Articles

Before going into my view of what I believe can help St Maarten in a financial sense, I will refer to one of the scriptures in the bible from where I draw my vision for a fair tax system although I don’t believe this tax reform will be a long term solution because of SXM’s none diversified nature. I will elaborate on the scripture at the end of my article. The following is taken from Matthew 20:1-15 (New International Version).

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.

"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'

7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.

"He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'

8"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'

9"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

It has always concern me that here in SXM we are everything but something. We have some form of a social (welfare) system, free enterprise system (America), and almost a dictatorship system. In other words it appears as though we are confused and don’t know what we want. But it is my belief that some prefer it this way as it benefits these some. But like the good book says in Matthew 16:26:

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” In adaptive words, what good is it for the some to gain all the wealth in SXM and not be able to enjoy it? If you have not learned from history then you are a fool. When the gap between the haves and have nots is increasing, so is crime. Meaning, there is a direct correlation with poverty or monetary deprivation and crime. I don’t know about you but I prefer to be able to chill at home, around a pool, without having to be paranoid thinking if someone will brake in and hold me up at gunpoint possibly even killing me because they are in need of money or items to sell for money. Or worse, leaving or retuning to your home in fair wondering who is cooping you in order to rob you because they know you are better off than they are. Hunger and monetary deprivation does not see nor care how hard you work to make it nor your strong ambitions which allowed you to achieve. Unfortunately as unfair as this may sound, it is the reality.

Now a fair system should reward entrepreneurship, allow fairness and opportunity to every willing heart, influence philanthropy, and ensure the wealth flows in a circle within the society thereby minimizing wealth leakage to outside.

Raising taxes forces people to live with more debt in order to be able to survive since more and more of their money goes to the government to fund programs. Credit cards will become more essential for day-to-day survival. People without access to credit will slip below the poverty line. The increase in inflation and cost of retirement will compound this problem. Albert Einstein once said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created the problem.”

In America, the average person with a job has taxes, debt, inflation, and saving for a retirement plan taken from their paycheck before they get paid. In other words, everyone else gets paid before the employee gets paid. A majority of a worker’s paycheck is taken before he/she receives a cent to live on. Sounds familiar here on SXM right?

Robert Kiyosaki in his online book “The Conspiracy of the Rich” chapter 11 states….“You may have noticed that most of a person’s money goes into the pockets of the conspiracy to cover that person’s living expenses. I believe this is why there is no financial education in our schools. If people knew where their paycheck was going, people would revolt. With a sound financial education, a person can minimize those expenses or even use those expenses to put that money into their own pockets.”

The statistics will show that 50% of SXM’s working population earns gross Naf 2,000 and less. Yet we have an economy with the cost of living being higher than the U.S. Then we want to be a welfare state with people barely making ends meet with a ridiculous salary that is taxed in order to pay for social costs, environmental, infrastructural, and government costs. Yet it was a common saying that the SXM economy is booming but yet the bulk of government revenues are wage tax. Meaning the day people say the hell with all of this modern day slavery and stop working, government will be up a creek. An analogy which goes like this: “Dynamic Equilibrium” occurs when two or more opposing processes proceed at the same rate. Let’s say, for a simplified example, that you have a small island with a (1) wildly growing annual carrot crop, (2) a family of rabbits and (3) a family of wolves. The rabbits need the carrots to eat and thus survive, while the wolves need the rabbits to eat and thus survive. In each pair, there is an equilibrium that must exist based on the carrying capacity of the island. If there are not enough carrots to feed the current population of rabbits, some rabbits will not survive. If there are not enough rabbits to feed the wolves, some wolves will not survive. If the carrot crop is destroyed by drought, then no one survives.

Now tax reform, in my view, is very easy to understand and to implement. But for a greedy person, what I am about to recommend will just be plain foolishness. How can you tell if you are greedy? Well that is why I purposely started off with the scripture in the beginning. And if your first inclination after reading it was that it was not fair to the ones who started way before the day ended then you are a greedy bastard. But guess what? I also thought this was unfair before I was explained the in-depthness of the parable which I will in turn explain at the end of this article.

Let us first start with the wage and income tax. There should be a cap of 15%. A social security levy of 5% could be part of this income/wage tax or incorporated on top of this. Now this would inevitably cause a problem for government. So how do we rectify this? Simple. We know longer can accept the free-port policy on all imported goods. Because of improper management of the island, the free lunch as we know it is over. Imported luxury goods should be charge a luxury import tax and goods that help fill up our landfills or that are not biodegradable should be burden with an import levy. Alcohol and cigarettes should be burden with an import levy. Import levies are direct cash flow for government and it is not dependant on certain periods of the month because imports are daily. Now this of course will have a negative reaction if not controlled and compensated for at the same time. So I say get rid of the turn over tax and lower the profit tax and increase basic food items controls. Furthermore, create a tax benefit incentive for persons engaging in producing/ manufacturing/growing products locally. Create tax benefit incentives for companies who sell merchandise but have a recycling program for the products they sell. Create a tax benefit incentive for companies who engage in recycling type activities. Create tax benefit incentives for foreign investors if a minimum of 30% of their undertaking is owned by locals. Ensure any borrowings by government or government owned companies incorporates a certain percentage of bonds that can only be purchased by locals where the interest will be either not taxable or taxable to a set cap. Encourage our own to come back to contribute by allowing them not to pay income/wage tax up to a certain period providing they not leave the island within a certain period. Give tax benefit incentives to companies who engage in renewable and clean energy. This can attract some desired companies thereby diversifying our economy and help lower our overdependence on oil. Reform the property tax to help curve real estate speculation. Some suggestions would be to charge property tax on individuals with second and additional homes. Or, persons who are not residents of the island will have to pay property tax or property tax on second and additional real estate. Foreign director licenses costs should be increased as well as expats labor permits if they stay longer than two years on the island.

What I have given here is a generalized picture of what we should be coming up with and debating about doing. Economic models can be developed to see what the likely effects would be. But seeing the fact that everyone keeps running here and will not likely leave, I don’t think many persons’ objections will result in them leaving the island if their objections are not honored because truth is, they will still be better off here with a minor inconvenience change than with for example having a similar business in the U.S. and having to deal with the various stringent laws and the IRS. Furthermore, if they do decide to abandon ship, what is the worse that can happen? Answer: Locals getting opportunity to take over ship and stepping up to the plate to run things. In other words, we got them by the co-hones without us even realizing it.

The explanation of the parable is as follows:

The first men who were hired in the early morning agreed to a denarius with the landowner. A denarius is sufficient to feed a man and his family for a day. Anything less and a man would not be able to feed himself and family sufficiently (basic needs). Hence the compassionate landowner who hired the other men later during the day would not have given these men anything less than a denarius less they could not take care of their basic needs. Furthermore, all the men wanted to work but no one had hired them. So you see, what we think is fair is not always fair in the eyes of god because our ways are not his but he came to earth to show us the way and that way is what I try to incorporate into many of my dealings and decision making.

Emilio Kalmera

Honorable Mr. Frantz GUMBS,

President of the Collectivity Saint Martin,

Your kind, but very urgent attention is requested pertaining to attached document.

It is a letter to the editor written by Mrs. Aline CHOISY, entitled A ' LEGENDARY ISLAND STATUETTE TO

REPRESENT WHICH PEOPLE, WHICH ISLAND' ?

In this letter, Mrs. CHOISY responds to a commercial initiative by two St. Martin residents, in which a so-called 'statuette' representing two so-called 'legends' is intended to be mass-produced and sold as a 'market-tool' for our island.

Mr. President, we would like to respectfully emphasize to you that, Mrs. CHOISY's statement speaks for every conscious and proud native-indigenous St. Martiner/St. Martin organization.

In addition, the letter of Mrs. CHOISY strongly represents an increasing general sentiment of frustration among St. Martiners, that can not have also escaped your attention as well.

A simple point in case.

Just taking a walk anywhere on the island, including down-town Marigot, makes most St. Martiners, and visitors alike, wonder in what country or slum they are now living in or visiting.

There are the expanding numbers of primitive 'vending-stalls' all over the place, creating a resemblance to well-known slum-areas in the region and beyond, something we never saw before on our island.

Clearly, a sign of 'imported poverty' ,undoing the added value our island experienced in the past.

Another example of 'imported or exotic culture and mentality is the very thriving 'gipsy bus-industry', outcompeting the local, legal, tax-paying bus-drivers and contributing to the face of 'lawlessness' that is now characterizing the 'Friendly-island'.

These socio-cultural trends are not only changing the very 'face' of our country, but increasingly make St. Martiners extremely conscious of threats to their very existence as a people in their own land.

To put it plain Mr. President, genocide by substitution is taken place in 'high gear' on this island, smack in our faces, plain for all to see and experience.

In ending Mr. President, we strongly advice your collectivity not to take this growing sentiment of the grass-roots St. Martin people for granted, nor to underestimate it, because it is very, very real and very, very volatile.

You are therefore kindly, but very urgently requested to finally address this very serious situation on the island, before it is too late.

We remain committed to work along with your Collectivity and others to seek creative and structural solutions.

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

Member of Parliament PVdA

With great interest, I read your interview in the Daily Herald of Friday, July 17, 2009, in which you made a number of statements.

Honestly speaking, I would like to believe that you mean well for our island and I hereby express my appreciation for such.

However, in general terms I could not disagree more with a number of statements you made in that interview according to that article.

These statements make me wonder how many times you actually visited this island and more importantly whom you spoke with and under what circumstances.

For instance.

Were they independent-minded people?

Do they have any ‘track-record’ of speaking out publicly on the issues at hand?

Certainly, you have not spoken with any member of our organization, which must raise legitimate question considering our very long, intensive, and public record of accomplishment on addressing the most critical issues facing this country.

Just in case you were not aware of who we are, feel free to ‘ask around’ with our worst critics, since we might ‘inflate’ our own value and reputation.

Nevertheless, for us to read your some of your statements, gives us the strong impression that at best, they might be ‘theoretically’ motivated, but certainly not based on the reality most native St. Martiners and Antilleans have to confront on a daily basis.

For instance, you asserted that the BES-status is not an option for St. Maarten, because the people did not vote for it.

This argument is what our politicians use all the time, but are afraid of ‘putting to the test’, by having the nonsense ratified, like what happened in Curacao.

Now, instead of showing some kind of independent mind, wisdom and understanding for the people, you simply repeat what these so-called leaders are ‘pesting’ us with on a consistent basis.

Clearly, the statement misses ‘depth’ and certainly does not indicate any deep knowledge of how our politicians have deceived and betrayed the people and that consequently the people have NO confidence in the body politic across the board.

That is the main problem of the ‘Friendly Island’….no confidence that they can bring about the fundamental changes needed, because they themselves are part of the problem.

‘Country St. Maarten’ status, whatever that might mean, will bring absolutely no change, just more of the same, because the political-mindset and/or culture remains unchanged.

Pushing this so-called country status down the throat of the people will turn out to be a complete catastrophe.

We, who live here, we who are from here and we who know the situation and feel the heat, realize that the best thing to happen to St. Maarten, post whatever ‘breaking-up of the Antilles’ is indeed a form of ‘time-out’ or a ‘transition’ until, there is confidence once more in the system.

If that means that St. Maarten will temporarily become a BESS-island, so be it, no need to rush only to regret later!

Right now, as a native-indigenous St. Martin movement we say, St. Maarten is NOT ready for any ‘Country status’ and certainly, allowing for the ‘calendar and/or the clock’ to decide when we are ready, is not a very ‘wise’ approach, to put it euphemistically.

In reality, it is a dumb idea.

As far as we are concerned, as long as the native-indigenous people and Antilleans living on St. Maarten cannot be recognized by their own politicians and their rights cannot be guaranteed in any new constitution, we the people will NEVER be ready.

Of course, the politicians have been ‘ready’ from the onset, that is to take care of ‘self’.

That is not the readiness that counts for US the PEOPLE of this island.

So, dear Mrs. ORTEGA-MARTIJN, please make sure to do your homework properly before speaking for the people of this island.

Our future is too important for political machinations.

Have a nice stay on the ‘Friendly Island’

With kind respect,

Drs. Leopold JAMES

President SNBF/Association L’Esprit de Concordia and

Proud native-indigenous St. Martiner…without apologies

Fixed date 'Country St. Maarten', while people not being ready, the beginning of real trouble.

Dear members of Parliament,

Hopefully this is a very clear response to the headlines 'Why fix a date' asks Parliament, that appeared in the local St. Maarten newspaper, the Daily Herald of Thursday, July 2, 2009.

Clearly, this rhetorical question raised by a majority of members in Parliament, implies a growing doubt of the sanity of our local politicians, to place a 'date' ahead of all other concerns and requirements about the 'readiness' for the 'Country St. Maarten status'

For the record.

We have said it before and care to repeat it again here.

For there to be a responsible change of 'status', the entire community should be ready and foremost, the native-indigenous St. Martiners and other Antilleans have to see how they will benefit and not lose out.

It is clear that the politicians are 'over-ready' read 'over-excited', because from the onset they were 'ready'.

They had long dreamt about assuming the nice positions that would become available and/or created for them and their 'inner-circle'.

Like one well-known 'technocrat' and 'insider', recently told me, that his dream was to become 'ambassador in Cuba'

Certainly, as far as wer the native St. Martiners and other Antilleans are concerned let us be clear.

We are absolutely NOT ready to give up what we have built up since emancipation of slavery and after the 'Trinta de Mei' 1969 revolt.

This historical date marked the advent of the 'Antillean-identity', coupled with its rights and privileges to be first on ALL islands of the Antilles.

On the contrary, the newly coveted date of '10-10-10' on 'ground-zero', where real people live and toil, means nothing, nada, niets.

On the contrary, it will only intensify our fight to reclaim our ancestral rights as natives and our rights as Antilleans to be first at home.

We as proud Antilleans will never allow for the political traitors to take away our 'Antillianiasatie' rights, simply to allow for the politicians to finally live out their dreams.

In ending, I challenge any politician to prove that there will be any meaningful 'public opposition', should the Dutch Government implement a well balanced 'transitional period' for the 'Friendly Island' after January 2010, when the Antilles as we know, might no longer exist as a constitutional structure.

I doubt, that the politicians will be able to fill even a 'mini-bus' of paid, unconvinced protesters.

The main reason being that regardless which 'color and/or color-combination' of any 'new' Government, their is a general and ever growing distrust of the current 'body-politic'

A transitional period after come 2010 should among others, also serve to bring about a new awareness in the population and the emergence of a new 'crop' of political leaders.

Not 'more of the same', hiding behind new 'shade of colors'.

And so mote it be.....

With respect and without apologies,

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

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CONVERT IN NEW STATUSSES, ‘ANTILLENIZATION’ INTO ‘ST.MARTINATION’, ‘STATIANIZATION’,’ BONAIRIANIZATION’,’ SABANIZATION’ & ‘CURACAONIZATION’

Judging from the great number of reactions to my previous article which proved that as the new (draft) constitutions for all the islands of the Netherlands-Antilles now stand, they de-facto constitute a betrayal of the concept of ‘Antillianization’, which resulted from the ‘Trinta di Mei 1969’-revolt that took place on Curacao.Based on this concept, ‘Antilleans’ were given special privileges in their own country, the Antilles, even over their own Dutch European counterparts living in the Antilles.One can call it whatever, but without any doubt, it served to protect us Antilleans in our own country every since.With all the new constitutional arrangements that are now being put into place in the separate islands of the Antilles, such a protective provision is nowhere to be found.That means that, instead of us as Antilleans truly emancipating and getting more rights in our separate-islands, we in fact wind up losing rights, we had gained through the sacrifices of the May 30, 1969 revolt.The only ‘winners’ are the politicians, who can now create nice positions for themselves and their cohorts.

This is nothing but a betrayal of ALL Antilleans !!!

Consequently, if properly presented, ‘whole-sale sell-out’ this can never be accepted in any court-of-law.

It is in-conceivable in this time and age, that a people loses its hard-earned human rights to be protected in their own country.

We hope that our politicians will realize this betrayal and try to correct it…pronto.

This can be done be amending the various draft constitutions and other agreements to include the following provision.

In keeping with the legal precedence of the notion of ‘Antillianization’, even-though the Antilles as it now exists, will cease to exist, it is decided to transfer the spirit of the ‘Antillianization’ into a specific form applicable to the individual islands of the Antilles.

Therefore, this will mean for the island of St. Martin, the defining of the rights attached to the process of ‘St. Martinization’.For Saba, ‘Sabanization’, for St. Eustatius, ‘Statianization’ for Bonaire, ‘Bonairization’ and for Curacao, ‘Curacaonization’.Meanwhile, we will contact the UN and other entities to champion this cause as wellClearly, failure on the part of the politicians within the Kingdom to continue protecting the Antilleans living on the individual islands of the Antilles, even in the new statuses, will mean that indeed it was the intention to commit genocide by substitution against the people of the Antilles.

This a crime against humanity that carries sanctions.

Copies to;

Kingdom Government

UN

CARICOM

Etc.

--

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

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Just think about it.

Let us study our recent history as people of the Netherlands-Antilles, and consider what our political leaders are about to take away from us Antilleans, so-called for some ‘new status’, but one without any guarantees for our survival as an Antillean people in return.

On May 30, 1969, a popular and violent revolt took place on Curacao.

It has come to be referred to as ‘Trinta di Mei’.

That date de facto has come to represent the ‘advent’ of what was called the ‘Antilleanization’ process.

Simply put the notion of the ‘Antillean-identity’ was born.

The sacrifices made by those who were part of the ‘revolt’ of 1969, was the acknowledgment of the rights of the ‘Antillean’ to be first when it came to job-opportunities in government as well as in the private-sector.

Who does not remember in practically all adds the condition, ‘Antilleans only need apply’ ?

For the first time for instance after the ‘revolt’, the Antilles had a BLACK prime-minister, Ernesto PETRONIA and a BLACK Governor-general, Ben LEITO and BLACKS occupied all possible top-positions.

The birth of the UNA, the full recognition of the Papiamento language as language of instruction etc.

One of the most interesting consequences of the fruits of the blood, sweat and tears of the participants of the revolt was the ‘Antilleanization’-policy.

It in fact meant was that we as Antilleans were uniquely protected in our own country, even against DUTCH Europeans, whose passports we actually carry.

At the same time we as Antilleans, were able to profit from the same rights as our Dutch European fellow citizens, in the ‘Motherland’ Holland.

In other words, we were protected by means of ‘positive-discrimination’ (affirmative-program) against all other DUTCH nationals and naturalized Dutch citizens living in the Antilles.

That was a status, many in the region, the French-side deeply envied the us Antilles for.

Now, finally our leaders have ‘turned the table’ on us Antilleans, by removing that ‘protective-shield’ from us and exposing us to the masses of all other immigrant-groups.

Now, every Johnny, Thom and Harry come-lately, will have the same rights as us in our country and by virtue of their larger and ever increasing numbers in fact completely replace us through genocide by substitution.

That is what our politicians bargained for.

Our demise as Antillean people without special protection in our lands.

This betrayal can however be corrected.

By re-visiting the draft constitutions and making sure that on EVERY island of the Antilles, the concept of ‘Antilleanization’ is transformed to protect the Antilleans of the respective islands.

Thus on St. Maarten, there will be a transformation called ‘St. Martinization’, on St. Eustatius, ‘Statianization’, on Saba, ‘Sabanization’ on Bonaire, ‘Bonairization’

After all, it can not be that as we so-called get more autonomy, it should mean that the people of the land should lose their rights to self-determination or the right to get first opportunities in their own country, that is unheard of and …criminal.

I dare to state that losing such rights can be ruled illegally in any court of law, anywhere in the world and perhaps, it should be presented in the de-colonization committee of the UN.

Who knows, we will initiate the process ?

In ending, we issue a very firm ‘caveat’ to the leaders of this country, not to rush into any status ‘country St. Maarten’, without taken the above mentioned into consideration.

It might result in SXM’s own ‘10-10-10’ on ‘ground-zero’.

‘Food for thought’

Leopold JAMES,

Proud native-indigenous St. Martiner….without apologies.

--

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

This is a popular movement aimed at maintaining and guaranteeing the human-rights that have been built up as part of our emancipation as Netherlands-Antilleans, as well as the result of the 'Treinta do Mei' revolt of 1969, which saw the acknowledgment and emergence of the Netherlands-Antilles identity.

This meant that, any Antilleans finally could become Governor-general, Prime-minister of the Antilles, and hold any top-position in the private sector, anywhere in the Netherlands-Antilles.

As such, we Antilleans had even more rights in the Netherlands-Antilles, than our own European-Dutch fellow citizens.

With all the constitutional changes now taking place, this human-rights for us Antilleans to have first opportunity in our land is being threatened to become something of the past.

If that happens, it will mean that everyone coming to our islands, could in fact get the same rights as us Antilleans, and by virtue of their larger and ever growing numbers in fact replace us through genocide by substitution.

We believe that there is a way out.

That is to transfer these rights accumulated during our emancipation to every island, leaving the Netherlands-Antilles constellation.

By doing so, regardless of whatever 'new' status is implemented, the protective 'Antilleanisation spirit' will always be there to protect us Antilleans, without denying others their realistic human-rights.

This solution is a 'win-win' one, because it does not necessarily have to stop or slow down the ongoing constitutional developments.

In addition, it might make future constitutional referenda un-necessary, because regardless of what ever status, we Antilleans will be protected and have first options in our own land.

Subsequently, the spirit of our ancestors who shed blood, sweat and tears for us, can continue to live in peace and not come to haunt those who betrayed them for self-empowerment under the guise of a 'new' constitutional status.

In ending, all proud Antilleans have the opportunity to contribute towards this goal of maintaining the 'Antillean spirit and rights' on every island of the Netherlands-Antilles, by forwarding this mail and contacting every Antillean politician to .the honorable thing.

'Yes, we Antilleans can'

Jin

drs. Leopold JAMES,

Proud Antillean of native-indigenous St. Martin heritage...without apologies.

Dear Mr. Hyacinth RICHARDSON,

Commissioner of Culture, Labor & Health,

On behalf of our delegation, consisting our board-members, Larissa HODGE, Albert ADAMS as well as of independent observers Emilio MARTINA and Stuart JOHNSON, allow me to thank you for having given us the opportunity to share a number of our views pertaining to the building of the St. Martin nation with you yesterday, Friday, July 10, 2009.

We must also, express our sincere appreciation to you and the new Executive-council in general

and to Lt.-Governor Franklyn RICHARDS in particular, for the recognizing the importance of the work that our organization has been doing under very difficult circumstances over the years.

In this regards, we are very proud to have contributed towards a growing consciousness among all groups and stakeholders on the island, that acknowledging the rights and the input of the native-indigenous people is an absolute 'conditio sine qua non' for any sustainable development on the island, be it, socially, economically or constitutionally.

As promised, we are committed to take this momentum of the revival of the St. Martin People's sense of ancestral-pride and unity to the next level of partnership with the Island-government of St. Martin and the Collectivity Saint Martin.

This joint public-private partnership will heed the call of all St. Martin people, to recognize and mobilize them in a grass-roots movement thereby creating the strongest possible foundation for a stable, and harmonious society.

Needless to state the the population will be very grateful to the Island-government and the Collectivity for making this absolutely necessary partnership a reality; after all the native-indigenous St. Martin people are ONE people of ONE blood and such MUST be reflected on the 'ground' meaning in a 'grassroots-reality' or movement.

The time is now.

We look forward to your continued support and once more thank you and the Executive-council.

With respect,

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

With all the respect to both businessmen from the French community, one of them I dearly consider, there are times in life when you cannot sit back and leave things happen. I would like to give my deep feelings, which I believe will be shared by all true Saint Martiners about the picture of this legendary statuette in the newspaper, July 23.

It is high time, I believe, that this country and its people stop the exploitation by all sorts of ironic and out of disregard individuals who just get up one day and decide that they are the ones to create an emblem or a landmark for this country Saint Martin. Yes, I must admit it could be a very striking idea to be able to sell a souvenir statuette or picture that the tourists can take back home with them.

My question is however: What has happened to all our emblems and landmarks or cultural items that we have met and grown up with? Just to cite a few such as the Frontier monument, the Pelican, the sail boat, the flamboyant tree, the Fort, the Panum dancers, the coal pot, the fish pot, the Arawak potteries and many more ?

Why is it that we must have a coconut tree standing between two “athletes,” one black, one with long hair running from the island back to back? If according to the title, it is depicting the so-called legend, it should have been two European soldiers representing the Frenchman and the Dutchman!

Can anyone tell me what was the purpose of choosing this particular legend? How can anyone compare this so-called statuette to the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty? Both of them are landmarks and monuments. They are not legendary! They are part of the History of France and the USA! What is so tropical about this legendary statuette? Is it the coconut tree? How exotic the cliché!

A few months ago, a new logo was created for the Collectivity! What was wrong with the old one? Is the New Collectivity such a great change for us the people? Instead, we have gotten a blue and green question mark telling us that we don’t know where we are heading in this country. Come on, Leaders, isn’t there anything more important than logos and emblems?

By the way, is there a Department of Culture or committee to take care of these subjects or is it the task of some hungry individuals wanting to rake and scrape every cent out of our country? This little island called Saint Martin has attracted so many sharks that we don’t have the means right now to get rid of them! You just have to observe the entourage of the Collectivity representatives and you will realize that everything was put in place to destroy the Saint Martin people! The master plan started in 1977 and is almost completed through the re-colonization of this land!

Why aren’t our cultural personalities and artists be consulted in such projects may they be private or public? After all, it concerns our country and its image! Who is responsible for the Cultural portfolio in the Collectivity? Perhaps he or she is not aware that Saint Martin has indeed a Culture and traditions!

As stated by our Senator on 14 July, we are a minority in our own country! However, whose fault is it? It is time our children and grandchildren be told the real history of the last three decades. It is our duty to tell our children what happened to us the Saint Martiners! It is time for We the older heads to tell them how it happen!

It was not solely the French Government that created this disaster! It was done with the help of Saint martiners for the sole purpose of power and revenge. So today they are responsible and accountable for the situation of us being minority in our land! They were used by the powers of outsiders to conquer and rule! Now they have come to possess our patrimony with once again the help of natives, what can we say now?

The master plan has to be carried out! We have reached the point where a saint martiner cannot call himself a saint martiner without being stamped as a racist! We are a people without a homeland! What’s next for us? No more beaches, no more land, what’s left for our children?

MAY GOD SAVE THIS COUNTRY ! Aline CHOISY, a saint- martiner

To Whom It May Concern:

Having read the front page article in the Daily Herald of today July 15, 2009 I would like to take this opportunity to reply to the article.

1. Since when are police officers (in what ever function) medical doctors??

2. St. Maarten has a mental health foundation that cares for persons with mental problems.

3. The Daily Herald did not contact us for information!!!

Our Police force is now labeling all persons walking naked in Orient Beach mental patients they are also labeling any person with a heat stroke mental. If we accept this on St. Maarten, we no longer need to go to a doctor. We can go to the police station for a diagnosis, for heart problems or back pain because we are accepting them as qualified to do so.

That is not how it works. There are health care laws that stipulate who can diagnose a patient with an illness and there is a reason for this. Patients are to be protected because they are ill; not labeled by police officers who are not allowed to do so.

There is also something as a patients/doctor confidentiality clause. Medics pledge a confidentiality oath before becoming qualified to diagnose a patient.

For months now the police station no longer has a police physician. The Mental Health foundation has brought the seriousness of this situation to the attention of the official authorities for months now. We have written letters and requested meetings with the acting police commissioner to solve the problems they have with our patients for months now. Since we were getting no answer the Lt Governor was informed. We got an answer that our letters were forwarded to the same persons who are not willing to help.

All information sent to police and health officials is to inform them that the police cannot diagnose person’s illness.

Now mentally challenged patients are being labeled “streaking” this is so disgraceful I do not have words for it.

Eileen Healy, Director Mental Health Foundation

On behalf of all Netherlands-Antillean people, we hereby solicit legal counsel on a pro-deo basis pertaining to the following.

Since the revolt of May 30, 1969 on Curacao (‘Trinta di Mei’), the ‘Dutch-Antillean’ identity was de facto acknowledged, granting those recognized as such, special benefits under the process that came to be known as the ‘Antilleanzation-process’.

Also, for the first time positions, which up till then were not-accessible to ‘Afro-Antilleans’, were ‘broken open’.

Examples were for instance, Ernesto PETRONIA, our first ever Black Prime-minister, Ben LEITO, our first ever Black Governor-general and many more.

These special privileges, were earned and accumulated through various events in our emancipation process as people of the Netherlands Antilles.

One relatively recent one being the revolt ‘Trinta de Mei 1969’.

Under the Antilleanization-process a number of pro-Antillean policies were enacted and implemented, which collectively offered all Antilleans on all islands, the first rights to opportunities over all others, including Dutch-Europeans.

Presently, these hard-fought human-rights for the Antillean people are being threatened to be taken away from all Antillean people, as a consequence of the ongoing constitutional developments affecting each island of the Antilles.

While we do not, at this time necessarily oppose constitutional change, as a native-indigenous St. Martin movement and as Antilleans, we are of the firm opinion that by no legal and/or moral standards, it can be accepted, that human-rights acquired by a people during the long period of their emancipation, can be taken away from them under the guise of ‘constitutional progress’.

That is a ‘contracdictio in terminis’ and a betrayal of the sacrifices of our ancestors !.

In fact, we would like to believe that it is also a flagrant violation of our human-rights as Antilleans and natives of the Netherlands-Antilles.

It is our absolute determination to prevent this apparent illegal act and crime against the Antillean people from becoming reality.

Without necessarily wanting to undermine the ongoing constitutional developments, we would like to believe that with professional legal counsel, it should be possible to amend the various draft-constitutions and agreements to reflect the continuation of the Antillean rights in an appropriate manner adjusted to the native Antillean people of each island of the Antilles.

We look forward to the pro-deo counsel of preferably Antillean lawyers to ‘step up to the plate’ and in the name of all Antillean people, including those like the late Papa GODETT, dr. Costa GOMEZ and others who sacrificed their lives for us, to protect these rights, many shed ‘blood, sweat and tears’ for.

If needs be, rest assured that we will champion our cause on whatever platform necessary.

In ending, let not the spirit of our ancestors be evoked to create another ‘Trinta di Mei’.

For any proud and intelligent people one should be enough.

Drs. Leopold JAMES

President SNBF/L’Esprit de Concordia

Proud, Antillean of native-indigenous St. Martin heritage, without apologies !

Copies to

UN

CARICOM

Human-rights organizations

SIMPSON BAY – The Simpson Bay Bridge will resume its three regular openings to maritime traffic as of Monday, July 6, however there will be an opening on Sunday, July 5 at 6.00pm.

The normal scheduled openings as of July 6 for the off season are at 9.30am, 11.30am and 5.30pm for in and outbound maritime traffic. Outbound traffic precedes inbound boat traffic.

The coatings and resurfacing of the main traffic lanes have been completed. The under deck has its first coating and will be conserved in total with four layers.

In order to carry out this aspect of the work, the bridge will open from time to time in order to complete the coating of the sides that are under the road deck. These openings will not take place during peak traffic hours.

According to Managing Director of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Russell Voges, in the last two weeks of August, commencing August 15, contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms, installing new traffic lights, and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.

Any change in the opening hours of the bridge due to these scheduled repair works will be duly and timely announced.

For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at telno: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at telno: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.

Marigot: _- The gendarmes have seized a number of weapons including pistols, from security companies operating on the French side of the island. At a press conference at the La Savane head office in the presence of Prosecutor Jacques Louvier disclosed the find. Louvier said a special team with the assistance of the Police aux Frontiers, ACEDIC, URSAF, and the labour inspectors conducted the controls at six security companies on the island. The operation also took place on St. Barths where two companies were searched.

Louvier said this is the first time they have conducted such controls at the security companies. All items seized Louvier said will be destroyed.

He gave three reasons why the decision was taken to control the companies. Louvier said they had reasons to believe the companies were not following guidelines. Louvier said a security guard was hospitalized for three weeks after he was shot in his leg. This security guard he said was not declared and he was condemned twice for violent behavior. After the investigations his boss was fined Euros 5000.00 while he was given a three years probation. Louvier said it is against the law for security guards to patrol the streets with firearms without authorization and most importantly people who has problems with the law are not allowed to work in security companies..

He said security guards who are carrying weapons have to have an agreement with the Sous Prefet where they would be controlled before entering into the profession.

The vice prosecutor further explained that right now there is a congestion with those providing security services since it is not only the gendarmes, territorial police or national police who are doing the job, but it is clear there are others involved in providing security services. Louvier said St. Martin has reached a situation where all persons in the field of security must come together so they can diversify their areas since crime is committed everywhere.

Heading the operations was Crespo Phillipe from the Groupe de Intervention Regional (GIR). Crespo came in from Guadeloupe to head the special operation which ended on Tuesday.

During these controls it was discovered that these security companies were arming their guards with weapons (pistols) gas and magnetic sticks, even handcuffs. Even though the companies are registered Louvier said they are not authorized to use the weapons found. Furthermore, the controllers also checked with the accountant for the businesses which showed that there were employees who were working illegally. The accountant he said would also have to appear in court since she was providing services to 33 businesses, most of which not transparent according to the laws.

He said the owners of the companies as well as the accountant on St. Martin were placed in garde de vue. They are all summoned to appear in court for the infractions committed Louvier said. It is clear these employers would receive some heavy fines Louvier said.

Crespo said there were employees that are not on contract and they are not paid according to the legal salary scales for such jobs. Some of them were even receiving cash payments for their services, the team of controllers explained.

The control did not only focus on finding weapons but they needed to see if the security companies are following procedures and guidelines. “While these companies can do what is necessary to be able to use firearm. With all the items seized he said it is necessary for the guards to have some sort of training which he said is available on the island.” The controllers also discovered the guards were using trained dogs on their location. He said this is a dangerous practice since these dogs can become very aggressive.

SMN News understands that one of the companies that were searched is located at the Parapel Hotel. The source said that the controllers found a number of persons working for the well known security company working under the dark. (Meaning several of the security guards were not declared) Also found at this company were most of the firearms the source said.

June 30, 2009–The world’s airlines lost more than USD$3 billion in the first quarter of 2009, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Tuesday, maintaining its estimate for full-year losses of USD$9 billion.

In its latest snapshot on the industry, the Geneva-based lobby group said weak travel demand and lower freight volumes in the global recession had bled revenues for major carriers, in “a significant deterioration from last year.”

“This deterioration was before the recent rise in fuel prices,” IATA said, warning the 30 percent increase in oil and jet fuel prices since early May would squeeze airline cash flows further in coming months.

Both oil and jet fuel prices have risen almost USD$20 a barrel in the past two months, and are now 75 percent higher than their low point at the end of 2008, the Financial Monitor report said.

“Airlines have not yet felt the full impact of this oil price rise,” it said.

But it said it was not changing its previous 2009 loss forecast of USD$9 billion, which follows revised 2008 losses of USD$10.4 billion.

On Tuesday, US crude traded around USD$72 per barrel.

IATA, which represents more than 200 airlines, also said carriers trying to fly fewer flights to save costs during the downturn have not managed to cut capacity in line with shrinking air transport demand.

Leading airlines have been seeking mergers and acquisitions to help build scale and shield themselves against continued market weakness until the global economy recovers.

Delta Air Lines swallowed rival Northwest Airlines last year to create the world’s largest airline, and European carriers have also consolidated with Lufthansa agreeing to buy Austrian Airlines and Air France-KLM taking a stake in Alitalia.

British Airways is also in merger talks with Iberia, and Singapore Airlines has said it is eyeing acquisitions in China and India.

(Reuters)

Philipsburg:--M & S Foundation announces the commencement of its GED tutorial. The GED tutorial will consist of 5 subjects English Literature/ English reading/ Science / Mathematics and Social studies. The classes will meet from Monday to Fridays, morning and evening sessions. The GED is for adults that never managed to complete their high school; it gives them a second chance to obtain it. We will be giving intensive classes for the GED for the next 4 months preparing them to sit the exams in December 2009.

We will also be offering English as a second language to Spanish speaking person’s session will be 2 x weekly classes of 90 minutes.

Classes will start in the week of July 20th and we are accepting registration at Pondfill 55c in the glass shop building next to office world or you can call 5537187 or request more info by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

…Dr. Gina Watson calls for end to stigma and discrimination.

Rawle Nelson

Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Representative, Dr. Gina Watson, has spoken out against the issue of stigma and discrimination of people affected by various health related disease that she noted is fast transcending the boundaries of regional boarders. Dr Watson urged the media to play a more responsible role in helping to eradicate this culture thus ensuring that the public is better informed, sensitized and educated on health issues affecting the region.

She was at the time delivering the feature address at the inaugural staging of the MISOPLWHA and partners Pan American Health Organization Barbados and Eastern Caribbean awards ceremony staged at the Sweet Lime Restaurant situated at Port Zante.

Dr Watson in a passionate plea which was well received by those in attendance pointed out that stigma and discrimination is not only felt by those living with HIVAIDS but also those affected by other diseases such as diabetes and cancer among others.

She noted that this new culture continues to crate undue challenges and difficulties for those working in trying to eradicate the issue of stigma and discrimination. During her address Dr Watson spoke about the many challenges that the issue of stigma and discrimination creates noting that the media can play a major and meaningful role in achieving success. “The media should always see themselves as part of the fight as we need their assistance via radio, newspaper and television and if we can unite in a meaningful way then I am confident that true success would be achieved,” she said.

Walking away with the Government Award for 2009, was Elvis Newton Permanent Secretary within the St Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Health. Julia Lizondo from Mexico copped the award for Corporate Assistance for her work within the region in addressing both communicable and non communicable diseases. BD a United States / Mexican company took away the award for best corporate support and assistance. The 3H Network of Antigua and Barbuda walked away with the award for NGO as they were recognized for tier significant contributions towards the fight for the reduction of stigma and discrimination in addressing HIVAIDS.

Prominent Nevisian businessman, Andy Liburd was recognized for his contributions in youth empowerment and education more particularly I women empowerment. His significant and sterling contributions has been recorded for a number of years spanning all the schools in Nevis has been working towards ensuring that challenged and disadvantage girls are offered a second chance at fulfilling their educational pursuits and dreams.

Meanwhile, St Maarten based businessman and sculptor, Michael Magihro was honored for his work in sculpting and also for his social contributions and work which has spanned several islands and involves collaboration with a number of regional nongovernmental organizations.

Commissioner of Finance in the St Maarten Government, Xavier Blackman along with Dr Watson who the awards was executed under her patronage presented the various awards.

MISOPLWHA late Vice President, Jennifer Jones who passed away in early march of this year shortly after the judging of the awards was spontaneously honored for her contributions to the growth and continued development of the regional media while a new award was also presented in honour of the late Jones who was viewed as a pioneer and champion in eradicating stigma and discrimination.

Former General Manager of ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation, a Winston Mc Mahon, St Kitts and Nevis based company was the first recipient of the new award which is to be known as the Jennifer Jones Award for Excellence in Media Contributions.

The objective of the evening awards ceremony was to open a dialogue about Health and health related issues thus being able to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination while encouraging the public including the media alike to seek out the information they need to protect themselves and support people affected by both communicable and non communicable diseases especially those living with HIV/AIDS in their communities.

Manager of Latin, South and Central America including the Caribbean for BD, Dr Maria Rubia announced that her company was exploring a number of avenues as they seek to further enhanced and collaborate with other NGO’s within the region. She urged the organizers to continue what she called good and meaningful efforts in effectively addressing stigma and discrimination.

Dr Rubia stressed that the audience that societies can no longer afford not to recognize several non communicable and communicable diseases which she claimed continues to create havoc. She however said that she hopes that people no longer see HIV/AIDS as a fatal weapon.

Meanwhile, Dr Gina Watson in her presentation pointed out that retarding HIVAIDS had this virus been recognized and taken seriously from the inception, then the world might have been a different place. “The reality is that for too long we look at new diseases as nothing so important and unfortunately we only seriously address heath when it hits home,” she said.

Media In Support Of People Living With HIVAIDS (MISOPLWHA) was formally launched and legally registered in 2006. The aim of the organization is to mobilize and assist other Non Governmental Organizations, health centers through the media so as to guide and assist in their response to HIV/AIDS and other diseases in the workplace and beyond. The organization noted that this can and is done via facilitating technical assistance as well as helping organizations identify and apply their core competencies, products, services and resources to assist in the response to HIV/AIDS among other Non Communicable diseases.

We just got word from the power plant that they have to stop DG#12 (which produces 10MW) in order to do some urgent repairs on the lube oil system.

Due to the high electricity demand these days we will be forced to do some load shedding until the generator is back online

Oyster Pond 9.00 am 10.30 am

Saunders 9.00 am 10.30 am

Lowlands 10.30am Noon

Pelican Noon 13.30

Mdme Estate/IT Illidge Rd Noon 13.30

The repairs will be done as fast as possible to limit the load shedding

NV GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience that these forced outages will cause.

St. Peters---SMN News has learnt that Delano Richardson has been arrested and was in custody. He was arrested on Wednesday afternoon SMN news has learnt.

Richardson is under investigation for allegedly trying to extort monies from the developer of Blue Mall. The developer in question Luis Goia supplied the Lt. Governor with a taped conversation where it is alleged the civil servant and businessman discussed how much he needed top pay for his building permit.

Details on this investigation will be in our subsequent broadcast.

Philipsburg: --- St. Maarten Pride Foundation has taken notice of Government’s correspondence and propaganda regarding the Ring road project printed in a local newspaper on Thursday July 9th, 2009.

The article states that “The ring road along the edge of the Great Salt Pond that will be built in the coming months is seen by government as a major step in ending traffic congestion and protecting what remains of Great Salt Pond”. This statement in itself is contradictory; why would government first have to destroy a large part of the Great Salt Pond by filling it up in order to facilitate “protecting what remains of Great Salt Pond”?

The Great Salt Pond can easily be protected through the implementation and enforcement of Zoning Plans as described in The Island Zoning Ordinance (Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning St. Maarten EROP, 1993). This ordinance enables government to restrict, forbid and/ or penalize the alteration of landscapes or water ways, the filling in of bodies of water (ponds, lagoons) and the destruction of vegetation through setting requirements in the planning permit procedure for building activities (Article 12 and 13). Based on these provisions the zoning ordinance (Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning St. Maarten EROP, 1993) is considered to be the island’s most significant legal instrument for landuse planning.

Government has acknowledged its responsibility to develop zoning plans in its Multi Annual Policy Plan (MAPP), and other Policy Plans and studies but until now has only completed a zoning plan for the Fort Amsterdam Area.

Government’s claim that the ring road is seen “as a major step in ending traffic congestion” is questionable and misleading at best considering that no comprehensive traffic or road network study for St. Maarten has been carried out within the last fifteen to twenty years despite the tremendous growth the island has faced during this period. There is therefore no certainty that the Ring Road will ease traffic congestion in the long-term.

In addition Government has not taken any measures regarding the comparatively more cost-effective proposals aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the long-term including proposals listed in the Multi Annual Policy Plan, The Tourism Master Plan and the Carrying Capacity Study even though these recommendations or studies may very well dispel or void Government’s perceived need for the Ring Road project.

The article claims that “the road has been endorsed by several studies compiled with input from the public and from environmental groups”. “One such study was the Development Perspective for Philipsburg and Surroundings”.

This paragraph seems to insinuate that St. Maarten Pride Foundation approved of or recommended the construction of the ring road during the information session held with TKA and the Almere group in 2003, this insinuation is entirely false and misleading. The development perspective itself contradicts the implication on page 11 of the document; The following stakeholders have been consulted about the development vision described in this report. Their wishes have been noted by TKA, and as far as possible taken into account during the formulation of this Development Vision. Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area” (TKA, Architecture & Urban Design, 2003)

Furthermore the Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area (TKA, Architecture & Urban Design, 2003) is half a decade old and much has changed on St. Maarten in general and in and around the Great Salt Pond in particular over the past 5 years. Government has for instance allowed a great deal of filling in of the pond contrary to recommendations in the development perspective making the drawings and proposed location of the ring road unrealistic.

The letter sent to EPIC and St. Maarten Pride was not “signed by Executive Council Chairman Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards” as the article claims, but by the Lt. Governor’s substitute, Acting Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever.

The statement that the “Perspective had been approved by the Island Council on October 13th, 2003” is irrelevant and misleading as the “Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area” is just a perspective, vision or a view point and has no legal standing within the EROP (Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning St. Maarten EROP, 1993) as it is not an “ontwikkelingsplan” or zoning plan as described in article 3 of the EROP the development perspective is therefore just an idea which can be changed and is not legally binding.

The Foundations’ objections regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out by Lievense Consulting Engineers are not properly addressed in the Executive Council’s correspondence or in Thursday’s article in a local Newspaper. The Foundations have reviewed the abovementioned EIA and are of the opinion that the research and analysis conducted for the document is of poor quality, incomplete at best and does not meet commonly used Dutch or international standards/ formats for Environmental Impact Assessments.

Lievense is involved in many of Government’s infrastructural projects and designed the plans for the Ring road. St. Maarten Pride and EPIC therefore question the objectivity of this Environmental Impact Assessment. The principles of good governance, ethics and logic dictates that it is a conflict of interest for a company which has designed a particular project (in this case it concerns Lievense and the Ring road) to be tasked with compiling an objective Environmental Impact Assessment of this same project, especially in countries such as St. Maarten which have not yet adopted International criteria for these assessments and/or established independent commissions to guide and review the process.

Government’s letter and the aforementioned article do not respond to the Foundation’s concerns regarding the Cultural/ Historical value of the Great Salt Pond and the monument status of the Great Salt Pans.

The Great Salt Pond, played a prominent role in both Sint Maarten’s and the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ history due to its immense size and its central location, particularly in the wide scale Salt mining industry which started with the Dutch around 1631. Salt was collected from the Great Salt Pond and subsequently exported all over the world or locally used to conserve food. The last commercially significant salt reaping occurred in the 1940’s. Many Sint Maarteners are descendants of people who worked in the Great Salt Pond during and after slavery, a fact which makes the Pond an important aspect of the island’s and the Kingdom’s heritage.

The eastern side of the Great Salt Pond, an area called the Great Salt Pans (Grote zout-vlaktes/ pannen), has recently been identified and designated by the Executive Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten as a monument (BC# 1172-08).; in doing so, government acknowledged the cultural/historical significance of the area and committed to protecting it.

The construction of the Ring road/ link 3, as it is currently proposed, will destroy a large portion of the same area of the Great Salt Pond that Government only recently identified and designated as a monument (BC# 1172-08). The proposed plans will therefore demolish significant and rare physical evidence of our ancestors’ strenuous labour and St. Maarten’s history through the destruction of many of the few remaining rock walls and salt pans (Zout-vlaktes/ pannen), in particularly the eastern section of the pond. The removal of these historical artifacts would deprive St. Maarten of an important aspect of the island’s cultural identity. The Foundations are of the opinion that an undesirable precedent would be set if Government destroys large portions of an area which that same Government only just identified and designated as a monument based on its cultural/ historical significance.

It must be reiterated that St. Maarten Pride and EPIC are in full favor of the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to St. Maarten’s traffic congestion challenges. However, increasing road network capacity, by building a ring-road in the Great Salt Pond is not an effective long-term solution for St. Maarten’s traffic related challenges.

(St. Maarten Pride Foundation).

CAY BAY - The mechanical engineers at the Cay Bay Power Plant were forced to shutdown two major generators due to technical problems.

Generator DG#12 developed problems with the temperature regulation system while DG#9 experienced a malfunction with the turbo charger.

The generation capacity has been reduced by 15 MW as a result of these technical difficulties and GEBE has no other choice than to ration the electricity supply to certain residential areas in order to carry out the necessary repairs.

The areas that are currently affected are:

1. Oyster Pond

2. Saunders

3. St. Peters/ South Reward area

4. Cole Bay Lagoon area

5. Lowlands/ Cupecoy area

6. Over the bank

7. Belverdere

8. Madame Estate

9. Pelican Keys

10.Colebay

Load shedding is expected to continue during the day until the generators are back online. GEBE technicians are working to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.

GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience that this has caused.

Additional updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available.

Marigot:--- The Captain of the Gendarmes Loic Baras bids farewell to St. Martin and his colleagues on the island on Monday at a Cocktail party at the Beach Plaza Hotel. Baras served for three years as the head of the gendarmerie of St. Martin and St. Barths. He has completed his three year tenure and is scheduled to leave the island on July 15 where he is expected to take up a new job as a professor in one of the gendarmerie schools in France. His successor Stephanne Brunet is expected to take up his post on the island on August 1.

Attending the ceremony were Senator Louis Constant Fleming, Prosecutor Jacques Louvier, Sous Prefet Dominique LaCroix as well as Baras.

Philipsburg:---A meeting requested by the Democratic Party of Sint Maarten to get a clear answer from the N.A./Heyliger government on the foreign employment permit policy was turned into a circus by the same government members who laud their government as being one of a “new beginning”.

The position presented during this meeting by the Democratic Party is the same this party has held as the DP administration, namely the need to revise and update the foreign employment permit policy of 2003 to be more in tune with the current day needs of the labor market on Sint Maarten. The tenets of a new policy being: expansion of employment opportunities for nationals and those already residing and working on Sint Maarten; dignified treatment of all workers; a streamlined and clear policy for employers; training of locals and advancing of Sint Maarten’s culture and values through familiarization.

The Democratic Party has maintained from day one that the policy as promulgated on November 12, 2008 and gone into effect on January 12, 2009 came about through tripartite consultation and any amendments to this policy should follow the same route, namely through consultation with the private sector partners.

Approximately one week after taking office and without any consultation, the NA/Heyliger government announces that it had decided to shelve the new policy; then it announced it had been withdrawn to review it; then the government announced they had reverted to the previous policy and then on the 6th of July, the NA/Heyliger government announced that the new policy is still in effect.

