am, two police patrol from the Uniformed Department in Philispburg were dispatched to the St. Johns Estate where residents complained that some unknown persons were busy drag racing in the area.
Upon arrival at the crossing of L.B Scot Road/St. Johns the patrols noticed two vehicles driving on the road of St. Johns in the direction of L.B Scot. When the drivers saw the two police patrols, one of them stopped the vehicle he was driving with the registration plate M-8033 and fled into the bushes. The other driver of the vehicle with the registration M-5402 tried to reverse this vehicle at a very high speed to get away from the police but lost control of the vehicle after it hit a curb causing the vehicle to flip over.
The driver of this vehicle managed to get out of this vehicle and also fled the scene into the bushes. The police patrols give chase but lost sight of both suspects when they ran into the bushes. An intensive search was made but to no avail. The patrol however recognized one of the drivers as a male person for whom an arrest warrant was issued.
Upon controlling both vehicles it was confirmed that both vehicles were stolen as the wires to the ignition switch were tampered with.
The Traffic and Detective Department are investigating this case.
The Police Department is asking the community to assist with any information in the above mentioned case. We are also reminding those of you that are committing crime on our friendly island that you can't hide from the long arms of the law.

KPSM Police Report

SIMPSON BAY:--- On Wednesday October 24th, 2013 around 9:45pm, a police patrol from the Uniformed Department at the sub-station in Simpson Bay was dispatched to the Paradise Plaza Casino where supposedly someone had sprayed some kind of gas in the establishment.
Upon arrival of the police they were met by an auxiliary police officer with the initials F.A.C from the Economics Department who explained that while he was conducting an inspection he detected a strange smell and his eyes had began to burn him and so did those of others that were in the establishment.
The Fire Department whom arrived shortly afterwards began to evacuate everyone in the establishment. Two ladies that were visiting the establishment fell sick and had to be treated by members of the Ambulance Department that were also called to the scene.
The Fire Department along with the Police Forensic Department are further investigating this case.

KPSM Police Report

BUSH ROAD:--- On Monday October 21st, 2013 around 8:15pm a police patrol from the Uniformed Department in Philipsburg was dispatched to the Bush Road for a shooting incident. Upon arrival the patrol was met by a lady with the initials M.N.F from Jamaica who informed the police patrol that their was no shooting but that three unknown masked men wearing gloves had broken into her apartment and tied up her partner with the initials D.F with whom she lives.
The lady further explained that the three suspects ill-treated her partner by gun butting him in his head on several occasions while asking him where the money was.
The three suspects after not having received any money then left the scene but not before taking the car keys of the victim.
The Ambulance Department was notified and paramedics arrived shortly afterwards. The victim received medical attention at the scene and was later transported to the SMMC for further observation.
The Detective Department is further investigating this case.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be no through traffic in Middle Region in the vicinity of the Hulda B. Richardson Road intersecting with Middle Region Road on Saturday, October 26.

The road closure will be on Saturday morning from 7:00am to 12:00am. The alleys will also be closed.

Road traffic will be diverted and motorists are requested to be vigilant and observant for the traffic directional signs.

The road closure is in connection with the cleaning and maintenance of the Middle Region Pump Pit.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

CAY HILL:--- On Wednesday October 23rd the Cay Hill Community Council (CHCC) and Soualiga Social Movement (SSM) met to discuss youth employment in the Cay Hill area at the Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School in Cay Hill, also present at the meeting was CPO Henson. Earlier in the year, SSM and a large group of young men and women in Cay Hill were instrumental in the realization of the CHCC and the main concern of these young men and women was the employment of youngsters from their neighborhood.
A basic plan was proposed by SSM to have separated garbage (plastic, metals, paper, glass, etc.) collected at hotels and other (large) businesses for recycling purposes and to have some young men and women from Cay Hill employed to execute this task. The CHCC proposed to include an awareness program on the environment in the plan. Financing and sustainability of the plan were also discussed.
Other topics related to youth employment and employment in general that were discussed were: the available information on government programs for labor and community development in general, communication of youths with authorities and authority figures, the lack of personal documents and the illegal status of some youths, communication among NGO's and cooperation of NGO's in general.
Both foundations expressed their satisfaction of the meeting and are looking forward to a fruitful working relationship. CPO Henson, once again, stated that any endeavor to improve Cay Hill has his full support and that he is only a phone call away. The president of the CHCC closed the meeting with the words:" Let's not forget that it is not about us. It is all about the youths."

SIMPSON BAY:--- On Monday, October 12, 2013 the Turning Point Xtreme Prevention Team delivered canned food and other necessities to the Red Cross. These items would be sorted and distributed to the victims of the Wesley Lane fire. Turning Point Xtreme Prevention Team (TPXPT) is a drumband/youth group that falls under the umbrella of the Turning Point Foundation whose membership includes teenagers and young adults starting from the age of 15. These young people felt impressed to give back to their community and obtained the items on their own to help the various families that are affected by this fire.
It is the prayer of TPXPT that the items will be helpful and urges other organizations that have not yet donated to give whatever they can, no matter how small.

GREAT BAY:--- TelEm Group's Personnel Association will be hosting a Round-The-Pond Bike-A-Thon event Saturday in collaboration with the Positive Foundation to mark the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness month on St. Maarten.
The Bike-A-Thon sets off at 7:00 am sharp taking a route from the TelEm Group Building, right at the Salt-pickers roundabout, left at the old Van Dorp Building, left at the old Paper Garden Building, up Frontstreet and onto the Sucker Garden Road.
Cyclists will then pedal along the Arch Road, into the Illidge Road and left at the Today Building to take the route along the Pondfill back to the TelEm Group Building.
The Personnel Association says all funds raised from the event will go to the Positive Foundation for the group's various breast cancer awareness programs.
"In order to raise funds we are asking participants to pay $5 for each bicycle in the Bike-A-Thon," said Personnel Association board member Lucrecia Lynch.
She said the $5 entrance fee will also entitle each participant to a drink of water and a snack following the ride.
"We would like everyone to make a good showing by wearing TelEm Group red, or breast cancer pink as a show of support.
Persons who wish to take part in the Bike-A-Thon can contact the TelEm Group Personnel Association on: 520-3500; 522-6926 or 522-6914.

Telem Press Release

SIMPSON BAY:--- For the first time ever, the Port of St. Maarten and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) will be showcasing the maritime and yachting sector of the country at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida from October 31 to November 4.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is considered the "Yachting Capital of the World," and will be hosting the 54th Lauderdale International Boat Show. Show exhibits range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts.

A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will be on display including runabouts, sport fishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bow riders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary super yachts.

The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) and its individual members and non-members have been invited to supply promotional materials of their marinas, services and products that will be placed at the Port/SLAC financed St. Maarten Booth to promote the destination's marine and yachting sector.

St. Maarten marine and yachting sector is responsible for 12.5 per cent of the national economy according to a 2008 study that was commissioned by SMMTA and carried out by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of the former Netherlands Antilles.

Back in 2008, there were over 80 companies providing services to the marine sector and over the year 2007, the country's marine sector produced over US$200 million (Naf.399 million), and representing 16.3 per cent of the overall production of the businesses on Sint Maarten. In terms of wages and the number of employees, 2,794 employees, 17.2 per cent of the total work force earned Naf.106.5 million.

"This is the first time that our Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority will be participating and promoting at such a prestigious boat show. We fully understand the importance of the country's maritime and yachting sector and the role that it plays in our economic development.

"It has been always our intention to work with all stakeholders in making the marine and yachting sector the leading economic segment in this part of the Caribbean. There is much to be done, but if we work together in a sincere manner we can accomplish much more.

"One of the challenges of the sector as pointed in the Economic Diversification Study Final Report, September 2006 carried out by SQW Limited from the UK on behalf of the Island Territory Government of St. Maarten at the time, and described as a key constraint is that of skilled labour before competitors seize on this opportunity. We need more local trained skilled people working in the sector and more effort has to be placed in this area. The Marine Sector has hired over time a number of people and we need to work together on getting more young people involved," Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo said on Wednesday.

Since the Harbor Group of Companies took over the Lagoon Authority in December 2009 from the Economic Development Corporation, the company now breaks-even from a financial perspective which is good for the shareholder representative, the Government. The company is not a burden to the tax payer.

The Lagoon Authority has been able to partner with the Nature Foundation and develop a relationship that looks at developing a sustainable environmental management plan for the lagoon since it's a very important eco system for the country.

The Lagoon Authority was responsible for the extension of the Simpson Bay Bridge a few years ago in order to ensure that larger mega-yachts could enter the Simpson Bay Lagoon and dock at the various marinas located in the lagoon therefore resulting in increased business for the sector; funds were secured for the construction of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway to provide an alternative route in the event of a bridge malfunction, and to alleviate traffic congestion on the Simpson Bay strip; moorings have been installed for the safe transit of yachts and mega-yachts in and out of the lagoon; security cameras, sidewalks and streetlights were installed on both sides of the Simpson Bay Bridge to enhance safety and security of residents and tourists who patronage the various businesses located on the so-called Simpson Bay strip.

A delegation from the Port will be exhibiting the yacht cruising opportunities that St. Maarten has to offer, which will include Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Hon. Ted Richardson, Chief Executive Officer Mark Mingo, Supervisory Board member Humphrey Mezas, reps from the Lagoon Authority and staff from the Commercial Department.

GREAT BAY:--- In keeping with the slogan "Putting People First" of Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever, the Departments of Labor Affairs and Social Services will be keeping a meeting where all social workers on St. Maarten are invited to attend.
During this time attendees will get to meet their colleagues within the field; discuss synchronization of efforts to improve services of the two departments and lastly build awareness regarding the role of the Social Worker.
"As Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, my aim is and has always been "Putting People First," and by synchronizing our efforts as social workers there is much that we can achieve together and most importantly assist those that are in dire need of help," said Minister De Weever. "The ultimate outcome in this should be that we have a healthier more productive society."
The meeting for Social Workers will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2013 at the Department of Labor Affairs & Social Services on the Pondfill from 3PM-5PM.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Section General Health Care (SGHC), a section within Collective Prevention Services of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is calling on the community to take preventive measures to prevent getting gastroenteritis which is very infectious.

In 2013 a cumulative number of 542 suspected cases have been reported to the public health authorities whereas in 2012 the cumulative amount was 431 suspected cases for the age categories less than five and equal or larger than five.

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and bowel (large intestine). The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). The causes and treatment of gastroenteritis can differ between children and adults.

The most common causes of gastroenteritis in adults are the norovirus and food poisoning. It is self-limiting.

The infection can spread when bacteria found in faeces are transferred to your mouth. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene.

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

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, "Get Checked" campaign, is in line with the preventive measures that should be taken to ensure that you don't get gastroenteritis and pass it on to others.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea; don't share towels, cutlery and utensils with other household members; and don't return to work until 48 hours have passed since your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.

Consult your family physician if you have the vomiting/diarrhea so you can be referred to the lab to get a confirmation on the diagnosis and the virus type.

Practicing good food hygiene will help you avoid getting gastroenteritis from food poisoning. You should regularly wash your hands, surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water; never store raw food and cooked foods together; avoid cross contamination of foods; make sure that food is properly refrigerated; always cook your food thoroughly; and never eat food that is past its sell by date.

If symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time, the family doctor may consider blood and stool tests to determine the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea.

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

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Baby Wellness Clinics at the Brouwer's Road 6A (behind FATUM Insurances Building) for the age group 0-4 years and the Vineyard Building in Philipsburg for age group 4-17 years will be closed on Friday, October 25.

The closure of the clinic is in connection with staff team building training.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

For additional information you can call: 543-2070 or 543-2071.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake last week had a follow-up meeting with the residents of Cape Bay.

More than 75 persons turned out at Seaside Nature Park to voice their concerns with respect to the proposed zoning and development plans for Cape Bay.

Ministry of VROMI officials Henry Ellis, Inspection Department, Hans Sellink, Head of the VROM Department, and Thijs Sommers, policy worker at the Ministry were present to answer questions and provide further explanation and clarification to the residents.

The residents were very adamant about the current draft zoning plans pointing out that they are totally against any further industrial development of Cape Bay, and wanted to see more residential development in the district.

Residents voiced their concerns about GEBE with respect to noise and alleged pollution coming from the old generator rooms.

Another topic of discussion is structures that have been constructed not according to the building codes of the country on property that belong to local people who in turn rent the structures to individuals.

Residents would like to see better infrastructure put in place to deal with raw sewage running along streets etc.

"As a Minister I am here to listen to the people and work along side by side with them. If the people don't want something, we have to listen to them. I am not going to propose something in the zoning plan to Parliament that the people don't want in their district.

"Two public meetings were held with respect to draft zoning plans, but being a community-minded person, I invited my key staff from the Ministry to further elucidate to the residents which they did.

"In my basic plan of approach, speaking with the grassroots and other stakeholders is part of the process of transparency. Hearing all views is necessary," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

The Minister commended the Cape Bay Community Council for taking pride in their community and to continue to be vigilant in their community.

Minister Lake informed the residents that he will be doing a walk-though within the next two weeks in an area that has been described as a shanty town in Cape Bay. Lake also stated that the Government is in the process of forming a Task Force to deal with the so-called shanty town areas in different parts of the country.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams presented the first place trophy to the Visiting Women's Team from Trinidad who participated in the Women's Soccer Tournament over the weekend. The Prime Minister congratulated all women's teams from St. Maarten, St. Barths and Trinidad for participating in the tournament.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Patricia Lourens – Philip recently returned from the South American country Peru after the country was invited to attend a UNESCO Ministerial Meeting for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This UNESCO meeting co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of Peru and the Government of Spain, was attended by over 20 countries, with six ministers from the Caribbean present, including Minister Lourens who was also representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

These professional discussions were directed at procedural aspects of documentation, ratification and implementation of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage of 2001.

Minister Lourens made a presentation on the current status and future goals for underwater cultural heritage work on St. Maarten, including its' relationship to preparations for a world heritage nomination in progress.

Meetings were also held by Minister Lourens and her staff, with the Netherlands Ambassador to Peru, Johan van der Werlf.

Assisting the minister as professional experts were Neville York, the head of the Department of Culture, and Dr. Jay Haviser, director of the St. Maarten Archaeological Center SIMARC.

SIMPSON BAY:--- UTS and its staff members made a donation to the Red Cross of St. Maarten in support of the recent victims of the Cole Bay fire, which left over 30 families homeless. The company provided 55 new cellular phones, including credit to the victims to allow them to stay in touch and make the necessary phone calls in the aftermath of their ordeal. In addition to that the company's employees collected a considerable amount of food and clothing items to assist the victims in replacing some of the many items they lost in the fire. "What happened to these families could have happened to any member of our community," says UTS Marketing and Communication Officer, Ivy Lambert. "The amount of families affected in this case was so large though that our hearts went out to this group in particular. I have to thank our staff for bringing in the many food and clothing items over the past week. I am sure that with the coordination efforts of the Red Cross they will be put to good use. We also hope that by offering the victims the means to stay in touch, they will also be able to get back on their feet more quickly," Lambert continues. Red Cross relief coordinator, Brigade Commander Julia Boasman thanked UTS for its support in assisting the many victims.

UTS Press Release

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group mobile provider, TelCell, has announced plans to install three new cell sites on the Dutch side of the island to improve signal quality for residential and business customers.
According to TelEm Group Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Mr. Eldert Louisa, the new cell sites will specifically deal with network issues including dropped calls, interference and poor coverage affecting customers in the Point Blanche, Bush Road and Guana Bay areas.
He said these areas have become a problem during the past several weeks because of interference from neighbouring Anguilla and St. Kitts along with other network issues that have to be resolved with the help of equipment vendors overseas.
"We are attempting to resolve issues that are completely out of our hands by putting in place our own measures to maintain and improve the quality of service our customers are getting," said Mr. Louisa.
He said in the case of interference to the mobile voice and data network, exchanges are taking place with a major carrier in St. Kitts, also with the assistance of the Regulators on St. Maarten and in St. Kitts to find a permanent solution to the problem of interference to TelCell's mobile voice and data network.

The CTO said work will begin this week on a new cell site covering the Point Blanche area which will greatly improve coverage and signal quality, also data services to the Harbour complex. Installation of the other new cell sites will quickly follow.
Another network issue affecting quality of service has been a problem with TelCell customers maintaining service when they are on the French side of the island. This again is an issue that is out of the hands of the Dutch side mobile carrier TelCell.
"Our partner on the French side is upgrading to a 3G network causing TelCell customers to lose their connections when they drive to the French side. This is a temporary situation which will return to the previous excellent service TelCell has provided in the past once these upgrades are completed," said Mr. Louisa. He said while the French side partners cannot give a definite date when the upgrade will be completed, he is hopeful it will be very soon.
Mr. Louisa said a fruitful meeting was held last Friday with the local Regulator holding out much hope that the interference issues plaguing the TelCell network will be fully resolved before too long.
"We sincerely apologize to customers for any poor customer experience issues they may be having at this time while we await a speedy resolution to these interference issues with the assistance of the telecom regulators on the respective islands," added Mr. Louisa.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, a delegation of the St. Martin Grassroots people Movement held a very successful meeting with Chief Minister Hughes of Anguilla.

Present on the side of Anguilla were;
Mr. Patrick Hanley, adviser to the Chief-minister and various members of the Anguillan media, who took several pictures.
One of them, Mr. Keith 'Stone' Greaves of the Angillan Government's Department of Information & Broadcasting, invited us to have a special interview on the radio which took place later the day.

Present in the St. Martin grassroots movement's delegation were;

Nadika Stephen
Horace Whit
Jesse Adams
Freddy Richardson
X Rey and,
Leopold James - spokes-person

The delegation was very warmly and respectfully welcomed by the staff of the Ministry of the Chief Minister and later by the Chief Minister himself.
After expressing thanks to the Chief-minister for making this meeting possible, Leopold James explained basic purpose for requesting the meeting.
In short it was to contribute towards protecting, preserving and improving the special, in-alienable, historical and family bonds between the SXM- and the Anguillan people.
Due to demographic and other developments on SXM this bond is becoming blurred and distorted, making it more difficult for Anguilla/Anguillans being able to determine who are the real SXM'ers among those coming from SXM with Dutch and French passports - oftentimes claiming to be SXM'ers and usurping the historical privileges granted in the past to the native SXM'ers.
The grassroots movement intends to bring clarity in this vital relationship between Anguilla and SXM by identifying the real SXM'er with their SXM-ID card, so that Anguilla/Anguillans will be assured of their true SXM heriitage.
The card will also be promoted in Anguilla among those who also have roots in SXM, so that eventually they too can receive the same rights/benefits on SXM as the native, blood-line SXM'ers of heritage.
The Chief-minister completely agrees with this move and pledges total support and cooperation.
He calls it a very historical initiative and pledges to promote the concept at the Caricom level.
Parties also agree, that the concept of the card can also be very useful in creating reciprocity for SXM'ers in other islands/countries in the region, whose people live, work on SXM and send back moneys to their homes.
This could lead to a decrease in the resentment among many SXM'ers that others are profiting from SXM, but that SXM'ers do not have equal opportunities in their countries.

We both agree to hold regular meetings on the matter, which can result in the ID-card holders having similar entry into Anguilla as Anguillan nationals.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday the 21st of October the St. Nature Foundation was called by staff of Telem regarding a possible fish die off taking place in the Great Salt Pond. On arrival at the Telem main building it was noticed that the trench leading out from Turning Point into the Salt Pond, was filled with Tilapia. Some were alive and some was also dead. The Nature Foundation contacted the Ministry of VROMI in order to ask for assistance to have the dead fish removed and the live fish push back into the Salt Pond. The VROMI Ministry subsequently sent SXM Clean Sweep to assist with cleaning of the canal.

Nature Foundation staff then proceeded to the A. Th. Illidge rd. roundabout where there was a significant number of Tilapia fish dead in the canal leading up to the fresh water pond. Once again Nature Foundation staff contacted the Ministry of VROMI requesting help to have the dead fish removed and the living Tilapia fish moved over into the fresh water pond. The Minster VROMI sent Koop N.V and Windward roads to assist removing the dead fish. At 14.30 the Minister VROMI and Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger visited the site. The Nature Foundation requested asked to have the fresh water pond floodgate opened in order to have fresh water introduced into the salt-water pond to help keep the remaining fish alive. The floodgates were subsequently open to allow fresh water over into the salt-water pond for a period of time.

The Nature Foundation recommends concluding research in order to find a balanced way to control the reproduction of the Tilapia, an invasive species, in the salt pond and the management of Great Salt Pond Water Levels.

The VROMI Minister and Member of Parliament Heyliger have asked the Nature Foundation to come up with solutions and ideas to prevent this from happening again or to minimize the events. The Nature Foundation is currently investigating wide scale management options to stop the occurrence of fish die-offs again.

Nature Foundation staff were present until very late on Tuesday evening and the cleaning of various areas of the Pond will continue indefinitely. This has been the largest fish die off that we have had to date.

On Wednesday morning the Nature Foundation with the assistance of all participants continued to move fish from the areas of A. Th. Illidge Road, vicinity of Telem and along the ring road.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake announces that the second public consultation related to the drafting of development plans for Dawn Beach and Point Blanche will be held on October 31.

The public consultation will take place Thursday, October 31 at 7:00pm at University of St. Martin, Philipsburg.

The presentation also includes Oyster Pond and Guana Bay.

The process of the preparation of zoning plans in the format of public consultations is cardinal for the preparation of the aforementioned that meet the needs and expectations of the community of Sint Maarten, and specifically those of the important stakeholders such as the neighborhood community councils, home owners associations and other entities that serve a role in voicing the concerns of residents within the neighborhoods.

"This is a follow-up public consultation and the input of the community is considered paramount in this process and in order for the right choices to be made. The people have to have a say by giving their views with respect to the spatial development of the country," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.

The aforementioned plans will guide the future spatial development of the country where it relates to government and private land.

The town hall meeting process is part of process of drafting of development plans/ "zoning plans" for country Sint Maarten which was initially started back in the first quarter of 2012 under former Minister of VROMI Theo Heyliger.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever supports the October month of Breast Cancer Awareness activities that have been organized by various organizations and entities.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it too.

In the Americas, more than 320,000 women were diagnosed and 82,500 women died from breast cancer, in 2008. By 2030, the number of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer is projected to increase 60 per cent in the Americas, if current trends continue.

"The interest is very high. The turnout has even been higher. Breast cancer touches everybody. It could be your wife, mother, sister, cousin, grandmother, aunt, a friend, or brother, uncle or grandfather.

"Yes, breast cancer not only impacts females but males as well. Breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean ranks as the first cancer type both in terms of new cases and deaths.

"Earlier diagnosis coupled with advances in treatment has led to better outcomes and longer survival for women with breast cancer.

"During this period we also remember the victims who have succumbed to this disease and to the current victims who are struggling to overcome this disease, and to the family members and friends who must cope with the loss of someone close or somebody currently living with cancer.

"As part of my 'Get Checked' campaign, I call on the nation's women and men to visit their general practitioners for early and effective screening as early detection/diagnosis and treatment saves lives.

"Breast cancer in men is less common because their breast duct cells are less developed than those of women and because they normally have lower levels of female hormones that affect the growth of breast cells, however it is possible that men can also get this disease.

"The nation can be inspired by the cancer survivors who are with us today, because they were able to overcome this disease. Every cancer survivor is a champion in the eyes of our nation," Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The committee that is organizing the royal visit of King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima has a packed program for the royal couple who is scheduled to arrive on St. Maarten on November 12th, 2013. Chairman of the committee Keith Franca told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday that the royal couple will arrive on November 12th but the official program will start on November 13th at the Clem Labega Square. The official inspection of the troops will also take place in Philipsburg, a meeting with the Council of Ministers is also on the schedule. The royal couple will then pay a visit to the Milton Peters College, the Oranje School, the Methodist Church in Philipsburg, and the Court of First Instance.

Later that same evening a cultural performance will be held at the Festival Village. Franca said the show which will be hosted by the Prime Minister of St. Maarten will have several cultural manifestations by the youths of St. Maarten.

Franca called on the businesses and people of St. Maarten to decorate their places of businesses and homes as they welcome the royal couple who will be on their first official visit since taking office in April 2013. He said St. Maarten is the first island the royal couple will visit then they will move on to the other islands within the Dutch Caribbean. The royal entourage is expected to depart St. Maarten on November 16th, 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams gave reporters an overview of her recent visit to the Netherlands on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing. Wescot Williams said she met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, Minister of Interior Affairs Ronald Plasterk, and the Vice President of the Council of State. Wescot Williams said that in each of the meetings the matter of the Royal Decree was discussed but the Kingdom is adamant on the decision they took when they issued the decree at the end of September. Wescot Williams confirmed that to date St. Maarten did not receive any information from the Council of State regarding the Royal Decree.

In the meantime, the Government of St. Maarten signed the agreement with Transparency International who will be conducting a systematic investigation while the national draft decree on the establishment of the integrity committee is still to be signed off by the Governor of St. Maarten.

The Prime Minister also reported that most of the points mentioned in the motion of election reform are already in place. When asked if these laws were being executed, she said that the laws are there and people (political parties) have to know that there are laws in place when it comes to elections. The Prime Minister further explained that she believes that there needs to be some tweaking with the electoral law but this she said has to be discussed with Parliament.

The full content of the press briefing can be heard by audio which is posted below this article.

COLOMBIER:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams joined the residents of Colombier on Saturday in a march against Breast Cancer as part of the activities surrounding Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrated in October around the world. The Prime Minister continues to call for a greater awareness of Breast Cancer in the community. "I encourage all to take part and be made aware of the issues surrounding breast cancer and the need to get regular check ups and tests done early in order to combat this disease. My mother of ninety-two years is alive today because of a breast cancer operation and early detection. Today technology is so much more advanced so it is about getting tested and spreading the message. We cannot prevent breast cancer but we can make sure that those who have are checked and tested and receive the necessary treatment out there," commented the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- FC Soualiga women's soccer team, established in April 2013 under the St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation, hosted a successful International Women's Soccer Tournament over the weekend of Saturday the 19th of October and Sunday the 20th of October. Five regional teams participated in the tournament, namely Sint Maarten's very own FC Soualiga teams Blue and White, Step by Step Football Academy from Trinidad, Les Diablesses Rouges from St. Barth's and the Victory Queens from Curaçao.

The tournament attracted many spectators that were treated to excellent play from all the teams participating. Spectacular play was shown by first place team Step by Step Football Academy from Trinidad, whom brought along four of their national players which have recently beat Arsenal and Tottenham in the United Kingdom. Their skills, endurance, sportsmanship and technique were a pleasure to watch for the entire crowd and many of the other participating teams learnt a lot from their team and their players. A well-deserved second place went to the Victory Queens from Curaçao. The FC Soualiga Blue ladies finished third. The team scored a total of 15 goals in the three games played. Considering the team has only been in existence for approximately six months this was a great feat to be celebrated. All other teams have been together for many years and have had much more experience of participating in tournaments of a higher level. In addition, the FC Soualiga Blue's goalie Odessa Solomon received a prize for being the best goalie of the tournament. The prize for most goals went to Trinidad's Maylee Johnson. All prizes were presented by the FC Soualiga Management Team together with the support of the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEZVT) Mr. Ted Richardson and the Honorable Prime Minister Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams.

FC Soualiga's management team and their coach Mr. David Forsythe are extremely happy with the outcome of the tournament and deem it a great success. Together they are very thankful for all the support from the community at large and the support provided by the local businesses for this event and women's soccer on the island as a whole. The event would not have been successful if it weren't for the many donations and assistance received from the sponsors. FC Soualiga would therefore like to thank their corporate sponsor Princess Juliana International Airport, the Ministry of TEZVT, the Department of Tourism, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Bel Air Beach Hotel, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Cost U Less, Heavenly Water, International Liquor and Tobacco Trading, Domino's Pizza, Looking Good, Sports Gallery, Vanity First, Ballerina Jewelers, the SHTA and Taloula Mango's for their generous donations and contributions. A special thank you also goes out to the volunteers Jules de Vries, Maarten van Rooij, Damien Voges, Nathaly Pieters, Bas van den Bosch, Rita Aikman and Ruth Hooi as well as to the Honorable Prime Minister Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, the Honorable Minister of TEZVT Mr. Ted Richardson, Honorable Chairlady of Parliament drs. Gracita Arrindell, Honorable Member of Parliament Romain Laville, Mrs. Claudette Forsythe-Labega, the Belvedere Community and the board of the St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation for their continuous support and contributions.

The success of the tournament has further encouraged FC Soualiga to attain its goal to encourage fun and energetic women to participate in the sport of soccer, thereby living a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as contributing to the community when and wherever they can. They deem to further stimulate the sport of soccer locally, to get acquainted with other women's soccer teams in the region, as well as stimulate the important role of women in sports. With tournaments such as these, FC Soualiga also hopes to stimulate sports tourism for Sint Maarten and its establishments, thereby reiterating the need for such events and proper sports facilities to have the community become a more active and healthy one.

For those interested in joining the team: FC Soualiga soccer practice takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at the Asha Stevens Campus of the Hillside Christian School in Cay Hill from 6pm. Interest in joining the team and inquiries can be e-mailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., via the Facebook page: FC Soualiga, or come visit during practice.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday morning the faction of the National Alliance submitted three requests to the chairlady of Parliament, Drs. Gracita Arrindell for meetings of Parliament and the Central Committee.

Leader of the National Alliance, MP William Marlin said on Tuesday that three members of the National Alliance faction Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Hyacinth Richardson and the leader William Marlin, signed the requests. In a letter dated Friday October 18th the MPs have asked the Chairlady of Parliament to convene an urgent meeting of Parliament to discuss the following: The decision of Government to establish a committee to conduct an investigation on integrity within the Government of St. Maarten.

The National Alliance MPs motivated their call for an urgent meeting by stating that clarity is needed on the matter of investigating integrity within the Government of St. Maarten. It was on September 30, 2013 that a Kingdom Decree was issued instructing the Governor of Sint Maarten to conduct an investigation into the integrity of the Government of Sint Maarten.

The MPs further state in their letter, that on several occasions over the past weeks, the Prime Minister publicly announced that the Government of Sint Maarten had agreed to have Transparency International conduct an integrity assessment into the Government of Sint Maarten.

And while this is going on, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson, announced at a press briefing last week Wednesday that the Government took a unanimous decision on Tuesday October 15th, 2013, to establish its own committee to conduct an investigation on integrity within the Government of Sint Maarten.

According to the National Alliance MPs in their letter to the Chairlady of Parliament, this all seems rather confusing and contradictory and warrants an explanation and the public in general deserves clarity in this entire matter.

The three National Alliance MPs also requested in their letter, that the Minister of General Affairs, (Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams) be present in the meeting to provide clarity and to answer to questions from Members of Parliament.

The three national Alliance MPs further requested the chairlady to convene two Central Committee meetings. One of them is to deal with the recent development at the VDSM (Security Services of Sint Maarten) including the suspension of the Head of the VDSH, Mr. James Richardson.

For that meeting the MPs have also requested the presence of the Minister of General Affairs, Prime Minister Wescot-Williams. They have also requested copy of any report prepared by the S.O.A.B. or any other institution or instance on the functioning of the VDSM in general and in particular of the Head, Mr. James Richardson.

In a third letter to the Chairlady of Parliament, the National Alliance faction also requested the presence of the Minister of Youth, Education, Sports and Culture, Mr. Patricia Lourens-Philip to provide Parliament with information and to answer to questions from Members of Parliament on the position of the Council of Ministers on the proposal to establish the Sint Maarten Youth Football League.

Up to Tuesday afternoon no dates had been set yet for the meetings.

Click here to view the letters sent to the Chairlady of Parliament requesting that a meeting of Parliament and two Central Committee meetings be convened.

CAY HILL:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) open house on Saturday. The PM joined in various activities at the open house, including a very special Zumba session with the staff and visitors to the SMMC and a health check-up. The PM was found to be in excellent health.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

SIMPSON BAY:--- The St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) announces that the Clearance Offices at Great Bay and at SLAC in Simpson Bay will be closed as of 3:00pm on Wednesday, October 23.

Those who require services are asked to visit take note of the closure and to pass by the office before 3:00pm.

The closure is in connection with a company endorsed project that requires the staff to be present.

Regular office hours resume on Thursday, October 24.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In its efforts to continuously improve their customers' experience using Chippie mobile service UTS has made a number of changes to benefit Chippie postpaid customers when traveling abroad. Chippie postpaid customers can continue to use Chippie service on the network of another mobile provider when traveling; which is called Roaming. UTS has negotiated considerably lower roaming rates with roaming partners and is passing these savings on to its postpaid customers traveling abroad with their Chippie service.

To further assist customers in monitoring roaming charges while traveling, UTS has also implemented an SMS notification system for St. Maarten Chippie customers in September of this year. This service has now also been expanded to serve Chippie customers of Saba and St. Eustatius. Customers will automatically receive a free SMS notification when roaming, another when roaming charges exceed an amount of ANG 250 and subsequent messages for every ANG 250 of additional charges thereafter. This means that they will be notified with regards to the charges they incur with their mobile phone while traveling abroad.

Aside from the above, Chippie customers can also do their part to avoid incurring unnecessary roaming charges. Receiving and listening to voice mail messages or having data services running in the background while your device is idle also incurs roaming charges. UTS therefore recommends deactivating data roaming and deactivating the 'forward call' setting on the device to avoid being charged for usage abroad.

For additional information on the newly adjusted roaming rates Chippie postpaid customers may contact UTS at +1721 542 0101.

UTS Press Release

MARIGOT:--- The Gendarmes are currently investigating the protest that was held in front of the Collectivity on October 12th, 2013 when the first same sex marriage was taking place on the island. The French State made same sex marriage legal in May 2013.

Over two hundred persons gathered in front of the Collectivity on Saturday October 12th, 2103 denouncing the first same sex marriage claiming its infringing on the rights of locals. Some of the protestors had placards while one held a hand microphone denouncing what he said is disrespecting marriage since marriage according to him should be between a man and a woman. The speaker who is well known on St. Martin further stated that soon the gay people would want to get married in the churches on the island and that too would be a disrespect. The protestors went as far as calling on first Vice President Guillaume Arnell to resign and not perform his duties claiming that the people of St. Martin was not consulted before the law was passed in the French State.

According to information reaching SMN News, someone filed a complaint with the Gendarmes which initiated the investigation. During the protest which the protestors claimed was supposed to be peaceful bottles and rocks were flung after the gendarmes and the car that took the two men away after they tied the knot.

SMN News further learnt that two vehicles were damaged during the protest but that could not be verified.

It should be noted that the same sex marriage law known as "Mariage pour Tous" was published in the official journal on May 18th, 2013. The law is applicable to the State, Collectivities and Communes that fall under the French jurisdiction. The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Affairs made known via a memo on June 13th, 2013 outlining the consequences anyone can face if they refuse to marry two persons of the same sex. Elected officials or persons working in the civil registry could face five years prison sentence and Euros 75,000.00 fine if they refuse to conduct a marriage of same sex. Persons holding political offices can also be suspended.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Residents heading to Philipsburg through A.T. Illidge Road on Tuesday morning could not believe what they were seeing in the Great Salt Pond. Many concerned residents stopped their vehicles, took photos and posted them on Facebook showing thousands of dead fish while some live fish were among the dead ones fighting for their lives.

Another concerned resident posted a video of the fishes that were in the pond, next to the Firgos paper store. In the video footage he was heard saying that all week there was a strong stench coming from the Great Salt Pond. However, the heavy rainfall on Monday seems to have brought out the thousands of dead fish from inside the pond. Many of them looked like "tilapia" while there were other types of local fishes among those that perished.

Head of Maintenance at the Department of VROMI Claudius "Toonje" Buncamper told SMN News that they received reports of dead fish in the Salt Pond over the weekend. Buncamper said when they checked there were indeed dead fish in the vicinity of Air Lekkerbek and Firgos Paper which is closer to the Flood Gate. Buncamper said most of the fish that perished are the local tilapia.

He said VROMI had planned to clean up the dead fishes on Monday but because of the heavy rainfall they had to change their plans and begin cleaning the roads. Buncamper further explained that on Tuesday morning they had three crews, each comprising of three to five people removing the dead fishes from the pond while they were trying to rescue those that were still alive and place them into the Fresh Pond across from Firgos Paper. When asked if he had any idea as to the cause of the fish kill, Buncamper said that he is of the opinion that the fishes died due to the lack of oxygen. He said the Great Salt Pond is only three to five feet deep therefore the oxygen level in the Great Salt Pond goes down very quickly especially during the dry season. "Our intention is to try and save those that are still alive and place them in the Fresh Pond to see how much would survive." When asked if he could give a rough estimate on the amount of fish that perished, Buncamper said there was a lot but he could not give a figure since the clean-up was still ongoing.

Rueben Thompson from EPIC and Jadira Veen from the St. Maarten Pride Foundation could not be reached for comment as both are off island.

SMN News contacted the Inspectorate Dr. Earl Best to see if his department ever tested the water in the Great Salt Pond to determine what is inside the water that could cause so much of the fish to perish. Dr. Best said that his department has no jurisdiction over the Great Salt Pond because it falls directly under the Ministry of VROMI. Dr. Best further explained that some nine months ago he was part of a meeting where he suggested that toxicology examinations be performed on the dead fishes because so far it is only the tilapias that are being affected during a certain time of the year. Dr. Best said one just cannot conclude it's a lack of oxygen because if that was the case then the other types of fish in the pond would have perished also. He said there are more questions than answers when it comes to the dead fishes in the Great Salt Pond but since it is not his domain the only thing he could do is give advice, one of the advices is to conduct toxicology testing and to bring in someone from overseas with fisheries expertise to come up with solutions. He further explained that if the problem turns out to be the lack of oxygen as concluded by VROMI then they should consider digging the pond deeper and install pumps like the ones in the Fresh Pond to generate more oxygen.

MARIGOT: --- A man known in the community of St. Maarten as "Flashlight" whose real identity is Clinton Henry surrendered to the Gendarmes last Saturday. Flashlight, is the suspect that shot Arinaldo Hanley (23) to death two Sundays ago by Brooks Car Wash in French Quarter. The Gendarmerie confirmed that a suspect surrendered last Saturday and he has been placed in garde à vue in St. Martin as the investigation into the latest homicide continues.
The early morning shooting left another suspect Marlon Brooks with multiple gunshot wounds, he was admitted to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital but later flown to the Dominican Republic for further treatment.
According to information provided to SMN News, Flashlight surrendered to the Gendarmes after feeling guilty for shooting to death one of his best friends. SMN News further learnt that Brooks and Flashlight had some sort of argument about one week before the shooting over a basketball game at the Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg. Relatives of the victims said that Brooks won a game and that did not sit well with "Flashlight".
They explained that on the morning of the shooting when Flashlight visited French Quarter where the illegal motorcycle race is held every week he saw Brooks and went to confront him about the feud they had at the Sports Auditorium in Philipsburg. Eyewitnesses at the scene said that Marlon Brooks pulled out a hammer and lashed Flashlight in order to defend himself from his attacker. It is also reported by eyewitnesses that Arinaldo Hanley tried to stop the fight by holding on to Marlon Brooks which gave Flashlight the opportunity to pull out his gun and fire shots which killed his friend on the spot.
A press release from the Gendarmes states that the alleged perpetrator of the homicide committed on October 13th, 2013 has been arrested. The press release further states that on morning of October 13th, 2013 an argument between three men broke out near Brooks Car Wash in French Quarter. At some point several gunshots were fired, two of the shots hit Hanley who died of his injuries while the second person was seriously injured in his leg area. The main shooter fled the scene of the crime in car towards the Dutch side of the island. On the scene the gendarmes found one of the victims (Hanley) where hundreds of onlookers were while the second victim was admitted at the Marigot Hospital. Gendarmes even placed a security device on the premises of the hospital to avoid further disturbance. The press release from the Gendarmes further stated that after contact with the people around the suspect, he decided to surrender on Saturday October 19th, 2013 at the Gendarmerie where he was placed in custody. The suspect has been identified as H.C.A. He appeared before the Prosecutor on Monday in Pointe a Pitre where he was officially charged and placed in remand at the Basse Terre prison facilities.

