Articles

Well, T.O., as he over the past has called himself, has launched his light-green UP party with the support of his fellow Wathey family and others who slyly hide in the background, as expected. The Watheys are however his prime supporters, we also see several individuals on this party's board including a lady of Chinese origin. An outright victory for T.O. would mean that the Watheys can once again continue to plunder our already, by them, plundered island, unabated, after 10-10-10. The Watheys have already plundered the local financial institutions through extremely high mortgages (more than US $. 20,000,000.00 worth) over the last ten years (I have the evidence to prove that) on sometimes very small parcels of overpriced real estate, are to their necks in debt and liabilities stemming from these huge mortgages as well as my paternity law suit, only to satisfy their lavish lifestyles and egos when a poor local man/woman can't even dream about getting a simple loan from their crony bank. Expensive mansions and fancy cars are the norms of the day for these, some bloodless Watheys, while their businesses tether on the brink of bankruptcy, they continue to collect large rental fees from real estate my father and grandfather left behind throughout the island such as the Governor's Residence, Cyrus W. Wathey Square, the block east of the Court House, Point Blanche, Emmaplein, Frontstreet, Simpsonsbay and other locations. Their legal advisors seem to be telling the Watheys to continue fighting me in court in order for them to be able to buy time. What they are not telling them is that they will eventually have to comply with the court's rulings or risk losing everything they own on the auction block if they don't have my share in the estates of Norman C. Wathey, my father, as well as Cyrus W. Wathey, my grandfather, put aside. They must replace my legitimate portion and it goes back to the date of their passings. Contrary to those who think different, the justice system does provide recourse but one must have a very strong case. I wow to follow the Watheys to their graves even to their last off-spring if they don't provide me with what is rightfully mine. Those measures have already been safeguarded. Despite this all T.O. is hell-bent on asking you the voter to vote him into office so that he can continue to get his kick-backs and to try to rescue the Watheys from their imminent liability towards me. The Watheys have failed in every business venture they have undertaking, from Candy Store to Telecommunications to recently a Gas Station in Simpsonsbay which had to close its doors because they couldn't pay their supplier. I remain baffled why Holland has not yet come in to clean house before 10-10-10 or does the Dutch along with the local politician intend to continue with the same old mess in house St. Maarten? This must be done if St. Maarten is to continue in a democratic society with a tab on intended corruption and kick backs in this tiny yet controllable community. Some of UP's main supporters have already shown their feathers which has resulted in some of them being sent to jail for various serious crimes. T.O.'s political party is the only party thus far that has associated itself with these ex-cons. You know who they are, the ones in the background waiting like sharks for a T.O. victory to control our island. Like someone mentioned on the internet, eat them, drink them, take their money and gifts, but never spend your vote on their lousy green T-party. Accept no more promises. T.O. will eventually tax you for whatever he gives you during this campaign. The voters have lost their confidence in T.O. when he unceremoniously departed from Sarah and the DP party. He failed to defend and protect the party the Watheys claim Claude Wathey, his grandfather by mother side, founded. The Labegas will disagree, claiming it was Clemente Labega who founded the DP. The Wathey were always rustlers and so they remain to this day. Some have even gone as far as branding him, T.O., as a deserter and a traitor. Lady Gracita ("for government you can trust and or believe in") you never know, noticeably enough did not show up to the party's launching ceremony, simply because she didn't collect as yet, she joined later on; she should have never associated herself with these people. This is the same thing she always stood against over the past but like they say in politics "politicians make strange bed fellows". Everyone of the major Watheys are heavily into the bank they are affiliated or associated with, through these huge overvalued mortgages, at the expense of those who work hard to save their hard earned money in this bank. That's the way they thrive, their modus operandi is: You kill yourselves working for it, you put it in their bank, this bank "lends" it to them in huge amounts, they live big, pay back when they can, if they want. We are headed in the wrong direction where only one family will eventually benefit. This is one important factor someone should be bringing to the attention of you, the voter. I am the one doing just that. Withdraw your money from their crony bank before 10-10-10 and put it in a local foreign bank to protect your sovereignty. You can quicker/easier get a loan from them anyhow. This will equalize the playing field once and for all, a "broke" Wathey would be a better Wathey for this island, they are simply too greedy for power over people, they must be stopped, now is the time to stop them in their tracks. Live in hope, depending on T.O. and his green machine, die slowly in despair. The day will come when T.O. himself will not only abandon the former Watheys DP party but abandon the Watheys themselves for his retreat in Florida. The writing is on the wall! The voter will eventually say, see, Leo was right, T.O. himself is in fact politically dead. He is definitely not for the people as he professes. He is most of the time hiding away from the people who put him in government in the first place. Spend your vote wisely this time; make a decisive decision for once in your lives, do like I did, stand UP against T.O. & the Wathey Empire. A poor man yes can lose his only home; his badly, by T.O's bad roads already damaged, vehicle or his meager paying job, the Watheys can't, they are propped up by this bank and other financial institutions which they represent such as insurance companies as well as a bank on French Saint Martin. Yes, they can always get a second or a third mortgage on their jacked up real estate. You the poor man can't sell a gas station or a piece of real estate or a restaurant to save your buts if it called for that, they yes can, they own these things. After reading this, you yourselves will decide to boycott their businesses. You must think about yourselves first for once in your lives, seriously smell the coffee, wakeup my good friends. Vote DOWN the Wathey's Empire, UP with the voters Empire! The power lies with you, not them. You the people of St. Maarten overwhelmingly supported me in my one man battle against the Watheys for me to be legally eligible for what is mine; you even made a song against the injustice of the Watheys. I beg of you, to continue your support for me in this more crucial matter that has affected you, the voter, all of your lives. Their Empire is already crumbling! Their liability toward me is steadily increasing as they lose every court battle they pay high profile lawyers to fight me. By the way, dear voters, please tell me why does T.O. need a whole new political party to fulfill his many long overdue broken promises, he could have easily rejoined with the DP or run on the NA's list; why spend so much money in these hard times? I can't see any better reason for his move other than his own interest first, the Watheys ultimately! I trust that you will continue your support for me and do good for you, yourselves.