The opportunity for the NA/Heyliger to state its position on the foreign employment permit policy was given on July 14th, when the meeting requested by the Democratic Party faction was convened. However, what seemed to be most important to the NA/Heyliger members present was the fact that they were called from recess and could not celebrate Bastille Day. So they waltz into the meeting at their leisure, sign in at their leisure and what do we see?

Firstly, the NA member, R. Samuel, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is part of a NA controlled government fires off a barrage of questions, ostensibly to the previous government members.

Then to top it off, the leader of the NA, Commissioner Marlin signs the speakers’ list as a member of the island council (!), put s his role as Commissioner and leader of Government aside, and takes somebody or some government to task, seemingly oblivious to the fact as well, that he is now “the government”. He talks of everything under the sun and some as a member of the island council, states his regrets when his time as island council member is up and briefly announces that his government will review the foreign employment permit policy, without giving any indication when and what happens in the meantime. The Commissioner of Labor, Mr. H. Richardson sits by without uttering a word with respect to the statements he made about the same policy in the press.

The Democratic Party came to this meeting of the island council prepared to lend its support to what it believes the government should do to return peace and tranquility in the labor market of Sint Maarten. The motion which the Democratic Party came prepared to submit and which is attached supports this premise.

With the action of the NA/Heyliger government the people of Sint Maarten are once again left with the words spoken by the leader of the NA/Heyliger government : “When it’s ready, you will know”. That’s a new beginning for you.

(Sarah Wescot Williams)

A mechanical failure on the oil lube filters on Diesel Engine #12 resulted in the engine being taken offline. With the loss of approximately 15 MW, the power plant is forced to resort to load shedding.

The following areas will be affected:

Until approximately 10.00 am

· St. Peters

· South Reward

· Retreat Estate

· Ebenezer

· Belvedere

· Cay Bay

· Pelican

Updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available. For tips on how to prepare for an electrical outage or how to make an outage more bearable, please visit our website at www.nvgebe.com.

Update:

Approximately 12.00 to 14.00:

Belverdere, Oyster Pond area, Westin Hotel area

Cay Bay, Colebay (welfare Road & surrounding areas), Pelican area

W.G. Buncamper Road & Vineyard area, Point Blanche

POINTE BLANCHE—GEBE mechanics worked throughout the weekend on DG#12, the 10 MW engine which has been a source of much load shedding during the last week. Up to press time cylinder #8 was still being stripped. Different crews will be working thru the night in order to have the machine available by Monday morning.

The mechanics have found an abnormal amount of combustibles in the lube oil which they suspect is caused by a damaged piston ring. In order to inspect the piston ring they have to stop the machine and remove the piston. This rather laborious process has to be executed with precision to avoid damaging other critical parts of the machine.

If all goes well DG#12 could be operational on Monday morning. However, if there are other complications NVGEBE will have a shortage of approximately 8MW and will be forced to do some load shedding.

Below is the possible load shedding schedule for Monday July 20.

8.00-11.00 (Max. 2 hours per area)

Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay area, Beacon Hill, S'bay village, Airport Road

Belvedere, Oyster Pond, Westin Hotel area

Orange Grove, Almond Grove, Colebay Lagoon area

St. Peters, South Reward, Ebenezer, Betty's Estate, Saunders, Mary's Fancy

11.00-14.00 (Max. 2 hours per area)

Madame Estate area, Arch Rd. Suckergarden, Guana Bay

Pointe Blanche, W.G. Buncamper Road, Vineyard area

St. Peters, South Reward, Waymouth Hill areas

Cay Bay, Billy Folly (Pelican) area

Union Road Colebay & surrounding areas

14.00-17.00 (Max. 2 hours per area)

St. John's Estate, Retreat Estate

Longwall Rd, Bush rd, Illidge Rd, Zagersgut

Beethoven Road., Belair, Little Bay, Fort Willem

AT Illidge road, Middle Region

The times and areas given are approximate. GEBE urges the general public to stay tuned to the local media for timely updates or visit our website www.nvgebe.com

GEBE 10.00am Update: Load Shedding for...

As work continues on DG#12 the following areas will be out of electricity from 10.00 until 12.00:

Dutch Quarter, Union Farm, Belverdere, Bishop Hill area, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill, Red Pond

Simpson Bay Yacht club, Isle de Sol up to the bridge, Cay Bay, Billy Folly (Pelican) area, Union road & surrounding areas.

CAY BAY–GEBE power plant is still short of approximately 8MW as work continues on Diesel Generator #12 (piston #8’s liner and rings were replaced).

GEBE engineers had found an abnormal amount of combustibles in the lube oil which they suspect was caused by a damaged piston ring. In order to inspect the piston ring they have to stop the machine and remove the piston. It turned out that not only the piston ring was damaged but also the liner and the piston head. Consequently, all parts had to be removed and replaced which proved to be rather labor intensive and time consuming. The Crew Supervisor was not optimistic that the work could be completed on Monday night and estimated that another full day of work was needed before the machine was fully reassembled and tested before resuming normal operations.

As a result, GEBE will be continuing its load shedding until the engine can be brought back online.

The following areas will be affected:

Until approximately 11.00 am: Dutch Quarter, Union Farm, Belverdere, Bishop Hill area, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill, Red Pond, St. Peters, South Reward, Ebenezer, Betty’s Estate, Saunders, Mary’s Fancy, S’bay Yacht club, Isle de Sol area up to the Simpson Bay bridge

From approximately 11:00 until 13:00: Sections of Belverdere, Oyster Pond, Westin Hotel area,

From approximately 11:15 until 13:15:Colebay Union Road & surrounding,

From approximately 11:30 until 13:30:St. Peters, South Reward, Waymouth Hill areas

From approximately 12:00 until 14:00: Cay Hill, Brouwers Road, Red Roses rd area

From approximately 13:00 until 14:00: Beethoven Road, Belair, Little Bay, Fort Willem

From approximately 13:00 until 15:00: Pointe Blanche, WG Buncamper Road, Vineyard area

From approximately 13:30 until 15:30: Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay area, Beacon Hill, S’bay village, Airport Road

Please note that the load shedding schedule is an indication and is subject to change based on demand in the various areas, supply from the power plant and other influencing factors. GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience and will try to restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.

Updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available.

Here are some tips to prepare for an electricity outage:

• Unplug any sensitive electronics to avoid damage.

• Turn off all lights and electrical equipment. Leave on only one light or radio to alert you when the power has been restored.

• Try to minimize the time your fridge and freezer are open to keep the cool air in.

• Gather any flashlights and check spare batteries.

Be careful if you decide to use candles. Do not leave them unattended.

Prepare by equipping your house with automatic power failure safety lighting so that it does not go dark when the power goes out. That gives you time to locate your flashlights and other items.

Philipsburg: --- The body of accident victim Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel has been released to the family so they can make funeral arrangements said Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. The body was released early Tuesday after the prosecutor’s office got the result of an x-ray that was taken earlier that same morning.

Stein said crime has been ruled out after the x-ray showed that the injury, which is consistent to a bullet wound, was caused by the accident. He said the police and his office is not treating the accident as a crime. Stein said Hazel died due to severe head injuries causing brain damage.

Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel 44 years old died because of a tragic road accident in Cole bay early Sunday morning. He leaves to mourn his children, parents and other siblings on both St. Maarten and Dominica.

Philipsburg:--- The DEMOCRATIC Party of SXM will for the 11th straight year participate in the annual wreath laying ceremony at the statue of the late, great Dr. Albert Claudius Wathey, commemorating what would have been this local hero’s 83rd birthday. In doing so, the DP which originally initiated and organized this ceremony for the past 10 years in a row , will continue its tradition of remembering and honoring one of its founders and the man they credit with having visionary foresight as it relates to the almost miraculous successes that our twin-nation island has had and continues to have. As previously reported the ceremony will be held at the foot of the statue of Dr. Claude Wathey in front of the Government Administration Building on the Clem Labega Square on Friday, July 24, 2009 from 09:00 AM to 09:30 AM. The organizer of the event, the Dr. A.C. WATHEY FOUNDATION for POLITICAL AWARENESS, has announced that the sequence of wreath laying will be as follows:

1) The Democratic Party of St. Maarten

2) The Executive Council

3) The Wathey family

4) The University of St. Martin

5) The DP Chapter of Professional Young People (DP CPYP)

6) The Dr. A.C. Wathey Foundation for Political Awareness

For the Democratic Party the wreath will be laid by Party Leader Island Council Member Sarah Wescot-Williams and Deputy Party Leader DP Senator Erno Labega.

GREAT BAY: -- (GIS) – The St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) has extended the registration process for the Fall Semester for its workforce development program until Friday, July 31.

Interested persons have until then to be admitted into their desired program.

The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.

SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.

Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.

Marigot:--- The Sous Prefecture is reminding all travellers going to the United States of some of the procedures that needs to be followed prior to gaining access to that country. During this period of summer vacations, you must be reminded the procedures for entry into the United States of America for French citizens, wanting to travel to this country for pleasure or business for a period of less than 90 days.

1) Be in possession of a French passport with a ten year validity period (or five years for minors) allowing them to take advantage of the American visa exempt programme.

2) Be in possession of an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA), if I do not need a visa. This autorisation is free of charge and must be obtained before you travel on line at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS THE DIFFERENT FRENCH PASSPORTS IN CIRCULATION:

* THE OPTICAL READING PASSPORT "DELPHINE" ISSUED BETWEEN OCTOBER 26, 2005 AND OCTOBER 26, 2006 CAN BE EXCHANGED FREE OF CHARGE BY SHOWING THE PROOF OF AN UPCOMING TRIP OR TRANSIT TO THE USA.

HOW TO IDENTIFY MY PASSPORT ?

(1) HANDWRITTEN OR TYPED PASSPORT WITH GLUED ON PHOTOGRAPH AND VERTICAL READING

(2) HORIZONTAL READING PASSPORT WITH TWO LINES OF CODES UNDER THE PHOTOGRAPH AND ISSUED AT THE LATEST ON OCTOBER 25, 2005

(3) HORIZONTAL READING PASSPORT WITH TWO LINES OF CODES UNDER THE PHOTOGRAPH AND ISSUED BETWEEN OCTOBER 26, 2005 AND OCTOBER 26, 2006

(4) HORIZONTAL READING PASSPORT WITH ELECTRONIC CHIP AND DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH.

Since July 1, 2009, only electronic or biometric emergency passports allow one to be exempted from a visa to travel to the USA. These passports with one-year validity are not issued in Saint Martin and Saint-Barthelemy but they will soon be.

In the immediate future, French citizens holding an emergency passport issued by the prefecture of Saint-Barthelemy and Saint Martin must request a visa. In the absence of a visa, they are liable to be denied entry into the USA by an immigration officer.

Any further change in this special system concerning only emergency passports will be immediately communicated to the public.

Cole Bay:-- Police are busy investigating yet another robbery which took place at a bakery in Cole Bay. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said two youths entered the bakery and waited until the female attendant went to the back of the bakery before stealing the petit cash and running away.

The two culprits did not wear any mask neither were they armed when they committed the crime. Police are still investigating Leonard said.

GREAT BAY– Interested persons have two more days to register for the St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) Fall Semester for its workforce development program. The registration process ends on Friday, July 31.

Interested persons have until then to be admitted into their desired program.

The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.

SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.

Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.

On Thursday afternoon Mr Terence Rey of the AVIATION PIONEERS OF THE CARIBBEAN FOUNDATION presented Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven with a photo collage of pioneering pilot Capt. Jose "Pipe" Dormoy and the members of the Dutch Royal Family during their past visits to the Windward Islands.

AVIATION PIONEERS OF THE CARIBBEAN FOUNDATION

Founded in February 2008 in honour of Capt. Jose "Pipe" Dormoy,knighted by Queen Beatrix in the Order of Oranje Nassau in 1988.

The goals of the foundation is to commemorate aviation pioneersof the Caribbean, especially in the Windward Islands; to collect,

catalog and maintain aviation related photo's, newspaper clippings,documents and memorabilia; and to support the establishment of

a flight school in St. Eustatius to train young aviators.

Philipsburg: NAGICO Insurances’ recent collaboration with the Department of Education Research Planning & Innovation (DERPI) has produced 14 staff, which was successful in completing the course “Active Parenting”. The video based parenting program was taught during office hours, in the NAGICO conference room which allowed staff who, under normal circumstances would not be able to attend the course to be present. Parental Involvement coordinator Mrs. Edna Rijkard stated, “We are pleased that NAGICO has allowed us to provide this course during working hours to its staff. I hope that other companies follow their example.”

The “Active Parenting” course which came to an end on Tuesday June 30th 2009 was well received by participating staff. NAGICO Agency administrator Tina Gernaro stated, “The information that we received was very stimulating. We were presented with different ways in which one should interact with their children. I am proud to work for an organization that provides such learning environments for its staff.” NAGICO staff was allowed to attend the course once a week for a period of three weeks after which they received a certificate of participation.

Great Bay,– What does a 6’8”, 254lbs, giant of a pro-basket ball player do off the court in off season? If your nickname is “El Train”, you round up a group of lifelong friends, jump on a plane, and jet to The Friendly Island, of course. That’s exactly what Philadelphia 76ers superstar, Elton Tyron Brand did last week.

He came, he saw, he liked it, and vows he’ll be back with some of his NBA stars to conduct a clinic for young St. Maarteners who nurture hoop dreams.

“We were happy to have Elton Brand choose St. Maarten as his vacation destination and are even more thrilled to have him commit verbally to return with some of his NBA friends to teach our kids what it takes to be a basketball star,” said Commissioner Frans Richardson who is in charge of tourism.

Brand came down with his friends for a well-deserved R&R after a grueling NBA season.

“St. Maarten is an ideal place for professional athletes, performing under pressure for most of the year, week after week, to come down and unwind,” said Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega.

“Professional basketball players are usually role models for our youth, and to have someone of the caliber of Elton Brand decide to come back for a basketball clinic on our island will not only be a big boost to the sport, but also attract others to consider spending their free time with us,” she added.

Commissioner Frans Richardson was even more upbeat. “This is not only about sports tourism; it is about inspiring our youth to shoot for the stars and dream big,” he stressed.

Elton Brand, the Sixers power forward, came to St. Maarten under the auspices of Tantra Night Club, where he and his friends partied over the weekend, with a DJ he brought specially for the occasion from the US.

Philipsburg:---NAGICO Insurances presented Oriental Caribbean Insurances (OCI) with the NAGICO Agent Of The Year Award 2008 for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba on Wednesday July 8th 2009. NAGICO CEO, Mr. Imran Mscood Amjad and Executive Director Raymond Ramphal were on hand to present the Award to OCI General Manager Mr. Theo Lui who missed the Awards due to commitments abroad. At the presentation which was held in the conference room of the NAGICO Head Office Mr. Mcsood stated, “We appreciate that you continue to support NAGICO and we are very happy to see that you have realized this level of growth; what makes it a very good thing is that it has been growth coupled with profitability.“

The Agent of the Year Award is chosen based on several criteria including premium production, growth, conservative portfolio and profit. OCI was able to provide the best figures in the above categories amongst the agents within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. Mr. Theo Lui stated, “I am happy to be able to contribute to NAGICO, from the beginning NAGICO has been there with me, you have had confidence in my ability and you helped us to get started. Four years have run very fast and it is my goal to pass the 1 million mark next year.” When asked about his recipe for success, Mr. Liu indicated the key ingredients to his success, “Following the principals of honesty and trust are important, if you don’t have a good intention you’d never be successful.” Determination is another element which has seen Mr. Liu through, and this is something he passes on to the young people he helps through his Tae Kwon Do instruction, all a part of the community activity and sports which he says, helps to keep him balanced.

Oriental Caribbean Insurances (OCI) also received the NAGICO gold pin during the presentation. The pin is awarded to agents who were able to achieve premium rates between US $ 500,001 - $ 2.5 million. The gold pins are shaped to look like umbrellas representing the well known NAGICO logo.

Oranjestad, – On Saturday, July 11th 2009, the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation elected a new Board. Terrance Rey was elected as the new president, taking over from Elizabeth (Elly) Delien, founder of the Foundation and partner of Winair’s legendary pilot, the late José Dormoy, affectionately known as “Pipe.” Rey is managing director of AirStMaarten, a company specializing in private charters throughout the Caribbean.

Walter Hellebrand, historian and communications professional, was newly elected to the board and will take on the role of secretary. Elly Delien stays on as member of the board in the capacity of treasurer and the Board’s former secretary Nyna Burright, a shipping coordinator working for St. Eustatius Port Services, was also reelected. She will act as substitute secretary.

The Foundation was established on February, 12th 2008 by Elly Delien to preserve and promote the history of aviation in the Caribbean - in particular in the Windward Islands – and to pay tribute to the pioneers who opened up the islands to the outside world and thereby played an important role in their development. Some of the ways by which the Foundation tries to achieve its purpose include research and exposure of the history of aviation as well as projects to create more interest in the aviation history of each individual island.

When José Dormoy passed away in 2007, Elly Delien was left with a virtual treasure chest of documents, information and images relating to the early days of aviation in the Windward Islands, an eventful past in which her partner of many years played a very active role. She thought “Pipe’s” personal archive would make a valuable beginning of a collection of information about the history of aviation in the islands that was worth sharing with everybody. She therefore decided to start the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation.

Projects

In its first year, the Foundation’s sizable archive was inventoried and organized. Also, displays commemorating the aviation pioneers were arranged for Saba’s airport and Winair’s sales office in St. Maarten. The Foundation has a number of projects underway

set to launch in August and November of this year and, with the new team on the Board, expects to initiate several more to highlight the pilots who opened up the sky for the northeastern Caribbean islands.

Acknowledgments

Elly Delien expressed her thanks to all the former board members for their assistance with the establishment of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation and especially acknowledged the support of Claudie Banare; film maker Pierre Brouwers, Jerry Casius; Leontien Durby; Michael Ferrier; Faustin, Denise and Robert Ledée; Michel Martinon; AirStMaarten, Mazinga Giftshop and Xerox.

The Board would like to encourage everyone with stories, material or images relating to the history of aviation in the northeastern Caribbean to contact the Foundation so that scans or copies can be made in order to increase the knowledge of its fascinating development.

Philipsburg – On Monday an agreement was signed for the financing of the “Project Bureau Justice” between funding agency USONA represented by Director F Versteeg and Leader of Government William Marlin.

An amount of Naf 824, 353.00 has been set aside for this project, with the goal to strengthen the civil service apparatus with four senior policy advisors and one administrative assistant for the building up of the Ministry of Justice Sint Maarten in order to facilitate the transfer of tasks and responsibilities from the Justice Department of the Central Government.

Some of the activities of the senior policy advisors will include developing a policy vision for the justice institutions, improvement of the police force and immigration services on St. Maarten, developing protocols and procedures for cooperation within the judicial chains on St. Maarten and setting up a criminal analyses system.

The project will be executed over a 26th month period.

Philipsburg:---As part of its mid-year conference activities, the Democratic Party will be holding a forum of information sessions this coming Wednesday, July 15th.

This event is part of the conference, which started last Saturday at the Rock House Restaurant.

The leadership of the Party has emphasized communication and information as the focus of its move forward as it strongly believes that an informed people will move forward confidently.

By listening, observing and inquiring, the topics of Government, Education, Health, Crime and Justice, the Economy and the Constitutional Process stand out in terms of a general desire to constantly and clearly be informed.

With the matter of currency and dollarization again at the fore, the party believes that this too needs to be not only explained, but debated by the public at large.

A well informed people will make well informed decisions.

On Wednesday, July 15th, the following topics will be presented:

Education: innovations and changes to the system, as well as management of education in general.

Government: islands regulation and state regulation, political parties and the system of country Sint Maarten.

Health: Agencies such as SVB, FZOG, BZV and a proposed national health system for country Sint Maarten

Constitutional Affairs: Where are we today in this process? What else is required to become country?

A panel of local experts will address these topics; namely Drs. J. Wuite on Health, Dennis Richardson, MBA on Constitutional Affairs, Attorney Ralph Richardson on government, and Educator Patricia Lourens on Education.

The session starts at 7.00 pm at the Philipsburg Cultural Center in Philipsburg and is open to the General Public. Come out, be informed and ask those burning questions on your mind regarding the topics mentioned above.

CAY BAY–DG#12 malfunctioned resulting in load shedding. The maintenance crew will be taking the engine offline to do a complete inspection of the generator on Sunday, July 19, 2009. Although the electricity demand is significantly lower on Sunday, some load shedding may result from this.

The load shedding schedule for Saturday, July 18, 2009 will affect the following areas:

From 14:00 - 16:00: Pelican area, Madame Estate, Suckergarden, Guana Bay, A.T. Illidge Road

From 16:00 - 18:00: St. John Estate, Retreat Estate, St. Peters, South Reward, Betty Estate, Ebenezer Estate, Cay Bay, Billy Folly, Cole Bay Lagoon

Please note that the load shedding schedule is an indication and is subject to change based on demand in the various areas, supply from the power plant and other influencing factors. GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience and will try to restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.

Updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available.

Here are some tips to prepare for an electricity outage:

• Unplug any sensitive electronics to avoid damage.

• Turn off all lights and electrical equipment. Leave on only one light or radio to alert you when the power has been restored.

• Try to minimize the time your fridge and freezer are open to keep the cool air in.

Gather any flashlights and check spare batteries.

• Be careful if you decide to use candles. Do not leave them unattended.

• Prepare by equipping your house with automatic power failure safety lighting so that it does not go dark when the power goes out. That gives you time to locate your flashlights and other items.

Read some more tips on How To Make A Power Outage Bearable.

French Quarter:--- Leader of the French Quarter Scouts Association Georgina Rohan is doing all she can to find part time work for the students who are now out of school during the summer vacation.

Rohan was seen with her group as well as a number of students from both French and Dutch side high schools cleaning several yards in French Quarter on Sunday. Decked in their red tee shirts the youths were seen cutting weed from the yards of the people who are not able to clean their surroundings.

In an invited comment, Rohan said the service she is providing to homeowners is free of charge but she intends to compensate the youths for the work they are doing. Rohan said the reason she chose to pick up the task was number students attending the Lycee and St. Maarten Academy has approached her telling her they needed something constructive to do. She said the youths are looking for a part time work so they can assist their parents with their book and school fees. “I just think I have to do something to take our youths away from the blocks and street corners, we cannot leave our young people in the cold, they need attention, and someone must do something to help them.” Rohan said.

Speaking to this reporter some of the youths said they do not want to hang out doing nothing and they wished if the French side had the summer job program in place. They said

GREAT BAY,–-- The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with senior executives of the harbor group of companies. Purpose of the meeting was to solicit information regarding their views on the current economic situation.

Attending the meeting with the commissioner and his delegation were Keith Franca, Managing Director of St. Maarten Ports Authority and Mark Mingo, CEO of the St. Maarten Harbor Holding Company.

They informed Commissioner Richardson that the cruise sector is seeing a double digital decline. Estimated recovery period is believed to be anywhere between 1 year to 18 months.

Ongoing or planned measures to alleviate the current impact of the economic decline include a shift in marketing strategy. Direct marketing targeting the individual cruise ship visitor is being pursued rather than general marketing.

Other initiatives are a road-show marketing of the island, investment in cargo facilities, in order to promote transshipment sector and the fuelling of ships to increase revenue flow.

Commissioner Richardson was informed about strategic agreements with Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines, which are expected to ensure approximately 1.1 million in cruise arrivals.

Suggestions discussed for structural short-term solutions, in collaboration with government, include stimulation of more activity in Philipsburg, increased police presence as deterrent to crime and control of rising food prices.

GREAT BAY (GIS)— Commissioner Xavier Blackman was present at the Princess Juliana Airport to say goodbye and wish the group of youngsters well, who will be participating in the cultural part of the Kingdom Games. The youngsters departed St. Maarten on Tuesday.

Commissioner Blackman extended a farewell and some words of encouragement to the traveling group, who will travel from St. Maarten to Aruba via Curacao. “I want you to compete hard, be respectful in your dealings, make St. Maarten proud, and have fun. It is good exposure for you, so learn as much as you can… make good use of the opportunity.”

The dance group, who hails from the Motiance dance school, will perform tomorrow night at the Cultural Night, where each island will have to perform an original piece, at the Kingdom Games Cultural Night.

The 6 young ladies—Khimony Antoine, Danielle Borsje, Anisa Dijkhoffz, Tanvi Goklanni, Saskia Jones, Rochelle Miller—will performance a dance routine, consisting of a poem and a hip hop section.

The Kingdom Games will take place from July 21 to the 27th, 2009. The theme is “Power.”

Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson also wishes the group well, and he wishes the group safe travel to Aruba, reminds them that St. Maarten is proud, and stands behind them all the way.

The Cultural component to the Kingdom Games was introduced for the first time in July of 2007 alongside the traditional Kingdom Games that focused primarily on Sports.

Every two years the Kingdom of the Netherlands consisting of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, celebrates Kingdom Games with the goals of:

 Stimulating Sports Development in the broadest sense of the word on Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles with the youth as the main target.

 Developing mutual understanding between youngsters of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, and the Netherlands that ought to serve as the basis for mutual respect and togetherness.

GREAT BAY:--- (GIS) – Disaster Coordinator and Chief of the Fire Department Winston Salomon, is calling appealing to the St. Maarten community to finalize preparations for the 2009 hurricane season and not to be complacent this season.

This season’s theme is, “It Only Takes One.” So far, for the 2009 season, not one storm system has formed, however, a number of tropical wave systems have started to form and the frequency of these systems passing the islands in the coming months will increase.

“I would strongly urge those who haven’t done so already to make preparations in order not to have to rush and prepare once you have been notified to do so due to a threat of a hurricane.

“It only takes one system to cause damage to our island. Remember our theme and start preparing. Those who are prepared will suffer the least and recovery will be much quicker. We need everybody to make preparations for every hurricane season. It is a must do on your list of things to do,” Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Winston Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS).

The 2009 Hurricane Season name list is Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

Willemstad:--The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba will get 8 million euros for the restoration of monuments and historic buildings. The Aruban Minister of Labor, Culture and Sports, Mr. Ramon Lee, Lieutenant-Governor of Curaçao, Mrs. Lizanne Dindial, Commissioner of Bonaire, Ms. Marugia Janga and the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Mr. Ronald Plasterk, signed the protocols that regulate this in the presence of the Chairman of the National Restoration Fund, Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven. St. Maarten and St. Eustatius already signed a protocol earlier.

The monumental buildings of olden days remind the inhabitants of the islands as well as tourists from the Netherlands and other parts of the world of the way the rich and complex culture came about. It also helps people understand their origins, who they are and, therefore, also how to continue together.

The Islands are going to designate monuments and historic buildings for protection and the money is intended to help private owners and foundations with the financing of often expensive restorations of monuments and historic buildings. To that end, they can get a loan with low interest with which the financial burden of the restoration can be mitigated. The redemption of the loans will be used again to provide other owners with loans, due to which a continuous flow of money for the preservation of monuments and historic buildings in the Antilles gets into stride.

The Islands can ask for support from the National Agency for Cultural Heritage and the National Restoration Fund. Although by no means all monuments and historic buildings can be restored with this money, it is an important step in giving the preservation of monuments and historic buildings in the Antilles and Aruba a strong stimulus.

Philipsburg:---Seventeen local pathfinders led by Pathfinder Director Jacklin Standford, counselors and instructors will be representing St. Maarten at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, from August 11-15, 2009. Oshkosh is a city in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States, located where the Fox River enters Lake Winnebago. Oshkosh was named after the Native Indian American Menominee Chief Oshkosh, whose name meant “claw.” Pathfinders may have an opportunity to see the Menominee Indian Reservation there.

According to Terry J. Peterson, deputy director of the Rangers Pathfinder Club, “this World Camporee is one of the biggest youth gatherings for teens world-wide. Over 35,000 youth and young adults will be coming together from over 200 countries to celebrate Pathfindering, have fun and fellowship together under the theme: “Courage to Stand.” The International Pathfinder Camporee only happens once every five years and is a unique opportunity for our young people to experience a global life changing experience. Moreover, they will be ambassadors of our friendly island promoting our heritage of peaceful coexistence, adventure, and international friendship.”

Pathfinders are a worldwide co-ed organization of young people 10 to 16 years. Activities encouraged range from community/civic service projects both in their home community and across the globe to nature and environmental conservation studies to camping and high adventure trips. Pathfindering challenges the unique talents of each member. Pathfindering is built on an age-specific curriculum of six class levels along with approximately 250 specialized skill development topics covering arts and crafts, aquatics, nature, household arts, recreation, spiritual development, health, and vocational training. These often serve as a launching point for lifetime careers or hobbies. Active members of the Pathfinder Club enjoy club meetings, leadership training, camping and service adventures designed to develop survival skills and outstanding citizenship. The Pathfinder Club also offer a wide range of activities including, but not limited to activities promoting community pride & involvement through outreach activities such as helping in meals and wheels soup kitchens, collecting food for the disadvantaged, cleaning & maintaining communities and parks, and visiting and encouraging the elderly; and Interactive training in a variety of recreational, artistic, nature, conservation, vocational, and outreach areas, with awards (honor badges) given for successful completion of the interactive training modules.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the pathfinders can call Director Jacklin Stanford at Tel: 0590 878059, 0690878059, or Director Selwyn Corrion Tel. 5562958. Please make all cheques payable to Jacklin Stanford or Selwyn Corrion, Cole-Bay Rangers Pathfinder Club. For more information on the camporee, please visist the Pathfinder Camporee website at www.camporee.org.

Some of the activities the youth will participate in are:

ACTIVITY BOOTHS:

BASKETBALL FREE THROW

BLOOD DRIVE

CANOEING

CROSS TRAINING

DUTCH OVEN - COOKING OUTDOORS S

E-MAIL CENTER

H2O BOTTLE ROCKETS

HOT AIR BALLOON LAUNCH

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

PIN TRADING

FLAG CEREMONIES

DRILL PARADES, RALLIES AND CEREMONIES

REMOTE CONTROLLED CARS

WEATHER ALERT

SPECIAL INTEREST BOOTHS:

SPECIAL INTEREST BOOTHS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

AMATEUR RADIO

RED CROSS

BIKE FOR LIFE

BIRDS OF PREY

HAWAIIAN LORE

INTERACTIVE BOOTH

INTERACTIVE PLANES

JUGGLING SPONSOR

NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTES

NATURE REVEALS CREATOR

OLYMPIC RUN

PETS FIRST AID

PUPPETRY

WAKEBOARDING

INDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES:

INDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES

HERITAGE

YOUTH RADIO

ARCHEOLOGY INTERACTIVITY

ART STATION

AMATEUR RADIO

AVIATION SKILLS

BRAILLE TRAIL

CLOWNS

DRAMA AND PUPPETS

EXHIBIT HALL

HEALTH SCREENING

JOSEPH EXPERIENCE

MAGIC OF SUCCESS

MIME

PACK-A-BOX AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

PATHFINDER HERITAGE MUSEUM

PATHFINDERS AND MISSIONS

RADIO CONTROLLED AIRPLANES

RADIO CONTROLLED CARS

SAM CAMPBELL EXHIBIT/STORIES

SCIENCE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

TEENS ONLY BARN

UKULELE LESSONS

OUTDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES:

OUTDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES

ANTIQUE CARS

ARCHERY TARGETS

AVIATOR SKILLS

BALL HOCKEY

BALLOON ANIMALS

BICYCLING ACTIVITY

BIRDING

BLIMP

BUCKING BRONCOS

CAMEL RIDE

DONKEY BASKETBALL

DRILL AND MARCHING CLINIC

DUNKING TANKS

FOOSBALL

FOUR WAY VOLLEYBALL

FRISBEE GOLF

GYMNASTICS

PINEWOOD DERBY BUILDING

PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED AWARENESS ACTIVITY

HELIUM BALLOON RIDES

INFLATABLES

NASCAR EXHIBIT

KITE FLYING

MINING VILLAGE

MIME

NASA MODEL ROCKETS

MODEL RAILROADING

OBSTACLE COURSES

OREGON ROCK

ORIENTEERING COURSE

PATHFINDER TALENT BOWL

PETTING ZOO

PIN TRADING

PRECISION DRILL

SCUBA DIVING

SKI RAMP

SOCCER

STAR STUDY

TEAM CHALLENGES

TEEN ZONE AND TEEN CHALLENGE COURSE

THREE ON THREE BASKETBALL GAME

TUG-OF-WAR

VOLLEYBALL

WATER LAUNCH

YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM

ACTIVITY BOOTHS:

ACTIVITY BOOTHS

BASKETBALL FREE THROW

BLOOD DRIVE

CANOEING ON THE LAKE

LAKE AQUATICS

AIRSHOW

WATER SKI SHOW

CROSS TRAINING

DUTCH OVEN - COOKING OUTDOORS

E-MAIL CENTER

H2O BOTTLE ROCKETS

HOT AIR BALLOON LAUNCH

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

PIN TRADING

REMOTE CONTROLLED CARS

WEATHER ALERT

NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES

CAMPFIRE

TALENT NIGHT

On Saturday, August 8, 2009, the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation and the Association L’ Esprit de Concordia will be hosting a very interesting panel discussion.

This event will be held in celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People as observed by the UN on August 9 of each year.

The theme of this panel-debate will be ‘The State of the Native-indigenous St. Martin People’

In this panel-debate a number of very outspoken and conscious St.

Martiners will be giving an account of the state of affairs of native-indigenous St. Martin People, as well solutions to the many problems facing their country.

The program will be televised live on MSR Cable television network and will be simultaneously broadcast live by SOS Radio 95.9 F.M.

Do not miss out on this very important debate copies of which will also be sent to the UN, CARICOM and other entities as well.

It is about St. Martiners defining themselves and reclaiming their ancestral rights in their own homeland.

Marigot:--The “Mouvement Citoyen Saint Martin” MOCSAM is thanking those that came out and shared their views and news at its first session, and is informing and inviting the general public to a second evening of reflection and discussion on its future, using as support the following topics:

• Falling prices

• Projects for the future

• Equal Opportunities

• Heritage

This expression session will be held on Thursday July 02nd 2009 at maison des enterprises in Concordia (CCI), starting at 5:00PM in the form of an introduction followed by a discussion of 30 to 45 minutes per topic.

Come one, come all, and let your voice be heard, give your opinion and participate in the making of a better and brighter future for St. Martin.

The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club last Saturday evening installed Competent Communicator Competent Leader Donna Morrison as their new President for the 2009 – 2010 term.

For the past year, CC Donna Morrison functioned as the Vice President Education with Valerie Brazier as President and formed an excellent Team in having the Club attain the President Distinguished Club level. As President, CC Morrison intends to continue guiding the 41 member club to achieving full personal development of its members’ communication and leadership skills. The Club’s slogan for the term is “Moving forward with Excellence” and CC Morrison is convinced that the Club is up to the task.

Toastmasters International sets standards for all Clubs to attain that ensures the majority of its members can advanced in the communication and leadership skills based on manual projects and trainings. Each club is required to add 8 new members, 4 competent communicators, 2 Competent Leaders, 2 advanced Communicators and 2 advanced leaders as well as ensure that membership dues are up to date. The Club Officers are required to attend two training sessions in leadership annually.

The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club was founded in 1994 by John Hodge, Rolando Tobias, Miguel Arrindell and Dennis Jeoffrey. Competent Communicator Donna Morrison is the second female president of the Club. The entire Board for the new term consists of Donna Morrison as President, Nina Lambert-Diaz as Vice President Education, Enid Van Putten-Gregory as Vice President Membership, Elroy Hughes as Vice President Public Relations, Nick Hemrajani as Treasurer, Angelica Arrindell as Secretary and Angela Gordon as Sergeant At Arms. Valerie Brazier will function as Immediate Past President and advisor to the Board.

Hillside Christian Schools has recently conducted its sixth Active Parenting Workshop and has awarded parents their certificates on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

The 3 workshops were conducted by trainers Rozella Lawrence and Myrna Richardson (first in front row), and Grace Linger and Barbara Philips (third in front row), who are both staff members at Hillside Christian Schools. The final count is 51 parents who successfully completed the program including 13 males.

Mrs. Asha Stevens, the General Director of the school (second front row) who was at hand to present the certificates, congratulates the parents on behalf of the School Board on their achievement. She applauds the sacrifices the parents have made to attend the sessions after their working day and encourages them to apply the discipline methods and positive communication skills at home with their children. School Board, Management and Staff of Hillside Christian Schools also extend words of appreciation to the Management of DERPI, and the coordinator parental involvement, Ms. Edna Rijkaard for introducing Active Parenting. We are convinced the family, the school, and society at large will benefit from the sessions.

Philipsburg,: NAGICO made a donation of polo shirts to the Leeward Islands Cricket Umpires Association (LICUA) on Friday 3rd July 2009 as the company continued to show its dedication to the development of the sport. The polo shirts carry the logos of the LICUA on the front breast pocket and the NAGICO logo on the back; they will be worn by the umpires during the LICA 3 day tournament which started play on July 3rd 2009 and runs until the end of the month. Member of the organizing committee of the Leeward Island Cricket Umpires Association Mr. Emanuel “Spoony” Stapleton stated, “On behalf of the association, we would like to thank NAGICO Insurances for sponsoring the polo shirts for the 3 day tournament.”

NAGICO is a main sponsor of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association, and has worked closely with the association in increasing the level of cricket in the surrounding islands. Over the years NAGICO has been extremely supportive of regional cricket including their own NAGICO LICA One Day Tournament and now they have expanded their involvement by sponsoring the umpires.

Philipsburg/Charlestown—GEBE Managers attended a one-day geothermal workshop in Nevis organized by West Indies Power Company in collaboration with the University of New Zealand’s Institute of Earth Sciences & Engineering which took place on Thursday July 2. GEBE is following the developments on geothermal energy in the region very closely because it believes that geothermal can be a viable, cost effective and abundant source of alternative energy for the Dutch Windward Islands.

This one day workshop coincided with the final session of the 1st Eastern Caribbean Geothermal Conference which was held at the Mount Nevis Hotel on the island of Nevis. The well attended conference was organized by the Nevis Island Administration, The Organization of American States (O.A.S) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development.

Saba, where some preliminary geothermal surveys are currently being conducted, sent a delegation consisting of Commissioner Bruce Zagers and local power generation expert Dexter Johnson. The latter is also the manager of GEBE Saba. They were later joined by the manager of GEBE Statia Mr. Fred Cuvalay and GEBE Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson for the one-day work shop. The Nevis Geothermal Workshop attracted some 40 high ranking energy officials from around the Caribbean including CEO’s of utility companies and CARICOM/CARILEC/UWI officials.

The workshop was based on the P.G. Certificate Course which is given at the University of New Zealand’s Institute of Earth Sciences & Engineering (IESE) and covered topics such as Conceptual Models for Geothermal Fields, Ground Water Exploration, Geophysical Exploration and Geothermal Engineering. It was moderated by Dr. Graham Ryan (a young geophysicist originally from Montserrat) and Prof. Dr. Peter Malin (Director of the IESE in New Zealand).

One of the subjects that generated a lot of interest during the workshop was Prof. Dr. Malin’s assessment on manmade earthquakes and a recent investigation he conducted on this subject in Basel, Switzerland. The Basel case grabbed worldwide media headlines when a geothermal exploration project in the middle of the city was halted by the Swiss government after it was alleged to have caused an earthquake there. Dr. Malin showed that the two events were totally unrelated and argued that there has never been an earthquake of any significance caused by geothermal exploration.

Philipsburg:--The Immigration administration department at located in the Philipsburg Police Station and the Department of Police Affairs located at the “Sun Color Building” will be relocated a press release from Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said.

In order to offer better service to the general public and especially those persons who want to apply for a residence permit or to apply for the Dutch citizenship, both departments will be brought together at the same location. The new location of the above mentioned department will be at A.Th. Illidge road # 8, next to the NAPA Building.

As of July 30th 2009 the Immigration administrative department ( Police Station)will be closed to the public in connection with the relocation. On July 31st 2009 the Department of Police Affairs (Sun Color Building) will also be closed in connection with the relocation. Both departments will officially start their operation from the new location as of August 3rd 2009.

This Department will be known as the "Immigration and Naturalization Department."

The opening hours and the official telephone numbers of this department will be announced at a later date once they become available and are in operation.

Great Bay, -The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team is currently receiving technical assistance from Dr. Ansari Ameen of the Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC) as it relates to developing indicators to monitor and evaluate the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan and to assist with the development of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan for the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team.

Dr. Ameen is also doing some work for the upcoming mid-term review of the National Strategic Plan for which he will return to St. Maarten on August 24 for one week. Dr. Ameen has been on the island during the last week of June gathering his data from various stakeholders for the M&E plan.

Based on the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team’s Work Plan for 2009, one of the priority areas for this year is surveillance and research, and under this priority area one of the activities is the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure the progress and impact of St. Maarten’s HIV programme response. Also scheduled for this year is a mid-term review of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan.

Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager stated: “The conduct of the mid-term review is very important as it will help us to determine what progress we have made since 2007 and identify any challenges being faced by stakeholders. This information will enable us to make any amendments to the programme for the next two years that may be required based on the outcomes of the evaluation and also help us to determine which areas are working well and what we must do to ensure that we continue to make progress.”

Dr. Ansari Ameen is a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, working with CHRC since 2003. He plays a leading role in all M&E projects in the Caribbean by providing capacity development and other technical support to country programmes and regional agencies.

GREAT BAY,– Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin, says that it is compulsory for children as of the age of 12 to have an identity card (ID) and is appealing to parents to visit the Census Office during the summer holiday season to get this regulated.

Marlin pointed out that schools are required to request from parents the child’s ID card when registering the child for the new school year.

The ID card is legal proof of identity. It is used to open bank accounts or other types of services that requires some form of identification.

The ID card is also a required document for some government procedures. The costs related to the ID card are Naf.15.

Failure to produce the card may result in being denied access to premises or attainment of goods and services.

An appeal is also being made to all Dutch citizens with passports to check the status of their travel documents.

Persons should check to see that they have a valid passport before making travel plans and if their passport has expired to immediately make arrangements at the Census Office to have the passport renewed.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the person. A valid Dutch passport is required for all to enter and leave foreign countries. Only the Census Office has the authority to grant, issue or verify Dutch passports.

Persons who should maintain a valid Dutch passport are those with family living or traveling abroad; thinking about a vacation abroad or for any other reasons that would require international travel.

In the event of an emergency, already having a valid passport will save time, money and stress.

The costs related to updating your travel documents are: New passport for adults Naf.150; Children below 12-years of age and senior citizens 60 and above Naf.130.

Those who require further information can call the Census Office at: 542-2457 or 542-5375.

GREAT BAY:-- – The further international spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus is unstoppable. With more than 100 countries around the world reporting cases, the best response by the St. Maarten community is to continue to practice high standards of personal hygiene entailing covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza pandemics are remarkable events because they spread throughout a world population that is either largely or entirely susceptible to infection.

The WHO adds that in densely populated areas, a steep increase in the number of cases is seen, with a sharp peak, followed by a steep decline. Once the virus has swept through a susceptible population, transmission may continue, but at a much lower intensity.

In more populated areas, the peak may be flatter. Mexico, and especially Mexico City, experienced this tidal wave of cases, and its peak, back in April. Other countries, where the virus was introduced later, are experiencing it now, and more countries will see this pattern in the months to come.

The worst for Mexico should be over now, at least during the first wave of spread.

The WHO remains confident that this pandemic will be of moderate severity, at least in its early days. Some social disruption has been taking place in various countries such as the closing of schools or camps, which bring added demands on parents and their employers.

Research published according to the WHO reveals that most patients experience mild influenza-like illness. Most cases of severe and fatal infection continue to occur in people with underlying medical conditions.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications. This heightened risk takes on added importance for a virus, like this one, that preferentially infects younger age groups.

According to the WHO, the full clinical spectrum of this disease is not yet fully understood where the predictive factors for severe or fatal infections are concerned.

As more data become available, on warning signs that can signal the need for urgent medical care, symptoms of concern include difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and severe or persistent vomiting.

In adults, a high fever that lasts for more than three days is a warning sign, particularly when accompanied by a general worsening of the patient’s condition.

Lethargy in a child, that is, a child that has difficulty waking up or is no longer alert, or is not playing, is a warning sign.

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

GREAT BAY,– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with the Indian Merchants Association (I.M.A.) as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.

Representing the I.M.A. were board members Haresh Boolchand, Dayal Alwani, Adesh Baharani, Cookie Bijlani, Prakash Menghani and Damodar Rawtani.

Current concerns voiced by the I.M.A. include allocation of marketing stimulus funds, lack of sufficient parking in Philipsburg, insufficient street lighting at night, security and traffic flow in Philipsburg, specifically Front Street. In addition, the association voiced concern regarding the abandoned Mullet Bay resort premises as well as the high cost of air travel from Caribbean destinations and its impact for shoppers coming from surrounding islands.

The association further informed Commissioner Frans Richardson regarding their sentiments with regard to a shorter cruise ship season.

During the discussions, the I.M.A. proposed a number of initiatives as short-term and structural solutions to their concerns.

Among these are the encouraging of wholesaling economic activities to neighboring islands and introducing incentives for low and middle income home construction.

Also addressed was the idea to increase dialogue, I.M.A. support for community projects and integration of I.M.A. in the community.

Philipsburg:---St. Maarten Pride Foundation argues that if government seriously intended to address St. Maarten’s traffic congestion challenges the commissioners would have long pursued the implementation of the comparatively more cost effective proposals aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the long-term as listed in numerous government commissioned reports such as the Multi-Annual Policy Plan, the Tourism Master Plan and other studies.

Pride points out that the Ring road project as it now stands is slated to cost the island millions of dollars, which can be spent a great deal more effectively. Whether this particular project is initially funded through what remains of the “Harbor buy back funds”, USONA, or some other means of creative financing, the island’s tax payers will ultimately be indirectly burdened with covering the costs of the project by having to pay for much more necessary projects such as the upgrading of existing roads or the building of much needed solid waste or sewage management infrastructure.

Based on the aforementioned and that no studies have indicated that the planned Ring Road will ease traffic congestion in the long-term St. Maarten Pride Foundation has come to the conclusion that the Ring Road project cannot be aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. The Foundation believes the project is very likely about appeasing the island’s large construction companies and the shipping companies involved in transporting the tons of material and equipment needed for the project to the island.

The Foundation is furthermore of the opinion that Commissioner Heyliger’s recent announcement in the press to involve local truck operators in the moving of sand for the Ring Road is just a means of gaining local support for the project. The work concerned is however very short-term and will not provide long-term sustainable income for local contractors. The construction of direly needed solid waste and sewage treatment infrastructure and facilities as well as the upgrading of St. Maarten’s roads on the other hand, would provide sustainable income for local contractors as these projects will take years to complete and will require constant maintenance and additions as roads wear out and neighborhoods grow.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation wonders how the Island and Executive Councils can even consider approving a multi-million dollar project such as the planned Ring road in the Great Salt Pond without having commissioned any studies to determine whether or not the project is feasible and will have the desired effect of alleviating traffic especially when there are much more essential projects which need to be carried out.

GREAT BAY: -- There have been some interesting amendments/changes to the Kingdom Law on the option procedure and acknowledgement. For clarification purposes, the terms Dutch Citizen, Dutch National, Naturalized Dutch Citizen is terms used interchangeable, and they signify the same.

1) As of March 1, 2009, minor children, 0—18 years of age, acknowledge after birth by an acknowledger with the Dutch Nationality becomes as of the date of the acknowledgement Dutch Nationals.

2) Children born after April 1, 2003 and before March 1 2009, and are younger than 7 years of age, the guardian(s) of said child (ren) can come to the Census Office to start the petition to become a Dutch National.

3) Children born after April 1, 2003 and before March 1 2009, and are 7 years or older. If acknowledger can prove within one year after acknowledgement, via DNA testing that he is the biological father, the guardian(s) of said child (ren) can come to the Census Office to start the petition for the child to become a Dutch National.

4) If the acknowledger cannot prove within one year after acknowledgement, via DNA testing that he is the biological father of the child (ren), then the former procedure of after April 1 2009 and before March 1 2009, whereby after 3 years, the acknowledger would have to prove that he has been raising, caring for and educating the child (ren) will still be in effect. The guardian(s) of said child (ren) can come to the Census Office to start the petition for the child (ren) to become a Dutch National.

We want to inform the public of these changes/amendments to the Kingdom Law: said Denise Williams, a senior worker at the Department of Civil Registry, also known as the Census Office. “In addition,” she said, “she would like to remind everyone, to have in their possession a valid passport which identifies a person and the nationality they have at the moment, and a valid residence paper.”

There are several ways that one can become a Dutch citizen: 1) By birth, when the parent(s) are Dutch nationals; (2) Through third generation: when at the time of birth the mother and/or father of the child has been registered and residing in the Kingdom, and at the time of the birth of the mother and/or father their parents has been registered and residing in the Kingdom. (3) Through the adoption process: whereby a child is adopted thru court procedures. (4) Through the option procedure: by submitting a statement that you wish to become a Dutch National; (5) Through the Naturalization procedure.

The Office of Civil Registry is there to serve the public, so do not hesitate to come to the office for information on your concerns. All are encouraged to make an appointment, Williams said. The telephone # is 54-22457, fax # 54-24267.

Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten now has seven members after island council member George Pantophlet was sworn in on Thursday. The Democratic Party was requested to give the current executive council the quorum to hold an urgent island council meeting announces Island Council woman Sarah Wescot Williams. After a 30-minute adjournment three members of the Democratic Party Faction signed in so the meeting could he held.

After the notices, a committee was formed comprising of leader of government William Marlin, leader of the opposition faction Sarah Wescot Williams and commissioner Theo Heyliger who verified Pantophlet’s credentials before he took the oath. Several members of the council from both factions congratulated and welcomed Pantophlet back into the council. He is now Senator and Island Council member and former State Secretary of Health.