MULLET BAY:--- On Sunday morning around 1:30am, the uniformed patrol out of the Police substation in Simpson Bay was dispatched to the grounds of Mullet Bay for an armed robbery.
Upon the arrival of the uniformed patrol at Mullet Bay in the vicinity of the Golf shop they were met by a group of four persons all of French nationality.
The group informed the patrol that they were not too long ago rob by an unknown male person when they had parked their car at said location.
The suspect had grabbed on to the shoulder bag of a female that had exited the car and while the suspect was trying to remove this from her a male person that was together with her in the car came to her assistance only to be assaulted by the armed robber.
The robber whom had a knife in his possession used this against the male person and cut him in his face and on his arm. He also received some punches in his face where as the male victim lost a tooth during this assault.
Personnel from the Ambulance Department whom were also summoned to the scene treated the victim for his injuries at the scene. The victim was later transported by his friends to the hospital on the French part of the island for further treatment.
After committing this cowardly act, the suspect got unto a scooter that was waiting for him. The scooter had another male person on it. Both suspects then fled in the direction of Lowlands.
The Detective Department is further investigating this case.
The Police Department is asking the general public for any assistance in this case and also to be more vigilant when parking or walking in these dark areas. The Police Department has also enhanced their visibility in these areas.

Police Arrest Suspects Purchasing Jewelry with Stolen Credit Cards.

On Sunday midday around 12:10pm the patrol from the uniformed department in Philipsburg was dispatched to Front Street where a group of unknown male persons were busy purchasing jewelry with stolen credit cards.
The caller also give the police dispatcher the description of the suspects which were rapidly apprehended by our quick response bike patrol team.
The suspects were brought over to the Philipsburg Police station.
Further investigation proved that the three suspects all from Malaysia had already purchased some jewelry with these stolen credit cards that were still in their possession. All items were confiscated pending further investigation.
The Hotel room where the suspects were staying was also searched in the presence of an Acting Public Prosecutor. Some other stolen credit cards were found in the room and were also confiscated in connection with investigation.
A total amount of 100 credit cards were found in this case.
The Detective Department is further investigating this case and the suspects remain in police custody.
The Police Department is once again thanking the general public in particular the business community for their assistance in this case. Once again we ask you "If you see something, Say something!". Our emergency and hot lines are open.

KPSM Police Report

~Urge businesses to donate, reduce wastage~

COLE BAY:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation continued its assistance to fire victims with donations of clothing and rice to 18 families who were affected by the devastating inferno which destroyed a number of wooden homes in Wesley Lane, Cole Bay on Sunday, October 13.
The Foundation along with six pupils from All Children's Education (ACE) Foundation made a second visit those affected on Wednesday, October 23 and turned over the items to the fire victims.
The visit was not only geared towards relieving the challenges faced by those who lost everything in the blaze; it also served as a lesson for pupils who learnt the value of assisting others in their times of need and the importance of volunteerism.
The receiving families were grateful for the assistance, love and care shown by Tzu Chi as well as of the numerous businesses, groups and individuals who have responded with assistance.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said the gesture by donors show that St. Maarten is truly a friendly island.
Tzu Chi will continue to assist the fire victims as its members and volunteers continue to put together packages and clothing for the victims.
Tzu Chi said following the fire, many businesses responded by donating food items to fire victims with just one or two days before they expire.
The Foundation made a special call on businesses, in particular, supermarkets to pay keen attention to the shelf life of their stock and instead of giving these items at the eleventh hour of expiry to fire victims; they should be donated at least two weeks before they expire. She said recipients will be able to make better use of the items this way.
She said items can also be donated early instead of them being left on store shelves to expire and thrown away adding to the country's garbage load. In addition to fire victims; Tzu Chi said there are many persons in the country who go hungry and donating these items in a timely manner; instead of too close to expiry would be a blessing to those in need and will in turn result in blessing those who donate them.
"Your kindness in helping the needy will be rewarded to the maximum and you will be blessed because you will be reducing the garbage burden on Mother Earth. Together we can create a blessed St. Maarten for all of us."

ST. LOUIS:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended a celebratory lunch at Lago Heights in St. Louis showing appreciation for the elderly on St. Maarten. The Prime Minister thanked those in attendance for their contribution to St. Maarten and making it the country, which it is. "I want to congratulate the Rambaud, St. Louis, Free Town Association for bringing all of the Young at Heart together for this wonderful occasion. As my itinerary was planned for the Netherlands I made it a point that my travel was adjusted so that I could be there. There are few groups that bring together both sides of the island to celebrate the elderly; there should be no borders on the island that we both love. I want to say thank you to all that are there for their contribution to this island. You have made it possible for us to be proud of this island and it is because of the Foundation that you have created. Let us instill a sense of patriotism to ensure that we all unite as a people because it is part of this unity. I would not have missed this opportunity for the world and thank you for allowing me to be here.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Bureau Ombudsman is inviting the communities of St. Peters, Saunders, St. John's Estate, L.B. Scot Road, Ebenezer, and South Reward to its District Information Session for Tuesday, October 22.

The district information session on Tuesday is from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the Rupert Maynard Community Center.

The purpose of the session is to acquaint citizens with the tasks and procedures of the Bureau Ombudsman and most importantly on the various propriety requirements. During these sessions focus will be placed on the standards of proper conduct.

The district sessions are catering to citizens, members and boards of various foundations, associations and civic organizations within the community.

The Bureau Ombudsman is appealing to the aforementioned organizations, Community Councils and Churches to encourage their members in their particular areas to come out to the session, and can even contact the bureau to confirm their participation.

The aforementioned can also contact the Bureau Ombudsman for further information at telephone: 542-1250 or 520-7378 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

L.B. SCOT ROAD:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams gave the opening swing the opening of the Little League Tournament at the Jose Lake Ball Park on Saturday. The Prime Minister congratulated the organizers and the sponsors and wished all of the players much success.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

NAGICO Insurances supports STC initiative

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances presented a check to Sports Tourism Council Sint Maarten Foundation (STC Sint Maarten) in order for the organization to be able to send two representatives to Teams '13 Conference and Expo from November 4-7 in Salt Lake City, Utah in the United States. The conference is sponsored by the sports world's event magazine SportsTravel.

Teams '13 is considered the world's leading conference and expo for the Sports-Event Industry. More than 300 sports-event suppliers and destinations are scheduled to attend.

The Sports Tourism Council Sint Maarten Foundation (STC SINT MAARTEN) has as its primary goal to develop Sports Tourism as a niche market for the destination. The new entity is structured to attract annual sports events to the island and to stimulate economic development.

STC representatives will be attending a number of sessions at the four-day conference and expo that will fully prepare them for the promotion of the destination as a sports tourism destination. Some of the sessions will delve into Economic Impact Analysis; Event Safety, Security and Integrity; Social Media, Mobile and Your Events; Advancing Integrity in Sports; and the Business of Sports.

STC Sint Maarten seeks to develop triathlon event, marathon, cycling tour, youth basketball tournaments, softball tournaments, indoor slot model car racing, a kickboxing event, celebrity games, cricket tournaments, baseball tournaments, soccer tournament and other sports related events.

The Sports Tourism Council team of founders are namely: Juan Pablo Piscione as President, Stanley Lint as Treasurer, Reggie Plaisir as Secretary, General Board Members Reggie Coram, and Peter Arndell.

The foundation welcomes corporate partnerships in order to achieve its main objective of the development and promotion of Sports Tourism on the island.

For those requiring additional information about the Sport Tourism Council, you can call 522-2828 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On October 15th 2013 the Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Mr. F. J. Refunjol and the Director of his cabinet Mr. M.G.J. Boelen, paid a visit to the Ombudsman to discuss the experiences in establishing the institution Ombudsman on Sint Maarten.
Aruba is the only country within the Dutch kingdom that does not have an Ombudsman, and is considering to also establish an Ombudsman Institution. The Governor wanted to hear first-hand from the Ombudsman the challenges and her approach in shaping this High Council of State.
The Ombudsman outlined the law pertaining to procedures to guarantee the independence of the Ombudsman, the Strategic Plan 2011-2021 of the Bureau, the yearly action plans, the Handbook, the training of the staff, the networking with the Nationale Ombudsman in the Hague, the Ombudsman of Amsterdam and Curaçao, and the various exchange visits that helped in molding the Bureau Ombudsman. The complaints procedure, the standards of proper conduct as well as the financial structure of the Bureau were briefly discussed.
Actual execution of the unique task of the Ombudsman as Guardian of the Constitution provided interesting food for thought.
Promoting the importance of the awareness regarding the tasks of the Institution and the importance of good governance not only at the level of the government apparatus, but also among the public by means of Exchange Sessions and Workshops with the Ministries, and District Information Sessions was emphasized.
The Governor was presented with the 2012 Annual Report of the Ombudsman, the Strategic Plan as well as the relevant ordinances governing the Institution.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Section General Health Care (SGHC) of the Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, says the country remains in a dengue epidemic phase, and residents are advised to continually be active in taking measures to mitigate the mosquito population, especially after the downpour of rain on Monday.

For the month of September, there were a total of approximately 53 confirmed dengue cases while in August there was 68. There was also one case of severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic where the person was hospitalized.

From January to September the cumulative number of confirmed dengue cases stands at 226. The type of dengue circulating throughout the country is four.

The four main districts with high dengue fever numbers are: St. Peters, Cay Hill, Cul de Sac and South Reward.

Vector control activities has been stepped up by the Ministry; prompt response to the search of yards and gardens for mosquito breeding sites; stepped up media campaign; fogging activity was carried out from September 05 to 21.

Residents with dengue fever symptoms are requested to consult with their family physician who can then refer them to the lab for a laboratory test that would confirm if they have dengue or not, and to give the proper advice to ensure a healthy recovery avoiding other health risks.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint and eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and rash. Once a person has developed a fever, the infectious period lasts for about a week. Most people recover without any complications, using pain relievers, liquid intake (preferably water or juice) and bed rest. Avoid self-medication and consult your physician.

SGHC is calling on the populace to take daily actions to eliminate mosquito breeding opportunities around their home and workplace. On a daily basis check containers such as buckets and water tanks for larvae and eliminate the breeding source. Water tanks should be properly secure and screened to prevent mosquito's from entering. If there aren't any containers with water for mosquitoes to lay the larvae there won't be any adult mosquitoes.

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

Even after you have cleaned-up your yard and surroundings, it is recommended for persons to walk around their surroundings on a weekly basis and after every rain event to eliminate all possible breeding sites.

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, "Get Checked" campaign, is in line with the urgent appeal for residents, and business owners, to check-in and around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, and making them mosquito-free zones.

SHGC is urgently calling on the community especially homeowners to be proactive in implementing mosquito preventive measures on their own property in order to prevent vector borne diseases. Persons are urgently recommended to keep their homes, yards, neighborhoods, open lots and work environment free from mosquito breeding sites.

Mobilize family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to collectively take actions to eliminate mosquito breeding sources.

Homeowners can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes can find shelter by cutting down weeds adjacent to the house foundation and in their yards, and mowing the lawn regularly.

On a daily basis check plants in your yard for mosquito breeding sites, keep vegetation properly trim, and avoid overgrown vegetation.

Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading is realized to prevent drainage problems which can be a source for standing water.

When out during dusk and dawn hours, use mosquito repellent or wear proper clothing to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk. Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

From the desk of the Area Governor of Area 23, Sinatra Rouse, Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) and Competent Leader (CL).

Today, October 22, marks World Toastmasters Day. As Area Governor of Area 23, I would like to wish all Toastmasters of Areas 23 and 24, both on St. Maarten and in Anguilla, a Happy Toastmasters Day! This is the time to reflect how far we have come since 1924 when Ralph Smedley launched his vision that has, today, helped more than four million men and women from all walks of life to become better communicators and leaders.

St. Maarten proudly boasts of five clubs – The Disciples, Philipsburg, and Soualiga Corporate of Area 23; and Achievers and Saint Martin Evolutions Toastmasters Clubs, of Area 24. The most recent club – Anguilla Toastmasters – also shares in this vision under Area 24. Together, we are solidifying our commitment to an organization that provides the cheapest way for persons to educate themselves and gain confidence, while building our still fledgling nation.

Toastmasters provides opportunities for us to network with friends in the more than 14,000 clubs worldwide, as is evident through the delegation that just returned from the convention in Puerto Rico.

Our membership here on St. Maarten continues to grow ever stronger and we hold our own among the 292,000 members worldwide, despite being one of the smallest countries. Our island has had representatives in top positions in the hierarchy of District 81, which encompasses the Caribbean islands and Guyana. Currently, Senior Administrator of the Government Valerie Brazier, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), holds the position of Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training in District 81. The Immediate Past District Governor is none other than Rolande Tobias, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), whose joint efforts have placed District 81 among the top 10 in the world.

So, as we celebrate this day, I would like to tell those members who represented Areas 23 and 24 at the convention in Puerto Rico, welcome back and thank you! To the active members who are growing in their leadership and communication skills and contributing to their clubs, areas and District 81, congratulations! To our guests, inactive members and prospective members, our doors are always open at any of our six clubs.

Reflect on what Toastmasters has done for you and what it can do for you, and on this special day, do your part by inviting guests to our meetings, wearing your pins proudly, and continue to spread the word of what Toastmasters has to offer.

For those interested in joining, please feel welcome to visit any one of our clubs. The Disciples Club meets every second and fourth Sunday at St. Maarten Academy from 4:45pm; Philipsburg Club meets every first, third, and fifth Thursday at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library at 7:15pm; Soualiga Corporate meets every second and fourth Wednesday in the Legislative Hall at 5:15pm; Saint Martin Evolution Club meets every first and third Tuesday in Marigot from 7:15 pm; Achievers Club meets every second and fourth Thursday, at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library at 7:15pm; and the Anguilla Club meets every second and fourth Saturday of each month, at La Vue Boutique Hotel at 6:45 pm.

COLE BAY:--- DIVICO representatives and Dr. Soc of Island 92 and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten prepare to load and deliver canned goods, drinks and 100 toothbrushes to the St. Maarten Red Cross benefiting the victims of the Cole Bay Fire. DIVICO, Island 92 and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten encourage members of the public to make donations at the Red Cross on Airport Road.

GREAT BAY:--- The Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labor under the auspices of the Departments of Social Development, Public Health, Social Services and Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs have jointly set up the project "Active Aging Transportation for the elderly and physically challenged."
In the "Active Aging Transportation Project" a registration drive will be held for the public in order for elderly and physically challenged persons to register for door to door transportation service. Persons of this target group that are in need of this type of service can indicate which services they need and also the frequency of service on a weekly/monthly basis. Government is assessing the need for door to door transportation service of this target group in order to have relevant data in this area for policy- and program purposes.
The registration drive for seniors and the physically challenged starts today, Monday, October 21, 2013. Senior citizens and physically challenged persons can either come themselves or have a family member or representative register them. The registration will take place at the following places. The Department of Social Services on the Pondfill between the hours of 1PM-5PM, and at the Community Helpdesks from 9AM-5PM in the areas of St. Peters (Rupert I. Maynard Community Center), Dutch Quarter(Next to Doctor Bryson clinic), Cole Bay(Methodist Church to the rear) or Gaston Boasman Helpdesk for the elderly and physically challenged in Hope Estate. One must bring along an ID for the registration. The registration form is asking for information as it relates to the transportation needs and frequency of transportation. Persons registering will indicate the type of service needed, such as for medical appointments/pharmacy visits; GEBE, TELEM, UTS to pay monthly bills; visits to the bank; grocery shopping; Visits to social activities/clubs and also Church visits, but services can be adjusted to the required needs.
"I am asking all our seniors and physically challenged persons who are in need of transportation services to come out and register, so that government can get an idea as to what type of service is needed in the community for this target group, and we also need to get an idea as to what other types of service may be needed," said Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever.
Active Aging refers to trends all over the world in which the elderly are part of and involved in the communities that they live in. They are connected to their societies and are sometimes also contributing to development in their communities. Governments play a role in ensuring that seniors and the physically challenged are connected to their communities and that they have a good standard of living.

A Consular Officer from the U.S. Embassy in Barbados will visit St. Martin, October 28, 2013 and Anguilla October 29-30, 2013 to provide U.S. Citizens Services and to accept applications for U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Visa cases will not be discussed.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We will no longer accept handwritten passport application forms. You must fill out all passport application forms online at https://pptform.state.gov/ and then print. Please have all forms completed prior to your appointment and bring originals and copies of all supporting documents.

Appointments for St. Martin will be held at the CCI (Chambre de Commerce et Industrie), Rue Jean Jacques Fayel Concordia, Marigot:

Monday, October 28: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appointments in Anguilla will be held at Caribbean Juris Chambers, Hannah-Waver House, The Valley:

Tuesday, October 29: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 30: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You must arrange an appointment online to meet with the Consular Officer. Please follow instructions on the U.S. Embassy's website at http://barbados.usembassy.gov/acs_consularvisits.html.

Fees must be paid by international money order or bank draft made out to "U.S. Embassy." PLEASE NOTE: The money order or bank draft must have the correct and exact amount. We will not issue any refunds. Fees are:

• Child's passport (under age 16): US$105
• First adult passport: US$135
• CRBA: US$100
• Notarials: US$50 per signature

If you are renewing a ten-year passport issued less than 15 years ago, and can present your expired passport, you may apply by mail directly to the Embassy; the fee is US$110. If you
cannot present a previous ten-year passport issued less than fifteen years ago, you must appear in person for an interview with the consular officer; fee is US$135.

All applicants must provide: completed passport application, two passport-size photos (2" x 2"), proof of U.S. citizenship such as previous U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or U.S. naturalization certificate, and social security card. Please bring originals AND photocopies of all documents. You must also provide a prepaid air waybill (FedEx, DHL, LIAT QuikPak, etc.) in order to have the new passport mailed back to you.

For a child under age 16, if both parents are listed on the birth certificate, both parents must appear in person with the child OR you may submit a notarized statement of consent from the absent parent. For more information, visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html. Please also bring the documents listed above PLUS the child's birth certificate and both parents' passports or other identification. Please bring originals AND photocopies of all documents including copies of the parents' identification.

Additional information on U.S. citizen services and links to application forms are available on U.S. Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov.

BELVEDERE:--- Come enjoy a fun day out as Mc Donald's and X104.3 have connected together to form Mc Donald's Kids Fun Day to be held October 27, 2013 at Mc Donald's in Belvedere.
Sunday's schedule of events begins at 1 p.m. with X104.3 Xtreme Team providing entertainment to all visitors and the free Happy Meal give away. LAB Sports Academy will be on hand with some challenging and exciting games for all visitors to enjoy and take part in.
Throughout the day, visitors will have many opportunities to take photos and hang out with favorite childhood characters, such as Dora, Sponge Bob and Spiderman, all while enjoying refreshments compliments of B&C Beverages.
Mc Donald's Kids Fun Day culminates from 4 until 5 p.m. with live music and the final prize give away of the day. Kids Fun Day is a great opportunity for the children of the community to come out and have a good time with their friends, favorite cartoon characters, radio station X104.3 and restaurant Mc Donald's while being able to win free prizes and testing their skills.
This event is possible through the generous donations of Mc Donald's, Radio X104.3, Prime Distributors, B&C Beverages, LAB Sports Academy, Taliesin Construction and La Rich.
For more information on this event listen to X104 live at 104.3 fm, online at www.x1043.com, visit any Mc Donald's location or see the event ad in the newspapers.

Highlights the Collective Cooperation in Combating the Disease

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams opened the Diabetes Conference on Friday soon after her return from the Netherlands where she highlighted the importance of a joint approach to combating the disease. The conference, organized by the Windward Islands Medical Association, brought together medical professionals from across the region and internationally to discuss ways forward in combating the disease.

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity to collectively battle diabetes. "Our health barometer shows that we do indeed face our challenges an we will further get a feel for this when our Health Information Systems are put in place. However, good care and prevention makes all of the difference in the care for the patients, for their families and for the communities in general of St. Maarten. In a few weeks, on November the 14th we will be celebrating World Diabetes Day and that makes this conference indeed very pertinent and timely and necessary. Stakeholders and healthcare professionals are here to discuss the trends in treatment and care for those suffering from diabetes. The trend worldwide with regards to diabetes in quite alarming and St. Maarten unfortunately is no exception. As you consider the topic for this conference "Can We Turn the Tide" I believe that indeed collectively, with the Public and Private Sectors, we indeed can however there are some necessary requisites, important amongst those being education. It should be no wonder that the theme for diabetes internationally is about prevention and education. As we contemplate how we can turn the tide and reduce the rate in which diabetes is effecting an important factor is education and understanding of what diabetes means for healthcare and our community and so we must turn the tide together," commented the Prime Minister

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last Friday, October 18th, over 100 senior St. Maarten residents enjoyed a lagoon cruise aboard the Explorer along with Rotarians from the Rotary Club of St. Maarten and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid-Isle as well as Interactors from Learning Unlimited, Milton Peters College and St. Maarten Academy. This was the 28th year this event was hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. Entertainment was provided by The Rhythm Boys.

Rotary Club of St. Maarten President Maria Buncamper-Molanus said, "I can not sufficiently express my gratitude to Marc Groeneveldt and his team of Rotarians and Interactors, who made this event seem so effortless. Russell Bell, as usual, got our Seniors to the boat on time and returned them to their destinations safely. On behalf of the Rotary Club, I want to thank the local business community, in particular, the numerous restaurants that provided great food, and of course, those that provided the beverages for the day".

Later on that same day many Rotarians, guests and members of the public once again boarded the Explorer for an evening party cruise, as a fundraising effort to offset the costs of the daytime seniors cruise. Party goers were treated to the electrifying sounds of the Logix Band.

When asked to sum up the day, President Maria Buncamper-Molanus, simply said, "a grand time, both day and night, was had by all".

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

Encourages Students to Continue to be Leaders

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the finals of the Seven Seas, Rotary, Rotaract Spelling Bee at the Belair Community Center on Saturday. The five finalists of the spelling bee represented their schools and wowed the audience with their ability to spell difficult words.

The Prime Minister thanked the organizers and the sponsors and encouraged the students in continuing to excel. "I would like to thank Seven Seas, The Rotary Club and Rotaract and the many businesses who have contributed to this event and helped to make all this possible. I am sure that, like me, the students are quite excited to get started in the spelling bee and I commend them for being young leaders in representing their schools at a very worthwhile project. It is important to also recognize all of those who have participated. The fact that you have participated in this study shows that you can compete and that you have confidence in yourselves. You all deserve a round of applause. And I hope in years to come we can see many more students participating and of course to the teachers and parents in supporting and encouraging the students participating," encouraged the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Thursday October 3, 2013, the Council of Ministers held a meeting with Ombudsman Dr. R. (Nilda) Arduin who was accompanied by the Bureau's Secretary General Ms. Patricia Philips and Legal Advisor Marlon Hart. The Ombudsman explained the content of the Year Report 2012 and gave an update on the various complaints received by the Ombudsman addressing governmental issues.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Thursday October 3, 2013, the Council of Ministers held a meeting with Top Promotion Foundation/Be Able Committee. The Be Able Committee was represented by Chairman Mr. Henri Brookson, Treasurer Mr. Michel Soons and board members Mrs. Angela Richards and Mrs. Veronica Jansen.

The Be Able Committee is the organizer of the annual Awareness Week, which took place in 2012 for the first time with a week of activities, including the international Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. The Awareness Week is intended to create awareness and perspective for the physically and mentally challenged in our society.

The second annual of the Awareness Week and the International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament will take place from November 15 – 23, 2013. The Council of Ministers had the opportunity to view the documentary that was made about last year's event and received information in regard to the challenges and circumstances that need to be improved in order to better the present situation of the physically challenged on Sint Maarten.

In the picture the Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, Minister of Finance Martin Hassink, and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication Thaddeus Richardson were presented with polo shirts from the organization. Also in picture are Chairman of the Be Able Committee Mr. Henri Brookson, Treasurer Mr. Michel Soons and board members Mrs. Angela Richards and Mrs. Veronica Jansen.

SIMPSON BAY:--- A 38-strong contingent of the SXM Sporting Club will leave for Aruba on Oct. 24 to participate in the annual International Airports Slam Games, which will feature volleyball, softball, indoor soccer, target shooting, and dominoes.

"The main event is softball," said Evans Marsham, president of the SXM Sporting Club of Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). Last year the SXM Sporting Club hosted the games when St. Maarten won three of the five events.

"We think we will definitely come back with some trophies from Aruba, but I don't know in what sports yet," he added.

The games began as an annual sporting event among the airports of the now defunct Netherlands Antilles. This year, the participants will also include Surinam and Barbados, apart from Curacao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, and host Aruba.

As members of the board of the SXM Sporting Club sorted out brand new uniforms for the participants in Marsham's office, the atmosphere was upbeat.

"In softball, Curacao and Aruba are our biggest rivals," Marsham said, "while in volleyball it is Curacao, without underestimating Surinam and the other teams. However, our weakest link might be indoor soccer."

Not really, in the opinion of secretary Erica Emer.

"We hope to bring back all the trophies, including indoor soccer, even though Aruba has home advantage," she said.

Emer explained that 14 women are among the SXM Sporting Club contingent.

"It's a mixed match. Each team must have a female player," she said.

The slam ends on Sunday, Oct. 27 and the SXM group is expected back the following day.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell along with several members of Parliament were present in Panama City, Panama over the weekend for the opening of Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) Headquarters (HQ).

The historic inauguration event on Saturday, 19 October was attended by Heads of State including Prince of Spain His Royal Highness Felipe de Borbon and Curacao's Prime Minister Hon. Ivar Asjes.

The inauguration of the new parliamentary HQ was also a special moment for country Sint Maarten. The country's flag hung prominently in front of the new HQ among the other 22 member states as well as inside the General Assembly Hall.

In addition, country Sint Maarten is forever etched in stone on the commemorative plaque placed at the entrance of the Parlatino building where the names of the Vice Presidents of Parlatino are engraved, including that of President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell.

The parliamentary sessions at the XXIX General Assembly concluded with the participants signing the guestbook as a record of the special inauguration event.

The Members of Parliament (MPs) who attended were, MP Hon. Patrick Illidge, MP Hon. George Pantophlet, MP Hon. Romain Laville, MP Hon. Petrus de Weever, MP Hon. Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce, President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell, and 1st Acting Secretary General Nancy Joubert.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Minister Hon. Maurice Lake on Sunday said he is fully behind the expansion of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).

SMMC he pointed out should be up there with the harbor and airport which are seen as beacons of the country's progress to date.

Minister Lake who visited SMMC Open House on Saturday commends staff and management for doing a fantastic job in organizing the event for the public to display and showcase to the community what SMMC has to offer.

"We have to give them credit for the sacrifice and hard work they put in on a daily basis, 24/7 with the limited resources that they have," Minister Lake said on Sunday.

Minister Lake said that once the SMMC Board and Management are ready with their expansion plans, his Ministry will be ready to assist them with the necessary permits to get the expansion underway.

"The health of a nation is the key to socio-economic success of a country. You need a hospital that has the facilities to take care of its people. SMMC has been doing that, and before that you had the St. Rose Hospital on Front Street.

"SMMC has reached the point where it's bursting from its seams and needs to expand and further grow. Our country has grown by leaps and bounds. We have a vibrant tourism sector with over two million visitors, but our medical facility has not grown.

"The health of the people is a primary concern to me as a Minister. I can recall visiting the open house held by SMMC last year October as a private citizen/community activist. At that time I said SMMC is on the right track for success in providing the best health care for our people. I also stated back then that I am looking forward to see government support for the much needed expansion plan for our own hospital.

"I wrote many opinionated pieces in our daily papers in the past about how Government needs to support SMMC's expansion plans.

"On Saturday, October 2013, I visited SMMC open house in the capacity as a Minister of this country. I am now one of the seven in the driver's seat, and SMMC staff and management can count on my support for doing what needs to be done to see our own home-grown medical center expanded," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Minister Lake added that country Sint Maarten moving forward is based on getting back to basics. "If the country is to continue to progress, it must have a healthy population. Without good health there is no wealth. Our medical center is an institution that is part and parcel of the foundation that this country is built upon.

"This foundation also includes your port and airport among other locally home-grown institutions. We must give it what's due to it and I will do what I have to do to see our SMMC and its staff move forward together. Just recently Government allocated land to our locally home-grown St. Maarten Laboratory Services.

"Our lab will build their own facility in the vicinity of SMMC therefore creating a little health city park. We have all heard of technological parks, why not a health city park where we offer various medical services to the neighboring islands? It can be done," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that road works will take place on the Billy Folly Road starting from in front of the Atrium Hotel going up to the entrance of the Simpson Bay Resort & Marina Security booth Monday evening October 21 starting at 8:00pm.

The Billy Folly Road in the aforementioned area will be paved. One lane will be paved first followed by the next. Through traffic will continue. Leaving and entering the area may take a bit longer due to the road works.

Residents and visitors heading to Pelican or leaving the area are asked to pay keen attention to temporary traffic changes that will be put in place in connection with the road paving efforts.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- There is a Central Committee session of Parliament on October 24 with the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA).

The Central Committee session is on Thursday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Central Committee session is a continuation of the meeting that was last held on March 20, 2013, which was postponed.

The agenda points for the session are: survival and growth of the marine industry on Sint Maarten as it relates to, immigration/visa policies; the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority; and the overall economy of the island and other marine related issues.

This meeting was requested by M.F. Ferrier, on behalf of the SMMTA in a letter dated December 17, 2012.

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

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

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

MARIGOT:--- Within the framework of the Blue Week, week dedicated to the elderly which will be held from 21 till 27 October 2013, the children of the club of Avenir Sportif Club of Saint-Martin will participate in events with the elderly of the retirement home Bethany Home, on Saturday, October 26th, 2013, at the Albéric Richard stadium from 9 am to noon.
To the program, activities in the course of which these two groups of opposite age will become allied to be the best: one 400 meters in wheelchair assisted by a young athlete of the club, a running race in which a young athlete will have to represent an elderly person. The elderly will also have to do their best, because they will be in confrontation on one 100 meters walking race, and diverse workshops of athletics will be dedicated to them.
Let us bet that just like last year, this inter-generational meeting will allow discussions between young and elderly, and that the atmosphere will be warm.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. (WIB) was very pleased to provide a donation to assist Mr. Villeneuve Junior King, who leaves on Sunday for training at one of Florida's top ten baseball academies. Villeneuve, who plays center field, started playing in the St. Maarten Little League and might just be St. Maarten's next professional baseball player.

Villeneuve has now finished his schooling in St. Maarten and is looking to move on to a US college to continue his tertiary education. While at college, Villeneuve's goal is to continue playing baseball and eventually go on to become a professional baseball player. Going to this training academy in Florida will definitely improve his chances at achieving his goal of succeeding at the highest level in the sport.

If you wish to have more information please visit his website at http://sosclif.wix.com/junior-king.

The donation was made to Mr. Villeneuve Junior King (left) by Mr. Derek Downes WIB's Managing Director.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle, Drs. Jessurum gave a presentation of the recently released World Alzheimer Report 2013 which centered around the role of the care givers in dementia care. The Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle was only the second group to receive this interesting presentation. The first presentation was given to the Minister of Health.

Members of the club, especially those who have dealt with family members and acquaintances suffering from this disease spoke of their appreciation of the presentation.

Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle would like to encourage everyone in the community to be aware of the symptoms of Alzheimer's and to contact their physicians for early detection.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Disaster Coordinator of the Rotary Club St. Maarten Mid Isle Mr. Peter Mazereeuw and Past Assistant District Governor Mr. Louis Wever spearheaded a collection drive to collect much needed supplies for the victims of the recent fire in the shanty area in Cole Bay. After contacting the Red Cross, they were informed that it would be best at this time to provide clothing as soon as possible to the victims. Members of the club were contacted and quite some bags of clothes, shoes and schoolbags were donated to those who lost everything in the fire. Rotary St. Maarten Mid Isle will continue its collection drive among members.

PHILIPSBURG:--- General Audit Chamber submits the report on the 2011 financial statements of Sint Maarten to Parliament.

The General Audit Chamber submitted their final report on the 2011 financial statements of the Country Sint Maarten on Thursday, October 17, 2013. In keeping with the National Government Accounting Ordinance, the financial statements 2011 of Sint Maarten were examined and the results are outlined in a report to Parliament. The report provides information on the financial information contained in the financial statements of 2011 which were submitted to both the General Audit Chamber and government's accountant, SOAB, on July 19th 2013. These 2011 annual financial statements, representing the first for Sint Maarten since attaining the status of Country within the Kingdom, were issued late.

As required by law, the SOAB audited the financial statements and issued a report to government and the General Audit Chamber. The General Audit Chamber in turn reviewed both the financial statements and the report of the internal auditor and provided comments, opinions and recommendations regarding, among others, on the quality and value of the financial and policy information contained in the financial statements as well as the operational and financial management of the ministries.

The General Audit Chamber concluded that the financial information provided in the annual financial statements does not satisfy legal requirements. Moreover, the General Audit Chamber determined that the operational management is not "in control". Specifically, there are inadequate internal control procedures in place at the ministries, a consequence of which are numerous errors and uncertainties in the annual financial statements.

The value of information provided in the annual financial statements for 2011 is, in the opinion of the General Audit Chamber, insufficient. Lack of information means that the users of the financial statements, among which, Parliament, cannot adequately form an opinion regarding the implementation of policy nor the (financial) management thereof.

One of the recommendations issued by the General Audit Chamber refers to improving the quality of policy information as part of the annual budget cycle. The Audit Chamber suggests that ministries formulate policy in terms of the so called "W-questions". In other words, What do we want to achieve, what will we do to achieve it, and what will it cost?

By law, within a month after issue of the report, government is required to submit a draft ordinance to Parliament to confirm the annual financial statements and also to discharge the ministers in respect to their financial management.

Once Parliament receives reports from the General Audit Chamber, these reports are made public.
The document will be made available in Dutch and English on the website of the General Audit Chamber (www.arsxm.org).

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday October 14th, a delegation from Dominica comprising of the Minister of Education the Honorable Petter St. Jean, Dr. Donald Peters, President Dominica State College , Mr. Brian Meade, Chairman Board of Governors Dominica State College and the Minister's press secretary presented the new multi-million dollar developments of the Dominica State College to the Heads of the Ministry of Education and Honorable Minister de Weever who chaired the meeting on behalf of Minister Lourens.

The Dominica State college (DSC) is the largest and most modern state of the art Educational Facility in Northeastern Caribbean, with accreditation to most of the Universities in the US, Canada, and the UK.

The group took the opportunity to establish a close working relationship with the Government and people of St. Maarten. As there are several hundreds of Dominican nationals, who have been living and working in St. Maarten for years, and have children at College level years who qualify for study financing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Dialysis patients of the St. Maarten Medical Center and their families and friends, Minister of Public Health, Labour and Social Affairs and SZV representatives attended among others a Dialysis/Kidney Transplant Information Session at the University of St. Martin on Thursday October 17th, 2013.

Dr. Van Buren, a Nephrologist working in the Netherlands, gave the keynote presentation. She spoke about the role of our kidneys and what happens when someone kidney fails.

There are 2 possibilities of treatment for someone who has a chronic kidney disease. He or she can have dialysis or can have a kidney transplant.

In St. Maarten there is only one possibility available for these individuals, this treatment is haemodialysis.

Persons requiring this treatment are on a dialysis machine 2 or 3 times a week for 3-4 hours. These dialysis patients need to follow a specific diet and they need to take a certain amount of medications each day.

When Dr. van Buren visited the St. Maarten Medical Center two and half years ago, she was surprised to see that there are patients on the island who may be on dialysis for the rest of their lives because having a transplant on the island is not possible. Neither is there a donor list or a support system in place for them to receive a kidney.

In the Netherlands the possibilities of a kidney transplant is high, though someone may be on hemodialysis treatment for 6 years before being eligible to receive a kidney transplant.

There are 36 dialysis patients treated at the St. Maarten Medical Center. The dialysis clinic, "started out of a closet in St. Rose hospital" says Antonio Pantophlet, Manager Patient Care in his opening remarks. The department has been possible with the efforts of now retired Internist Dr. Theo Jolles and hard working nursing staff.

A group of qualified registered nurses with certified specialization in dialysis care give patients the best possible care. Recently, the SMMC has been able to attract nephrologists from Curacao to provide medical care to the dialysis patients every two weeks.

Minister of Public Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Dr. Cornelius De Weever reaffirmed that the visiting Nephrologist has assist in improving the care at the SMMC. The need for specialists and the need for the expansion of the hospital have to take place to further improve to care especially for dialysis patients.

"We cannot focus on the cost. We have to provide the quality of care that our family deserves...we need to explore the possibility of a national organ donor list on SMMC," says the minister.

Through Dr. van Buren mediation and cooperation between the dialysis department and social work department it was possible for our first patients to go to the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam to obtain a kidney transplant. Kidney transplant coordinator Nrs. Georgina Mingau and Social Worker Rachel Hofdom presented how the SMMC gives these patients support in this process.

The SZV discussed how they have been instrumental in this process. Since then they have worked together with the dialysis department of the SMMC and their social worker to send 4 patients to the Netherlands. All of whom has been successful. The transitions has been smoothly, "when we receive the request, SMMC has already done their medical part and we send the patient away and hope for the best" Carele Martha, SZV representative. She also discussed the possibilities for dialysis patients to receive treatment aboard if they go on vacation.

At the session local author Felicita Williams gave her experience of having kidney failure as a child and leaving for the Netherlands in the early 1990 to be on a donor list while receiving haemodialysis treatment.

Years later, there are still challenges for St. Maarten patients. Receiving live donors from family and friends is still yet not common among us. Also insufficient information and myths about kidney transplant may be the cause for a lack of donors.

Many persons regretted the lack of general practitioners at the session, as it is very important that kidney failure be found early. There may be the possibility to prevent renal kidney failure or there may be the possibility for someone to receive a kidney transplant before going on dialysis.

The SMMC will continue to bring awareness of the need for kidney donors on the island. In her closing remarks Anita Rotsburg, Supervisor Dialysis department SMMC, emphasized the need for St. Maarten to work toward a point where a donor list for patients on St. Maarten can be established.

Dr. van Buren was presented with a token on behalf of patients and dialysis staff for her active support two and a half years ago in getting patients with kidney failure, who had live donors, transplanted in the Netherlands.

The dialysis department will be present at the St. Maarten Medical Center Open House to give information and answer questions about kidney failure, treatment and possibilities for kidney transplantation. Persons can also receive a tour of the dialysis unit.

The Open House is at 3:00pm until 8:00pm. It will start with breast cancer lectures and continue with a Zumba session and free breast exams. The public is invited to attend and learn about the services offered at the SMMC.

ANSE MARCEL:--- A diverse group of people came together around a conference room table at the Radisson Hotel in Anse Marcel, to spend the day planning how to develop St. Martin's cultural and natural heritage assets to attract a portion of the growing experiential tourism market. Experiential tourism, one term for the growing market of tourists seeking authentic experiences centered around nature, culture, arts and heritage, is a fast growing segment of the global tourism market, and typically includes visitors that stay longer and spend more than traditional tourists. The workshop, moderated by Christophe Henocq, aimed to outline a strategy and action plan to guide future efforts in these areas as a way to increase tourism on the island, particularly during low season.