The island council also approved the contracts that were signed by the former executive council for several companies that worked on the new administration building. Leader of Government William Marlin said the reason they have to seek the approval of the contracts was that the former executive council did not comply with the bidding process prior to signing the contracts, something that is mandated in the laws of the financial management. Marlin said that even though the contractors had signed contracts they were not being paid simply because the island council did not approve the contracts. He said additionally the contractors have some other agreements pending which was agreed upon by the former executive council.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Investing time, energy and resources to achieve the stabilization of the employment market, improve job training and career development opportunities, decreasing the number of unemployed persons and improving communication between the business sector and government are only a few of the objectives of Mr. Hyacinth Richardson as Commissioner of Labour Affairs.

To continue to realize the aforementioned objectives, Commissioner H. Richardson along with his staff members and local persons seeking employment were apart of a group treated to a tour of the Blue Mall located in Cupecoy on the Friday 24 July 2009. The orientation tour proposed by the office of Commissioner Richardson was meant to present the building to the commissioner and present the future labour situation, whereby it is projected that the mall could hire approximately 500 persons.

One of the first initial introductory meetings with Commissioner Richardson, his Executive Assistant Ms. Theolinda Richardson, Blue Mall Managing Director Mr. Luis Gioia and Mrs. Sandy Mourillon-Sandiford of Versant, a local firm already working with the new development took place in June of this year.

While the main focus of this first meeting was to acquaint Commissioner Richardson with Blue Mall a joint venture between Cupecoy Development N.V. and Venezuela based Fondo Valores, it became imperative for the commissioner to see and experience what the development of this mix-use project that comprises 84 retail spaces earmarked for luxury brand stores, gourmet restaurants and high end services and 38 full ownership luxury apartments would represent for the employment market in St. Maarten.

The Blue Mall is a totally new concept, Gioia said, there will be entertainment on the first level, shopping and food on the other levels. The stores will be selected based on synergy. As well, there are 10-15 major brands companies that are looking for operators and investors, thus there is much opportunity.

All people’s present young and old were privy to a video of Blue Mall after the completion and an actual tour of the building, which boosts some of the most picturesque views on the island.

Representatives and developers of Blue Mall have already indicated their willingness to work with the Labour Department to find local residents to fill positions, ranging from management to service providers when the mall opens next year. The Commissioner however got a jump start on finding some perspective individuals for employment at Blue Mall by inviting Ms. Christina A. Baly an emerging marketing professional, Mr. Ted Gregoire a sales specialist, Ms. Davania Bruney and others.

The quality and quantity of the jobs on the island are directly affected by outsourcing many jobs, that should be readily available to locals living on the island or returning to the island from pursuing higher education abroad, the Commissioner said.

Commissioner Richardson thanked Mr. Luis Gioia and staff during the first part of the tour for working to possibly create a much needed influx of jobs and investment to the island. This partnership is one supported by all parties as boasting the economy and image of the island is foremost in the mind of all individuals involved in making this endeavor a success for the island.

Many of the 500 projected jobs will come online with the final set up and opening of the mall in 2010. The representatives of Blue Mall along with the Labour Department intend to host at least two job fairs in preparation of the opening.

Before this takes place, the commissioner will work diligently on improving the manner in which unemployed persons are registered at the Labour office, as this general improvement on the island would go along way in improving the employment market for country St. Maarten.

Philipsburg: --- The editor in chief of the Daily Herald Newspaper Courtney Gibson was thrown into sudden mourning over the weekend. Gibson who is presently off island attending his son’s wedding is now mourning the loss of three of his relatives who perished in car accident in Bryan County Georgia. In addition, nursing injuries are three young children.

According to information, reaching SMN News is that the family was on their way to attend the wedding celebration of Gibson’s son.

Below is the scene of the accident taken from Savannahnow.com.

4 killed in wrong-way crash on I-95 in Bryan County.

RICHMOND HILL - Four people were killed and three children were injured early Saturday morning in a head-on collision involving a minivan and a pickup that was going the wrong way on Interstate 95 in Richmond Hill.

Michael Delph, 28, of Phenix City, Ala., was driving his Chevrolet S-10 truck north in the center lane against traffic in the southbound lanes when he collided with a 2001 Mazda MPV minivan, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The collision occurred about 6:30 a.m. nearly two miles south of the U.S. 17 exit on I-95.

Trooper Chris Cuddington said Delph was killed in the wreck. Also killed was the minivan's driver, identified as Michelle Carryl, 41, of Apopka, Fla.

Two passengers in the minivan also died. They were identified as Dwight Spencer, 19, also of Apopka, and Cyril Millington, 59, of Queens, N.Y., the trooper said.

Carryl's children - a 15-year-old boy and two girls, ages 9 and 13 - were taken to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah - one by helicopter and two by ambulance. They were expected to survive their injuries, Cuddington said.

Although it was still early in the investigation, Cuddington said early Saturday afternoon that "alcohol is going to be a factor."

He added that there were open containers of alcoholic beverages inside the pickup.

All six occupants of the minivan were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, Cuddington said.

Delph, the pickup driver, was not wearing the safety device, the trooper said.

The crash shut down a roughly 10-mile stretch of the southbound interstate for much of Saturday morning as state troopers and Bryan County authorities picked through the mangled wreckage.

All southbound traffic was detoured south onto U.S. 17, through Midway, until about 11:30 a.m.

"I sold a lot of maps," said Anil Patel, a clerk at El Cheapo, the first fuel stop that rerouted motorists encountered off I-95. "A lot of people were confused on how to get to Florida. But the policemen did a good job of (traffic) control."

By early afternoon, Patel said, "it's quiet now - we were busy before the road opened."

The sudden swell of travelers on the smaller thoroughfare also meant more trash than usual.

"They were all overloaded," Herbert Button said of the trash bins he is paid to replace at convenience stores and fast-food places along that stretch of highway.

At a small crossroads in Midway, where the traffic turned east toward I-95, nearby resident JoeEtta Williams said that on an inconvenience scale of 1 to 10, Saturday morning was "about a 7."

"Thank goodness there's a traffic light here," she said.

Philipsburg: ---St Maarten Toastmasters continue to excel in their communication and leadership skills yet another member has achieved a title. Stuart Johnson, one of the newest members of the Club has completed the basic Communication manual to attain the Competent Communicator award. The basic communication manual develops Toastmasters presentation skills in areas such as Vocal variety, body language, organizing of speech, use of visual aids and persuading and inspiring your audience.

With this achievement, Stuart Johnson is well on his way to excelling in his communication and leadership skills. Johnson was also appointed to the Area Council Board as Secretary by Area Governor Valerie Brazier.

Club President Donna Morrison commended CC Stuart Johnson for his commitment in achieving his goal by attending meetings and presenting speech projects at all clubs on the island. Valerie Brazier who was President during the last period was instrumental in inspiring Johnson to attain the Competent Communicator award in record time, also congratulated him on his accomplishment.

PHILIPSBURG:----Club officers of the four Toastmasters clubs on St Maarten spent their Sunday afternoon equipping themselves with knowledge in order to better serve their membership for the next year.

Some 22 Toastmasters Club Officers (board members) met the requirements set forth by Toastmasters International to attend 4 hours of training in their roles and responsibilities as Board members. The trainings, which were facilitated by Toastmasters trainer Rolando Tobias and aspiring trainer Valerie Brazier, consisted of duties to be performed by each member outside the Club meetings and during the Club meetings. The importance of planning, execution, and knowledge of Parliamentary Procedures were all highlighted. The session was an interactive one with senior Club Officers exchanging ideas with new Club officers in order to better serve their respective Club membership.

The trainings have proven to be a very important part of preparing the Club Officers to fulfill their leadership roles within the organization.

Cole Bay: ---The Management of CARL & SONS UNIQUE BAKERY would like to publicly apologize to our valued clients for our obvious oversights and negligence in some specific areas of our bakery operations. A press release from the company reads.

“While we accept full responsibility for the situation, we hasten to state that in our opinion some of the reports were exaggerated and misrepresented the real situation. We can however assure the public that our products never posed any health risks to the consumer. We are currently in the process of a special general cleaning of our entire production facility and every piece of equipment.”

In addition we are rectifying some of the technical issues, which can create hazardous situations if left uncorrected. Management and the dedicated staff of CARL & SONS UNIQUE BAKERY are leaving no stone unturned to meet the understandably stringent Government and acceptable standard requirements to resume normal baking operations. It is our intention to reopen for business as soon as possible, serving you with the best locally produced bread and other products. We sincerely regret the temporary closing of our operations and pledge to do everything we can to regain your confidence, support and valued patronage.

Registration being held.

After successful reunions in the United States and in the Dominican Republic, one of St. Maarten’s largest native families is holding its third family reunion in St. Maarten, where it is believed the family originated.

The Mardenborough family reunion will be held in St. Maarten July 12 – 19 and will include a number of fun and exciting activities to bring the family together to rediscover their rich history. The family is also hoping to finalise its family tree during the weeklong event, which is expected to draw some 200 family members from the Netherlands, United States, Anguilla, Aruba, Curacao, the Dominican Republic and St. Martin.

About 129 persons have already expressed interest in attending the reunion, which kicks off with an opening ceremony at the French Quarter Cultural Center on July 12 from 7:00pm. The details of the opening ceremony are still being fine tuned but it will include a brief history of the family and fun and frolic.

The reunion will continue with a church service at the Cole Bay Methodist Church on July 13 at 11:00am.

Family members will also be treated to an island tour with visits to several historical sites including the two fortes on both sides of the island starting at 1:00pm on July 13. The tour will also include visits to the Butterfly Farm and will wind its way pass the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities, when over one million cruise passengers disembark per annum.

Fun and frolic is the theme for a beach outing slated for Le Gallion Beach on July 14 from 10:00am.

The historical Emilio Wilson Historical and Cultural Park will provide the perfect backdrop for a family picnic carded for July 15 from 10:00am. The day out will feature fun and traditional St. Maarten/St. Martin games, the sharing of memories and all round fun. The reunion will wind down with a buffet at Le Flamboyant Hotel on July 16.

Family members will get a chance to relax and do some individual touring with a free day on Friday July 17. Other activities are planned for July 18 and 19.

Family members can now register for the reunion by contacting main organisers Sharon Cangieter (524-1112); Leona Patrick-Gibbs (553-6168) and Charles Benders (522-5759). Registration ends on Wednesday, July 8.

Registrants will have to pay US $80 for adults and US $30 for children (ages 4- 12) for the entire week of activities. The fee includes a T-shirt bearing the Mardenborough family logo. Those interested in participating only in the buffet dinner pay US $40 per adult and US $15 per child (age four to 12). Purchasing the T-shirts only is US $10 each.

The reunion was first held in the United States in 2003. The second one was also held in the US in 2005 and the third in the Dominican Republic in 2007

The family decided to hold the reunion in St. Maarten this year for family members to acquaint themselves with relatives they haven’t met and to bring the family closer together.

The Mardenborough family is related to the Hodge, Cangieter, Eduardo, Benders, Sutton, White, Patrick, Gibbs, Arrindell, Arundell, Arndell, Lynch, Biggs, Buntin, Pantophlet, Richardson, Carolina, Romney, Henson, LeBlanc, Helligar, Carti, Lambert, Morris, Schmidt and many other families.

Patrick-Gibbs, a court recorder who along with her children attended one of the reunions in the US, said information collected thus far shows that the family tree dates as far back to the eighteen hundreds when the late Richard Mardenborough, a Dutch Quarter resident tied the knot with Georgiana “Gumbs/Baker” Biggs.

Patrick-Gibbs is a fifth generation Mardenborough while Cangieter, who works in the education sector is a sixth generation Mardenborough and Benders, a central government employee, a fifth generation family member.

Also on the coordinating team are Antonio Carolina, a banking employee, is treasurer of the committee and is also assisting with the Information Communications (IT) aspects; catering committee head entrepreneur Doris Lynch-Gibbs, and educator Rosa White, who is representing the family in French St. Martin and head of the decoration committee.

The coordinating committee invites all family members to sign up and be part of this historic reunion, which is shaping up to be the biggest ever. Check out their website for more details: www. mardenboroughfamily.com.

CAY BAY—GEBE Power Plant experienced more problems with the Diesel Engine # 12 which has resulted in continued load shedding while repairs are being carried out. The generator is tentatively scheduled to come back online at 1.30pm, Thursday July 2.

The areas that are being affected are: St. Peters and Ebenezer, Pelican, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Low Lands.

From 11.00am and up until 1.00pm, the following areas are under load shedding – St. Peters, Ebenezer, Pelican, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay and the Low Lands.

At 1.00pm – Belvedere, Over the Bank and Cole Bay Lagoon.

The published load shedding schedule is subject to change depending on the demand of the specific areas and the supply available from the power plant. Please check for updates as the information becomes available on the homepage at www.nvgebe.com.

Philipsburg:--- The Public Education Management End of the School Year Program recently received a gift from NAGICO Insurances; the program is scheduled for Friday, July 3rd 2009. NAGICO has contributed eight hundred dollars ($800) worth of insurance vouchers which will be awarded to Public Education’s top 2008-2009 staffers.

According to Mrs. Glenderlin Davis – Holiday, Assistant Managing Director of Public Education, “At this special event teachers or staff members of each of the public schools, is awarded for outstanding performance throughout the school year. Each person receives an award in various categories, according to their job function. The motive for doing this is to encourage our teachers and school staff.” She expressed great appreciation with the donation NAGICO.

Marketing Manager, Jasmine Payne commented, “NAGICO is pleased to be doing its part in helping the public Education system since it is the education of the youth which will move the country forward and strengthen the foundation of

St. Maarten.”

Philipsburg: -- The team of divers that were searching for the bodily remains of Leta Lynn Cordes has ended the one week search with no trace of the missing woman. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said there would not be any more major searches for the missing Mission Viejo woman unless they get new leads. Stein said the investigation on the missing woman would remain open and her husband Frank Cordes still remains a suspect in his missing wife case.

The police department along with friends of Leta Lynn Cordes participated in at least four major searches on both sides of the island in the hope of finding the 47 year old woman who went missing since January 11 2008. Cordes allegedly left her Dawn Beach home to go over to the Westin Casino to gamble her husband told police and the media.

Great Bay -- Continuing his round of discussions with a variety of major stakeholders, aviation and tourism commissioner, Frans Richardson, on Tuesday afternoon hosted a meeting with the top brass of Insel Air at the Government Administration Building.

Purpose of the meeting was to, among others, hear about the company's route expansion plans and marketing opportunities for St. Maarten's tourism product.

Representing the airline company were Insel Air CEO, Albert Kluyver, Chief General & International Affairs, Edward Heerenveen and St. Maarten station manager, Alonzo Hassell. Netherlands Antilles Minister for Constitutional & Home Affairs, Roland Duncan also sat in on the meeting.

Others attending the discussions were tourism head Regina Labega, Marla Chemont of the tourist bureau, Keith Graham and Emile Lee of the S.H.T.A. with Fernando Williams and Romeo Pantophlet of the office of Commissioner Frans Richardson.

Philipsburg: ---Recently the detective and forensic departments have been investigating several break-ins into several businesses on the island. During these investigations they have noticed that even businesses that are equipped with alarm systems have been broken into without the alarm system being activated.

The culprit or culprits involved in these break-ins are tremendously skillful in being able to bypass or deactivate these security systems. The detective department is hereby advising all business-owners to contact their security company and have their alarm system completely checked out and if necessary to have the system upgraded.

Business-owners should have their establishment and alarm system in their business checked on a regular basis. (Not because the alarm system did not go off, means that your business was not broken into. Business-owners should personally go to their establishment and check it out on weekends and holidays) said Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.

Most alarm systems presently in use, are hooked-up to landline telephones and do not have a back-up system or a secondary alarm system. Once the communications in these lines have been unknowingly interrupted, there is no way to know what is going in your business until long after the break-in has taken place.

Business-owners that have security cameras installed should make sure, that the video-recorder is properly hidden and that this security-system is equipped with a secondary or back-up system at another location. When businesses that have security cameras are broken into, the culprits always take the video-system along with them, which they later dispose of.

If your business has a safe, make sure that the safe is not visible to the clients or anyone coming into the establishment. If this safe is also connected to an alarm-system, you should also make sure that it has a secondary or back-up system, in the event the safe is tampered with.

During a recent break-in at one of these establishments a substantial amount of male watches and gold chains were stolen. During the investigation done by the detective and Forensic department. found, that the telephone and electrical wires to that establishment were cut, causing the alarm not to be activated. If this establishment had a secondary or back-up system it would trigger the alarm and the police department would have been notified. The Detective department is also asking any-one who may have been approached to buy watches or any other type of jewelry not to do so and to immediately contact the police. The jewelry you are buying might be stolen.

Great Bay: ----HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Suzette Moses-Burton recently returned from the European Union planning and launches meeting in Curacao, which was held on June 25 and 26 at the Hilton.

The purpose of the meeting in Curacao was to officially launch the EC/OCT project; review the implementation and results of the first year and to identify priority issues and activities for inclusion in the second year work plan.

Suzette stated that on day one attendees to the meeting looked at the logical framework with all indicators, reviewed year one activity, and were given an update of the project as it relates to where it is at this moment. Year two for the project starts in October 2009 and ends September 2010.

During the planning meeting all focal points from the 11 countries made additional comments, and raised the necessary issues regarding the project for year two for submission to the Steering Committee.

“The Dutch territories made specific recommendations, which were to reduce the number of indicators, and to change some of the indicators based on the situation of the Dutch territories as opposed to the British territories, which is not the same,” said Moses-Burton.

One of the indicators, which was: By December 2011, there will be 50% reduction in new HIV infections (Baseline: new infections in 2007) was revised to: By September 2013 there will be a 50% reduction in the reported number of new infections.

During the two day meeting, persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) met with stakeholders to discuss community involvement in the project. All changes were submitted to the Steering Committee for approval.

A few of the activities planned for year two is:

• Document the [RED] Campaign as a best practice

• Increase the involvement of PLWHA in prevention activities

• Lobby for increased access to improved care including psycho-social support

• Conduct integrated behavioral survey among hard to reach population (men who have sex with men/commercial sex workers)

“Strengthening the Integration of the British and Dutch OCTs in the Regional Response to HIV/AIDS through the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS” is the title of this European Union Project.

Willemstad: --- The swearing in of two State Secretaries took place on Friday. Theswearing in was done in the presence Governor General Fritz Goedgedrag. Coming from St. Maarten was Mr. Patrick Illidge representing the National Alliance (NA) party and Julio G. Constansia representing Curacao of the Frente Obrero (FOL) Party.

The swearing in ceremony for the two State Secretaries took place at 11:30 at the Governor's Palace at Fort Amsterdam in the presence of the Prime Minister Emily De Jongh El Hage, President of Parliament Pedro Atacho, Senator Myrna Godett, representative of the Netherlands in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba Rob Vermaas, Invited Guests, Professor Kunnenman and Proceutor General Dick Piar, family and friends of Mr. Illidge and Mr Constancia

Mr. Patrick Illidge will be State Secretary of Health and Mr Julio G Constancia will be State Secretary of Traffic and Communications.

Philipsburg:---St. Maarten Pride Foundation warns that the building of the Ring road, particularly during the Hurricane season, could potentially lead to disastrous flooding of the Sucker Garden and Greater Philipsburg area and is therefore extremely irresponsible.

According to a Government commissioned report titled “Report Great Salt Pond water storage capacity” carried out by Lievense Consulting Engineers; the present water storage capacity of the Great Salt Pond is 132,1 ha (hectare). Based on this same report the minimum storage capacity of the Great Salt Pond is required to be some 109 ha (hectare). The report indicates that with the construction of the Ring road the Great Salt Pond’s water storage capacity will be 110,4 ha (hectares) a reduction of 21,7 ha (hectares) or 16,4 percent of the Pond’s present water storage capacity and just 1,4 ha (hectares) above the aforementioned required minimum storage capacity of 109 ha (hectares).

The clearing of vegetation on the Great Salt Pond’s surrounding hillsides and in valleys for the building of homes, businesses etc. or the construction of roads continues to reduce the water retention capacity of these areas and therefore channels increasingly large volumes of water to the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond. The influx of rainwater into the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond over the past few years has consequently increased at a rapid rate. In addition hurricane experts have estimated that the 2009 Hurricane season will have about 5 hurricanes, 11 named storms and at least 2 major (Category 3-4-5) hurricanes. Considering the aforementioned, St. Maarten Pride Foundation believes that Government and in particular the Commissioner in charge of infrastructure and the environment should be planning for increased water storage capacity rather than reducing the Great Salt Pond’s water storage capacity to just 1.4 ha (hectares) above the required minimum.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation calls on the Lt. Governor and the island’s Disaster Management and Preparedness coordinators to take a close look at the Ring road plans as it is obvious that the Commissioner in charge of the project has not taken the safety and well-being of St. Maarten’s residents and their homes into consideration with the proposed plans for the construction of the Ring road.

GREAT BAY:--– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently continued his series of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders, by meeting with representatives of the banking sector.

Representing the Windward Islands Bank was Managing Director, Mr. Jan Beaujon, while the RBTT bank was represented by Mr. Wayne Kowlessar, President and Country Head & Ms. Cheryl Lake-Valies, Country Operating Officer. First Caribbean Bank was represented by Alphons Gumbs, Credit Manager.

Additionally present during the discussions were Mr. Romeo Pantophlet and Mr. Fernando William of the commissioner’s office along with Ms. Lucy Gibbes, Department Head and Ms. Hickinson of the department of economic policy and research.

In considering the current economic developments and future prospects, there is a general consensus, that overall the market has declined due to a global economic downturn.

As main indicators to reach that conclusion were, among others:

• Slowdown of construction projects as a consequence of a downturn in pre-sales of some major projects.

• Reduction of employment in construction (and trade sectors) and subsequent reduction in consumer spending.

• An average 30 to 35 percent drop in credit card sales.

• Drop in loan demand (particularly in the commercial sector)

• More small businesses requesting an extension in overdraft facilities, in order to survive.

• Higher delinquencies on consumer loans as compared to 1 ½ year ago.

• Increase in late loan payments

While the banking sector has reportedly not recorded a significant change in foreclosure trends, Commissioner Frans Richardson was told that banks are working with clients on an individual basis to prevent foreclosures seen as an absolute last resort.

Home mortgage demand has meanwhile remained stable with private/residential buildings still being constructed.

Another development is that higher end/modern rental spaces are not being rented.

With regards to Interest rates, these have dropped within the last four years from 13% to as low as 7% at present.

Commissioner Richardson was encouraged to hear that the banking sector has taken measures or is in the process of doing so, to mitigate the current impact.

Among the initiatives is the incorporating of special packages (in the commercial sector) by the banking sector, in order to stimulate economic activity.

The banking sectors have made a number of tangible recommendations for short-term & structural solutions in collaboration with government.

Those are at present being reviewed.

Philipsburg:---National Alliance Senator George Pantophlet says that the past government in instituting the new labor policy did not take St. Maarten’s reality into consideration neither the negative effects it has had and will continue to have on the economy. It has created chaos, uncertainty, fear and frustration. The policy will not help reduce illegal immigration and protect locals but to the contrary it will increase illegal immigration. What the past government forgot was that people’s lives are affected and in this case in a very negative sense. Any law regulation or policy that is put in place has to improve not frustrate lives. Government has to be an enabler not a destroyer. Today while looking at the island council meeting on the new labor policy requested by the council members of the Democratic Party I received a call from an employee of foreign nationality who said that they were informed by their employer that they had to pay $900 to renew their working permit. This same person who earns minimum wage had recently moved from their former dwelling because after inspection it was concluded that it was not an ideal place to live. They decided to share a house with a friend for $700 of which each would pay half. Last month the friend moved out and now they are left with having to pay the $700 a month rent. Now in addition to this they are told that they have to pay $900 previously $450 to renew their permit. They have been living on St. Maarten for some 15 years and at their former address for 5 years.

Another person came to my office and explained to me that after living on St. Maarten for some 19 years and working on their 6th renewal it was turned down because their two bedroom apartment with a separate living room kitchen and a porch was too small. They have been renting the apartment along with their partner and two children for the last 7 years and paying $550 a month. While having some 4 weeks to respond this person out of fear of being deported paid $750 to appeal the decision all of this because of the new labor policy. And these are just a few of the many who are facing similar problems. What has to be understood is that these persons will not just leave St. Maarten they have made this island their home. I will again repeat a call I made some years ago for synchronization of working and residence permits. It cannot continue where some employers refuse to request working permits for persons who have are in their employ sometimes for years and these same persons are not permitted to regulate their status on the basis that they are employed and can prove this by submitting the necessary documents. The new labor policy must be withdrawn and a more realistic one presented.

Philipsburg: --- The police did not find anything in the Middle Region home that was searched on Tuesday evening confirmed police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. The police spokesman said the investigation and search was conducted by the Atraco team as well as the Detectives of the local police force and not the RST as was previously reported.

Leonard said police arrested a 21 year old St. Maarten man identified as K.B who allegedly stole a number plate from a vehicle last Sunday. Leonard further explained that suspects stole a car at gun point from a man early Sunday morning in the vicinity of Border Bar. Police caught K.B with the number plate of the stolen car on Tuesday.

The young man he said remains in custody as police is busy investigating the case.

GREAT BAY: ---- The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with representatives of the WIFOL, WICSU and teachers union as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.

Current developments and concerns, which the commissioner was informed of, include a reduction of workdays, in some cases, from six to 2 days per week, for employees.

The trade union sector has informed Commissioner Richardson of its concerns regarding a shift from traditional stay-over facilities to timeshare and condominium projects. The trade union sector is of the opinion that this development does not provide for long-term employment and very limited employment opportunities for workers.

Other issues, which the commissioner was informed of, are concerns regarding the availability of training programs for workers, escalating crime, traffic congestion, and expensive airlift to St. Maarten.

The trade union sector is of the opinion that if the cost of airlift can be reduced, the number of arrivals may also increase, translating into additional jobs in the workplace.

During the discussions, union representatives raised the matter of activating the St. Maarten Social Economic Council (SER), to advise government on social economic issues.

Expressed to Commissioner Richardson were also concerns regarding the need to look into alternative sources of energy and investing in the upgrading of the infrastructure.

Suggestions for structural short-term solutions to a number of the discussed issues include a need for retraining programs for workers and training for workers in alternative industries.

The trade union sector further suggested a quota system, which limits the number of foreign workers.

Another suggestion was the revival of the consumer foundation.

We have a production shortage of approximately 8 MW.

Area Time out Time in

Dutch Quarter, Union Farm, Belverdere, Bishop Hill area, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill, Red Pond 14.00 16.00

Pointe Blanche, WG Buncamper Road, Vineyard area 14.00 16.00

Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay area, Beacon Hill, S'bay village, Airport Road 15.00 17.00

Beethoven str., Belair, Little Bay, Fort Willem 16.00 18.00

Belverdere, Oyster Pond, Westin Hotel area 17.00 19.00

Orange Grove, Almond Grove, Colebay lagoon area 17.00 19.00

GREAT BAY– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF), as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.

Chamber president Glen Carty and board member Arthur Bute represented the chamber and director Ludwig Quenniche represented the SBDF.

Commissioner Richardson was informed that the chamber is experiencing a significant reduction in the number of businesses being opened and that operating business establishments are reporting a reduction in activity due to the economic downturn.

Suggestions for structural short-term solutions, to be implemented in collaboration with government, include the protection of businesses, without introducing protectionism. The renewal of Philipsburg, especially Front street and Back Street was also offered as a good idea.

The stakeholders informed the commissioner of their views on the issue of quality versus quantity, considering that, according to stakeholders, the island has to make a choice of how it is perceived. Mentioned was the proliferation of counterfeit goods and the need for consumer protection.

Other recommendations entail rectifying the practice of parallel imports, which create unfair competition, and that all businesses must be required to have a crib number before a business license is granted.

Additional ideas offered were to limit the possibility of companies being retailers and wholesalers at the same time, to avoid monopolies and price manipulation, implementation of economic zoning and improving the communication between VOSEC and the chamber.

CAY BAY – GEBE technicians late Tuesday afternoon and early evening, completed their repairs to the DG-12 Generator (which can produce 8 to 10 megawatts of electricity) and will now go through the start-up of the generator as well as the test phase before the engine could be certified to be put back online.

The test phase will take a number of hours and if all goes well, the DG-12 Generator could be back online providing electricity to the community on Wednesday morning with the positive result of no more load shedding.

GEBE technicians had to replace the piston liner and rings. An abnormal amount of combustibles in the lube oil was found which GEBE engineers suspect was caused by a damaged piston ring.

Consequently, all parts had to be removed and replaced which proved to be rather labor intensive and time consuming and hence the need for load shedding.

Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union is not at all happy with the explanations given to them regarding the shortchanging of the teachers vacation allowance. President of the WITU Claire Elshot said the union received a response from the executive council outlining the reasons teachers received less monies this year.

According to the letter, which was given to the media it, stated that an indebt investigation was carried out by the finance department and they discovered that there was an error when calculating the vacation allowance.

The error being that the 16..3% Windward Island Allowance was calculated twice during the school year 2007-2008. According to the finance department, they made a mistake since the vacation allowance was integrated in the new salary scales, which went into effect in April last, and the calculation for the vacation allowance was done in the month of May. Elshot said the letter sent by the executive council is not clear because according to the union these calculations are done in the month of June for July. She said and even if the island government made a mistake, they have the right to correct that mistake but not to collect the extra monies that were paid out. She said based on what was taken out from the 2008-2009 vacation allowance it looks as if the finance department corrected the error and also took out the extra monies they claim to have payed the year before. Another explanation given by the finance department is that the pension fund has been increased from Naf. 72,000 to Naf. 77.544, which also caused an increase in the premiums taken out. The executive council also indicated to the union they would be sending each teacher a detail letter explaining them the reason for the drastic decrease in their vacation allowance. However, the union plans to conduct their own investigation into this matter which they intend to follow up Elshot explained.

The unionist said they also held a meeting with the commissioner of education where a number of issues were discussed. She said even the commissioner feels that some of the pending cases regarding teachers should go before a judge so that a ruling could be issued. Elshot explained that even though several of the cases have been filed in the court system the union is of the opinion that a special committee should be installed to deal with these issues which would save both parties monies. She said the persons in charge of the education department cannot be judge and jury in these cases where they themselves did not act fairly.

Philipsburg: --- Daniel Evans the St. Maarten representative giving the one-week training on human smuggling and the use of fraudulent documents said the training is progressing well thus far. Evans said the training, which began on July 24 thru July 29, is a follow up training on the request of the Minister of Justice David Dick.

He said the first part of the training took place in Curacao almost two years ago and the Immigration, Customs Enforcement was more than happy to hold a follow up on the first program. So far, there are about 120 officers from ten islands participating in the program to which they are receiving certificates.

Philipsburg: -- The police department has received a number of reports on petit crime over the weekend and late last week confirmed police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. The police spokesman said the department is presently investigating two cases where handbags have been snatched on different occasions. The first incident he said occurred on Thursday evening near Casino Royale.

The police spokesman said a 55 year old Canadian woman told police that she had just exited the casino and was about to enter her car which was parked on Rhine Road when a man attacked her and snatched her handbag. The woman had visible marks on her arm and knee when she engaged in a struggle to guard her bag. Leonard said inside the bag was $1000, and other personal items.

Police is also investigating another case where a Jamaican national reported that her handbag was snatched while she was walking on Back Street on Friday. The 33-year-old woman told police that she had $400 plus an airline ticket to and from Jamaica along with other personal items in the bag.

Police is also investigating an armed robbery, which took place at Western Union on Welfare Road Cole Bay. Leonard said two masked and armed men entered the establishment on Saturday morning brandishing handguns as they approach the cashiers. The police spokesman said luckily the cashiers operating at that establishment was behind a bulletproof glass and the attackers was not able to reach their target even though the made several attempts. However, after failing to rob the cashiers the bandits turned to a customer who was inside the building at the time and robbed them of $400. After committing the act, the bandits escaped from behind the building.

Marigot: --- Several persons including the territorial council are questioning the intentions of the president of the Tourist Office who wants the council promote the interim director to director of the Tourist Office. A meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday afternoon with the council where a decision has to be taken on the promotion. SMN News was reliably informed that the meeting had to be postponed twice because the territorial councilors did not show up on at least two occasions protesting against the decision of the EPIC President. If the meeting is held on Wednesday, the Council would be asked to vote on the matter. It is not clear if the opposition is in favor of the move or if they are against it since this would be another foreigner that would be assigned to a top position.

SMN News understands that the president of tourist office was called in and a discussion was held on her intentions. SMN News further understands that the director was hired as a consultant (Picaut & Fine Companies) to conduct the audit of the Tourist Office Association prior to her being hired as the interim director. It is also forbidden for any consultant to manage an EPIC according to French Administrative laws.

Questioning is her salary which stands at Euros 4, 500. The EPIC also has to provide housing, car, and phone and to cover the new employee’s moving expenses from France to St. Martin. Sources say the new director is also a friend of the president of the EPIC a situation she fought against with the former director who was fired.

It is not clear, how the council intends to deal with the issue, which has become highly controversial and if the prefet delegue would take actions against the illegalities taking place at the COM and Tourist Office. Already the treasury had taken action by not paying the utility bills of the tourist office some two months ago. The building was without phone, electricity, and water, which was restored after payment was made.

Curacao. The singer and songwriter Ephrem J was recently in the Dominican Republic for recording purposes and is back in Curacao ready for the release of his new single “Amor en la Luna”. The song was written and composed by Ephrem J and arranged by Martires de Leon from the Dominican Republic. When listening to the song, one can easily become confused about the source of the creation, considering that the arrangement combined with Ephrem J’s interpretation of the song, don’t leave any doubt that this young gentleman is putting quality above everything which in turn represents a serious threat to bachata bands like Aventura and Extreme.

The theme of the song, interpreted in a perfect Spanish, illustrates making love on the moon, where stars, comets and planets celebrate love and all distractions are muted while doing so. The melody of the song is also captivating. Without any doubt Ephrem J can look back on a great support with regard to the production of this song by Martires de Leon. About De Leon, the following is said on the website

http://www.iasorecords.com/bachata.cfm?subsecid=108:

“Although not the best known, guitarist Martires de León has probably been the most influential figure in bachata from 1998 to the present. De León, a prodigiously talented guitarist, has dedicated himself to the study of a wide range of styles on the instrument—among them blues, trio music, and jazz harmony. As an arranger, he has dominated the genre as no one else, with the exception of Edilio Paredes before him; an astonishing number of the most popular acts in bachata use De León to arrange and record their songs, among them Monchy y Alexandra, Alex Bueno, Los Toros Band, Yoskar Sarante and El Gringo de la Bachata. De León and his talented group of musicians have also perfected the formula which Anthony Santos and his contemporaries developed of a melodic introduction, verse, and a rhythmic “mambo” section marked by increasingly percussive bass parts and merengue-like patterns on the bongó and güira.”

With this modern approach to bachata, Martires de Leon has created a new style, specific to Ephrem J’s voice and style.

Pleasant information is that this bachata mastermind will be in Curacao to perform as a guitarist along other top Curacao musicians during Ephrem J’s concert with dancing opportunity to be held at the end of October 2009.

The song “Amor en la Luna” can be heard in its pre-release phase on the home page www.ephremj.com with a link to the lyrics. In the coming days, all radio stations and DJs in the Netherlands Antilles will receive the radio demo of the song, while the video clip of the song that was also recorded in the Dominican Republic will soon be released. The video clip was directed, recorded and edited by Jose Calles of BlackBoxVisuals.

SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that mid-August the Simpson Bay Bridge will closed to maritime traffic for a two-week period to facilitate additional repair work.

The main contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.

All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the bridge structure.

In August 2009 Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will once more asses the condition of the bridge after all the improvements and will submit a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.

PHILIPSBURG--The Island Government of St. Maarten celebrates and commemorates Emancipation Day on July 1st of each year. This day signifies the official abolishing of slavery after one hundred and sixty one years. Emancipation Day must always be about reflection and celebration notwithstanding the hurt, ugliness and evil that was perpetuated against a people simply because of the color of their skin. Out of the depth of this dark chapter of the world’s history emerged the traits of resilience. As long as there are descendants of enslaved men and women alive there is every reason to celebrate and commemorate emancipation day. History ceases to exist when a people have become totally extinct. At that point the reason to celebrate emancipation day becomes null and void.

Today is not the time to revisit the pain of slavery, rather we should reflect on the miracle of surviving it. It is time to re-establish the pride and dignity of resilience and resistance. It is time to pause and appreciate the amazing gift of renewal that we have been blessed with after being through the most cruel and dehumanizing period of the past five hundred years.

History has given us One Tete Lokay who represents the triumph of our collective memory. She reminds us every day as we get to know her better that although we were told that Emancipation Day was July 01, 1848, there were many of our ancestors who were identical in spirit to her: they were the ‘Free Slaves’. Regardless of the chains that bounded their bodies and the tamarind whip that tore their skin, their spirits were always free and anchored in faith.

Fellow St. Maarteners it is so easy to build up bitterness when looking at the past, however Emancipation Day although rooted in the past is about the future. It’s about the renewal of dignity, pride, resilience, self reliance and resistance. It is ultimately about “A New Beginning”.

I will end by reminding each and every one of you with a quote by the late Honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who eloquently stated:

“I am a slave to no man, but a servant to all”.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Business Outreach & Placement Program(BOPP) is about to start, and the first training session has taken place at the PMIA Hall on Backstreet, where students received information on entering the job market, whether in the private or public sector.

The Business Outreach & Placement Program was initiated in the summer of 1998/1999. The main objective of the program is to provide students within the secondary education system who are 16 years and older and are in pre-exam or exam class as well as students in tertiary education with the opportunity to be employed in Government Services or the Private sector for a period of six weeks during their summer vacation.

The program has evolved over the years to the extent that it now includes trainings, interviews, monitoring and evaluating of not only the student workers but the program as a whole.

The students have attended exercises on building confidence and human interaction, voice, body language and interpretation, as well as conducting a SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threats) analysis.

BOPP organizers, have stated that the program is mutually beneficial, whereby the students receive job training and in turn The Island Government or Private Business continues to serve the community.

Students are selected on the basis of their academic and personal skills. They go through preliminary training and on the job training. After the 6 weeks of on the job training, the students will have an excellence work experience that is beneficial to them in many ways, from the general knowledge acquired to specific tasks learnt.

Students who are successful at the training will begin working on Monday, July 6.

Marigot: --- One of the security companies that were controlled by the team of controllers last week found that the company did not even have one agreement with the Sous Prefecture for his employees. SMN News understands that the company that is managed by a father and daughter had 38 persons working and they did not seek to have one agreement with the Prefet for none of the employees.

The source said several of the persons working for the company had legal problems with the law before and they are not qualified to work in the security field, or carry a firearm.

While the controllers did find firearms and other weapons at the company the worst infraction was the fact the managers did not seek to follow the law, even though they declared all of their workers. With this infraction both father and daughter who are managers of the company are facing prison time.

The source said that even though the company carries the same name of a company on the Dutch side of the island the majority of the shares are owned by the French owner. SMN News understands the company on the Dutch side owns 5% of the French company simply because the French company is using the name and uniform and vehicles identical to the Dutch side company.

Marigot: -- The Gendarmes conducted an operation in Oyster Pond where they arrested a 24 year old female who was in possession of a stolen vehicle and drugs. A press release from the gendarmerie states that the vehicle was reported stolen during the month of May in Marigot under the threat of a weapon. Inside the car the suspect had 300 grams of cannabis. The suspect has been placed into custody and will appear in court on St. Martin where she would answer charges for robbery, being possession of stolen items and the sale and supply of narcotics.

The operation which was held on Thursday involved 25 gendarmes and eight from the police department.

Also on Wednesday 1st July, a major operation was conducted in MARIGOT.

Twenty three gendarmes including two soldiers from the motor brigade were involved in the operation. A total of 108 persons were controlled with 96 vehicles. Fourteen.

were reported on one occasion a lack of driver's license, two

defects insurance, non-changing carte de grise, a lack of technical control, five non presentations, fines were also given for the lack of documents, not wearing a helmet, a vehicle that had too smooth tires to transport children.

The gendarmes are also trying to find the owner of a cellular phone which was confiscated from a fraudulent person. According to the gendarme they acted under an investigation where they seized some stolen items including a Samsung phone, with touch screen engraved with “ptit my butterfly”.

The legitimate owner is invited to contact the Gendarmerie de Quartier d'Orleans, the owner is asked to provide proof of purchase so that the handset can be returned.

Philipsburg:---On Tuesday June 9, 2009 a delegation consisting of the National Weather Service consisting of the Regional Director Mr. Bill Poenza, Mr. Rober Molleda, the Metrological Service of The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, Acting Head St. Maarten Mr. R. Eugenio and Director Mr. A. Martis met with the Sector Economy and Tourism, Director Mr. Miguel de Weever and Policy Advisor Louis Halley at the office of the Juliana International Airport to discuss the further development of the Metrological Service on St. Maarten. The objective was to discus the transfer of meteorological services to St. Maarten. During the meeting an overview was given of the responsibilities of The Metrological Services of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (MDNAA). The group was informed that MDNAA is responsible for the collection of meteorological and climatology data, generation and dissemination of public weather forecasts and warnings. In addition, they provide information for aviation and marine. Mr. Poenza, the Regional Director of the NWS also provided an overview of his responsibilities of the NWS. He indicated that they have a close working relationship with the MDNAA with Curacao and St. Maarten with the upper air soundings (assessment of the atmosphere). One of the other areas that is of great importance that was also discussed is other natural disasters i.e. earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. Tsunamis became the focal point of discussion, as comparable to the Indian Ocean the Caribbean is also a seismic active area. The Tsunamis better known as “El Peligro Olivado” (the Forgotten Danger) is an imminent treat to the low lying coastal areas of the Caribbean islands. Because the coastal areas of the Caribbean islands are relatively flat, makes the threat for greater disaster more imminent. Currently, work is being carried out to develop a Tsunami Warning Center (TWC) in Puerto Rico. On a National level the seismic station in St. Maarten also contributes to the regional seismic network. The warning issued by the TWC will be received via emails, SMS and the GTS at the Metrological offices and subsequently, a special bulletin will be disseminated by the Metrological office to the relative authorities.Mr. Proenza during his visit got the opportunity to visit the Metrological Service of St. Maarten. He explained that he saw, there is room for expansion at the center to develop a full fledge Metrological Office. There were upper air soundings being done by the center which is important for the assessment of the atmosphere to provide weather forecasts. During a visit at the office on Monday evening, the new Automatic Weather Station (Sutron, a U.S. company) was shown. Using the existing telecommunication capabilities, meteorological information (data, text, radar image, aerodrome warnings) generated at the office of the MDNAA is sent in real time to the Airports, the Control Tower and Area Control. Furthermore in close collaboration with Airport Authorities a brand new upper air station was built next to the office in St. Maarten. As part of the Cooperative Meteorological Program, new equipment was installed recently. The information generated by the radiosonde and surface observations are used for the airport and also transmitted worldwide via the Meteorological Global Telecommunication System. In this connection, the International Satellite Communication System workstation is used, allowing the Met Office to receive and transmit meteorological information via a satellite connection.

Visit to the weather Radar.

The group visited the radar site on St. Peters Hill were the refurbished weather surveillance radar, with Doppler capabilities is being installed. It is expected that the radar will be soon operational, allowing the forecasters and the general public of St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius and surrounding islands to have a real time view of shower activity via the web site of MDNAA. This information will be sent in real time to the National Hurricane Center in Miami as part of the cooperation between the NOAA/NWS and the MDNAA.

Meeting Lt. Governor.

A short meeting was held with the Lt. Governor, where a brief overview of the scope of responsibilities of the National Weather Service was provided. At that time Mr. Bill Poenza informed the Lt. Governor that the NWS is ready to assist St. Maarten in their quest to have a full fledge Meteorological Service as he sees the ultimate objective of this service is the not only the protection and economic well being of the persons but also of life.

Mr. Proenza an advocate for the development of a Tsunami Warning Center for the Caribbean also informed the Lt. Governor of the works being done to create the awareness in the Caribbean and the focal points where information can be obtained. He stated that Barbados would be the focal point for the English speaking islands and possibly Venezuela for the Spanish speaking islands and territories.

During the visit, Mr. Martis gave the Lt. Governor an update of the works being done on the Radar facility on St. Maarten. Mr. Martis Stated that with the near future a US based company will come to St. Maarten to place the dome around the radar and subsequently thereafter a US company will come to St. Maarten to install the software. It was indicated that by the middle of July 2009, the radar will be going through its first testing period.

Meeting EOC

A meeting was also held with Mr. Winston Salomon Chief Commander of Fire Department and Mr. Paul Martens, Section Head Disaster Management. The meeting was held to discuss a Tsunami preparedness program of which a presentation was given by Mr. Bill Proenza. Mr. Proenza gave a presentation about characteristics of a Tsunami, dates of the last Tsunamis in the Caribbean dating back to the 1800’s and the importance of being prepared. Mr. Poenza also gave an explanation of the impact of a hurricane relative to a Tsunami and also the response time in which information can be provided to the public.

Mr. Proenza indicated that unlike in the case of a hurricane where warning is given days in advance the warning for a Tsunami is relatively short, approximately of 15-25 minutes. Therefore, it is critical that information can be disseminated to the public in very short time in order to mobilize the public in the event of a Tsunami.

Mr. Martis stated that efforts are being made where discussions with the Mobile companies of St. Maarten to utilize mass dissemination of text messaging to inform the public. Public awareness/education still needs to be developed in order not to create panic situation.

In closing of this group meeting (June 8-11, 2009) Mr. de Weever, stated that the protection of life and property is the highest call we have. St. Maarten will continue the process of setting up a National Weather Service and that there will always be cooperation with other Metrological Services, especially within the Kingdom and the US.

Philipsburg: --- The police department has completed both investigations against brigadier R.J who is accused of abusing his wife for another woman. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said both investigations have been completed. Doran said the criminal investigation files have been sent to the prosecutor’s office and they would now have to decide how they are going to handle the case.

While Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he is still waiting for the documents from the police to make a decision. Mud said because he does not have the complete file in front of him he cannot say what actions if any would be taken by the prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor office may or may not prosecute the case depending on the extent of the abuse, or violence that was used.

Doran further explained the second file which was conducted by the police internal affairs has been completed and sent to the Chief of Police for disciplinary sanctioning. The top cop did not say what disciplinary measures would be taken against R.J he said this is a matter that has to be dealt with internally.

Doran said the police department gave the case the necessary attention since it involves a police officer. “We did what we have to do because we do not want people to say because its one of us, they can do and escape.”

In the meantime, the wife of R.J, Connie James is angry with the newspaper reports in one of the daily newspapers on Tuesday. The woman said when she saw an article that appeared in the newspaper on Monday by the man’s lover who accused her of going to their St. Peters residence armed. She said she went to the newspaper to give her side of the story but the reporter she said printed inaccurate information.

Connie James said when she arrived at the St. Peters residence where her husband was with his lover she met a knife on the porch banister and she picked it up and when she entered the house there was a hammer on a press which she picked up with the same hand. Connie James said the reason she picked up both weapons in the same hand she did not want anyone of the persons in the house to injure her with them. She further explained that because of an accident she is unable to use her right hand. “So to say I had a weapon in each hand is a total lie and to say I went to the house armed is also far from the truth.” The woman said she met both of the weapons at the house and she held both of them in the same hand, her left hand.

Mrs. James said for this reason he went to meet the reporter in question so he could see that she cannot use her right hand and instead he wrote inaccurate information.

Philipsburg:-- Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said they have received several complaints has been coming to the police department from several concern persons about minors visiting night clubs on the island. According to these complaints these minors were allowed to enter these night clubs without showing any type of identification. These minors were allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages and drink as if they were adults.

Some of these minors even become quite intoxicated and conducted themselves improperly. The ages of these minors ranged between fourteen to sixteen years old. The police Department want to remind and warn all nightclub operators and nightclub owners, that there are laws that prohibit minors entering these establishments and laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors.

Even though the summer vacation is ongoing and many of the youths have no where to go, the laws still apply. The Police Department is sending out a very stern warning to those night club operators and owner that the police will be controlling these un-acceptable situations. If a minor is found in any night club during open hours or is caught purchasing or drinking alcohol in any of these nightclubs, the police will act immediately by closing the establishment and dealing with the situation accordingly. A fine will be given to the club operator/ club owner and a report will be written with regards to their findings and sent to the Lt. Governor advising him to revoke the business license. The parents of these minors will also be held responsible for any illegal activities their children may have been involved in.

Philipsburg: --- Despite being in recess the island council will be holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the revised labour policy that has been shelved by the National Alliance/ Heyliger government. SMN News has been reliably informed that leader of the Democratic Party and former commissioner of labour Sarah Wescot Williams wrote a second letter to the acting chairman of the island council Millicent De Weever asking her to reconsider her decision and to call an urgent meeting. Last week De Weever had said the agenda point was not one of urgency and scheduled the meeting for August 10th. However, after the second letter was written police was used to deliver the notifications to the homes of the members of the executive council over the weekend the source said.

The executive council withdrew the revised labour policy which is still in effect just about a month ago after it is understood the policy is doing more damage to the economy than good. While the DP led government as well as the tripartite committee felt the policy was created to protect locals in the job market it is also understood that the revised policy is actually hindering and hurting locals.

Just two weeks ago the unions called an urgent meeting with the commissioner of labour who promised to further discuss the matter with the executive council. SMN News also understands that the executive council has requested the Lt. Governor to take away the labour mandate from the head of island labour Rafi Boasman. It is said the executive council no longer wants Boasman to sign off on work permits and that they would be the ones to decide on the granting of these permits as a collective body.

Philipsburg: --- Newly elected president of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier said the board of the DP stands fully behind its leader and they intend to do an assessment of the party members in order to know where they stand. Ferrier said it is no secret that the Democratic Party has had some internal issues (turmoil) within the party. The intention of the new board is to conduct an internal and swat analysis to determine the strengths and weaknesses of its members.