Part of a two-day tourism conference organized by Député Daniel Gibbs in partnership with Air France and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the heritage and environment "think tank" session attracted a mix of business owners and representatives of associations working in ecology, history, culture and the arts to share ideas for development in these areas and seek cooperative solutions to make them a reality.

"For those of us who have been working to develop natural and cultural assets for years or decades, this is a very exciting time due to the rapid growth of heritage tourism worldwide," explained roundtable facilitator Christophe Henocq. "The tremendous economic potential of the island's heritage has created mainstream interest in promoting and protecting the things that make St. Martin unique."

Two hours of roundtable discussion in the morning focused on identifying existing assets on the island, exploring new opportunities and addressing obstacles to developing heritage tourism. Assets identified in the discussion were plentiful and diverse, including protected wetlands of international importance, historical sites like Fort Louis, attractions such as Loterie Farm and public events like Mardis de Grand Case. Cuisine, traditional architecture and local arts were also pinpointed as key elements of the authentic St. Martin experience.

A rich variety of future opportunities were also explored. The team considered attractions and events that combine multiple aspects of heritage to be especially promising, due to their potential to attract a broader audience. A wildlife trail on the Grand Case salt pond that also tells the story of the salt industry was one suggestion. In keeping with the theme of the conference, the group also investigated specific ways to attract tourism during the low season, such as increasing the international appeal of off-season events such as the St. Martin Book Fair and Migratory Bird Festival and creating new magnet events such as art/history/film fusion exhibitions and hiking festivals.

Regrouping after lunch, the workshop created an action plan based on the discussion from the morning, and presented it to the general conference and the press. Key objectives included expanding and improving the island's heritage offerings to increase their appeal and reach new niche markets, creating a committee to develop heritage tourism on the island, and developing a unified brand and message around St. Martin's heritage offerings that it can promote in key international markets.

Significant challenges remain. Difficulty finding information about heritage attractions, the need for improved logistics and parking for events, and security issues were identified as obstacles facing tourists on the island today. However, with a lucrative and growing market to address, a plan of action, and broad interest in developing these assets, the future of heritage-based tourism on St. Martin looks brighter than ever.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The "Meet and Greet" area at the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) has been spruced up to mark the airport's 70th anniversary and also to reflect the stunning landing approach for which it has become world famous, with CNN being the latest to list SXM among the world's most dramatic landings. All of this falls in line with the airport's drive to heighten the "sense of place" that would distinguish it positively and impact on the passenger experience. (SXM Photo)

GREAT BAY:--- "On October 19, 1983, Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, leader of the Grenadian Revolution, and his closest advisers were assassinated by the country's army, and six days later, the USA executed its long-planned invasion of the Spice Isle." That's how the preface by Lasana Sekou opens his just released book from House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).

The publication is entitled Maroon Lives – Tribute to Maurice Bishop & Grenadian Freedom Fighters by Lasana M. Sekou; Revolution As Poetic Inspiration: Grenada in 'Maroon Lives' by Fabian Adekunle Badejo, and is available at www.amazon.com and other bookstores.

"Thirty years later, the scars left by the assassination of the charismatic leader of the New Jewel Movement of Grenada, Maurice Bishop, are yet to heal completely. Maroon Lives was and remains for me a dirge for a revolution gone bad; a revolution that held out the best hope for not only the Grenadian people but for the whole of the Caribbean," said Badejo about the title that he collaborated on with Sekou.

Keith Ellis, author and professor emeritus at University of Toronto, is certain that Sekou's Maroon Lives, as a "powerful extensive elegy that privileges revolution—like others by José Martí and Nicolás Guillén—will not grow old, nor will the brilliant essay by Fabian Adekunle Badejo that accompanies it."

The first part of the book is collection of poems by Sekou. He takes aim at the Bishop assassination, the US invasion, and tensions generated by revolutionary struggles and the search for justice. Chapter two is Badejo's in-depth study of Maroon Lives and the critical relationship between literature, revolution, and the transformation of societies.

The authors acknowledge both the achievements of the Grenada Revolution and what Sekou calls in the poem "War Dogs," its "abortion slaughter." "But revolutions don't die once they enter into the hearts and consciousness of people where no weapons can dislodge them," said Badejo.

"The re-publication of Maroon Lives by Lasana Sekou and my paper on it two generations later is proof positive that the dream of Maurice Bishop lives on, like the maroons."

First released as Maroon Lives – for Grenadian freedom fighters, with only the poems written between the arrest of Bishop and the Urgent Fury invasion, the 1983 edition was hurriedly published in New York, just a few weeks after the US invasion on October 25. Sekou was a Howard University graduate student at the time. Badejo's study was first presented at the Caribbean Studies Association conference in 1984.

In the preface to the beefed up edition of 2013, Sekou hopes that Maroon Lives "will resonate with today's protest poetry, related literary criticism, and dispatches from the culture wars and the challenges of globalization."

The St. Martin poet also wants the tribute title to "inform somehow the discourse and defiance of the enterprise of imperialism whatever shape, form, or guise this may take."

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell would like to commend the FC Soualiga Women's Soccer Team on organizing their first international Women's Soccer tournament at Cruyff Court in Belvedere this weekend.

The competition will feature two teams from Sint Maarten and one from Curacao, St. Barths, and Trinidad & Tobago.

"I extend a warm welcome to the invited teams and wish them both local and regional teams much success. As a former amateur soccer player in my teens, I can attest to the fact that being part of any sport especially during your formative years contributes significantly to building a mentality of team spirit, discipline, endurance no matter the obstacles life throws at you.

"Congratulations to David Forsythe for his hard work as well as for his vision in establishing this female soccer team. This is just the beginning.

"I'm convinced that the FC Soualiga Women's Soccer Team will make Sint Maarten proud when it qualifies to participate in a world class international tournament.

"I encourage more teens and young women to take charge of their lives and join any sport of their choice," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- "The OSPP has previously suggested a reasonable pay-out package for the RBC workers to be laid off, says Lenny Priest, and some have commented disparagingly at our proposal. We however feel that anyone who finds our proposal unreasonable, or question RBC's ability to offer the compensation we proposed, knows nothing of the record profits RBC posted in 2012. Nor can our detractors be aware that RBC is among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We do not expect those that criticized our suggestion; know that about the same time that the local branch of RBC informed thirteen of its employees of their eminent dismissal, the parent company disclosed that it had committed itself to over $95million in donations and sponsorships to world charities over the next three to four years. Thus, the OSPP is in no doubt that RBC is well able, to write off the mortgages of its soon-to-be-let-go employees. They should not try to shun their responsibilities as a corporate citizen and they must also remember that charity begins at home. We think firstly that RBC should not be permitted to create disruption to our fragile economy and social displacement to so many families by sending home these employees, without reasonable economic rationalization for this. It is virtually impossible for RBC St Maarten to present justification for this move, or it would have done so. The only reason given so far – reorganization – downsizing may make the world of sense to RBC, but means nothing to us beyond the hardships so far encountered through its defective services over the months, and the expected upheaval that will follow the complete closure of certain aspects of its local operations. To us, it is a choice of either compensating the employees adequately, or re-deploy these workers, and not at the expense of other sectors of the institution. Certainly, a bank that claims to be interested in "strengthening the social fabric of the communities in which [it] operates" must know that its chosen priorities should reflect those of the community in which it exists, and that our community also needs investments, not the divestment it aims to bring unto the thirteen and unknown others .

OSPP Press Release

SIMPSON BAY:--- Female athletes of the FC Soualiga Soccer team sponsored by the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), received their branded jerseys on Tuesday, October 15, 2013. They also received breast cancer promotional bags in light of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month currently underway.

The team will be hosting the FC Soualiga International Women's Soccer Tournament, which is slated for October 19-20, 2013, at the Johan Cruyff Court in Belvedere. For this tournament, the team will be welcoming a number of regional women's soccer teams to the island and will have the opportunity to hand over additional promotional SXM Airport bags to the visiting teams.

According to Lieneke Haandrikman, member of the FC Soualiga Management Team, this will be the first time since the establishment of FC Soualiga, in April 2013, that the team will be hosting such an international tournament. Participating teams are from St. Maarten, Curaçao, St. Barth's, and Trinidad and Tobago. St. Maarten will field two teams. Each team will consist of a maximum of 10 players, with six players on the field during the game, Cruyff Court competition-style.

"We've been practicing really hard and both teams have shown great dedication, motivation and improvement in skill. Unfortunately, we have not been able to scope out the competition yet, we have heard that they are indeed very good, but we will definitely do our best to make St. Maarten proud," Haandrikman said, commenting on the prospects of the hosts at the tournament.

"We hope this tournament will open doors and allow us to become acquainted with more teams internationally, as well as allowing us the opportunity to play abroad and represent our island," she added.

Since the establishment of FC Soualiga women's soccer team, SXM Airport has been a partner of FC Soualiga, assisting with the hosting of a Father's Day Business Tournament, providing practice uniforms for the ladies and now officially sponsoring the 'home' and 'away' tournament uniforms for the FC Soualiga players.

"SXM remains committed to supporting sports activities on the island, and we wish FC Soualiga the best of luck during the upcoming tournament," said Kalifa Hickinson, SXM Airport Corporate Communications Specialist.

~ For Senior and Mature Queens ~

COLE BAY:--- Motorworld and the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) have once again joined forces to offer the winner of the Ms. Mature Carnival Queen Pageant and Senior Carnival Queen pageant, brand new cars as their grand prize.

Motorworld and SCDF had what was called a terrific response to its partnership from Carnival 2013 and is excited about the activities planned for Carnival 2014, the 45th anniversary of Carnival on St. Maarten.

The Senior Carnival Queen will win a 2014 Hyundai Accent and the Mature Queen a 2014 Hyundai i-20. Motorworld will also make vehicles available to SCDF to use for its various Motorcades, the company will also be the co-sponsor of the Senior and Mature Pageant nights and will have a presence in the Grand Carnival Parade.

"Motorworld has been and continues to be a dependable corporate partner for St. Maarten's Carnival. We have developed a great working relationship all in the benefit of Carnival. The contestants for our two biggest pageants, the Senior and Mature, work really hard for months in preparation for their shows. To win a car at the end of it all, it a nice reward," President of SCDF Mike Granger said.

"Motorworld is proud to once again sponsor the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) for the upcoming Carnival season. For Carnival 2014 Motorworld will be donating a brand new 2014 Hyundai i20 and brand new 2014 Hyundai Accent for the winner of the Mature Carnival Queen Pageant (aged 26 and up) and the winner of the Senior Carnival Queen Pageant (18 to 25). We wish all the contestants the very best of luck and hope the people of St. Maarten come out to support this great event in large numbers," Rena Amjad CEO of Motorworld said.

She added that with the car prizes as prizes for Carnival 2013 turnout to the shows were the most in a long time. "They were very successful and we're hoping for an even bigger turn out this year celebrating 45 years of carnival," Amjad said.

Registration for the pageants has been opened since September 1, 2013 and will be closed on December 1, 2013. Forms can be collected at the Government Administration Building (at the security desk) or can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Information regarding the pageants can be had by calling 5208863 or 5225133.

SCDF Press Release

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group will be hosting a Family Fun Park event on November 3, with an open invitation to all fun-lovers, young and old. This is the second time for the year TelEm Group is hosting the Family Fun park event this year, "and it's back by popular demand," said event coordinator, Angel Richardson. She said a whole day has been set aside for a number of fun activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy, but especially youngsters.
"The winners of our recently held Breakthrough talent search will be there to perform for our guests in some live shows. We will also bring back the popular Rock wall, Bungee Jump, and the Game Fest." Said Angel.
Other activities will include airbrush and tattoos, surprise raffles, entertaining toys, various street performers. There will also be refreshments of food and drink.
"Once again we are happy to say that that we will only be charging $1 for entrance and different fees for each activity," said Angel, who is also predicting a massive turnout that will be even bigger than the record turnout earlier in the year when a similar event was held.
"We are all prepared for a large crowd once again and we will be advising visitors to come early to enjoy all that we will have to offer," continued Angel.
As with the earlier event, the Family Fun Park will take place in the TelEm Group grounds on Pond Island.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Excitement is building as nominations are coming in for the 8th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards. We want to make sure that your candidate gets nominated, as nominations will be coming to a close on Monday October 21st, 2013. This is the ONLY event on the island which gives you the opportunity to put forward those individuals and companies that you think should be recognized for their outstanding performance in the Tourism and Trade Industry: May it be an excellent employee, an outstanding manager or for example, someone who has really contributed towards the industry. The grand event will take place on November 22nd at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino.

This year's nomination category groups are: Accommodations (Hotels, Timeshares and Rentals) with 4 subcategories; Restaurants with 3 subcategories; and Community Services. Individuals, who have been nominated in previous years, can be nominated again. With tourism being the main economic pillar of St. Maarten, every business on our island, directly or indirectly, contributes to the industry. As such we encourage nominations from all businesses on St. Maarten. So do not miss your chance to submit your nominations! Submission of nominations can be done as follows:

Step 1. Go to www.shta.com
Step 2. Select 'Crystal Pineapple Awards' from the Events Tab
Step 3. Click on link to see the Nomination Categories
Step 4. Download and fill in the nomination form
Step 5. Send the filled out nomination form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nominations and photos of the nominees should be sent by fax to the SHTA office at 542-0107 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please feel free to send in nominations for more than one category. Once your nominations have been received and they pass the initial screening, three to five candidates per subcategory will be presented to the general public for voting. The Organizing Committee is appealing to the community of St. Maarten to nominate their candidate before it is too late. "This is the opportunity to recognize an outstanding employee, supervisor, salesperson or manager would not be acknowledged for their contribution towards our tourism industry. Therefore we urge the community to not let the deadline pass without submitting their candidates", said the SHTA.

The SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail or visit our website www.shta.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation is inviting Organizations, Groups and Individuals who are interested in the proper care and handling of Sea Turtles and their nesting to attend a workshop on Monday, the 4th of November. During the course important information will be given on the handling, reporting, observation and protection of St. Maarten's resident and nesting Sea Turtle Population. "Recently there has been a great deal of interest in hatchling sea turtles; however the population needs to be aware of the way in which the animals should be handled and taken care of. Some in their enthusiasm seek to help the animals but oftentimes create more harm than good and it is therefore that we decided to conduct this workshop for interested organizations, groups and individuals to participate in and learn the proper way to observe, record and handle sea turtles."

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation actively manages the sea turtle population on St. Maarten, particularly during the nesting season and conducts various activities with regards to nesting females including beach surveys, nest excavations, tagging activities, and nest success research. The Nature Foundation welcomes any volunteers who might be interested in Sea Turtle research. Beach communities in particular are in the best position to help ensure that females nest safely, that nests are left undisturbed and that hatchlings make it safely to sea. The Nature Foundation asks that people do not drive on the nesting beaches and that they walk their dog on a leash.

Sea turtle population numbers have plummeted to dangerously low numbers throughout the past century due to human impacts, bringing many species close to extinction, causing them to be listed as critically endangered. In order to reverse this trend, all sea turtle species are now protected by international laws and treaties as well as local laws. Based on ARTICLE 16 and 17 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance St. Maarten it is illegal to kill, wound, capture, pick-up, have animals that belong to a protected animal species, to directly or indirectly disturb their environment resulting in a physical threat or damage to the fauna or to commit other acts which result in disturbance of the animal. It is also forbidden to upset an animal belonging to a protected species, to disturb, damage or destroy its nest, lair, or breeding place, as well as to take the nest of such an animal. Also, it is forbidden to pick-up or to destroy the eggs of animals belonging to a protected species.

To register for the workshop or to report nesting activity or illegal activity, please call the Sea Turtle Hotline 9229 or call the Nature Foundation office at 5444267 or email the Foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was joined by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Aviation, Transportation and Telecommunication the Honorable Ted Richardson in congratulating local Meteorologist and Climate Expert Desiree Connor in traveling to Beijing China to attend the International Training Course on Regional Climate Prediction and Drought Monitoring hosted by the WMO Regional Training Centre Beijing (RTC-Beijing) and sponsored by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

Through the training course, participants will gain a good understanding of short-term climate prediction and drought-related issues. The course is also designed to help trainees learn new techniques of diagnosis and attribution on extreme climate events (especially drought events), and improve the climate prediction skills in St. Maarten.

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams stated that she was proud to see a young, local professional in the scientific field travel internationally to gain a more in depth understanding of the changes in climate. "I would like to congratulate and commend Ms. Connor in her travels and I am sure that she will return to St. Maarten with the information necessary to prepare the country for climactic events that will undoubtedly influence us in the coming decades," commented the Prime Minister.

The attendance of St. Maarten was sponsored by the China Meteorological Administration CMA.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday 14th October, Board members of the Soualiga Social Movement met with Mr. Wayne Brook to discuss what synergies exist between the SSM's "HandyManVan project" and the various social workplace or employability thru training courses provided by the Ministry.
The HandyManVan project aims to equip a utility van with proper tools and equipment for most home repairs and have a few young adults trained on the job by a tradesman supervisor for some time. The participants would also have to follow mandatory workshops on employability, marketing, social interaction and business practices.
Both parties explained their projects' highs, lows and bottlenecks and it became clear that most of these types of projects encounter similar obstacles such as the unwillingness of some young adults to give information to authority figures and the lack of the proper paperwork needed to be employed.
SSM agreed with Mr. Brook that efforts and initiatives need to be put in place to avoid these bottlenecks for future projects. Both parties discussed other possible projects and would meet again in the near future.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library has opened registration for their Halloween reading & costume party, which will be held on Saturday, October 26, from 6pm to 8pm.
The library has been organizing successful Halloween programs since 2009. At the core of the activities will be reading. Participating youngsters will be able to see the library's garden transform into a haunted graveyard. Activities for the evening will include storytelling, educational games, arts & craft, as well as a graveyard hunt.
Registration is required at a cost of only 5 dollars or 9 guilders and will run from Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 26. The registration process can only be done at the library, during our opening hours, until space is filled. The library will only be accepting 45 applicants for this event. Children ages 8 -13 are welcome. Space is limited so parents are required to register their children as early as possible. Parents are advised to pick up their children on time when activities end at 8pm.
Participating children are asked to come dressed in their most creative costume and bring along a flashlight. Snacks and drinks will be available.
For more information, please contact the library at 542-2970 or visit our website at www.stmaartenlibrary.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell expresses her sympathy to the fire victims of more than 100 persons who lost their homes and possessions after a fire ripped through the area where they were residing at Wesley Lane, Cole Bay.

"I was shocked to learn about the tragic fire event earlier this week. I would like to commend the various Ministers who have responded to the tragic situation, Minister Maurice Lake, Minister Cornelius De Weever and Minister Dennis Richardson, as well as the personnel from their respective departments and services.

"Such a tragedy must be prevented from happening again. Living in such close proximity from each other presents serious fire hazards as well as challenges once something happens.

"I fully support the calls and steps taken by Minister Maurice Lake and Minister Dennis Richardson not to allow the re-construction of a shanty town, and to also look at other areas in the country that fall within this category and seeking permanent solutions to the so-called shanty town development.

"After the life changing event of Hurricane Luis in 1995, a policy was established not to allow the construction of shanty towns. How easy do we forget, yet we must never forget," President of Parliament Hon. Arrindell said on Thursday.

President Arrindell added that in time of need, more than 100 persons are in need of clothing, children's toys etc. and appeals to the Sint Maarten public to give and donate to such organizations as the St. Maarten Red Cross who are assisting these persons.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) workgroup, guided by the Department of the Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BAK), with the support of the Department of Statistics (STAT), has been collecting data on the eight MDGs for the last couple of months.

The eight MDGs are: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; Achieve universal primary education; Promote gender equality and empower women; Reduce child mortality; Improve maternal health; Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; Ensure environmental sustainability; and Develop a global partnership for development.

This data collection phase is critical, due to the fact that valuable information is needed from the ministries and several institutions in order to report on the MDG indicators.

The data will only be used by government to respond to the indicators of the MDGs so that Sint Maarten is able to provide an update to the 2011 MDG report and fulfill one of the obligations Sint Maarten has towards its people and the international community of nations.

The data will also be used in an online human development database (DevInfo) system for Sint Maarten to facilitate the making of policy plans, needed to bring the country steps forward in its national development.

Country Sint Maarten also needs to report on the state of those MDG-goals to the United Nations (UN) in 2014, based on the Millennium Declaration the Netherlands signed in 2000 which applies to the countries within the Dutch Kingdom.

Data collection has been done mainly within government, but a great part of the data needed is stored at some institutions.

The Prime Minister who is responsible for the MDG process which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, therefore, requests the full cooperation of those institutions on this data collection process, in providing the required data.

These institutions that come from the health, gender, education, and environment related sectors have already been sent a letter from the Prime Minister with a follow-up coming from Drs. L. Morales (of Department of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations) and the Department of Statistics.

Representatives from both departments will be visiting the entities within the coming weeks. The main purpose of the visit will be to facilitate a smooth transition of information by discussing and explaining the process after which the institutions will receive a reasonable period in which to deliver the requested information.

In 2011 the first MDG report for Sint Maarten and Curaҁao was published. Since that year, Sint Maarten is using this report as a baseline for the formulation of a National Development Plan (NDP).

The process of data collection for the MDG's has been started in order to sustain the three year program 'Building a Nation: St. Maarten's National Development Plan and Institutional Strengthening'.

For more information, regarding the MDG process, interested institutions and others can call Drs. L.R. Morales at 542-0896 or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During a recent Parliamentary debate I stated that were it pertains to remarks made by Members of the 2nd Chamber of the Netherlands, these remarks are almost certain to be carried front page by our two Daily papers. I have also stated that the Bosman law as presented by this member of the 2nd chamber reeks of discrimination against persons from Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten who holds the same Dutch Nationality as persons from Bonaire. St. Eustatius and Saba. In addition the Dutch Constitution only recognizes one Dutch Nationality and no distinction can be made based on the country of origin of those who would like to reside in the Netherlands. In fact no distinction can also be made based on race, social status, ethnicity or any other matter as such.

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe in a recent report advised the Dutch government that this law if adopted will cause unequal treatment based on ethnicity and urges the Dutch Government to withdraw this law proposal.

The Council also advises the Dutch Government to explore positive measures that may be needed to address persons coming from Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten that encounter problems of a social nature, involved with criminality or persons that go to the Netherlands for the so called social support and to make sure that these persons if they reside in the Netherlands or on one of these 3 islands that they may benefit from these positive measures.

The Council states that Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten cannot be seen as separate countries from the Netherlands, whereby restrictive measures are instituted to prohibit the free movement of people. These recommendations were given by the Council in its 4th annual country report pertaining to racism in the Member State the Netherlands. It is strange to me that the two local daily's that does extensive internet research on matters pertaining to issues surrounding the relationship between the Netherlands and Aruba, Curacao and or St. Maarten failed to carry this so important conclusion from the

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance of the Council of Europe (ECRI). Or isn't this story juicy and negative enough to be carried on the front pages of our two daily newspapers. For further research one may visit the below site.

http://caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl/2013/10/16/raad-van-europa-is-tegen-bosmanwet/

Press Release from Member of Parliament Roy Marlin

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, has sent out a notice to all general physicians to remain on alert with respect to cholera after the Ministry of Public Health received a Cholera Alert from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

Physicians have been asked to strengthen surveillance of acute gastroenteritis.

CPS retains its travel recommendation for persons traveling to Hispanola (Haiti, Dominican Republic), to continue to be cautious with respect to Cholera.

Travelers to the Dominican Republic are strongly advised to follow basic hygienic habits while in one of the aforementioned countries.

As part of the Minister's 'Get Checked,' campaign, travelers who return to the island and display symptoms of cholera are strongly advised to get checked by visiting their family physician.

CPS continues to maintain Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommendations which were reiterated recently to maintain in place surveillance activities to detect the occurrence of outbreaks and implementing intervention actions to reduce cholera spread determinants.

Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration and death within hours.

Cholera is transmitted through fecal contamination of water and food. In places where there is infrastructure damage, the lack of safe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene can increase the risk of cholera, as well as numerous other diarrhea diseases.

While in the Dominican Republic ensure that you take vital precautions such as hygienic food preparation, boiling or purifying all water, and washing hands often with soap and clean water.

Symptoms can occur within 24 to 48 hours of being infected with the cholera causing bacteria. Cholera symptoms are generally mild; they include diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. About one infected person out of 20 has severe signs and symptoms, such as increased heart rate, dehydration, and shock. Immediately consult your physician if you have traveled and have any of the symptoms, while maintaining proper hygiene.

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

By taking a few basic precautions, cholera as well as most other food and water-borne diseases can easily be prevented. The main rule is, always be aware of the quality of what you eat and drink. Enjoy and keep safe as you travel and help us keep Sint Maarten Cholera Free!

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Preparations are in full swing for St. Maarten's Day, November 11. The St. Maarten's Day Organizing Committee is inviting booth holders and vendors to a meeting on Thursday, 17 October in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, Government Administration Building at 7:00pm.

The Organizing Committee is also asking cultural groups that have participated in the past as well as new groups to show their patriotism and come and join the 2013 St. Maarten Day Cultural Parade. The aforementioned can also attend the Thursday evening meeting.

St. Maarten's Day festivities will take place at the Festival Village from as early as 10:00am until 9:00pm.

Click here to view St. Maarten's Day 2013 Program of Events.

SAUNDERS:--- The Police Traffic Department is informing the general public the as of Monday October 21st 2013 from 6:30am to 8:00am, the crossing of L.B. Scot road and Flamboyant Road in Saunders will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic. This measure will be taken every Monday through Friday on school days, until further notice. This traffic measure has been taken to regulate the flow of traffic in the Saunders area during the very busy morning hours. All drivers exiting the Saunders area are advised to use the Coralita road or the Gladiola road. All drivers are urged to take good notice of the traffic measure to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.

KPSM Public Notice

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Traffic Department is inviting representatives of the Bus drivers Association and independent bus drivers, to attend a very important and information session that will given on Tuesday October 22nd, 2013 at 2:00pm at the Philipsburg Police Station. This session is in connection with the upcoming Holiday Season which is going to be a very busy one. All bus drivers are urged to good notice of this information.

KPSM Public Notice

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library will host an information session on solar panels and inverters on, Saturday, October 19, at 10:30am.
Members of the general public with an interest in solar powering their home or business are invited to attend this 1 hour information session about going solar. A complete walkthrough of the 48 panel system installed on the Library roof top will be given. This 10 kilowatt system has saved the library over $ 5,000 USD since its installation over 6 months ago.
Certified Solar Installers and Experts of Caribbean Energy Store will be available to answer your questions. Interested participants are requested to bring along their current electric bill to the information session for a free solar quotation and information about going solar.

~To assess needs of fire victims; donates water, bread~

COLE BAY:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation joined by All Children's Education (ACE) Foundation school on Tuesday reached out to the victims of the devastating fire that completely destroyed a number of homes at Wesley Lane, Cole Bay early Sunday morning.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung along with a group of six ACE pupils, ACE Director Claire Elshot and a volunteer visited the fire site on Monday to conduct an assessment of the needs of the families who were displaced by the inferno to see how the foundation can assist.
The Foundation provided an immediate relief of 20 cases of water and bread for fire victims and will be exploring how it can further assist the families.
The visit was particularly sad for the school and pupils because one of the youngsters displaced by the fire attends ACE. The visit to the fire site was an eye opener for pupils who witnessed first-hand the destruction that a fire can cause as they looked at the remains of razed computers, stoves, gas bottles and the debris scattered on the site.
Following the visit to the fire site; the group visited the St. Maarten Red Cross Foundation; where some of the fire victims had been taken for a meeting. At this location; ACE pupils got to meet their classmate who was affected by the fire.
ACE pupils helped to collect data from families, which will be used to help Tzu Chi compile a plan-of-action as to how it will further assist fire victims.
It has been reported that an estimated 100 persons were left homeless as a result of the fire of unknown origin. The area destroyed by fire contained homes constructed with T1-11 plywood and zinc sheets.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Local entrepreneur, Terrance Rey, nominates taxi drivers for a Crystal Pineapple Award. Taxi drivers are a vital component for the tourism industry and it is about time that the taxi drivers are recognized for the important work they do in this sector of our island's economy.

"As it is difficult to nominate each and every taxi driver, I propose we nominate the presidents of each taxi association to represent their respective members," says Terrance Rey. "You have Mr. Otis Hughes of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association; Mr. Jean Samuel of the St. Maarten Airport Taxi Association and Mr. Nathaniel Wyatt of Genesis Taxi Association."

"I personally, would nominate Mr. Rigobert 'Bert' Gumbs of Taxi 267 for his tireless dedication, professionalism and courteousness towards our customers," Rey explained. "When I book a taxi tour with Mr. Gumbs, I can simply walk away and entrust my clients to his care."

Rey continues: "His reliability and dependability over the years has proven to be a critical success element in servicing our clients in this industry."

As an example of the kind of reliability he is talking about, Rey explains: "I remember in 2010, we had a meeting with a group and when the meeting ended, a rain poured down trapping us in the building where the meeting was held. The intention was to walk back to our respective offices. I called Bert and within minutes a taxi van showed up at the door."
Rey concludes: "In my opinion, that is the kind of service that definitely deserves a Crystal Pineapple Award."

Terrance Rey is owner of AirStMaarten and Let's Travel and uses the webpage at StMaartenTours.info as a booking platform for cruise passengers to book island tours, trips and excursion via his agencies with the taxi drivers. Terrance Rey is also a 2010 Crystal Pineapple Award winner himself.

"NEW AGE"

Let me tell you the difference in times,
By elaborating in very clever rhymes.
How the world has developed, these last couple ages.
How we went from books, to online web pages.

RAM was once only a male horned sheep.
Now it's Randomly Access Memory, the data we keep.
When surfing was just going down to the shore
Now surfing is the browsing of info, we always want more

When Hackers were people hacking away at the trees.
Now hackers dig at us, like invasive fleas
Virus was when I would catch the common cold,
Now a virus is something I never want to download

Trolls lived under bridges and were completely mythical,
Now they exist for the 'lols'. With humor that's not hysterical.
Back when mail was hand delivered, and Spam was just meat.
And to meet someone, you actually had to meet.

Remember back when a web was sticky silken spider thread.
And a mouse was not welcomed in the house, alive or dead.
All those are back when, way before the digital phenomenon.
But now in this day and age, things got to start going on.

SO DigiKids. Compliments. You have the right idea.
And you are definitely starting in the right area.
Primary schools first, foundation is the key.
So they are equipped for the digital age, you see

For in this day and age, we cannot falter and lag behind.
As ages change fast, as my poem just defined.
Digital is here now, it's not an idea of tomorrow.
And now, ladies and gentleman.
We all know where we have to go.

-Andrew L. Peterson

MARIGOT:--- Halloween holidays will be athletic for the champions of the Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin. Indeed, Sareena Carti, champion of France 2013 of 400 meters category younger children(juniors), and recently awarded gold medal on the same distance to the Olympic Festival of the European Youth, was invited by the French Federation of Athletics to participate in two internships.
The first one will be held in the Southeast of France, from october 19th till the 24th of this year, in the CREPS(REGIONAL CENTER FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION) Saint Raphaël Boulouris, an establishment which positions clearly as a center of resources for the training of the high-level athletes. She will be accompanied during this travels by her trainer Patrick Trival.
The second internship in which Sareena will participate, will be held in Italy, from October 24th till November 1st at the invitation of the national technical Team sprint / hedges of the French Federation. This internship has for objective to group athletes presenting the potential to participate in the young summer international terms of the next two years.
At the same moment, Lisa Coquillas from Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin, champion of Guadeloupe of the 2000 m walking, category youngest child - girl, will participate in an internship of athletic walking from 24 till 29 October 2013, organized by the committee of walking, and the Etoile club in Guadeloupe.
One might as well say that through his athletes, Saint Martin will be splendidly represented during Halloween holidays.
The club would like to thank the Collectivity of Saint Martin, and more particularly the President of the Collectivity, Madam Aline Hanson, without whom these projects would not have been born.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Section General Health Care (SGHC) that falls under Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says nations around the globe on Wednesday, 16 October, observed World Food Day (WFD) under the theme: "Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition."

The objective of the day is to raise awareness in connection with healthy people depend on healthy food systems. The observance also ties in with CPS annual calendar of health awareness.

As part of the Minister's 'Get Checked,' campaign, De Weever is calling on civil society to pay more attention to nutrition and how they can work on improving their intake of nutritional foods and a healthy lifestyle.

The objective of World Food Day is to also encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end; as well as heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world.

The Committee on World Food Security, the world's most important intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder platform for food security and nutrition, opened its 40th session at the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Italy, amid urgent calls to build more effective links between international policies and the daily needs of millions of the world's most vulnerable people.

The latest estimates signal there are nearly 30 million less hungry people in the world in 2013 compared to last year, according to the FAO. Progress continues to be made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal hunger target of reducing by half the proportion of the undernourished population between 1990 and 2015.

The report, the State of Food Insecurity in the World, estimates that 842 million people globally suffered from chronic hunger in 2011-13. This figure is down from 868 million during the 2010-12, and represents a decline of 17 per cent since 1990-92.

About 75 per cent of the world's poorest people live in rural areas and mainly depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The lead organization that develops the official theme at the start of every year is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group and overseas vendor, BTI, will be carrying out critical capacity expansion of the company's fibre core between the hours of 10:00pm Thursday night into the early hours of 5:00am, Friday morning.
The work will be carried out on the TelEm Group Gig-E fibre core remotely by the overseas vendor, BTI, with TelEm Group engineers and technicians providing support.
Project coordinator, and TelEm Group Network Engineer, Jed Carty, says the network expansion will directly affect company equipment in Cole Bay and Simpson Bay and is necessary to provide expanded capacity to customers in these areas.
He said as a result of the network expansion during the hours of 10:00 pm Thursday and 5:00am Friday morning, there will be no 3G mobile service to: Sapphire, PJIAE, La Plage, Fort Willem, Porto Cupecoy, Medical University, Simpson Bay Bridge, and Simpson Bay Exchange.

Also affected will be customers in the area who are connected to the TelEm Group network via fibre, including: Windward Island Bank branch offices in Cole Bay and Simpson Bay, AUC, Blue Mall, Porto Cupecoy and other services the Lowlands area.
"The expansion of the Gig-E network core will create more capacity for our current and future customers and is something that must be done right away," said Mr. Carty.
He said at one stage it was feared all services, including voice and data would also have to be interrupted to accommodate Thursday's maintenance window, however, an alternative was found in which these services could be maintained throughout the operation.
On behalf of management of TelEm Group Mr. Carty has apologized in advance to customers for the interruption in 3G service expected to take place.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Council of Ministers took a unanimous decision on Tuesday and drafted a decree to establish a committee that will be tasked with conducting what they termed as a sweeping investigation within the Government of St. Maarten. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson made the announcement at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing on Wednesday.

Minister Richardson said the draft national decree on the integrity of the Government of St. Maarten was sent to the Governor of St. Maarten to be signed off. The decree was sent to Governor Holiday on Tuesday for his signature. Before that happens he is not in a position to release the document to members of the media for their perusal.

Three persons within the community of St. Maarten have been selected to be on the committee, they are President of the Constitutional Court Judge Jacob de Wit, Former Director of the Windward Islands Bank Jan Beaujon, and Member of the CFT and well known attorney Richard Gibson Sr.

Minister Richardson told reporters that the three persons have also been tasked with finding three persons from the Netherlands to complete the committee that has to do a much broader and deeper investigation than the Royal Decree that was handed down by the Kingdom Council of Ministers on September 27th, 2013.

The Minister of Justice explained that St. Maarten needs an investigation on integrity to take place because the country's image has been tarnished and if there is evidence of corruption or any other thing that would breach the integrity of the country then it will have to be dealt with and if there is none then the rumors and allegations of corruption would have to be placed where they belong. He said the Government of St. Maarten decided to form this committee which would involve people from the Netherlands because they chose to contest the legality of the Royal Decree. Minister Richardson further explained that if the Government of St. Maarten did not take the initiative to show they too want to know what is happening in their country then that would not sit well with the people of St. Maarten as well as the Netherlands. Another aspect is to show the Kingdom Council of State that the case they presented to them is serious. Minister Richardson said that just in case the Kingdom Council rules in favor of St. Maarten then there will be no investigation. However, on the other hand, St. Maarten wants an integrity investigation to be conducted because the perception of corruption in government is rampant and that needs to be addressed, "facts have to be established and dealt with, while fiction has to be sent to the world of magical fiction."

He explained that the investigation that will be commissioned by the committee established by government will touch on every sector of government to ensure that they obtain the information they would need while conducting their investigation. Minister Richardson further explained that the integrity investigation commissioned by the Government of St. Maarten will be an independent investigation which will be conducted by people that are known to be independent people of St. Maarten.

One of the concerns that government has is if the members of this committee will find people from the Netherlands knowing that St. Maarten contested the Royal Decree that was handed down by the Kingdom Council of Ministers. The Government of St. Maarten will be looking for two persons of repute from the Netherlands. These two persons would need to have a high level of integrity as well as be independent. He said if it is not possible for St. Maarten to find such people in the Netherlands then they will go internationally to find the persons they need to conduct the investigation.

Task Force Established for Financial Measures.

The Government of St. Maarten also established a task force to address financial measures on St. Maarten. Their task is to do an inventory within government, establish where they could further cut cost, and find ways to increase revenues for the 2014 budget and the following years.

Shanty Town Fire cannot be Tolerated Any Longer --- Minister of Justice.

Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson also addressed the shanty town fire that left many persons homeless early Sunday morning in the Cole Bay area. He said that government is tired of these types of situations and measures are now being taken to eliminate these shanty towns.

A task force to handle this matter was also established and the Ministry of VROMI will ensure that no further expansion of shanty towns takes place on the island. The task force will also come up with short term, mid-term, and long term measures to eliminate these shanty towns as soon as possible.

The Minister of Justice said that while he made the announcement quickly, finding solutions are not as easy as it sounds because government is dealing with people therefore they must find solutions for the victims.

Minister of Social Affairs Cornelius de Weever said that while he was not in the newspapers, his Ministry was very busy registering people (victims of the fire). So far, he estimated the amount of people that suffered through the fire exceed 100. Registrations were done in phases and priority was given to children. Minister de Weever said that most of the victims of the fire found places to live. He said that the Department of VSA is working with Red Cross, Census Office, Labor Affairs and other persons who are consistently working with them to assist these persons.

DECREE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION INTEGRITY & CORRUPTION

During the weekly press briefing today, October 16, 2013, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Dennis L. Richardson, informed the press of the nature of the intended investigation on integrity and corruption in the public sector by the government of Sint Maarten.

This was done in view of the fact that the Council of Ministers in its meeting of Tuesday, October 15, 2013, established a decree initiating such an investigation by an independent committee. In view of the fact that the draft decree has been sent to the Governor of Sint Maarten for consultation (given that the established Kingdom Decree instructs the Governor to commission an investigation as well) the draft decree of the government has not been published as yet, but it is deemed necessary to give the general public insight in some important aspects of the investigation intended by the government of Sint Maarten.
In the interest of accurate reporting by the media the mentioned aspects are hereby presented in writing.

1. There is an independent committee of inquiry that will consist of a maximum of six (6) members.
2. The Commission is referred to as "Integrity Committee Public Administration" (further here: the committee).
3. The initiating members of the committee are:
   (a). Mr. Jacob de Wit
   (b). Mr. Jan Beaujon
   (c). Mr. Richard Gibson Sr.
4. The committee has the authority to and is charged with the recruitment of an additional three (3) reputable independent members from one or more of the other countries of the Kingdom and/or from reputable international organizations. The committee will submit its recommendations for the appointment of the additional members to the Prime Minister.
5. The assignment of the committee is as follows:
   
   The committee is charged with the investigation, reporting on and making of recommendations with regards to the proper functioning and the integrity of the public administration (government) of St. Maarten and the necessary guarantees in that respect. To that end the committee shall examine, amongst other things, the functioning of the various sectors of government, identify the sectors that are particularly vulnerable to corruptive influences and the methods that might be used for that purpose. Furthermore the committee shall investigate whether or not and if so, to which extent corruption exists in the public administration (political, qua policies and, administratively) and shall charter any relationship patterns in the government administration with organizations and/or individuals outside of government that facilitate corruption and or the breach of integrity. The committee shall review and assess existing measures to guarantee integrity and prevent corruption. The committee will report on its findings and make recommendations regarding detected shortcomings, weaknesses and bottlenecks for ensuring the integrity and soundness of government and for combating corruption and violations of its integrity.
6. The committee shall present an interim report within 3 months and a final report within six months of the publication of the decree.

Dennis L. Richardson, a.i. Prime Minister
Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Justice National Reporting Bureau on Human Trafficking says a recent seminar organized by the Israeli Agency for International Development Cooperation, in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation Europe, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Organization for Migration, revealed that the crime of human trafficking is rarely recognized and when it is – this usually pertains only to situations in which extreme violence has been used.

Very often, while victims are coerced by taking advantage of their personal vulnerability, including by threatening to report their immigration status which would result in deportation, traffickers still go unpunished, according to contributors to the seminar.

Keynote speaker Dr. G. Giammarinaro said when an emerging crime threatens the whole society, the jurisprudence should avoid a conservative approach, and that it was time to be innovative in the interpretation of new legal provisions and apply severe penalties allowing confiscation of the proceeds of crime.

Trafficking in human beings is a crime under international and national laws.

Sint Maarten's National Reporting Bureau on Human Trafficking has brochures in a number of languages, English, Spanish and Dutch. If you know somebody who is being exploited, ask for help by contacting the number below or sending an email.

Victims of exploitation, or those who would like information can contact the following telephone number (+721) 543-0355 from Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to provide confidential information about human exploitation.

Sint Maarten will be observing Human Trafficking Day within the Kingdom of the Netherlands this Friday, October 18.

This is in connection with a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the Ministers of Justice of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten in June 2011 to intensify cooperation and making it a priority to fight together within the Kingdom against human trafficking and smuggling.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be no through traffic on Back Street from Voges Straat to Dc Steeg Thursday evening October 17 from 8:00pm to 4:00am. This is in connection with sewage system hook-up in this particular area.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

MARIGOT:--- The Les Fruits de Mer Association has announced its core mission–to raise awareness about ecology, culture, and sport–and launched its website, where membership applications are currently being accepted. Officially founded this summer, the St. Martin-based organization plans to carry out its mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire, and inform.

The Association gets its name from the Les Fruits de Mer extreme shallow snorkeling team where it first began. Founded in 2007, the team connected people around the world who share a love of snorkeling and undersea life. As the team grew and the members became more deeply involved in areas like wildlife education, forming a non-profit association was a natural next step towards pursuing these goals on a bigger scale.

A few months after the formal creation of the Association, Les Fruits de Mer hosted a free Migratory Bird Festival enjoyed by over 200 attendees. Held at the Mangrove Discovery Trail at Étang de la Barrière in Cul-de-Sac, the festival was a celebration of the many extraordinary birds which travel thousands of miles every year to visit and winter in St. Martin. In keeping with the Les Fruits de Mer mission of promoting nature, art, and culture, the event combined hands-on environmental education with art activities for children.

Planning for future events is already underway, including a Birds and Bugs event in December and a Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival in the spring. "Our events are free, fun, and family-friendly," explains Les Fruits de Mer President Jennifer Yerkes. "They're designed to create opportunities for residents and tourists of all ages to explore and engage with St. Martin's natural and cultural heritage."

In addition to events, the Association is also developing publications that showcase this unique heritage, including a French-language edition of The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin and a series of multi-lingual educational and art activity books for children. The organization is hoping to publish several books in the coming year.

The Association's newly-launched website, http://ass.lesfruitsdemer.org, is a bilingual portal to all things Les Fruits de Mer, including current projects and events. The Association is now accepting new members, and an application is available on the site. Membership benefits include discounts on publications produced by the Association, wildlife expeditions on land and sea, and invitations to members-only events like the annual Tacousteau, an evening of tacos and Jacques Cousteau films. The most important benefit, however, is the chance to participate in something truly transformative. "Les Fruits de Mer is a spirit, and a way to come together and make beautiful things," describes Stephen Winkel, the Association's Secretary. "If you want to join Les Fruits de Mer, you must be Les Fruits de Mer."

HARBOR VIEW:--- It was a festive afternoon when Department of Public Education Services Head Mrs. Glenderline Davis-Holiday presented teachers with a small monetary bonus and certificate for their outstanding attendance during the academic year 2012-2013.

About 25 teachers representing all the public schools were awarded for 100% attendance. Mrs. Davis-Holiday and the various school managers thanked the teachers for their faithful participation to the students and encouraged them to continue to be an example to the others.

Minister of Education the Honorable Patricia Lourens-Philip, who was off island, sent words of congratulations thru her staff letting them know that she "knows what it takes to not let your students down when you have your own lives and issues to deal with".
The teachers took pictures and enjoyed snacks and drinks provided by the Department of Public Education Services.

PHILIPSBURG:--- To encourage the youth of St. Maarten to recycle and avoid wastage of plastic bottles, NAGICO Insurances donated stainless steel water bottles for the students of Sundial school. The students and coordinators Mrs. La Vaune Henry-Hodge (right) and Ms. Jackie Arrendell (center) expressed their gratitude for the contribution yesterday when NAGICO Marketing Assistant, Derin Kucuk (left) handed over the water bottles to the school.

NAGICO Press Release

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Minister Maurice Lake of VROMI, Housing, and Infrastructure and his Chief of Cabinet, Veronica Jansen, met with Cheyenne Gumbs, fifth form student of St. Dominic High School for an interview concerning the development of Philipsburg.

BELVEDERE:--- The St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation (SMSEF) and Sint Maarten's very own women's soccer team FC Soualiga will be hosting its first International Women's Soccer Tournament at the Johan Cruyff Court in Belvedere on October 19th and 20th, 2013. Five teams from all across the Caribbean region have confirmed to participate, thereby stimulating the role of women in sports, the importance of the sport of soccer in the region, as well as establishing a great sports tourism opportunity for Sint Maarten and its establishments.

FC Soualiga and its tournament has gained the support from many local businesses and entities, providing the visiting teams with accommodation, local travel, dining and shopping opportunities as well as many more fun activities to be enjoyed during their stay on the Friendly Island.

FC Soualiga hereby invites the public to come out and support the team and enjoy the sports entertainment during this tournament. The games, taking place at the Johan Cruyff Court in Belvedere, will be played from 10 am till 4 pm on Saturday and from 10 am till 1 pm on Sunday.

SMSEF and FC Soualiga would like to thank everyone who has thus far contributed to and supported the International Women's Soccer Tournament. Both organizations look forward to continued enthusiasm and support for women's soccer on Sint Maarten and in the region. Special thanks go out to Princess Juliana International Airport, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, Divi Little Bay Resort, Bel Air Beach Hotel, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Looking Good, Sports Gallery, Vanity First, Ballerina Jewelers and Heavenly Water. Without the amazing support from the contributing sponsors an event like this would not have been possible.

The St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation & FC Soualiga

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is calling on the community to practice hand hygiene and cough etiquette in order to prevent the spread of influenza.

Keeping hands clean through improved hang hygiene is one of the most important steps one can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Washing your hands should take 40 to 60 seconds.

Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world, use soap and available water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol to clean hands.

Your hands should be washed before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; after using the toilet; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through the coughing, sneezing, or talking to someone with the flu.

Hand hygiene is a simple and effective solution to reduce both the spread of infection and multi-resistant germs, and to protect the community.

Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with the flu virus on it and then tough their mouth, eyes, or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways too.

People infected with the flu may be able to infect others beginning from day one before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick.

Preventive actions entails: try to avoid close contact with sick people; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it; clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

GREAT BAY:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor Cornelius de Weever recently delivered an overwhelming speech on the floor of PAHO's 52nd Directing Council meeting in Washington DC to an applause from many delegates.
Minister De Weever addressed the subject of the "Revolving Fund" from St. Maarten's perspective. Minister stated during his speech that St. Maarten has been able to provide vaccination coverage to newborns, children and adolescents by purchasing affordable vaccines through the "Revolving Fund."
"Based on the available data we have been successful in reaching our target groups. On average we have an above 90% coverage in our programs. Our aim for 2014 is to increase the overall coverage to above 95%," said Minister De Weever on the floor of PAHO.
The Minister further stated that thanks to the "Revolving Fund" St. Maarten is now able to introduce two new vaccines, namely HPV and pneumococol vaccine, and the minister stated St. Maarten is extremely grateful for this.
"On behalf of the people of St. Maarten we propose to adopt the resolution without amendments and considering that time is of the essence and we should always be efficient with our time, we look forward to the final resolution without any delay," said Minister De Weever.
Minister further stated on the floor of PAHO that "each delegate in this esteemed chamber is in a global relay race, we have to do our share locally, regionally and internationally and then pass it on to those coming behind us. Let us make sure we do what is right for those who need it most."
The Pan American Health Organization World Health Organization (PAHO) 52nd Directing Council-65th session of the Regional Committee took place in Washington DC from September 30-October 4, 2013. Some of the resolutions pending adoption were "Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases," and "Chronic Kidney disease in Agricultural Communities in Central America." Other items handled during the meetings were: PAHO program and budget; Implementation of the International Health Regulations; Evidence-based policy making for National Immunization Programs amongst others.

Cay Hill:--- The St. Maarten Medical Center will hold a kidney transplant information session at the University of St. Martin on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 6:45pm-10:00pm
In St Maarten we have a growing population of persons who have a chronic kidney disease that may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. When chronic kidney disease progresses to kidney failure over time, kidneys do not get better and patients will need dialysis for the rest of their life unless they are able to receive a kidney transplant.
Currently, the St. Maarten Medical Center gives treatment to about 36 dialysis patients, including patients from Saba and St. Eustatius. The hospital also gives treatment to tourists who require haemodialysis during their stay on the island.
This information session will inform medical doctors, medical insurances, other health care workers, patients with kidney diseases and their families about possibilities for patients with kidney failures to receive a kidney transplant.
Sometimes, family members of patients with a kidney disease may not fully understand what a chronic kidney disease means for an individual. The session is also to make people aware of chronic kidney disease and the possibilities of becoming a donor.
A successful kidney transplant provides a better quality of life because it allows greater freedom and often is associated with increased energy levels and a less restricted diet. It will also improve life for our dialysis patients and their family, socially, emotionally and psychologically.

SMMC Press Release

Civil Servants to Be Given One Day Per Month to be Involved In Activities at their Children's Schools

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams on Thursday launched the Parent Power Involvement Program which is geared towards allowing parents to spend one day a month in the schools of their children actively involved in their educational activities. Some months ago the Prime Minister announced the she was actively perusing the initiating of a program where Civil Servants would be given the opportunity to spend one day a month engaging their children and their children's classmates in activities at the school, allowing greater involvement in the education of their children.

"A project that I announced some time ago which is the parents participation program I am very happy to announced has been launched with a Pilot Group. Some months ago I announced that what I really wanted to do is to have Government lead by example in allowing our employees to take part in our children's education. For this pilot project I have selected fifteen participants and together with their respective Department Heads and the schools of their children these persons will have one day in the month to spend in their child's education, either at the school with their child or engaged in the activities of the children in the schools such as field trips and I hope this will lead to our schools being more visited by parents. One of the complaints across the board from teachers is the lack of parental involvement in the education of their children. As the children grow older you see the involvement grow less and less and as an employer we want to give a day to registered Civil Servants to spend a day on their children's education. It is not as if they will stay at home their child or children but they will actively engage with their child's education in school," commented the Prime Minister.

During the kick-off event the Prime Minister also stressed to the participants that it was her wish to see government take the lead in the project and to see the private sector follow suit. "I need you to work with me in order to make this happen", the PM commented, "your supervisors will be informed of what will be occurring and eventually I would like to see what the predominant activities you have been involved in with your child during the one activity per month. Hopefully this will catch on in the private sector which I also very much look forward to," commented the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- A recent brain storming session by the members of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten has resulted in club members identifying ways to support and guide the execution of Rotary's next community project: Tourism awareness in the community of St. Maarten.

The brain storming session deviate from what the regular weekly lunch meetings of the Rotary Club held at Divi Little Bay every Wednesday. A regular meeting consist of standard agenda issues such as updates by committees of planned projects, review of projects done, RI (Rotary International) news, District news, fellowship and a presentation by an invited guest often in accordance with the theme of the month.

The meeting of Wednesday, October 9 however, was different. Considering the RI theme for October, which is Vocational Service, Naomi Zaloumis was invited to conduct a brain storming exercise which would lead to the answer to the question: "How do we make everyone on St. Maarten understand how important Tourism is?"

Naomi Zaloumis is a 23 year old student from Breda, The Netherlands where she studies Communication at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. She is in her third year and is doing her internship with the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association, where she focuses on business communication.

She was invited by Rotary President Maria Buncamper to engage Rotarians in an effort to start developing the next Rotary project which would focus on Tourism Awareness within the St. Maarten community.

The exercise took about 45 minutes and resulted in six teams of Rotarians and guests providing answers to the question. "Evident was the red line that ran through all suggestions or solutions, which was to increase awareness of the our tourism industry substantiated with facts and figures using audio and visual aids to demonstrate what St. Maarten would look like if we lost our tourism industry compared to it being vibrant," Rotary President Maria Buncamper-Molanus said.

Naomi was supported by the Executive Director of SHTA Karen Hana and fellow intern at SHTA Anthony Gibs. The Rotary Club intends to collaborate with SHTA and other interested parties to further workout feasible scenarios to bring the importance of tourism for St. Maarten in focus.

A.TH. ILLIDGE ROAD:--- On Monday October 14, 2013 at approximately 1:40am, several police patrols were directed to Son Latino on the A. Th. Illidge road to investigate a stabbing incident. On the scene the investigating officers encountered a large crowd outside of the establishment. The information the officers received was that a fight had broken out and during this incident someone was stabbed and after the incident those involved left the scene. Persons on the scene were very reluctant to give police any information concerning what exactly had taken place and who the persons were that were involved in the incident. According to the investigating officers, the Sint Maarten Medical Center was contacted however no one had reported to the hospital with any stab wound.

Stolen vehicle, female suspect arrested.

On Monday October 14th, 2013 at approximately 2:15am, a 25 old man filed a report with police stating that during the stabbing incident at "Son Latino" his car a grey Kia Picanto was parked next to the night club. He went there with a friend and had gone into the club for while. Shortly after he returned to where his car was parked and noticed that his car was missing. The vehicle in question was located a few minutes after by the Simpson Bay patrol in Cole Bay. The 25 year old female driver of the car was arrested on the spot as the suspect in this case. She was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where she is held for questioning by the Detective Department.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- While the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is very cognizant of the issues surrounding the discussion about the execution of an integrity audit, we are concerned that the real issue is being lost in the debate. It is important to differentiate between investigations into specific allegations and the creation of a government apparatus that is beneficial to the people. Efforts to improve transparency and accountability do not depend on studies from Transparency International, or a mandate for an investigation into integrity. Though the quick resolution to all pending criminal investigations, and issues like Taxand, Orca, and vote buying need to be investigated and made public as swiftly as possible to minimize public criticism of our judicial system and return confidence in government.

The SHTA believes that there are many areas available for immediate improvement in the areas of transparency and accountability that should be implemented. In some cases the legislature already exists, but implementation has not been tackled. If we are to present ourselves as earnest kingdom partners we should begin with the below mentioned.

Improvements that don't require Integrity Audit:
An Electoral Council, operated independently of Parliament and Government, needs to be finalized as soon as possible, to ensure that the registration of political parties wishing to take part in the next election, meet with the requirements as set forth in the National Ordinance and to carry out the financial supervision of party campaign funds.

Campaign Finance Reform legislation regulates how political campaigns are financed, reports on how the money is spent, prevents any type of vote "buying" taking place, and ensures the public disclosure of assets and incomes of candidates running for public office, public officials, politicians, legislators, judges, and their direct dependents.

A National Integrity Commission, a body that will investigate integrity complaints, requires the implementation of a commission that is financially and politically independent and has the authority to investigate corruption.

Elected officials should be focused on establishing clear policy guidelines versus ad hoc decisions making. There should be less opportunity for personal discretion and more policy, so elected officials can be more focused on setting policy rather than on issuing specific permits. Issuing or denying individual permits creates a structure that is susceptible to corruption.

Review of public procurement procedures, to ensure that the requirements offer equal opportunities for all businesses to apply and make the process more transparent, thus saving the government money and insuring accountability.

The gathering of key data is critical to proper decision making. St. Maarten has sufficient knowledge on what needs to be done. However, many reports end up in a drawer without actually being executed. What we lack is a proper data information system such as the TSIS (Tourist Statistical Information Service), which would allow us to strategically direct our marketing efforts in order to compete with other destinations in the region, validating or discrediting the return on investment for specific programs and projects.

Public Private Partnerships have proven to be excellent vehicles to improve efficiency and focus resources in a productive manner. For example, the Incorporation of the STA (St. Maarten Tourism Authority) would bring continuity to the tourism industry on St. Maarten, for both immediate and the long term goals, regardless of what takes place in the political arena. Consequently, the business of promoting St. Maarten and bringing tourists in, thus generating revenue for our country would continue uninterrupted.

Although St. Maarten has the SOAB, they are not permitted to execute assignments by choice. Instead they need to be requested to perform a specific audit. The SHTA believes that their efficiency and impact could be improved by having the ability to determine what should be audited, instead of being invited to do so.

Besides the more obvious goals that have already been identified, there are many examples around the world of efforts to improve transparency. For example, the state of Missouri has a transparency portal set up at http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Portal/Default.aspx. In addition more European countries are implementing transparency portals and departments. It is clear that governments around the world are embracing the use of technology to give citizens unprecedented access to information and disclose the government administration procedures, ensuring transparency and accountability.

As the debates and negotiations between Holland and St. Maarten continue, the SHTA hopes that all the players and citizens don't lose sight of the real issue; the efficient and responsible use of the resources that the citizens have entrusted government to use for the collective good of St Maarten. Corruption diverts resources from where they are most needed and worst; it distorts the decision making process prioritizing otherwise undesirable or low priority projects.

The SHTA, the largest private business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com.

SHTA Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Violence, aggression, anger, rage, frustration and despair appears to be more prevalent in our society today than in the past. In our homes, at the work place, in our schools, on the street; it appears as if nowhere is exempt from acts of hostility and disgruntled persons.
Yes, among us we have optimists; persons who tend to see life from the perspective of hope where the glass is half full rather than half empty; yet many are hurting and seeking answers.
Sometimes however, when persons do not have the tools to cope with life's challenges or believe that life is hopeless, then they give up on even trying or hoping for better. In light of the aforementioned, Victorious Living Foundation, whose purpose is to empower, enlighten, enrich and reconcile persons to our Creator and each other has started a series of confidential Journey to Emotional Freedom process groups for women and men.
The women's group started on September 26th and runs for five weeks. The women enrolled in Victorious Living's program have already received tremendous breakthroughs after the third session. Many report feeling lighter; like heavy burdens were lifted; and are energized to go forward with their lives.
Now, Victorious Living is launching the male sessions tonight, Monday October 14th for men who are in transition; struggling in their relationships; grieving the loss of a loved one; challenged with depression and physical illness; and looking for greater meaning and significance in their lives.
These confidential sessions utilize some simple but cutting edge and evidence-based techniques which include the Sedona Method and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).
Jack Canfield, co-author of the #1 best-selling series Chicken Soup for the Soul states this about the Sedona Method: "The Sedona Method is a vastly accelerated way of letting go of feelings like anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, stress, and fear, as well as many other problems—even physical pain— with which almost everybody struggles at one time or another."
Brian Tracy, author of Deals! states: "This is a powerful and profound way of achieving immediate and lasting improvements and breakthroughs in your personal and business life. Incredibly effective!"
Barbara De Angelis, Ph.D., author of Real Moments and What Women Want Men To Know states: "There is no pilgrimage more important than the one we undertake to explore ourselves. The Sedona Method is a valuable tool to help make our journey of self-discovery one that leads to powerful personal breakthroughs and new beginnings. Designed with wisdom, simplicity, and compassion, it will offer you ways to live the life you've always dreamed of."
Indeed the female participants in Victorious Living's Journey have found the above statements to be true and have been experiencing increasing emotional freedom when employing this technique.
Therefore, the men who enroll in this evening's group process which spans five weeks will also experience this freedom. In addition, participants will learn to utilize EFT, a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments for over five thousand years, but without the invasiveness of needles.
EFT is very easy to learn, and helps to:

• Remove Negative Emotions
• Reduce Food Cravings
• Reduce or Eliminate Pain
• Implement Positive Goals etc.

Space is limited as each group has a maximum of 12 participants. Therefore, men who are ready for change in their lives may call Victorious Living at 1-721-524-8731/1-305-407-9260; e-mail them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.victoriouslivingsxm.org and register today.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company, PJIAE NV should take "immediate action to form an effective Air Service Development Community with its country clients (to become country partners), regional airlines and ferry services in order to drive the airport's Air Service Development programme to the benefit of all participants."
This was the main recommendation of a study on Air Service Maintenance and Development conducted at the request of SXM Airport by El Perial Management Services. El Perial recently submitted its final report to the airport management. In the report, it says, "The establishment of the Air Service Development Committee (ASDC), led by the PJIAE, will be the organizational vehicle to drive this effort."
Another key recommendation of the report is for PJIAE NV "to immediately start collecting detailed marketing-useful data on its passengers and to convince its now country partners to share similar data with all members of the ASDC in an open and timely manner." This data, according to the report, "will form the basis for a more effective approach to both international and regional airlines to serve PJIAE and its country partners."

In welcoming the report, PJIAE NV Managing Director, Regina LaBega, said that the airport considered the study of "utmost importance if we are to maintain and further develop SXM's hub function and increase airlift to the island."

"We will take the necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of the main recommendations in the report, and will start with sharing it with our stakeholders who, it must be pointed out, had shown a high degree of cooperation during the elaboration of the study," LaBega said.

It is not the first time El Perial would conduct such a study on St. Maarten. In 2004, the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau contracted the firm to assist it in developing its air services program to support investment in and expansion of St. Maarten's airport. That report, says El Perial, formed the baseline for the one it just concluded. Then, as now, passenger movement was at the center of the study.

"The key word in this report is 'partnership'," said LaBega. "That partnership was at the core of our joint success in attracting JetBlue to the island, as the report correctly notes. We will have to further expand on our partnership with all our stakeholders in order for all of us to move forward together."

The report also includes recommendations on increasing service levels to and from Canada and the Intra-Caribbean as well as the quality of service at SXM. Detailed recommendations on ensuring expanded service from the USA, UK and Latin America are also included in the report.

While acknowledging the support it received in carrying out the study from the management of SXM, El Perial however warned that, "ours was only the first step."

According to El Perial, "The next steps and certainly the greater challenge falls with the management of PJIAE as it proceeds to implement the recommendations, in the full realization that it does not have complete control over such implementation and as such has to create successful partnerships with varied grouping of stakeholders."

GREAT BAY:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor Cornelius de Weever would like to congratulate the students of St. Dominic High for the presentation they recently made on proper nutrition.
The students presented information on "genetically modified organisms"- GMO's; eating habits in St. Maarten; obesity and diabetes; building a healthy body; Food guide's and food diaries. Very informative and colorful handouts were given during the presentation, which took place at their school.
"I am encouraging the students at St. Dominic High to be the change in the field of proper nutrition, especially seeing that they are in charge of their canteen at school," said Minister De Weever.

COLE BAY:--- Minister Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Minister Hon. Maurice Lake on Monday visited the scene of a large fire in Cole Bay that gutted several structures leaving a number of people homeless.

The fire ripped through structures made from T1-11 and zinc located on Wesley Lane, Cole Bay just after midnight on Sunday. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Minister Lake stated a Ministry VROMI Inspection Team would be working closely with the Fire Department inspectors to determine the cause of the fire.

The Minister also stated on Monday that the landowner would not be allowed to construct or rebuild homes that do not meet building code requirements of the country.

Ministry VROMI inspectors have also been asked to assess the site to make sure there are no further threats to surrounding existing buildings where it concerns unexploded cooking gas bottles or other items of this nature.

The landowner will be given a period of five days to clean the property of all fire debris. Should this request not be adhered too, Government will clean-up the area at the owner's expense.

"It was very sad to see that a number of people have lost the place that they call home along with their personal belongings. We need to get back to basics and not allow the building of inadequate structures for humans to live in. Landowners have a responsibility where this is concerned.

"Government will allow any type of construction that does not confirm to the building codes of the country," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A small delegation of St. Maarten poets just returned home from Tortola, BVI, where youngsters Jenice Forbes and Andrew Peterson performed at the annual Microphone Messenjah.
Forbes and Peterson, the winner and 1st runner-up, respectively, of the first ever Soualigan Fyah Youth Poetry and Spoken Word Competition held earlier this year, were both excited to present their work to a new audience and both were very well received at the event. The delegation left for Tortola on Friday, October 4 and returned to the island on Monday, October 7th.
While on the island the youngsters were treated to an island tour by host Jerome Joseph and were also able to enjoy a full day on the sea exploring places such as The Baths on Virgin Gorda and Sandy Key. They were also introduced to completely Ital food at well-known restaurant Mellow Moods, were able to link with poets from both Tortola and Jamaica and Forbes took part in an interview with a well known local DJ, which she enjoyed very much.
For both youngsters the trip and performances added fuel to their desire to continue on with poetry and spoken word and to only get better. Both anticipate more local and regional performances in the future, including the upcoming Interscholastic Talent Showdown 2013. Charles also said that the trip allowed for a great deal of networking with other regional poets and she hoped to bring some of them to island soon to meet with the young poets who frequent the monthly Soualigan Fyah afternoons.
The trip, which was a collaborative effort between Conscious Agricultural Awakening Foundation and Foundation 5 square miles St. Martin, only occurred because of the kind contributions from Seven Seas Water, Orco Bank, Edu Consult, Maneks Imports and Top Carrot Restaurant. Nadjesca Gumbs of CAAF and Lysanne Charles of F5SMS, both extend deepest gratitude to the above mentioned companies.
The next Soualigan Fyah: You(th) Take The Mic, which is an open mic poetry afternoon held once a month, is scheduled for Friday, October 25th, 4-6pm at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. Teens interested in learning more about Soualigan Fyah should like its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SoualiganFyah in order to remain update on planned events.

SXM Airport at World Routes 2013

SIMPSON BAY:--- Virgin America is conducting a market research on the island as part of its long-term plans. This was disclosed at a meeting the airline requested with the St. Maarten delegation that attended the recently concluded World Routes 2013 held in Las Vegas.

The delegation was led by the Hon. Ted Richardson, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications and included Regina LaBega, SXM Managing Director, and Edward Dest, Interim Director, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB). Other members of the delegation were Louis Halley, head of Maritime and Civil Aviation, and Suzy Kartokromo, Acting Manager, Marketing and Customer Service Department at SXM.

"Our participation at the World Routes 2013 yielded very positive results," stated Minister Ted Richardson. "We were not only able to meet with key players in the aviation industry, but also discussed the long-term plans of airlines such as Virgin America and Southwest, which are considering possible service to St. Maarten."

More than 2,700 delegates representing 300 airlines, 750 airports and 100 destinations participated in World Routes 2013, considered the world's most important commercial aviation event, which was held this year for the first time on US territory.

The St. Maarten delegation also met with representatives of Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport and New York's Kennedy Airport.

"These meetings were based on our interest to establish meaningful sister airport relationships. We had fruitful discussions among others, about 'best practices' as they relate to retail, technical, customer service, etc. in the operations of an international airport," LaBega disclosed.

The potential of increasing airlift to SXM was among the main focus of the delegation in its discussions with several airlines. US Airways, for example, expressed its satisfaction with the St. Maarten market and revealed that it is finalizing plans to use a larger aircraft in November to operate its weekend flights into SXM. "This larger aircraft, Airbus 330 will result in an increase of approximately 70 seats per flight," LaBega stated.

LIAT also expressed its interest to operate in and out of SXM after 9 PM, to maximize aircraft utilization and profitability.

Similarly, Fly Montserrat, expressed an interest in flying between Antigua and SXM. The company stated, however, that this would not be to compete against LIAT, but merely to complement the existing service from carriers.

JetBlue's San Juan, Puerto Rico service has been performing well and the airline is looking into the possibility for increasing service. The company said its load factors in and out SXM are good and revealed that talks are underway for a possible interline agreement with LIAT. It is also considering "sharing flights" between two markets. In such cases a flight would, for example, operate 4 times weekly into SXM, and the other 3 days the aircraft would be used to operate for example in and out of St. Thomas.

"I am very satisfied with the outcome of our participation in the World Routes event and look forward to follow up action to concretize the results of our various meetings with our aviation stakeholders," concluded Minister Richardson.

BEACON HILL:--- A police patrol was sent to Beacon Hill road on October 11th, 2013 at approximately 5:30am to investigate an armed robbery. On the scene the investigating officers encountered the 30 year old male victim who stated that he was attacked by three unknown men one of which had a fire arm and the other a knife. During the attack he was immediately thrown to the ground, threatened with the gun and the knife, and his bag with content was taken from him. After committing this act the robbers took off in a unknown vehicle.

KPSM Police Report

Says that Early Childhood Education Key to Future Learning Success

MAHO:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams extended words of welcome and encouragement at the opening of the 2013 Early Childhood Educational Conference which was held on Wednesday Evening at the Maho Convention Center. The Conference, held under the theme of 'The Future of Early Childhood Education on St. Maarten' brought together educators and educational experts from around the region discussing innovations in early childhood education and the future of such for the Country.

The Prime Minister extended her words of appreciation and welcome while also highlighting the crucial importance of early childhood education to the development of the country: "In a special way I would like to welcome those of you who have traveled to be on St. Maarten in order to be here at this conference. I wish to commend the organizers; it is quite timely to stand still for a moment in order to reflect on where early childhood education on St. Maarten will look like in the future. However, we cannot do this without reflecting where we have come from and recognizing the important strides we have been making in developing early childhood education for, although we are still faced with some challenges, we have indeed come a long way.

"It has been shown, over and over again and through various studies, that children who had the opportunity for quality early childhood education excelled in their later educational career. Research has shown that this is indeed a fact and so on St. Maarten the push has always been to include as many of our young children in early childhood education as possible. Over the years the focus on the quality of early childhood education has become very clear, as all partners including SIFMA, Government, Caregivers and parents have worked together to improve the quality of care and education for the youngest residents of St. Maarten. In, 2010, when the first early childhood care and education conference was held in Moscow a reflection was made with respect to how far the entire world came with respect to the education for all. The first goal of that education is the accessibility and availability for early childhood education in the countries globally. If we localize that thought to our situation here on St. Maarten we can indeed look back on the growth and development of early childhood education and establish how and where we want to go in the future regarding the development of our youngest St. Maarteners, especially given all that we know regarding the importance of educating them early on. And by doing this we will build the future leaders of this society," emphasized the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Staff of the Baby Wellness Clinic which is located at Brouwer's Road 6A (behind FATUM Insurances Building) received certificates on Friday from Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever after completing a week long training related to the "Van Wiechen Schedule," an instrument to monitor the development of children from the age of zero to four. This instrument is also used in the Netherlands, Aruba and Curacao. With the use of the schedule, youth health care nurses are able to easier identify developmental delays at an early stage thereby helping to minimize the delay by early interventions.

MARIGOT:--- Swift work and joint cooperation between the Territorial Police and the Gendarmes led to the arrest of nine persons who entered St. Martin illegally. A press release from the Gendarmerie states that around 1:30am Friday morning the Police Territorial spotted an unusual amount of persons disembarking on the waterfront next to the ferry station. The persons were seen on a video surveillance camera that covers most of Marigot.

According to the press release, when these persons were spotted the gendarmes were notified and two Gendarmes went to the scene where they found nine persons that entered the island illegally. Seven of the nine persons are from Cuba, one St. Lucian, and a Martinican that came off from a small boat. The seven Cuban nationals had on them a bag with their personal items, large sums of monies (both US dollars and Euros), and their identifications. The monies were carefully wrapped in plastic mostly to prevent it from getting wet.

Currently, the Police Aux Frontiers (PAF) are busy conducting an investigation on the entry of the illegal aliens that entered the French territory. As such St. Martin was given full permission to continue with the judicial inquiry to determine and gather all the information on the transport of the persons caught early Friday morning.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The One St. Maarten People Party was made to understand that our Social & Medical health insurance company SZV has decided as of October 1st, 2013 to turn fully to generic medication where applicable. We trust that our health inspectorate is also doing their job by insuring that those medications that are being dispensed by our pharmacies are up to code and okay for public consumption.
"Our greatest problem, says Mr. Leo Richardson with this change of policy as it pertains to the distribution of this type of medication is the lack of respect given to the public on said matter". We believe that it is the responsibility of our health insurance company SZV to explain to the people what is generic medication? How does it measure up in comparison to the medication that the people were accustomed of using? Is it of an inferior quality and why the change?
Why wasn't it published in the newspaper or announced on the radio of said changes? Keeping in mind, that we are a democratic society, shouldn't we have been notified on such a change affecting our social and medical health care? There are people that have been using certain medications for years, only to be told that these medications will no longer be covered by their insurance company without certain stipulations. Be it as insignificant to the people making these changes, don't we the people deserve to know beforehand? Don't we have the right to question, debate or even object to such a move? These things should be made public knowledge and not done behind closed doors. Who are the people responsible for implementing said changes? Have we gotten to such a place where we the people must accept things without any explanation, be it cost efficiency, budgetary issues or whatever reason? We are sure there are frustrations on all ends, but this should not be the accepted norm of doing things. With a slogan that states "Because We Care" you would think they would consider a person's piece of mind as well. We expected more from our health care providers also. Why haven't you taken steps to enlighten the public on the matter? Especially since your first priority is to care for a person's health. As a matter of fact we still believe that it can be done in a blitz advertising campaign informing the people about these changes, after all you owe it to the people. This attitude of force feeding "we the people" what you deem is for our best interest must stop. You can't speak for someone if you've never listened or truly heard them speak. Our voice is just as important and we deserve to be heard on all matters especially if it pertains to our health.
The OSPP believes strongly in preventive health care for the people of St. Maarten and therefore intends to introduce more home grown gardening. The people of St. Maarten must become more health conscious by eating what they grow. One hundred pounds of prevention is better than a 100 pounds of cure.

OSPP Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- One of the many tasks of the Inspectorate VSA as established by legislation is to monitor and ensure the quality of drinking water. This includes the water as distributed by GEBE through its network, bottled water and ice. The legal basis for this authority and the quality requirements are laid down in the "Inspectorate Ordinance", the "Commodities Ordinance", the "Drinkwater Ordinance" and the "Ordinance Quality of Drinkwater".
For 2013 the Inspectorate has as one of its goals a more strict supervision and enforcement on the quality of drink water and ice.
On March 25th, August 7th and September 30th 2013 samples of different brands of bottled water were collected and analyzed to determine the quality and compliance with legislation. The list might not be complete. Some brands are imported on occasion and not always available, but the most common brands have been examined.
To understand and interpret the results of the analysis, a brief explanation is given below of the most relevant parameters. The norms are based on the Ordinance "Quality drinking water" (AB 2013 GT no. 754) and supplements.

pH
The pH is a measure of the acidity – alkaline balance in a solution and is mainly determined by the bicarbonate – carbon dioxide - carbonate balance.
Careful attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of water treatment to ensure satisfactory water clarification and disinfection.
The pH is of major importance in determining the corrosivity (aggressiveness) of water. In general the lower the pH, the higher the level of corrosion. However, pH is only one of a variety of factors affecting corrosion in distribution networks and household pipes which may lead to adverse effects on its taste, odor and appearance.
Norm for bottled water: above 7.8 and below 8.5
Health risks: At very low (below 4) or very high (above 10) pH water my lead to skin and eye irritation and gastrointestinal disorders but usually has no direct impact on humans.

Conductivity
Conductivity is a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. Conductivity is affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids, either present or added , such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate anions (ions that carry a negative charge) or sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and aluminum cations (ions that carry a positive charge). Organic compounds like oil, phenol, alcohol, and sugar do not conduct electrical current very well and therefore have a low conductivity when in water. Conductivity is also affected by temperature: the warmer the water, the higher the conductivity. For this reason, conductivity is reported as conductivity at 25 degrees Celsius (25 C).
Norm for bottled water: below 100 mS/m

Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (e.g. whether disease-causing organisms are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing micro-organisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Norm for bottled water: clear water and the lower the turbidity, the better.

Microbiological (bacteriological) analysis
Bacteria in water can cause waterborne illness. E. Coli and Enterococci live in the intestine of healthy humans and animals. E.Coli bacteria produce a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. Infection often causes severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps; sometimes the infection causes non-bloody diarrhea. Frequently, no fever is present. In some people, particularly children under 5 years of age and the elderly, the infection can also cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, in which the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. About 2%-7% of infections lead to this complication which is a life-threatening condition usually treated in an intensive care unit. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis are often required. Some other, less harmful bacteria may be present up to a certain amount which is measured by the plate count.

• Plate count (PC) indicator of the amount of bacteria present
  norm for bottled water: below 20 kve/ml
• T-Coli (total Coliform) Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present.
  norm for bottled water: 0 kve/250 ml (not present)
• • E-Coli : will only be determined if T-Coli is positive
  norm for bottled water: 0 kve/250 ml (not present)
• • E-Coc (Enterococcen)
  norm for bottled water: 0 kve/250 ml (not present)

Expiration date: by law it is mandatory to have an expiration date stamped on the label, the bottle or the cap. It was observed that many don't comply in this regard due to un-controlled import in Sint Maarten or import from non-official distributors. Bottled water has an expiry date, because of its contents and the exposure to environmental conditions like heat and sun light, which make it non suitable for consumption with time. Consumers should always verify the expiration date and are advised not to purchase bottled water without an indicated expiration date or one which has expired.

Manufacturers' quality assurance
Manufacturers need to be in compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) guidelines and norms on hygiene. HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to food safety and biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes that can cause the finished product to be unsafe, and designs measurements to reduce these risks to a safe level.
Quality control and assurance must be implemented and demonstrated by manufacturers e.g. a water quality monitoring program of the source and along the production process must be in place; keeping proper logs of lab results; packaging control; line, internal pipe and equipment cleaning.

Results
The results of the analysis can be viewed in the table.
As can be seen, there is only one brand that is fully compliant and consistent in all three tests. The manufacturer of this brand is a local manufacturer. The production plant and quality assurance are supervised by the Inspectorate as is done with the other local manufacturer. Too many brands have demonstrated deviations in the pH and also demonstrated an unacceptable high plate count. None tested positive for E.Coli or E-Coc.
The Inspectorate will intensify its supervision and enforcement on imported brands, especially at the import and distribution points. Bottled water without an expiry date will be confiscated. Importers a/o distributors will have to provide proof of manufacturers' quality assurance programs and conduct testing programs in cooperation with the Inspectorate.
More information can be obtained at the Inspectorate VSA, division Food Safety.