Ferrier said this task will be conducted by professionals since they would not be looking for people who would tell them what they want to hear instead the new board would seek people who would tell them exactly what they needed to hear about their party. He said the Democratic Party is committed and they need to make sure they have people who are fully supportive of its leader. The leader does not have to keep wondering whether or not persons are there when she needs them.

The party he said would focus on the needs of the voters and the people of St. Maarten as well as the reality of the island.

GREAT BAY--– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, has met with shipping agents and insurance brokers as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.

Representing the shipping sector at the recent discussions were Intermar’s Carl Hart, Director of Marketing and Robert Heyer. St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring N.V. was represented by its president George Pelgrim while Safe Cargo was represented by Kate Lawrence.

Among issues brought forward were how freight costs to the island are fairly comparable with other destinations in the region. Costs are very much dependent on the region where purchases are made.

Commissioner Richardson was informed about a shortage of local specialized-personnel and which in turn contributes to higher operational costs.

At present, connections to the Caribbean are very good with St. Maarten being well-positioned for service to the North-Eastern Caribbean.

Current and future measures to mitigate the existing impact include ongoing negotiations with port facility authorities to use St. Maarten as a cargo transshipment point. An incentive program is also being developed to further attract lines for transshipment activity.

Among the suggestions for short-term & structural solutions in collaboration with government is the development of St. Maarten to become a distribution centre to the Caribbean, for air cargo, coming particularly from the Far-East and other regions.

In meeting with insurance brokers Neil Henderson and Robin Ramrattan, the commissioner was informed that insurance is still considered to be high a priority on the minds of consumers and businesses, notwithstanding the currently economic climate.

Insurance of properties have meanwhile remained stable, given the high level of uncertainty within the global and local economies while premiums have generally become more affordable returning to levels of before 1999.

Commissioner Richardson was informed that there has been an overall 15% decline in policy renewals.

Measures taken or plans to mitigate the current impact include the St. Maarten Brokers Association, SIBA, planning to raise community awareness through marketing and in the process remind and educate the public on insurance products and options.

With regards to the selling of insurance, the insurance brokers sector has suggested that government should act to ensure a level-playing field in the financial services sector.

Simpson Bay – On Friday the Mega Yacht Mall currently under construction in Simpson Bay reached its highest point. This was celebrated with a rafter wetting ceremony by building firm Liccom and the developer of the commercial complex together with their guests. Due to open before the end of August, the mall opposite Simpson Bay Yacht Club is designed to create “a unique shopping experience” according to its real estate developers.

A blend of Mediterranean and Metropolitan styles, the three-storey building is expected to project a visible iconic signature in an upscale tourist and residential area. A large parking lot will be available on the property for visitors. Moreover, the building will be completely air-conditioned and provided with an automatic back-up generator.

The Mega Yacht Mall will offer 22 flexible units across two levels. The ground floor has already been taken and will accommodate a gourmet supermarket. The second level will consist of over 7,500 sq. ft. of duty-free retail space with food court. The third level of 8,000 sq. ft. will include a rooftop garden in front of a shopping street with restaurants and a lounge/bar.

Given the current economic climate, the Mega Yacht Mall’s real estate agent Edgar Lynch of ARLYN CONSULTANTS is offering interested parties a stimulus package. Renters receive the first two months rent-free and are offered a major reduction for the remaining period of the rental agreement.

Philipsburg: --- The island council adjourned its meeting called to discuss the courts decision on Scarlet NV, which was rendered on July 17 2009.

Another meeting will be called on Friday to continue the discussions. Leader of government William Marlin in his address said that because the court has condemned the island council to pay a Naf.10, 000 daily until a decision is made on the pending amendments to Scarlet NV business license. Marlin said the Island Council is now faced with a situation where they would have to take a decision on Scarlet if they are to stop the counter, which is already at Naf.180, 000 now that they are ten days away from when the court ruled.

Marlin proposed to the island council that they amend the business license of Scarlet so that they can stop that counter which was imposed on the council. He further suggested that approving the amendments would also stop the ongoing court battles; however, the DP faction did not see the verdict in the same light.

They agreed that the council should take a decision on the pending amendments but also outlined in the verdict where the judge gave the council an option to decide otherwise if they believe that having another telecommunication company would jeopardize the island’s economy. Leader of the DP faction said that the last time the council met to discuss this issue they asked the judge not to impose the penalty and to grant the island council the time to seek advice from an independent bureau. However, the judge does not feel that is needed claiming that the council has sufficient information and technocrats at their disposal to take a decision.

Former Commissioner of Telecommunications and now island council lady Maria Buncamper Molaus shared the same view, Buncamper Molanus said should the island council make such an amendments then they would be jeopardizing the livelihood of TELEM workers, which ranged to about 200. Buncamper Molanus also explained while that figure only represents the employees of the company if multiplied by four to include family members that would be affecting already 800 people, doing so she said would directly affect the economy of St. Maarten that is already faced with the effects of a recession.

Buncamper Molanus also read out parts of the telecommunication policy, which has a moratorium on such licenses. She advised the council to look into the telecommunication policy and to take the right decision. The island council then adjourned and the Attorney at law Richard Gibson Jr. was called in to work on a new proposal, which is to be presented to the island council on Friday. The island council has decided that they would now bring a proposal to reject the amendments of Scarlet NV business license based on the points raised by the DP Faction.

Marigot: -- The head of communications at the Collectivity it is understood was issued with a warning letter on Friday after it was determined that she insulted the residents of Grand Case during the Schoelcher fete.

SMN News was reliably informed that the head of communications pushed herself in the line to get food on more than one occasion and she was asked by the residents of Grand Case to join the line if she wanted so much food. The source said the head of communications insulted the local residents telling them that she is the one that organized a fete for Grand Case and no one has the right to tell her anything.

At least two residents of Grand Case told this reporter that they informed the Territorial Councilor of Grand Case about the incident and they also told the councilor that they did not need such a person to organize fetes for them. The residents it is said made clear that they have been having fetes for several years now and this person never had to organize it. SMN News further understands that the fourth vice president in charge of communications has decided to issue a letter to his department informing them that they are not to create confusion during any activity that is organized by the Collectivity.

The same senior employee also called a reporter on Wednesday evening and confirmed to the reporter that there was an investigation ongoing pertaining to the alleged sexual harassment, which was also investigated on Friday. The foreign worker also called the reporter on Thursday and threatens him telling him that she would also cut him from the Collectivity mailing list since the reporter had no right to print the article in one of the daily newspapers. SMN News understands that the head of communications was aggressive and insulted the reporter when she called him on Thursday.

Philipsburg: --- Former commissioner of tourism Roy Marlin decided to set the record straight regarding the arrival of West Jet Airlines at a press conference held on Monday. Marlin said he took note of the statements made by the current commissioner of tourism Frans Richardson who said because of his handling West Jet would now be coming to St. Maarten.

Marlin explained to reporters some of the lengthy procedures and well as the planning, that has to take place prior to an airline flying to any destination. He said while arrangements have to be made within the company as well at the Princess Juliana International Airport he cannot see how Richardson could have done this just six weeks after taking office.

Marlin called on Richardson not take credit for things he did not do, if the commissioner said he did something to jump start the process that would have been alright but for him to say he initiated the process is misleading the people.

GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that all cases including the 13th and 14th cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus have made a full recovery.

Additional four samples collected from persons on July 26 and 27 are pending results whether the persons may have the virus. The pending sample from July 17 came back negative indicating that the person did not have the virus.

The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.

This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.

Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.

Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.

The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past, all confirmed cases have recovered fully.

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

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

French Quarter: --- Some sixteen divers were seen in a number of small dingy boats with sonar equipments trying to see if they can find the remains of Leta Lynn Cordes in the French Quarter fish pond (Etang du Poisson). The area that is being searched is located to the end of Le Galleon beach.

The divers began their search on Monday but so far they have not found anything that would help them solve the case of the missing woman.

The operation which is led by the RST comprised of six experienced divers from the United States of America, six from the Netherlands who have the same type of experience and four from the French crime squad. The search which is presently underway may last all week depending on the outcome each day.

Leta Lynn Cordes is a Mission Viejo woman who also owns a vacation villa in Dawn Beach; went missing on January 11 2007 after a day’s outing with her husband Frank Cordes. According to Frank Cordes his wife left their home around 11 pm that Friday night to go gambling at the Westin Casino. Since then police on Dutch St. Maarten conducted numerous searches with cadaver and other dogs to locate the missing woman.

Frank Cordes was arrested on October 14 2008 as the prime suspect in his wife disappearance but was released from pre-trial detention in January 26 2009 after the investigators could not locate the body of Leta Lynn and prosecuting a suspect for murder without a body in the Dutch criminal system can be painstaking.

In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said the searches are presently taking place but up the press time there were no new developments.

CAY BAY—The GEBE Power Plant resorted to load shedding, today, July 1, 2009 when two main generators malfunctioned.

Diesel Generator #12, which produces up to 10 MW, was stopped this morning due to problems with the automatic lube oil filters. These filters are a critical part of the lube oil system that protects the moving parts in the machine.

In addition Diesel Generator #17, which produces approximately 8 MW, developed problems with one of the cylinders. This machine was promptly shut down to prevent overloading which could have resulted in extensive damage. The repairs to this generator took longer than planned because a leaking cylinder head was detected. Further an alert mechanic discovered problems with the lube oil system that could have otherwise caused more problems in a day or so. Due to the diligence of the power plant technicians, the repairs were executed promptly and all power was expected to be restored by 5:00 p.m.

The load shedding affected the areas of Point Blanche, Middle Region, Philipsburg (Pondfill area), Belair-Cay Hill, St. Peters, Pelican, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Oyster Pond, and Low Lands.

Due to the warm weather, the electricity demand has increased significantly. GEBE power plant capacity is just enough to meet the current demand. GEBE Power Plant is already undergoing expansion with the two 11.2 MW generators expected on the island within the next two weeks and should be commissioned in December 2009 just in time for the beginning of the high tourism season. In the mean time, any additional mechanical problems may lead to short power interruptions. If load shedding becomes necessary, GEBE will make the load shedding schedule available to the media. Updates will also be posted as they become available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com.

GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience to its customers as these emergency repairs are carried out. The power plant is looking to restore power to these areas as soon as possible.

Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten approved the draft Kingdom Laws which has to go to parliament for its establishment. The five laws approved unanimously are the Kingdom Law on the joint court of Justice, Financial Supervision of the countries Curacao and St. Maarten, the Kingdom Law on the Public Prosecution System of Curacao, St. Maarten and the BES islands. The Kingdom Law on the Police of Curacao and St. Maarten, and the BES islands as well as the council for the maintenance of Justice.

Following is the presentation given by leader of government and commissioner constitutional affairs William Marlin prior to the voting of the laws.

The word consensus means here that, given the Political Declaration of the 12th of November 2007, agreement must exist and be maintained between Curacao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands during the whole process of establishing of these laws.

This has proven to be a major challenge, with negotiations taking place up to late yesterday afternoon.. Never before in the history of the Kingdom have so many matters that reside with the authority of the countries within the Kingdom been regulated by Kingdom laws.

As we have experienced and probably will experience in the future the potential for conflict in the development, adaptation and application of these laws have been and are great.

That is why I will start out by stating that it is a pity that the Kingdom law on the changes to the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is not one of the laws that we are dealing with today. This Kingdom law presently is before the Council of State of the Kingdom for advice. Two main reasons to justify that concern:

1. The first being that in that law proposals have been included with the intention of creating the possibility of resolving conflicts between the governments of the Kingdom in an independent and more equitable fashion than is presently possible within the system of the Charter and;

2. Secondly and of even greater importance to us is because in that law the new statuses of the islands are established.

Let it therefore be known and clear, that - as the government of the Netherlands has frequently declared - the government of St. Maarten considers also as one package the content of these five Kingdom laws and the Kingdom law on changes to the Charter in which St. Maarten is declared a Country within the Kingdom.

The approval of these 5 laws is therefore as far as St. Maarten is concerned subjected to the unconditional establishing of St. Maarten as a country within the Kingdom!

A. Joint Court of Justice.

The consensus Kingdom Law on the Joint Court of Justice gives considerable credence to the division of powers – legislative, executive, judiciary - within the countries and the acknowledgement of autonomy of the courts to manage its own affairs. The establishing of the court as a legal, corporate entity is unique within the Kingdom and allows for self management without undue interference from the Executive Branch of government in the daily operations of the court. The law contains notwithstanding that measures that ensure accountability through an independent Management Council in which each country will have a representative that will function as a buffer between government and judiciary. Service level agreements with the Joint Court of Justice will allow the countries to influence the quality of service rendered to their communities. The court will be jointly financed on a user based system that is presently being developed and will be presented to this Island Council for approval in the near future. As is presently the case the judges will be appointed by Royal Decree for life and are retired at age 65. The Court Registrars and staff will be appointed by the Management Council. In each country there will be a Court of First Instance and a local Court Registrar and staff.

The Aruba issue

The draft consensus Kingdom Law is in its present form applicable to Aruba. However Aruba has not given its consent to this law. Aruba has consistently stated that as long as the constitutional changes of the Netherlands Antilles and for the islands do not have any consequences for that country it will honor the right of self determination of the islands. As far as the Joint Court of Justice is concerned Aruba has stated that if the seat of the court is not established in Aruba, Aruba prefers to regulate an autonomous Court in First Instance and court registrar in Aruba separate from that of the proposed entity in the present draft law for the Joint Court of Justice, but with a cooperation arrangement for the appeals court.

The Netherlands objects to this solution and as a result a proposal is incorporated in the draft consensus law to impose the system developed by Curacao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands on Aruba using article 43, sub two in conjunction with article 14 of the Charter of the Kingdom. Curacao, the government of the Netherlands Antilles but in particular St. Maarten have objected strenuously to the application of these articles of the Charter as there is no legal basis to do so based on the Charter and is not the correct way to resolve conflicts between the governments of the Kingdom, certainly not in cases where it concerns the legitimate authority over a task and responsibility of that country. It would constitute and unheard of and unacceptable precedent of the use of the Charter that could later be used against the vital interests of St. Maarten and/of Curacao for that matter.

The inclusion of the propose measure on Aruba also tarnishes the relationship between that country and new emerging countries of Curacao and St. Maarten and could very well induce Aruba to object to proposed changes to the Charter of Kingdom, thereby effectively blocking the establishing of the country status. Furthermore the Council of State of the Kingdom is of the opinion that the Kingdom law should be based solely on article 38, sub two, of the Charter (consensus laws).

It is with these considerations in mind that the Executive Council presents you with amendments to its original proposal with the clear intention of taking a solid stand against the proposed application of article 43, sub two in conjunction with article 14 of the Charter in the issue with Aruba. St. Maarten is furthermore pursuing arrangements with the government of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao and if possible with the Netherlands to prevent and or curtail the in our opinion unconstitutional use of the Charter of the Kingdom in this way.

B. Financial Supervision of the countries Curacao and St. Maarten.

This consensus Kingdom law has been handled in a previous meeting of the Island Council and it concerns the continuation of financial supervision in a (slightly) different form that the present regulation in the General Kingdom Measure on Financial Supervision.

The Island and Executive Council at that time requested that the Council of State of Kingdom be asked to advice on the setting up of an independent system of appeals in the event of conflicts between the respective governments in the Kingdom by the execution and application of the consensus kingdom laws. In particular St. Maarten was a proponent that de Council of State become the institution to independently decide as the present setup calls for a decision of the Kingdom Council of Ministers in which the government of the Netherlands plays a predominant role.

The Council of State is however of the opinion that the system of the Charter does not allow for the Council of State to play such a role and advises to maintain the procedure and method of conflict resolution that is in the present Kingdom Council Measure and has been taken over in the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision. The Council of State plays a crucial role in the decision making process and the possibility for the Kingdom Council of Ministers to deviate from an advice of the Council of State is severely limited.

With this in mind and in view of the fact that the Kingdom Law on changes to the Charter of the Kingdom will provide in the possibility of establishing an independent conflict resolution system, we propose to accept the consensus kingdom law as proposed.

Attention is drawn to the fact that this law includes procedures and criteria in article 33 for the termination of the financial supervision.

C. Public Prosecutor System.

This consensus Kingdom law was also debated on the floor of the Island Council in a previous meeting. At that time the main issues concerned the authority of the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands to - as a member of the Kingdom Council of Ministers - give instructions to the joint Attorney General of the countries Curacao and St. Maarten.

The Council of State of the Kingdom gave a scathing judgment on the proposals included in the draft law on the insistence and demand of the government of the Netherlands and that were consistently contended by Curacao, the government of the Netherlands Antilles and St. Maarten.

Subsequently political agreement was reached in the Political Steering Group for Constitutional reform, whereby the instruction authority of the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands was rescinded. To ensure due process of law and maintain appropriate application of the rule of law the authority of the Ministers of Justice of the countries will have to seek the blessing of the Joint Court of Justice for their intentions to give instructions to the Attorney General in specific cases. It is customary that ministers maintain a proper distance and exercise great restraint when it comes to intervention in specific cases.

For St. Maarten is also important that agreement was also reached on the – very likely possibility – of appointment of a Solicitor General stationed on St. Maarten who will be able to substitute for the Attorney General who will be stationed on Curacao.

D. Police.

This consensus Kingdom regulates the system police forces in the countries Curacao and St. Maarten and for the public entities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

The following aspects are the essence of the Kingdom Law:

- St. Maarten and Curacao will each have its own police force

- Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will have one joint police force

- That all tasks that police forces normally have, these police forces are charged with

- In all of the countries the police corps will operate under the authority of the proper authorities, which means under the Minister of Justice as far as St. Maarten and Curacao are concerned

- Several arrangements have been made to ensure cooperation between the police corps and adequate planning and joint operations for the combating of several forms of serious organized and international crime. These tie into similar arrangements in the law on the public prosecutor system. The so called Joint Services will play an important role in the securing and allocation of resources for/to the police corps for the execution of these tasks.

In the meantime the in the final statement agreed upon trajectory for the improvement of the police corps is in full swing.

E. Council for the maintenance of Justice.

The Council for the maintenance of Justice is a crucial inspection institution and forms one of the cornerstones in the justice system that is being set up.

The tasks of the Council are to carry out general inspections of all institutions in the justice chain with the exception of the Joint Court of Justice. Important organizations that will be subjected to inspections by the Council are the police, the training of the police, the public prosecutor system, prison institutions, court of guardianship, probation institutions, etc.

The inspection task will cover the effectiveness, quality of the execution of the tasks and the management. Furthermore the Council will be charged with the general inspection of the cooperation on justice between the countries.

The countries can charge the Council with the task of advising over complaints by citizens over institutions subjected to its inspection task. It can also be charged with the supervision of the processing of police data/information.

In this way independent check and balances are built into the justice chain that will stimulate adequate performance and also through proactive measures ensure that the countries comply with international treaties (example: on the prevention of torture and such) and standards.

Through the above mentioned laws and executive measures that are presently being drafted and finalized, the completion of the process on the constitution for the country St. Maarten and the organic laws, St. Maarten will have nearly completely complied with the agreements made in de final statement of the 2nd of November 2006. The loyal compliance with the agreements of the final statement, the substantial role that St. Maarten has played in achieving these results and the guarantees that are built into the systems should way lay all the fears that have been expressed over the capability for St. Maarten to become a country.

The actual setting up of additional government organizations to carry out the tasks of country St. Maarten in accordance with the developed plans will soon be in full swing. The agreements made with the government of the Netherlands Antilles and with that of the Netherlands should greatly facilitate the timely development of those government organizations within the period available until the date of transition to the status of country.

CAY BAY--Two generators malfunctioned early this morning, July 3, 2009, resulting in a loss of 12 MW of capacity.

The following areas are currently being affected up to 6.00pm this evening:

Oyster Pond, St. Peters/Reward area, Low Lands area. All other districts are online.

GEBE technicians are still working on the generators that were off line due to mechanical problems.

Load shedding is a possibility on Saturday, July 4 if mechanical problems at the Cay Bay Power Plant persist. Additional information will be released once this is available.

Updates will be posted as they become available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com

GEBE apologizes for to its customers for this inconvenience.

Philipsburg:-- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson at a press conference on Friday said that this past Tuesday, the Executive Council approved the project proposal ‘Marketing Stimulus Program’ for St. Maarten.

The Executive Council also approved to send the project proposal to USONA for financing.

Due to the world economic crisis and our having to mitigate the effects thereof on our own economy, decisive action is certainly called for. In consultation with the Dutch Government the Island territory of St Maarten had created the Marketing Stimulus Program to stimulate the economy.

The Marketing Stimulus Program Stimulus is an island wide action plan of both the private and public sector in St. Maarten and includes additional marketing and promotional activities. The program will be managed by STB (St. Maarten Tourist Bureau) and will run for a period of 2 years with the focus on the first 6 months.

The Marketing Stimulus Program will focus on the following results/activities:

Public sector

- Increase the amount of stay-over visitors from Venezuela with 425 a year (total 25%)

- Increase the amount of stay-over visitors from Brazil with 442 a year (total 25%)

- Re-design, up-date and maintenance of the website

- One extra yearly Mega Yacht show

- Four events in the festival village and two conferences a year

Private sector

- Extra advertisement in magazines and increase accessibility website

- Start an extra local promotion program

- Install a call center for bookings on Sint Maarten

- Extra investments in travel agents and media promotion program

As most of the funding will come from the SEI-program, the program will become a new project in the SEI-program (project 3.3.1, policy field Marketing Tourism).

Financing

The financing of the Marketing Stimulus Program is agreed with the Dutch Government, and as such the budgets of some projects of the SEI program will reallocated for this program. The following projects will contribute with the mentioned amount to the respective programs:

Knowledge and behavior NAF 300.000,-

Strategy Branding position NAF. 300.000,-

Local Awareness Program NAF. 700.000,-

Establish a Tourism Authority NAF 400.000,-

Marketing Sports tourism NAF 500.000,-

Transit storage facility NAF 1.000.000,-

USM Regional NAF. 387.000,-

Comprehensive mobility and public transportation plan

NAF 500.000,-

Total amount NAF 4.087.000,-

The SEI-program is implemented on the basis of co-financing (NAF 26 million from the Netherlands and NAF 26 million from SXM). For the Marketing Stimulus Program NAF 1.887.000, - will come from Dutch development aid (USONA) and NAF 2.200.000, - will come from the Island contribution to the SEI-program (NAF 4.087.000,-).

The contribution of the private sector to the Marketing Stimulus program consists of developing a number of additional activities for the next 2 years with an amount of NAF 2.487.600 -. This is in addition to the current extra efforts of this sector.

Richardson said he would like to avail himself of this opportunity, as well, to issue an appeal to other stakeholders, such as the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry to exert its influence on its members for the purpose of lowering the cost of such basic goods as foods.

Giving some background information on the SEI funding the commissioner said in the

closing statements (Slotverklaring) of November 2, 2006, the SEI was given a crucial position regarding debt relief and acquiring country status. The SEI measures are subject to approval by the Executive Council and the Kingdom Council of Ministers. The SEI is said to contribute towards the setting of the policy agenda for the next couple of years, that is, beginning with the transition phase towards achieving country status and thereafter.

The Netherlands has made available more than one billion Antillean guilders for financial support for the Netherlands Antilles, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius.

This commitment from The Hague is part of the transition accord signed by the Netherlands, the Central Government and the islands of the Antilles.

To make sure the islands have a healthy start, the Netherlands is helping with debt relief. An amount of NAf. 224 million was reserved for this purpose.

Made available specifically per island for payment arrears (in Antillean guilders): St. Maarten 183 million, Bonaire 55 million, Saba 3 million, St. Eustatius 15 million. Each of the four islands receives NAf. 3 million for budgetary aid. The four islands would receive NAf. 2 million for so-called quick wins. For the Social Economic Initiative (SEI): St. Maarten 26 million Antillean guilders, Bonaire 19.5 million, Saba and St. Eustatius each 13 million.

The island government of St. Maarten had, in the past, received the green light from the Dutch government to begin shifting some of the SEI (Social Economic Initiative) funding.

St. Maarten had at that time submitted a request to the Dutch government asking that they re-direct some of the monies that are available through the SEI at USONA so that the island can begin some aggressive marketing to fight the global economic down turn.

Investing in social and economic development is highly important for St. Maarten in the structural tackling of poverty and offering perspectives for all of the people of St. Maarten.

In this light, it is incorporated in the Outline Agreement of 2005 and the Final Declaration of 2006.

The St. Maarten SEI is subdivided into eight policy areas:

Spatial Planning & Traffic Congestion, Development of SME and Economic Diversification, Tourism Marketing, Labor Market & Education, Regulation, Government Finance, Data and Social Issues.

In this SEI, 33 measures/ (large) projects have been incorporated. It is a matter of, among other things, decreasing serious traffic bottlenecks, improving the processing of waste, providing training programs for entrepreneurship, investing in school capacity and reinforcing the Inspectorate for Health and Security.

Furthermore, it will be necessary to invest in decreasing administrative expenses, integrating information systems, building public houses and improving and addressing the sewage system in the districts.

St. Maarten had been told to expect almost 100 million guilders from the Netherlands for the period 2008-2012 to St. Maarten. This for the cooperation themes Education & Youth, Security, SEI, ISR and others.

Of interest to my office is the Marketing Stimulus plan that will be financed out of the Social Economic Initiative (SEI).

GREAT BAY, (GIS) – This is the final week that persons have to register for the Fall Semester to attend classes at the St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) as part of its workforce development program.

The deadline for enrollment is Friday, July 10. Interested persons have until then to be admitted into their desired program.

The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.

SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.

Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.

The SBO Maritime Assistant Course level 1 that set out last year September with 14 students was finalized this week. Nine students were able to complete the course of which 6 with diplomas and 3 with certificates. Of the 5 that did not complete the course 1 student was hired by a marine business during the course and 2 decided to look for a higher level of education in the maritime sector.

The course consisted of subjects such as basic mechanics, painting, social skills, English, swimming and sailing. Students went to school for about 1, 5 days per week since the main focus was on practical training in the various marine activities: e.g. maintaining boats, assisting tourists on water taxis and boat trips around the island and helping out at the big marinas.

A lot of persistence and a good professional attitude were asked from the students during this hands-on training, but wonderful opportunities were presented as well. Two students were invited to work on tall ships. Furthermore, four students participated in sailing races on SXM, which resulted in 2 youths winning a STCW95 course. The marine industry has declared to be very happy with the outcome of the course since 10 local youngsters chose to pursue their careers in this sector.

SBDF, this year executing the first block of the course, took care of the mentoring aspect and made it possible that the students could receive their First Aid Certificate and Certificate of Competence, which allows the students to drive dinghies in local waters. Milton Peters College organized the rest of the course and coached the students towards successful completion. MPC will provide a next 1-year Maritime Assistant Course from September onwards. Interested students can register at MPC this week or after August 10. More information about this course or other SBO courses can be obtained at SBO Service Center (5430498 Next to Labor Department/ Above Carl’s &Sons)

For more information please call Saskia Kliphuis 5430498/cell 5549554, Project Manager of SBO Service Center.

Cole bay: --- The owners of Seaside Nature Park Roderick Halley are concerned about one of his recent discoveries inside of the Indigo Bay Plot. Halley called on reporters to check out some special looking rocks which were found piled up for ages on the hillside of Indigo Bay project.

The set of stones which has a beautiful black color is neatly placed one on top of the other. Halley is convinced that these rocks have something to do with the past generation during the days of slavery. He said he contacted the owners of the property who said they did not even know what is on the hills where Indigo was dredging out. Halley said he also called on the SIMARC to go and check and see if the stones and its location can be preserved as a historical site but so far no one from SIMARC went to the location. Presently the Cole Bay community council is looking into the matter Halley said.

Also found on the hills is another slave wall which Halley said the developers would break down when they resume working.

Founded on Martinique in 1961, the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology, IACA, is a group of archaeologists ranging from professionals to amateurs and students of archaeology in the region. These researchers from over 30 countries, meet every two years to hold a week-long conference to speak about what they have been investigating. These presentations are made simultaneously in three languages, English, Spanish, and French. This year, the IACA congress was at Antigua, and we travelled with our SIMARC director Dr. Jay Haviser who also presented papers on St. Maarten archaeology. This trip was generously sponsored by the Prince Bernhard Culture Funds and the Lion’s Club St. Maarten.

Our goal was to provide IACA members with information, hoping to impress and shed light on what we do as youth in our SIMARC archaeology program on St.Maarten. We used a powerpoint presentation created by the entire SIMARC class. The presentation was about SIMARC projects done from 2007-2009, following from an earlier presentation by other SIMARC students at the IACA Congress in Jamaica in 2007. Some of the projects we presented, included; the excavation of an 19th century priest; various site investigations, our Historic Tree Inventory and National Tree Day events, and our most recent project, revealing the original Simpson Bay bridges of both 1933 and 1950.

When we first heard about this congress, we were so excited because archeology fascinates us and could be a career direction for us, and we expected a lot of information as an overview of Caribbean archaeology. We ended up getting more information than we could ever imagine, even though some of the papers were very technical. We also got a chance to meet various university professors from around the world, which was a great opportunity for us because it raised our chances of studying abroad and networking. Although our paper was about 15 minutes, it certainly brought forth the SIMARC groups’ work. With many professionals congratulating us on a good presentation, we were also asked to give a copy of our report to be shown in a Youth Exhibit on Martinique. Various other organizations asked for a copy of our paper, and we arranged to cooperate with other youth programs in Antigua, Barbuda, and elsewhere.

When we presented our projects, many of the archeologists were astounded by our work and the translators were also very happy that we spoke slowly and clearly. Many said that our projects and presentation was better than some of the professionals. If there was one thing that we learned, it was that small projects like done by SIMARC and big projects like those by universities, combined together better reveal our full history, but you can't really say one is superior to the other.

One thing that surprised us was the realization that SIMARC is solely situated on St. Maarten, but we found out that other archeologists aren't tied to one place like us. One year they are on one island, the next year they are on another, so that also gave us a new point of view to archeology as a career. But this is because these other archaeologists mostly come from outside the region, while we are from here and so more attached to one island.

Another amazing thing was the fact that these professionals didn't treat us like kids, they treated us as their students, and some times even as equals. They heard us and what we had to say, they didn't brush us off as "just a buncha kids", they listened to us and also tried to learn from what we had researched. Many of the archeologists became our friends and we had many discussions around the dinner table and during our fieldtrips to historic sites and the Antigua museum, it was all just amazing.

The conference itself was a really good experience for us and provided us with good exposure to different forms of archaeology and methodology used in projects throughout the Caribbean. The different lectures gave us ideas on what else can be done on St. Maarten to preserve heritage and inform citizens of their islands’ history

This benefited not only us personally it also benefited SIMARC, because this showed that even though we are still "a buncha teenagers", we can do a good job for our community. But, we aren't just teenagers, we are St. Maarten teenagers, trying our best to save our islands’ heritage and also representing St. Maarten at such a prestigious conference. We were honored to make this presentation for St. Maarten, because not only did we represent our island, we also got to tell its’ tale!

We learned that the past is all around us, we live our lives against a rich backdrop formed by historic buildings, landscapes and other cultural survivals of our past. But the historic environment is more than just a matter of material remains, it is central to how we see ourselves and to our identity as individuals, communities and a nation of St. Maarten.

THROUGH SIMARC EYES.

This article is one more in a series compiled by the SIMARC students themselves to communicate to the St. Maarten community their experiences and observations relating to Archaeology and Culture of the island. SIMARC (St. Maarten Archaeological Center) is a youth program focused on teenagers, directed by Dr. Jay Haviser, with support from the Island Government as well as the private sector. The 2008-2009 SIMARC student authors of this article are: Christopher Velasquez (St. Maarten Academy) and Matthew Halley (St. Dominic High School).

Cole Bay:--Senator Erno Labega was appointed Deputy Leader of the Democratic Party and Former Commissioner Michael Ferrier as President of the new DP board at the party’s mid-year conference on Saturday. Under banners that declared “55 Years, Stronger Than Ever”, party leader Sarah Wescott-Williams rallied her membership and declared that DP’s campaign for the election for Country St. Maarten has officially started.

Labega, who is the son of co-founder of the DP the late Clem Labega, accepted the responsibility bestowed on him by his party leader and the general membership and assured that his loyalty and support will always be with the red party. “I can say here today that our party leader will never have to look over her shoulder with me. I will continue to proudly represent the DP and the people of St. Maarten whenever and wherever I am called upon to do so in government,” Labega said.

Ferrier will lead a complete board of experienced DP stalwarts as, he admitted, the party goes through a “rebuilding and re-focusing” stage (see related story). Vice President will be Stuart Johnson, the youngest to ever hold that post, Julian Rollocks will be Secretary General, Gregory Richardson Deputy Secretary General, former Commissioner Roy Marlin is the new treasurer and Margaret Williams is Deputy Treasurer. Rounding out the board are four Commissioners, Lourdes Lake, Orvillle Thompson, Richelda Emmanuel and Leopold Yorke.

Wescott-Williams also introduced the DP’s Chapter of Professional Young People to the general membership. She said the CPYP will be positioned to not only reach out to other professional young adults, but be prepared to be the future leadership of the party. She explained that the CPYP’s mission is to develop a cadre of young St. Maarten Professionals, with an ardor for further self development as a basis to be effective in overall community development. This self development can be political, formative, media-related and or community related.

Member of the CPYP Emilia Thomas said the members are young professionals are of different disciplines. It's an inclusive approach, non discriminatory. “Young and professional is a state of mind. Through self development and community outreach, especially to the youth and other young professionals, CPYP wishes to leave its mark on the community as its members prepare for public office or outreach programs Technology will be used optimally to further the goals of CPYP,” Thomas said.

Wescott-Williams also added that she hopes the CPYP goes out and break that negative impression that other young professionals have about politics. “Politics doesn’t have to be dirty. It is a process, sometimes complicated, often times compromising, all leading to getting things done for your people. It is the people who you elect sometimes that give politics its dirty reputation,” she said.

In addressing her membership, Wescott-Williams recognized that the party made mistakes, but said it was given a golden opportunity to correct those mistakes and to draw a line when it comes to party loyalty. “Today we are celebrating 55 years and preparing for another 55 years. We have closed one chapter and we’re moving on. The DP has been through worst in our past, but we have a strong legacy which serves as a solid foundation as we go forward,” she said.

In echoing Ferrier’s call for “serious, loyal and dedicated people” Wescott-Williams said while her party will remain as inclusive as it has always been, it cannot tolerate people who sit on the fence and “hedge”. “We are drawing that line. We will be humble, we will be courteous, but you can’t be half of a color. You are either all red or not,” she said sternly. My goal from here on out is to prove that this old call of “DP is dead” is once again the biggest fallacy on the political landscape. The worst thing you could do is allow me to have time on my hands,” she concluded.

Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) has once again made a significant announcement which is geared at providing relief to the travelling public. The airline through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge have announced the airline’s sizzling, spicy summer carnival special geared at enhancing two islands’ carnival activities.

Earlier today the airline announced that a special carnival rate special will be implemented geared specifically for Saba and St Eustatius. According to Hodge both islands will see fares being offered at $99.00 and $100.00 USD respectively. These fares will be available from July 20th and runs until August 5, 2009.

Hodge pointed out that the fares includes governmental, airport and surcharges taxes have been included while the taxes for Saba and St Eustatius have not been included. Passengers are however advised that these taxes will and can be paid directly to the airport in the respective islands.

MD Hodge pointed out that the introduction of these extra low fare forms part of the airline’s attempts at supporting the various islands that it serves whilst stimulating traffic.

He stressed that his company strongly believes in supporting the tourism product along with the respective islands carnivals. He issued a strong word of advice for support and maximization of the promotion noting that a collective and collaborative approach is critically important for the island and the continued growth and development of the airline.

“We have always reiterated that growth and development is optional and therefore one should recognize that every stakeholder can and should play a part in the success of this,” Hodge said. He issued an appeal for the general public to make full and early use of the promotion advising that while a whopping 3000 seats will be made available early access to the promotion is very essential.

A number of hotels and guests houses have been included so as to ensure that those talking advantage of the promotion is cognizant and is provided with the required opportunities in better serving the public. “We have been holding discussions with a number of hotels and guest houses and we are aware of their commitment in collaborating with us in helping to enhance their carnival,” he said.

The WINAIR MD stressed that despite the world’s global financial challenges his company will continue to play its corporate responsibilities thus ensuring that they give back to the communities that they serve.

Hodge also extended an invitation for the general public to make more and advantageous usage of the airline’s website noting that it will help greatly in saving time and being of significant convenience to the traveler. He reiterated that with the company’s relook website it will minimize some of the challenges, difficulties and inconveniences that was once associated with travel agents and visiting the airline’s counters.

“WINAIR is a community oriented airline and we will continue playing our part regardless of the situation,” he assured. We strongly believe that playing a part in assisting community development will certainly aid in enhancing the communities that we lie in. with the Persons wishing to have additional information or seek answers to their queries and concerns should visit www.fly-winair.com.

POINTE BLANCHE—Commissioner of Energy, Theo Heyliger met with GEBE Managing Director, ir. William Brooks, to discuss the ongoing power outages and the arrival of the two new generators.

Brooks explained that GEBE has enough installed capacity at the power plant at this time, but due to an all time high peak demand of almost 54 MW, any large generator that has any mechanical problem, results in cables out and consequently load shedding.

GEBE is doing its best to stabilize the load shedding problems at this time, however, if two of the larger engines have a problem, it results in up to 15 MW being lost and therefore results in load shedding.

“We do understand the discomfort this is causing the community of St. Maarten and our team is working around the clock to solve these mechanical problems,” Brooks explained. The new Commissioner of Energy, Theo Heyliger, showed support and confidence that GEBE would solve the problem. “We appreciate his concern and understanding during this difficult time. We will do our utmost to solve this problem as soon as possible.”

Brooks explained that in 2007 when he came in as the new managing director, he projected that GEBE would need extra capacity for the rising demand of electricity on St. Maarten at the end of 2009. For this reason GEBE bought two new engines directly in 2007, as the engines have a lead time of 3 years. The managing director was able to negotiate a shorter lead time of 2 years. The engines arrived on the island on Monday and were offloaded from the ship on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

The installation of the engines will take several months and the expected commissioning date is December 2009 in time for the high season. “We expect that when the two new engines are commissioned and online that the problems we are experiencing currently with the load shedding would be something of the past.”

The two new 11.3 megawatt units are radiator cooled. GEBE will be steering the production plant away from the current seawater cooled generators that has been the norm for GEBE during the last 10 years in favor of air cooled generators.

GEBE aims to provide high quality and reliable electricity and the main goal is to make electricity production self supporting by minimizing the influence of outside elements on the supply of electricity. The groundwork was laid with the laying of the cables underground. The second phase is to reduce our dependence on seawater with newer radiator cooled generators.

The radiators will increase the reliability of the engines during and after a hurricane as was demonstrated in October 2008 during hurricane Omar when the power plant had to cease operations due to seaweed clogging the seawater cooling system. With the major part of our high tension system underground and the ability to produce electricity independent of sea conditions GEBE would be able to meet the growing demand for electricity even after a major hurricane.

Philipsburg- Atwanna Voglezon, Davian Thompson, and Lysandra Peterson started the Summer Work Program on Wednesday July 15th 2009 at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs. Miss Voglezon and Miss Thompson are students at the St. Maarten Academy and Miss Peterson is a student at the Milton Peters College.

On their first day at work, the students were given a basic introduction to government on the executive, legislative, and judicial apparatus on the Kingdom, Federal, and Island level. Louis Delanson’s book “An Introduction to Government Island Territory of St. Maarten” and Edgar and Julian Lynch’s book “Know your political history”, among others are required reading for the Summer Work Program. In the days to come discussions will continue on citizenship, political participation, democracy, and constitutional affairs.

On Wednesday afternoon, the students met with Senators George Pantophlet and Drs. Rodolphe Samuel at the Parliament Building. The Senators gave a synopsis of their political career and provided insight on policies and legislation they handle on the federal level. The students also met with Mr. Julian Rollocks, Executive Assistant to Senator Erno Labega, who gave a short outline on government structure. Their day ended with a tour of the Government Administration building.

Minister Duncan met with the students on Thursday and gave a brief overview of the Ministry and his role in the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. Duties and responsibilities of the Ministry, the function of the different directorates and agencies were also discussed.

Ms. Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant at the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and Mr. Terry J. Peterson, Executive Assistant to the State Secretary of Health, serve as coordinators of the three-week Program, which ends on July 31st.

GREAT BAY: --- (GIS) – Due to civil works being carried out for the construction of the Ring Road Project, the Longwall Road (both directions) in Philipsburg will be blocked for all traffic from Wednesday July 22 2009 at 07:00am until Thursday July 23 5:00pm.

The road closure is from the section between F.W. Vlaun and the Prins Bernard Bridge traffic light.

Traffic coming from Bushroad / AT Illidge Road will be blocked from driving onto the Longwall Road and will have to use the Walter Nisbeth Road.

Traffic coming from the direction of the Great Bay Hotel and Cannnegieter Street will have to use the Walter Nisbeth Road.

Motorists are advised to pay keen attention to this traffic re-routing and use caution when approaching these areas.

Philipsburg: --- Officers from at least ten islands participated in the first ever training offered to Caribbean nationals by Homeland Security of the United States. The training is conducted by the umbrella organization Immigration, Customs Enforcements (ICE). There were representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Canada, and the islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Participants are from departments such as immigration, customs, and the coast guards. The training that kicked off on Tuesday would be held at two locations on the island, at the Philipsburg Community Center and the Office of the Coast Guard in Simpson Bay.

The ICE team comprises of Brain Vaillancourt, from the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center, Lorenzo Toledo attached to the Caribbean Office of Homeland Security, Richard Jolles chief of staff of the department of Homeland security, Daniel Evans special agent of Homeland Security ICE office and Richard York from the Criminal Intelligence Unit of St. Maarten.

The focus of the seminar is human trafficking and the use of falsified (fraudulent) documents and networking. Officers were urged to make contacts with all the participants since that would be an asset in tracking down human smugglers, while the key to working is sharing information so that law enforcement can clamp down on human smugglers around the Caribbean and the United States.

Attending the opening ceremony on Tuesday morning were Minister of Justice David Dick, Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands Taco Stein, Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran, Police Coach Ronald Dongor, Leader of Government William Marlin, while the seminar was officially opened by Assistant Chief of Police Millicent De Weever.

De Weever in her opening statements said human trafficking or the smuggling of humans should be a concern for everyone since it is fundamental crime against humanity that is also against human dignity. De Weever said the best defense for law enforcement is always a good offence. She said she is confident that the seminar will serve to benefit all the participating islands (countries). De Weever said while the seminar is geared at sharing information and experiences regarding smuggling of human beings this is a crime that has no boundaries. She said the estimated figures for this type of crime exceeded four million per year with the majority of victims being females while most of them being children.

De Weever said the amount of lives lost in this illicit activity could not be measured and as such, she believes that if all forces are bonded together then a strong message can be sent to the perpetrators that such an injustice against human dignity would not be tolerated.

Leader of government and commissioner of education William Marlin in his remarks said the training given over the coming days would serve as an asset to St. Maarten since they are now preparing to take on country status. Marlin said while the island is well known to those who come to shop here the island is also exposed to human traffickers. He said there are people who would willfully travel to St. Maarten with fraudulent documents to make it beyond the shores of the island and especially to the US.

Also addressing the officers and trainers was Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein who urged the participants to capitalize on the training since human smuggling and forged documents has become a phenomenon in the islands reason why so many islands has shown interest in the trainings. Stein said without the use of forged documents human smuggling/trafficking becomes more difficult but the economic differences has caused the trade to stay alive.

He said there are number of issues that arise from human smuggling since in many instances the victims are sexually abused because of poverty. This he said is a modern form of slavery something that modern society cannot tolerate and one that has to be addressed. The chief prosecutor said its time the communities get involved and fight against this types of activities. Businesses he said must become aware that the hiring of illegal nationals is part of the problem in relation to human trafficking. He felt that the trainings is of vital importance to law enforcement.

Minister of Justice David Dick in his address stressed that the strengthening of immigration is of ultimate importance. He said networkings in these programs are key to solving cases of human smuggling. He said he is trying his best to improve the immigration status and placing it higher on the political agenda. Dick said human trafficking is one of the most horrendous crimes that one can commit and the islands are susceptible to the crime since they are surrounded by water. He warned that victims of human trafficking are not always easy to detect since persons who have been victimized because of economic needs do not speak much. He said focus should not only look at the islands but they should also look at the larger countries where this type of activity is also prevalent.

Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said that the constant evolving techniques and changing strategies that criminals use have proven to be issues that law enforcement agencies cannot deal with traditional policing strategies. He said the poor communication and cooperation between nations and agencies and the diverse policing systems as well as scattered information prove to be making law enforcement handicap when dealing with such crimes. Doran said he strongly believes that the time has come for nations to change their strategies and techniques. He said law enforcement should no longer speak about information sharing instead they should now be speaking about its availability and accessibility at a central point. Also addressing the dignitaries and participants prior to the seminar was the Richard Jolles, Chief of Staff of US Immigration and Customs. Jolles gave a break down on the activities performed by ICE and their successes in tackling an activity that is now plaguing nations. ICE team shared information on some of the victims that were rescued in the United States and the slave-like conditions these people were living in.

Marigot:--- The parents of the 15-year old boy who was allegedly sexually harassed while working at the COM is planning to file a court case against the perpetrator or his employer. SMN News has been reliably informed that the parents as well as the minor is not taking the incident lightly.

The youth was working at the Collectivity of St. Martin when an employee from the transportation department allegedly sexually harassed him. Sources say the well-known sexual predator went to the rest room and touched the child in his private areas. Upsetting to learn is that the parent of this youth is one of the vice presidents of the Collectivity and her colleagues did not take action against the employee who sexually harassed the child, instead action was taken when the vice president returned to the island. Colleagues of the employee said that they are upset with the head of personnel affairs and the head of the cabinet who only gave the employee three days sanction, reason why the parents are contemplating legal action.

SMN News broke this story two days ago and it is clear from the comments that are placed on this website that several people knew that the employee of the COM has a habit of molesting minors and nothing was done to protect youths from this person. This is second case of sexual misconduct that has been investigated by the Collectivity in recent months. An employee who was working in the Social Affairs department has been transferred when he also sexually harassed a youth that was on job training at the department.

Marigot: --- Board members of the Committee of Traditions and Culture (CTC) responds to the accusations made by their choreographer Kofi Walker who claimed that he was not paid in full for the work he did for the CTC. Speaking on SOS radio on Thursday Gayel Mussington said she intended to take the reporter to court as she seeks to rectify her name.

Mussington said her point of contention in the article was that her name was written in full. She further said she is not the treasurer of the CTC neither is she paid by CTC. Mussington said she is donating her time to the association in the best interest of the island. Mussington further said that she would be seeking a court decision because someone accused her of conflict of interest in one of the comments.

According to Mussington the people, accusing her of conflict of interest does not know its true meaning since she is not the owner of the Sheriff Security. She said the company belongs to her father and she is a manager. Furthermore, she acknowledged that the company did not execute the job at the Caribbean Festival reasons, which she did not disclose. SMN News did write an article on that subject matter.

The company’s manger and CTC board member said she would like for someone to show her where the alleged Euros 50,000 that was paid to the security company went since she does not know where it is. She went as far as saying someone should give that money to her, since the CTC members are working for free and they were not paid. Mussington said Walker should not throw stones when he is living in glass house. She said Walker should be last person to throw those stones. Mussington said she was hired to be in charge of the troops and chorography and admitted she was aggressive in pushing the work.

According to information, reaching SMN News is that the CTC hired Walker on a three-year contract even though he is residing and working on the island illegally. According to our sources, the CTC is using this information to intimidate Walker because he exposed the Association and its members. According to French law, it is prohibited for any employer to hire anyone who is residing on the island illegally, if caught these persons can be prosecuted and a hefty fine would be imposed.

President of the CTC Joel Dormoy acknowledged that the CTC did sign a three-year contract with Walker, which is negotiable, which means that if the CTC does not agree with anything in the contract he can then terminate it. Dormoy said he is rather angry at what went on with the entire situation regarding Walker. Dormoy said the CTC has nine board members with 25 members making it an association with 34 members that cannot get payed for whatever work they did. He said they have been trying to organize the carnival but this is the first time they have been trying to organize such a festival. Dormoy said that at least three of the CTC members went to the BFC bank with an account number that was provided to them by Walker.

Dormoy said the bank told them that they were not able to wire any monies on the account since according to him the number was not good. Dormoy said they notified Walker and he came back to them with the same number this time with a stamp attached. Dormoy explained they were not looking for a stamp instead; they wanted the correct bank account number. Dormoy said he does not understand why Walker is carrying on with all this drama because on numerous occasions they informed Walker that they could not pay him in cash monies. He said that according to him that is illegal.

However, the CTC president did not address payment with a certified check, which was also possible. Dormoy said the reason they agreed to pay someone six or eight thousand Euros to organize the festival (carnival) was because they were behind time and they needed someone to carry out the job. Dormoy said carnival is no longer about pleasure instead it is about making monies. Dormoy further acknowledged they made mistakes in organizing the Caribbean Festival that they intend to learn from it in the future. Dormoy said despite the mistakes they considered the festival a success because the overseas artist and troops are very content with the way they handled matters. Asked if they received all the monies Euros 350, 000, Dormoy said everyone is making a mistake with the budget and the deficit. Asked if they owed anyone monies especially Mr. Walker the treasurer said they made a payment to Walker to the value of Euros 1,500 and there is a balance of Euros 1,500. However, Walker does not want to be paid by, check he wanted cash and as such, he voided the check and returned it to the CTC board. She said if Walker had cashed that check, it means they paid him Euros 4,500.