Table – 1         Results of the analysis of different brands of bottled water

Press Release from Inspectorate of the Ministry of VSA

FRENCH QUARTER:--- A young man identified as Arinaldo Hanley (24) was shot around 9:30am at Brooks Car Wash on French Quarter main road on Sunday morning. The shooting took place during the regular Sunday morning bike race. According to bystanders, the young man was shot while being at the location where the Sunday morning bike race takes place each week. Bystanders at the scene said the young man was shot innocently when a fight broke out among some other young men. They said that one of the fighters hit another person with a hammer in his head and the person reacted by firing a number of gunshots. Another person who was also on the scene tried to stop the shooter by firing shots also, but Hanley died on the spot despite the efforts by rescue workers and a doctor from SAMU who was on the scene trying to revive him.
Some of the regular onlookers of the Sunday morning bike race told SMN News that they ran for their lives when they heard multiple gunshots. "We ran for our lives, because shots were fired from both ends. The shooter who managed to escape from the scene in a car was also shot in his foot, one bystander told SMN News reporter. Both the victim and the shooter it is said are from the Dutch side of the island. The body of the dead young man was still at the scene up to midday Sunday as several gendarmes and crime scene officers remained on the scene to gather evidence as they conduct the latest homicide investigation.
Several persons on the scene said that law enforcement and government officials are responsible for the illegal bike races and gathering on Sunday mornings because they tried to convince government officials to provide a safe spot for their bike racing hobby but their pleas fall on deaf ears.

Commandant of the Gendarmerie Paul Betaille confirmed to SMN News that two persons were shot in French Quarter Sunday morning one of whom died on the scene from the injuries he sustained due to the gunshots. Betaille said the second victim that was shot in his foot is in stable condition at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. The head of the Gendarmerie further explained that the shooter managed to escape to the Dutch side through the Belvedere border. Betaille said they already have indications as to who the suspect is and they are working with the Dutch side police to locate the suspect. He further explained that the victims and the suspect are all residents of Dutch St. Maarten and they apparently had some sort of feud which they came to the French side to regulate which led to the shootout and subsequent killing.

Click here to view more photos of the scene Sunday morning.

COLE BAY: --- Firefighters and police officers worked for hours early Sunday morning to contain a huge fire that engulfed a shanty town located behind Carl and Sons in Cole Bay. Senior firefighter Clive Richardson told SMN News that the Fire Department was summoned around 1am Sunday morning. He said when they reached the scene an unknown amount of wooden structures were on fire.
Richardson said up to Sunday morning the Fire Department could not say exactly how many homes burnt down but everyone that lived in the structures in that shanty town are homeless this morning. "We do not know how many structures burned down and we also don't know how many people were living there. When we got there we saw people around but none of them admitted to living there. We also found 30 small gas bottles at the scene, so from that we gathered there were quite a number of people living in that shanty town." Bystanders told the firemen that they believe the fire was electrical because the fire started shortly after the lightning and thunder on Saturday night.
Richardson further explained that the firemen had difficulty obtaining a steady flow of water because there was only one fire hydrant behind Carl and Sons while the other one is all the way up by ACE Home Center. "The fire was behind Carl and Sons but it could not be accessed by Carl and Sons. Firefighters had to go through a dirt road which is located next to Electec."
"We lost time because of the distance of the fire hydrants from the location of the fire. Due to this there was a shortage of water. When we got there the entire shanty town was on fire. Even though we lost time and did not have sufficient water we could not have saved anything from the shanty town. Nearby homes suffered minor damages such as scorches and cracked glasses," Richardson told SMN News early Sunday morning.

Huge Fire in Cole Bay.

On Sunday October 13th, 2013 at approximately 12:45am, several police patrols, fire department personnel, and paramedics were directed to Wesley Lane in Cole Bay where a large fire had broken out involving several homes. Police and fire department personnel had to evacuate several persons living in the area. The cause of the fire is still unclear and under investigation. The damage to many homes is quite severe. No injuries or loss of life has been reported.

KPSM Police Report

MARIGOT:--- Over two hundred people gathered at the Collectivity of St. Martin on Saturday morning to protest against the same sex marriage that took place at 10:30am. Several of the protesters were dissatisfied with elected officials saying they could have refused to conduct the marriage of the two ageable men that tied the knot. Saturday's same sex marriage is the first to take place on the island, it is now part of the history of this French Overseas Territory.

The protesters said that first VP Guillaume Arnell should have resigned instead of performing the marriage of two people that are of the same sex. The bride and groom were sneaked into the Collectivity while the protesters gathered outside waiting to see the couple. Gendarmes had to secure the Collectivity to ensure that the two people were not injured by the protesters. At least one person flung a bottle which almost hit a Gendarme. When the couple left the Collectivity the protestors jeered and booed them as they entered a white vehicle that was waiting to take them to their reception.

The actions of the person who flung the bottle were condemned by the protesters who said that they were there to protest peacefully simply because they want to show the State of France that they were not in favor of what was taking place in their country. The protestors also said that the elected officials on St. Martin did not consult with people of St. Martin prior to the law being passed earlier this year. "We believe that the elected officials should have consulted with the people through a referendum but that too was not done."

Among those that protested were radio personalities and other well known people who said that marriage is meant to be between a man and woman and not two people of the same sex. They said by having a same sex marriage, marriage has been disrespected. However, marriage has been disrespected long before many of us were born. When a man and woman take a vow in marriage they vow to be with each other despite good or bad and in sickness and health. They also vow to remain sincere and true to each other yet we have married people that have extra-marital affairs, some with people of the same sex, they also have children outside of their marriages and it has been accepted by everyone. One of the protesters said that the soon the church will be disrespected by same sex marriages. Again, it must be noted that the church has been disrespected for years by the pastors that sleep with members of their congregation and when they tolerate hypocrisy by christening and or baptizing illegitimate children.

PHILIPSBURG:--- "The One St. Maarten People Party has been following with keen attention the developments within the RBC Bank in particular as it pertains to those workers that are being sent home", says Lenny Priest, Interim Leader of the OSPP.
Our first reaction is to implore the Ministry of Labour officials, among others, to move incisively on this matter. Thirteen employees (to begin with) in a small community, is a significant number. They represent thirteen families that will be without an income earner in a sluggish economy. Retrenching thirteen employees at the same time amounts to mass dismissal, very much like the Pelican situation, but should not be left to wear itself out as in the Pelican saga.
According to Caribbean Banking Business Update of RBC the bank is boosting record earnings for the year to date, with a 12% growth in net income after taxes compared to prior year, to CAD 6.3 billion. This is a substantial growth in all measurements in this trying economic time.
Now if RBC is posting this type of growth, why would they want to put some of their employees who have been with them for so many years, dedicated and hardworking resulting in the type of growth that they are enjoying today, on the unemployment line?. If RBC bank is not satisfied with these numbers perhaps they should cut back on the fringe benefits of the CEO's and other top managers and they would certainly improve their profit margin even more.
We consider the RBC bank offer as a slave offer, by indicating that it would be in the best interest of the workers to be laid off to accept it as it is more than what they would receive, should the calculations be done by our labour department; secondly that after three months the interest rate on the mortgage would increase from staff rate to the regular client rate from 4% to 8%; these laid off workers will no longer be part of the pension plan. This offer is inhumane and nobody should accept it.
RBC Bank in our opinion, if they truly considered these employees as a viable part of the operation they would offer them a more tangible settlement that would allow these workers to start fresh, but without any existing financial burdens.

1. Double the amount they offered them and negotiate with the Inspectorate of Taxes for this payout to be exempt from taxes. According to information in the media it was done for the AUC Medical School who got away with a substantial amount that was not paid to the Receivers office.
2. Write off their mortgages at RBC Bank or pay off the mortgages at any other lending institutions.
3. Allow those workers to remain within the pension plan as long as they can continue contributing their share of the premium.

Above and beyond we strongly condemn the laying off of the thirteen workers and any others to follow. We implore all the workers to stick together and be each other keepers. Remember in unity you have strength and if you don't stand up and support your colleagues now in action believing that it will not happen to you, well then you are dead wrong. Today it is them and tomorrow it is you.

We will continue to keep a close eye on this case in the interest of our people and we want you to know that we are in total support of any actions that you deem necessary to prevent the laying off of your colleagues.

OSPP Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the late evening of Thursday October 10th early morning of Friday October 11th residents of Philipsburg including "Mr. Butterfly"/ "Puffer", "Blacks", "GT", beach attendants and the Dollison family took note of approximately one hundred sea turtle hatchlings making their way from Great Bay Beach up towards the general vicinity of the board walk.

These Hawksbill sea-turtles hatched and emerged from a nest on the beach during the course of the evening and would under normal circumstances be instinctively attracted by the reflection of the moon on the water and head towards Open Ocean. The bright lights on the boardwalk unfortunately seriously disorientated the hatchlings causing them to head in the wrong direction and exposing them to dehydration, fatal fatigue or predation (by birds, cats, dogs).

Alert residents of Philipsburg rescued the sea-turtles by collecting those headed inland, placing them in a large bucket filled with seawater and subsequently calling Sint Maarten Pride Foundation Vice President Rueben Thompson for advice on how to proceed. Upon arrival in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Pride Foundation and area residents released the turtles along the shoreline and ensured that all hatchlings made it to the water safely. The nest site was located, inspected for additional hatchlings and those found were released into the ocean.

Sint Maarten Pride Foundation urges Government and the private sector to work closely with local environmental organizations such as EPIC, Nature Foundation and Pride to immediately reduce sources of Light pollution along the island's beaches, particularly along Great Bay Beach as there are potentially several more nests which will be hatching within the coming weeks. Proper management of sea-turtle nesting beaches is a critical step in efforts to save endangered sea-turtle species.

Sea-turtles are protected on Sint Maarten based on the Nature Conservation Ordinance of Sint Maarten and the Sea -Turtle Convention to which Sint Maarten is a signatory making it illegal to kill, injure, catch, pick-up, possess, directly or indirectly disturb their habitat or to carry-out other acts which disturb or harm Sea-turtles. Residents are encouraged to immediately contact Sint Maarten's environmental organizations whenever Sea-turtles are observed on the island's beaches.

The Hawksbill hatchlings in question would have surely met their untimely demise if residents had not opted to take action. Pride Foundation thanks and commends the above mentioned residents of Philipsburg for their vigilance and willingness to give Mother Nature a helping hand.

Sint Maarten Pride Foundation Press Release

PM: "I think that we should surely strive for a campaign where the electorate is informed and the message is clear"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, members of her Cabinet and President of the Democratic Party Mr. Michael Ferrier were some of the handful of attendees at the One St. Maarten People's Party Debate centered on Electoral and Campaign reform on Thursday evening.

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams has emphasized that political parties and the campaign promises of politicians should be held accountable through new laws related to electoral reform. "It is no secret that I have been championing electoral reform as I sincerely believe that we should avoid it being intimidating for persons to be casting their vote. I am a proponent of a more sober voting environment, of people understanding what parties and candidates are saying to them and voters understanding what things are feasible and to hold politicians accountable for the campaign promises they make. I think that we should surely strive for a campaign where the electorate is informed and the message is clear to the electorate in what they can expect from their Government," stressed the PM.

"I am looking at electoral reform in general considering what we have been seeing for the last few years, including the changing of factions and giving up seats. I would like to propose that I prepare a position paper and discuss this with parliament and discuss where we want to go with this and then subsequently move to the drafting of legislation and moving it through Parliament.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Low Season Occupancy Rates Up, Extra Flights and Security Commitment for Maho Area Discussed

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams received an update from the Maho Group regarding the Maho Group, including Sonesta Maho and Sonesta Great Bay. Besides the Prime Minister the meeting was attended by Armando Pizzuti, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Mr. Bernard Hunt of the Maho Group, Ms. Ramona Thomas Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Mr. Quenniche from the Cabinet of Minister Richardson. During the meeting Mr. Pizutti explained that for the first time, and through the cooperation of all stakeholders, occupancy rates at the hotel were up during the low season, with occupancy rates being close to 60%. Workers at the hotel were also able to work five days a week instead of three which was customary during the low season.

Another highlight of the meeting was the commitment of Delta Airlines to fly two extra flights into the island, contributing to Maho Group's all-inclusive plan.

During a subsequent interview Mr. Pizzuti stated that Maho has decided to alter some renovations to offer a more upscale product to Great Bay Hotel, wanting to attract a higher quality of guest and subsequently introducing butler services in our suites. We are trying to differentiate the two hotels on the island and move forward from offering the same product. Also Delta airlines made a commitment to the island to fly from New York and Atlanta. Delta did not ask any Government support which shows that Delta believes in the island to commit the flights from New York and Atlanta with Atlanta being a new destination. We have received the commitment from Government to move into final discussions regarding the crucial upgrading of safety in the Maho area. The all-inclusive concept works and works well in St. Maarten because the St. Maarten product is not enclosed inside walls. There is the freedom to come out of the hotel to explore the island. So we therefore need to safeguard this and ensure the security of the area.

We have had close cooperation with the Prime Minister and Government to ensure the continuous building out of the Maho/Great Bay product. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Sundial School and troubled kids training them and ensuring the continued success of the partnership between Government, public and the Maho Group," stated Mr. Pizzuti.

The Prime Minister thanked the representatives for the update and further committed Governments cooperation on matters regarding strengthening the St. Maarten Tourism Product.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended various celebrations on Thursday joining with the public of St. Maarten in celebrating constitution day; the third anniversary of the attainment of Country Status for St. Maarten. In the morning the Prime Minister attended the solemn ceremony of Parliament commemorating the Tenth of October 2010, the date St. Maarten received its own country status. The Prime Minister during her address highlighted the strives St. Maarten has made and the way forward for the Country. "Today is a reason for St. Maarten to celebrate and in celebrating it behooves all of us to look back and recognize the work done by so many to make it possible to be where we are today in commemorating the third anniversary of St. Maarten. Many of us, including our youth, worked very hard and gave their much needed input, ideas and contributions to the development of this country and today I say thank you to all who, in one way or another, contributed even in the smallest way to help build the Country of St. Maarten.

"We have surely grown over the last three years. It is true that this growth has not come without its growing pains. Indeed I would like to make an analogy to childbirth in saying that as a country we have gone through labor, a long and difficult labor. We have finally given and now in growing, the young country that is St. Maarten is experiencing its growing pains," emphasized the PM.

The Prime Minister also echoed keynote speaker the first Prime Minister of Curacao Eman when she said; "Prime Minister Eman thank you for your work and it is an eye opener to see that Aruba went through so familiar issues like what we are going through. We have learned to never turn back and we must move forward. As we celebrate and recognize the work done by some many on St. Maarten we must realize that we cannot turn back, and it is up to us to see how committed as a country we are. Every citizens must ask themselves the question; 'What part would I like to be in helping to build my country?' We need to take into consideration the feelings and aspirations of the youth of St. Maarten, who are too often summarized under a negative caption. Our committed young people are a part of that growth and development and we should try to use all of that in a positive way.

The Prime Minister continued by stating that there is a lot of work for St. Maarten in the road ahead but collectively and together the push can be made to realize what has to occur to develop the Country. "We have experienced many storms in the past and so in our growth and development we are experiencing storms also. However, the fact remains that St. Maarten experiences man more sunny days than any amount of storms and so we need to count our blessings as St. Maarten and we need to recognize that we all are here for a purpose. Even today we can say that what we are going through we have weathered worse and we will emerge from this stronger again. I believe that it is with a vision that our slogan is Semper Pro Gradiens was established; always moving ahead and always wanting to give it our best. Let us put that collective psyche to work once again for the benefit and the future of our country St. Maarten. God bless the people, Parliament and Country of St. Maarten and its development. It will be a difficult journey, we sometimes will stumble, but we will always stand up again," stressed the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also joined various dignitaries at the New Testament Baptist Church where Pastor Wycliffe Smith urged all officials present to move forward collectively in building a god-fearing and successful Country.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

COLE BAY:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation in partnership with Be The Change St. Maarten is currently involved in the Be The Change Naturalist Course where some six youth from varying difficult backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn about Nature on St. Maarten and environmental. The Idea behind of the Be The Change/ Nature Foundation Project was to motivate and expose challenged youth to become involved in Environmental Conservation in General and Marine Conservation more specifically. The Nature Foundation has always been active in developing and instilling conservation awareness in young people, however it has found that less privileged young people and those coming from difficult homes do not have the opportunity and support necessary to be introduced to the environment of St. Maarten and its conservation. They may not have had the opportunity to have been introduced to a field that is both rewarding and exciting and one which, aside from making a difference in the community, can offer opportunities for further development and employment in the future. "We believe that opening the eyes of children who may have not have had the opportunity to do so to the wonders of the natural world will enrich them and cause them to focus on not only the sustainable development of their island but also of themselves. That is why we considered this such an important project and were delighted to be given the opportunity to realize it through the partnership with the Be The Change Foundation and the some of the Foster Homes where the kids were staying," stated the Nature Foundation.

The program originally ran for four weeks starting on Wednesday the Fourth of September and was supposed to end on Saturday the 28th; however it was decided to extend the classes indefinitely in order to offer the students the experience of being in St. Maarten's unique environment and working actively to conserve it. During the activity the participants were basic environmental, conservation and marine biology education clean-up activities, habitat restoration work, species conservation and were thought snorkeling techniques, boat handling and SCUBA diving skills. Author and Naturalist Mark Yokoyama from the Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of St. Maarten also provided terrestrial environmental education and photography courses and students spent many afternoons and mornings hiking with Mark and learning about various land animals and their habitats and the threats that they face.

The contribution from the Be the Change Foundation and its Members facilitated training activities, materials, field trips, fuel for the boats, equipment requirements and certification. "The Nature Foundation cannot express enough how important Be The Change was in ensuring the success of this project. Through the contribution by its members we saw children develop from having an interest in Nature to becoming actively involved in its protection."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams held a lunch meeting with the Prefet of St. Martin Mr. Philippe Chopin at Bacchus Restaurant on Wednesday. The Prime Minister and the Prefet discussed various items during the lunch meeting regarding the cooperation between both sides of the island. The lunch meeting is part of a wider exchange between officials of both sides of the island regarding mutual cooperation.

The Prime Minister has stated earlier that among mutual priorities in cooperation currently being explored between the Governments of St. Maarten and St. Martin are joint road projects, transportation and vehicle registration, recognition of licenses, drinking water production, waste management and garbage handling, sewerage, drainage, agriculture initiatives, exchange of data among hospitals, education cooperation and aspects related to safety, welfare improvements and regulations to discourage fraud. In view of this, a promising start has been made with joint passenger immigration control at Juliana Airport and cross border police cooperation.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group technicians have completely restored telephone lines to residential and business clients in the Simpson Bay area and are now appealing to customers who are still experiencing problems with landline and internet connections.

The new telephone cabinet has replaced one that was written-off in an early morning accident last week when a motorist collided with the telecommunication connection point.

Technicians successfully "cut-over" the great majority of customer lines last Saturday, however, some customers have reported poor connections or interference on their lines since then.

TelEm Group Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London said Technicians have remained on site at the entrance to Pelican to deal directly with those customers still experiencing problems.

He is urging residential and business clients between the Simpson Bay Bridge and Cappuccino Restaurant in Simpson Bay to report any problems they are having to any TelEm Group location so that their issues can be dealt with right away.

"This is not the first time a cabinet at this location has been damaged by a passing vehicle so we took the opportunity this time to relocate this telephone cabinet further in from the side of the road. We have also applied to government for a permit to erect a barrier to protect this cabinet from future damage," said Mr. London.

On behalf of TelEm Group management, Mr. London has expressed thanks to customers in the area for their patience and understanding while technicians worked diligently to restore the damaged telecommunication equipment in record time.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams gave a candid interview during her weekly Radio Program One on One with the PM on 98.1 Pearl FM where she addressed both her disappointment in certain Members of Parliament regarding their reaction to the issue of the Royal Decree and her personal view regarding the push by the Dutch Government.

"As much as we have said that it is not about the Investigation of integrity and as much as I have initiated steps to ensure integrity I have on occasion been on the verge of saying ok, fine, let them do their investigation. Let Minister Plasterk and Prime Minister Rutte do whatever they need to do in order to let them get the political mileage they are so desperately looking for. I have been at this point because I do not need this battle and if there is one person who has nothing to fear with regards to an integrity investigation into the Government of St. Maarten it is the Prime Minister. So during the past few weeks I have sometimes been on the verge of saying fine let them have their investigation.

"However, whenever I reach to that state I know that what they are requesting of us is not right and I will not just roll over and play dead. Today I am in the position to stand up against this and if I will allow a meddling in the affairs of St. Maarten today the person who will be in my place and who might face these same issues tomorrow will have an uphill battle because I would have allowed it. That is the bottom line to all of this. We have offered the Dutch alternatives to come to a mutual agreement because we understand what they requested and we wanted to collaborate. I have been in the process of Constitutional Change and I have never believed that the first few years would be have been easy ones for St. Maarten as a country but I did believe that we would be given the time to focus on building this country. The odds were always stacked against St. Maarten albeit that we were the ones at the forefront of Constitutional change. We insisted and persisted but the doubts against St. Maarten becoming a country were significant. I have been told to my face in the Netherlands that there are municipalities in the Netherlands that have bigger populations than St. Maarten but I have always maintained that this is about us developing as a people, growing from stage to stage," stressed Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

The Prime Minister also stated that she considered it a pity that certain members in the Opposition in Parliament could not resist bringing up issues that were again irrelevant to the discussion regarding the Dutch Government meddling in St. Maarten's affairs and again sending mixed messages in that regard. "Last Thursday I asked the Parliament to hold a meeting so that I could inform them on what was occurring. I informed the Members of Parliament as I informed the Dutch Prime Minister regarding the steps we are taking in order to ensure integrity and the subsequent acts by Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Plasterk. We wanted to inform Parliament so that they could get together and take a position one way or another. I therefore regret that some persons, including MP Marlin, could not resist bringing up all types of things that were irrelevant to the discussions and which again reflected his political agenda and I sincerely believe that this is a real pity. I got quite upset that MP Marlin used the meeting to bringing up matters regarding what is taking place at the National Security for example. MP Marlin had the audacity to insinuate that there is a witch-hunt with regards to certain situations within the VDSM and again sketching false situations. My mother has always said to me to not always spit in the air because it will fall in your face. The wrong signals are being sent. Some Parliamentarians are being negligent in their authority as a Members of Parliament and it is a pity that the opportunity has been lost for Parliamentarians to ask the right questions and to hold the Ministers accountable instead of once again politicking," concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The first of the series of the Ombudsman District Information Sessions was kicked off on Tuesday October 8th 2013 at the University of St Martin. After the introduction of the staff of Bureau Ombudsman and a synopsis of the Role of the Ombudsman by the Secretary General, Ms. Patricia Philips; the Complaints Procedures were outlined by the Legal Advisor of the Bureau, Mr. Marlon Hart. The Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin explained the Standards of Proper Conduct and introduced the word "Propriety", meaning proper conduct, to the audience. The importance of Good Governance and the rights and obligations of the public, the relationship between Government and Citizens, were some of the topics presented. The Ombudsman stressed the importance of social and political awareness of the citizens in promoting good governance, and explained the application of the 'standards of proper conduct' when the Bureau evaluates the complaints filed with the Ombudsman. The standards of proper conduct applied by the Ombudsman are internationally developed in democratic countries, and are used to evaluate if propriety (behoorlijkheid) is being observed by government, government bodies and agencies, in dealing with the public. Actions of civil servants and private entities charged with government tasks are also sources for investigation.

The Complaint Officer, Mrs. Lysandra William-Crestian presented two cases investigated by Bureau Ombudsman to the audience for discussion, and understanding of 'propriety'. A lively interaction followed on the outcome of the investigations and the recommendations provided to government in these practical cases, after the audience had the opportunity to review the standards of proper conduct during a short break.

At the closing of the evening the president of the USM and the representatives of the foundations present were presented with the Annual Report 2012 by the Ombudsman.

The General public is invited to come out to the following Information Sessions that will be held at the Belvedere Community Center on October 15th, 2013, followed by the Rupert Maynard Youth Center in St Peters on October 22nd, 2013 and at the Salvation Army on October 29th, 2013 in Cole Bay.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake recently met with the Weymouth family and other representatives concerning Link 6 and other Weymouth Hill road infrastructure.

The meeting was about defining the Mildrum road for Link 6 and the repairing of the side roads for the residents of Weymouth Hill. Government Minister Lake pointed out is busy preparing the design work for Link 6 and the side roads for Weymouth Hill.

"It is our intention to sit down with Mr. & Mrs. Weymouth to present them the total amount that would be needed to contribute to the side roads for the residents of Weymouth Hill. We have to work together in order to resolve small challenges and that is part of my back to basics approach," Minister Lake said on Wednesday.

Minister Lake would like to come to a win-win situation between Mr. Weymouth and the residents who had to endure all the suffering over the years with poor infrastructure.

"I have to say Mr. & Mrs. Weymouth want to contribute to the upgrading of the side roads for the residents. The residents were also complaining there is no water in the area. In a previous discussion with GEBE and the Plantz family, it was established to build a water tank in the area.

Residents are looking forward to the resolutions of issues which have been plaguing them for years. Residents have also formed an Association to look out in the best interest of the residents in the area.

"Government would like to sign this agreement with Mr. & Mrs. Weymouth before the end of this year. I think we are heading in the right direction, and I would like to thank all land owners so far for making this project a reality," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Two writers of Teen Times, Sakir de Castro and Rochana Richardson made sure the Members of Parliament and other dignitaries that attended the solemn session of Parliament on Thursday knew that the youths of St. Maarten are not lost and they strongly rejected the name "destitute" that was given to St. Maarten's youths by at least one Member of Parliament.

Recently, a certain MP described St. Maarten's youths as being lost and even went as far as calling the younger generation "destitute". The Teen Times writers who are very much present and active in the St. Maarten community made it clear to the Members of Parliament that they reject the name given to the youths of St. Maarten. Richardson and de Castro saiid that St. Maarten has youths with potential and those that can contribute to the development of their country but it is the duty of those in authority to give the younger generation the chance to contribute and to also be part of the decision making of their country. The theme for the third anniversary for country status of St. Maarten "Let us all join hands together for a stronger St. Maarten" they said was bit too long and therefore they opted to change the theme just for their presentation "Better Together" simply because St. Maarten would do much better if they are together and will be much stronger together in their view. As the voice of the youths of St. Maarten, they said they hear the complaints of the youths, they also highlight the achievements of youths while they do their best to educate and inform their peers about the past, present, and future.

"We cannot stand here this morning and tell you that your young people are very optimistic about the direction of this country. But we can tell you, they have not given up hope and belief that St. Maarten, with strong, forward thinking leadership can be all it aspires to be. The young people of St. Maarten, like those all over the world, are expressing more and more what they want for the future of their country and they are looking to their leaders to pave the road, not create roadblocks."

The full speech presented by de Castro and Richardson is below:

Better, Together

Delivered by Teen Times staff writers Sakir de Castro and Rochana Richardson on the occasion of the third anniversary of 10-10-10

Your Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday, Honorable Prime Minister, Honorable Ministers, Honorable President of Parliament, Honorable Ministers of Parliament, Mr. Henny Eman, invited guests and dignitaries, good morning.

We are honored to be here this morning on the occasion of the third anniversary of St. Maarten obtaining its new constitutional status. On behalf of the young, dedicated and outspoken members of Teen Times, your future leaders, we congratulate one and all on this occasion.

When we received the theme of this morning's special occasion, as teenagers we thought wow, what a long title for a theme. The theme "Let's all join hands to make a stronger Country St. Maarten". We hope the Honorable President of Parliament won't mind too much if...just for our speech.... we change that theme to: "Better, Together."

As a country, and as people who love this country, we are definitely stronger together. But besides strength, what we accomplish as one people moving forward is what will determine our future. So in that sense we are better when we do things together.

As young writers for Teen Times we are afforded the opportunity to be the voice of St. Maarten's youth. We hear their complaints, highlight their achievements and do our best to educate, inform and excite our peers about their past, present and most importantly their future.

We cannot stand here this morning and tell you that your young people are very optimistic about the direction of this country. But we can tell you, they have not given up hope and belief that St. Maarten, with strong, forward thinking leadership can be all it aspires to be. The young people of St. Maarten, like those all over the world, are expressing more and more what they want for the future of their country and they are looking to their leaders to pave the road, not create roadblocks.

That is not to say that they expect everything to be easy and shy away from hard work. They accept that every generation of leaders, face new and profound challenges. They see that this body of Parliament continues to be tested. The question they ask however is whether we possess the wisdom and the courage, as a small island nation and members of an international community, to meet those challenges and whether St. Maarten can meet the tests of our time.

They ask themselves these questions and they realize that all it takes is a little change of attitude, a change in behavior and a change from individual thinking to collective approaches. Change simply means moving forward and not standing still. The most successful individuals and organizations are those that do not run from change, but turn it to their advantage.

Changing, of course, is a matter of definition. It could mean opening your mind to a new concept or causing you to look at what is common from a different perspective or with new insight. It doesn't have to be revolutionary to be significant. We think change should be met as a friend rather than feared as an enemy.

Madame President. Three years into 10-10-10, St. Maarten's young people see themselves as true citizens of the world. We are more connected than ever before. Teens have access to ideas and initiatives that are changing the world. We can access the entire world with just a click of a button. There is no such thing as "oh we're from St. Maarten so we shouldn't think big." No way. In two words I guess you can say we are Globally Competent.

Therefore, in terms of education, there must be a crucial shift in our understanding of the purpose of education in a changing world. Our students deserve the opportunity to succeed in the global economy and contribute as global citizens. We must develop a more creative and visionary educational response to the interconnected world of the 21st century.
Caribbean countries continue to invest unprecedented resources in education. We know that government's largest budget commitment goes to education, but HOW are we educating the future of this country, and HOW are we eliminating and addressing the systems and methods that are failing our young people?

We see Caribbean countries challenging schools and school boards to set clearer and higher standards and assess student progress in more creative ways, prepare more productive teachers, and provide effective intervention in failing schools.

If you want your young people to be true citizens of the world, we have to be given the knowledge and skills that we will need to succeed in the 21st century. That's the future that we deserve, one where we can focus on opportunities because we were prepared for those opportunities.

Madame President, young people in any country represent the future of that country. They have a vital role to play in the development of their country, a duty they must perform. Although, there are many ways that youth can contribute to ensure the active participation of youth in national development, they need to be supported and encouraged by the government, the private sector, and most importantly, the community and their parents. We do not have to go on and on that there are many young people who if given the required support can contribute meaningfully to national development.

But, bringing such young people onboard the development wagon becomes the responsibility of those in authority. Also, to enhance the participation of youth in national development, they must be given the opportunity to effectively participate in decision-making processes, especially on issues affecting their lives.

That is why we compliment government on hosting events such as the Youth Round Table Conference and having a vibrant and active Youth Parliament.

Having said that, we know that our young people must also believe in themselves, not be over dependent and can become a big asset both individually and collectively to national development. We are here today to tell you that we are not a lost generation as some people have called us.

St. Maarten is blessed with positive young people willing to make a difference and determined to be significant players in their country's future. Teen Times, The Leo Club, The Youth Parliament, St. Maarten Junior Aids Committee, the various Interact Clubs, the Student Governments, the youth of SIMARC and St. Maarten Pride, need I say more? We are all here! Don't believe the hype, this generation is not lost!

Don't believe the hype, this generation is not lost! This generation is not "destitute" as we were described recently by a group right here in Parliament. We reject that label! We are here, we are active and we look to you, our leaders in government, to recognize that you have something to fight for, to govern for, to plan for. You have US!

In 10 years, what will we be able to say about what all of you did for this country? Will you see to it that we will be Better Together?

Madame President, Members of Parliament, Honorable Ministers, and your Excellency, we feel very proud, privileged and honored to have been given this opportunity to address you.

Thank you!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several dignitaries including Governor Eugene Holiday, Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams and her cabinet, Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt, Ombudsman Nilda Arduin Lynch, Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte, and Commissioner of Police Carl John were among those that were in the packed tribune of Parliament during the solemn ceremony held in commemoration of the third anniversary of St. Maarten being a country. Leader of the United People's Party Theodore Heyliger attended his first public session in Parliament on Thursday.

Keynote speaker Aruba's first Prime Minister Henny Eman outlined the main reasons Aruba opted to separate themselves from the Netherlands Antilles and go directly under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. PM Eman said one of the main reasons the people of Aruba began thinking of a change of status was because the smallest decisions regarding Aruba were made in Curacao and when they were in need of materials such as a typewriter they were given a second hand one. Eman explained that the Aruban people began thinking of status change way back in 1930 when the people of Aruba were going through very difficult times; such as hunger, poverty, and unemployment. He said in order for Aruba to deal with its problems they needed more autonomy and an opportunity to communicate and work directly with the Kingdom. Aruba attained its separate status in January 1986, shortly after that the economic situation worsened because the oil refinery stopped its operations almost crippling the economy of Aruba. Aruba conducted studies to show them how to handle crisis situations which he said helped the island to get back on track and in no time they managed to double their income when the IMF and the Kingdom came down on Aruba to realize its situation and have a balance budget.

However, politicians there did what was necessary by conducting studies and opened up the island for the tourism market. PM Eman said by doing so Aruba managed to double its numbers and saw a significant growth in its economy which was far higher than when the oil refinery was operational. The first PM of Aruba made clear that the only reason Aruba was able to take its country to another level was because they were the decision makers of Aruba.

He said a Curacao banker even said Aruba would crawl back to them on their knees, while the Kingdom thought that Aruba would release them of their responsibilities within ten years. PM Eman further elaborated in his remarks that politicians on Aruba as well as the people of that island worked hand in hand to develop their country. Eman said the people of Aruba chose to remain under the Kingdom for several reasons and they too had to deal with the matter of integrity. Aruba commissioned its own studies when the Kingdom thought Aruba was the heaven for drugs and even though the results of the investigations conducted showed that Aruba's integrity was in good standing that too was not enough.

Other speakers were leader of the National Alliance William Marlin who reminded politicians the road St. Maarten walked to obtain its country status. Marlin made sure he informed those in attendance that it was under his mandate in 2009 to 2010 that St. Maarten got its country status. He said that while the island is struggling to stay above ground, a serious look has to be taken at the country's integrity and finances. Marlin also credited those that worked tireless hours with politicians for St. Maarten to obtain its new status within the Kingdom and called on government to do what is necessary to make October 10th a national holiday. The statements made by the leader of the National Alliance did not sit well with Democratic Party MP Roy Marlin who said that it seems as though St. Maarten obtained its status through the National Alliance. Faction leader of the United People's Party Silvia Meyers focused on the cost of living and the sufferings of the elderly, she called on government to do what is necessary to ensure that elderly on St. Maarten are taken care of. Independent Member of Parliament Romaine Laville had a panic attack during the ceremony but later recovered to deliver his speech. Laville spoke of the workers who lost their jobs at the RBC and Pelican workers.

The two hour ceremony ended with snacks and drinks at the house of Parliament. After the solemn ceremony, a church service was held at the New Testament Baptist Church, the service at NTBC was organized by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams. Several officers of KPSM attended the church service with the elected officials.

The management of KPSM held a small ceremony in front of the police headquarters in Philipsburg in commemoration of Constitution Day.

Click here to view more photos of the Solemn Ceremony of Parliament.

The Police Department in announcing that connection with the celebration of Constitutional Day on October 10th, the E Camille Richardson Street (Police Station Alley) will be closed from 4:00pm on October 9th through October 10th, 2013 at 05:00 p.m. The public is asked to pay attention to this notice to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.

KPSM Public Notice

OYSTER BAY:--- On Tuesday October 8th, 2013 at approximately 12:35pm, three men were arrested by police in the vicinity of the border at Oyster Bay. These men were first seen by a patrol driving in a grey Kia Picanto with a French license plate in the Sucker Garden area. When the patrol attempted to stop the vehicle in question they took off at very high speed. The vehicle in question was chased by the patrol but the occupants succeeded in getting away. Shortly after, a second police patrol saw the vehicle and suspects as they crossed the border from Coralita to Oyster Bay. The patrol attempted to stop the vehicle again however the driver refused to stop and increased speed in order get away again. The patrol was forced to block the vehicle and repeatedly ordered the suspect driver and other suspects to exit the vehicle. All suspects refused to exit the vehicle and continued behaving in a very suspicious way in the vehicle. A warning shot was fired in order to force one of the suspects who came out of the car with both hands in his pockets and refused to cooperate after being ordered several times to do so. All three suspects were arrested on the scene and during a search several bullets were found. The suspects were taken to the Police Head quarters where they were handed over to the Detective Department for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last Saturday evening, September 28th, The St. Maarten Academy Interact Club held their Induction ceremony during which no less than 51 students were pined as either first time Interactors or board members.

President Rholdyne Lake in a moving presentation said: "First and foremost, I would like to thank the Rotary family for joining us this evening in inducting our new interact members. Second, my goals and vision this year is to see YOU, our new Interactors, participating in the projects we have on board and I would like to see YOU live up to your standards, develop good and strong leadership skills and build a strong and positive environment. As God gives me his knowledge and guidance with his help, I foresee the activities set will be fun and enjoyable. I can assure you that in the end, you will be delighted to be a part of the rotary family. Last, a BIG thank you to my wonderful board members for a job well done in setting up for this Induction dinner this evening".

On hand to induct the St. Maarten Academy Interact Club board and members were James Ferris Past Assistant Governor and Advisor to the Club and President Maria Buncamper-Molanus representing The Rotary Club of St. Maarten, which sponsored this Interact Club 20 years ago. Joining President Rholdyne on the board are Board Members, Hailey Greaux - Vice President, Marian Felix - Secretary, Norma Jean Illario - Treasurer, Jeffeny Fidel- National Director, Alin Urighre - Financial Director, Andy Yaoxin - Seargent of Arms, Amalia Providence - Social Director and Akesha Flanders - International Director. Also officially pinned were Faculty Advisers Peggy Bell and Patricia Arrindell.

The Interact Club is a club for young people ages 12 – 18, who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community. Through Interact, members carry out hands on service projects, make international friendships, develop leadership skills and have fun!

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

SIMPSON BAY:--- More than 35 members of staff of the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) took part in the 4th Annual Pink Parade held in Philipsburg last Friday afternoon. It is the second year successively that the airport would participate in the parade to demonstrate its support for the Breast Cancer Awareness initiative spearheaded by the Positive and Elektralyets Foundation.

SXM Airport staff donned branded breast cancer awareness T-shirts during the parade as well as pink cowboy hats and pink boas. "SXM employees really enjoyed themselves and are all set to participate in the 2014 community initiative," said Audrey Jack, Senior Business Development Officer of the Marketing Department.

Jack also disclosed that employees were requested to wear their breast cancer awareness T-shirts every Friday throughout the month of October.

The parade is organized yearly to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month in October and as a form of solidarity with those in our community who are affected by breast cancer and their daily struggle with this disease.

Another goal of the organizers is to encourage people to get checked for breast cancer as studies show that early detection is the best prevention.

Participants in the parade marched to the accompaniment of brass bands, steel pan and drum bands starting from the Festival Village and winding through the Walter Nisbeth Road, onto the Long Wall Road, then Front Street and ending on the boardwalk via the Cyrus Wathey Square.

"The SXM group distributed breast cancer themed promotional items to onlookers along the route. The airport is very happy to take part in the Pink Parade because of the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer in our community," remarked Kalifa Hickinson, SXM's Corporate Communications Specialist, who was in the Parade.

COLE BAY:--- Upon the initiative of the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation (SNBF) and the Association L' Esprit de Concordia, the St. Martin Nation Building and Unification Grassroots People Movement – for short the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement - is herewith officially presented to the public as well as to all relevant authorities.

This movement has been operating as such, in an un-official manner for a number of years in preparation of the broadening of the scope of the functioning of both organizations by networking with like-minded people.

As of today, the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement has now become an officially structured entity, representing and defending the rights of all native, indigenous St. Martin People residing on the island and abroad.

The St. Martin Grassroots People Movement is comprised of the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation (SNBF) and the Association L' Esprit de Concordia, as/at the core of the movement along with Grassroots People Associates or Associated members.

These Associates could be private persons and/or legal bodies/institutions.

Proof of membership is being a (cultural-) St. Martin ID-cardholder and signatory to the Pledge of Allegiance to the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement.

In return the Associates/Associated members also may receive certain benefits in return.

The main objective of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement is to represent a broad-based network aimed at promoting the recognition, protection, preservation and the best interest of the native, indigenous St. Martin People in the widest sense of the word, in order to create a strong foundation for the inclusion of all others with an 'added value' in the process of nation building/unification.

The St. Martin Grassroots People Movement is open for membership to all, who can subscribe to its objectives and who are prepared to sign a pledge to that end.

The St. Martin Grassroots People Movement reserves the rights to champion its cause on every relevant platform local-, national, regional or international.

The first Associates of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement are the following persons;

1. Leopold James
2. Horace Whit
3. Miguel Arrindell
4. Freddy Richardson
5. Etienne van Heyningen
6. Nadika Stephen
7. Touzah Jabash

While all members can be contacted for information, as it relates to the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement the official spokes-person for the movement is Leopold James, president of the SNBF/Association L'Esprit de Concordia.

In his absence Albert 'Jesse' Adams, is the official spokes-person and the substitute spoke-person is Horace Whit.

On a regular basis, updates will be provided to the public.

Copies to be sent to; The Government of St. Maarten, The Collectivity of St. Martin, the Caricom, the UN, the UNDP, The Dutch Government, the French Government etc etc.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The committee that was established to organize St. Maarten's Day activities outlined the program they are working on for St. Maarten's Day 2013 on Wednesday. Chairman of the committee Neville York said the theme this year is "Back in the Day". The committee members said that while they are working on their program they have not yet secured a budget for the St. Maarten's Day activities. They said that their intention is to submit their program by Friday this week in order to secure the budget for the activities. Persons that are interested in selling food or other merchandize on St. Maarten's Day have until Monday to submit their request for a booth or table in Festival Village. Forms can be obtained at the Government Administration Building.

Apart from the wreath laying ceremony and official speeches that will be held at the Festival Village, the committee put together a number of activities to highlight what St. Maarten was like 50 or more years ago compared to what it is today.

The intention is to have local drinks and food as well as the décor of the past for the day's events which will end early this year. Fabiana Arnell said that this year St. Maarten Day activities will close off at 9pm due to the fact that the following day is a working day.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Section General Health Care (SGHC) that falls under Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says that Thursday, 10 October, will be observed around the world as World Mental Health Day (WMHD)

The objective of the day is to raise awareness on mental health issues.

The theme for WMHD in 2013 is "Mental health and older adults."

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever is calling on the nation to look out for the elderly and to pay more attention to them. As part of the Minister's 'Get Checked,' campaign, De Weever is calling on civil society to pay more attention to the senior population and to assist them wherever possible.

In addition, Minister De Weever says he strongly believes that all institutions must work together in the interest of the patient at all times.

Older adults, those aged 60 or above, have made and continue to make important contributions to society as family members, volunteers and as active participants in the workforce.

Mental health and emotional well-being are as important in older age as at any other time in life.

While most have good mental health, many older adults are at risk of developing mental disorders, neurological disorders or substances use problems as well as physical illness or disability.

The world's population is aging rapidly. Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's older adults is estimated to double from about 11 per cent to 22 per cent. In absolute terms, this is an expected increase from 605 million to two billion people over the age of 60.

Older people face special physical and mental health challenges which need to be recognized.

Over 20 per cent of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder (excluding headache disorders) and 6.6 per cent of all disability (disability adjusted life years-DALYs) among over 60s is attributed to neurological and mental disorders.

The most common neuropsychiatric disorders in this age group are dementia and depression. Anxiety disorders affect 3.8 per cent of the elderly population, substance use problems affect almost 1 per cent and around a quarter of deaths from self-harm are among those aged 60 or above.

Substance abuse problems among the elderly are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A solemn session of the House of Parliament will be held to commemorate the third anniversary of country Sint Maarten starting at 10:00am on Thursday. The entire session of the house can be followed on radio, TV and via the internet.

Keynote speaker on Constitution Day, 10 October at the House of Parliament will be Aruba's first Prime Minister Hon. Jan Hendrik Albert "Henny" Eman.

Henny Eman was born March 20, 1948 and was Aruba's first Prime Minister from 1 January, 1986 to 9 February 1989 (a little over three years) and again from 29 July, 1994 to 30 October 2001 (over seven years).

Eman will present his experiences with respect to Aruba achieving its separate status when he addresses the House of Parliament in a solemn session.

The public are asked to tune in to hear the keynote address on Constitution Day along with other activities planned during the House solemn session.

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be no through traffic from the beginning of Back Street to the intersection near Angelo's Boutique Thursday evening October 10 from 8:00pm to 12:00am (midnight). The alleys will also be closed.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams was much calmer and relaxed on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing when she updated the media on the Integrity Investigation that was ordered by the Kingdom Council of Ministers on September 27th, 2013.

The Prime Minister said she will be traveling to the Netherlands at the end of the week where she intends to meet with the Minister of Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, the Council of State, and several St. Maarten based organizations. Wescot Williams said that these meetings were planned way before the Royal Decree was issued which was published last week. She said the Council of Ministers and her person met with the Governor on the matter but to date no official information was sent to the Government of St. Maarten to indicate when the integrity investigation will commence. Wescot Williams said that the Government of St. Maarten will not cooperate with the investigation unless they get the legal advice they requested from the Council of State. When asked if civil servants were officially notified that they should not cooperate with the investigators, the Prime Minister said that they have not sent out any official information such as a "memo" to the government apparatus simply because the Government of St. Maarten has not yet been informed.

The Prime Minister also informed the media that she prepared a package with information such as the letters that were sent to St. Maarten in April 2013 giving indications that the Kingdom would come down on St. Maarten if they did not heed the concerns of the Kingdom regarding the ToT that is applied on goods sold on St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said some Members of Parliament turned the entire Integrity Investigation into a political problem instead of looking at how such an investigation would impede on the country's rights. She said the Royal Decree had some things missing and if the Kingdom Council could explain that which is missing then St. Maarten will cooperate. The use of article 43 according to the Prime Minister is the main issue for St. Maarten.

Transparency International to cost Country Euros 200,000.00 --- No Agreement signed yet.

Wescot Williams also acknowledged that no official agreement was signed with Transparency International even though parties agreed in principle to have TI conduct an investigation on Integrity within the Government of St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said the investigation done by TI will cost the Government of St. Maarten Euros 200,000.00.

COLA payments to be made in Lump Sum payment on November 15th, 2013.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams also announced that the COLA payments for the year 2011 should be made by November 15th, 2013 now that the 2013 budget has been approved. Wescot Williams said that the 50% that was budgeted will be made in a lump sum payment and not indexed to the salaries as requested by the unions. She said however the payment will not be made at the same time as salaries which will benefit the civil servants. The Prime Minister could not say if the remaining 50% of COLA that will be owed to the civil servants would be placed in the 2014 budget. She said the 2014 budget is just as tight as the 2013 budget and government's projections are to have that budget ready by October 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs launched a program which is geared at reaching youngsters in various districts. Minister of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs Cornelius de Weever and Ida Hallaman told reporters that some five persons will kick off the Youth Connection program in the Dutch Quarter area. Minister de Weever said the main purpose of this program is to reach persons in the various districts that need help and information to become active citizens. Another reason the Ministry chose to embark on this particular program is to assist migrants that are living in the various communities to integrate in St. Maarten's society and to also attack the social ills affecting the persons living on St. Maarten.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs will assist the persons they connect with and place them into existing programs. Hallaman said some five persons will be working in the various districts in order to find persons that need information and preparation to participate in the programs that are already available. Persons that are interested in making contact with those in the Dutch Quarter area can contact the Help Desk in Dutch Quarter to fill out a form.

The Ministry of Labor is also working with the CPOs in the various districts to meet the persons that are hanging out on the blocks or those that simply cannot find work.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The owner of Unity Tire Center located at Sr. Modesta Road Simpson Bay filed a court case against the Government of St. Maarten. The case is scheduled to be heard on October 25th, 2013.

According to information provided to SMN News, one of the Inspectors of the Ministry of VROMI issued an immediate closure of the business on August 9th, 2013 claiming that the business owner is not in possession of a hindrance permit. Unity Tire Center has been operating since 2009 without a hindrance permit because when the Government of St. Maarten issued the business license in 2009 a hindrance permit was not required.

A representative of the company told SMN News that they were approached in 2012 and informed that since St. Maarten became a country tire centers are required to have hindrance permits and as such Unity Tire Center needed to submit an application to obtain such a permit. The company it is understood submitted their request on August 2nd, 2012 and by August 2013 the Department of VROMI closed their operations because they also denied the permit claiming that Sr. Modesta Road is a residential area. However, the zoning ordinance (2009) from the Department of Economic Affairs shows in article 27 that the entire Sr. Modesta Road is considered a commercial area.

SMN News further learnt that government plans to turn Sr. Modesta Road Simpson Bay into a residential area even though 75% of the buildings in the area are businesses.

It is now understood that after government (the Ministry of VROMI) realized they made a blunder the Minister of VROMI is trying to make some sort of agreement with the business owner in order for him to drop the court procedures.

Unity Tire Center is represented by BZSE law firm. An official comment from the attorney could not be obtained on Wednesday, neither could the Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake be reached for comment on Wednesday.

POND ISLAND:--- Organizers of the 2013 Breakthrough talent search event this week announced that the winner of the vocals category, Kenyo Baly is unable to continue with the Breakthrough project due to commitments to school abroad.

Under the terms of the show's agreement, the winners of all four categories must collaborate on a video recording. They must also make themselves available for various promotional spots as the faces of mobile provider, TelCell.

Since these activities require the presence of the winners on St. Maarten, Kenyo Baly and his parents have informed that he cannot guarantee that he can be on island when required, therefore, he will gladly give up the title to the next contestant in the vocals category who will now have the opportunity to collaborate with her fellow contestants.

News that she is now the winner of the vocals category has been warmly received by Ms. Thewet, who has already received a prize from the event organizers for being the most dedicated contestant.

"She has been rewarded for her positive attitude, perseverance and talent, and we very much look forward to working with her and the other winners for the year to come," said TelEm Group Breakthrough coordinator, Angel Richardson.

Ms. Richardson said all parties have been informed of the changes and Geniquah will begin filming and recording with the other winning contestants this week.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams joined with the Elderly and Senior Citizens of St. Maarten in celebrating International Day of the Elderly at the St. Maarten's Home on Saturday. The PM commented earlier this week that the elderly in our society have to be recognized for their contributions to the country and for guiding generations into shaping St. Maarten society. "We must never forget that it is our parents, grandparents and great grandparents that have shaped our community and that have contributed so much to St. Maarten.

On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons. The day is celebrated throughout the world, St. Maarten being no exception.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams received a courtesy visit and held a discussion with representatives of the OCaN organization recently at her Cabinet. OCaN, or the Organization of Caribbean Dutch in the Netherlands) concerns itself with the various developments affecting the social position of the residents of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in the Netherlands. The organization contributes to decision-making and the quality of government policy on Dutch Caribbean by making the consequences of various government proposals clear with regards to the Caribbean Dutch in the Netherlands. The Prime Minister held discussions regarding the OCaN organization defending the interests of Caribbean Dutch in the Netherlands and the improvement of the social position of the Caribbean Dutch in the Netherlands through various advocacy initiatives.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Learn, Experience, Explore

CAY HILL:--- On October 19th, 2013, the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) will host an Open House to connect with the public, bringing to attention how we work to meet the medical needs of our community. We will share essential health information and useful information of the medical services and other support services that are available at our hospital.
The Open House is scheduled in a month when the public is very sensitized about Breast Cancer. While we cannot provide sure ways to prevent breast cancer we want to remind women that they should take actions to check their health regularly because early detection is the best protection against breast cancer.

The Open House will begin with short lectures on breast cancer; prevention and care for persons living with breast cancer. Presenters are Dr. Henk Wassenaar, Oncologist at SMMC and Ms Shelly Alphonso, Positive Foundation President. Women wanting to learn how to do Breast Self Examinations should attend. Attendees will also learn about new developments in breast cancer research and treatments. The lectures will begin at 3:00pm.
A special feature at the Open House is a Zumba Session. More and more, research is showing that exercise can reduce women's risk of getting breast cancer. Exercise is also helpful in restoring movement for patients who have had breast cancer surgery. When we regularly do the right exercises for our body we can easily maintain good health. Twice a week, an SMMC nurse leads a Zumba session for employees at our hospital. This fun way to exercise will be shared with all who choose to participate in this fun Zumba session in our parking lot at 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Honorable Prime Minster Sarah Wescot-Williams, U Too Can Move and Miss Mature 2013 Contestants will be among the participants of the Zumba session.
Free Breast Examinations is another special feature at this Open House. It is important for women to have their breast examined regularly to detect early, possible risks for breast cancer. Two of our specialists, Dr. F. Holiday, General Surgeon and Dr. H. Wassenaar, Oncologist will give breast examinations at no cost to the public. This service will be available between 4:30pm- 7:00pm.
On a guided tour during the open house, the public is invited to explore areas of our hospital. Career and education opportunities can also be explored at our open house. Each year we receive more than 50 interns at our hospital. We also teach accelerated nursing programs by our own education department. Information on these opportunities to learn and work at SMMC will be available.
We hope to connect with a lot of people at our open house on October 19th. There will be a lot to learn, great things to experience and interesting areas and opportunities to explore.

SMMC Press Release

FORT WILLEM:--- On Tuesday October 8th, 2013 at approximately 7:15am, police patrols, detectives, Forensic Department personnel and paramedics were sent to Fort Willem Hill to investigate a case of an infant that was not showing any signs of life. On the scene the investigating officers encountered both parents of the infant. The mother was holding the infant in her arms who indeed was not showing any signs of life. The parents stated that the night before they had gone to bed and their female infant was in good health. The infant had also fallen asleep. At daybreak when they woke up they noticed that the infant was not moving or showing any signs of life. A medical doctor was informed and came to the scene and pronounced the death of the infant. The body of the infant was confiscated for further investigation while the parents are being questioned. This case is under investigation by the Detective Department.

KPSM Police Report

MAHO:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is excited to announce that the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino will be the host of the 2013 Crystal Pineapple Awards. Year after year, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino has been the perfect setting for the annual gala event during which the SHTA recognizes excellence in service and outstanding performance at the various levels and throughout the different sectors of the tourism industry.

"As the country's premiere resort and home to several Crystal Pineapple winners as a part of its team, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is honored to again host the awards ceremony on November 22nd," said Mr. Bernard Hunt, Director of Sales Sonesta Maho Beach.

The nomination period for submitting individuals/organizations opened on Monday September 23rd and will close on Monday October 21st 2013. The category groups are: Accommodations (Hotels, Timeshares and Rentals) with 4 subcategories; Restaurants with 3 subcategories; and Community Services. In addition, nominations can also be presented for the non-voting categories, however, these will be voted on by the Selection Committee. Individuals, who have been nominated in previous years, can be nominated again. "The Organizing Committee is encouraging the community of St. Maarten to go online and visit their Facebook page: "Crystal Pineapple Awards" to nominate their candidate in various categories. The nomination form and categories can be found on the SHTA website www.shta.com as well as additional information and updates on the event.

"We sincerely appreciate the fact that the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino could once again accommodate our event. Throughout the years we have enjoyed a wonderful collaboration with the resort and have been able to count on the assistance of their entire team in making the event better with each passing year", said SHTA. This year's event promises to be even bigger and better than before, with as many as 70 awardees to be recognized. Great food, ambiance and live entertainment throughout the evening culminating in dancing at the end, will surely make this event one to be remembered.

The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Claire Elshot told reporters during the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions' press conference on Tuesday that the WITU is willing to accept the 50% of the COLA payment that was budgeted for them for the year 2011. Elshot said the GOA sent a letter to government informing them that the unions will not accept the 50% in a lump sum payment as suggested by government but they want that money indexed to the salaries of the civil servants. Another condition the unions set was that the Government of St. Maarten must budget the other 50% of the COLA payment for the year 2011 in the 2014 budget. Furthermore, the unions believe that the Government of St. Maarten must get its act together for the other years of COLA payments because they do not intend to continue fighting for what is duly owed to them. Elshot said that she personally did not inform her members as yet as to the decisions taken by the union even though during their last membership meetings the members of the various unions mandated their union representatives to ensure that they get their full 100% COLA payment for the year 2011. Elshot said the GOA and the union representatives have decided to settle for the 50% budgeted for the year 2011 because when they met with government they got information on the country's financial situation that they did not have before.

Elshot also gave reporters an insight of the conference that took place last week at the Westin Resort addressing Mental Health Care. She said that an association has been created to address the needs of Mental Health. One of the things Elshot said is missing within government structure is a department that would deal with policies for mental patients. Elshot said that teachers that attended the conference applauded the initiatives taken by the association because they believe they now have a place that they could refer students that need special care.

During the conference several issues were raised Elshot told reporters, she said the General Secretary of the CUT Virginia Albert Poyotte impressed on educators to postulate themselves in elections in order for them to bring about changes for education, especially since they do not believe that the education budget for any country should be cut due to global crisis. Elshot said according to the CUT speaker the lack of education is the main cause of the global crisis therefore monies should be spent on education in order to improve the situation, while educators who are no longer in public office should return to the classroom.

When SMN News asked Elshot if she realized that the three Education Ministers on St. Maarten since 10/10/10 were active educators, Elshot said it is a fact that all the Education Ministers on St. Maarten are educators but none of them got a fair opportunity to fulfill their plans and programs for education while in office. She said due to the current political situation, MPs are allowed to go independent and can create coups to throw the government down when they want and this is a dangerous and bad precedent. Elshot also agreed that the two former Ministers should head back to the classrooms if their positions are still available.

Another area tackled was the need to mandate and regulate early childhood education on St. Maarten. Elshot said there are only two schools that offer early childhood education which are the MAC School and the Christian Protestant School.

Elshot against Integrity Investigation Ordered by the Dutch.

The WITU President lambasted the Dutch when she was asked by SMN News for her opinion on the integrity investigation ordered by the Kingdom Council of Ministers. Elshot said the Dutch does not have the right to call for any integrity investigation on St. Maarten because St. Maarten cannot do the same for the Kingdom. "The Dutch is out of order, when St. Maarten can call for an integrity investigation in the Netherlands then it should be possible for the Netherlands to call for one on St. Maarten." Elshot said she believes the Dutch is out of order because when St. Maarten became a country in 2010 all the other islands that made up the Netherlands Antilles got their debt relief except St. Maarten. Elshot said she asked the elected officials on St. Maarten several times where is the monies they received for the debt relief and each time she was told that St. Maarten did not get those monies.

When asked if she feels an integrity investigation is warranted on St. Maarten, she said that in her opinion St. Maarten is need of Electoral and Tax Reform.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The UP/DP/Laville Government requested that an audit be done by SOAB at Bureau Telecommunications Post (BTP) after the board of BTP denied the Government of St. Maarten advance concession fees which they requested about two months ago to fill the holes that were in the 2013 budget.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the Council of Ministers got their hands on the draft financial statements of BTP which were leaked to them and shortly after that sent a letter to BTP requesting that they pay their concession fees in advance just as GEBE did when government approached them during their budget crisis with the CFT. The source said that BTP immediately responded to the letter they received by informing the Council of Ministers that they need to follow the proper chain of command when dealing with them since the only Minister they have to answer to is the Minister of TEATT Ted Richardson.

SMN News further learnt that since then the Minister of TEATT tried to meet with the board members of BTP but that meeting was allegedly hijacked by the other members of the Council of Ministers.
Ever since then the rift between government and BTP has expanded and government has since ordered an audit be conducted by SOAB. According to information provided to SMN News, BDO is conducting the annual audit for BTP while SOAB will conduct a separate audit for the government of St. Maarten.

SMN News further learnt that the Government of St. Maarten gets 2.5 million guilders per year from BTP as concession fees, this amount was paid to government in 2011 and 2012; while they have to pay their expenses and other bills from the monies they collect from their clients. It is understood that when BTP was setting up their office they were given a key to an empty building and the board had to find equipments and materials to operate their office because up to this date BTP has not received its assets from the former Netherlands Antilles. The Prime Minister is supposed to be dealing with the division of assets but those monies have not yet been sent to St. Maarten. BTP collects concession and inspectrum fees from TELEM Group of Companies, United Telecommunications Services, Global Comtrade, and Corporate Innovations. It is understood that BTP collects about seven million guilders per year in total from the above mentioned companies.

Buncamper-Molanus to be added to Board of BTP.

Unconfirmed reports state that the Government of St. Maarten wants to appoint former Minister of Health and Labor Maria Buncamper-Molanus to the board of BTP since there are allowed to add at least two more persons on the board. The BTP was set up in November 2010 by attorney at law Peggy Ann Brandon who could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

MARIGOT:--- Residents of St. Martin will witness their first same sex marriage this Saturday at the Collectivity of St. Martin. The male couple is expected to tie the knot on Saturday October 12th, 2013 at 10:30. Publication of the marriage can be viewed at the Collectivity of St. Martin.

The same sex marriage law was passed on the 18th May, 2013. The same sex marriage scheduled for this Saturday is the first to take place in St. Martin since it became legal in the France and its overseas territories.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake last week Wednesday met with the Saunders Community Council upon the request of the council.

The Saunders Community Council expressed how happy they were that the minister could meet with them on such short notice, and commended him for the work that he has been doing throughout the various districts.

The Saunders Community Council has a number of pressing issues that they would like to see addressed by the Minister of VROMI.

One of the points brought forward is a community center for the Saunders district and the Council would like to request government long lease land in order to be able to build a community center in their neighbourhood. Minister Lake indicated that although the availability of land in this area is very limited, he would have his staff look into where this would be possible.

Minister Lake also suggested the possibility of the council identifying land that is for sale in their neighbourhood and the possibility of compensating the seller then with another piece of government land in order to make this possible.

"In my back to basics approach, we need to look for solutions together, and by doing this we are able to accomplish bigger things for our districts," Minister Lake said on Monday.

Another point brought forward was the cleaning up of the Saunders district. There are a number of car wrecks in the area that are an eyesore. There are garages operating allegedly without hindrance permits, and according to the Council, GEBE has also done sloppy work in the district leaving water pits uncovered, roads dug up, not fixed back after more than six months, and light poles on the side of the road.

Another issue was the lack of street lights in the neighbourhood. and the fact that there is no underground cabling in certain areas of Saunders. As a result, there are unsightly poles with cables hanging and lights flickering which cannot be replaced because new aluminium poles are needed in order to replace the lights. Mention was also made of the location of water leaks in the area.

Minister Lake had the Head of Inspection Henry Ellis present as well as GEBE Co-Director Romelio Maduro, and they were able to indicate what measures had already been taken and what measures they would continue to take in the neighbourhood to remedy the concerns of the Council.

There were also complaints of noise pollution from establishments in the neighbourhood and on some roads the traffic has been rerouted and as a result people are speeding though certain streets in the neighbourhood resulting in accidents. The council would like to see speed bumps put in in certain areas in order to increase safety for the residents.

The Saunders Community Council would also like to beautify their neighbourhood in time for their annual Christmas celebration. They would like the usual assistance from the Department of Infrastructural Management to assist with trucks to pick up garbage which the residents can put out during a general clean-up campaign. They are also looking forward to the placement of the "Welcome to Saunders" sign being placed before the Christmas event with flag poles.

Minister Lake assured the council that he and his team would look into all the issues brought forward, but urged the council to submit everything to him in writing so that it could be dealt with promptly based on a plan of action and timetable.

The department heads present and the manager of GEBE promised to do their part to take care of the problems. Acting Head of the Maintenance Department Edelmiro Jansen and Community Police Officer Leonard as well as members of the Ministers Cabinet were present for the meeting.

The council then thanked the minister for coming to the meeting on such short notice and with such a large team, and expressed how happy they were to learn that some of the issues that they brought forward were already being addressed within the ministry in collaboration with the Community Police Officer.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended a Cocktail Reception at the Holland House Restaurant with representatives of the Directorate of Interior and Kingdom Relations BAK and of the UNDP and Community Representatives involved in the development of the National Development Plan. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams has said earlier that she will be counting on the population for their input and participation in implementing the plan: "We will be putting considerable focus on the National Development Plan. In order to launch and implement the NDP we will need the involvement of all, of each and every St. Maartener whether you were born here or whether you belong here, to craft a vision for St. Maarten. We need the input from all to be able to implement the vision which we have in making this island one of the leaders of sound democratic and people oriented governance in the region. We need the input from all sectors of society to plot the course for our economic, social, cultural and environmental development. The development for a Country which we call home, one which we all should love and cherish."

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

COLE BAY:--- On Saturday October 5th, 2013 at approximately 1:15pm, several police patrols, detectives, Forensic Department personnel, and paramedics were sent to Cork Tree Drive in Cole Bay where a man was found lying in pool of blood and not showing signs of life. On the scene the victim was found and after several attempts by the paramedics they succeeded in reanimating the victim. The victim had suffered a very serious wound to one of his arms and had lost a large amount of blood causing him to lose consciousness. The victim was transported in very critical situation the Sint Maarten Medical Center where he was operated on immediately after which he was admitted for observation. On the scene the investigating officers followed a trail of blood that came from the victim to a home in the vicinity. The investigators noticed that the home in question had been broken into and that the suspect had injured himself by breaking a glass window while committing the act. This case is under investigation by the Detective Department.

KPSM Police Report

CUPE COY:--- On Saturday October 5th, 2013 at approximately 3:50pm, a Simpson Bay Police patrol spoke to a French citizen who stated that he had filed a report that his vehicle had been stolen on the French side. He also stated that shortly before he saw when a man parked his car in the parking lot of the Atlantis Casino. On the scene the patrol saw the suspect when he attempted to step into the vehicle. He was arrested immediately and while searching the suspect, the keys of the vehicle were found. Two other suspects that were also in the vehicle were also arrested. All suspects were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation by the Detective Department. The vehicle in question was confiscated.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the weekend of October 4th through October 6th, 2013, 7 young men, five of which are from the French Side, were held at the Philipsburg Police Station be cause they could not properly identify themselves and because they were riding scooters without helmets, license plates, insurance and proof of ownership. All suspects were released after identification was brought in by a family member. The scooters remained in safe keeping by the police until proper documentation is brought in.

KPSM Police Report

PM: "We have come to an agreement on the steps to be taken in the next eight weeks coming out with a hard decision regarding the investment of the APS in the completion of the new Government Administration Building"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Pension Fund APS towards the understanding of exploring the financing possibilities between Government and the APS which will go towards the completion of the new Government Administration Building.

The Prime Minister stated that she looked forward to a close working relationship with the APS in making the completion of the building a reality and to see through the additional projects associated with the building, namely Block D and the planned parking garage. "On this wonderful occasion this afternoon I would like to thank the Management and Board of APS for coming together with Government in formalizing an agreement in which we will arrive at an approach for formalizing a clear understanding of the completing of the new Government Administration Building. After months of formal and informal discussions between Government officials and the management of APS we have now arrived closer to an understanding of Government's deep desire to get to a solution for the completion of the Government Administration Building and APS' desire to invest in a worthwhile and feasible project on St. Maarten. Bringing those two thoughts together and after significant deliberation between the two parties we have come to an agreement on the steps to be taken and the analyses to be done in the next eight weeks coming out with a hard decision regarding the investment of the APS in the completion of the new Government Administration Building. One of the steps to be taken during the coming eight weeks is to analyze the status of the New Administration Building and to move forward with the necessary steps in order to get the Building complete as well as some of the other necessary projects such as block D and the parking garage. It is my hope that after the financial analyses has been done a firm agreement will be arrived at for the completion of the new Government Administration Building," stated the PM.

The Chairman of the National Pension Fund Mr. Franklin Richards stated in his remarks that he, as Chairman of the Board of APS, had the great pleasure to be at hand for the signing of an MOU between the Government of St. Maarten and the National Pension Fund. "The signing of this MOU is the first step towards the possibilities of a financial and legal framework needed to make the completion of the Government Administration Building feasible and the APS is proud to be a part of this decision. I hasten to add that much consideration has been given towards the signing of this MOU and I assure all that the strict regulations regarding the investment possibilities of the APS are being observed regarding which investments are allowed and what investments can be taken. Some of these regulations entail that all investment possibilities have to be taken into consideration by the Board and the Investment Committee of the APS and all investment decisions are in no way taken if they are in conflict with the payment of pensions. We classify the new Government Administration Building as a sound investment and are therefore embarking on the discussions regarding the steps which can be taken towards its eventual completion. The signing of the MOU indicates that together with Government the APS will work together to provide all the necessary information for the evaluation and the sound decision making for the new Building to be completed and made operational. I would like therefore to thank the Prime Minister for placing Government's confidence to us," concluded Mr. Richards.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PM Continues to Paint November Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

PHILIPSBURG:--- Early Detection, treatment and a healthy and active lifestyle were some of the points the Prime Minister stressed during a weekend of activities centered around October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The PM joined in on the annual Pink Parade where she expressed her appreciation to not only those organizing the annual event but also to those who are fighting against the disease that affects Millions of women worldwide. "There are so many who have been affected by breast cancer on St. Maarten and some of them are suffering as we stand here tonight. To them we say keep up the fight and indeed we are fighting right next to them. Recognizing the seriousness of the disease and the steps out there that can be taken to combat it is our most important task. We are making St. Maarten aware of what it means to have breast cancer and what we can do to make sure dedication happens early," commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of women to get tested for the disease. "I thank all of the companies that have allowed their employees to participate. This day is about telling the people of St. Maarten that we understand what it means to have breast cancer and what the survivors are going through. We also should say a word of prayer this month for those who have succumbed to the illness."

The PM also fitness walk and special Zumba Session through Philipsburg emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection in combating Breast Cancer; "My mother of ninety-one years is alive today because of a breast cancer operation and early detection. Today technology is so much more advanced so it is about getting tested and spreading the message. We cannot prevent breast cancer but we can make sure that those who have are checked and tested and get the necessary treatment out there and these women here with me are the result of that. Please give yourselves a round of applause," concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

COLE BAY:--- In light of the recent unofficial publications in the media concerning the Cole Bay Ice plant, containing incorrect information, speculations and false accusations towards the Inspectorate, the Inspectorate of the Ministry of VSA informs the public as follows.
One of the many tasks of the Inspectorate VSA as established by legislation is to monitor and ensure the quality of drinking water. This includes the water as distributed by GEBE through its network, bottled water and ice. The legal basis for this authority and the quality requirements are laid down in the "Inspectorate Ordinance", the "Commodities ordinance" the "Drinkwater ordinance" and the "Ordinance Drinkwater quality".
For 2013 the Inspectorate has as one of its goals a more strict supervision and enforcement on the quality of drink water and ice. The most important requirements are to have a water and ice sampling program in place, maintaining a log book of the lab analysis and maintaining the facility and plant operations in accordance with HACCP regulations. Water and ice samples are tested by the lab on physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters.
In the month August the main ice manufacturers and suppliers were inspected. These are Cole Bay Ice Plant, Younique Water and Cake House. From the French side Igloo Ice was inspected in cooperation with the French authorities. Hotels producing ice for own consumption are inspected during the regular F&B inspections. The Inspectorate takes samples of both the water intake and ice and also swabs of specific areas for analysis.
Younique, Cake House and Igloo were in compliance. The operation of Cole Bay Ice Plant was shut down by the Inspectorate in August because of this facility and the product (ice) not being in compliance with stipulated requirements, e.g. having no testing program in place, non HACCP compliant and the water and ice contaminated with fecal E-Coli bacteria. On two re-inspections some non-compliant items were corrected, however the water and swabs of the machine up until the last inspection two weeks ago still demonstrated the presence of E-Coli. Samples were taken to both SLS and GEBE lab and both tested positive. The Inspectorate concluded that there has to be cross- contamination somewhere from the cistern and/or well and advised the owner to take appropriate measures to prevent this.
To be able to resume operations, the re-inspection will have to demonstrate full compliance.
The Inspectorate will continue with its strict supervision and enforcing legislation and will publish the results of the testing of the many brands of bottled water shortly.

Press Release from Inspectorate of the Ministry of VSA

PHILIPSBURG:--- The wrong perception should not be created says Member of Parliament George Pantophlet that he is against the instruction given by the Kingdom Council of Ministers and approved by the majority of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament for the Governor of St. Maarten to carry out an integrity investigation. But he is concerned as to what criteria would be used and what it means. Are we talking Dutch assistance or control? In his first encounter with Dutch technical assistant in the mid 90's when he worked at the Immigration Department in a meeting the manner in which so called information was being given or requested he was and is still convinced that the Dutch wanted to take control and not to assist. They were talking about the NAVAS system which would give them access to our immigration files. The Member of Parliament says that in the Kingdom Resolution it says and he freely translates: Based on the results of the investigation and proposals that come out of these investigations, the Government of St. Maarten can in cooperation with the other countries of the Kingdom make improvements where it is necessary. It continues: With this resolution an important step will have been taken to restore the trust nationally and internationally in the integrity and proper functioning of the civil apparatus. He thought that cooperation was already taken place based on agreements signed. The Member of Parliament made it clear on several occasions that he is a proponent for Independence. But this does not mean that it should happen tomorrow and it does not mean that with a simple phone call St. Maarten can be thrown out of the Dutch Kingdom. A referendum should be held where the people decide what kind of status they want. The majority of the people on St. Maarten voted in a referendum on June 23, 2000 to remain within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Mr. Bosman himself stated and he quotes; "International Treaties made it impossible to throw a country (and I insert here questionable) out of the Kingdom." End of quote. There are persons who are saying "Bring in the Dutch". What does this mean? In the opinion of the Member Parliament it means help us get the mess clean up and then you may leave and we will call you when needed. But what is their real agenda? It is a matter of trust. How much do we trust them? Here is where as he mentioned before there needs to be clarity. It would indeed benefit all of us if the government functions in a transparent and responsible manner. The Member of Parliament says he does not condone what is happening presently on the island where politics and some politicians are concerned. He has a very serious issue that still needs to be clarified and this has to do with the AUC and the 100 million guilder tax deal. Don't think for once that this matter will go away. He has issue himself with the National Security Service where an SOAB report is being mentioned in press briefings but not presented to parliament. He has issues with the fact a petition in accordance with article 24.1 of the Constitution of St. Maarten submitted by citizens sometime in May of this year which reads: Everyone is entitled to submit written petitions to the competent authorities has not been handled. They were asking for early elections. Also article 68 of the same Constitution reads: The Parliament shall investigate all petitions submitted to it. The Governor also made reference to this petition in a letter to Government which is also on the desk of the Council of Ministers. These persons deserve an answer. There are administrative laws by which government has to function and these must be adhered to. Again the Member of Parliament is saying that he does not want the wrong perception to be created that he does not support an investigation for reasons mentioned before but needs clarity on the matter.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Destination St. Maarten has embarked upon on developing Sports Tourism for the country with the establishment of a Sports Tourism Council. The new entity is structured to attract annual sports events to the island and to stimulate economic development. The destination has new sports facilities under construction and more facilities are scheduled to be upgraded in 2014.

The Sports Tourism Council Sint Maarten Foundation (STC SINT MAARTEN) is scheduled to attend Teams Conference 2013 in the USA to attract sports events to the destination, and is also currently busy putting together a 2014 calendar of events.

STC Sint Maarten seeks to develop triathlon event, marathon, cycling tour, youth basketball tournaments, softball tournaments, indoor slot model car racing, a kickboxing event, celebrity games, cricket tournaments, baseball tournaments, soccer tournament and other sports related events.

The Sports Tourism Council has a dynamic team of founders namely: Juan Pablo Piscione as President, Stanley Lint as Treasurer, Reggie Plaisir as Secretary, General Board Members Reggie Coram, and Peter Arndell.

The foundation welcomes corporate partnerships in order to achieve its main objectives. The board would like to thank the council's first sponsor the owners of Trisports with their financial support of the formation of the Sports Tourism Council.

President Juan Pablo Piscione says: "I am very glad that Sint Maarten is getting serious about developing sports tourism. Many countries (several Caribbean islands) are already experiencing economic growth that visiting athletes bring. Entrepreneurs and local companies will grow. And even more exciting is our local athletes will benefit from the more professional levels of sportsmanship".

The Sports Tourism Council Sint Maarten will collaborate with various stakeholders including French St. Martin sports organizations in hosting international events. Due to the fact some international sports events may require using sports facilities on both sides of the island. The Sports Tourism Council will also be developing and promoting 20 Annual Sports Events for destination Sint Maarten/St. Martin via a joint marketing and operational budgets.

Sports Tourism Council Sint Maarten is looking to sign a Service Level Agreement with Tourism and Sports Ministries within the near future to develop this new niche tourism product.

This new team embarks on promoting existing annual sports events such as the Heineken Regatta now broadcasted on ESPN and the 3rd Annual Caribserve Video X Games while attracting new events to the destination.

For those requiring additional information about the Sport Tourism Council, you can call 522-2828 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake earlier this week met with the residents and Community Council representatives from Cape Bay.

Residents voiced their grievances with respect to their neighborhoods and about the upgrades and improvements that they would like to see.

Minister Hon Maurice Lake applauded the residents for their pro-active approach as well as the Community Police Officers who have been doing a great job.

Residents expressed their views on having Cape Bay area zoned as residential instead of industrial; they also spoke about lack of street lights on Venus Drive; and additional and larger garbage bins.

In connection with the power utility company GEBE, residents would like GEBE to look into the noise pollution and smoke that is generated by the power plant by looking into the latest technology that could reduce the aforementioned where the plant becomes more environmental friendly.

Minister Lake promised to follow-up with the communities within two weeks including a meeting with Ministry VROMI regarding the zoning plans for the area.

"I am happy to see the community spirit well and alive and the residents working closer together with the various stakeholders, community councils, Community Police Officer Darryl Chandler and Government.

"This is what back to basics all is about. Working together in a collective manner to resolve basic community issues, is the direction of moving country Sint Maarten forward. Working from the grassroots level upward and making a difference," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Government has already started with the necessary repairs to the Cape Bay cemetery which includes the gate, street lights, cleaning of the area, and finding a solution to water running on the street.

Minister Lake is also looking into the issues of the James family that they have encountered on the Windsor Road in Cole Bay. Their complaint regarding the destruction of their boundary wall has his Cabinet's full attention.

A welcome sign will also be placed at the entrance to the district of Cape Bay.

Minister Maurice Lake says it is his intention to continue to meet with Community Councils in the coming weeks and months regarding issues of mutual concern in their respective districts.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Bureau Ombudsman is inviting the communities of Philipsburg, Point Blanche, Belair, Little Bay, and Cay Hill to its District Information Session for Tuesday, October 8.

The district information session on Tuesday is from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the University of St. Martin.

The purpose of the session is to acquaint citizens with the tasks and procedures of the Bureau Ombudsman and most importantly on the various propriety requirements. During these sessions focus will be placed on the standards of proper conduct.

The district sessions are catering to citizens, members and boards of various foundations, associations and civic organizations within the community.

The Bureau Ombudsman is appealing to the aforementioned organizations, Community Councils and Churches to encourage their members in their particular areas to come out to the session, and can even contact the bureau to confirm their participation.

The aforementioned can also contact the Bureau Ombudsman for further information at telephone: 542-1250 or 520-7378 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica SALISES RESEARCH CENTER submitted a call for papers on the subject Rethinking Regionalism: Beyond the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Integration Project, and Romeo Marlin, head of the Civil Registry Department was one of the selected presenters amongst the 148 intellectuals chosen to present at the October 2013 SALISES conference.

Romeo Marlin will present the topic of Rethinking Reshaping and Integrating Breeder Documents in the 21st Century. The conference acknowledges the 40th anniversary of CARICOM.