The treasurer said that even though Walker has an agreement for six thousand Euros he did not do the work for the monies he was receiving, a sentiment shared by the board members and panel on SOS radio.

Asked if they brought in someone from overseas and paid him the Euros 35,000, which is creating anger in the community. Dormoy said the overseas promoter was not paid that amount of monies. SMN News understands that the promoter was paid Euros 60,000, this reporter also requested the financial breakdown from CTC to bring clarity but to date we have not gotten that breakdown.

However, Dormoy did not disclose the amount of monies that was paid to the overseas promoter. Dormoy said he wanted locals to see how the promoter organized the show something he never saw before because to put on the festival had lots of administrative work. Dormoy said the CTC did not bring in the promoter instead; it was the Collectivity who brought in the promoter since they were investing monies. Dormoy insisted that Walker should stop his commotion and confusion since the CTC does not owe him that amount of monies. Dormoy also assured that everyone they owed would be paid. As for next year festival Dormoy said they already begin working on getting some monies from the FIDER funds. He said the balance of the subvention is expected as late as next week.

According to reliable information, reaching SMN News is that the father of one of the CTC board members threatened Walker on Thursday afternoon when Walker refused to meet with him. The source said Walker was supposed to meet with a person who had nothing to do with the CTC board and wanted to discuss the ongoing dispute. The man it is said told Walker that he would show up at the home and when he does, the situation would turn nasty. The source also said that another person who Walker worked with on the Dutch side of the island looked for him and told him that he needed to retract all the statements he made on SOS radio on Wednesday. It is further understood that the former employer of Mr. Kofi Walker are connected to persons in politics on the French side of the island as well as the CTC board.

Philipsburg: ---The island council of St. Maarten has voted unanimously in favor of rejecting the amendments to the business license of Scarlet NV, which would offer telecommunication services on the island.

The island council had postponed the meeting, which began on Thursday to take a decision that would be in the best interest of the island. The executive council had submitted a proposal to grant the amendments to Scarlet but subsequently withdrew that proposal and presented a new proposal to the Island Council to deem the administrative appeal of Scarlet unfounded and to instruct the executive council not to grant the amendments.

The island council also ordered that the executive council send a letter to Scarlet informing them of the decisions taken by the island council not to grant them the amendments to their business license.

Philipsburg: ---- Island Council member Roy Marlin has voiced his concerns on the situation of the tax inspectorate; the island council man also sent a letter to the executive council where he is seeking answers about the 5.1 millions guilders he signed off with USONA prior to leaving office. Marlin says he wants to know what has happened to the improvement plan for that department. The 5.1 million guilders were to be used on the improvement plan.

Marlin said since he left office he has not heard anything about the progress of these fundings neither has he seen or heard anything on the project which is in the pipeline. Marlin said he is concerned because department such as the tax inspectorate needs to be functional when the island takes on its country status.

The former commissioner of finance said that now that there is a world wide economic disaster it is his understanding that the government coffers is also losing monies and he believes that if the inspectorate of taxes were up to par then they could have broaden the tax base.

Marlin said while in office it was agreed that a project manager was going to be appointed, an IT Specialist, as well as someone specialized in human resources. He said the idea was to have the project manager guide the improvement plan that would include the automation, training and working on the backlog at that office. Marlin explained that the intention was to have the human resources manager looked at the legal status of the employees working in that department and to find personnel to fill at least 40 positions, which is critical to the department.

Marlin said he is also concerned about the draft budget and the financial supervision since he wants to know if the first draft for the 2010 budget has been submitted to the CFT. Marlin said based on the agreements they have on financial supervision the draft budget is supposed to be submitted by July 15. Marlin said based on his sources that was not done and even if it was done his faction did not receive a copy of that draft. He said the island government is already 12 days behind time with the submission of this document to the CFT. He said it is of uttermost importance that government live up to the agreement that was made with the Kingdom partners if they are to avoid the imposing of financial supervision. Marlin said his party (former executive council) did comply with these agreements and he believes the present government is not complying with the agreements made on financial management and their obligations. Marlin said even the quarterly reports were not submitted to the island council and CFT. The former finance commissioner said based on the current trend a backlog would accumulate which would then give the State Secretary for Kingdom relations the opportunity to impose financial supervision on government owned companies. He said he is concerned that no negative reports would be written due to the lack of action on the part of the current government.

Philipsburg: --- An 18-year-old man is now nursing a gunshot wound at the St. Maarten Medical Center; he is reported to be in stable condition. According to reports reaching SMN News, the youth identified as K.N.J born in St. Lucia was shot during the early morning hours on Tuesday in the Middle Region area.

In an invited comment, Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said police was called to the scene in Middle Region somewhere around 01:30 am where a man was found with a gunshot wound in his back. The victim told police he was shot during a robbery. K.N.J said his attackers robbed him of some documents, which he was carrying in a pouch. He also indicated that a number of gunshots were fired at him but only one penetrated. The bullet Leonard said caught the victim in his back and it exited under his right chest. Police also confiscated a number of spent shells that was found at the scene. The case is still under investigation the police spokesman said.

AIRPORT Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE) has relocated the bus-stop in front of its terminal building, as part of the ongoing project to reroute the Airport Boulevard.

The makeshift, temporary bus-stop is located east of the pedestrian walkway. "The bus-stop was located on the exact spot where the rerouted road will rejoin the existing infrastructure; therefore, we had to make temporary arrangements," said PJIAE President Drs. Eugene Holiday.

The road rerouting works that were started on Friday May 29th 2009, are progressing well.

The Airport Road rerouting project, which represents a US$ 2 million investment, will result in a modified and rerouted road network at the airport. When the construction is completed, traffic coming from the direction of the WINAIR offices will go through the roundabout, continue alongside the Simpson Bay lagoon flowing along the eastern and northern shoreline and then curve to the south following the perimeters of the public car park to the west; at the front of the Terminal building the new road will connect with the existing airport road.

Drs. Holiday reiterated his previous calls for caution during this phase of the development that will benefit the entire island. "With this new arrangement for buses and pedestrians, motorists should apply even more caution," he urged.

GREAT BAY,– The last two laboratory samples taken on June 25 and sent to the lab in Holland for testing for the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, have come back negative which means the persons are not infected with the influenza A H1N1 virus.

Swab samples were taken from two women who reside on the island who had recently returned from a country with laboratory confirmed cases. The two persons developed flu-like symptoms six/seven days after returning to the island. They consulted with their family physician and were treated with antiviral medication.

The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that according to global health officials, the severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. To date the island has had seven confirmed cases who recovered fully.

The St. Maarten community has an important role to play in reducing the impact and spread of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus by being socially responsible and exercising good hygiene.

Persons with a flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.

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

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

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

Philipsburg:--After closed door meeting with members of the island council they decided to send a letter to telecommunications company Scarlet who recently won a court case to be able to open and operate business on St. Maarten.

The contents of the letter were not released, but opposition leader Sarah Wescot Williams highlighted a number of areas where she said corrections should be made before the letter is sent off.

Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that Saturday July 4, 2009 the Simpson Bay Bridge will open for maritime traffic at 18:00 hours PM instead of Sunday, July 5.

Beginning Sunday, July 5, 2009 the Simpson Bay Bridge daily opening hours will be the customary hours for the off-season, namely: 09:30; 11:30 and 17:30 hours for both inbound and outbound maritime traffic.

Please be advised that the outbound maritime traffic has preference over the inbound traffic. Please start transiting only after the Bridge Attendant has signaled the free passage by giving the green light for vessel traffic.

During this period the main repair work consisted of the reconditioning of the lift deck: stripping the old worn out coating, grid blasting the upper deck, welding where necessary and resurfacing the deck with epoxy and new grid slurry, including the side walks.

Underneath the bridge, the lower deck was inspected on deficiencies, corrected and repaired where necessary, hydro jetted and completely conserved by applying four different layers of epoxy and polyurethane paint.

In the last two weeks of August 2009 Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.

All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the Simpson Bay Bridge and to ensure the safety and security of all its users.

In August 2009 Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will once more asses the condition of the bridge after all the improvements and will submit a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.

The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority admonishes all small craft: dinghies, tenders, kayaks, rhino riders and jet skis to use the port channel when transiting the bridge channel. Small craft are not allowed to transit the bridge channel during opening hours of the bridge.

In particular the jet skis have to lower their waterspout at all times when transiting through the port channel. Jet Ski operators should instruct their guides and renters to lower their waterspout as not to corrode the steel structures of the bridge.

The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority wishes to thank all pedestrians, automobilists and captains /owners of vessels for their endurance and patience caused by all the inconveniences of the repair period.

The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority wishes to thank all the companies that participated in the repair work at the bridge. Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. as the main contractor; Feyenoord N.V.; Carnefco N.V.;Electec N.V. SXM Marine Services N.V.; Sea Cure Marine Construction NV; William Arndell Bucket Truck Services; Windward Roads; Avalon NV; Hismar NV and Eric Dowling Inspection Services, Public works, Police Traffic Department.

For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at tel.no: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at tel.no: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.

Philipsburg:--The Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs (COBIZA) is pleased to announce the culmination of its Summer Work Program which will run for three weeks in the month of July 2009.

This program is a chance for high school students to work with the Ministry, get a firsthand look of how the Federal Government works, and will serve as an excellent leadership training opportunity.

The application process consists of an application and interview. In addition, program applicants are required to submit a short essay that describes their interest in, and reasons for applying to the COBIZA Summer Program. Specifically, the essay should answer the question, “Why do you want to participate in the 2009 COBIZA Summer Program?” It should be limited to 500 words while thoroughly addressing the question.

Students in their junior or senior year of high school, with good grades are encouraged to apply.

For more information please contact Ms. Ari Sutton at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs at Brooks Towers, Phone 542-9081.

Philipsburg: --- Members of the Windward Islands Teachers Union, (WITU) Windward Islands Civil Servant Unions (WICSU/PSU) and the ABVO said at a press conference said that they have had enough regarding the FZOG and the unions are ready to take action. Claire Elshot of the WITU said that when the unions noticed that the St. Maarten Medical Center has said via the newspapers that they were not going to accept the FZOG cards as of June 6 if the hospital does not receive is backlog payments, the WICSU and WITU met to discuss ways of handling the issue.

Elshot said the unions made a complete evaluation over the last weeks regarding FZOG and the full announcement from the SMMC. She said the unions immediately addressed the matter with the Minister of Health, parliament, while they also sought to meet with the inspector of public health.

Elshot said they were made to understand that the problem between St. Maarten Medical Center and the FZOG has been resolved since the SVB (Social Insurance Bank) made a payment to the St. Maarten Medical Center while they also have a payment plan in place.

Despite this happening the St. Maarten Medical Center has not announced that there has been an agreement.

Elshot said several of the pensioners are contacting them to see what measures have been taken since they do not want to go the hospital and be turned away.

The unionist said one of their main objectives via the media is to denounce any type of threats from health care providers. “Threatening to withhold Medicare is against human rights and using the weakest link such as pensioners to solve administrative matters is an inhumane tactic used by the St. Maarten Medical Center.” Elshot said.

The unionist further explained that she felt the SMMC has lacked respect by not even announcing that they now have an agreement and FZOG card holders can now go the hospital if they are in need of medical treatment. Elshot said the unions also took note of the statements made by the Minister of Health Omyra Leeflang who also said that the actions taken by the St. Maarten Medical Center is of grave violation of human rights.

Elshot is also calling on all pensioners to make contact with the unions and re-register so that they can have a proper head count of their pensioners so that they can properly champion their causes.

Elshot said this is not the first time the St. Maarten Medical Center or other entities have chosen the weakest link (pensioners) to achieve their goals but the unions she said has had enough and would now take action if needed.

Elshot said they are also seeking to have a meeting with the executive council to address the matter. She said they (the unions) believe that it is the responsibility of the island government to guarantee the best health care insurances for pensioners since they already contributed to the funds by serving on the island. She said the island government has to also make sure there is some sort of firm solution to the ongoing problems facing pensioners.

Elshot said right now the BZV card holders would also be integrated with the SVB something they are monitoring closely since they do believe that their members should be respected. In a word of caution she said any more acts of violation against their membership would force them to take drastic measures and actions.

The unions are presently mobilizing and informing their active members of the ongoing developments so that they can be ready to take action when necessary. She said the unions would also be calling on the active members to back up the pensioners because this problem would also trickle down to them. “The abuse that is facing the pensioners today would also face the active members down the line. All civil servants are contributing to the FZOG funds so they can benefit from it in the future.”

Elshot said she is not even convince with what parliament is saying because the FZOG funds were established since 1975 (34-year old) and it has been kicked around from one administrator to the next. Elshot said already three different administrations handled this fund and every time there is a change in administrators the benefits would decrease.

Elshot said this is one point they intend to raise with the island government because they cannot as union accept the constant decrease because of someone’s deficiency.

(Right now pensioners are called to pay 10% in advance before they can have their prescription filled, while they still cannot get all their medications at once.) The WITU leader said she cannot sit back and see these types of abuse and not warn her active members, instead they would begin bind and mobilize their members to fight back. “If that is not done these members would be paying a premium and would not get anything back in return which is unheard of. Elshot said the unions are looking for equalization for all pensioners and active civil servants with is mandatory in the Kingdom. The unions believe its time that the FZOG funds should be re-integrated back to the funds that are handling that of the active civil servants. ‘This is the same system that was recommended to handle the Dutch pensioners and the BES islands when the islands are dismantled. Equalization and fare treatment is what the unions are suggesting as the solution. However, the unions believe its time for the local governments both on St. Maarten and Curacao can demand the same benefits for its islands. Furthermore, they believe the island government should hold parliament responsible for anything that is not properly managed since they are the ones who suggested that the funds be handled by SVB. Elshot said the unions are not concerned with the amounts of monies that is owed to the medical institutions however, they want to make sure that the health care for their members are not being threatened.

Elshot further explained that the unions does not believe the SMMC should decide what is an emergency and what is not instead all referrals from house doctors to the hospital should be treated and handled without discussion.

She said that while the SMMC said they did not really want to apply such members they are to be considered crooks because they (SMMC) could have called in their social partners which are the unions and dialogue on the matter. She said the director of the SMMC Mr. George Scot attended one of their meetings with the pensioners so he fully well knows that the union was addressing the matter.

Raymond Jesserun from the ABVO referred to the World Health Organization definition of health in 1946 which stated that the complete physical, mental social well being and not merely the absence the of infirmity and diseases. He said when the SMMC threatened people that they would not be getting their medicine and or treatment is also affecting their mental state and well being.

He said they are happy that the Minister of Health has spoken out since government is not only there to denounce but to prevent the abuse of human rights.

He said the Kingdom charter in article 43 states that each of the islands has to see that the fundamental human rights and freedoms as well as legal certainty and good governance are respected. He said health care is a fundamental right to the highest level which is outline in article 35 of the declaration of human rights.

Jesserun said everyone is entitled to certain standard of living which is adequate to their well being. He said it is time for the island government to come out and demand what is given to Bonaire, Saba and Statia since the two islands St. Maarten and Curacao are still part of the Netherlands Antilles and if the Kingdom has it for those islands then they also have it for them.

He said pensioner’s standard of living dropped the minute they stopped working and with the recent serge in prices for food and other basic necessities they were no indexation to compete instead these people are called to pay monies up front for their medication.

Responding to some of the statements made by the SMMC, Jesserun said while they are saying they don’t want to harm the pensioners they are killing them by denying them health care. “It the same SMMC who denied a patient Medicare and sent him home, this patient died two days later and the SMMC director said he was making sure they (SMMC) did everything according to protocol because they did not want to be held liable for a crime.”

Reason why they have chosen to speak out because attaching health care is already a violation of human rights.

Honduras:---On Sunday, June 28, Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was detained by a group of soldiers and flown into forced exile in Costa Rica. That same day, the people of Honduras were to go to the polls to vote on proposed constitutional reform, but the vote was suspended by the country’s Supreme Court.

“This was nothing less than a crime against democracy!” declared the president, who also categorically denied resigning his post.

The events that took place in the Republic of Honduras require the strongest possible condemnation by the international community. As First Vice-President responsible for assuming the presidency of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas, I wish to express my categorical repudiation of the coup d’état and of the overthrow of President Manuel Zelaya by the military.

The leaders of various Latin American countries, the United States and Europe have already voiced their unqualified denunciation of the actions of the Honduran military, and reaffirmed their support for Manuel Zelaya, whom they consider to be the country’s legitimate president.

The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the General Assembly of the United Nations, among other international bodies, are in complete agreement with them.

The members of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas believe it is their duty, as representatives of the people elected by popular vote in their respective countries, to prevent a return to the horrors that have plagued Latin America in the past, and of which the coup in Honduras is reminiscent.

As members of the wider American and international communities, it is our duty to contribute toward the restoration of institutional order. We must refuse to recognize any government in Honduras that has not been legally and legitimately elected by the people, and demand the restoration of democracy and the immediate reinstallation of the president of the Republic of Honduras.

“We must also call on the Honduran people and the international community to rise up together against this serious breach of the democratic process on the American continent strongly convinced as we are that internal conflicts must be resolved only through democratic institutions and the rule of law.” Said Senator Edda Acuña

Vice-president responsible for assuming the presidency in a press release.

GREAT BAY– Boat owners are being advised to plan ahead and early so they can be ready to take action in the event of a storm/hurricane threat to the island.

Even though there hasn’t been any storm formation since the beginning of the season, boat owners should still be prepared.

The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness reiterates its theme for the 2009 season, “It only takes one, be prepared,“ and is also reminding the general population that for those who still have not made any preparations for the 2009 hurricane season, to take the time out to do so.

Hurricanes have been the cause of many maritime disasters. Constant monitoring of hurricane potential and continual risk analysis, when used with some fundamental guidelines become the basic tools to minimize a hurricanes’ impact to vessels at sea or in port.

Systems that are forecast to make landfall within 50-100 nautical miles of a particular port tend to be more destructive than those that approach the port from over land or parallel the coast in the vicinity of the port. Also, ports located in the right front quadrant, based on direction of movement of hurricanes during landfall tend to have higher winds, seas, and storm surge.

The decision to leave port for hurricane avoidance must be made very clearly. Consideration to the latest safe departure time and likely avoidance routes must be balanced with a number of other factors. Most important of these is time versus distance.

The risk of damage to a vessel at sea increases as the motion of the hurricane increases towards the maximum safe speed of the vessel attempting to leave port in advance of that system.

Considerations to remain in port during hurricane passage must include an evaluation of the amount of protection afforded by the port. The direction from which the strongest winds are forecast to blow along with the potential for storm surge must be factored in when deciding whether to seek haven pier side or at anchorage.

Cole Bay:--- Newly elected President of the Board of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier “called a spade a spade” by stressing that the party has not been served well by a few individuals and as a result, the people of St. Maarten have not been served, primarily because the party allowed those individuals to place themselves before the party, before the people, before St. Maarten.

By doing so, he added, the DP has allowed the Government and the leadership of our island to be high-jacked by “our opposition and a few infidels.” Ferrier was addressing DP’s general membership soon after being elected by acclimation on Saturday last during the party’s mid-year conference.

Ferrier said the leadership of the party will be decisive and emphatic regarding the principles and philosophy driving the DP party and there must be a break with the past in terms of candidates and the party management. “Whether based on perception or fact, the party can no longer be viewed as simply a vehicle to achieve individual political or financial personal objectives,” he said.

He said his new board will focus on Integrity, capability, commonality of message, projection of leadership, inclusiveness and consistency. “For political candidates which we will present on the DP slate, we will strive to attract only persons who bring these and other positive attributes and strengths to the party’s table,” he said.

Ferrier saved his harshest words for his membership and underscored his message with one line: “the selfish will not get our support.” He said it is time to show by deeds as a party that the DP means what we say when we claim: “Country before Self”.

“It cannot and will not be just an empty slogan; it is a promise, a promise that has to be kept by the entire Democratic Party, board, leadership and members alike. To go forward, this party needs to consider what relationship we want with the public, and most importantly, how can that relationship be attained? Selfishness has no place in that relationship,” he said.

The new board, he continued, must avoid the usual political blah-blah and instead work with whomever it chooses as candidates to present a strong, coherent, fact-based platform. “No more complacency and rampant individualism and egotism. That was yesterday and it has no place in the DP of today or the DP of tomorrow,” he stressed.

Adding: “There are some out there who are “hedging their bets”: waiting to pick a side once the dust settles. There are others who, at the first sign of challenge, seek cover. There are those who watch things happen, there are those who wonder what happened and then there are those who make things happen. The DP will put together a political team capable of public service, whose skills, experience and integrity are unquestioned and who are can make things happen.

“Those are the people who need to answer this call. If you want to postulate yourself only to make sure “you going to get your share” of what is left, save yourself and us the trouble and embarrassment, for we will expose you ourselves, before the opposition has a chance to do so. Time for watching and wondering is over.”

Philipsburg: --- The police department is calling on parents living in the Union Farm area to pay attention to what their under aged children are doing. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said about three months now police are not able to go Barrio Blanco Area in Union Farm. He said there have been a number of under aged children who would begin throwing rocks at the police they minute they see the vehicle approaching.

Leonard said police has to always call for reinforcement when entering Union Farm since the police is now becoming fearful of the outcome. Leonard said most of the children committing the acts range between 9 to 15 years of age and they seem to be coming from foreign background. ‘These children are living in the housing complex area and the way I see it it’s a number of children who may not be residing on the island legally attacking police.”

Leonard said already damage was done to police cars and they are going to be holding the parents of these children responsible for their children’s action. The police spokesman called on parents to be vigilante especially during the summer vacation since most of these children are home or on the street corners doing nothing. He said this is the age when children get into gangs and parents needs to monitor their children more carefully.

Philipsburg: --- A family feud that went violent has landed a woman in police custody and is now facing attempted manslaughter charges. The woman has been identified as G.M from St. Maarten was held on Monday night after she tried to run over her brother with her vehicle.

Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the case is still under investigation. Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he extended G.M time in pre-trial detention on Wednesday and she is expected to go before the judge of instruction soon. Mud said the woman attempted to commit murder when she ran her brother down with her vehicle.

Philipsburg: --- The United States Immigration and Customs (Homeland Security) will begin one week training on St. Maarten relating to human smuggling and trafficking as well as the use and identification of fraudulent documents. The umbrella department Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) would be providing the training for all islands of the Caribbean. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said several neighboring islands would be on the island participating in the workshop.

The initiative is taken by the US law enforcement as they are trying to bring all partners in the Caribbean in accord as the United States. Leonard said that during the first two days there would be three sessions at both venues, which is the Philipsburg Community Center and the Customs, head office in Simpson Bay.

The ICE will be arriving on the island with their own instructors to conduct these training sessions. The first session is scheduled to take place at 8 am on Tuesday next week. Leonard said some 130 participants for the various islands would be participating in the weeklong training session. Also scheduled to be here are representatives from all islands of the Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.

French Quarter:--A brawl between some football players on Friday has left one under 17 youth hospitalized confirmed head of sports Lou Baly. The youth is nursing a fractured nose and is scheduled to remain in hospital until Tuesday.

Baly said a team of players representing the U-17 and U-15 from the Newtown Team in St. Kitts and players from Flamingo and the St. Louis Stars were in the Telbert Carty Stadium on Friday when a fight broke out. According to Baly, the coaches of either St. Kitts team or the St. Martin team did not see what had happen but according to what they understand a player who was, stretching on the field during their cool down time got in the way of the players from St. Martin who was running around the field at the time.

Baly said they do not know if the youth who was stretching on the field at the time did anything intentional or if it was an accident. He further explained that because of this an argument began which ended up physical and landing six youths the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. However, most of them suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Baly said those on the field did everything to separate the players and they managed to get the U-17 team that was involved in the brawl in the changing rooms. While in that room the players from St. Martin followed and again the argument continued and got worse. He said the worst part of the incident began when some players who were locked out of the change room attacked some U-15 players from St. Kitts. Baly said the smaller youths were not involved in the fracas instead they were on the stands looking on but those who were locked out of the change room attacked them simply because they could not get in.

The sportsman and local representative said President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs went to the hotel where the players were staying to apologize for the incident and to offer the neighboring island some comfort but they decided that the French side was not a safe place and voluntarily left for the Dutch side of the island. The players he said are staying with friends and relatives on the Dutch side of the island and they are expected to leave on Monday.

In the meantime, a press release appearing on SKN Vibes website states that following the game involving the St. Kitts U-17 vs. the French St. Martin U-17 in St. Martin, which ended in a 2-2 draw, the St. Kitts U-17 team was attacked by players of the French St. Martin U-17 and their supporters.

The SKNFA U-15 team who at the time were witnessing the match also came under attack by spectators. Several of our players in both U-17 and U-15 sustained injuries and were hospitalized. At least one player from the U-17 remains in the hospital.

The SKNFA is very disturbed and concerned about this recent development in St. Martin and has activated our Emergency Committee to put in place a plan of action to deal with this crisis. The SKNFA would like to ensure all parents of the U-17 and U-15 teams and the entire St. Kitts-Nevis community that the safety of our young footballer is of paramount importance at this time.

The SKNFA has already contacted the parents of the players who were injured as a result of this incident and has apprised them of the situation.

The SKNFA has contacted the various Government officials and ministries, including the Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Sam Condor, Minister of Sports, Honourable Richard Skerritt, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Lloyd Lazar and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Astonia Browne for assistance in dealing with this serious matter.

The SKNFA is also in contact with the local LIAT representatives and other airlines to bring the players home as soon as possible.

Measures have also been put in place to ensure the safety of all our players and their coaches in St. Martin until their return home.

The SKNFA would like to ensure all parents that we are doing all within our powers to address the current situation and get the players and coaches home as soon as possible.

Marigot: -- Prefet Delegue Dominique LaCroix is scheduled to leave the island on Tuesday as his term on St. Martin and St. Barths is officially over. A cocktail party was held at the Sous Prefecture on Monday for the departure of the State representative and his wife Mrs. LaCroix.

According to information received LaCroix’s successor Jacques Simonnet would be arriving on the island late August to take up his position by September 1.

Philipsburg:-- Three members of the Windward Islands Teachers Union would be attending the 34th Biennial Conference organized by the Caribbean Union of teachers (CUT) to be held in Grenada on July 27 to August 2. President of the WITU Claire Elshot told members of the media that the theme for this year’s conference is “transforming today’s classroom for tomorrow’s world.”

Elshot said the CUT has a packed agenda, which would open with a women’s conference. She said there are going to be a number of workshops during the weeklong conference, which would address policies and educational issues. Teachers attending the conference would also be attending a breakfast meeting sponsored by the UNESCO for July 28. The intention is to have the delegates from the Caribbean Union Teachers participate in meeting which has a theme “Caribbean Teachers Union and the Global Teacher for EFA initiative ( Education For All Initiative). An issue that is of concern to St. Maarten now that the island government would seek to implement compulsory education in the new school year Elshot explained.

Elshot said the CUT normally plan ahead for the next two years during these conferences the different summits. Focus she said is also placed on the track and field competitions, which is also held every two years. To date she said St. Maarten is not able to take a delegation to these track and field competitions.

Philipsburg: --- USONA representative Bart Pasman and commissioner of youth affairs Hyacinth Richardson signed off the release on some much-needed funds that would go towards the children’s home on St. Maarten. The Crystal Home (MPO) would be able to begin construction of new home in the Cay Bay/Cole Bay area. Some 2 million guilders have been approved for the project; I Can Foundation was awarded Naf.100, 000 for their interior furnishings. Monies were also set aside for some much-needed training programs Pasman said. In addition, to benefit from these funds is the UJIMA Foundation who would also be part of the training programs geared at upgrading the facilities that care for foster children.

The USONA representative said this was the last contract they had to sign to use up the harbour buy back shares.

Witnessing the signing on Thursday was Eva Williams and her representative from the Crystal Home. Not present was the director or any representative of the I Can Foundation, which was destroyed by fire some two years ago (August 1, 2007).

In an invited comment, Cassandra Gibbs (Debby) said she intends to contest the way the island government (former executive council) handled the distribution of the funds. Gibbs said when the I Can was destroyed by fire in 2007 Government had plan to assist with the re-construction of the home but they backed out saying that there was some unsettled matter pertaining to the land on which the home is constructed upon. Gibbs said on July 10 2008 she received a letter from the executive council who explained that due to the land dispute they would no longer contribute to the building instead they would furnish the building and provide monies for the training and upgrading of the staff, which she agreed to.

Gibbs said government was supposed to invite her to a meeting where they were suppose to discuss her the plans and the budget that is needed to furnish the home that caters to 29 foster children but that meeting was never called. The surrogate mother said in April 2009 she contacted Pasman now that they are in the final stages of the building and it was then she was notified that only Naf.100,000 was allotted to the furnishing of I Can Foundation. She said she immediately contested the amount because she wants to know on what grounds the island government (former executive council) made their calculations and submitted it to USONA. I Can Foundation she said would need close to Naf.500, 000 to properly furnish the building, which they built from donations and fundraisings. She said USONA even told her that I Can was not given any monies for the trainings even though they have more children that need foster care.

Gibbs said after that conversation she was contacted by another USONA representative who promised to call her in with her invoices so they can at least reflect the project files but that meeting she said was never called. Gibbs said she was informed that all project files has to be compiled by the island government and the meeting with the USONA representative again never took place.

Gibbs said it was not until Thursday last week she received a call from the Commissioner of youth affairs who invited all the surrogate mothers and caretakers to a meeting where he outlined the amount of monies awarded to each home. She said she immediately notified Richardson on the situation who told her he was trying to make sure he handles everything carefully and Richardson told her that there was an end date placed against the funding and if it is not signed off before that date then Holland can take back the monies. Gibbs said she plans to contest the matter since the person who worked on these project files never made contact with her. She said she would be questioning why MPO (Crystal Home) who cares for 14 children could get 2.1 million guilders while the I Can that has more than double the amount of children only has Naf.100, 000.

Gibbs made clear that she did not show up to the signing in protest, she said she is not going to giggle with people while they are purposely shafting the foundation and the children who she cares for.

Despite the controversy, the commissioner thanked the USONA for the monies that were made to the disposal of the foster care on St. Maarten; he particularly congratulated the MPO now that they are able to begin construction of a new home.

Dawn Beach: -- It was a strange sight on Friday afternoon when several government officials including lawyers that are representing Busby Beach Bar in their appeal against the Island Government who denied the restaurateur a vending license to operate the renting of beach chairs and umbrellas on Dawn Beach.

Representing Daniel Jurczenko is attorney at law Jairo Bloem, while Amador Muller and Lewis Brown from the government legal affairs were on the premises for the first time to get a first hand look at the entire situation. Also on the scene were workers from VOSEC, economic affairs, spectators from Duck International (Coral Beach Club) and the owner of Oyster Bay Resort Jan Borsje who is also trying to get the island government to grant him a space on the beach for him to put beach chairs for his clients.

Bloem was seen explaining the officials of the island government why he believed it was necessary for the island government to grant Busby Beach Bar an amendment to their business license, which would allow him to rent chairs and umbrellas legally. The island government some months ago denied Daniel Jurczenko the license, the decision was given three years after Jurczenko filed a request for the permit. The businessman immediately filed a court case appealing government’s decision. Busby Beach Bar has been renting both beach chairs and umbrellas over the years but the island government stepped in after the two license vendors Joan Veerwoord and Jean Paul Rousseau operating on Dawn Beach contested and said the businessman is hampering their business especially since he is operating without a license.

In an invited comment, Joan Veerwoord said she is calling on the Island Government to make another decision in this matter and to also try and fight the appeal aggressively. Veerwoord said they (the two vendors) are suffering tremendously since they practically have to wait until the chairs that are placed illegally on the beach by Busby Beach Bar is filled before they can rent one chair and umbrella. The local businesswoman said she has taxes and other dues to pay and is not making any kind of monies on the beach even though she has an indefinite license. Veerwoord said there are days she is going home with $20. while Jurczenko is taking away their business and is not declaring any of the monies he is making from the rental of chairs and umbrellas.

The local businesswoman said the operator of Busby Beach Bar has several other businesses, which she said included a marina, and pizza shop as well as the Busby Beach Bar. Veerwoord said it is her opinion that the businessman is trying to take away all the business opportunities in the Dawn Beach Area since according to her she understood he is also trying to get the space Oyster Bay Resort is after.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The bus inspection for public transport of school children is complete. All buses were inspected in the parking lot of the Jose Lake, Jr. Sports Park; many have passed the inspection, while others have failed for several reasons, but mainly due to students cutting seats or marking chairs. Those busses that failed will have an opportunity to rectify the situation.

One of the most important aspects of the inspection, besides the mechanical and safety part, was the comfort of students. Therefore, some buses were advised to fix or adjust certain aspects in order for them to get an approval or passing grade from the inspectors.

Section Head for school bussing and taxi dispatching, Martha Thewet, said that “for the most part, the buses are in good condition, but this year, there seems to be the issue of the cutting and marking of the seats by students. “Once this happens, the seating becomes uncomfortable for the students.” Thewet said. Students traveling on the Public School Bus Transportation System are asked to refrain from such destructive behaviour in the future.

We also made sure that there was a First Aide Kit on board, a fire extinguisher, and the emergency/rear exist were in proper working order, Thewet pointed out.

Other items that were checked were Insurance, drivers/bus license, license plate, details of the bus, i.e. chassis number, the front and rear lights, foot and hand brakes, indicators, seating capacity, windshield, wipers, steering, muffler, tires, and spare, among other details.

Thewet said that 29 busses were inspected, and approximately 11 busses failed the inspection.

Recommendations were made on the spot to the school bus owners/drivers about the failing points. Additionally, bus owners will be getting official notices as well, early next week.

The entire school bussing section is experiencing a total upgrade in terms of screening all bus drivers, and the entire administration.

Thewet pointed out that all busses have to be inspected. “I would like to encourage all school bus owners to please contact the department to make an appointment as soon as possible. Failure to show up for the annual school bus inspection is an automatic failure. And failing the inspection also means that the bus or busses that were not inspected will not be allowed to operate and transport school children for the island government.”

Philipsburg: -- The Democratic Party faction led by former leader of government and commissioner of labour Sarah Wescot Williams said her faction is supporting the call of the unions to have the Brooks Tower Accord implemented.

The Democratic Party faction leader made the disclosure on Monday at their bi-monthly press conference. Wescot Williams said that while in government she had several discussions with both the Minister of Justice and the Lt. Governor of the island territory of St. Maarten who gave various reasons for not implementing the policy, which was ratified by the executive council of St. Maarten.

According to the Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions who was part of the tripartite committee, when negotiating the revised labour policy the Brooks Tower Accord was an integral part of the process. Wescot Williams said the reason she concurs with the unions is that the revised labour policy was part of a comprehensive approach relating to all labour matters.

The former labour commissioner said this policy was to address the youth unemployment rate, unsavory business practices, as well as training.

Wescot Williams said the Brooks Tower was intended to regulate the status of persons (foreign workers) working and residing on the islands illegally. She said while the accord, which is not referred to as a “grace period or amnesty accord” was meant to give all undocumented workers on St. Maarten the opportunity to regulate their statuses. Wescot Williams said the Minister of Justice has maintained that he was not in a position to implement the policy for the lack of an organization, which would adequately handle the implementation.

The faction leader said they are joining those calling on the Minister to implement the policy, which was signed three years ago to grant the island a much needed clean up, which would grant legal status to those persons residing and working on the island. Wescot Williams referred to the revised labour policy in article 3-part 2-J) that stated that the first time applicants could get a letter from their employer, which must state that the foreign worker is and will remain outside of the Antilles during the processing of their work permits. This she said can be replaced by a statement of positive intent for the foreigner (declaration of intent).

This statement must be issued by the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten if the foreigner is already residing on St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said the intention was with the cooperation of the Lt. Governor those persons already residing and working on St. Maarten would not have to leave the island during the processing of their work permits. Wescot Williams said the Lt. Governor (Franklyn Richards) after initially agreeing to the approach felt that the resident permit should not dictate the work permit instead he believed it should be the other way around.

Wescot Williams said they believed that the Minister of Justice should act urgently regarding the status of persons residing and working on St. Maarten illegally, she said in accordance with the Brooks Tower Accord these persons should be granted residency whose employer can seek employment permits for them.

Philipsburg--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said the National Alliance/Heyliger/ Laviest have just placed their feet in their mouths regarding the revised labour policy. Wescot Williams said in the policy it is stipulated that government have to agree to quotas in the labor market.

The former labor commissioner said developers of projects has to give government a guarantee on how many locals would be hired prior to being allowing these developers to bring in foreign labour.

Speaking at the Democratic Party bi-weekly press conference Wescot Williams said that the commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson selected a handful of workers and took them on a tour at one of the projects where he presented them for jobs.

Wescot Williams is now asking what is going to happen to those persons who have followed procedures and registered at the labour office. She asked if the commissioner would now put these people on the job bandwagon or if it is only the ones that are on the commissioner’s good grace would get on the job bandwagon. Wescot Williams said her faction wants to know if the unemployed should still register at the island labour department. She also wants to know if other island council members can also take people to the various projects with persons that are seeking employment.

Marigot:-- Two armed robbers on a scooter robbed Goldfinger store situated at Rue de La Republique Marigot around 10:45 am on Wednesday. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said the two robbers went to the store on a scooter, they were both armed and wearing helmets. The storekeepers he said were not able to see their attacker’s faces.

Louvier said once inside the store the bandits held up the storekeepers at gunpoint, one of them broke open the glass case with a hammer and stole 13 Rolex watches to the value of $350,000. The prosecutor is calling on everyone to be vigilante for these youngsters who might approach them to sell their heist. Louvier confirmed that the shopkeepers were not injured instead they are highly traumatized.

GREAT BAY– The Island’s mainstay, the tourism sector, is being advised to review hurricane preparation plans now before we approach the most active period of the 2009 hurricane season, which begins August 15 and runs through October 15.

Residents and businesses are also advised to pay keen attention to weather reports with special focus on the Eastern Atlantic Ocean where tropical weather systems that form off the African Coast (Cape Verde Islands) can become a serious threat to the Eastern Caribbean island chain.

At this stage of the hurricane season, tourism-oriented businesses should be prepared. The prevention of the loss of life of our visitors and staff along with protecting property from damage is the responsibility of every business owner. The engine of the economy is every single business operation on the island. Each one plays a very important role in the island’s tourism-oriented economy.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “It only takes one!“ Now is the time for businesses and residents to review what preparations are in place and to get ready, and not when a storm is about to hit.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

San Juan, Puerto Rico:--– Last Monday, June 22, 2009, the premier of the movie, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” was held at the San Patricio Caribbean Cinemas theatres in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and its “¡Diviértete Más en St. Maarten” summer

Advertising campaign sponsored this special movie premier. A total of 423 people

attended the “by invitation only” special event, and were the first people in the

world to see this summer blockbuster, which broke all Wednesday opening day

records in the United States and in Puerto Rico.

At the end of the event, all attendees received a St. Maarten promotional bag

with information about the island, St. Maarten promotional items and information

about the summer packages available only through the St. Maarten / Puerto Rico

Program Partner Retailers.

Sponsorship of this movie premier is part of the aggressive marketing and

promotional efforts that the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and its Puerto Rico

representatives, Paradigm Associates, are undertaking in this market to establish

the island as the ideal vacation destination for Puerto Ricans.

Currently, St. Maarten is sponsoring various different promotions in Puerto Rico including television, newspapers, radio and internet (Facebook and Twitter).

The St. Maarten Facebook group for the Puerto Rican market (“Diviertete mas en St. Maarten”) has increased its membership to more than 500 people posting their

vacation photos, positive reviews about the island and inquiring information about

special packages to vacation in St. Maarten.

The next movie premier to be sponsored by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau will

be “G.I. Joe” during the second week of August. This movie is also expected to

be another summer blockbuster.

Philipsburg. Gracita R. Arrindell, Founder of the Peridot Foundation states; “we are eager to present our continuing series of awareness programs with this occasion slated for this Saturday July 4th 2009 at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center with the featured address to be given by former First Lady of Guyana, Ms. Varshnie Singh. In our communication at the beginning of this week, Ms Singh told us that she is Quote; ‘right on track for my visit and looking forward to it’.

We will be having a full program for Ms Singh during her first visit to Sint Maarten, starting with the main event this Saturday July 4th at 7.30 sharp. The program for the evening includes; Sint Maarten song; by Ms. Karia Arnold, Prayers; Mrs. Dorothy Boezerman; Remarks by Safe Haven Director, Mrs. Oldine Bryson Pantophlet, Vocal entertainment by Ms. Keila Gumbs, introduction of guest speaker by Amalia Elstak, the address by Ms. Varshnie Singh, followed by closing remarks and presentation of tokens of appreciation by Gracita Arrindell. We urge those who are advocates to have less violence in our homes, schools and community to come on time”.

Gracita continues; “On Sunday July 5th Ms. Singh is invited to attend a special luncheon organized by the Sint Maarten –Guyanese Foundation. We are very great full to the Sint Maarten Guyanese foundation for making this valuable contribution and look forward to afford her a warm welcome for this occasion as well. The articles establishing our foundation also includes the islands of Statia, Saba and Saint Martin. In this regard we are excited to have been invited by the, “Women with a higher Purpose” foundation in collaboration with “Women’s desk” and have accepted to travel to Statia on Monday July 6th to speak and participate at several functions organized by both organizations in Statia.

On Tuesday evening from 8 to 9 p.m. we will be on air as guest of radio personality Tamika Jones’s program; ‘The Beauty In Me’ on S.O.S 95.9 FM.

Ms Singh is scheduled to return to Guyana on Wednesday July 8th”.

Gracita said: “Peridot Foundation takes this opportunity also, to say a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors including Air-fin Management represented by Willem Barendsen, Xerox management represented by Obersi, Holland House management Paul Boetekees, Taliesin construction management Carl Chritchlow and the Sint Maarten Guyanese Foundation for its generous support.

Gracita concludes: “Our Foundation is very excited to put this program together and hope to welcome a large segment of our community on Saturday evening to support the cause to eradicate domestic violence from our society.”

Marigot: ---The Sous Prefecture has confirmed that the samples taken from two patients on June 30th has returned positive with the H1NI virus (swine flu). A press release from the Sous Prefet states that the two cases are not related but both patients were having flu like symptoms and are living on the island.

The tests he said were conducted at the Institute Pasteur in French Guiana and the results were received on Thursday evening. The prefet said both patients received instructions and recommendations to remain at home until 48 hours after the symptoms has disappeared. He further explained that status of the patients is not of concern meaning there is no health hazard.

Patients are advised to take hygiene measures to limit the spread of the virus. Persons should make sure they wash their hands carefully with soap for at least 30 seconds. Those with flu like symptoms must do so more than once a day especially if they are sneezing and snuffing. They are also make sure to wash their hands after going to the toilet and after contact with a patient tested positive with H1NI. All papers and tissues must be placed in a bin with a lid on.

In case of drying, sneezing, cough,: the flu virus is transmitted by air, especially by respiratory droplets, it is imperative to observe the basic hygiene following:

- Cover your mouth whenever you cough, then wash their hands;

- To cover their nose every time you sneeze, then wash their hands;

- Blowing the nose with tissue paper disposable thrown into a dustbin, if possible, covered with a lid.

Philipsburg: --- The police department is yet to take a decision on how to handle the case against brigadier R.J who is accused of beating his wife for another woman. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said the police department is busy conducting two investigations against R.J.

Doran said one of the investigations which were completed was done by the detective department while the other one is done by the Police Internal Affairs. Doran further explained that the criminal investigation is now completed and the file was sent on the prosecutor’s office on Friday afternoon. The top cop said he is yet to discuss the file with the prosecutor and to see what decision has to be taken while the investigation by internal affairs is still ongoing.

In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he already has the file with the complaint filed by Connie James. He said he would be looking into the matter early next week since domestic violence cannot be tolerated.

Mud further explained that he was informed that R.J was questioned by police but he did not see the file.

In the meantime. SMN News understands that R.J is someone who has had several problems in the past and he should not have been in the police force. Reliable sources say the young man has had trouble with the law since he was 15 years old and they cannot understand how he made it through to the police department. Several other colleagues of R.J said the officer is badly in need of psychological evaluation. Asked about that Doran said every officer has to go through such testing before becoming an officer and in the case of R.J he said when he did his tests nothing was highlighted.

Philipsburg: --- Organizers of the Peridot Foundation was obviously disappointed when only about 30 persons showed up to their awareness on domestic violence on Saturday night. Keynote speaker of the event was Guyana’s first lady Varshnie Singh. Singh on her first visit to St. Maarten read her public statement on her experiences about domestic violence even though she was the wife of the president of the Republic of Guyana. Varshnie Singh is also the founder of Kids First Fund which was established to help the poor and needy with health problems in her native country.

Singh in her opening remarks gave an elucidation on the purpose of her foundation and how she came about forming such a foundation prior to reading her statement on the experiences she had with her former husband the President of Guyana Bharat Jagdeo.

At no point in the statement did Singh mention her former husband’s by name but she stuck to his title as Guyana’s President.

The first lady went on to say that she did not want to be the type of first lady who would be cutting ribbons and kissing babies on their forehead, instead she wanted to be proactive and make real contributions to further develop her country. Something her husband had agreed to prior to them getting married but that she said never materialized.

She said during her ten year marriage she was not allowed to work neither was she receiving proper maintenance or financial or otherwise. She described her type of domestic violence as high tech, or institutionalized violence and abuse of power.

She defined domestic violence as a behavior pattern which is used to gain or maintain power and control over ones partner. Domestic Violence she said includes any behavior that intimidates terrorizes or manipulates hurt over ones partner.

While reading her speech that kept the small gathering tense she called on everyone to look out for each other since domestic violence concerns everybody she reminded the gathering that she is and educated woman who held the highest office of any country yet she has been a victim of domestic violence, something no one should underestimate.

The following is the full statement written by Varshnie Singh which is available online.

Statement by Varshnie Singh

20 January 2009

I was married according to Hindu rites to Bharrat Jagdeo since 1998. In 1999 he became President and I the First Lady.

During our marriage I was not allowed to work and did not receive proper maintenance or care, financial or otherwise.

The First Lady’s office is a myth that I created because of a need. It advocates on behalf of the voiceless and receives no government funding or any type of assistance.

I left England in 1997, where I was working as a paralegal for a top 5 law firm and earning a very good salary to come to Guyana to assist my father with a land case.

My intention was to serve my country, Guyana, as a lawyer. Doing free work for poor people and a few paying cases so I could earn a living. I had also aspired to enter politics as a servant of the people perhaps as an MP.

Bharrat and I had a deal before we got married that we would work together, to move Guyana forward, but that never happened.

A week after being married he locked me out of our bedroom. From then on it was one problem after another, nothing I could do was ever right. Any attempts to find out what the wrong, why he stopped talking to me, why he was so mean, were met with long silences which lasted days on end and I got no answers.

I left my family and the country of my birth to make a new life with someone I loved, only to find I meant nothing and he had little to give me but contempt. I saw his behaviour in every possible light, he had no regard for me or any of my family

I left to go to the UK to complete my studies and to get away from the loveless and stressful life I found myself in. I told Bharrat that I was not happy and didn’t want to live like this, that we should go our separate ways. He did not want to do so and kept telling me it would be different and that he was sorry. It sounded fine on the phone but when we were together it all went terribly wrong.

Later he told me he would become President and asked me to come for the swearing in. I told him I didn’t think it was a good idea. I did attend the ceremony not wanting to upset his special day. I also tried to give our relationship another chance. Still nothing improved, it just got worse.

Whilst visiting my Aunt in Industry I was approached by a lady who sold greens; she had a sick grandchild, Vijai Naraine, who needed help to go to Trinidad to remove a tumour from his brain. They did not have enough money and Ministry of Health could only afford to pay part of the cost. The grandmother put her child in my lap and begged me to do something. I told her I would try my best.

I had a copy of the estimate from Mount Hope Hospital and a photograph of the child. On my father’s advice I walked all over Georgetown meeting the business community and asking them to help the child and they did.

It dawned on me that there must be many people who need expensive medical treatment but can’t afford it. So my idea was to set up a charity for children, use my job title to raise funds and then leave the charity with someone reliable to run it and return to the UK.

I did set up Kids first and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, but never found anyone to run them properly, so I was left to run both.

I did not complete my studies but I found ways to serve through Kids First Fund (helping sick children) and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau aka First Lady’s Office (dealing with adult health, social and welfare problems, advocacy and empowering youth and women). Being the Chairperson of the National Commission of the Rights of the Child, the Chairperson of the National Steering Committee Against Child Labour, Patron of The Divine Charitable Society and Patron of the Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabha.

When I told our President of my idea for Kids First, he was angry and said it was a slap in the face of his government as he had invested so much money in the health sector. I could not see it that way, I felt it was badly needed and beneficial to the country. So I continued unsupported.

We ended up at BK International’s office because when I asked the President to use a room at Office of the President, he said that OP belonged to him and there was no room for me.

Our first Kids First meetings were held outside in a yard in Church Street, when that was not possible we had them in BK International’s yard, eventually we were offered a space inside the building. After that we were in high Street and now we have been in Mr Gafoor’s building for the past 5 years. All locations have been rent and overhead free.

Although my work is done with total commitment, fairness and honesty for the benefit of others. It irritated my husband a lot.I have given without any personal benefit, 10 years of my life to fulfil my dream of serving Guyana. I have done it to the best of my ability, without regret; but in the face of serious challenges and obstacles, lining my path because my husband and I don’t get along and he finds my work embarrassing and me annoying because I want to help. I used my fancy job title to advocate for those who had been taken advantage of and needed help, the voiceless, poor people, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.

I would accompany people to hospital, court, police stations, home visits etc do whatever was necessary to help. This he found as interfering and offensive, personally and politically.

I have given without any personal benefit, 10 years of my life to fulfil my dream of serving Guyana. I have done it to the best of my ability, without regret; but in the face of serious challenges and obstacles, lining my path because my husband and I don’t get along and he finds my work embarrassing and me annoying because I want to help.