It views this as a time to reflect not just on CARICOM, but on its place in the broader debates and processes of regionalism occurring globally and within this hemisphere.

The key note speakers are, Professor Norman Girvan, who holds several distinguished titles, including former Director General of the Association of Caribbean States, the CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who will be speaking on his perspectives of CARICOM's future direction and Dr. Alissa Trotz who will address the topic of the role, perceptions and aspirations of the Caribbean diaspora towards the regional integration project and their place in it.

The overall objective of Romeo-Marlin is to convey the importance of the authenticity of foundational documents (breeder documents) and the need for regulations surrounding these documents in the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet twice on October 08 with respect to bank license fees and the development of a film industry on the island.

The committee will meet on Tuesday at 10:00am and at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first session of the House at 10:00am is regarding the license fee being charged by commercial banks to individual account holders. This meeting was requested by Members of Parliament (MP) Hon. Petrus de Weever, MP Hon. Roy Marlin and MP Hon. Johan Leonard.

During the afternoon session of the House at 2:00pm, MPs will receive a presentation from J.A. Hunt of Eyelander Entertainment with respect to the development of a film industry, and a Film Festival for the country.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Preparations are well underway to celebrate the third anniversary of Sint Maarten achieving country status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

A solemn session of the House will be held to commemorate the anniversary which starts at 10:00am on Thursday. The entire session of the house can be followed on radio, TV and via the internet.

Keynote speaker on Constitution Day, 10 October at the House of Parliament will be Aruba's first Prime Minister Hon. Jan Hendrik Albert "Henny" Eman.

Henny Eman was born March 20, 1948 and was Aruba's first Prime Minister from 1 January, 1986 to 9 February 1989 (a little over three years) and again from 29 July, 1994 to 30 October 2001 (over seven years).

His grandfather also known as Henny founded the Christian Democratic Party known as the Aruban People's Party (AVP). His father, Albert Eman, better known as Shon A. Eman, dedicated his life to Aruba's quest for a separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Henny Eman grew up in a political environment. At an early age he went to Holland where he completed his studies. In 1978 he obtained his law degree based on the thesis dealing with Aruba's historical and judicial aspects of separate status.

Eman will present his experiences with respect to Aruba achieving its separate status when he addresses the House of Parliament in a solemn session.

The public are asked to tune in to hear the keynote address on Constitution Day along with other activities planned during the House solemn session.

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

POND ISLAND:--- Positive public response to TelCell's Breakthrough talent search last Saturday could result in the event being held each year as a major happening for the island's youth.

Speaking after the staging of the "Breakthrough" finals at the Theatre Royale, Maho, last Saturday, TelEm Group's Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) said all efforts will be made for TelEm Group to stage the Breakthrough event annually with the support of others if necessary to ensure continuity.

"We are greatly encouraged by the number of parents who come to us after the show and thanked us for putting on the event to showcase the wonderful talent that we have on our beautiful island," said Mr. Mingo.

He said he would even go further and call on other interested parties to join TelEm Group in the call for a purpose-built performing arts center that can stage local and international performances with an audience of several thousand persons.

"We are not alone in making such a call because many others have made similar calls in the past for a purpose build performing arts center on St. Maarten, but based on the response we had to the Breakthrough event, from all the families and fans and also from the performers themselves, it's clear that we need such a facility urgently on St. Maarten," said Mr. Mingo.

He said a purpose-build performing arts center would not only provide a venue for top class acts and performances, but it can also serve as an important entertainment center for making content for television and live shows.

"I believe shows like TelCell's Breakthrough talent search shows our youth that they can focus less on the passive entertainment they get from social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube and get back to the basics of creating their own entertainment and show channels by working with their peers and in their own environments," continued Mr. Mingo.

He said last Saturday's show is just one example of how TelEm Group and mobile provider TelCell are making good on their corporate responsibility to be active participants in the community and especially in what the youth are doing in that community.

"We have exposed youth culture in a number of ways over the years and we will continue to do so with the active help of some committed staff members, various sponsors in the community and hosting partners such as Xtratight Entertainment Production, " said Mr. Mingo.

He said without these willing participants Saturday's show would not have been the resounding success it was and no one would already be talking about making the show an annual event in the interest of youth culture on St. Maarten.

"TelEm Group and TelCell are very pleased to be giving back to the community in this way. Now it's up to the youth themselves to pick up the ball and run with it with the support of our company and others who have their interest at heart," said the Chief Commercial Officer.

"We gave an unforgettable night of entertainment for an affordable price showcasing our own talents on stage, thank you for the support and making this the hottest ticket item for that weekend. Keep supporting TelCell and "we will do more!", "said Mr. Mingo.

Telem Press Release

MAHO:--- With a Parade of Nations of flags from 17 Caribbean countries, and the University of the Southern Caribbean, the Adventurer, Pathfinder and the Adventist Youth flags, the sixth Bible Boom of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was opened at Maho Convention Center on Thursday, October 3, 2013 with a cultural ceremony.
In attendance were Honorable Govenor Dr. Eugene Holiday and his wife, Mrs. Holiday; Treasurer of the Caribbean Union of Seventh-day Adventist, Berthie Henry; Youth Director of Caribbean Union Ps. Anthony Hall; President of the North Caribbean Conference Ps. Silton Brown and President of Tobago Mission, Ps. Toney Mapp among other youth directors and leaders across the Caribbean region.
The opening ceremony featured a group of students from the Seventh-day Adventist elementary school who gave a remarkable oral recitation of Revelation 4: 6-12. An equally large group of young people in a mass choir gave a musical rendition before an address by Dr. Eugene Holiday. The governor wished the participants success, "this is a testimony of your work and testimony of carrying on the work of God, and that already makes you a success".
Local SDA pastor, Royston Philbert describes the Bible Boom participants as young people who delight in giving their best to the study of God's word...because they are stewards of God's Grace.
St. Maarten is home to over 3700 Seventh-day Adventists who are privileged to be hosting the Caribbean Union finals of the Bible Boom 2013. The ceremony ended with a light and cultural atmosphere after the presentation of Roberto Arrindell, with his poem "Come lehwe go back to the good old days".
The events will continue today at 6.30pm with a consecration service. The events are also being streamed live on the following links www.philipsburgsdasxm.org (click Watch Online).

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The office of the Tax Department has been upgrading different tax systems--from digitizing tax filing to requesting a tax id or protesting an assessment, for the past months, with the assistance of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department of Government.

With the effort to digitalize, the aim of the Tax Department is to facilitate persons, tax consultants, or companies to file their taxes online, which would be beneficial to both entities, from lowering paper usage to efficient use of human resources and technology to less mistake and immediate calculations, hence less cost to tax payers themselves.

Therefore, the Tax Department would like everyone, in essence, to file their taxes on-line through the Government's website at https://onlineservices.sintmaartengov.org and provide their feedback.

Currently, tax declarations for Turnover tax and Wage tax can be submitted through on-line filing. While Turnover tax, Wage tax forms and income tax filing can be downloaded. The ICT and Tax Departments are working diligently to include other forms and payment possibilities, such as AOV. Thus in the near future, more forms will be available for download. New functionality soon expected to be made available are:

• Payments Online
• Wage tax summary processing
• Profit tax forms downloadable
• Income taxes Online (early 2014)

In light of this upgrade, the Tax Department along with Government's ICT department invited companies, consultants, and advisors involved in tax filing for companies or individuals to view their presentation on digital tax filing. Jean James, project manager at ICT department, went through the entire online application of taxes process, from begin to end, pointing out the procedures and the technicalities. Some of the participants asked questions about authorization, including other forms, benefits to themselves, amongst other integrating with SVZ and having online payments.

Not only to view, but these attendees were asked to give their input and feedback about the functioning of the digital tax filing system which is in soft launch. With this input, the ICT Department along with the Tax Department, will work on perfecting the filing system. As of next week a marketing campaign of this and other digital services will start.

In addition, the public who file their taxes is asked to go online and review how the tax online system works. If there are any comments or questions please send it to the Tax department. In addition, if there are any issues during the processing call or email Tax Department or the Public Service Center (PSC) at 545-3380.

The Tax Department will continue to hold these tax-filing sessions and urge those tax consultants or advisors, to come and see the presentation, but also give feedback so that the system can be improved.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 587-6766 for any questions and/or to be included into the presentation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake last week met with the board of the One St. Maarten People's Party (OSPP) led by President Lenny Priest regarding a number of issues of mutual concern.

"The meeting was cordial, and the issues that we spoke about are the same ones that I have already been addressing and in some cases trying to address as it pertains to other entities which are not under my direct control.

"In my back to basics approach, I am here to meet with all groups and entities as it pertains to the national development of our country. I firmly believe that every individual or group, political or non-political should have a say. We live in a democracy and everybody has a right and therefore I extended an invitation to the OSPP for a meeting which they accepted," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

Some of the matters that we discussed related to the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation. The FOGA houses in Sucker Garden were discussed at length. Minister Lake has been dealing with the matter since he first visited the homes and met with residents several weeks ago.

One matter related to the FOGA homes is that there is only one exit and that is a hazard in case of fire; sewage water in the area; alleged and unsubstantiated comments made about ministerial pressure being applied; and the status of the supervisory board.

"As Minister I have my responsibilities. I informed the board of the OSPP that my Ministry is working on the pending matters that are within our scope of responsibility.

"At the same time, the supervisory board is not complete, and I am busy with this aspect where I have already had discussions with the Corporate Governance Council to get this aspect completed where the management of the housing foundation has a full board that can give direction and carry out its authority of supervising the foundation etc. with respect to its core responsibilities of providing affordable quality public housing for the people of this country.

"An operational audit of the housing foundation will provide an overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the people's foundation. The analysis will guide management and the supervisory board with respect to the way forward.

"In my back to basics approach, you need to analysis your situation first before you can move forward in an efficient manner. You have to take everything into consideration and make wise decisions and choices on behalf of the people of this country, and that is exactly what I am doing. I am doing my job," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded on Thursday.

Minister Lake added that he would like to thank the OSPP for their time in accepting his invitation and wishes them much success in their future endeavors.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Casino Controllers softball team brushed aside defending champions GEBE on their way to clinching this year's title as the Softball Business Knockout Competition organized by the Sporting Club of the Princess Juliana International Airport came to an exciting end over the weekend.
Eight teams took part in the annual tournament, which Evans Marsham of the SXM Sporting Club described as "once again a great success."
"The games were very friendly and with a lot of sportsmanship," he added.
"Most of the teams are already looking forward to the next tournament, seeing that GEBE wasn't able to retain the championship this year," Marsham said.
He continued: "I would say the highlight of the tournament was the game between GEBE and the Government Casino Controllers that went into extra innings, and which was finally won by the Casino Controllers thus giving GEBE their first loss in the two years the tournament has been organized."
The SXM Airport Softball Team were runners up while GEBE took third place.

The business teams participating in the knockout included the Windward Islands Bank Ltd., Caribbean Liquors, Nagico Insurances and three government departments – the Fire Department, Casino Controllers, and Civil Servants with the host, SXM Airport completing the roster.

CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, Colombia:--- The FCCA Conference and Trade Show closed today, with attendees' overwhelming sense of success and achievement still lingering as the thousand professionals from the cruise industry and cruise destinations' private and public sectors head back to their home countries.

They will have plenty to ponder during their trips, as the four-day conference sessions engaged the attendees with one-on-one meetings with nearly 100 FCCA Member Line cruise executives from various departments,such as operations, purchasing, marketing and shore excursions and even the presidents and CEO's.

Also on their minds will be the event's workshops that provided insight into the cruise industry, cruise lines' itinerary planning, destination brand building, marketability and customer satisfaction, shore excursion operations, service and safety, and more.

Even the social functions will be relived. Pro export Colombia proved the answer was Colombia to the question of who could create such stunning settings, complete with traditional music and food. Yet the engaging environments offered more than pure amusement; they gave additional chances to target the cruise executives and other industry players to foster communications and develop valuable business relationships. Additionally, attendees could connect with the prominent stakeholders in attendance, including successful tour operators, destinations' private sectors-complete with their ministers-and even the president of the Republic of Colombia, His Excellency Juan Santos Calderon, who opened the Conference.

Of course, the Trade Show also made an impression on all attendees, as it combined awing, creative booths with innovative and varying products, from tour operators and tourism departments to custom bed sheets and produce, along with all of the entertainment, handouts and delicacies supplied by the booths.

Better yet, the Trade Show will remain on the executives' minds, as it displayed destination and individual products to this elite audience of key cruise industry decision makers. Exhibiters had prime opportunities to get noticed in a venue where cruise executives consider new business; foster existing business; and impart knowledge on what the lines seek in products,shore excursions, port operations, destinations/infrastructure, etc.

The FCCA Conference and Trade Show again granted the best chance for entities doing or wishing to do business with the cruise industry to increase their contact base with cruise executives; present their destination or product; and learn what cruise lines seek in shore excursions, products,services, destinations and ports of call. It helped attendees establish a clear vision that will map the road to success in future dealings with the cruise industry.

The FCCA prides itself in joining cruise destinations' private and public sectors with FCCA Member Line executives. It is a symbiotic relationship between them; the more that the destinations and companies progress and learn about the industry, the more that the industry is able to grow and thrive. The FCCA promotes this mutually beneficial connection in most of its operations.

To learn more about the Conference and Trade Show or the FCCA, please visit www.f-cca.com.

POND ISLAND:--- St. Maarten Internet Service Provider (ISP) TelEm Group has praised officials of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP) for organizing an well-attended internet policy development seminar at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino recently.
The event was hosted in collaboration with the Internet Society and was broadcast worldwide via a live internet stream courtesy of TelEm Group.
The sessions were especially organized to promote internet use and policy development.
Having assessed feedback and received high marks from company personnel who attended the seminar, TelEm Group this week congratulated the BTP on its initiative to jointly host the seminar and hoped that other telecommunication-based events will take place in the future.
"From reports received, the event was not only well attended by our staff, but a lot of information was given out and contacts made that will be invaluable to them when it comes to providing excellent service to the public and TelEm Group customers," said TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Helma Etnel.
She said not only was the company's participation in the event duly noted, but presentations by Chief Technical officer (CTO) on the Open Caribbean Internet Exchange (OCIX) and by Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Brian Mingo, on new trends in internet use.
Mr. Louisa gave a historical background on the start of the OCIX – the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
He told seminar participants how TelEm Group is redoubling its efforts to increase local membership of the internet exchange with the addition of at least one important member from the French side.
Mr. Louisa is hopeful that the addition of this latest member will entice search engine, Google, to set up a station on St. Maarten.
"Once a company as well known as Google establishes itself on our internet exchange others will quickly follow," said Mr. Louisa, in an appeal to local telecommunication companies to join those who are already part of the Internet Exchange.
Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Brian Mingo, entertained participants with some interesting statistics about the internet and internet use globally and locally.
Mr. Mingo said with the continued demise of traditional telephony, the culture of sharing digital images and video is forcing companies such as TelEm Group to radically change their business models to embrace new technologies that customers and members of the public are demanding.
"Right now the increasing demand is for more and more bandwidth at cheaper prices and that is the challenge for us as operators," said Mr. Mingo.
The Chief Commercial Officer provided comparative charts to show where St. Maarten lies compared to other parts of the world both in what the customer pays for bandwidth and what the company can technically provide.
"As a small island are we keeping up with the rest of the world? I would say yes. Can we do better? I would say definitely - and that is our challenge every day," said Mr. Mingo.
Operator of the live streaming feed, TelEm Group Network Engineer, Mr. Percival Cocks, said the opportunity to network with experts in the internet field regionally and internationally was also of great use.
"We will be following-up with some of the people we met at the seminar to exchange knowledge and ideas," said Mr. Cocks.
Internet Society Manager, Regional Affairs Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Shernon Osepa, has meantime thanked the TelEm Group executives and the company generally for their support in hosting of this important seminar.
"Everything went smoothly and we will wait to see what type of feedback we receive from the live stream provided by TelEm Group," said Mr. Osepa.
Chief Operating Officer, Bureau of Telecommunication and Post, Mr. Giovanni King, was also very pleased with the level of discussion and presentations that took place during the seminar.
He said the Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTPSXM) in cooperation is the Internet Society (ISOC) organized the seminar called iNET St. Maarten under the theme "Embracing, an Open, Available, and Secured Internet."
"The objective of this particular seminar was to create awareness as it relates to the developments and capabilities facilitated by the Internet globally and on St. Maarten particularly. ISOC invited world-class speakers to address subjects ranging from the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 to the impact on socio-economic development enabled by the use of the Internet. The whole event was webcast and as such made available for the global community to follow the proceedings in real time," said Mr. King.
He said BTPSXM is very happy to acknowledge the fact that the local community contributed immensely in making this even a success.
"For two full days we had a full conference room with participants who actively engaged and interacted with the speakers. In particular BTPSXM would like to make mention of the fact that the Telem Group also contributed to the success of this event as it facilitated Internet access, bandwidth for the webcast, by registering several of its employees to participate in the event, and by providing speakers.
"BTPSXM hopes that at the end of the day we have created the spark that will light the fire needed to move the island forward and ultimately achieving the objective of Embracing, an Open, Available, and Secured Internet.
If we have succeeded in creating value for those that participated in the event and if this new appreciation for the capabilities facilitated by the use of the Internet could be translated into value creation in the participants daily activities then this seminar has been a great success," said Mr. King.

Telem Press Release

We in the Caribbean are joyously joining the international community in celebrating World Teachers' day on October 5thunder the theme: "A Call for Teachers".
All over the world quality education offers hope and promise of a better standard of living. However, there can be no quality education without competent and motivated teachers. The work of teachers is therefore worthy of celebrating.

We are called to remember the importance of our job.A true teacher is not a person who just teaches academic lessons to his/her students. Rather he/ she are like a guide who helps the students in each and every sphere of life, by offering the appropriate advice. We are creators of the future. None of the great achievers in the world has attained their feat without out the guidance and assistance of a teacher.
We of the Caribbean Union of Teachers believe that a call for teachers is call to our governments and administrators to provide adequate training, ongoing professional development, and protection of teaching rights, proper remuneration and decent working conditions for teachers. Society expects a lot from us. We in turn should expect a lot from society.

As teachers respond to the call it is necessary that we respond. Teachers' unions are doing a tremendous job for their members in seeking the best teaching and learning conditions. It is a good time for teachers who are not active members in the unions to get involved in a visible and meaningful way. As the words of one trade union song states; "what force on earth is weaker that the feeble strength of one for the union makes us strong". We trust also that Teacher Union leaders would strengthen their resolve to continue providing inspired leadership.
As we answer the call for teachers may we see the need to support each other as members of the same profession by sharing ideas, best practices and giving encouragement. It would be so wonderful if we make a concerted effort to ensure that the profession is more enjoyable and rewarding for at least one of our other colleagues.
We trust that parents and the public at large will continue to support us in the important job that we do as we answer the call to create the future leaders and citizens.
Best wishes for a successful celebration.

Marvin Andall
President C.U.T

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Dr. Nilda Arduin, recently returned from her trip to New York, where she attended the annual Board meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).
Dr. Arduin is pleased to report that the meeting was very productive; various courses, to be sponsored with IOI funds, were approved. A substantial amount of monies have been reserved for practical training for Ombudsmen and their staff within the Latin American Region to which the Caribbean offices will benefit due to the closer proximity to Latin American countries. In addition the Directors of the Latin America/Caribbean region were also able to secure an amount of 10.200 euros to facilitate translators at regional meetings of the Spanish and English speaking Ombudsmen within the region.
A meeting between the ILO (Institute of Latin America Ombudsman) and CAROA (Caribbean Ombudsman Association) is scheduled to be held in November 2013 in Mexico.
The Seventh Biennial CAROA Conference was held in May on Sint Maarten with various Ombudsmen from the region and outside the region, including the IOI President, was in attendance.
Sint Maarten benefits greatly from these exchanges, through the exposure to best practices of established Ombudsman institutes worldwide, the wide network and excellent relationships between de Ombudsman of Sint Maarten and her colleagues both regionally and internationally. Being able to tap into these resources offers the Bureau Ombudsman great advantages.

Dr. Arduin was elected a Director for the Latin America/Caribbean Region on the IOI Board in November 2012 in New Zealand.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Reach Out & Read program for the school year 2013—2014 started on Saturday September 14th, with 30 youngsters between the ages 7—11 registered to improve their reading.
This is the 10th anniversary of the program and at the end of the first session the donors of this year, being the management of Orco Bank and the president of the Institute of the Wise, received a solid round of applause for their contribution of material to enhance the program.
The Reach Out & Touch Foundation also donated a cheque to the Jubilee Library for their continued support and cooperation with the reading program.
The Library which will be celebrating its 90th anniversary was very grateful for the contribution.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Minister Hon. Maurice Lake on Wednesday met with the board of St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) for the signing of 1700M2 of government land for the local institution that provides a host of services to the St. Maarten community.

Minister Lake expressed his elation in being able to once again give land on behalf of government to an important entity in our community in long lease. The minister indicated that although he had received a number of requests for the same piece of property, he believed in giving the land to entities such as SLS which would have a bigger impact on the community.

"It's all about going back to basics. In order to build country Sint Maarten, we have to start from the foundation and build upward. SLS is a St. Maarten home-grown institution that provides essential services, to the public health sector, and is part of the country's foundation. If we want a strong St. Maarten nation, our institutions have to be at the forefront of that nation-building process," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.

The location of the government leased land is ideal for the lab because it is near the hospital, and because of that very convenient for their clients and the patients of the hospital.

The director of SLS, Hose Booi, indicated that the lab was very pleased to receive the government land in long lease as it would afford them the opportunity to have their own building and not have to pay rent anymore.

SLS has already spoken to their bankers about how much they can borrow and have already had Independent Consulting Engineers draft preliminary drawings of what they want to construct on the land.

SLS is looking at constructing a two level structure that will allow the lab to grow into the future where they will be able to offer more services such as pathology etc. In the mean time they could always rent out a part of their facilities that is not needed immediately for their future expansion.

Minister Hon. Maurice Lake lauded the SLS organization and in particular the board for being the first organization that requested government land to come with an architect and their bank ready to start construction of their new building.

The chairman of the SLS board, Ravi Daryanani, thanked the minister on behalf of the board and said that he was looking forward to the day they don't have to pay anymore rent anymore and can put that money back into services for its clients.

Present for the signing was Derrick Downes, Managing Director of Windward Islands Bank, Ron Daal of Independent Consulting Engineers, Hose Booi, SLS Managing Director, Ravi Daryanani, Chairman of the Board, Perry Wilson, board member and Dr. Offringa.

The land is located behind the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex in Cay Hill.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Governor Eugene Holiday finds himself between a rock and a hard place now that the Royal Decree signed by the Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk has been officially published in the National Gazette.

The decree which was signed off on September 30th, 2013 orders Governor Holiday who is a representative of the King on St. Maarten to conduct an investigation on integrity in government.

Governor Holiday has three months in which he must submit a progress report to Minister Plasterk who is in charge of the investigation and six months to submit the final report.

On Thursday Members of Parliament discussed the instruction given to Governor Holiday.

The official decree can be viewed beneath this article. While Ministers and certain politicians are crying foul claiming that the Dutch Government used the wrong articles (laws) that is governing the Governor of St. Maarten, it must be noted that the man who did most of the work for St. Maarten to obtain its country status is not too happy with the decisions taken by the Dutch Government. Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson worked with all politicians and political parties to obtain the new status for St. Maarten he also worked on the country's constitution prior to St. Maarten becoming a country.

This is the second time Richardson had to deal with the Dutch in peculiar situations, the first was when higher supervision was imposed on St. Maarten on February 25th, 1993. At the time Richardson came in as Lt. Governor and now as Minister of Justice the Dutch issued an instruction to conduct an integrity investigation within the government of St. Maarten.

Below is the full translation of the Kingdom Decree sent to Governor Holiday to conduct an investigation on integrity within the Government of St. Maarten.

Explanatory Note:

The Council of Ministers of the Kingdom has since the beginning of 2013 been regularly making its concerns known to the government of St. Maarten with respect to the fact that the functioning and appearance of the government has become a matter of public debate. St. Maarten is regularly in the news in connection with recent incidents and rumors about integrity violations by politicians and the perception of the existence of corruption. There is also the generally shared feeling by citizens, business and foreign governments that proper government in the broad sense is a problem that is bigger and deeper than it appears. For example, reports that a Border Management System is lacking has drawn attention, not only within the Kingdom but also abroad-amongst others the United States. Outside as well as within the Kingdom a largely negative image about the country has been created, which also affects the entire Kingdom.

The Kingdom Council of Ministers therefore is of the opinion that there are sufficient grounds to conduct an investigation.

The undersigned has on behalf of the Council of Ministers held regular discussions during the past months, verbally as well as in writing, with the Prime Minister of St. Maarten about the situation which had arisen. On April 4, 2013 a letter was sent to the Prime Minister, wherein she was informed that the Kingdom Council Ministers would like to know which concrete measures the government would take in order to meet the concerns of the Kingdom Council of Ministers and remove the negative image.

As far as the integrity of politicians is concerned, the functioning of government and the civil service and the way citizens are treated, government has to set the example (practice what you preach). The citizens may expect government to carry out its duties in conformity with the rule of law and principles of democracy. That is essential for honorable, authoritative and trustworthy government.
When there is doubt concerning that, then serious consideration must be given to it. It is not apparent to the Kingdom Council that the government of St. Maarten gives this matter due care and attention. To prevent further erosion of the confidence of citizens, business, foreign governments and instances, an independent investigation of the bottlenecks and shortcomings into the proper and honest functioning of government (ministers and civil servants) is urgent.
For this reason the Kingdom government has decided to instruct the Governor (in his capacity as an organ of the Kingdom) to order an investigation into the proper and honest functioning of the public administration of St. Maarten as it ought to be in a democratic state under the rule of law. The investigation must be directed towards known bottlenecks such as prostitution, the gaming industry and immigration and on generally known sensitive sectors such (licenses for) infrastructural works and (other) large contracts.

The public administration which will be investigated includes the ministers and the ministries as well as those who work for them. Government N.V.'s can also be included. Excluded are Parliament, the judiciary, the Advisory Council, the Audit Chamber and the Ombudsman.

The aim of the investigation is to promote of good governance such as ought to be the case in a democratic state under the rule of law. This investigation is separate from the contract which the government of St. Maarten intends to enter into with Transparency International and which is currently being prepared. The Kingdom government prefers to conduct its own investigation as soon as possible, separate from that investigation. The investigation is also separate from any possible ongoing criminal investigations conducted by the Prosecutor's Office which are being conducted under the political responsibility of the Minister of Justice. The investigation must be carried out independently and must not involve instances of the country itself.

Based on those results and the recommendations coming out of report, the government of St. Maarten can, if need be in cooperation with other countries of the Kingdom, make improvements where necessary. So, with this decree an important step has been taken in restoring the confidence, here and abroad, that must be had in the proper and honest functioning of the country's government.

Legal Basis for the instruction:

The instruction is based on article 15 and 20 of the Regulations of the Governor of St. Maarten. The Governor, as an organ of the Kingdom, supervises the compliance with kingdom laws, among which is the Kingdom Charter (Statuut) and General Measures of Governance and the treaties with international organizations. In that regard he submits the necessary proposals to the Kingdom government. Article 15 paragraph 1 stipulates that he watches over the general interest of the Kingdom in accordance with the stipulations of the Regulations and taking into consideration instructions issued by or on behalf of Kingdom decree. He is responsible to the Kingdom government. The decree is also based on art. 43 of the Statuut in order to express that the reasons and considerations on which it rests find their basis in the values, mentioned in this stipulation, namely the fundamental human rights and freedoms, surety of law and good governance. Article 1 stipulates, in connection herewith, that the investigation is directed towards proper and honest functioning of the public administration such as is required in a democratic state under the rule of law. The guarantee function laid down in Article 43 of the Statuut also must be carried out by the Governor. From the stipulations cited in the Regulation it appears that an instruction must be given by royal decree and that it must fit within the normal functions of the Governor. Precisely in order to determine if the public administration of St. Maarten is functioning properly and honestly an investigation is needed. The government considers it necessary that the investigation be carried out under the supervision of someone who is close to the country government, but who can also keep their distance. The Governor knows the local conditions, the culture, the political and constitutional rules and customs. This is why he is the best person to act as the principal of the investigation.

The Regulation provides the Governor with the authority to request the cooperation of country organs; the services and civil servants are at his disposal (art. 24 RvdG). Therefore the entire cabinet of St. Maarten cooperates fully with the investigation. The governor alone is the Principal and he determines independently the work rules and results of the investigation.

To avoid all misunderstandings, be reminded that out of the aforementioned art. 24 follows that not only ministers and those who work for them, but all country organs are obliged to cooperate with the investigation as ordered by the Governor. They must be completely at the disposal of the investigators, if the Governor so desires.

Click here to view the official decree that is published in the National Gazette. This copy was sent to the media by the Governor of St. Maarten.

The Ministry of VROMI, Department of New Projects Development and Planning on behalf of The Government of St. Maarten is hereby informing the general public that:

L. B. Scott Road will be partially closed in two sections from Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at 06.00 a.m. to Sunday, October 13th, 2013 at 11.00 p.m. All traffic entering and exiting the Cul-de-Sac district within this period will be partially rerouted.

Section One: Marigot Hill Road to Cutter Road

Works carried out in this section of road will not affect OUTBOUND TRAFFIC from the district of Cul-de-Sac only. INBOUND TRAFFIC to the St. Peters and the Reward areas will be required to detour at Arbutus Road and utilize the Betty's Estate and Ebenezer district.

Section Two: Near the intersection of L.B. Scott Road and Gladiola Road

Works carried out in this section of road will not affect OUTBOUND TRAFFIC from the district of Cul-de-Sac only. Traffic entering Cul-de-Sac district will be required to detour via Zaegersgut Road, Coralita Road and Gladiola Road.

The works will be executed in sections.

In ALL cases, access will be provided for emergency services and persons residing adjacent to the works and detours.

The Ministry of VROMI, Department of New Projects Development and Planning on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten is asking all motorists to pay keen attention to the traffic signs and detour routes for the duration of the works, to ensure a smooth and safe transition while the remedial works for Main Sewage Line Ebenezer – A.T. Illidge Road Phase 1, is completed. Furthermore, the Government of St. Maarten asks for your patience and understanding for the inconveniences that this will cause.

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group this morning reported an interruption in its voice and data service that is affecting several major companies, including RBC Bank, Scotia Bank, Blue Mall and the Airport facilities at PJIAE.

Technical staff and engineers of TelEm Group are presently working along with a vendor in Texas USA, to properly identify the problem and restore connections as soon as possible.

At approximately 1:00 pm today TelEm Group Management assured all companies presently without service that restoration of voice and data services has top priority with the company at this time.

As of this time, equipment vendors have established that the problem with the connections lie with corrupted software that operates the voice and data transmission equipment.

Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Mr. Eldert Louisa said due to the complicated process of restoring the software restoration of service is taking longer than expected.

He said when the main issues began to develop shortly before 7:00 pm Wednesday evening, the problem was confined to only a few customers, however by Thursday morning, company technicians and the USA vendor had reported a more extensive failure of the software and its operation of the voice and data circuits.

"This failure is affecting international calls, financial transactions at the ATMs of the banks listed above as well as credit card verification for the same banks and businesses whose circuits are affected.

"Fortunately, the equipment outage has not resulted in a total transmission failure because the majority of customers have remained connected since the problem was reported," added Mr. Louisa.

TelEm Group customers who are experiencing problems with their voice and data links are advised to call 611 to report any outage. Meantime management of TelEm Group is appealing for patience while all efforts are made to reconnect customers without delay.

Management has also apologized to customers for any inconvenience caused by the interruption in international voice and data service.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams congratulated the people of Aruba and the Arubaanse Volkspartij (AVP) and incumbent Prime Minister Mike Eman on winning the 2013 General Election on the 27th of September.

"I would like to congratulate the people of Aruba and Prime Minister Eman and his party for exercising the democratic right in the General Elections last week. I look forward to a continued close working relationship with Mr. Eman's cabinet for the coming years," commented the Prime Minister.

The AVP won 13 seats in the Estates of Aruba, with the People's Electoral Movement (MEP) finishing second with seven seats, according to preliminary results from Aruba's government elections office.

The AVP received a total of 33,213 votes, according to preliminary results.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library will host an information session by Anthony Prall, on solar panels and inverters on, Saturday, October 5, at 11:00am.
Since the 48 panels were installed on the Library's roof in March, by Prall of Caribbean Energy Store and configured in collaboration with Archyon Integrated Solutions N.V, there has been a considerable reduction in its electricity bills.
Members of the general public with an interest in solar powering their home or business are invited to attend this 1 hour session on going solar. Certified Solar Installers and Experts of Caribbean Energy Store will be available to answer your questions. Interested participants are requested to bring along their electric bill to the information session for a free solar quotation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Economic Affairs Ted Richardson sent out a memo to all the departments falling under his Ministry on September 15th, 2013 informing them that his personal advisor and chief of cabinet Ludwig Quenniche would be the one to represent him when he is off island or not able to attend meetings.
The note states that the Minister of TEATT is counting on his staff to give Quenniche full cooperation just as they have given him. He further stated that he could be reached at anytime by phone or email.
The note (memo) sent by the Minister created some confusion this week as several department heads are now wondering if the Minister of TEATT does not have a substitute Minister to represent him when he is not available.

Click here to view the memo sent by Minister Ted Richardson to his staff on September 15th, 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- There is a Central Committee and Plenary session of Parliament on October 07 with regarding the Civil Code.

The Central Committee session is on Monday at 10:00am and the plenary public session of the House is at 3:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Central Committee session will deal with four agenda points namely: National Ordinance on Insurance & Annuity; National Ordinance Revising Book 2 of the Civil Code; National Ordinance amending the Civil Code regarding the Civil Claims and Bankruptcy Decree 1931; and the National Ordinance amending Book 3 of the Civil Code regarding Trusts.

The Plenary public session of the House has 13 agenda points with the first two related to incoming documents and the approval of the decision list of the plenary sessions of 11 and 12 September, 2013.

The third agenda point is the approval of the National Ordinance Book 4 concerning Inheritance and Legacies; National Ordinance amending Book 3 of the Civil Code regarding Trusts; National Ordinance to amend Book 1 of the Civil Code Implementation Centralized Registration Child Abuse; National Ordinance Regarding Provisions on the Sale of Property and Assets and National Ordinance Sale of Property and Acceptance/Contracting Work.

National Ordinance supplementing Title 1 of Book 7 of the Civil Code regarding Provisions to Protect Consumers, particularly Telesales Contracts and Warranties; National Ordinance Joint Custody of Minors/Under aged Children; and National Ordinance on Sole Proprietorship.

National Ordinance on Insurance and Annuity; National Ordinance Revision Common Law Marriage; National Ordinance amending Book 2 of the Civil Code; and National Ordinance Civil Claims and Bankruptcy.

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

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

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

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- Police in Curacao arrested three men on Tuesday afternoon on the request of US authorities confirmed spokesman for the Attorney General's Office Norman Serphos. The three men are wanted for two shipments of drugs to the US territories, one of which left from St. Maarten to the United States of America. The three men that were arrested are Rogelio Gregory Koeiman (45), Ronchie Riatwijk (48), and Gilbertico Felcia (35). Serphos identified the three suspects by their initials which he said are R.G.K, R.R, and G.F. Two of the three men were arrested while driving on Curacao while the other was arrested at his house.

Serphos said the Southern District Attorney of New York submitted the request for the three men whom they want extradited to the United States of America.

Among the three men that were arrested on Tuesday is the bodyguard of Member of Parliament of St. Maarten Romaine Laville. The well-known body guard is Rogelio Gregory Koeiman (45), a notorious former police officer.

Just recently, Koieman made the news when SMN News published a letter he submitted to the Government of St. Maarten requesting a vehicle inspection license. Koieman submitted his request to the Minister of Economic Affairs on April 15th, 2013.

It should be noted that Member of Parliament Romaine Laville wanted to be the Deputy Prime Minister of St. Maarten with the SWW- 3 cabinet but he did not pass the screening process to become Minister/Deputy Prime Minister. Currently, St. Maarten is fighting against the measures taken by the Kingdom Council of Ministers of the Netherlands who issued an instruction to the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity investigation on St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Minister Hon. Maurice Lake on Wednesday meet with representatives of the Be Able Foundation Treasure Michel Soons and Member Veronica Jansen-Webster.

Minister Lake has pledged his support to the Foundation and the disabled of Sint Maarten.

The foundation showed the Minister and members of his Cabinet a short documentary film that was produced in Sint Maarten during last year's Be Able Awareness week for the disabled and the international wheelchair tennis tournament that was held to highlight the week.

The documentary which was professionally filmed by a Dutch film crew, depicted the overall living conditions on Sint Maarten for the disabled and focused in on two young men in society who have become disabled and the challenges they face daily.

The Foundation members then asked the minister to assist the disabled more by making it mandatory that new public buildings be required to have facilities for disabled persons.

Minister Hon Maurice Lake was moved by the documentary and expressed his intention to have the relevant departments seriously look into the building codes, and he promised that from now on, during his tenure, any public infrastructure that government designs will take the accessibility of the disabled into consideration.

The Be Able foundation members explained that they are now embarking on a public relations campaign via service clubs, schools and various entities where they hope to get the message out and target as many people in society about people living with disabilities.

Minister also wanted to encourage the Be Able Foundation to assist the disabled in our community to get jobs since even though they have a disability they can still function and make a contribution to society.

The Be Able Foundation agrees with the minister and expressed that it would be a good initiative for government to take a lead in this matter and show an example by hiring capable disabled people in our society.

The Be Able Foundation then announced the upcoming awareness week and wheel tennis tournament which will take place from November 16, and indicated that there will be an exhibition match this year with local people with disabilities who have been training to play tennis.

Minister Lake at the end of the meeting thanked the foundation's representatives and wished them much success with their endeavors.

Recognizes teachers for Teachers Appreciation Day

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten Seventh-day Adventist churches are preparing for the Caribbean Union Bible Boom finals at the Sonesta Maho Convention Center. The weekend activities from Thursday October 3rd, 2013 – Saturday, October 5th, 2013 is under the theme "A Powerful Generation: Stewards of God's Grace".
This grand event will feature young people from various Caribbean island territories. The opening event on Thursday evening at 6:30pm will be a cultural ceremony and will be officially opened by Honourable Prime Minister, Sarah Wescot-Williams. A consecration service will be held on Friday evening at 6:30pm. At 10:30 am during the Sabbath Church Service, there will be a special acknowledgement for teachers, in recognition of World Teachers Day. All school teachers on the island are invited to attend this special service at 10:30am on October 5th. The Bible Boom Finals will commence later that afternoon at 3:30pm at the Maho Convention Center, the location for all activities during this weekend program.
"Bible Boom" is an event where the knowledge of young people ages 16-30 is tested, based on a certain assigned books of the Holy Bible. Preparation for this event is encouraged in all Seventh-day Adventist churches to promote reading and studying of God's word. For this Bible Boom, the participants have studied the bible books, Ephesians to Hebrews. They have won competitions within their local church, then within churches on their island level. Now they will compete on the union level. The Caribbean Union of SDA is made up of over 20 islands which grouped in several conferences or missions.
The nine competitors of the Bible Boom are Kevon Timothy James from the Guyana Conference; Bevon Douglas, South Caribbean Conference (Trinidad), Junior Noel, Tobago Mission, Jessica Mathurin, St. Lucia Mission, Shanise Hutchinson , St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission, Shannon Leacock, East Caribbean Conference (Barbados), Tonya Parris, representing the Seventh-Day Adventist University of the Southern Caribbean, X-Saphair King, South Leeward Mission (Antigua), Semone Elizabeth Rey, North Caribbean Conference (St. Thomas).
The winner of this Bible Boom will go on to represent the Caribbean Union at the Inter-American Division Bible Boom finals.
The Seventh-day Adventist church is praying for the Bible Boom contestants and will support them this weekend as they attend the various activities. The public is invited to attend the events.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet October 04 about a paperless work environment.