The First Lady of every country in the world whether they are helpful or not are treated with respect and given the full backing of her husband, government and nation. Even if they never do anything other than cut ribbons and kiss babies heads. I have enjoyed the support of the nation, most Ministers and very little from the President.

Anyone who has ever received a call or letter from me, can tell you that I don’t demand, I don’t expect any special treatment, but I do expect that once presenting the facts of every case that the decision makers would do the right thing and help. I am persistent because people are depending on me and I don’t want to let them down. And I feel I have an obligation to try my best to help.

This is the first country that I have heard of where the First Lady is proactive, doing good for the nation but gets penalised because her husband is President and finds her work to help the same people he swore to defend and represent as “showing up the inadequacies of his government” and therefore made me his enemy.

Later down I would hear other cruel rumours, but the worst had to be this year after the Lusignan Massacre when I was requested by the families of the victims to organise a peace rally, which never materialised.

Propaganda was used to peddle lies about me, my work and the court case in Trinidad. People would repeat, misinformation being spread by irresponsible people. I had to stand alone to explain to the nation why I could not let Medical Associates and Dr Mathura rob Kids First and therefore our people. So court action was necessary. Our President said I was an embarrassment and refused to listen to the facts of the case.

Yet a prominent lawyer in Trinidad gave me a hearing and when I explained my case and inability to pay he agreed to take my case free of charge. He could see the injustice even if our President wouldn’t.

Later down I would hear other cruel rumours, but the worst had to be this year after the Lusignan Massacre when I was requested by the families of the victims to organise a peace rally, which never materialised.

I met the Leader of the Opposition Mr Corbin and his wife in the yard of one of the victims’ the day after the tragedy. He shook my hand, introduced me to his wife and told me to keep up the good work as I am helping everyone and not to let anything prevent me from doing so. I thanked them for coming and they left.

By that evening the propaganda was in full effect, the word on the street was that I am collaborating with the PNC and Mr CN Sharma to bring down the Government and organising a protest march. I was oblivious to this until 2 friends of the President came to the wake where I was meeting the families and informed me that this was the case and they had come to find out if this was true.

Running in my veins is the blood of a patriot, I have a deep love for this nation, for humanity in general, regardless of race, religion and political affiliation. To demand excellence in effort and integrity and justice from our elected officials doesn’t make me anti-government or anti-party or pro- opposition. It makes me pro- Guyana. This is my right as a citizen of a great nation to expect nothing less and I have no apology to make for this.

I have been begging our President for financial assistance so I can live, for the past ten years and have not received it. I have had to depend on my parents who are pensioners and my family to support me. It is shameful at this stage of my life to regress to having my parents support me. It is funny and sad to hear the politicians talk about the campaign against domestic violence, investing millions to “stamp it out” etc when what I am experiencing is hi-tech domestic violence and persecution. Our President is using his office and state resources including Ministers unprofessionally to disadvantage a woman.

I had wanted to leave many years ago and tried to get our President to co-operate with me to call it a day amicably. He refused to entertain any dialogue until after the last election. Then everything went into overdrive by his hand.

It is funny and sad to hear the politicians talk about the campaign against domestic violence, investing millions to “stamp it out” etc when what I am experiencing is hi-tech domestic violence and persecution. Our President is using his office and state resources including Ministers unprofessionally to disadvantage a woman.

Everything comes under the control of our President. There is no provision for a First Lady or any wife of an official in our constitution. This is something I think needs to be changed.

There was much speculation about all the money I got in settlement etc after the marriage was over. Yet my reality was and is far from the wildest imagination. There is no one in this country that would work as diligently as I have done in these awful conditions for the past 10 years without any pay or financial/other incentive.

For almost 2 years (2003-2004) I was denied access to the Presidential apartment at State House. If I was not home by 6pm the apartment door would be locked with the latch from the inside so my key could not open it.

Even if I was home at 6pm I would be in my room by myself, where all I could do was read and listen to music. We were two people living separately under one roof. When I was locked out, I would have to spend the night on a sofa on the 1st floor, without a sheet, get murdered by mosquitoes, praying for the night to pass quickly so I could get into my room bathe and get to office, or to my public engagements etc.

I got no sleep at all during the period I was locked out. Eventually I would walk with a change of clothes, just in case and then go to my Aunt’s house nearby to bathe the next morning. Making a joke of the water tank at State House not having water.

When my Aunt heard from some other source about what was happening to me she told me off and offered me accommodation. I stayed by her and other relatives but always felt embarrassed and angry that I was being put in this position.

My room in the Presidential apartment had a bed, wardrobe, en suite bathroom and a telephone that could make only local calls. I have no personal cooking facilities or fridge there. I have use of the washing machines and the domestic staff do help me with anything I ask them to do.I went to NY to attend the Bollywood awards in 2002, I was given an award for Humanitarian Service. The 2 recipients before me were Michael Jackson and Steven Segal. It was an honour for Guyana and I accepted it on behalf of the country and had a chance to mention Kids First as well.

I spend most of my time in office because I felt the President was irritated by my presence, and didn’t want me around. Also there I have access to resources not available at home.

I would be in my office, put on a dvd to keep me company and do my administration, follow up on my work and then when I feel tired or decide to go home I do so to sleep and then start again the next day.

I am not mentioning this for sympathy but I have not done nor could I do, anything which warrants this disrespect and contempt that I have been shown.

Although my personal life was dysfunctional and non-existent, my official or professional life was very productive and compensated to an extent for what was lacking in other areas.

After close to 2 years of being locked out and denied access to my room, I discovered an empty guest bedroom on the opposite side of the house that didn’t require going into the President’s apartment. That way I could always access it, so I moved my things over and have been residing there peacefully until recently.

I received no payment or allowance for my work. On I believe 4 occasions only did I receive any stipend for travels overseas. Once on my only state visit to China and the other times from the Ministry of Health for medical outreach to USA and India.

Every time there was a First Lady’s conference I was never allowed to attend and the one time it looked possible the conference in Peru was cancelled due to political unrest.

When I would go overseas to do Kids First work the Guyana Officials there would be told by Office of the President that my trip was not official, Kids First was my hobby and not to afford me the “official” courtesies one might expect anywhere else in the world. Sometimes I was “officially” First Lady other times I was not according to Office of the President.

I went to NY to attend the Bollywood awards in 2002, I was given an award for Humanitarian Service. The 2 recipients before me were Michael Jackson and Steven Segal. It was an honour for Guyana and I accepted it on behalf of the country and had a chance to mention Kids First as well.

I asked our President for money to buy a suitable outfit and 2 new suits and he would only spare US$200, it wasn’t enough. I had to borrow money from the Consulate in NY and the Office of the President had to repay him when I returned. This was because our President did not approve of the award and was being his usual spiteful self.

I had the opportunity to address 400 doctors at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, in Nashville Tennessee, USA. They would be willing to come to Guyana and perform free surgery and clinics. Our President objected and my travel which had been booked and approved was stopped. Much preparation had been made for this visit by Vanderbilt and this was another embarrassing situation to be in. We lost out tremendously on having all those willing and highly qualified human resources help us free.

In November 2007, I returned from my trip to India having taken 9 children and 1 adult for open heart surgery to find the vehicle I was using had been taken away without any explanation.

In April 2008 as the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child I was part of a delegation going to a special session on Children at the UN. I was given my ticket by UNICEF and would stay with my relatives. The day before I was due to leave, my name was mysteriously removed from the list of delegates.

Upon enquiry I was directed to Office of the President but could get no comment. By not being on the list of delegates I would not be able to access the sessions at the UN and that was the whole purpose of going. I could not attend.

Everything I am involved in NCRC and the National Steering Committee against child labour gets disrespected either because we work too well and the officials feel we are showing them up or because I am involved. Being genuine, proactive, conscientious and professional are qualities that are not appreciated.

NCRC has by all accounts ceased to exist. Although a Cabinet appointed National Commission, we have not officially been informed, we had to hear it though the grapevine. The National Steering Committee Against Child Labour has been blocked because we are not allowed to work as we see fit. I chair both and I think this is why they have been squashed, although we will be told some other excuse.

Every time I have gone overseas to do fundraising or represent Guyana I have done so without any financial resources, just my ticket alone. I stay with my relatives and they take care of accommodation, transport and food.

I have been deprived of the basics for many years, my food is taken care of by my Aunt who has a shop. My clothing, money and every thing else is from my parents and family.

I had to turn down invitations to I had to turn down invitations to events because I did not have proper attire, and no money to buy anything new. I have to think what I wore the last time I went out because I don’t have an extensive wardrobe. I dress casually partly because it’s my personality and because I can’t afford to wear formal clothing to my office. I am just washing and wearing clothing I have had for many years. I have to think what I wore the last time I went out because I don’t have an extensive wardrobe. I dress casually partly because it’s my personality and because I can’t afford to wear formal clothing to my office. I am just washing and wearing clothing I have had for many years.

The best and only resources that I have access to are my rent free room at State House and in recent years, the use of 2 government vehicles and they were taken away last November. A vehicle is the bloodline of the charity and my office.

We need it to do almost everything, from picking up the volunteers, one of which is using crutches and is a cancer survivor that we helped, to doing errands, going to the bank, taking patients to doctors/to labs and dropping them to the park, visiting patients at home, dropping off wheelchairs, medication, delivering mails, collecting donations, arranging activities, going to meetings, attending functions, shopping and visiting my family, in particular my elderly father who lives in Enmore.

My work has been impeded severely since the vehicle was taken and due to the kindness of complete strangers I have been able to borrow vehicles to use. It’s not a position I like being in, but efforts to get a duty free concession have been squashed. The President told me I am not entitled to one.

He has decided I am entitled to nothing outside of what he wants to give. He makes and breaks the rules where I am concerned.

I have people coming to me in the hope of financial assistance not knowing that I am in a lot of ways worse off than them. People come to me for solutions to their problems; they do not know that every time I advocate and put pen to paper, it costs me personally one way or another.

I have survived the past decade by refusing to give up and keep going against the odds to achieve the required results and somehow the work always gets done. I could be much more productive if I had a vehicle, an income, a place to live and co-operation from the President. If co-operation is too much to expect then no interference would be preferable.

Kids First Fund is one of many amazing organisations in Guyana and has helped many people as has the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, NCRC, the National Steering Committee Against Child Labour and deserves to be protected and honoured. I say this not because I am part of them but because of the good work they do and the positive impact they have on ordinary people’s lives.

Ordinary people who don’t have connections are falling through the ever widening cracks in the ministries bureaucracy. We have officials who need to work much harder than they have been and should remember they are the servants of the people, not the other way around. Every country in the world has NGO’s working in harmony with government to help the nation.

Other Heads of State and even Royal Family’s have had failed marriages and are able to behave in a civil manner and not misuse their position to disadvantage their previous partner.

Stamp out child abuse, gender abuse, domestic violence, corruption, abuse of alcohol, drugs, and most importantly abuse of power. Not something that is uniting people all over the world and helping people in need and sick children in our country. Where is the sense in that?

I have been without during my entire marriage and at one point just wanted to get out and move away without anything from the President. I made steps to start a business and to get a job but found that anything I do, would somehow eventually need his approval on the business front. On the job front, I was told that no one would employ me for fear of backlash from our President.

I then considered that I had worked free giving my full commitment and energy and I should be entitled to at least what I was owed during marriage. I had hoped that once the marriage came to an end, the President would do the right thing and give me a proper settlement. He has not and is not willing to give more than he offered.

Our President earns GY$200,000 pm of which I have not seen a dollar for most of my married life. He recently built a house which I understand is being rented and now he has GY$10 million left. He is willing to give me GY$5 million. That won’t buy even a suitable vehicle, considering the cost of a second hand one to be US$15,000 and the duty US$30,0000.

I have been taking children to India since 2005 for open heart surgery and spent thousands of USD which the MOH until last year used to contribute towards. There are many children and adults needing surgery and can’t get it because it’s expensive.

My experience with Minister Ramsammy in 2007 left me disappointed with him and our President. The Minister told me the applications were turned down at the Cabinet level and the President instructed him not to help me or Kids first Fund.

In fact the request for help came from the parents of heart patients. By not helping all they did was force me to go out to beg for money to do their job to help save the lives of Guyanese children.

I did not know our health policy was guided by the egos of our leaders. If they feel like it they will help, if not you are stuck and left to die. I was foolishly under the misconception, that timely access to healthcare, is a constitutional right; especially for children, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. I thought it depends on availability of funds and facilities, Not the whims and fancies of individuals elected to serve.

That experience moved forward a plan I have had for a number of years to build a state of the art hospital. A charitable children’s hospital at a place called Morakai which would have a cardiac facility, neurosurgery, eye surgery, bone and chemotherapy. We will bring the expertise to Guyana so that more people can access the care and therefore save thousands of dollars and time travelling around the world to save lives.

I applied for the land at Moarakai 31.4 acres to do several things and the application is in the system awaiting the President’s signature also EPA and other approval.

The hospital is important for Guyana because of the benefit to poor people needing specialised treatment and the financial savings we would make. Also we would be a centre of excellence in something and attract patients from our neighbouring countries. Also I would have a paid job.

We will have approximately 100 beds, with various specialties, full diagnostics, dialysis, tele medicine, physiotherapy, swimming pool, alternate medicine; acupuncture/massage, lab facilities, counselling etc computer lab & research facilities, class rooms for lectures etc it will be a teaching hospital. A&E etc It’s a kid friendly and people friendly hospital. Overseas medical students could do electives and voluntary work with us.

The complex will also have:-

kids first fund’s office, a hostels for the vulnerable, nature trails and adventure park, camping site, bird watching facility accommodation for local and overseas doctors/staff, a skills training centre, guest house, supermarket, gas station/vulcanising/work shop, multi faith place of worship, children’s play park and an Ayurvedic health spa.

I also intend to establish cottage industries, after training people in the surrounding communities to do farming, craft making, cooking, dress making and various other micro-enterprise initiatives, to develop and improve the lives of those living in the immediate communities.

I have a plan to raise the money to build from investors and selling bricks for US$1000 to corporate sponsors. There are at least 500 waiting for us to launch our hospital website so they can start buying.

We can’t launch until we have the land. We offered to buy it from the Government but I was told by the President he can’t sell state land. We asked for a 99 year lease, but he said he can only give 25 year lease.

The President told me that if I don’t agree to his settlement figure of GY$5million, he and his government would not deal with me and the hospital project will not happen.

I received GY$1million dollars in 2007 from our President, he said that money was to pay my rent for a year and to buy a middle income house lot which cost $500,000 GY. I paid for the lot but could not find anywhere to rent for that budget. In the end I had to use the rest of the money to buy tickets to travel to the UK to fundraise to pay off the March 07 hospital bill for Kids First.

I received GY$1million dollars in 2007 from our President, he said that money was to pay my rent for a year and to buy a middle income house lot which cost $500,000 GY. I paid for the lot but could not find anywhere to rent for that budget. In the end I had to use the rest of the money to buy tickets to travel to the UK to fundraise to pay off the March 07 hospital bill for Kids First. Early in 2008 I went to the UK and Canada where we raised US$10,000 to pay off the Oct 07 bill. It was very hard work and created a lot of good will amongst the diaspora and people genuinely interested in the well being of children.

I was informed in August 2008 just before I went overseas, that I have to vacate my room at State House because the President needs it back to house his guests for his university reunion in September. Also since we are no longer married I should leave State House.

I have nowhere to move to and I don’t intend to run back to my father’s home when I was married to someone who has I believe an obligation to provide for me.

In August 2008, I went to the UK and USA to fundraise for the next trip to India which was planned for October 2008, but due to insufficient funds we have postponed the trip. We need to raise US$120,000 to pay for surgery and air fares. There I was able to raise US$22,306. In November I went to Canada and raised CAN$10,000. Achieving our goal could be easier with co-operation from our President, but the opposite happened.

In September 2008K we planned to hold a food fair fundraiser at the Guyana High Commission which would have raised ₤5,000-₤6,000 it was stopped because the High Commissioner received a letter from the Director General, which stated on the instruction of the President, Kids First Fund is no longer to have access or use of the building.

Quite amazing when other organisations in the UK have full use of the building to keep meetings and host social activities. Kids First uses it to raise money to save lives and to store our stocks of souvenirs and craft in a basement office that is used for storage and filing. Also we have stayed there with the patients there to save paying hotel bills.

I was advised by our President that he has no responsibility to make any further settlement as we were not living as married people. I must not use the title First Lady and I am not entitled to have diplomatic status or a duty free concession to buy a vehicle.

Our President says he is willing to let a judge decide what he must pay. Which Judge would be willing to hear the case and be impartial, when the most powerful and vindictive man in the country is involved? I do not feel that I could get a fair judgement. Also the President can not be taken to court whilst in or out of office. Even if a Judge makes a ruling how do you enforce it on someone who is immune from the constraints of law?

Our President’s advice when I said I need money to build a house, set up a business and buy a vehicle was that I should go overseas and get a job save up and come back. When I reminded him of dedicating 10 years of my life to help poor people, he said I could have left at any time.

The Mayor and Opposition parties called for the vehicle to be returned, yet the President is claiming to be following the rules, whose? Where does it say that I must relinquish the vehicle? Where doe it say anything about me? The President claims I have no right to government resources paid for by tax payers money. Yet tax payer’s money is being splurged to pay for resources for his employees when they crash state cars, or need anything etc

When I was the First Lady he contributed nothing to my upkeep, now I am no longer the First Lady, he still won’t do the right thing.

I feel very disappointed and frustrated that I am being penalised because of a bad relationship with our President and that I am being disrespected as a woman, wife and First Lady of this country and no-one is able or willing to help me.

I am asking for :

- Our President to reverse his current policy and please stop persecuting me, Kids First Fund and it’s supporters. Let people have the freedom to associate and support us since you won’t.

- Our President and his agents to stop warning off people not to help and threatening to give people a hard time/remove GOG funding etc I am not your enemy, I don’t want your job, I just want to serve my country without you and your staff/agents stamping on my efforts. I have proved my dedication why else do you think I am still here without any money or support.

- Stop disrespecting everything I am involved in and instructing your Ministers to give me and my colleagues a hard time. I am going to resign as Chairperson of the National Steering Committee Against Child Labour, you’ve already snuffed out the NCRC.

- I wish to retain all courtesies and use of overseas missions to carry out our fundraisers etc In particular the UK where you promised my sister Kieran we can still continue our work undisturbed and to keep hold of the keys. The High Commissioner in the UK has no problem with us using the building in any capacity and is following your instructions.

- Use of the mission was not subject to me being First Lady when other organisations use it for their socials and meetings. Our stock is stored in a disused office in the basement. We bring together more Guyanese at our activities than anyone else could get with free rum.

- Full duty free concession on a personal vehicle and one for Kids First.

- The land for the hospital at Morakai be given to Kids first or sold to us for a reasonable amount. We would like full co-operation at the government level. We don’t need your money we just don’t want you to obstruct me or the project.

- The land cruiser I was using, PGG 1108 be returned to me and gas and maintenance provided by the Office of the President until I retire.

- I would like re-migrant status backdated to 1997 – duty and VAT free on my building materials for my home and the hospital

- I wish to keep my Diplomatic status and passport.

- I was told there was a First Lady’s allowance which the President stopped when he assumed office. I would like every allowance that I was entitled to on every trip I made but did not get.

- A proper settlement so I can build a home, buy a vehicle, live peacefully and earn a living. The President paid nothing towards my existence for the past 10 years.

I have suffered for the past decade and I want to move on but I don’t have the resources or co-operation to do so.

Finally, on the 5 January 2009 I received a letter from our President’s lawyer dated 2 January requesting that I vacate State House within 48 hours or I will be denied access to it. I responded with a letter requesting more time.

I have asked to keep my room until I return from overseas fundraising activities on 1 April, after which I will move out before I take my last batch of children to India for surgery for a while.

On the 19 January when I returned to State House I was denied access on the President’s instructions. I have no clothing apart from what you see me wearing here. I am asking for

I have no choice but to close my office and move back to UK for a while to earn a living to support my charitable work. This is not what I want to do, as Guyana is my home and I have a right to live and work here. Due to the unfair discrimination I am suffering at the hands of our President and his agents, I have no choice.

Someone once said “PT revolution is not enough” I am a full time patriot and nothing will ever change that. If you, Mr President, had dedicated a fraction of the energy you expend in making my life difficult to actually working with me, we would have achieved much more for Guyana.

It was not an easy choice to make this statement, everything I have said is true.

My humble apology my parents, to this great nation and to my family and friends for any embarrassment this has caused, but I was given no other choice.

Varshnie Singh

Citizen of Guyana

Chapel Hill, NC:--- Divi Resorts today announces the hiring of Gillian Spronk, a veteran of more than twenty years of Caribbean resort management, as the new general manager for its Little Bay, St. Maarten property. She will be responsible for managing all aspects of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, ranging from daily operations, marketing, supplier relationships and guest services.

A native of Holland, much of her management career has been spent on the island of St. Maarten. Spronk’s people-oriented approach has led to the creation of more efficient customer-reservations systems and staff-development programs at her previous resorts, leading to enhanced guest experiences.

“We are looking forward to having a seasoned St. Maarten hotelier at our Little Bay helm,” said E.J. Schanfarber, Divi Resorts president. “Her experience in leveraging the guest-service potential in each staff member will boost both employee and guest satisfaction. Gillian joins Little Bay at the exciting conclusion of our major facilities-renovation projects.”

Divi Little Bay began renovation 18 months ago to modernize and beautify its long-time property to a premium level. In addition to complete room renovations, the grounds recently were landscaped with new pathways and plantings and the tennis courts refurbished. The resort also expanded Seabreeze Restaurant, a popular dining venue overlooking Little Bay’s private beach peninsula. Work has started on a new beach bar and grill to be completed later this year.

Willemstad: President of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles Pedro Attacho said by means of a letter, dated July 1st, 2009, he informed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. E. de Lannooy, that the Central Committee of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, during their meeting and in her presence, debated on the National Health Fund for the Government pensioners and the preoccupation that prevails amongst them.

During that meeting a total number of 17 Members of Parliament participated in the deliberations where the Members gave their clear vision on the topic that laid on the floor. A great majority of the Members expressed their consent to allow the integration of the National Health Fund for the Government pensioners with the General Health Fund, anticipating the submitting to Parliament of the draft-laws regarding this integration.

Referring to the debate Attacho officially declared so to the Minister of Finance and also declared to her that a great majority of the Members agreed to allow the Bank for Social Security (SVB) to start with the necessary operations to reach that goal, in accordance with the wishes that exist in the Central Committee of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.

Finally, he said he informed the Minister that the corresponding draft-laws should be submitted to Parliament as soon as possible.

Philipsburg:--- The United Federation Union (UFA) has sent a letter to all members of the island council on the three islands , St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius requesting a meeting with them to further discuss their grievances with the managing director of GEBE William Brooks.

The letters dated on June 30 states that the managing director of the government owned company has failed to reach a consensus with the union regarding their Collective Labor Agreement. The union said they are at a brink of a deadlock. They suggested to the island council to request their list of grievances from the supervisory board who said they are unable to intervene in the ongoing dispute since that would create a situation of conflict of interest.

Philipsburg: --- Former VROM Head Delano Richardson was held by the federal detectives on Wednesday afternoon after he was asked to visit the offices of the detectives who are now on island. Richardson was held until late Thursday afternoon then he was released. Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed that Richardson was held for questioning and was subsequently released.

SMN News also understands that the interrogation of Richardson is continuing. It is understood that Richardson will be questioned again on Saturday at the Prosecutors Office.

Sources close to the investigation said the detectives also questioned Head of ROB Joseph Dollison and his subordinate Claudius Buncamper as witnesses in the so-called extortion case against the former VROM head.

The developer of Blue Mall Luis Goia, submitted a tape conversation to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. According to the developer Richardson demanded money from Gioa in exchange for a building permit. Members of the Federal Detectives immediately searched Richardson’s home and confiscated a number of items.

Delano Richardson has a court case against the island government whom he said illegally fired him from his job on December 18 2009. The judge in its first hearing had ordered the island government and Richardson to come to some kind of agreement since Richardson was not heard in the so-called extortion case.

The judge had given the two parties two weeks to come to a solution. Surprisingly the island government (executive council) did not follow the advice of the judge instead they called Luis Gioa as a witness in the hearing. The judge allowed Gioa to testify, the verdict is expected on July 16th.

In the meantime, since the firing of Delano Richardson the SOAB has been conducting an investigation into the day to day management of ROB and the issuance of building permits. In its preliminary report to the executive council the SOAB cited that there are a number of irregularities taking place at ROB/VROM. They went as far as suggesting that the executive council hire a new interim manager to regulate the management of ROB.

The SOAB in their report said the procedures for the requesting and granting of these permits were constantly being tampered with depending on the applicants.

Cul de Sac: --- The island government of St. Maarten was given a stern warning during the sermonette at Sunday’s Day of Prayer. Delivering the message was Pastor Royston Philbert of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. “While it is good to seek God’s Guidance this must be done on a daily basis especially in times of making decisions.” Philbert said.

He also called on politicians to put aside their past and party colors and unite for the best interest of St. Maarten who is seeking country status. He said the fact that politicians has stopped to seek God’s guidance is a strange phenomenon for politicians and politics. Philbert said the church has come to the conclusion that politicians or those that sit in government are self opinionated as well as anti-religious convictions that they would never grant the nation the opportunity for a service such as the one held on Sunday.

Philbert said he believes the situation that is facing the world today has forced local politicians to turn to God for a formula. That formula he said is to get out of the world economic crisis and immorality.

He reminded the large gathering that showed up at the Emilio Wilson Park that people are very vulnerable since financial doom has all independent countries looking for a way out, while Iran is trying to emerge as the new superstar with their nuclear holocaust. People from all over the world are looking for solutions to solve problems such as homosexuality, crime, teenage pregnancy and gangs related violence. Philbert reminded government that they are living in a world that is mad with problems yet still there are men who are embracing the opportunity to lead the nation to country. Philbert said St. Maarten does need a new beginning since those responsible for the shaping of minds has been destroying the morality and the discipline of minds. Philbert said St. Maarten has locked itself in a deadening trap by looking the other side for too long, now the people are looking at government to lead them out of that trap. While reflecting on scripture Pastor Philbert reminded the new National Alliance/ Heyliger government that they can lead the people to the promise land just as Moses did. He said people once looked at St. Maarten and was jealous of it but today St. Maarten is not the same. Philbert said while those in government are busy looking for a way out there is already one and they needed to look to God for that way out since God has that formula waiting for them to receive it. He warned that it’s not just calling for a day of prayer since St. Maarten needs to experience God and times such as these demand spiritual leadership. Philbert said spiritual leadership does not begin when an event is called but when the lives of the leaders are transformed by God and the process of leading a nation towards God depends on continuity.

In closing Philbert made three suggestions to government if they are to move forward. First they must let go of the past. He said people sometimes want new things but are not willing to change since they consistently live in the past. Philbert said nothing is wrong with memories but one must know that memories do not live lives it is people who does.

He said while people believed the world is lacking money the major need is more men with wisdom, he admonished the new government to forget about their past and focus on the future which he said is bright with God.

He also advised the leaders to look to their faith in leading. In addressing the leader of government he said if God destined him to be the one that would take St. Maarten towards country status then that is what it would be since God is able to put people up as well as take them down. He also called on the gathering to look at the man behind the man in leadership, while politicians need to put aside their differences, past and party color and unite for the sake of the island. He also reminded Marlin that when God is for someone nobody can be against them. At the end of the service Pastor Wycliffe Smith prayed for the island council. Accompanying them were their spouses and members of the clergy.

Endorsing the speech given by Philbert was assistant Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever who said that government needs to follow God’s rules when governing. De Weever also gave credit to the youths who participated in the program as well as attended the service. The theme of the national day of prayer “Dawn of a New Beginning, Be Emancipated” comes at time when St. Maarten is at a crucial juncture in its constitutional changes as well as the socio-economic development. De Weever said the constitutional process does requires the input of the entire nation and the God’s guidance which she said is definitely needed to move them forward.

The island’s Lt. Governor said St. Maarten is now confronted with greater challenges with the economic down turn more than it did in the past. She said with the perseverance of the people the island would prevail.

De Weever said the national day of prayer at this time brings greater significance and would definitely go down in history.

Also calling for unity was leader of government William Marlin. Marlin said politicians have to aside their own agendas and put all hands on deck to serve the people.

Marlin said when a nation is divided they would definitely fall but when united they stand tall. Marlin said a united front is only possible when they set aside all political differences and party colors to fulfill the mandate of the people who elected them.

He said there is much work with the negotiations to bring home country status which the people of St. Maarten voted for some nine years ago And it is the believe of his government to set aside partisans and political concerns and seek common grounds to serve the people’s purpose.

CAY BAY—The GEBE power plant experienced mechanical malfunctions with two generators that resulted in load shedding, today, July 13, 2009. Diesel Engine #9 will remain offline pending the arrival of a replacement part while repairs were made on Diesel Engine #12 that was brought back online at 5 p.m. Two cables feeding the Pelican, Zagersgut, and Belair areas were still out up to press time, but power was expected to be restored shortly thereafter.

The power plant’s operational personnel ascertained that the fuel injection pump of cylinder #4 of Diesel Generator #12 had seized, resulting in extremely high exhaust gas temperatures. The maintenance department reacted immediately by taking the engine offline to exchange the seized fuel injection pump resulting in a loss of some 10 MW of capacity. The team made use of the down time to replace flexible fuel hoses and perform some other preventive maintenance on the engine.

Diesel Engine #9 that produces approximately 5 MW also experienced mechanical problems when the compressor wheels and aluminum wall insert of the turbo charger were damaged beyond repair and required replacement. Most of the required spare parts were in stock and the changing out of the damaged parts has already begun. Only the wall insert will have to be flown in. This may lead to some additional outages until the repairs have been completed.

The areas that were affected were Oyster Pond, Saunders, St. Peters/ South Reward area, Cole Bay, Lowlands/ Cupe Coy, Over the Bank, Belvedere, Madame Estate, Pelican Keys, AT Illidge Road, Zagersgut, Belair and Simpson Bay.

Due to the recent spate of engine problems, GEBE power plant technicians have been working around the clock conducting emergency repairs to minimize the effect of the engine malfunctions on the community. With the warm weather, the electricity demand has increased significantly. GEBE is already operating on a tight electricity production schedule since a fire seriously damaged a major diesel generator in 2008, leaving the GEBE power plant with just enough capacity to meet the current demand. Any mechanical problems may lead to short power interruptions.

GEBE Power Plant is already undergoing expansion with the two 11.2 MW generators. The new engines are expected to arrive on the island shortly and should be commissioned by December 2009 in time for the beginning of the high tourism season.

GEBE would like to apologize to its customers for the recent power outages and GEBE would like to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to maintain a steady supply of electricity and to avoid any outages. Once an outage does occur, our team is immediately mobilized to conduct the necessary repairs and minimize the effect of the outages due to malfunctions of the engines on the community.

Updates on the load shedding schedule as well as the ongoing repairs will be available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com as they become available.

Middle Region:--- Some nine detectives including members of the RST (three members of the RST and seven from the local force) were seen on Tuesday afternoon at a Middle Region home searching. It seems as if law enforcement is conducting a major investigation since the chief of detectives as well as the chief of the armed robbery unit was on the scene along with the RST.

The house in question belongs to an employee of ROB. It is understood the woman B..B has a 19 year old son K.B who was also detained on Tuesday. SMN News understands that police some weeks ago found four stolen vehicles in the same yard and the said house was searched. Sources say K.B is allegedly involved in several major crimes on the island. Police went to get the owner of the house who was at the police station so she could open the house for them to conduct the search. The woman who is well known to this reporter began crying at one point saying she is tired of speaking to her teenage son. She told the officers who were seen searching around the house that she told her son to be careful because she knew police would eventually come to her house.

Police so far has remained tightlipped on the investigations. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said he is not releasing any information on the ongoing investigation. Stein said it is more important for them to investigate and solve crimes rather than updating the media.

Philipsburg:--- The island council meeting to handle the position of the executive council pertaining to the revised labour policy got underway late due to the late arrival of the assistant Lt. Governor Millicent De Weever, chairman of the island council. After a half hour adjournment the island council received its quorum after the leader of government and other members of the National Alliance signed in.

Opposition leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams in her presentation questioned the executive council on why they shelved the revised labour policy which was implemented on January 12 by the Democratic Party executive council. Wescot Williams also hinted that her faction had prepared a motion which they intended to bring to the floor of the island council in its second round. However, that motion never got to the floor after the chairman postponed the second round of the meeting until further notice so that the executive council can prepare the answers that were posed by three of the four members of the opposition.

Wescot Williams also gave an elucidation as to how her government got to the implementation of the policy and who were the persons that worked on it. She said the policy aims at providing more work for locals since her government saw the need to curb the influx of foreign workers coming to St. Maarten. While agreeing that the policy needed some amendments Wescot Williams said her motion was to seek to have the island council implement the Memorandum of Understanding with the changes that needs to be made in the policy.

Island councilman Roy Marlin and Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus also gave their reasons why the former executive council had implemented the policy and why they felt it was irresponsible for the present executive council to shelve the policy.

However, Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel asked several questions pertaining to the policy which is now contested, Samuel wants to know who the commissioner in charge of labour was when the policy was implemented. The island council man also wanted to know where the training program is for locals as stipulated in the policy. He further asked how is that a foreign work permit policy is going to benefit locals, he also wants to know which chapters of the policy specifically deals with benefitting locals. Samuel wants to know on what date the policy was discussed in the island council prior to its implementation. Samuel said while one hears about the students abroad and compulsory education the whole truth is not being told about the revised policy. Samuel said he understood that all businesses are not obliged to adhere to the policy and are receiving exemptions when processing labour permits. Samuel said if the information he is receiving has truth then the former government were involved in discrimination. He also posed questions about the programs that are supposed to advance the island values. Samuel said while several statements sounds good he wants to know where are the programs to advance the people. Samuel said during the election campaigns politicians are heard blaming the National Alliance for hating foreigners yet those same politicians are the ones that brought a policy which is aimed at putting foreigners who are living here for five or more years out of work.

Responding to the opposition Leader of Government William Marlin said that the island council has certain agreements during the island council recess, yet the current opposition felt it necessary to call for an island council meeting on the July 14th celebration. Marlin said in the past the recess had to be extended to give the Democratic Party councilors time to attend August Monday celebrations in Anguilla.

Marlin said very often the National Alliance and other political parties were blamed for not wanting foreigners on the island but the same Democratic Party who has been casting the blame are the ones who brought a policy out to get rid of foreigners since they are apparently taking over the work force.

As per the policy Marlin said the revised policy is under review and the government plans to come with a policy that would address the issues in the labour market. Marlin said while the revised policy dictates that employers have to provide adequate housing for foreign workers it condemns the present housing conditions on the island. Marlin said the labour policy as is states that anyone person requesting a working permit has to be living in a home that is no less than 25 square meter, while the emergency homes that has families is no more than 40 square meter. Marlin calls this hypocrisy since there is no one controlling the current homes.

The island leader said that based on that fact several homes and or apartments would have to be condemned since it is not meeting the required stipulations of the labour policy. Marlin said just recently he held a meeting with several business persons and he made clear that there needs to be an open and honest discussion with the businesses and government to address the labour issues particularly how local people have been treated over the years. He said the revised labour policy is not going to solve the problems that were created over the years. He said the perceived notion that this policy would provide jobs for locals is far from the truth. He said one of the things that need to stop is the abuse in the labour market instead this policy he said is creating more abuse towards those that are already employed.

Marlin said while several business people are saying that the locals do not want to work, the truth of the matter is the locals are being abused. He said locals who are well paid and has secured jobs are happy and are working willingly. He said right now businesses are exploiting foreign workers who often get a better salary than they get in their own country. Many of these people he said work extended hours to make ends meet. Marlin said over the years businesses have abused the six month contract which is geared towards seasonal workers. He gave example of the airline industry, casinos and cashiers are being hired on the six month contract while these are permanent jobs. Marlin said several of these persons cannot buy a home simply because they do not have a permanent job.

Marlin said he has encountered men 40+ years getting minimum wages while the policy is saying foreign workers must be treated dignified. Marlin said the former executive council has chosen to terrorize the businesses who might eventually pack and leave the island. Marlin explained while government has this policy there is no follow up to make sure the foreign worker whose application was turn down did not leave the island. He said this policy is even hindering young people who have lived all their lives on St. Maarten. He said the law states that when a child reaches 18 years their parents can no longer sign for them and the current policy is saying that a person has to be 25 years before they can receive a labour permit.

After the closing of the meeting leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams in a statement to the press said that they came prepared for the meeting. She said it seems as if the National Alliance island council members seemingly have their roles confused because now they too are posing questions. Wescot Williams said she also would like to know if all businesses are not complying with the policy and why they were not. She said she does not know who was Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel was questioning however, she expects his government to provide the answers. The opposition leader said she indicated on the Day of Prayer that no one can start a new beginning instead they can bring about a new ending. However, what see saw and heard at the island council meeting does not give her any comfort in the change the National Alliance/Heyliger government is talking about. She said the reason they requested the meeting was because they needed answers for the island’s people.

Philipsburg: --- GEBE the utility company providing electricity to the island has warned that there would be some more loads shedding in the coming days, until the necessary parts for DG number 9 and 12 get the required parts from overseas. Even though the company managed to get the DG 12 running again it’s running at low capacity.

Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson told reporters that presently demands for electricity is equivalent to the production capacity of GEBE. Duzanson said that even though two new generators are already on island they would not be up and running before the end of the year. The new generators he said still has to be assembled which he said would take a few months.

Duzanson said GEBE is expected to go back to normal sometime by the end of the week or early next week when the necessary parts arrived and the repair work is completed.

Duzanson said their peak demand registered last week was at 54 megawatts while the company’s production capacity is the same. He said the company as is running at full capacity at any types of problems encountered would cause some sort of load shedding until those problems are rectified. Duzanson said the company was aware that they were running tight based on their demands but the recent mechanical problems just made the situation worst a major issue for the company.

He further explained that most of generators are now running at full capacity and the generators now operational are over 20 years old which he believes attributed to some of the problems they are experiencing.

Duzanson said the company does have a maintenance program in place and defused rumors which stated that there is lack of mechanical engineers at the company.

The commercial manager also called on residents to install surge protectors to protect their sensitive equipments. He said the company does not compensate people for damaged electronics and felt residents should take the necessary precautions.

Philipsburg----- Head of Island Labour Rafi Boasman can no longer sign working permits, the decision would rest solely with the executive council confirmed head of the sector Joireen Wuite. Wuite said the executive council took the decision some two weeks ago to revoke the mandate of the department head. She said even though the written notification has not yet been given to Boasman she already notified him of the decision that was taken by the executive council. “Even though the administrative work is not completed the decision taken by the council still stands.” Wuite said.

Wuite explained that all incoming requests for work permits would be decided by the executive council and not the department as stipulated in the new revised labour policy. Even though losing his mandate Boasman remains head of the department.

Reliable sources had said the decision was sent to the Lt. Governor for his signature.

SMN News understands that even the advise that is made by Boasman and sent to the executive council does not bear his signature.

Wuite confirmed that the department is still using the revised labour policy that went into effect on January 12 until consultations with the stakeholders are complete. She said whenever the consultations are over and the necessary changes are made then the department would then adopt them.

SMN News had reported last week a decision was taken by the council to revoke the mandate of Boasman due to the fact that there maybe some sort of conflict of interest that is linked to the department heads and agencies that are processing labour permits for companies.

GREAT BAY (GIS)— there was a short cultural demonstration of the 6-member cultural group who will be representing St. Maarten during the Kingdom Games, a Cultural and Sports event held every 2 years within the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba to foster communal bonds.

The event will take place from July 21st to the 27th, 2009. This year the events will emphasize the 17 and under age group. The theme is “Power.”

Khimony Antoine, Danielle Borsje, Anisa Dijkhoffz, Tanvi Goklanni, Saskia Jones, Rochelle Miller—are the participants who will be traveling with their chaperon Dorothy Lake, who said that the young ladies are looking forward to the trip and participating in the Cultural event on the 23 of July.

The goal of the event is to promote mutual respect between the young competitors regardless of cultural and social background, Lake said.

Each group will have to perform an original piece, which was put together in different ways by: Stacy Hein, Clara Reyes, Susan Hein, Kimberly Milan, and Arlene Harley.

The performance is a dance routine, consisting of a poem and a hip hop section.

Each cultural group will participate in the Cultural activities part of the Kingdom Games and in the daily workshops, meant to hone the skills of the young participants.

The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, & Education, the Netherlands, and the host country.

Cole Bay: --- Relatives including eleven children are now mourning the tragic death of their father and loved one Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel 45 of the island of Dominica.

According to Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein, the deceased was driving along Union Road heading towards Marigot when he lost control of his red pick up truck. Stein said when the driver lost control of the vehicle he slammed into a wall breaking it down, the vehicle he said came to a stop in a garden behind the wall, it appeared that the driver died instantly from the injuries he sustained.

Stein said the accident so far looked one sided and that the driver and now deceased simply lost control of the vehicle and the driver was not wearing a seat belt. The accident took place near ORCO bank Stein said.

Firefighters and the rescue team took over two hours trying to remove the body from the mangled pick up truck said his relatives.

In the meantime, the bereaved relatives including the girlfriend of the deceased are somewhat angry. The relatives said their brother had already reached home in French Quarter when someone called him out to continue their weekend lime.

It is believed Hazel was heading towards Bellevue where a bicycle or motorcycle  race was about to start. SMN News further understands that Hazel and his drinking friends would meet at a location in Bellevue where they would end off their weekend sporting. SMN News was reliably informed that Hazel and his girlfriend had an argument when she learnt that he left the house to go sporting since only some weeks ago, he had an accident and total loss his vehicle, which he repaired.

The source said Hazel drove off leaving his girlfriend when she was pleading with him not to go anywhere. SMN News further understand the young woman was at the Star Mart Service Station in Cole Bay and she wanted to go along with her boyfriend but he drove off leaving her there and shortly after he ended up killing himself in the accident.

The sisters of the dead man said their brother who is now dead normally falls asleep behind the wheel especially when he is out all night. They believed that their brother who has a habit of sleeping on himself fell asleep behind the wheel that caused his instant and tragic death.

In a statement police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the driver was allegedly driving at high speed when for some unknown reason the driver went off the road on the right hand side then he crossed back the road and hit on a heap of rocks before going airborne. Leonard said based on statements received from eyewitnesses the vehicle then landed back on the road and was on two wheels and continue driving before hitting into a wall. The police spokesman said after that the vehicle landed in a yard and the driver seemingly died from multiple head injuries.

Hazel leaves to mourn his eleven children, both his parents and siblings on St. Maarten and abroad.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Commissioner of Education and Constitutional Affairs William Marlin and Commissioner of Finance and Human Resources, Xavier Blackman met with two representative of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organization to discuss:

1. Responsibilities of Member States towards their National Commissions, as outlined in the UNESCO Constitution, the Charter of National Commissions for UNESCO and other legal documents.

2. Status of National Commissions (legal position and relations vis-à-vis government authorities (e.g. autonomous, semi-autonomous, governmental), ministries, and permanent delegations).

3. Involvement of St. Maarten in the 35th Session of the General conference (October 6-23, 2009).

Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Antonio Maynard, and Secretary General of the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Everton Hannam was on hand to present detailed information on how to become a member state of the UNESCO organization.

These two individuals form part of the Working Group and were invited by Sector Education to consult and advise the relevant Government officials on the best arrangements to make the National Commission an efficient and dynamic entity within the new country St. Maarten.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are a specialized agency of the United Nations established on 16 November 1945. Its stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN Charter.

UNESCO has 193 Member States and six Associate Members. The organization is based in Paris, with over 50 field offices and many specialized institutes and centers throughout the world. Most of the field offices are "cluster" offices covering three or more countries; there are also national and regional offices. UNESCO pursues its objectives through five major programmes: education, natural sciences, social, and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.

Projects sponsored by UNESCO include literacy, technical, and teacher-training programmes; international science programmes; the promotion of independent media and freedom of the press; regional and cultural history projects, the promotion of cultural diversity; international cooperation agreements to secure the world cultural and natural heritage (World Heritage Sites) and to preserve human rights; and attempts to bridge the worldwide digital divide.

Present at the meeting were Dorothy Lake, Advisor to Commissioner W. Marlin, Claudette Labega –Forsythe, Sector Director of Education, Louis Brown, Sector Director Management Support, Neville York, Head of Culture Department, Patricia Lourens, Head of DERPI, and Khalilah Peters, Policy Worker.

The meeting came about as a follow-up from a March of this year. The Chairperson and Workgroup for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs met with Kwame Boafo, Head of the UNESCO’s Caribbean Cluster Office. In his discussions with the Workgroup, Mr. Boafo committed to assist St. Maarten with building its own National Commission for UNESCO by including St. Maarten in their National Commission capacity building training programs.

As a follow-up to this promise, the Caribbean Cluster Office offered the Government of St. Maarten assistance from the Working Group on Strengthening of National Commissions in the Caribbean Sub-Region.

As St. Maarten undergoes its new constitutional change process to become a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is most essential that the Government of St. Maarten start to forge, promote, and strengthen its alliances with regional and international organizations.

The Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles is transferring tasks and responsibilities to the Island Territories of St. Maarten and Curacao.

The dismantling process in essence means dissolution of Dutch Antillean membership in regional and international organizations and hence it is important for St. Maarten to begin its relations with important regional and international organizations such as UNESCO.

In order to optimally make use of projects, programs and resources of UNESCO, the Government of St. Maarten will not only be required to apply for associate membership but also start with the preparations in establishing a National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM).

A NATCOM by definition is a national cooperating body established by the Member States for associating their governmental and non-governmental bodies with the work of UNESCO. The National Commission is the main agency to implement UNESCO’s work at Country level and source funding for projects.

French Quarter/Marigot: --- The Board members and the organizers of the Committee of Traditions and Culture (CTC) were inexperienced and were mostly playing politics when organizing the Caribbean Festival; that is according to persons that worked throughout the preparation of the Caribbean Festival.

The sources said they  were recommended to the CTC said the minute they began discussion with the CTC board they were told that there is no money involved and if they wanted to be part of the festival then would have to do it for free. The CTC received over Euros 350,000 to organize the Caribbean Festival.

The Collectivity gave the CTC a subvention of Euros 155,000 while the tourist office gave an undisclosed amount of monies and Semsamar also supported the project. It should be noted that the Collectivity has 51% ownership shares in Semsamar while the Tourist Office also a department of the Collectivity. It is clear that most of the monies that were awarded to CTC are government funding and an investigation into the spending of these funds during a recession is needed. An investigation should also begin regarding the awarding of the security contract to one of the CTC board members, clarity should also be provided on the amount of monies this security company that is under investigation was paid.

The sources who were close the organizin committee said on several occasions the local participants had to leave the field because CTC were not providing  basic materials for the practicing.

“Things were so badly organized that the St. Martin troops did not even have water set aside for them on July 14th while other troops from overseas had their water and other beverages set aside.” The person who spoke to this reporter anonymously said someone who was assisting with the St. Martin troops had to make sure they got on the truck and took water that was set aside for the foreign revelers and gave to the St. Maarten children. The source said another sad experience was for them to see that the children and other revelers who came from Martinique had a special bus taking them from the Beach Plaza Hotel to the field while the local revelers had to get there by foot.

The source further explained they cannot understand what the CTC did with the monies they got simply because monies were not spent on the St. Martin troops, they said they have witnessed the drama between the choreographer and Gayle Mussington which on most occasions was disrespectful. Speaking of the emails the person said they saw them and it was clear that Mussington had no respect for Walker who had to wait a very long time before he obtained the signed contract from CTC. SMN News was privileged to see the emails and we were shocked to see the spelling mistakes and grammar errors in the emails sent by Mussington to Walker.

One thing that was very noticeable is  Mussington is rather young and inexperienced when it comes to organizing these kinds of activities. They said  it was clear that Mussington was under severe pressure from the overseas promoter and due to that, she was severely stressed out. “It is my opinion the CTC should respect the contract they have with Kofi Walker and pay him the monies that they owe him. Walker worked hard with the revelers on St. Martin and he is an asset to the community. Right now Walker is doing St. Martin justice by having summer camps for students who do not have an alternative.”  There are local people who have free time on their hands and they are not doing anything for the youths while Walker a foreigner is doing all he can to decrease delinquency without recognition.

Efforts made by this reporter to contact president of the CTC Joel Dormoy and Gayle Mussington for comments were futile up to press time.

Philipsburg: --- American fugitive Michael Jason Registe (26) the ten most wanted person on the FBI most wanted list has been extradited to his homeland of Columbus Georgia on Thursday afternoon. The prosecutor’s office contacted the US authorities notifying them of the decision taken by the courts, which was to uphold the decision of the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles. The Governor General had stated that the United States authorities had given enough guarantee that they would not seek the death penalty for Registe if he is convicted for the crimes he is wanted for in that country. In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said that he did contact the United States authorities and notified them that the highest courts has granted their request for Registe’ extradition and they can now pick him up. Stein said they made an appointment where the United Stated agreed to send a special airplane with the FBI agents to pick up the wanted man. Registe he said was taken to the Princess Juliana International Airport by the Arrest Team of the local police force where he was safely handed over to the US agents.

Asked what would happen to the appeal that was filed by the attorney Remko Stomp protesting the decision of the governor general, which according to Stomp did not bear the signature of the governor general, Stein said he was not notified of any appeal. Asked if Stomp was notified of the extradition, Stein said he sent Stomp and SMS message to which he did not reply.

Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard confirmed that the arrest team transported Registe to the Airport safely.

Registe was captured on St. Maarten on August 27 2008 at a local guesthouse on A.T Illidge Road by the Arrest team when someone recognized him as being someone that is on the FBI most wanted list.

Ever since his arrest Registe has been contesting his extradition to the US especially to the State of Georgia claiming that the mostly white state would not grant him a fair trail. Registe is accused of participating in a double murder on July 20 2007. According to information posted on the FBI website it stated that law enforcement officials responded to a shooting incident in which two males sitting inside a truck had, suffered execution style gunshot wounds to the back of their heads.

One of the victims they said died on the scene while the other passed on shortly afterwards.

The FBI had their reward monies at $100,000 at the time Registe was captured.

On the FBI website on Thursday it stated the man accused of killing the two Georgia athletes two years ago in a Columbus parking lot is being returned from the Caribbean after an extradition battle, the FBI said Wednesday.

Michael Jason Registe is charged with murder in the deaths of Randy Newton Jr., 21, and Bryan Kilgore, 20, who were found by Columbus police fatally wounded in a truck at an apartment complex July 20, 2007. Newton was a basketball player at Columbus State University and Kilgore was a pitcher on the baseball team. Registe, 26, will be flown to Columbus on Thursday, the FBI said.

He was captured on the Dutch island of St. Maarten last August after the FBI put him on its Top 10 Most Wanted list and a reward in the killings was increased from $20,000 to $100,000. Registe also was featured on "America's Most Wanted" twice and on Interpol's Website. The Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled Registe could be extradited after Gray Conger, the former district attorney in Columbus, agreed not to seek the death penalty. Registe also is wanted on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault in Columbus in 2005.

Registe Wanted to Escape from Pointe Blanche Prison.

Well place sources have informed SMN News that Michael Jason Registe was trying to escape from the Pointe Blanche Prison when his luck ran out in the courts. The source said Registe was asking questions in the prison hoping that someone would assist him in his plans. An alert prison guard however informed their superior who immediately placed Registe in confinement until he was picked up by the Arrest team around midday on Thursday. The source said that Registe even went as far as offering a huge sum of monies to a senior prison guard on Thursday prior to his extradition. The American fugitive had expected the senior official to assist him in his bid to escape in exchange for monies but the senior official reported the incident and remained loyal to his job.

Philipsburg: --- The police union NAPD along with the president of the ABVO came to St. Maarten where they participated in a number of meetings seeking clarity on the status of the police when St. Maarten takes on its country status. NAPD representative Norwin Villarreal in an interview with SMN News said that the focus of the meeting was to discuss the so-called WIN WIN Agreement that was signed about a year ago with the unions and the Minister of Justice. Villarreal said the trail of the Win Win agreement was off track and they needed to clarify the issues pertaining to the signed agreement. He said the purpose for the weeklong meetings was to make sure they get the train back on track. He said the meetings were all internal which included meetings with the team leaders of each department of the police force as well as with the police management. A meeting was also held with the Minister of Justice and the chairman of the workgroup of St. Maarten Mr. Richard Gibson Sr.

Villarreal said a general membership meeting was also held to apprise the police of the outcome of the meetings. The union also took the opportunity to meet with the current leader of government Mr. William Marlin in an effort to get synchronization and commitment based on what is in the final declaration for the country status. In that declaration, it is stated that if the police force is not up to par St. Maarten would not attain its country status and the police does not want to be seen as the stumbling block of the process. The union representative said even they though they do not want to be obstacle in the process they do not want government to push any and all kinds of things down their throats which would not be workable or feasible for the police department. He said if that should happen St. Maarten would be in the same position as is today by not having the much needed status change if the police force is not up to par.

Villarreal said they need to get the commitment and synchronization so they can all be on the same page and move forward. Asked if their was any discussion on the house rent allowance which is of concern to several police officers, Villarreal said they did not discuss the matter because the Win Win Agreement has sufficient elements which would allow them to take the police management or central government to court if needed.

He said they still have some to work to do on their part since they now have to clear the air and dismiss some of the rumors that were circulating.

Marigot: ----- The Collectivity of St. Martin has decided to deepen their investigation into the case of alleged sexual harassment against the son of one of the vice presidents who was working at the Collectivity during the summer vacation.

A meeting held on Friday where the youth was questioned by a professional (Social Worker) and a decision was taken to issue a heavier sanction against the employee who is presently on vacation. It is understood that the alleged suspect was given a three days sanction since he is on vacation and when he returns to work a heavier sanction would be issued.

Reliable sources say the parents of the youth already filed a criminal case against the predator and the Collectivity.

SMN News understands that the youth provided the COM and his parents with a print out of his MSN chatting where the suspect was having an in-appropriate conversation with him and he also told the social worker about the touching of his private areas when he went to the rest room. It is understood that the suspect followed the young lad to the bathroom and touched him inappropriately. Sources close to the family said the child is highly traumatized over the entire ordeal, especially now that the story has gone public.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the young man did not report the incident directly to his parents instead he told a colleague who informed a senior employee of the Social Affairs Department. It is further understood that employee is the one who informed the vice president who at that point questioned her son and began the process of filing legal charges.

Philipsburg: ---National Alliance Senator and Councilman George Pantophlet said that he wants to try to bring some clarity to the controversy surrounding the protocol of the Brooks Tower Agreement that was signed on March 2 2007 at the Brooks Building in Philipsburg.

The senator said this protocol was signed by the Minister of Justice Mr. David Dick and all the Lt. Governors of the Island territories. It was to address the problem of undocumented persons living in the Netherlands Antilles.

Pantophlet said after hearing complaints that it would not be published, he contacted Minister Dick who informed him that the protocol would be published.

However, the Minister said some logistics had to be put in place first. It would be irresponsible to publish the protocol now when the location designated to handle the requests is not ready.

“We are all aware that the Immigration Department located in the Police Station and the Police Affairs office will be relocated to the newly constructed building on ATh Illidge Road. After this is done and everything is in place, the protocol will be published. It is unfortunate though that this is coming almost 3 years after it was signed.” Said the senator and Island councilmember.

Last week the members of the Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions called on the competent authorities to publish the protocol since it has been mentioned in several articles in the now contested labour policy.

GREAT BAY,– On Saturday, the Preventive Health Department (PHD) received confirmation that the island now has its 13th and 14th confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

It’s a six-year-old boy who is part of the family circle that recently took a cruise to Cozumel starting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His parents were the 11th and 12th cases to be confirmed with H1N1 flu virus.

The second person is a 20-year-old female tourist who arrived on the island from Miami, Florida on July 17. She also traveled to New York. Both persons have been treated with anti-viral medications.

The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.

This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.

Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.

Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.

The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past all confirmed cases have recovered fully.

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

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

Philipsburg: --- Several major robberies took place over the weekend and late last week, none of which police reported to date. Jadira Veen of Pride Foundation said her home was robbed on Thursday night. Veen who was off island at the time said her husband Jerome Veen was on island but was not at home when the bandits invaded their home stealing a number of valuable items.

Veen said she lost all her jewelry, which she accumulated for over twenty years, some of which she had intended to pass on to her daughters, because of their sentimental values.

The thieves she said also stole her computer, internet router and other electronics including the games for play-station and game boy, cable and satellite box. Veen said it seems as if there was more than one person, because the thieves walked with tools to break the metal bars from their windows. She said the bandits not only broke the bars they also broke the wall, she said they broke the kitchen window, where they gain access to the house. While inside the house, the thieves she said had so much time that they opened one of her computers and took out the hard drive (RAM). Veen said the thieves nowadays are not coming empty handed, besides being armed they are walking with power tools to remove safety and security bars. One of the concerns of the well-known resident is that police is not doing a good enough job to warn its residents about the ongoing spate of robberies. Furthermore, she said both sides of the island are lacking proper security.

Veen said the police visited the home on Friday morning and they took fingerprints as they began the investigation.

Also robbed was the home of Bobby Velasquez. Velasquez said a drug addict went into his home on Saturday night, which is located upstairs of the Green House restaurant and stole a number of items. The businessman said he was in his house at the time sleeping when the bandit went through one of the guess bathroom window, all of which is recorded on his video surveillance system. Ironic though Velasquez said he noticed the invasion when he woke up on Sunday morning and up to midday on Monday, the police had not yet visited the scene. Velasquez said the bandit whom he recognized as one of the drug addict on the beach stole his music system (BOSE), his cable television box, and an IPOD.

In addition, robbed last week is the office of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, none of which has been reported.

SMN News was also informed that the owner of Golden Eyes was followed home and robbed. The source said the owner (Abbas) was followed to his house, the thieves it is said tied him up and robbed him of over $7000 as well as pouring gasoline on the victim and set it alight. Police said they are not aware of this incident, since no official report has been made.

Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard in his statement confirmed the robbery at the residence of Jerome Veen. The police spokesman said the robbery unit is busy investigating.

MARIGOT—Several persons had to be treated at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for minor wounds during last week reported the gendarmes. These persons were either wounded by knife or machete in separate incidents. The first it is reported occurred on July 23 when someone was arrested for injuring another person in the Rambaud area, the victim was taken to the LC Fleming Hospital for treatment while the suspect is summoned to appear in court later this year.

While the following day a man was attacked by several persons who seriously wounded him with a machete. It is still not clear if the second incident is related to the first incident.

Another man had to be transported to the hospital on July 22 after he was reportedly wounded after being involved in a brawl with several persons. This incident took place in an area close to one of the shopping centers. The attacker would have to appear in court later this year. Another person was also injured and treated at the hospital, an investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Philipsburg:--- The Green Party, which sources say may be named the St. Maarten Democratic Alliance, is now gaining strength as several key politicians in the community are planning to join force with Commissioner Theo Heyliger.

SMN News has learnt that Christopher Emanuel is now part of the Green Party as he negotiated with Heyliger and sealed a deal.

SMN News further understands that Johan Janchi Leonard who ran on the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) list is also part of the new kid on the block. It is not clear if Gracita Arrindell is going to leave her party and join Heyliger even though she is making sure she has a board and other requirements in place so that she can contest the 2010 election under the PPA banner if negotiations failed. Arrindell already held talks with Heyliger, the leader of the Democratic Party as well as with the leader of the National Alliance.

Sources close to Heyliger and the Wathey family has said that Heyliger would not join with any other party and he would at all cost form his own party using the color green. It is understood that Heyliger wants the people of St. Maarten to remember him and his grandfather the late Dr. Claude Wathey in a special way.

The late Dr. Wathey began his political career under the Nationale Volks Party (NVP), which used the green color and ended his career with the Democratic Party, (Red) while Heyliger would do the same thing in opposite direction. Heyliger started his political career under the red banner and he intended to close it off with green.

The only difference with Heyliger is that he would be the leader of the latter party, which is forming for the upcoming elections. On July 24th the commissioner said he already had the foundation of his party and was now adding floors meaning he was busy negotiating with politicians he believe has St. Maarten in their best interest.

St. Louis:--- The St. Louis Women’s Organization has become vocal on the issue of building a social home (ASHLM) in their community. Speaking to SMN News president of the association Laurel Richards said recently, they learnt that someone intends to build a set of social homes at the entrance of St. Louis on a vacant plot of land that was recently sold. Richards said the association has been trying to obtain that parcel of land since the 1990’s to no avail. She said they approached government to see if they were willing to purchase the land for them since the Association wanted to build a “locale” or community center there.

A center she said was to be used for teaching youths of St. Louis the island’s culture. The Association also needed some place where they could hold their meetings. Richards said despite their pleadings government did not provide them with the much-needed space and as such the resorted to keeping their meetings under the tamarind tree in the village. Just recently, she said they learnt that the parcel of land was sold and the intention of the buyers is to build some social homes.

Richards said the people of St. Louis do not want any social homes in their village and they are making it abundantly clear to those who has plans to do such. She said the association intends to keep a meeting sometime next week where they would be discussing the recent developments. So far, there is no plan of action Richards said.

Philipsburg: --- Police has detained a woman from the French side of the island. The woman has been identified as C.B. and she was involved in a fight with another woman identified as S.C. also from the French side of the island. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the two women were fighting in Philipsburg leaving behind some damaged properties. Leonard said both women were brought in by police but after interrogation C.B was placed in custody. Police also interviewed a number of eye witnesses Leonard said.

According to police reports the two women has some sort of problem which has been ongoing for a long time. “These two women fought already on the Dutch side as well as on the French side and each time they are being arrested” Leonard said the two women has some kind of feud which started at their work place, but even though time has passed they refused to get pass the problem and they would fight. The police spokesman said they begin involving other members of their families in their ongoing dispute.

French Quarter/ Philipsburg:-- The team of divers who have been searching for the remains of the Leta Lynn Cordes over the past few days have decided to resume the search in another area close to the Etang de Poisson (Fish Pond). Prosecutor Rienk Mud in a press release said the team comprised of 15 divers from the Netherlands, France and America have been searching for the bodily remains of Leta Lynn Cordes, who went missing in January 2008. Mud said extensive searches were conducted on the French side of the island of St Maarten in an area known as ‘ Etang de Poisson’, including the mangrove area’s surrounding the water. The whole area was divided in to sectors and thoroughly searched. In some cases waters were very shallow and could be searched on foot.

Based on information gathered during these searches, it was decided to execute another search attempt in the vicinity of Etang de Poisson.

Sources close to the investigators said the search team would be conducting the other search at the end of Le Galleon Beach. Part of the beach has been closed off by the Natural Reserve and that area was not thoroughly searched in the past the source said.

Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance/ Heyliger Executive Council has taken yet another major decision regarding labour permits as they have decided to take away the mandate from head of Island Labour Rafi Boasman.

Reliable sources have informed SMN News that the executive council took a decision on Boasman some two weeks ago but kept the information under wraps. The council

already sent a request to the Lt. Governor requesting that he take away the signing of work permits from Boasman since there are a number of allegations against Boasman.

It is not clear who would be taking over the signing of labour permits if the governor goes along with the request of the executive council and if Boasman would be re-assigned. The source said that since the new executive council has not been getting the cooperation from that department and no work is moving forward at Island labour department.

Mostly importantly Boasman was questioned on numerous occasions by SOAB for alleged wrong doings but so far no action is taken. It is not clear if the SOAB submitted a report to the former executive council and if they failed to act.

The source further said the SOAB began investigating the labour department about a week ago. It is understood that the SOAB is looking into the procedures that are being used to process working permits. It is said the SOAB will be investigating all departments that deals with handling and processing of working permits. One of the major concerns for SOAB is the fact that MICHMAR Agency is operated by the sister of Rafi Boasman. It is further said that Boasman never turned down a request for a working permit that is processed by MICHMAR Agency, something that has a clear conflict of interest.

Should Boasman be removed then he too would have to go back to the department he came from which is the island secretariat. Already Gracita Arrindell is waiting to be placed since she won several court cases against the island government.

Already former commissioner of labour Louie Laveist has openly expressed his concerns about the department head. Laveist had also said he had a deal with the former executive council to remove Boasman but the DP led executive council did not live up to the so-call deal during the saga of Maria Buncamper Molanus.

Laveist had said on several occasions that this was one reason he left the Democratic Party and went independent. The Island Council man gave a very emotional speech during the swearing in of the NA/Heyliger government saying that he could not even get his mother doctor card and onderstand renewed. All of which he said was blocked by Boasman.

Louie Laveist also gave his support to the National Alliance/Heyliger government when he withdrew his support from the Democratic Party.

Marigot: --- An accident between a motor car and a scooter has left one person dead. The accident occurred at around 8 am on Sunday morning on the Cul de Sac main road. According to information reaching SMN News the victim who is known in the Grand Case community as Stephanne Movaise (25) was pronounced dead at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.

Eyewitnesses say the first set of persons to arrive on the scene were the fire fighters who went to give assistance. It is said the firefighters performed first aid until the SMUR arrived where the victim was given further medical assistance before being transferred to the L.C. Fleming Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His cousin Alfred Benjamin said Stephanne an employee of the “Decharge” waste landfill in Cul de Sac was on his way back from work and it appeared that he lost control of his scooter on the road which was wet due to rainfall. Benjamin said according to the information given to the family is that when the victim lost control of his scooter he ended up under the un-coming car. Investigation so far indicate the death of Stephanne was caused by an accident, his cousin explained.

At his Grand Case home last night was his mother Daphne Richardson and four siblings along with other relatives. Benjamin said Stephanne is certified to work at waste processing since he worked and trained in Guadeloupe.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson signed off three proposals with the St. Maarten Small Business Development Foundation. (SBDF) on Monday. Head of Economic Affairs Lucy Gibbes said SBDF is a vital organization for the development of small and medium enterprises on island. She said especially during this economic times the organization’s role is even more vital. The three projects are the SBDF support which will focus on capacity building, the consumer protection act, be your own boss program.

Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson in his remarks said that St. Maarten’s does not have a very diverse economic activity. He said this mostly happens in the tourism sector but by strengthening the Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) and stimulating a more diverse section of the business sector should improve the economy. ‘This would make the economy less prone to external shocks that affect the tourist industry.” Richardson said doing so would also create more jobs which would accommodate the labor market.

He said an economic diversification study was carried out and that indicated the kind of economic activities that are more feasible for St. Maarten.

Those activities are the Marie (i.e. those providing services for yachts and yacht owners.)

Logistics and distribution (becoming a logistical hub for the region) hydro- farming and agro-processing which is to foster small scale and local entrepreneurship.

Higher education (attracting foreign students by becoming an attractive and host for foreign educational institutions (An option would be to attract higher education in the fields of tourism.

The three projects that were signed have one objective in common which is to create jobs outside of the tourism sector. Many young people on St. Maarten live in the reality of a social exclusion. In addition to unemployment. Poverty and restricted access to vocational education and recreation. However many are exposed to crime and violence.

Richardson said because of the amount of un-employed youths the SBDF in collaboration with the private sector intends to start job training programs for the youth in depressed communities. Training will be provided for a period of one year in building trades, maritime, sectors as well as masseuse. This program would continue for three consecutive years,

The “Be your Own Boss Project submitted to the island government stands at NAF. 859.950, 00. This amount represents three programs for a period of three months.

The policy measure in this project entails the development of the educational and the poverty alleviation process.

It is also geared towards the new economic activities within the present educational and infrastructure. The objective of the program is to combat the unemployment rate by offering entrepreneurship in general while combating youth delinquency.

The target group for the projects ranges from 18- to 26 years old or school dropouts, delinquents, ex convicts, and the unemployed youths. The duration of the projects would last 36 months where the sum of NAF. 859.950, 00. is committed.

The SBDF support capacity would last four months and amount s to Naf. 250.000.

The goal of this project is to upgrade the organization which would enable them to cater to more clients.

The third and most important project is the consume protection act which would last a duration of four months which would cost Naf. 50.000 part of which would be coming from the Social Economic Funds.

The goals of this project are to maintain the reputation of St. Maarten as the shopping Mecca of the Caribbean.

The objective of the project is to draft the legislation and enforcing the law on consumer protection.

AIRPORT -- PJIAE is making good on its reputation of being the Catalyst of Activity in the Simpson Bay area. In a move that should entice people to come and experience the uniqueness of its Food Court, the airport company is launching a Sizzlin’ Summer Special with attractive deals for customers.

“It’s a scorching 30 degrees out there this summer, and here we have a comfortably air-conditioned building with unique food establishments that many locals do not really know much about. We hope to be able to take advantage of the slow months ahead of us to change this,” said Mrs. Lucrecia Lynch-Matinburgh, PJIAE’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

While the Sizzlin’ Summer campaign was initially designed to draw traffic to the airport, PJIAE and the companies that operate inside the Food Court intend to use the opportunity to express gratitude to the St. Maarten community for its continued patronage. “We know a lot of families will not travel abroad this summer, so we are pleased to offer them an alternative,” said PJIAE President, drs Holiday.

JOINT EFFORT

The campaign will feature a weekly Friday evening party dubbed the Friday Summer Cool Down, a coloring contest for children under 12, and a weekly raffle among Food Court patrons which will peak at the end of September with the drawing of a monetary contribution toward a child’s school-fees. This prize -NAf 1,100- is a joint effort by PJIAE and the concessionaires, as a combined show of commitment toward education.

To win, customers must purchase from at least three of the Food Court units during the campaign, collect stamps from them, with which they enter not only for the weekly raffle, but for the grand drawing as well.

The businesses are also offering other special treats. “This is a wonderful idea from PJIAE Management to increase traffic into our establishments,” said one of the business owners.

All agreed that for the duration of the summer campaign -which begins next week and runs till September 30-, each child accompanied by an adult will eat for free at any food establishment on the ground floor of the airport building. “One of the units on the ground floor will be fitted with a bouncer and there will be other daily games, and snacks and ice cream at discount prices in the Food court,” said Mrs. Lynch.

SO MUCH MORE

The Sizzlin’s Summer Campaign fits well into the airport’s efforts to further institutionalizing its So Much More retail brand that was launched a few months ago.

The catalyst of development in St. Maarten, PJIA now has a diverse offering of services in its terminal building, ranging from parking, to taxis and limos, to tour busses and beauty salon, banking and Wi-Fi, as well as conference rooms, to food and beverage and shopping. “Name it and you can most likely find it; if not, we are working on it,” PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday said. “Every business that is represented at our AeroCity was carefully selected. Everyone living in St. Maarten should come down to PJIA, whether you’re traveling or not- and experience St. Maarten’s AeroCity. An experience that undoubtedly lead you to conclude that PJIA is “So Much More.”

Cole Bay:--The midyear conference of the Democratic Party gets underway on July 11th, 2009, starting at 9 a.m at the Rock House Restaurant at Port de Plaisance. The conference starts out with election of the Board of the Party, which board will serve for the period 2009-2011.

According to the Party’s constitution, voting for board members takes place by the registered district delegates.

All 10 positions on the board are up for election; these include President, Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Deputy Secretary-General and 4 posts of Commissioner (Member) of the Board.

Several persons have already postulated themselves for a position on the new board, and any registered member of the Party can do so as well by contacting any board member or Mrs. S. Kadowski at tel. 542-0154.

The conference continues in the afternoon with presentations by several speakers in the areas of Education, Constitutional Matters, Economy, Justice, Health and Government.

District delegates are reminded to be on time and the general membership is reminded of the afternoon session, which includes the presentations on topics mentioned above.

La Savane: --- It’s already three years since he has been serving on St. Martin and the time to leave the island known as the Friendly Island is already here. Captain Loic Barras told reporters on Thursday that his last day of work would be on July 15th while his successor would be taking office as of August 1 2009.

Asked if he would regret leaving the island Baras said he is ready to go since he believes serving on the island for three years is enough. He said he would be taking up a new position in the gendarmerie school as a professor. Baras said he may be holding that position for a maximum period of two years.

A cocktail party is planned for 13 July at Beach Plaza Hotel at 11am.

Marigot: --- St. Martin has attained his status change some two years ago but at no time did the elected officials on the island tell its residents that they were leaving the State and going independent. According to what we know is that St. Martin is now governed under the article 74 of the French constitution. The State according to what the politicians said still has the obligation to give St. Martin all its financial benefits. If that is the case is yet to be seen even though the funds actroi de mer has already disappeared. However, the obligation and the duty of the island are to give respect if they are to be respected.

Over the years all overseas islands including St. Martin has celebrated the fete de la Bastille (July 14) our children look forward to the days activities and the fireworks at night as this marks their culture and tradition as a French nation. However, this year the Collectivity of St. Martin allowed the organizers of the Caribbean Festival to have carnival celebrations on July 14.

Sources tell us that even the monies for July 14 were used up for the Caribbean Festival. This they said caused some confusion in the COM since those organizing the fete de la Bastille were not happy with the organizers of the Caribbean Festival.

The COM has decided to conduct the protocol of July 14 during the morning hours where they would have the traditional church services and the wreath laying in the garden of the COM or what we know as the veteran’s monument. Strangely while residents of Grand Case will be preparing for their boat show and other activities several persons and troops would be parading through the streets of Marigot. It is still not clear if the traditional concert and other activities would be held on the night of July 14. What we are told is that there would be some sort of mini fireworks.

Philipsburg: --- Head of new projects Kurt Ruan and Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said traffic towards the Midas roundabout will be rerouted as Saturday. Ruan said some changes had to be made to better accommodate the traffic situation in that area. Ruan said the situation these past weeks has been somewhat complicated for heavy equipment operators as well as other road users. Ruan said traffic coming; the direction of KFC on Welfare Road going toward AJC Browers Road would have to make a right turn to go over the hill while traffic going towards Union Road would proceed around the round about and take the lane towards Union road.

Traffic he said coming from Welfare Road as well as traffic coming down the Cole Bay Hill going towards Marigot would be using the same direction. This new measures is adverse compared to what was being used over recent weeks. Ruan said the construction of the Midas Roundabout is done in three phases, phase one the circle which consisted of the re-routing of the traffic and the construction of a part of the round about which is where the Midas building was located was done without hindrances. Ruan said the workers are presently working on the second phase while the third phase would be the completion of the round about.

Ruan said they notice traffic going down Orange Grove road comes to a standstill on Wellington Road. Ruan said reason for this is because part of that road still had two way traffic and as of Saturday that too would change. Wellington Road will have two lanes going into the same direction so that traffic would flow better.

Head of Traffic Hildo Martina further asked road users to pay close attention to the new sign boards to avoid congestions.

Traffic Officers as well as the contractors were seen on the locations on Thursday where the necessary planning took place.

Marigot: --- It is the first time in St. Martin’s history and the celebration of Bastille Day that the celebration was based on the formalities and not the true meaning of celebrating July 14th. Besides the dignitaries and those that organized or participated in the day’s event there was hardly anyone witnessing the ceremony. A traditional church service was held at the Marigot Catholic Church after which the wreath laying ceremony at the monument for the war veterans. During the wreath laying ceremony attentions had to be shifted after an elderly man accompanying the veterans fell due to the intense heat.

Dignitaries from both side of the island as well as Anguilla and Guadeloupe had to braze the hot sun with its intense heat over to the market place to look at three costume parade which was terribly organized.

Dignitaries were overheard asking if they can at least get some cold water as they wait for the parade to begin. Some wondering when the parade would start as they were seeking shelter at the individual stands. The gendarmes and the military were the first to begin the parade then a long pause before the other two troops got close. Shortly after the dignitaries who seemed disappointed walked back over to the Collectivity where the official speeches were given. Sources say the troops did not come out since most of the monies for the Bastille Day Celebration were given to the organizers of the Caribbean Festival who held their final parade on July 14th.

President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs based his speech on its theme “Protecting and Preserving the Environment”. Gumbs said he had said when he was appointed that focus has to be placed on the environment which needs to be cleaned up. He spoke of the amount of car wrecks that were removed from the streets of St. Martin which he believed would assist in decreasing delinquency.

Senator Louis Constant Fleming in his speech had more of message for the State, Fleming said St. Martin already has its new status, and there should be no discussion on which article of the French constitution should govern the island. He said the organic law has to be upgraded with changes. He said the government would present a new draft of the organic law in October where some of the changes would be realized. Fleming said he wants the State to know that some of the laws they are seeking to implement on St. Martin would be detrimental to the island and it would not be possible for those laws to take effect locally if the people are not consulted. The senator said St. Martin has to remain vigilant. He called on the population to act more responsibly when speaking on behalf of the island. He cautioned that bringing down the island would not help it.

While the Deputy of the Region Victorin Laurell obviously attended the ceremony to begin his political campaign as he is sure looking for a third term in office. Laurell said that while the two islands St. Martin and St. Barths are seeking to have their own deputies, that to him is not necessary however, that has to be decided by the men and women of the islands. Laurel said the next election for the deputy seat would bring about some frustration however, his hope is that the text on these elections will be respected. Laurell also called on the island to capitalize on their riches of being multilingual.

The deputy said right now they are trying to make sure all Lycees in Guadeloupe engage in exchange programs so that students can become bilingual before leaving high school. Something that can happen on St. Martin also. Laurel said Guadeloupe is looking in opening a school for political science since they already have agreements with several of the Caribbean islands. While this maybe a school of political science the deputy said this should be viewed as a business opportunity. He felt that it is necessary to give students on St. Martin and Guadeloupe the opportunity to study abroad just as is done in Dominica and Libya. Laurel said the Regional Council already put the monies to the disposal of schools in Guadeloupe to introduce a system of inviting English speaking schools to their Lycees in Basseterre. Laurell feels all of this would contribute to sustainable development. He also felt that more can be done to further develop the cultures of the three islands.

Marigot: --- Several persons within the community are questioning how the 350,000 Euros was spent on organizing the Caribbean Festival since several persons were not paid for the services granted.

Reliable sources have informed SMN News that even the boat that brought in the troops from Guadeloupe had to create confusion for their monies, while the person who made the costumes for the local troops threatened not to deliver the costume for lack of payments. The source said the local organizers who signed the contract to organize the event are even more disappointed when they saw what the overseas promoter delivered for the three days of activities. It is further understood that the organizers wanted 500,000 Euros from the Collectivity including permission for ten days of Carnival but that was denied by the President of the COM.

One local promoter on the French side of the island said that he could not believe the elected officials allowed such a thing to happen especially now that St. Martin is affected by the economic gloom. He said he promoted several shows both on the Dutch and the French side and almost every night they are sold while the Caribbean Festival was a complete lost. “One would expect when someone invests that amount of money they would at least make back the money.”

The local promoter said the artists that were chosen for the three nights are mostly for older people and not today’s generation. “The youths today do not know anything about Steel Pulse, when organizing events like these the organizers have to know what crowd they are catering for.” Furthermore, most of the people that attended the shows had free passes, and by the last two nights the entrance fee had to be removed.

The set up of the entire Alberic Richards Stadium was horrible. An example was given on how the booths were the set up. The booths were far away from the stage. It is understood that the booth holders did not make any money either because of how far away they were and mostly because the booths were actually backing the stage. Preparing and dealing with the organizers was a disaster since they were not willing to listen to anyone another participant who is still waiting for his payment said.

There are also locals who make beautiful costumes on the French side and they were not contracted. The Collectivity it is said contributed some 155,000 Euros while other entities such as the Tourist Office and Semsamar came up with the rest of the monies. “None of this money stayed on St. Martin and all we know the man that came in to organize does not have a good reputation in Martinique and Guadeloupe yet he was brought in to organize the three day activities. This promoter it is understood is going home with over 60,000 Euros in his pockets” Another local artist said that while several troops on St. Martin participates in the annual Carnival they never got 10,000 prize money.

The first failure they said was to have the organizers hold the event during the July 14 activities. The organizers promised to have fifteen troops on July 14th but at the end of the day they only had seven.

Philipsburg: --- The executive council will be respecting the court decision in relation to the case of former island council lady Gracita Arrindell. Leader of Government William Marlin said they are busy working on a proposal for Arrindell which would soon be offered the new position based on the court judgment.

Arrindell took the island government to court on at least three occasions after they refused to grant her back her position in the island secretariat. Arrindell left her position after she was elected to office as an Island Council member. She tried returning back to her position when she lost her seat in the 2007 elections.

Willemstad/St. Maarten– Following the improved border control on the Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten will, by order of the Minister of Justice David Dick, receive an accommodation centre for foreign nationals who do not have the required residence documents. The holding centre will be situated next to the police station in Simpson Bay.

The building will consist of three wards, including one for women. It will have day-and night accommodations and on each floor, there will be an open air space. All of the wards will have several toilets and showers, and a separate room with a bathroom for a family. The day centre will be equipped with a television, books, and games to pass the time.

The building compound is designed to take in a maximum of 64 undocumented persons. “They are not meant to be detained for a long period of time,” says the Minister. “In general two days is the time needed to deport people from the Antilles? When someone does not have a passport, is not willing to talk or not willing to cooperate, it will take longer.” The holding centre has a room reserved for lawyers, where the detained clients can converse with their attorney. Those who are deported will be denied entry to the country for a period of three years. This will be checked through the database of the holding centre, which is linked to the border control system at the airport.

“St.Maarten has had plans for a holding centre for more than ten years already,” says Ivan Fraites, project leader Building and Housing for Plan Veiligheid Nederlandse Antillen, the program whereby the new building will be financed. “The island has waited a long time for it, but this multifunctional building meets all expectations.”

It entails a new building based on the design of Indepent Consulting Engineers, which also designed the Simpson Bay police station. A two-story building will be built on the parking lot next to the police station, whereby the entire ground floor will be reserved for cars.

The architectural design fits the style of the surrounding buildings, and in addition completely adheres to the requirements imposed by the justice department. The design of the building compound takes the safety regulations, privacy of the undocumented persons and the physical situation such as sufficient lighting and ventilation into consideration. The holding centre meets the requirements of the CPT, the European Committee regarding torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Five local construction companies have shown an interest in the execution of the project. These five applications are being evaluated at the moment. The selected contractors will receive an invitation for participation in the application for the execution of the project in the near future. The call for tenders’ period will take about eight weeks, after which the project can be assigned. The expectation is to start the construction in October.

Madame Estate: --- The detectives as well as prosecutor Rienk Mud conducted a house search at a home in Martinique Drive Mount Willem Hill Madame Estate. The search was conducted around 2:30 pm on Thursday.

The detectives also arrested a 21-year-old man who was born on St. Maarten. The suspect has been identified as X.W. Law enforcement also confiscated some items that were in the home. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard confirmed that a house was searched in the Madame Estate area and X.W 21 years old was arrested. Leonard said X.W is allegedly involved in using force in robbery cases.

Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed that he was on the scene and the house located in Madame Estate was indeed searched. Mud also confirmed the arrest of X.W. The public prosecutor declined to give further information on the ongoing investigation.

On Tuesday June 2, 2009, the gendarmes arrested X.W along with three other persons, two male and a female in a stolen truck on the French side of the island. X.W and one of the other suspects identified as V.S were released by the French authorities and were to return to court later this year.

Two of the four suspects were transported to the Dutch side as they were suspected of being involved in robberies on that side of the island.

Shortly after the officers of conducted a house search at the home of one of the suspects identified as M.H and found a number of stolen items, some of which (specifically a cellular phone) belonged to one of the victims of the Bijlani attacks in Bel Air.

Police as well as the prosecutor’s office has remained tightlipped about the ongoing investigation. So far, it is not clear how many robberies the suspects are involved in and when the cases will be taken to court.

GREAT BAY,– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with yet, another group of stakeholders, this time, small hoteliers. Represented at the meeting were operators of L' Esperance Hotel, Turquoise Shell Inn, Mary’s Boon hotel, Carl & Sons Guesthouse and Joshua Rose Guesthouse.

The group informed Commissioner Richardson regarding their views on the current economic developments and outlook.

The commissioner was informed that, across the board, small hotels are seeing an average of between 20 and 50 percent decline in business.

The small hotel operators noted that it is difficult to compete for guests, since larger hotels are now offering lower rates for accommodation. In many cases, the rates are the same as offered by smaller hotels.

Commissioner Richardson was informed that smaller hotels, in many instances, depend on the regional market, a development attributed to immigration policy changes that require some Caribbean guests to have at least 800 U.S. dollars in cash on their person, upon arrival.

As a result, prospective visitors are no longer visiting St. Maarten, the commissioner was informed.

There are several current and future initiatives to mitigate the current impact of the economic decline.

Small hoteliers are now conducting their own marketing strategies as opposed to depending on the S.H.T.A.

The meeting addressed the topic of promoting sports tourism targeting the region, as a way to attract guests in the off-season.

Small hoteliers discussed the implementing of more focused marketing through more accurate collection of data (ASIC).

Commissioner Richardson was further informed of their opinion that there are insufficient “come to St Maarten” advertisements.

Suggestions for structural short-term solutions to be implemented, in collaboration with government include allotting a portion of the marketing stimulus plan to the promotion of small hotels and guest house.

Great Bay: ---A group of 12 travel agents recently visited the island on a familiarization trip organized by All Ways Tours, a Valencia-based tour operator in Venezuela in collaboration with Insel Air. The group was hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

The group arrived Saturday, July 11 aboard Insel Air flight 7I 531 from Valencia, Venezuela, via Curacao, and immediately proceeded with site inspections at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Sonesta Great Bay Resort and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort before checking in at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort, Spa and Casino, where they stayed until their departure on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

In total, the Venezuelan travel agents conducted about eight site inspections and managed to find time for some recreational activities, especially on Sunday, when they were able to take a snorkeling tour of the island.

“We had a wonderful time and hope to return with a lot of clients to enjoy the pleasures and live the unforgettable experience of your fantastic island,” commented leader of the group, Linda Labastidas of All Ways Tours.

“St. Maarten is very unique and has lots of beautiful attractions that will make it easy to sell to Venezuelan travelers,” added Brenda Aguilar, one of the travel agents on the familiarization trip.

Several of them promised to return on private visits for R & R later in the year, with a few already setting dates for their vacation here.

“It’s my first time here and I am surely coming back,” said Noliber Sulbaran.

Another member of the group, Jose Manuel de Ascencao described St. Maarten as “a hidden paradise.”

“Well, no more,” he said. “The whole of Venezuela will hear about this treasure in the Caribbean.”

The group was ecstatic as they were featured by surprise on the popular Spanish-language radio program, “Fiesta Caribe,” whose host, Ricardo Rey, welcomed them to the island live on air Monday on 105.5 FM of the Laser radio network.

“I was so stunned that I was almost speechless,” said Jualy Lopez, who was interviewed live on the program via cell phone connection while returning from a site inspection.

She said the group was very impressed with the island and had a marvelous time. “This is a dream experience; simply fantastic,” she added.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau has been actively nurturing the Venezuelan market, which it sees as a potential growth market that will allow further penetration of the Latin American market.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—School bus drivers are reminded of the upcoming school bus inspection, July 21-23, which will take place at the Jose Lake Sr. Ball Park, from 8:30 am -12 noon, and 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm.

All school busses will be inspected. Any bus not meeting the safety standards of the traffic ordinances will not be granted permission or compensation to transport schoolchildren in the further.

Please contact the Control, Inspection, and Security Department to schedule your inspection appointment as soon as possible.

CIB/CIS Control, Inspection, and Security will be in charge of the inspection, and the inspectors will be looking at safety and comfort factors.

The Section Head Ms. M. Thewet and the inspectors have a checklist of factors to examine, from the brakes to the lights to the seating, plus making sure that the school bus drivers have valid drivers license and valid insurances.

Public busses are also subject to inspection but at this time CIB will be focusing on school busses.

For more information or to register, please contact: Ms. M. Thewet, CIB Tel: 542-4511, fax 542-3800.

Philipsburg: --- The Chamber of Labour Unions is calling on the cabinet of the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten as well as the Minister of Justice David Dick to publish the “Brooks Tower Accord” which was signed on March 2 2007 by the Minister of Justice and all the Lt. Governors of the each island territory of the Netherlands Antilles.

At a press conference on Wednesday members of the Chamber Claire Elshot and Theophilus Thompson said that since the revised labour policy, which was implemented in January 2009, is creating confusion they believe that implementing the Brooks Tower Accord with regulate the loop holes relating to foreign labour. Elshot said the island government (former executive council) has referred to the Brooks Tower Accord in several of the articles even though the policy has never been published. Elshot said while the policy was drafted a tripartite setting it was not totally finalized when the former government implemented it.

Elshot said the unions on St. Maarten who is falling under these policies (Brooks Tower, and revised labour policy) on a daily basis; she said that with the present situation it is adding more confusion to their member’s brain.

Elshot said it in the opinion of the unions that the two policies should have been implemented together since the objective of the Brooks Tower Accord is to structure the foreign labour force on St. Maarten. Elshot said that several persons who gained their residency during the grace period is now living on the island illegally since their working and residency permits have expired. She said the Brooks Tower has three approaches to which foreign workers can gain their residency.

One of the procedures in this accord would deal with persons who have been living and working on St. Maarten up December 31 2001, the second category would deal with those persons who have been living and working here since January 1 2002 to December 31 2005 while the third category deals with persons living on St. Maarten from January 1 2006 to present. Elshot further explained that because neither the Lt. Governor nor the Minister has published this accord, which is referred to in the new and revised policy has left everyone in a limbo.

The unionist said that instead of revising the revised policy in August the island government should see to it that the Brooks Tower Accord be published for the sake of clarity and that of the workers. The chamber feels that if the Minister of Justice was interested in changing the situation regarding labour/ immigration and education to change then he would have to honor and implement the accord, which was signed off by all islands. Elshot said if this is not done then St. Maarten would forever have a chaotic situation when it comes to immigration and labour.

The chamber feels that this is perfect timing for the Minister to publish the document now that there are so many controversies regarding the new revised labour policy.

Elshot a teacher by profession said the policies in place makes it almost impossible for school boards to get teachers to fill critical vacancies. She is said it is practically impossible for these school boards to have teachers they badly in need of to wait outside of the island as the work and residency permits are processed. Elshot said if the two policies are brought together then the unions is of the opinion that the shortage of teachers and certain other workers would be regulated since workers would know how to register and how to demand their rights.

Theophlius Thompson who is a member of the tripartite committee said the unions have taken the decision to call on parties to have the policies implemented since according to him two wrongs can never make a right. Thompson said the former executive council implemented the policy prematurely and they had contested the implementation. Thompson said even though the tripartite worked on drafting the policy they never saw the final document before it was implemented. He said after that the had a consensus to meet in August to further debate the policy but now that the National Alliance/ Heyliger executive council has decided to withdraw the revised policy it creates more confusion. Thompson said they already met with the labour commissioner once and they discussed the policy but were also scheduled to meet with the commissioner on Thursday but that meeting was cancelled due an emergency island council meeting. In an invited comment, Minister of Justice David Dick said that the people in the labour department should begin doing their jobs and stop blaming others for their failures. Dick said he would not be making the same mistake as others and the policy would be implemented when police affairs and immigration affairs are housed in the same building. He made clear that there is no backlog in immigration and once the labour department grants a working permit then a residence permit is also granted.

MARIGOT—The Sous Prefecture in a press release is inviting members of the public to install security systems at their private pools especially for summer vacations. The prefecture said swimming pool owners must abide by the regulations that correspond to the law of January 3 2003.

This law they said is to prevent drowning incidents particularly for young children and persons who cannot swim.

The reminder came after a case of drowning in France where a pair of twins drowned in a pool on July 4th.

The prefecture said as of January 1 2004 a law was implemented for private swimming pools. The law states that all pools constructed before January 2004 must have security reinforcement in place to prevent drowning. Persons who do not respect articles R 128-1 to R.128-4 can be fined up to Euros 45,000.

Philipsburg: --- Several onlookers gathered in front of the government administrative building yesterday to witness the show of colors from the Democratic Party and that of new party of Commissioner Theo Heyliger as they gatheredto honor the late Dr. Claude Wathey on his 83rd birthday.

Prior to the laying of the wreaths Valerie Gitterson Pantophlet told the gathering that it is a distinct honor for them to honor the late Wathey at their annual wreath laying ceremony.

She called on those that gathered their to give their respect and honor the great political leader. She said the gathering on Friday is not the same as the last nine years since the late Clem Labega is no longer among them. A minute of silence was held in honor of the late Labega who passed away two months ago prior to the wreath laying ceremony.

The first wreath was laid on behalf of the Democratic Party by leader and deputy leader of the DP, Wescot Williams, and Erno Labega.

The second wreath was laid by the grandson of the late Claude Wathey, Theo Heyliger on behalf of the executive council. Third wreath was laid by the Director of the University of St. Maarten Mrs. Josianne Fleming Artsen, the fourth wreath by the Chapter of the young professionals, while the fifth by the Foundation of the Dr. AC Wathey for Political Awareness, and the final wreath was laid by the relatives of the late Wathey.

After the official wreath, laying ceremony the two political parties took the time to pose with their individual groups and supporters around the statue representing the late Dr. Claude Wathey.

Airport:---Windward Islands Airways has announced that effective August 1, 2009.They will be closing their ticket sales located at their headquarters on Saturday’s and Sundays.

This, the company said through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge as a direct means of cost cutting measure. Hodge pointed out that in an effort to save the company monies they have taken this decision with the view of maintaining workers jobs. Keeping the office open would mean increasing staff, which at present the company cannot accommodate

“We recognize that our employees are our primary responsibilities and in an effort to ensure that we continue to deliver the level and quality of service that is of significant standard we have sought to find means and measures in cutting cost,” Buncamper said.

He added, as companies around the world continues to feel the effects of the global financial crisis it is only imperative that appropriate band creative decisions are made so as to safe guard employees jobs while reducing operational costs.”

He noted that closing the office on these two days would enable Winair to save needed monies thus helping in moving the company forward. He also noted that bookings can be made at our Handlers Halley Aviations Services at PJIAE or can be made on-line 24 / 7 thus he has urged the public to continue making maximum use of the company’s relooked website, www.fly-winair.com

In its continuing effort to provide assistance and support to the communities that it serves, Windward Islands (WINAIR) once again came to the rescue of some deserving recipients.

Despite the ongoing financial challenges that is being faced by a number of countries around the world the community base airline company came to the rescues of some children. According to confirm reports the airline immediately agreed after being approached by a non-governmental organization to lend airline support assistance to some thirty eight children and two adults.

The request was made on behalf of the underprivileged children who were seeking medical attention off island and thus needed the urgent assistance so as to fulfill their appointment. The NGO, I Can Foundation were taking some underprivileged children to the island of Statia. According to a senior official within the organization the children was originally slated to go by boat however for unforeseen reasons this approach had to be aborted thus the request for Winair's assistance.

The assistance was made possible after Managing Director of Winair Edwin Hodge was contacted by the Foundation’s board members for air support. Hodge when contacted said that Winair remains committed to helping and assisting the communities that it serves. “While we are like every other country affected by the global finances we couldn’t say no to the request as the children of today are our leaders of tomorrow and therefore, we wanted to play a meaningful role thus we consented to the request,” Hodge said.

He noted that while numerous other companies have put a hold on sponsorship and other requests his company continues giving as he stressed that in challenging times its when communities, stakeholders and the business community needs to forge a more unified relationship. “We have been giving despite the financial challenges as we recognize that there are some requests that are of great importance and urgency thus we have been saying yes to those requests,” he said.

An official within the organization in expressing gratitude and thanks to Winair stating that his organization has benefited significantly from the airline. He has urged the airline company to continue what he has dubbed as its Good Samaritan approach urging the public to continue its unwavering support to the airline. “We are very thankful for the assistance of Winair and we urge the public to continue lending support so as to ensure that Winiar continues on its community development path,” the official said.

The I Can Foundation is a NGO that has been accessing subsidy so as to help in the execution of its mandate and objectives through the assistance of companies, government and other agencies. It was also noted that the I Can Foundation also does fundraising activities so as to enhance their revenue thus being able to assist in the successful execution of their programs and projects.

The delegation of children and adults which departed on July 22nd returned to St Maarten on Sunday July 26th.

Philipsburg: --- The commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson has agreed to continue discussions on the revised labour policy with the executive council. The commissioner met with the unions on Tuesday where they outlined their concerns regarding the abrupt removal of the labour policy.

According to President of the Chamber of Labour Unions Willy Haize the commissioner has decided to take their concerns to the executive council where a decision would be taken on how to move forward with the policy. Haize said the commissioner also apologized to the unions as well as to the tripartite committee for not informing them about the intentions of the executive council.

It has been determined that the policy does have some flaws and while it maybe intended to protect locals it is instead hampering locals. SMN News also understands that the executive council intends to review the policy and make the necessary changes so that the policy can become workable for everyone’s benefit.

Marigot: --- The Saint Martin United Taxi Drivers Association (SMUTA) has already begun talks with the Collectivity of St. Martin to obtain the concession for the paid parking on the Marigot waterfront. According to the association’s president Raymond Bryan. The idea was brought forward by Vice President in charge of public transportation Daniel Gibbs. Bryan said even though the parking is not completed yet the idea is being worked upon. He said the parking will be controlled by the local government but the concession would be given to SMUTA. Bryan said this new parking space would not hinder taxi drivers from parking elsewhere where there is legal parking.

Bryan further explained the Collectivity is working on restructuring the Marigot Waterfront and they would be creating a paid parking space to which taxi drivers that wishes to use the area has to pay Euros 15 per month. When the parking is complete the fees would have to be paid to SMUTA. Bryan said the same procedures that are being used at the A.C Wathey Cruise facility and the Princess Juliana International Airport would soon be implemented in Marigot.

Asked about the controversy with the new rules that were implemented by the Collectivity Bryan said the SMUTA are aware of the rules and is in full agreement with them. He said the SMUTA is the one that notified their members but agreed that all taxi drivers on the French side were not notified because they are not members of the SMUTA.

Bryan said he is urging all registered taxi drivers on the French side to become members of the SMUTA. He said so far the association has only 40 members while there are about 200 registered taxi drivers. “Right now the Collectivity made it clear they would not be dealing with individual drivers instead they are looking to deal with a registered body that represents taxi drivers and I am urging the non members of SMUTA to join the association. He further explained that some of SMUTA members are in possession of radios which were sponsored by the tourist office.

The SMUTA president said the Collectivity already agreed that taxi drivers should have the radio system since they are providing a service to the community. “Because of this the Collectivity would be providing the financing for some more radios which would be given to the members of SMUTA. There are monies at the Collectivity which can be used by taxi drivers but if they are not together then they cannot benefit.” Bryan said he is presently working on the paper work to submit to the COM regarding the financing of the additional radios.

According to some of French Taxi Drivers who spoke to SMN News said that the SMUTA is not providing work for taxi drivers and yet drivers have to pay to be part of the Association. One driver said he has been working at the Princess Juliana International Airport and is a member of the Airport Taxi Association (ATA) where he has to pay his dues. Furthermore, the radios the SMUTA is talking about the drivers have to pay for the radio. “I know several of SMUTA members had to turn in back their radios because they were not making monies to pay for the radio. I can tell you many days taxi drivers working in Marigot have to go home empty handed because they did not get a job. Things are very hard with taxi drivers during this slow season and government along with SMUTA is not making any of this easier for taxi drivers.” The driver explained.