The committee will meet on Friday at 9:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The presentation will be made by the SIM group about a paper free office environment.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet October 04 with respect to sports developments.

The committee will meet on Friday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

A presentation will be given by the Tony James Group. The presentation will focus on the goals of the Sint Maarten Youth Football Camp and Program; how the program will impact education, sports, tourism and economic development on Sint Maarten.

Other areas of focus are the improvements to the stadium at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex; headquartering the Caribbean Youth Football League on Sint Maarten; strategic and interactive marketing worldwide; and sponsorship opportunities.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams made clear during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that the Government of St. Maarten is prepared to close its doors if they have to and not cooperate with the Kingdom with regards to the instruction given to the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity probe.

The Prime Minister went as far as saying that the Government of St. Maarten has more rights over civil servants and they could prevent them from speaking to anyone who was sent by the Dutch Kingdom to conduct the Integrity investigation. Prime Minister Wescot Williams gave reporters a lengthy explanation as to what transpired in July when the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte visited the island and informed the Council of Ministers that he intended to give an instruction to the Governor of St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said that it has been quite some time now that St. Maarten was informed by the Minister of Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk that if St. Maarten does not cooperate with Saba and Statia the relationship between the Netherlands and St. Maarten would be hampered. She said one of the main contentions of the Dutch is the Turn over Tax (ToT) tax that is applied to the goods sold on St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said that the Government of St. Maarten explained to the Dutch Government that the Turn over Tax (ToT) is not a Value Added Tax (VAT) and the real reason cost of living is high on Saba and Statia was because of the taxes imposed by the Dutch on those islands.

When asked by SMN News what motivation the Kingdom Council gave for the motion to instruct the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an investigation on integrity, Wescot Williams said that the Dutch is claiming that the general image of St. Maarten is tarnishing the Kingdom, she said in order for the Dutch to use Article 43 of the Charter they alluded to the fact that the image of St. Maarten is affecting the Kingdom negatively. She said that in the Royal Decree specific cases were not mentioned but they did mention vulnerable areas such as immigration, prostitution, gambling, projects, permits for large projects and other permits in general. SMN News also asked the Prime Minister if the cases that are laying down at the Landsrecherche for the past years may have caused the Dutch Kingdom to come to such a conclusion. The Prime Minister said that St. Maarten is also concerned about the cases that are not moving as fast as they would like but she said that Bonaire is having problems with the Kingdom representative and the Kingdom has refused to meddle in the matter. She said even though the Prosecutor's Office and other Justice Departments are not working fast no one on St. Maarten told them not to work on the cases they have before them.

Wescot Williams said up to this date St. Maarten does not have a signed off Royal Decree but she assumed the one given to her on Friday last week is the last draft that will be signed off. The Prime Minister said that St. Maarten already asked the Council of State for an advice on how the Kingdom Council came up with the Royal Decree and the articles they used to formulate the instruction given to the Governor of St. Maarten.

When asked by SMN News if she as Prime Minister of St. Maarten met with Governor Holiday and if she was in a position to share his sentiments, the Prime Minister said she will not go into what was discussed with the Governor but she made clear that the Governor is a St. Maartener and so is she and other politicians on St. Maarten.

The Prime Minister said that the Government of St. Maarten signed an agreement with Transparency International and the scope of the investigation to be conducted by TI will be much broader than the instruction given to the Governor. She also made clear that she really does not have a problem with an investigation but the real problem is the principle of the matter, especially the articles that were used to formulate the Royal Decree.

No Decision Taken by Council of Ministers to file Complain against VDSM Head.

In a follow up question, SMN News asked the Prime Minister if the Council of Ministers took a decision as to whether or not they will file a complaint against the head of VDSM (Secret Services) James Richardson. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams said no such decision has been taken and the only decision they took thus far is to suspend Richardson.

The Prime Minister initiated an investigation against the head of VDSM when it was brought to her attention that a substantial amount of monies were missing from the department. The SOAB was asked to conduct an investigation on the operations of VDSM. The SOAB already submitted a report to the Government of St. Maarten which it is believed was used to suspend the head of VDSM.

While the Prime Minister in her first press release stated that a substantial amount of monies went missing from VDSM, it is still not clear why the Government of St. Maarten, namely the Prime Minister whose role is to oversee the operations of VDSM did not file an official complaint with the justice authorities.

It should also be noted that the Oversight Committee that has to overlook the operations of VDSM was never operational. Even though there is a law that states who should be on this committee, the Prime Minister did not establish the committee because the Prime Minister did not want the President of Parliament to be on the committee.

Community asked to wear Pink in Respect of Breast Cancer Awareness.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams called on the community of St. Maarten to wear some pink during the month of October which is the month that is dedicated for Breast Cancer Awareness. Wescot Williams said that there are a number of activities planned for this month one being the Zumba which will last for three hours this weekend. A march around Philipsburg and other major activities to highlight the importance of taking the necessary measures for early detection of breast cancer are also planned. The Prime Minister also showed reporters a special flyer that was created to promote breast awareness for the month of October 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Positive Foundation presented two baskets of promotional material to one of their major sponsors; NAGICO Insurances on Monday, to signal the official beginning of Breast Cancer awareness month.
Vice President of the Positive Foundation; Ms. Dilys Alphonso, made the presentation to three staff members representing NAGICO Insurances. "These baskets contain over 300 pink ribbons, pencils, Women's Health tests recorders, Guide to self breast exams and information on women and breast health," she explained. "By presenting NAGICO with these baskets, they can in turn give them to their staff and clients which will help us get the word out about breast cancer awareness."
NAGICO Insurances has been one of the longest standing sponsors of the Positive Foundation since their inception and continues to be a key partner in the fight against breast cancer.

MARIGOT:--- Members of the BTP and several heavy equipment owners began gathering in the Agrement area around 7am Wednesday morning to start a protest action to get the attention of those responsible both locally and in the State of France for the economic situation facing St. Martin. President of the BTP Association Didier Lake told reporters that the BTP has been negotiating with those in political power for the past three years (since 2011) and to date nothing has been done to remove the economic dilemma the island is facing. Lake said the BTP members notified various elected persons about the danger St. Martin is facing especially local contractors. Lake said despite their pleas none of the elected officials on St. Martin or the State took action to eliminate the problems they are facing. "Today we are saying to those in power that we are ready to die but we will die fighting. Today the job sector is down to zero and this is not because there is no work. The problem is that local contractors and heavy equipment workers are left out, while those responsible are actually stifling major projects that could provide work for us. There are several projects that have to begin but local contractors are being pushed around because no one can provide them with documentation pertaining to these projects. Besides that, the State decided to implement certain laws here on St. Martin that are hindering contractors from moving forward. They want to implement la loi sur l'eau on St. Martin without considering the specifics of the island. The State closed their eyes on St. Martin for years and now that the people of this island are on their knees financially they found these laws profitable to them."

Lake further stated that the State of France is playing a cat and mouse game with St. Martin and according to him the State is doing everything possible to hinder the progress of Article 74 which St. Martin acquired in 2007. "With Article 74 St. Martin was supposed to get certain competencies as well as additional finances. We got the paperwork for these competencies but the monies never came. Monies for St. Martin are being sent to other French territories in order for them to shine while St. Martin is suffering like soldier crabs crawling among each other."

The BPT President said that certain projects were stopped because of the la loi sur l'eau and contractors simply cannot move forward with their projects because of this particular law. He said that even SEMSAMAR cannot support the law because it's costing them too much.

Lake said those responsible for St. Martin's situation would have to find a way and sit around the table with them and give them written decisions as to what will be done to enhance the construction sector on St. Martin. "We are no longer taking verbal answers from anyone, we have done so many times before and that has not taken us anywhere." Lake said local contractors are being discriminated against because all of the larger jobs are given to foreign companies. He said there is a big project that has to take place at the Grand Case Airport and it will be done by a foreign company, the same he says goes for the project that is undertaken by EDF. Lake explained that the bidding for the project for EDF was done overseas and the same company that is constructing the causeway over Simpson Bay lagoon will be doing the work for EDF. He said St. Martin has competent people and materials to undertake these projects but the local contractors are being discriminated against. Lake said that those responsible are using the larger outside companies to pre-finance the projects because the larger companies would give them long term credit. Lake further stated that the French law clearly states that no one can discriminate because one person is financially better than the other. He said every company has the right to bid on projects but that opportunity is being denied. He said large companies from France are coming to St. Martin and they are dropping the price by more than half so that the local contractors cannot compete.

Frank Viotty also of BTP told reporters that they held a meeting with the Collectivity last week and nothing came out of it. He said the BTP has several grievances that have to be addressed and that was the main reason they chose to do a march (manifestation). Some of the vehicles had posters on them stating "We are St. Martiners, we are not sub-citizens, we are not beggars."

As the BTP and its members mobilized themselves not far from the Agrement round-a-bout, several gendarmes and Territorial Police were all over Marigot monitoring and preparing for the manifestation. The protestors left their location a bit late where they drove through the back road in front of Semsamar and were stopped in front of La Vie en Rose as they intended to proceed further up that street. SMN News learnt later that the road the protestors were using was not on the permit. The protesters also tried to meet with officials of the Prefecture of St. Martin when they were stopped.

Some members of BTP met with Prefet Philippe Chopin and they told reporters that they secured a signed document with eleven points. The protesters then stopped their action just after 2:30pm on Wednesday.

Click here to view more photos of the BTP protest on Wednesday morning.

CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, Colombia:--- The FCCA Cruise Conference officially opened today, attracting over 1,000 professionals from throughout the cruise industry and the private and public sectors of cruise destinations, along with anyone looking to extend their contact base, reach, knowledge and business dealings in the industry.

Conference attendees will engage in a four-day span of one-on-one meetings with the nearly 100 cruise executives in attendance, representing the 15 FCCA Member Lines and various departments, including operations, purchasing, marketing and shore excursions.

Workshops are also offered, broaching important topics and granting insight to the cruise industry from panels comprised of those that know the ins and outs-field leaders and numerous cruise executives. Topics include a state of the industry by FCCA Member Lines' CEOs and presidents; discussion of what decides itinerary planning and how to improve destinations' calls, customer satisfaction and marketability; critical elements of shore excursions' service and safety; and development of destinations' brand identity.

To complete the days, evening business functions bring the attendees and cruise executives together to foster communication between them and help develop beneficial bi-lateral working relationships.

In its 20th year, the FCCA Conference provides the best chance for entities doing business or wishing to do business with the cruise industry to increase their contact base with the cruise executives in attendance so that they can present their destination/product and learn what the cruise lines look for in terms of shore excursions, products, services and ports of call. It helps attendees establish a clear vision that will map the road to success in future dealings with the cruise industry.

The FCCA prides itself in bringing together cruise industry representatives with those looking to do business with its Member Lines. It is a symbiotic relationship between them; the more that the destinations and companies progress and learn about the industry, the more that the industry is able to grow and thrive. The FCCA promotes this mutually beneficial connection in most of its operations.

To learn more about the Conference or the FCCA, please visit www.f-cca.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson expressed his frustration and disappointment on Tuesday during an interview with SMN News about the instruction the Kingdom Council gave to the Governor of St. Maarten. The Justice Minister said that when Prime Minister Rutte visited St. Maarten earlier this year he told the Council of Ministers that he issued an instruction to the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity investigation. Minister Richardson said when the announcement was made they immediately protested it because in the view of the Council of Ministers the instruction was illegal. He said they had no problem with an investigation but when it comes down to an instruction the Prime Minister would have had to be informed through the Minister of Plenipotentiary. "It was told to us that an instruction was given and we made it clear it was not possible based on the laws in place. We further investigated this and found out that no instruction was given but the Prime Minister of the Netherlands gave that impression while he was on the island." Later, the Prime Minister said he consulted with the Council of Ministers on St. Maarten but that was absolutely not the case. "In the meeting I attended with Prime Minister Rutte he said an instruction was given to the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct the investigation." It should be noted that Prime Minister Mark Rutte also told SMN News reporter on the day he was leaving St. Maarten that he issued an instruction to the governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity investigation. The Prime Minister also praised St. Maarten's Prime Minister whom he said agreed to cooperate by using Transparency International in this integrity investigation.

He said while Prime Minister Rutte said he issued an instruction back then, it was not the truth because the KB was only done last week Friday. "What transpired is that Prime Minister Rutte made a statement while visiting the islands and today the Kingdom Council has to do something to maintain the statement they made. Furthermore, the Kingdom is meddling in St. Maarten's business (affairs illegally) the KB issued by the Kingdom Council is illegal and without merit because they used an article that governs the Governor to issue this instruction." Minister Richardson and the Prime Minister of St. Maarten both were in the Netherlands last week where they objected to the instruction and the way in which it was done. Minister Richardson said that St. Maarten even made a proposal to have a committee installed, four of the persons on that committee would have been from the Netherlands to conduct an independent investigation and that too was rejected by the Kingdom Council of Ministers. He said besides that St. Maarten has an agreement with Transparency International, another independent organization that would conduct an integrity investigation.

The Minister of Justice said if the Prime Minister of the Kingdom is going to meddle in the affairs of the island then it would be better if he sends St. Maarten's Independence by mail and stop the meddling because this is not in the interest of St. Maarten as well as the other countries of the Kingdom. Minister Richardson said St. Maarten already requested an advice from the Council of State on this matter and he is of the opinion that the Kingdom Council should wait on the advice that is to be given by the Council of State before they proceed with the instruction.

When asked by SMN News what are the grounds used by the Kingdom to issue the instruction, Minister Richardson said the Kingdom feels that the government of St. Maarten is hindering justice because there are several cases that involve politicians that have to be investigated and they are not moving forward. He said when St. Maarten became a country the Landsrecherche did not even have an office space or manpower to operate and the Kingdom was supposed to assist St. Maarten but they never assisted. Minister Richardson said the investigators at the Landsrecherche are working on all the cases and maybe they are not working fast enough for the Kingdom. Minister Richardson said the Kingdom is also blaming the former Minister of Justice for hindering investigations. He said the moment he took office which is just over 100 days now he asked Attorney General, Prosecutors and everyone else in the Justice Ministry if the former Minister was hindering them from doing their jobs and they all said that was not the case instead former Minister of Justice Roland Duncan assisted them by securing more manpower from Aruba.

Minister Richardson further explained that St. Maarten will not sit back and allow the Kingdom to walk over them instead they will do all in their power to ensure that the constitution of St. Maarten is respected as well as the Governor of St. Maarten. "They placed the Governor in a bad position and we need to protect our Governor because he is a man with integrity who did all in his power to protect his country." The Minister of Justice said that the Governor of St. Maarten has nothing to do with the running of the country. His only role is to co-sign documents that are signed off by the Ministers. He further explained that if the Kingdom gets way with this then St. Maarten is back to colonial times.

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group personnel surprised customers with a treat of a cupcake and a refreshing drink as a token of appreciation for paying their monthly telecommunication bill.

The gesture was the initiative of the company's Change Champions team, represented above by company personnel: Executive Assistant Lilliane de Dje-Robert, Financial Administrator, Monique Hodge and Project Coordinator Jed Carty.

Other members of the team NOC Level 2 Technician Ralph Boirard and Technical Controller Frank Carty, Customer Service Rep Monique Dopwell continued to meet and greet customers Monday afternoon and also the following day at other locations.

"We wanted to show customers who come in at the end of the month to make payments at our main office, that we are very grateful for their business by giving them a surprise treat," said Mr. Carty, noting that the a similar treat will be provided to customers at other TelEm Group branches the following day, Tuesday.

He said the opportunity was also taken to speak with customers as they waited in line to pay their bills to find out how TelEm Group can improve its service to them.

"Most of the customers appreciated the gesture and some made some very good recommendations that we will bring up to management," continued Mr. Carty.

The TelEm Group Change Champions team was established during the company's restructuring process this year to motivate and inspire staff to provide excellent service from TelEm Group and to TelEm Group customers.

Telem Press Release

The Rotary Club Of St. Maarten donates over 3000 dictionaries in five years

PHILIPSBURG:--- This is the fifth year that the Rotary Club of St. Maarten is donating Dictionaries to students of group 5 (3rd graders) in sixteen primary schools. "There should be no doubt about the commitment of Rotary to literacy says President of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Maria Buncamper-Molanus". These Caribbean English Dictionaries in most cases are the first dictionaries the students can call their own and over the five year period we have made over 3250 children proud owners of a Caribbean English Dictionary.
For most of us, reading and writing are as natural as breathing. But nearly 800 million adults worldwide lack the literacy skills needed to complete a job application, understand a child's report card, or read a prescription.
Rotary International and the International Reading Association know that literacy is an essential ingredient for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development and promoting peace. Since 2002, Rotary International and the Rotary International Association have combined their resources and skills to advance literacy in communities worldwide by providing books and educational materials, building and supporting schools, mentoring students, training teachers and establishing literacy programs for children and adults.
Community Project Chairman Marc Groeneveldt will continue to focus during this Rotary year on literacy with additional projects being unveiled in March 2014 "Literacy Month".
"I would like to emphasis the fact that we are able to carry out projects such as this one, because of the contributions we receive from individuals and corporate sponsors, this is truly the result of private - corporate cooperation": concludes president Buncamper-Molanus.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten the Hon. Mathias Voges and his Cabinet received a courtesy visit last Saturday from Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs the Hon. Ted Richardson and members of his Cabinet.

The meeting focused on strengthening the working relations between the Cabinets. One of the items discussed were the areas in which the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary could facilitate the Ministry of Tourism & Economic Affairs.

The Cabinet being located in The Hague has been busy developing a vast network in the Netherlands and in Europe which all Ministries on St. Maarten can make use of.

Discussions were also held on the developments with respect to the upcoming 11th European Development Fund and the draft European Union (EU) Overseas Association Decision (OAD) that will go into effect on January 1st, 2014. The opportunities these changes bring along with them were discussed in great detail.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) in collaboration with Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise will be hosting an E-Reading workshop for students and parents, through the "Readers are Leaders" program, on Thursday, October 3, at 6pm.
The major goals of this free, E-reading workshop are for participants to become aware of the e-book services the library offers and to promote reading through technological devices such as; E- Readers, smart phones, tablets, and computers.
The "Readers are Leaders" reading program was started by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and Rotary Club Sunrise in March 2010. As part of the program, the teenagers run their own book club. The aim of "Readers are Leaders" is to turn St. Maarten's teenagers into avid readers. High school students are challenged to read at least two books per month.
Thursday's E-Reading workshop will be conducted by library staff members: Francia Housen, Circulation Head and Assistant System Administrator and Annelies Starreveld, Librarian. Both Housen and Starreveld recently completed their exams after conducting a two-week, intensive Media Coach Training through the Division of Educational Innovations (DEI), which was carried out by the National Academy for Media and Society, stationed in the Netherlands.
For more information please contact Morenika Arrindell at the library by calling 542-2970, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit our website at www.stmaartenlibrary.org

21st Century Learning Planned for St. Maarten Schools

PHILIPSBURG:--- For the past 18 months a group of enthusiastic educators and ICT specialists have worked together to prepare a comprehensive educational technology plan - DigiKidz@St. Maarten. This exciting project is scheduled to be launched in one St. Maarten primary school and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, and after in a number of other primary schools.

The creator of the DigiKidz project - the Foresee Foundation – is comprised of experienced educators and young St. Maarteners specialized in IT, marketing, communications and business. The DigiKidz project will roll out a comprehensive ICT project for elementary schools, including hardware with laptops/tablets, wired and wireless network, and professional development for staff for those schools that are motivated to teach students innovative 21st century learning skills.

The vision of the DigiKidz team is fully supported by the Windsong International Foundation, which has proposed to provide substantial financial support for the DigiKidz project. The Foundation was formed by Windsong Trust, a U.S. private foundation formed by the late philanthropist Martin Crowley to provide educational assistance to children throughout the world. It is the wish of the Foundation to work closely with the public and private sector in order to guarantee long-term sustainability after the initial capital investments. The DigiKidZ project team is currently meeting prospective partners in the public and private sector for the purpose envisioning and translating the concepts of "Corporate Social Responsibility" and "Building Capital for Sustainable Development" as presented during recently held symposia, organized by the Social Economic Council and the Governor's office.

The DigiKidz project will officially launch on October 15th at Beau Beau's Restaurant at Oyster Bay Beach Resort. The following day, October 16th, an informational session will be held for School Boards and School Managers of all St. Maarten Primary Schools. Date and venue will be announced in the upcoming week. Prospective business partners and organizations who are enthusiastic about this project can contact the DigiKidz team through its emails 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..

PM: "This is not about an investigation; it is about the autonomy of the Countries within the Kingdom being at stake"

Minister of Justice: "The people of St. Maarten, Curacao and Aruba did not leave their autonomy in the hand of the Dutch Government so that the Bosmans and Wilders' out there can use St. Maarten as a political pawn."

PHILIPSBURG:--- A reversal of St. Maarten's autonomy as a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and an erosion towards neocolonialism was how the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams and the Minister of Justice the Honorable Dennis Richardson explained the so-called 'instruction' of the Kingdom Council of Ministers to the Governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity investigation on St. Maarten. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice appeared together on the popular television talk show Oral Gibbes Live where they explained television viewers on the illegal, un-constitutional handling by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte and Minister of Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk. The PM and Minister Richardson emphasized that the issue is not centered on the investigation itself, since various steps were already being taken by the Government, amongst which the signing of an agreement with Transparency International to conduct a country wide integrity assessment for St. Maarten. "We made it a point to be in the Netherlands so that we could be present for the Kingdom Council of Ministers as it became clear that they were adamant about issuing a Royal Decree that would instruct the Governor to carry out an investigation on St Maarten. Prime Minister Rutte believed and still believes that he could give an instruction to have an investigation carried out within an autonomous country within the Kingdom. When we heard this we immediately asked ourselves how would they be able to do that? It is important to state that it is not about an investigation. If it were about an investigation we would not have contacted Transparency International to conduct an investigation, we would not have contacted a worldwide organization that deals with that specific issue. We have told Rutte and Plasterk about this initiative because we believe that there was so much negative talk out there regarding St Maarten and we wanted to find out where the sensitive areas were where it comes to St. Maarten and where we could improve with regards to this. We believe a dangerous precedent would be set if the Kingdom Government could interfere in our internal affairs. We wanted to make our case very very clear as it pertains to this," stressed the Prime Minister.

Dutch Misuse of Article 43 within the Kingdom Charter

The Minister of Justice the Honorable Dennis Richardson said that Government contests the legality of the decision of the Dutch Government, who de facto initiated what has been termed a constitutional blunder. "Rutte and Plasterk used an article in the laws for which that law was not intended and we believe this is against the principles of good governance and we believe it is illegal, which is ironic considering what they are saying. If the Kingdom Council of Ministers uses the article of higher supervision, which is the proper procedure, they would subsequently need to involve the Kingdom Council of State. Even then St. Maarten can appeal that decision and it is clear that political games are being played since this was not done. Because we believe that this is an illegal decision we have the right and obligation not to go with it. This is also of great importance to the other countries within the Kingdom because if this precedent is set the Dutch can subsequently use Article 43 for any purpose to interfere in the internal handling of a country within the Kingdom. There is a procedure in place to initiate the guarantee function which involves the use of article 51. The Dutch cannot justify that our system is not working. All allegations are in the public prosecutors system. So therefore we need to ask ourselves what is it that the Dutch really want?"

Dutch Putting Governor in Awkward Situation

The Prime Minister continued by stating that everyone, including the Governor His Excellency Eugene Holiday, has worked diligently in securing the independent position of the countries in their internal matters but that that work is now being brought into jeopardy by the unlawful actions of Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Plasterk. "If the countries themselves do nothing to remediate a situation and the systems do not work then yes the Kingdom Council of Ministers can invoke article 43. If they determine that our systems are failing fundamentally they need to use the procedure as outlined in article 51 to reach to article 43. There is also a process when it comes to that. Because none of these procedures were followed we are going to continuing to object. If it were something we had to hide we would not bring in Transparency International to St. Maarten. This is a reputable organization and are not there to give favors. If you bring them in you better be prepared for what they might find. What we realize is that Rutte and Plasterk had to back up their political statement in wanting to instruct St. Maarten, it was about meddling in our internal affairs to begin with. Our Governor is being put into a very awkward situation through coming with this Decree," stressed the Prime Minister.

The Minister of Justice further commented that the Dutch Government is using thin, baseless and ungrounded explanations for the issuing of the royal decree. "The backdoor is being forced to be wide open for Dutch Ministers to interfere with anything on St. Maarten or Curacao or Aruba and they want us to not do anything about it."

"We don't have a problem with an investigation. We invited TI and made a proposal that is more direct and broader than that of the Dutch Government using reputable people from Holland and St. Maarten to guide the investigation but they refused that. The Dutch Government has put in this Royal Decree that countries have gone to the Dutch Government saying they have concerns about St. Maarten but when we questioned this they were unable to substantiate anything. It is a tactic of using this to allow them to interfere in our own affairs, in the affairs of all of the countries in the Kingdom. This kind of paternalistic feeling shared by the Dutch Ministers and a general feeling of resentment that St. Maarten became a country. We have worked day and night to do the things that were expected of us to become a country and St. Maarten has proven itself.

Back to the Old Days of Colonialism

"If this happens we will have reverted to the old days of Colonialism and ruling the people indirectly. That is not what we fought for. The people of St. Maarten, Curacao and Aruba did not leave their autonomy in the hand of the Dutch Government so that the Bosmans and Wilders out there can complain and say that PM Rutte is not doing his job politically and using St. Maarten as political pawn.

"The Dutch have stopped funding social development on our islands, have left us with a debt of the Netherlands Antilles without providing the debt relief which was promised to us. They have left us no room to maneuver. We never received the money promised to us because of the famous statement that 'the door is closed'. All this while the Dutch Government cannot stick within the European Norm as far as the Budget is concerned because the Dutch Government is having a hard time to keep within the 3% deficit. But us we cannot have a Budget Deficit because of CFT, we receive no aid and to nail the coffin shut now they are saying that they want to investigate us?

What is their objective? Do they want to help St. Maarten? We do not get that impression. It is not about an investigation because in fact that is what we want, that is what we have been calling for. We are being scapegoated. For example during the last couple of months every time a question is asked to Plasterk his response would be that most likely ST. Maarten would get an instruction on the Budget. When that did not happen and no instruction was given the Dutch Government saw they compelled to use something. The thinking is that that little miserable child of St. Maarten is something we as Dutch need to do something about. As St. Maarteners we cannot accept that. Forget about me as Prime Minister, as a St. Maartener it hurts me to see that St. Maarten is made out to be as something that it is not," stressed Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

Minister of Justice Richardson also stressed that St. Maarten will move ahead with Transparency International but that until the Kingdom Council of Advice gives their statement, that no cooperation will be given to the so-called 'instruction'. "Let it be clear to the people that we are moving ahead with Transparency International and others but we will not cooperate with a Royal Decree that will leave the door open for any Dutch Politician to interfere in the matters of the countries. We will not accept that."

To Inform Parliament

The Prime Minister also explained that a request was sent for a meeting of Parliament so that the body can be brought up to speed on the issue. "Today we have asked the Chairlady of Parliament to schedule a meeting so that we can apprise Parliament on the situation. This is not about Sarah Wescot-Williams, Dennis Richardson, William Marlin, this is about the back door being forced open for the Dutch to conduct neocolonialism and if we do not take our stance then, as we say here, "Crapaud Smoke our Pipe". This leaves the three Countries in a very difficult situation and we have the support of Willemstad as it is in all of our interest. If we want to be a real autonomous country in the Kingdom we need to stand together to avoid this neocolonialism," concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet October 03 in an urgent session of the House regarding the Royal Decree to instruct the Governor to carry out an integrity assessment of government.

The committee will meet on Thursday at 3:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

Members of Parliament according to the agenda point will have a discussion with the Council of Ministers with respect to the Royal Decree to instruct the Governor to perform an integrity research on the public administration of Sint Maarten.

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

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

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

CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, Colombia:--- Today marked the opening of the annual FCCA Trade Show, taking place in conjunction with the FCCA Cruise Conference in the Cartegena de Indias Convention Center. Over 100 companies are represented on the trade show floor, which will see exposure from the prestigious audience of decision makers from FCCA Member Lines and prominent professionals from throughout the industry and cruise destinations' private and public sectors.

The FCCA Trade Show is specialized by offering publicity from this exclusive crowd in a setting focused on doing business with the cruise industry, where about 100 cruise executives, presidents and CEOs gather to source new business; expand established business; and grant insight on what the lines want in terms of products, shore excursions, port operations and destination development/infrastructure.

This focus leads to a great diversity of trade show exhibits, from tours and customized products to countries' tourism departments. Anyone doing business or wanting to do business with the cruise industry has a chance to target some of the most important decision makers in the industry.

And there is increased attention displaying destinations' various offerings with specialized pavilions-designed for a destination to come together as one entity to present their numerous destination products, stakeholders, infrastructure and more.

To learn more about the FCCA, the current Conference & Trade Show or the upcoming 2014 event in St. Maarten, please visit www.f-cca.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be no through traffic from the beginning of Back Street to the intersection near Angelo's Boutique Thursday evening October 3 from 8:00pm to 12:00am (midnight). The alleys will also be closed.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

POND ISLAND:--- An early morning accident in the Simpson Bay area Tuesday, left a TelEm Group telephone cabinet totally damaged interrupting landline and internet services to the area.

The damage was reported by a concerned member of the public who spotted the damaged cabinet at the entrance to Pelican early Tuesday morning.

The result of the damage is that a number of residential and business customers in the area from the Simpson Bay Bridge to the Simpson Bay Yacht Club are without landline and internet service from TelEm Group.

According to TelEm Group, Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London, due to the dry weather and the manner in which the cabinet was damaged, not all the customer lines in the area are down, nevertheless customers are being informed in a general public message.

He said a number of customers will be unable to make and receive calls or have internet service until repairs are carried out. Customers are therefore being encouraged to make use of their mobile phones to maintain communication links if their landline is down.

TelEm Group technicians have assessed the damage and have already started carrying out repairs. They estimate it could take up to three days to fully restore the service and reconnect all customers who have lost service.

TelEm Group management has meantime apologized to customers in the Simpson Bay area for the interruption in service and say they have reported the matter of the collision to police for further investigation.

Telem Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Dr. Ruth Douglass submitted her letter of resignation to the griffier of Parliament on Tuesday. Sources close to the United People's Party confirmed that Dr. Douglass submitted her resignation in order for the party leader Theodore Heyliger to take up a seat in parliament. Dr. Douglass received 84 votes during the 2010 elections. She was the MP with the least amount of votes on the UP slate. Efforts made to reach party leader Theodore Heyliger and faction leader Silvia Meyers proved futile on Tuesday afternoon.

Press Statement by Former Member of Parliament Dr. Ruth Douglass.

Dear people of St. Maarten,
Grace to you!

A wise man once said: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ..." And my time, to step down as an elected member of parliament, has come.

First and foremost I would like to thank the Most High God, for His guidance in my life,
I would like to thank all those who cast their votes for me and trusted that I can be different and make a difference. Thank you!
To all my supporters, you know who you are, thank you for giving me a chance to serve the people of St. Maarten in a higher calling.
My Mission in Life is and has always been to Serve others and that is exactly what I will continue to do.
Last but not least I would like to thank my family for enduring my lengthy absence from quality family time. Thank you for standing by my side, in thick and thin. While wearing multiple hats.

I would like at this time to share with you my personal reasons for stepping down: in politics I have learned that there are multiple strategies in demand for a successful political career, and one of them is to keep your party leader in the forefront. I have chosen to give UP my position in Parliament so that the party leader, which in this case is "Theo Heyliger", may come in. I believe that being the mayor vote getter of the election of 2010 this was and is a clear indication of the people's will. I too trust the political skills, wisdom and humanism of the UP party leader.
The reason of my resignation has been questioned by some by asking what have I received in order to step down? With this I would like to make it over and abundantly clear that my party leader, Theo Heyliger, has in No form or Fashion requested me to step down from my position as a member of parliament and nothing has been offered to me and no one has offered me any thing to take the action that I have made. I have and always will work hard for what I want as long as God give me health and strength. I have done this willingly and in my own time.

I pray that God will give him wisdom and discernment. God bless the Leadership of St. Maarten, God bless the people of St. Maarten.
God bless St. Maarten.

Dare to be Different and make a Difference!

Douglass, Ruth M.D. M.P.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be no through traffic on the Cannegieter Street in the vicinity of the UTS Building Tuesday evening October 1st from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PM: "It is not only about taking care of the patients but also about caring for the families and the communities that are effected by Mental Illness"

OYSTER POND:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams offered words of welcome to the delegates and attendees to the Addiction and Psychiatry Congress on Transforming Care The congress symposium at the Westin Resort and Casino on Monday.

In her address the Prime Minister stated that, despite her returning from the Netherlands on Sunday, she thought it extremely important to attend at least part of the session on mental health and addiction and its treatment on St. Maarten and throughout the region. "I believe that it is important to let you know how pleased I am to welcome you here at this conference. I would like to express words of appreciation the Mental Health Foundation and to the Ministry of Health, Social Development and Labor and all other entities for making this conference possible here on St. Maarten. Yesterday after I returned from the Netherlands I was informed that a gentlemen that I know well was apprehended due to his mental health state and he was able to receive help for the condition. And so it is in this gathering that I see concrete steps being taken in providing care for the patients that can be faced with significant challenges. And indeed it is not only about taking care of the patients but also about caring for the families and the communities that are effected by Mental Illness," commented the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY/MARIGOT:--- The St. Martin poet Lasana M. Sekou on Sunday joined others in signing a change.org Petition against what he calls "the unjust and fundamentally racist law" in the Dominican Republic that strips citizenship and affects over 200,000 people born in the DR to migrant parents, especially from Haiti, from 1929 to the present. And what Sekou stands up for may be exactly why US professors Roland Greene and Stephen Cushman wrote in the new Princeton University Press encyclopedia, about Sekou's "activities" having "far reaching consequences."

Literature and socio-political or cultural activism don't always go hand-in-hand. However, The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics: Fourth Edition, edited by Greene, Cushman et al. engages the complex nature of poetry around the world.

John Flood, an English literature teacher at the University of Groningen, calls the book "the most recent edition of the 'Bible' of poetry." The "1,639-page encyclopedia of over a million words" has "over 1,000 entries," writes Michael O'Sullivan in Cha: An Asian Literary Journal.

The Yvy League title departs on "poetry in the Dutch Windward Islands" with Wycliffe Smith's seminal survey, Windward Islands Verse (1981), then cites that, "Thereafter, the activities of Lasana Sekou, ... have had far-reaching consequences."

The question is raised about whether St. Martin's "creole English" had "a poetical dialogue with Dutch" and its relationship to publishing and "written literary languages."

For Nicholas Lezard's UK Guardian review, if we still need to "realise there is an impulse to poetry in us that is universal, there is really no better book than this."

Sekou's work with House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) is noted for attracting "local talent and ... other Caribbean writers to St. Martin." The island's additional "concrete point of reference" with Africa through the "widely seen" theater performances and workshops of "the Nigerian critic Fabian Badejo" is also noted.

More than 250 new entries cover recent terms, movements, and related topics in the encyclopedia. Broader international coverage includes articles on the poetries of more than 110 nations, regions, and languages, wrote the book's editors.

The coverage of the literatures from most of the language zones in the Caribbean by The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics, outclasses great English-language anthologies that have committed the sin of omission. "Those that left out the writers and publications of whole parts of the region, focusing only on the larger nations of the English-speaking Caribbean. Sometimes they gave a token mention to the literatures of French- or Spanish-speaking countries and territories but hardly ever to writings in Suriname or the Dutch colonies," said Jacqueline Sample, president of HNP.

The Princeton University literary encyclopedia is the newest book that's making a difference with more material about serious Caribbean literatures and literary activities, said Sample.

In fact, it is through the treatment of the whole Caribbean that the discussion emerges in the Princeton tome about the relationships, or lack of, between Dutch, Papiamentu, "English creole," and Sranan in Suriname and the remaining Netherlands territories. The editors even make a point of difference in the relationship between Dutch and Papiamentu (Curacao) and Papiamento (Aruba).

George Lamming, Kamau Brathwaite, and Amiri Baraka are the other HNP authors referenced in the authoritative study.

According to David Marx:Book Reviews, "The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry & Poetics may well evolve into becoming the most important reference book in anyone's library; serious writers, novelists, short story tellers and those with a penchant for language and poetry in particular."

The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry & Poetics explores assiduously American, European, African, Arab, Asian and other literatures. With references from the ancient and Aristotelian to modern Zulu poetry, Lezard lets the "succinctness" of the book's preface speak for the edition: "This is a book of knowledge, of facts, theories, questions, and informed judgment, about poetry. ... Poetics, the theoretical and practical study of poetry, is one of the oldest disciplines in the west, one of those founded by Aristotle along with ethics, logic, and political science."

GREAT BAY/MARIGOT:--- It wasn't our idea at HNP but we love it! University law student Ariane Jasor Glisa-Vandepul allowed a family photographer in on her school vacation readings — at a favorite St. Martin reading spot. Lucky for us, one of the books on her list was Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in St. Martin — pictured here in the hands of the fashionable reader. The new anthology from House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) is available for your reading pleasure at Shipwreck, Arnia's, Van Dorp, Amazon.com, and other bookstores. (CLF Photo)

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet October 02 concerning a three point agenda.

The committee will meet on Wednesday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point has to do with changes of the national ordinance related to the government organization; name changes of organizational sections; and other technical legal adjustments.

The second agenda point is related to the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, University of Kansas. The President of Parliament of the House has been invited to be a guest speaker at the aforementioned institute.

The third agenda point is the composition of a delegation for the General Assembly meeting of Parlatino.

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The owner of Bada Bing strip club who is one of the suspects involved in the ORCA investigation allegedly gave himself up to police on Monday.

According to information reaching SMN News, Jaap van den Heuvel was in the Netherlands since the Bada Bing bribery scandal broke and the Prosecutor's Office requested that he return to the island now that the ORCA investigation has completed and actions by the Prosecutor's Office are to be taken. Van den Heuvel was seen on tape offering what appears to be a bribe to Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge. The scandal broke early this year when the MP was in the Netherlands. Back then MP Illidge told SMN News that he was being blackmailed by the leader of the UP. The MP also provided emails that was sent to him by Van den Heuvel who told him that he was asked to tape him while he was paying back the MP monies he borrowed from him during his divorce episode.

SMN News learnt that Van den Heuvel returned to the island on Sunday and was heard on Monday shortly after midday. He was then taken into custody.

Several efforts made by SMN News to obtain confirmation from the Prosecutor's Office proved futile up to Monday evening. SMN News reporter made several calls to Chief Prosecutor Hans Wesslink but all of the calls went unanswered.
Attorney at Law Cor Merx who is representing Van den Heuvel refused to comment when he was contacted on Monday evening.

SMN News is following the developments surrounding the ORCA investigation and will bring you more information when it becomes available.

Arrest in Orca Investigation.

Monday morning, September 30th, 2013 JvdH was arrested by the Landsrecherche. The suspect was arrested on the accounts of forgery, tax fraud, and money laundering. VdH, who has been off island for a while, voluntarily turned himself in. The interrogation is pending. In the interest of the ongoing investigation no further information can be disclosed.
The Orca investigation started in March this year following the showing of a film on the websites of The Daily Herald and the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. On the footage JvdH, owner of the "Bada Bing" brothel, can be seen handing over probably banknotes to the independent parliamentarian PI.

Press Release from Public Prosecutor's Office