Another driver said the reason taxi drivers are not getting work is that the Collectivity gave out permits to some Metropolitans to work water taxi in Marigot. He said a ‘white” man is operating two yellow boats from Habitation to Marigot while the other works from the Airport to Marigot. The long time taxi driver said this is taking away work from the taxi drivers yet they expect taxi drivers to go over on the Dutch side and pay to work and come and pay them too on the French side. “It seems as if Daniel Gibbs and his associates don’t know that taxi drivers have to pay bills, including rent, food and they also have children to support in school”. The taxi driver said angrily.

Raymond Bryan a former deputy mayor who held the transportation portfolio agreed much more steps could have been taken to properly inform all taxi drivers of the rules. He agreed that the Collectivity could have notified each driver by sending them a letter as well as copy of the rules. Bryan said the persons working in public transportation cannot do everything and as such they put up sign boards with the new rules on Marigot Waterfront where he believed all drivers could see them. Bryan agreed that communication should have been sent to the Dutch counterpart who would have notified their drivers of the changes.

In the meantime, several members of the Dutch Taxi Association informed SMN News that they are planning to take actions against the type of rules that are implemented on the French side. One DSTA driver said he already stopped taking passengers to the market place, he said he has chosen other routes which are far better and with less hassle.

Philipsburg: --- The island government of St. Maarten will be holding a day of prayer this Sunday at the Emilio Wilson Park said organizers of the event on Monday. Even though the event this Sunday will not be replacing the National Day of Prayer which is normally held at the end of the year, the St. Maarten Council of Churches and the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation are the organizers of Sunday’s event.

The idea of holding the day of prayer was announced by Commissioner Frans Richardson on day he sworn in as a commissioner June 8th. Commissioner Richardson said they have decided to add the day of prayer to the week long events to commemorate emancipation day. Richardson said the day of prayer would be the grand finale for the week long events which is presently ongoing.

Richardson said St. Maarten needed an event such as this to bring the community together but more so he believes the task that the new government is undertaking requires them to look to God. He said he called for the day of prayer for government and its people of the island.

Richardson said he believe this day is really needed because of all that is taking place within the communities. He said several people are frustrated due to the down turn in the economy. The commissioner called on the community to come out to Sunday’s event because he believed everyone needs to come together to put the island where she needs to be. He said the island should be the first priority however, without prayers and God no one would get anywhere.

Also urging the community to come out on Sunday was commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson. Richardson said the day’s effectiveness will reflect culture as well as the ideology of the new coalition of government. He said even though this is not the national day of prayer, which is held annually, but Sunday’s event can be considered a national day of prayer since the entire community is invited to participate. Sunday’s program will have live broadcast both on television and radio.

Pastor Wycliffe Smith President of the SMUF said St. Maarten is truly blessed to have a nation that acknowledges the sovereignty of God. Smith congratulated the new government for taking the initiative to start their tenure of government with prayers.

Pastor Smith said the Christian community was recruited to organize the event of July 12 who also put the day’s program together. Pastor Smith called on all churches who would be participating should send out at least two members of their choir to begin practicing. Choir practice will be held at the Seventh Adventist Church in Cole Bay. Also scheduled to participate are the youths of St. Maarten in several aspects. Smith said that there are number situations that need to be placed before God. Some of those are the constitutional process, the low morale on the island including violence and senseless killings.

Also expressing gratitude is Wally Haverthong from the St. Martin Council of Churches. Haverthong said he is extremely happy that to know that the members of government has taken on the challenge to pray with its people and the churches. He said when the St. Martin Council of Churches were contacted they embraced the opportunity since it has been years now they have been pleading in praying and asking government to pray with them. He said this is very important since no one can function without the help of God.

Marigot: -- While this may sound strange it seems as if there are people working or loitering in the Collectivity to steal from reporters. Just this week two reporters had their bags picked while covering an assignment at the Collectivity. One of the reporters told SMN News that while covering the assignment they left their Iphone in their bag which was placed next to them and someone stole the apparatus.

The reporter in question went back to the COM to see if she can retrieve her Iphone but was told that the COM does not have insurances for such incidents. The reporter who was anxious to find her iphone borrowed a phone to dial her phone but the culprit who stole it had already turned it off.

About a year ago another journalist told us that while she was at the COM covering an assignment she lost her camera and voice recorder. The reporter it is understood made endless attempts to see if she could recover her electronics but to date nothing was found. Once we at SMN News was told by one of the employees of the COM that they are the ones who are sending the thieves to kill and rob us, of course we did not take this serious but after having our home broken into five times, and the thieves targeting computers and cameras with other electronics we made the statement known to law enforcement and those managing the Collectivity.

With the recent development among our colleagues we are calling on President Frantz Gumbs to take stock of on those he has working for him and to see who these thieves are. Already you indicated the COM does not have insurance, our advice is for you to have some security cameras installed in the Collectivity so these bandits who may not be in delinquents can be caught and prosecuted.

Philipsburg: --- The police department is presently confronted with a number of cases where persons that are mentally challenged and stripping themselves naked and are walking on public roads.

Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said that he does not know if the current weather conditions have anything to do with the fact that several persons that are mentally challenged are going naked. Leonard said police had to react to a case of nudity in the Cul de Sac area and two cases in Well Road. Leonard said the police are presently looking into ways of handling this matter.

GREAT BAY----- Contractors and builders are requested to have a plan in place to prepare and secure their job sites for the 2009 hurricane season.

Even though the season has been quiet so far, every effort should be made to be prepared.

Contractors and home builders during severe weather are responsible for securing job sites for the protection of the public, the property and surrounding areas.

Materials such as plywood, shingles, zinc, and scraps of 2x4s could become flying missiles capable of impaling brick walls or anything in its way.

Construction debris can cause severe damage to property and cost lives. With the amount of building and construction activity still taking place on the island, every construction site supervisor or foreman is advised to have a plan in place with respect to what action they will be taking, and the time is to prepare now.

Tropical storm system could form during any part of the hurricane season and not necessarily during the peak months of mid August to mid October.

As a general rule, all jobsites should be kept clean. Arrange of timely pick up of trash dumpsters, and only keep materials on the job site you actually will utilize at any given week, and keep construction equipment secure. Any planned supply deliveries should be postponed if the possibility exists of a hurricane threat to the island.

When a hurricane warning is issued, remove all scaffolding, and remove, or safely secure, all building materials and equipment. Sub contractors should also be alerted to their responsibilities as well with respect to securing or removing their materials and equipment.

Stop job processes that will likely become damaged by the hurricane, such as window installations, house wrap, or landscaping. Complete those construction tasks that will likely prevent damage, such as concrete work, closing in a house, or filling in foundation excavations.

Follow through with a quick inspection of your job sites. Do not wait until the last minute to inspect your job sites, as you may need that time to go home and secure your own family home. Employees will need to also do the same.

Once the hurricane is over, return to the job site for damage inspection only when the all clear sign has been given by the Emergency Operations Center headed by the Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten. Keep in mind that damages from the hurricane may impede efforts for immediate attention of job sites.

Philipsburg: --- The Sector Health Care Affairs head Joireen Wuite said that St.Maarten just received results on two more confirmed cases of H1N1 virus. The results were released at a press conference on Monday afternoon. Dr. Izzy Gerzstenbluth also released the results on Curacao who now has 13 confirmed cases; Bonaire has four confirmed cases, and Statia 1 case. The Netherlands Antilles now has 28 confirmed cases of H1N1 since the outbreak two months ago. The latest confirmation is from two 12-year old boys who were on a cruise with relatives.

Dr. Izzy Gerzstenbluth said St. Maarten has two new cases that are active but the patients are recovering even though there were ten people infected with the virus. Gerzstenbluth said the other eight patients have already recovered from the virus. Dr. Izzy Gerzstenbluth said all the cases so far are travel related and there is no increase in the influenza cases. He said when all the data that has been sent to SHCA is analyzed it showed that the H1N1 virus is already contained on St. Maarten and the entire Netherlands Antilles. Dr. Gerzstenbluth said even though they know that that the virus is not dangerous they are jumping on every case because the SHCA is trying its best to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus.

He said even though this is the trend everyone has to remain vigilante since it is best to keep the virus from becoming dangerous. Patients that were tested positive are treated with tamiflu. He said the SHCA is also preparing for any possible increase since people are now travelling for the summer vacations. The doctor said they have to closely monitor travelers to make sure they do not bring back the virus with them and if they do make sure they are treated and remain contained. Maria Henry of SCHA said of the ten confirmed cases on St. Maarten, six of them were clustered cases, relating to the AUC (American Medical University of the Caribbean) while the other four came from travelers. The sector head stressed that the cases confirmed on St. Maarten were relatively mild.

Philipsburg: --- The executive council has responded to the United Federation union by letter telling them that they would prefer the to hold a meeting with them rather than allowing the union to hold a meeting with the island council.

The UFA requested a meeting with the island council to discuss their ongoing challenges with the managing director of GEBE.

In the letter, the executive council has invited the UFA to meet with them on August 6 in the conference room of the Government Administrative building.

Marigot: -- The choreographer that was hired by the Committee of Traditions and Culture (CTC) in an interview with SMN News said that to date he is not paid in full by the CTC with whom he has a three-year contract. Kofi Walker said when he negotiated his contract he asked for 8,000 Euros which he said was highly contested. He said he ended up negotiating his fees on four different occasions and they agreed to give him a three year contract at Euros 6000, 00 this first year. Walker said to date he cannot receive his full payment despite notifying CTC board members that he lost his grandmother and he needs to attend the funeral in Jamaica. Walker said his grandmother has had two strokes prior to her death all of which the CTC is well aware of. He said he wanted to leave the island on July 8 due to his grandmother’s illness but CTC was not in favor of it even though his contract was up on that very day. “I am a devoted dog and so I stayed to very end and now the CTC does not want to pay me what is owed to me.” Walker said.

He further explained that CTC is also responsible for paying his helpers. Two of which came on and left because of the attitude of CTC board members.

Walker also provided email communications he had with the president of the CTC board where he expressed his concerns and the confusion he is having with their board member. He also provided emails that were sent to him by Gael Mussington who clearly in her emails was not respectful to the person CTC awarded their contract. Mussington in her emails said she was the one responsible for the Caribbean Festival and she was not in favor of how Walker was doing his job as choreographer.

Walker said he already received 2,500 Euros while there is check that was sent to his account for Euros 500 but he is not sure if that check would clear while the CTC still owes him 3000,00 Euros. Walker said he saw the treasurer recently and he asked for his monies and was told that he can pass by “the hotel” to pick up some monies, but he made clear to this person that he does not want a part payment instead he wants the entire balance that is due to him. In the emails communication Walker sent to the president of the CTC he expressed his dissatisfaction with the Association who was not living up to their payments based on their contracted agreement.

Walker said he had the largest troop with 150 revelers, (the red, white, and blue) and he never received any credit from CTC neither his payment.

The well-known former St. Maarten Academy teacher said he was highly insulted by the CTC members especially Gael Mussington who was the person working closely with him. Walker said Mussington changed many parts of the show, which is what made the Caribbean Festival less than perfect. Walkers said he initially wanted 12,000 Euros to execute the job since the has a number of people that has to be paid, but the CTC did not believe he is worth that kind of monies and settled for less yet they cannot pay him for the work he provided.

The CTC had a budget of Euros 350,000 for the organizing of the Caribbean Festival, so far this reporter has gotten over ten complaints from people who are still to be paid.

GREAT BAY: --- (GIS) – After the Preventive Health Department (PHD) announced on Monday that about the 9th and 10th confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus, the island now has its 11th and 12th confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The male (46) and female (40), a husband and wife, are in isolation and have received anti-viral treatments. They are feeling better and are doing well.

These two new cases were confirmed on Tuesday. The last four cases, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, are related and went on a family cruise that took the persons to Cozumel, Panama, and Colombia. These persons started their cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and returned to the island on July 15 on American Airlines flight #687.

The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with flu-like-illness to remain at home (self-isolation) and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.

The severity of the disease now remains relatively mild. In the past, the island has had eight confirmed cases who all recovered fully.

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

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

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

Philipsburg: --- Leader of the People’s Progressive Party Gracita Arrindell has captured the attention of all major political players who are gearing up for next year’s country election. According to reliable sources, Arrindell already met with the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams who invited her on both occasions to discuss the possibility of merging the two parties together.

The source said Arrindell already indicated to Wescot Williams that even though she met with her as a politician who is always ready to listen; her party members were not interested in joining with the Democratic Party. The source said that even though Arrindell met Wescot Williams she herself is not interested in being part of the same group who treated her miserably over the past years, especially after the 2007 island council elections.

Arrindell also met with Commissioner Theo Heyliger once as he too is trying to pull Arrindell in his corner to form his new party now that he has stepped away from the Democratic Party. It is said that even though Arrindell met with Heyliger her intention is for Heyliger to join the PPA since the party is already established and registered on the island territory of St. Maarten, while Heyliger does not even have a name for his new party. It is understood that the two is expected to meet again but Heyliger has no intention to join any other political parties but to form his own.

Asked about this possibility on Friday where it was clear that the members of the Wathey family and supporters of Theo Heyliger decked out in their green colored shirt to lay the wreath at the statue of the late Claude Wathey. Heyliger said he is speaking with everyone and all potential candidates since the island is already small. Heyliger said the idea is to put St. Maarten first. Heyliger said in the new setting they would need fifteen members for the parliament who cannot have dual functionality. He said no one can hold a position as a Minister and a parliamentarian. Heyliger said there would be 22 positions available and it is very important for them to have people on board that have St. Maarten at heart.

Even though not saying if he is also negotiating with members from the National Alliance and the Democratic Party to join him Heyliger said he being the commissioner of public works has issued a number of building permits and he started off with a foundation and is now adding floors. The commissioner said that whatever decisions are taken by him would fit within the building codes of the island.

Asked if he began campaigning on Friday for his new party the commissioner said campaign starts the day after the last election, which means he has been campaigning a long time ago. Asked when he would officially launch his new party Heyliger said the process is ongoing, since he has been seeking advice from the people. As for the name of the party he said they already selected the top five names that was submitted but a final decision has not been taken on what name the party would have.

SMN News understands that the number two candidate on the PPA list during the 2007 island council election Johan Janchi Leonard was also approached by Heyliger and he has agreed to be part of Heyliger’s list. So far, none of the players negotiating with each other is not ready to talk instead, they are busy working behind the scenes.

SMN News was also reliably informed that Arrindell also spoke to leader of the National Alliance William Marlin but no decision has been taken. It is said Arrindell is trying to make sure Marlin lives up to the court’s decision and places her back in the island secretariat. The source said that is the main bargaining point for Arrindell with the National Alliance is her position in government. In last weeks press briefing Marlin acknowledged that his government intends to live up to, the court’s ruling and that they are working on a proposal for Arrindell relating to her job as a civil servant.

Also visible on Friday in front of the Government Administration building were the members and supporters of the Democratic Party that also dressed in red tee shirts. It was indeed as show of colors for the annual event. At the ceremony was the French Quarter scouts led by Georgina Ruan all decked out in their red tee shirts, the scouts also took time off to take photos with the board members of the Democratic Party board.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson at a press conference shed some more light on the Westjet affair, which he was attacked for on Monday. The commissioner said the matter has his attention since he took office on June 8. Richardson said key members of his office was and continues to be instrumental in facilitating the ongoing process for obtaining the required permits and licenses to realize WestJet scheduled airlift service into St. Maarten.

Just recently, WestJet had been seeking additional information such as the required immigration forms to be completed for arriving passengers and other technical and operational requirements.

Richardson said his office was then informed that WestJet's request to Civil Aviation authorities is already being processed and one of the key issues is/was regulating the Bi-lateral Agreement between Canada and the Netherlands Antilles.

Subsequently they were advised that WestJet has received the CTA License authorizing WestJet to offer scheduled air service from Canada to Saint Maarten.

For clarification sake, West Jet began flying charter to St. Maarten since 2002 -- on behalf of Transat Tours Canada up until May 10, 2009 when they mutually and cordially terminated their contract. Since October 2006, West Jet had indicated that it is interested in providing scheduled airlift service to St. Maarten.

West Jet was handled by Menzies Aviation (both Ramp and Passenger handling) since 2002 up until June 30 2006.

In July 2006 when Menzies had to close its doors to passenger Handling, Juliana Airport Handlers won the concession to do passenger Handling at the Princess Juliana Airport again was given the contract of West Jet for Passenger Handling and Menzies continued to perform the Ramp handling for the Airline.

Apparently, former commissioner of tourism, Roy Mr. Marlin, was not aware of the aforementioned when he chose to make statements regarding West Jet at his press conference on Monday.

West Jet is not new to St. Maarten; the only thing new and of importance is that WestJet is a new SCHEDULED CARRIER; West Jet performed as a charter service yearly, except for the month of April, into St. Maarten, in the past. West Jet is then to become the first airline to provide scheduled airlift service out of Canada into St. Maarten.

The previous commissioner of tourism had also been looking at attracting additional airlift out of South America.

Richardson said they have been looking at Aserca Airlines – which would provide airlift out of South America.

He said he understood however that contrary to the impression created by the former commissioner of tourism, they are not providing scheduled airlift service to St. Maarten.

The former commissioner also failed to disclose how a commitment had been made by the previous Executive Council to the tune of some 500,000 U.S. dollars for the promotion of said flights.

A commitment that the former commissioner knew could not be honored – particularly since we are talking about charter flights executed once per month!

PHILIPSBURG: --- The wife of a police brigadier was seen at the Philipsburg Police Station on Tuesday morning hardly able to walk. The woman told this reporter that she was trying to file an official complaint against her abusive husband who happens to be a police brigadier.

She identified the officer as R. J and claimed her husband beat her up on Monday night for his lover. The incident occurred at one of the man’s residence in St. Peters where he was allegedly with his lover at the time.

The woman said her husband told her he was leaving his Belvedere home to go and see a doctor but when she did not see her husband return she became worried. She said at some point she received a phone call and was told the man was in their former residence with his by side. She said she went to the residence to get her husband because only two weeks ago he pleaded with her to take him back. The couple has been having marital problems and the man eventually moved out but later moved back home.

The partly handicapped woman said while speaking to her husband in the house he took her bodily and flung her to the ground before pouncing her with other blows. She said she was rushed to the St. Maarten Medical Centre for treatment.

While at the police station the woman said the police told her she should go and see a doctor before going to the police to file an official complaint.

The woman gave her name as Connie she said she was hardly able to walk since she was having serious back pain due to the beating. Connie has an injured arm due an accident, but with the beating she received on Monday the entire upper arm is swollen.

At one point of the day Connie went to see the Public Prosecutor since she was not able to file an official complaint at the police station. She claimed the police were pushing her around since they knew the couple were having problems.

On Tuesday night there were at least three police vehicles including the brother of the victim at the home in Belvedere since police requested that R.J to move out of the home pending the ongoing investigation.

Several off the officers who were on the scene said they spoke to the officer on several occasions telling him what he was doing is not right. Some of the officers said they even went as far as telling R.J if he no longer wants his wife in his life then he should move out peacefully. SMN News who was at the scene also got a bit of R.J’s arrogance when he said “if I see any of those pictures in the newspaper I would have to go see my lawyer” before speeding away with his clothing in his car.

In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said the woman indeed went to see him on Tuesday since she was having some “hiccups” in filing the complaint. Mud said he immediately called the police station where he made an appointment for the victim to file her complaint.

Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said the case has the attention of the police department since the night of the incident. Doran said he was notified of the incident around 11pm on Monday night and immediately officers from Internal Affairs began investigating.

The top cop said the officers began looking for their colleague on Monday night but he was nowhere to be found. Doran said his officers who were working on the case went home at 3 am as they were trying hard to find R.J. He said R.J was questioned by Internal Affairs on Tuesday since an internal investigation is now underway. Asked if the brigadier in question was arrested Doran said no decision has been taken in the case since the investigation is in its preliminary stages.

French Quarter: -- The search team led by the RST that began a water search in the French Quarter Fish Pond has been suspended after two days of searching. Prosecutor Rienk Mud did not confirm the status of the search however he did say that the results of the two day search will be released on Thursday.

The detectives who are leading the investigation are sure they were going to find the remains the Leta Lynn Cordes which would help them prove to the court that the 49- year old woman is indeed dead. Leta Cordes was last seen by her husband Frank Cordes on the January 11 2007. He claimed his wife went by foot to the Westin Casino to gamble. The German man had given several conflicting reports to this media house as well as police during the early stages of the investigation.

He was arrested on October 14, ten months after his wife disappearance but was released on January 26th. The prosecutor office had said that even though Frank Cordes has been released from pre-trial detention he remains a suspect in her disappearance or murder. It is also known that the couple was having marital problems and they fought the day she disappeared.

The teams of divers were looking to see if they would find the remains of missing American Leta Lynn Cordes in the French Quarter fish pond. According to a press release from the prosecutor’s office they said based on new information they have decided to continue the search with experienced divers and sonar equipments at the said location.

The team was seen searching the entire Fish Pond leading through the channels to the sea up to late Tuesday.

GREAT BAY– The Island has its eighth confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a person who resides on the French side of the island.

The person in question has been isolated and has been treated with anti-viral medication Tamiflu. Family members of the person are being closely monitored by French health authorities.

Samples were taken on July 3 and the Preventive Health Department (PHD) was informed on July 7 about the confirmed results.

The person had traveled to New York around June 28/29. Upon their return, the person had displayed flu-like symptoms and contacted their family physician on the Dutch side.

Two other persons not related to the aforementioned case were tested on July 2. Their results came back negative for H1N1. They left the island on July 3. They had traveled from Miami to the island.

Another sample was taken of a family member vacationing on the island. The sample was taken on July 6 and the results are still pending.

The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that according to global health officials, the severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past the island has had seven confirmed cases who recovered fully.

Persons with flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.

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

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

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

A press conference on the H1NI virus is scheduled for today Friday at the Sous Prefecture.

La Savanne: -- The Gendarmes have launched their summer surveillance program for the second year on Thursday. Captain Loic Baras, Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau and Chef of the Territorial Police Flavien Bazile told reporters at a press conference on Thursday that the program which was conducted last year for the first time will be done this year in collaboration with the Territorial Police.

Residents residing on the French side of the island can pick up a form at the Gendarmes head office in La Savanne or at the office of the Police Territorial in Marigot. The forms must be filled out and returned to the said locations. The forms will be available up to the end of August even though the surveillance would take place until mid September.

The gendarmes along with the territorial police would then begin surveillance of the homes of persons who are on vacation to avoid break ins. Captain Loic Barras said the program which kicked off last year on St. Martin was extremely successful since they only had one break in last year. The chief of the gendarmerie is urging the general public to make use of the services that are offered by the two security services on the island.

Residents planning to leave the island are urged to properly close their doors and windows even if they plan to leave their house for a short period during the day. Already the gendarmes have recorded 357 break ins and robberies for the year.

Persons who are leaving the island should not leave notes on their doors or on their answering machines it is advised that the call transfer service be used. Keys should not be left under the mat as the burglars know how to find them. Persons leaving the island should notify their neighbors of their absence, the gendarmes and Territorial Police. The gendarmes are also asking persons who are leaving the island to leave a phone number or contact address with them or your neighbors in case of an emergency. When leaving your home you are advised to take all important documents and valuables out of your house and put them in a safe at one of the banks. If possible take photographs of the furniture in the house before leaving and leave with the valuables.

In the meantime the gendarmes are calling on all members of the community to use their vigilance in their neighborhood. They said residents should not hesitate to call them via the “17” in case they see any suspicious person or vehicles in the neighborhood.

Philipsburg: --- The Democratic Party faction has promised to hold bi-monthly press conferences in order to keep the population abreast with information on issues and concerns, so says leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams at press conference on Monday. Present at the press conference were the party’s leader Wescot Williams, Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus, island council man Roy Marlin and president of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier.

Revised Labour Policy

Wescot Williams in her opening statements gave an elucidation on the procedures she followed in trying to obtain an island council meeting to further discuss the revised labour policy which was shelved by the National Alliance/Heyliger government. The former leader of government said she is amazed with the reasons given by the sitting executive council. She said the NA/ Heyliger executive council felt that such a discussion is not urgent and that it can wait until the recess is over. Wescot Williams said upon receiving that information she reacted by sending a letter to the chairman where she objected to the position taken by the executive council, after doing such the DP faction managed to obtain that meeting for Tuesday afternoon. Wescot Williams said if the required amount of members of the island council requested a meeting that meeting had to be held within the seven day period as stipulated in the ERNA. Wescot Williams said her faction believes the people of St. Maarten are entitled to know government’s stance on the revised labour policy. She said over the past months there has been a lot of flip flopping on the issue. Wescot Williams quoted several media reports on the matter and said she they believed the tripartite committee who worked on the policy needs an explanation on what government really intends to do with the policy before them taking a stand.

Wescot Williams said they are going to be demanding that the executive council sanction the changes that were agreed to by the social partners. Those changes she said included the age limits as well as housing requirements and others. Wescot Williams said they would also be suggesting that the changes be adopted immediately prior to the August assessment of the policy.

Wescot Williams said during the last island council meeting of July 2 she asked some questions regarding the harbour group of companies. Wescot Williams said she did receive a letter from the commissioner in charge but several of her questions were not answered. The Democratic Party leader said regarding the financing she was told that financing took place according to the present project dossier taking into the account the recession the island is facing. She said the commissioner also announced that the loan from Royal Caribbean had increased from 5 million to ten million US dollars. Wescot Williams said that part of the letter deserves more elucidation for the people of St. Maarten. She said she did not receive any answer as to the overall position of the St. Maarten Harbour Holding Companies N.V giving the drop in cruise passengers arriving at the Harbour. Wescot Williams said she intends to send a letter to the executive council asking them to provide her with answers to that hoping that she would receive an answer.

The Democratic Party leader said she had asked for the objections that were filed by the environmental foundations. Wescot Williams said while she did receive the objections that were filed by St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC, Nature Foundation and Monument foundation but she did not get the response sent to these foundations by government.

The DP leader said they learnt from press reports that a response was sent neither did she get a response on how far their concerns were addressed. Wescot Williams said in the press reports it was mentioned twice that the Ring Road Project was part of the Democratic Party governing program 2007-2011. She said it seem as if the report was intended to remind the Democratic Party that they too was in favor of the Ring Road project. She said she wants to the government to know that the DP faction does not need to be reminded, and as such they have questions and would be using their good rights and pose those questions. Wescot Williams said if they were in government they would have asked the same questions and now that they are in opposition they intend to ask questions.

Wescot Williams said she asked questions pertaining to the land owners and those questions were not answered, as well as those related to employment.

The DP faction leader said they have taken note of the work that was given out to truckers and she also commended the truckers for the work they have provided by stepping up to the plate. However, she wants to know if all registered truckers that have all adequate equipments were contracted and if so how were they contracted. She wants to know if they received their contracts through an association or if it was individual. Wescot Williams said the DP faction also wants to know if there is more work available and what type of work is available and how much this would be cost to the harbour.

The DP Faction is expecting the National Alliance/ Heyliger government to have on the floor of the island council within short the draft legislations on the gaming control board, the legislation on the ombudsman, and the so- called environment fee that is to be levied on cruise passengers as well as the compulsory education ordinance which is necessary for the implementation of compulsory education.

Wescot Williams said the executive council does not go on recess and as such she would like to the legislation on the floor of the island council since the present government did make a commitment.

Wescot Williams said the DP faction is also waiting on a response pertaining to the letter that was sent to the State Secretary regarding cooperate governance. She said during the last island council meeting she asked who sent the response to the State Secretary and was told the Governor did and that the executive council had not meet neither did they take a position on the letter that was sent. Wescot Williams said she believed the executive council had enough time and felt they needed to make their position known. Wescot Williams said the DP faction also wants to know if government is in keeping with the quarterly reports regarding financial supervision. Since the DP has not yet received these reports.

Island Councilman Roy Marlin also expressed concerns over the agreements that had to be sent to the CFT regarding financial supervision. He said he requested information from the current finance commissioner regarding the first draft and to date he has not received them. Marlin said he is rather concerned about the way the executive council is dealing with matters regarding financial supervision. He said the executive council has until August 2009 to submit its draft budget for 2010, he said he received information that there is no active participation taking place regarding the preparation of 2010 budget. Marlin is urging the executive council to adhere to the rules and regulation that are on the books in order to comply with the temporary measures laid down for financial supervision. He said already the laws on cooperate governance has been handled by the island council which was sent off and finally the state secretary reacted to which the executive council has to respond. He said the governor reacted to the State Secretary while it is clearly stated that the State Secretary and the executive council should reach an agreement by August 2009. Marlin said if the agreements are not reached then the Dutch Government can unilaterally impose their rules and regulation on cooperate governance on government owned companies

Marlin said the executive council should make sure or at least begin deliberations with the State Secretary, or at least they needed to react to her letter.

Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus who was off island said she intends to send a letter to the chairman of the island council to request the transcripts of the June 8th island council meeting. Buncamper Molanus said she would be requesting the transcripts of the statements made by island council man Louie Laveist as well as those of Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson.

Buncamper Molanus also gave an elucidation on the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex project which is now being shelved by the current government. The former commissioner of sports said even though government has no obligation towards the Raoul Ilidge Sports Complex foundation she managed to get the former executive council to put aside some Naf. 1.7 million guilders in the 2009 budget for the renovation and expansion of that sports complex. Buncamper Molanus said while government had no say in the functioning of the foundation government needed a guarantee that the monies allocated to them would be well spent.

Buncamper Molanus said when holding the sports portfolio she had to make sure the foundation was brought up to par if they were to receive government funding, one of the things that had to be done is to upgrade and re-organize the foundation by laws. Government she said also appointed someone in the sports field to work on a plan for the sports complex. That plan she said was already presented to the new board of Raoul Illidge and she does not know if they already responded on the proposal that was given to them. She said right now there is a proposal which was drafted on the instruction of the executive council and to hear that the project is now shelved is not a decision that can be taken by government.

Buncamper Molanus said while working on the project they discovered that the federal government transferred the land and to the island government which was to be transferred to the foundation, however that transfer never took place. She said she also discovered that the reason the transfer was not made was due to transfer taxes which she also managed to get an exemption for. The former sports commissioner further explained that the structures that are on the property of Raoul Illidge was built by the Dutch Government with the intention that it would be transferred to the foundation.

Buncamper Molanus said when the foundation receives this land they would then have assets which they could then take to any bank for financing to further improve the facility. Buncamper Molanus said right now they are waiting on the island government to bring to the floor of the island council the land transfer something she said they have competences to carry out.

Marketing Stimulus ---Roy Marlin

Island Councilman Roy Marlin said he also took note of the statements that were made by the commissioner of tourism Frans Richardson regarding the marketing stimulus. Marlin said he does not know what type of approval the executive council has to make since the process started since February. Marlin said he was the one who held meetings with the Dutch representatives on behalf of the Democratic Party where he convinces them to make some adjustments to the SEI funds. Approval he said was granted in May. Marlin said the final step was to send the financing request to USONA.

Marlin said when the DP faction received the reaction of the executive council pertaining to the request they made for an island council meeting he found the response rather scary. He said he could not imagine the executive council would make such a proposal even though there is a clear outline in the island regulations. Marlin said he hopes that this would not be the basis on which the executive council would function in the future. He said he hopes that this is not the way the current executive council would deal with their future requests. He said when the DP was in government they always respected the rules of the island council when the National Alliance had requested meetings.

Marigot: --- The Collectivity of St, Martin has recently suspended another employee who sexually harassed a 15- year old boy. The incident occurred some two weeks ago. Sources say the employee who works in the service transports followed the youth in the rest room and touched the child in his private areas. The youth it is said was doing his summer job at the COM and he is the son of one of the vice presidents.

The source said that the vice president was off island at the time of the incident and when they returned action was immediately taken, however, several employees of the COM is not satisfied with the type of action that was taken. It is said the H.O received a (mise a pied) during his vacation.

Sources said the relatives of the COM employee (H.O) went to his work place seeking answers about why he was blamed. SMN News further understands that the culprit is a known pedophile since this is not the first time he molested underage boys. The source further explained that the young man once sent a text message to youth whose mother confronted him and when he denied it she slapped him in anger.

Marigot: --- Two flavors that do not mix well are politics and friendship, something the president of the Tourist Office would have to learn the hard way.

SMN News has been reliably informed that interim director (director elect) of the Tourist Office Corine Picaut is closely involved with the Socialist Party in France, yet she was elected as the director of the French Tourist Office at a meeting on Wednesday night. SMN News understands that the two counselors representing the opposition did not show up to the meeting.

Despite several questions asked Picaut managed to secure the majority votes at the end of the meeting. The committee has eight elected members with the others being business professionals. SMN News has been reliably informed that some of the elected who are from the Union Pour le Progres abstained from voting while the others voted in favor, a clear indication that the UPP group are having internal problems.

It is said Picaut is a board member of the 18th arroundissment for the Socialist Party in Paris, while the UPP is connected to the UMP the leading party.

Another concern for the Union Pour le Progres is that the foreign employee owns a consultant firm in Paris and she was hired by President of the Tourist Office Ida Zin Ka Ieu to conduct an audit for the Tourist Office Association. However, prior to the election Picaut made sure she met the legal obligations to become a civil servant.

Sources say Picaut already dismantled her shares in the company to pave the way for her to become a civil servant, but the UPP counselors are not in favor of her appointment.

Sources say Zin Ka Ieu has since become friends with the intended civil servant whose expenses are being paid by the COM. It is understood that Picaut stays at the Beach Plaza Hotel where she is running up a huge bill for the Collectivity and Tourist Office to pay. It is further understood that the two entities have to pay for a number of airline tickets to and from Paris as the woman is constantly visiting her children there.

According to our sources, this does not include the Euros 4,500 salary, and other benefits the foreign worker is benefitting from the Collectivity and Office du Tourisme.

Another concern for the UPP counselors who are not supporting Zin Ka Ieu is the fact that the two may have some sort of business connections. The Picaut and Fine Companies and Publi Info allegedly are doing business together. SMN News understands that the president of the Tourist Office has been submitting bids on behalf of her company to get advertising one of which was recently rejected by the committee.

Another concern for the majority is that Zin Ka Ieu hired a lawyer to work full time at the tourist office, the lawyer SMN News understand represented the president in her personal battles in the past. Reasons for hiring an attorney full time are still not clear.

Sources said the tourist office had rented a villa in Lowland for some Euros 8,000 to host the party for the SMART convention; however, the said villa was used to celebrate Zin Ka Ieu boyfriend’s birthday party, which was allegedly organized by said interim director.

Ida Zin Ka Ieu fired Yann Claeysen the former director of the tourist office when she found out Claeysen spent monies inappropriately including monies that was spent at the Hustler’s Club in Paris. The EPIC president also made clear that Claeysen was a good friend of the Vice President in charge of Tourism Daniel Gibbs, reasons why she terminated his contract. Ever since the Claeysen saga Gibbs and Zin Ka Ieu has not been on speaking terms. SMN News further understands that since Zin Ka Ieu was elected president of the Office du Tourisme Gibbs stopped visiting the department even though he is in charge of tourism.

It is therefore incomprehensible why the President would now encourage the same types of behavior she once condemned. Efforts made to obtain a statement from Zin Ka Ieu proved futile up to press time.

Philipsburg:--- Finance commissioner finance Xavier Blackman at a press conference on Thursday clarified several issues pertaining to the island’s financial health. Blackman said it took weeks before he could have thoroughly accessed the island’s financial situation since he had to do some research at the various departments. The commissioner said there was no archive for him to refer to reasons why it took more time to gather information.

The commissioner when clarifying the true situation regarding the CFT said there is a difference between the CFT legislation and the practical implementation. He said the law on financial supervision has been in place since December 2008, in the law there the obligations, dates and deadlines are laid down. Blackman said it is evident that all parties involved has to familiarize themselves with the new rule since this he said is a learning experience for everyone. He said there are no surprises since both parties including the CFT and government have been keeping each other abreast on almost a daily basis. The commissioner said he wants to take away the perception that laws are being broken, deadlines are not being met, and things were going awfully wrong. Blackman said if that was the case the CFT and Dutch government would have been very vocal about that. Regarding the quarterly report Blackman said there is the law that is laid down in the AMVRB. He said according to the law the quarterly reports are to be submitted to the CFT and the island council within six weeks at the end of each quarter. If one is to calculate then the first quarterly report for 2009 was due on May 12 (during the time the former executive council was in office) to both the CFT and the island council. He said it was incumbent for the former executive council to send the report to both the CFT and the island council. Blackman said based on what he understands from the former commissioner of finance the island council has not yet received a copy of the first quarterly report.

He said while the report was submitted to the CFT on time it was not sent to the island council by previous government. Since then there has been some amendments and adjustments made to the subsequent drafts, some of which were delayed because the CFT had asked for some specific adjustments. He said the suggestions made by the CFT reached the island territory rather late (closer to the deadline) so they had to make some last minute adjustments prior to it being submitted. The commissioner could not give an exact date on which the reports would be presented to the island council. Blackman said it is believed that would happen sometime in August.

Blackman said his office has reached an agreement with the CFT where they would begin working on a monthly report rather than a quarterly report, he said this decision was not taken because they wanted to please the CFT or anyone else rather it is for the island territory to monitor its financial developments. This he said would allow the executive council a detail report on government spending and the level of their finances, which would allow the executive council to make better and informed decisions on policy matters.

Budget 2010 he said is being prepared and is on schedule, he said the deadline is August 15 and they are on track to meet the deadline. He said that presently they are working on the third draft, which is being scrutinized within government. Blackman said he also has an agreement with the CFT where they are sending drafts prior to the final document. Reasons for this are the CFT can also work progressively on the documents and not have work pile up on them at the deadline date. Blackman said the CFT has an obligation to give the island feedback and by them having preparatory work makes it easier for both parties.

Blackman said the draft they are working on still shows a deficit, which has to be eliminated before it, is sent to the CFT. Blackman explained that already the technocrats have been discussing this issue of not having a deficit. He said there is hardly any nation that works without deficit except those that has natural resources such as oil, and it is extremely hard for any country to work without a deficit especially developing countries.

Blackman said since the federal government had failed to put the necessary facilities on St. Maarten and the island is faced with additional tasks as it becomes country, additionally the island is also busy assisting in clearing up a backlog, which accumulated over a 50-year period. The island he said is now faced with a double whammy and with those conditions and having to work with a balanced budget is even more stressful. Blackman said even though the current government is working according to the guidelines of the CFT there are still ongoing negotiations, which would allow them to work with a deficit.

Based on the preliminary figures released by the multi annual accounts showed that St. Maarten has a good financial potential leading up to country status. He said taking into consideration the division of assets and not having a layer of federal government where monies generated locally has to pay into would leave the island in good financial potential leading up to country. Blackman said even though he is not able to provide details now, he can assure that the island is looking well financially leading up to country status.

Philipsburg: -- Police has arrested another suspect in the murder of Marco Beaumont. The arrest was made on Tuesday said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard.

Leonard identified the suspect as J.A.P.V 30 years of age from the Dominican Republic.

Leonard said so far police arrested 9 persons in this murder investigation but two of them have been released while seven remained custody. Marco Beaumont was killed on May 1 during the Carnival labour day parade in a house in Union Farm.

Cay Hill: --- At least two pensioners were refused treatment on Thursday at the St. Maarten Medical Center as the saga between the medical institution and the FZOG fund is to yet to be regulated.

Winnefred Romney a 63 year old retired civil servant and Hubert Brooks 70 years old said they had appointments with the bone specialist at the St. Maarten Medical Center on Thursday but when they reached the institution they were told that the hospital is not accepting the FZOG guarantee cards.

Brooks said he had knee surgeries in Curacao two years ago and his treatment is needed. He said even though he was told at the front desk that his card would not be accepted he proceeded to see the nurse that works with the doctor who told him if he did not have $75. he would not receive any treatment neither would be able to see the doctor.

Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot said the hospital would not be accepting the FZOG card unless payment is made to the medical institution. Dr. Scot said the St. Maarten Medical Center did receive Naf 721,000 recently but that is not the amount the FZOG or SVB promised to make. The FZOG was supposed to pay Naf600.000 by the end of June and they did not return emails and or letters to Dr. Scot when he inquired about the payments. Dr. Scot said the FZOG has an outstanding of 1.4 million guilders and they need to make good on their obligations to the pensioners, since the pensioners did not pay the SMMC they paid FZOG. Dr. Scot said the unions that are representing the pensioners are angry at the wrong person and institution and they need to address the FZOG who collected the premiums from the pensioners.

Dr. Scot further explained that the FZOG/SVB has three patients taking dialysis treatment at the hospital three times a week. Each patient he said would take 12 treatments per month minimum but FZOG is only paying for one treatment for each patient. He said SMMC is supposed to receive payment for 36 treatments per month and all they are getting is three. Dr. Scot said when this matter was raised he was told FZOG/SVB has mistake in their system and they need to correct it. Dr. Scot said unless the corrections and the payments are made the hospital would not be accepting FZOG guarantee cards. “We simply cannot continue this way as a medical institution and FZOG/SVB has to understand that and do their work. I cannot wait another six months for them to make the corrections on the dialysis patients”. Dr. Scot said.

The medical director said FZOG/SVB is telling them that Naf146, 000 is a back payment which dated back from 2005. “This is not what we have on our books and SVB would have to see where their mistakes are and correct them now, we at the SMMC need clarity”. Dr. Scot insisted.

Philipsburg: ----- Authorities found what looked like a bullet wound on the upper body of accident victim Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel. SMN News has been reliably informed that local authorities have to conduct an ex-ray on the body to see if in fact Hazel was shot prior to the accident.

Reliable sources say that the x-ray would be done sometime on Tuesday. Authorities were trying to get the x-ray done on Monday but that was not possible for the St. Maarten Medical Center.

In an invited comment, Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said he would not confirm neither deny the information this reporter has. Stein said that for the moment he would not be commenting since the investigation is still ongoing. Asked if the body has been, confiscated Stein said they did confiscate the body but no decision has been taken on whether or not there would be an autopsy. The Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands said he would further elaborate on the case on Tuesday afternoon and say whether an autopsy would be conducted.

Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel (44) died early Sunday morning during a road accident, relatives of the dead man believed he fell asleep on the wheel, but with the new revelation it is not clear if Hazel was on his way to seek medical assistance or if he was shot while driving along Union Road. The x-ray would determine if the wound found on the body was a gunshot or if it is an injury from the accident.

Authorities are now questioning the eyewitnesses that saw when the accident took place on Sunday to determine what exactly happened. Sources say the victim was involved in at least two arguments on Saturday night while on his weekend sporting. It is not clear how serious was those arguments and if that had anything to do with his tragic death.

Dawn Beach: --- The proprietor of Duck International Peyton Cromwell finally began demolishing the third floor of one his buildings yesterday. Workmen were seen on top of the blue roof top brazing the sun as they remove the zinc roof.

The demolition taking place at the Coral beach Club corresponds to a court order issued on May 12 2009. Cromwell had one month to which he should begin demolition but he only complied two weeks after the time has passed. Failing to comply with the court order Peyton Cromwell has to pay the courts a fine of $5,000 per day twice. (Once is for the Villa Conch and the other for the third floor of his main building.) The maximum fine to be paid is $1 million for each building.

On May 12 Hendrikus Hager a resident of Dawn Beach got the judge to rule in his favor when it was proved that Cromwell Beach Club owner did not comply with his building permits and instead of building a two floor building he built a third floor. Peyton was ordered to demolish another building “Villa Conch” since he had no building permit to construct the building. Cromwell has to also pay the cost of the court proceedings to Hager.

Marigot: -- The Organizing committee of the Caribbean Festival has decided to respond to an article SMN News published regarding the amount of monies that was spent on organizing the first ever Caribbean Festival organized on the French side.

The committee responded to parts of the article but at no time did they address how the funds were spent. Instead of reporting a profit during these economic times we now learnt that the committee has deficit instead of a profit.

SMN News further understand the local company that first got the contract to organize the festival has taken the Collectivity to court because somehow the contract was taken away and awarded to CTC.

Sources also informed this media house that the CTC has some sort of conflict of interest on their board since the contract that was given to a Security company belonging to one of the board members of CTC and her father.

The source further explained that the even the Sous Prefet got involved questioning how come the contract for the security was granted to that company who did not supply all the necessary documents and since the security company is under investigation for not having the necessary administrative papers in order. Some weeks ago the gendarmes conducted a control and several security companies and seized a number of weapons. These companies are scheduled to appear in court for not following the administrative system when hiring security guards.

It is further understood that a huge sum of monies was paid the security company prior to the beginning of the festival. SMN News further understands that another security company was called in to rescue the security company that was awarded the contract. Another concern of the State is why this particular company is the one that is granted most of the contracts from the Collectivity even though other firms are following the bidding process.

Below is the full statement sent by someone representing CTC. The writer of the email conveniently did not mention his last name. The following statement was signed by Patrice who this reporter understands is an employee of the Collectivity of St. Martin.

“From: Organizing committee of the first edition of Saint-Martin Caribbean Festival (CTC Comité Tradition et Culture)

First, we would like to thank the 5000 persons that give their support and all others that contributed in one way or another in the success of the first edition Saint-Martin Caribbean Festival.

We understand the jealousy that can be inspired towards this first success. we are not here to make any conflicts with no one thus; we would like to bring forward a certain amount of precisions:

-The 350 000 euros mentioned in your statement do not represent the deficit of the festival but its budget.

-Concerning the boat or costumes, the organizing committee was not the ones that had these in charge so could not be held liable for payments.

-In this period of crisis, the merchants, the hoteliers, the car rental companies, the restaurants applauded this after season initiative brought forward by CTC. This first festival like all other festivals in the world calls for improvements, with the input from each and every individual.

-Concerning the display of artist, it was done in a manner to bring together in one place all different generations.

-Concerning the disposition of the bars, WE WILL NEVER PLAY WITH THE SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN NOR THEIR FAMILY.

-Concerning putting the entrance free the day of parade we did so to satisfy the public demand and we are very happy for our contribution in the success of the 14 of July manifestations.

We hope that local promoters will be inspired of the quality of the organization of this first festival witch everyone say that this is the first time on the French side that they have seen a festival so well put together.

Finally, concerning the consultant we can only applaud him for his collaboration and work well done, he is someone that his reputation precedes him since he is at the head of most big manifestations organize by government and local organizations through out the French Antilles for the last twenty five years and he will be happy to learn that we have doubled his cost for five months of work.”

Cay Hill: --- Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot has given the FZOG-SVB pension fund up to Monday July 6th to settle their outstanding bill. Failure to comply with this date would force the hospital to begin refusing Medicare to pensioners. In a press release Dr. Scot said that if the FZOG-SVB does not settle its arrears then the medical institution would be forced to only accept these cards for emergency cases. Dr. Scot said the FZOG-SVB has an outstanding debt which amounts to Nafl 1,355,634.17 since August 2008. During the month of June 2009 and they have sent at least four emails to FZOG-SVB reminding them of their agreement which was to pay off Nafl 600,000 before the end of this June 2009.

Dr. Scot said on June 16 the St. Maarten Medical Center informed the FZOG that the

Guarantee cards for that fund will not be accepted until the promised outstanding payments have been settled.

He said after repeated petitions to settle the outstanding bills the SMMC is now forced to take measures since the SMMC did not receive any response from FZOG-SVB.

Dr. Scot said the hospital does not want to put senior citizens in any unnecessary hardships since they are not directly responsible for the operations of FZOG-SVB. As such the hospital is urging the FZOG-SVB to take their responsibility seriously and solve the ongoing issue before July 6th. Dr. Scot said the institution is forced to take actions and he hopes that they would not be blamed as they are forced to use force to safeguard the quality of health care provided by the institution.

The information in the newspaper he said does not change the standpoint of the SMMC, because it does not reflect anything about how it will deal with the current outstanding to healthcare providers. Furthermore a copy of the draft-legislation for integration was submitted to the SMMC last year already with promises that it will change very soon.

Scot said for some years now the SMMC and other healthcare providers have been confronted with non-payments from the FZOG-SVB fund. Patients who fall under that FZOG-SVB fund are retired civil servants, who paid mandatory premiums in that fund during their active working lives and should now be able to benefit from that. The SMMC provided the service to the FZOG-SVB card holders without any interruption for the past years. However collecting from the FZOG-SVB is a time consuming and recurring exercise without any improvement from their side.

The Medical Director further explained that in their last meeting with the director of the FZOG-SVB fund on June 12th, he promised a partial payment of Nafl 600,000 before the end of this June.

The total outstanding amount has accumulated to Nafl 1,355,634.17 since August 2008. The SMMC is being put in a very difficult position since the FZOG-SVB is not paying the outstanding debts. The hospital he said are being forced by the mentioned fund to take measures to guarantee payments for care delivered and secure the cost of operations of the hospital. If the FZOG-SVB is not paying the 1.3 million guilders, the operations will run into difficulties. As a consequence the staff cannot be upgraded, we cannot afford the necessary new equipment and ultimately the deterioration of our service will be inevitable. By not paying for the care already delivered the FZOG-SVB is endangering the healthcare of senior citizens, but also jeopardizing running of the hospital and healthcare system as a whole.

The St. Maarten Medical Center is aware of its position as the only hospital on Dutch St Maarten and therefore they are extra motivated and committed to improve their services and offer the best quality of care to our patients.

A press release from the Director of the institution states that they are striving for their patients and staff to be satisfied in a safe and healthy care environment. We also strive to offer accessible, affordable and consistent hospital care to the community.

In order to do so the institution needs to invest in people, equipment and the building.

All of us are potential patients and to a certain extent, and should be able to demand the best service and the best quality of hospital care that can be offered on the island. However the SMMC can not do that on its own. Dr. Scot said to be able to meet their patients need they cannot do it on their own and as such they need the input and commitment of all stakeholders, in order to be able to invest in the areas that matter.

On a daily basis SMMC are confronted with patients, who seek hospital care without any insurance and no means to be able to pay for the care provided. The SMMC, will always provide that care to the uninsured as long as it is urgent or critical care that can not wait. After that treatment they will seek the financial compensation for it, which in most cases is futile.