Yours truly,
Norman Chester Wathey II (One of YOU)

Although, I might not be a native of St. Maarten, I have lived here too long not to love it as if it were my own native-country.
But even more than that I also understand the deep concerns and fears of marginalization of the native St. Martiners so passionately and consistently expressed by Mr. Leopold James.
While to certain people he might come across as being anti-foreigners, I have never understood his positions and defense of his people as being offensive to me.
As a matter of fact, in my opinion he is doing what the leaders of this island have miserably failed to do in the first place.
On September 17, 2010, the island will once more have elections.
This time for an expanded Island-council which will on 10-10-10 automatically be transformed into the Parliament for country St. Maarten.
This Parliament will then have to elect ministers to run the daily affairs of the new country.
It is very clear that the Netherlands will not make it easy for country St. Maarten and therefore, the level of competency of the ministers must be of a very high level.
More than ever, it might be necessary to appoint proven professionals, with a very independent mind in office who can deal on an equal basis with the Dutch.
Even-though many have labeled him a radical, I am convinced that he should seriously be considered for a ministerial post in any cabinet.
The reason is simple.
All the issues related to the St. Martin identity and the role of the St. Maarten people will not go away any time soon.
As a matter of fact, systematic denial of the importance of these issues will sooner or later result in social implications with far-reaching consequences.
Similarly, ignoring the important role Mr. James can play in Government will only feed more radical elements in our society.
We have already seen a new generation of more impatient, if you will more extreme voices like Mr. Miguel Arrindell.
By reading many of the publications of Leopold James over the years, I have come to one conclusion.
Like him or not.
There is no-one who has impressed me more by his deep passion and understanding for the many social issues on the island.
The man has published more positions papers with solutions than anyone in government that I know of.
Because in my opinion it will be imperative for country St. Maarten to have a ministry dedicated to social- and cultural integration, I believe there is no one with a more impressive and proven track-record of concerns and involvement than Leopold James.
Considering the very deep cultural divisions within our community and their growing mutual resentment, addressing this will be of paramount importance to prevent the new country form falling into an abyss of violence.
While I cannot speak for Mr. James, I do hope that all political parties realize that they better find a way to make use of this man's endless energy and not think that he will not be a stakeholder, however you turn or twist it.
Time to get real now for country St. Maarten.

G.Hassell

Once again, our lil Saint Martin has been attracting all eyes on its situation of crime and insecurity. How long are we planning to cover our heads and just let things happen? This situation is becoming a normal and customary state of living on the "Friendly" island!
There isn't one day that we don't read in the papers or on the Net of some robbery, rape or killing! How long are we going to close our eyes, mouths and let it happen?
Yes, I know that many would say it's the foreigners and so on..... I will not blame them directly. I am blaming the governments for the past years, who have accepted the genocide of our people without having any vision at long term of what would become of this lil piece of rock!
I am talking about the North Side primarily but the South side is making the same mistakes today which will lead We the People to run away in another man's country in order to raise our children and grandchildren far from this fear of being killed!
What are the governments waiting for to realize that when one can say "There is nothing such as a Saint martiner..."they open the doors to hell for "WE" the people who KNOW that we are Saint martiners!
When the people of a country are put in minority, this is what happens! When a people's identity is not acknowledged this is what happens! The Saint Martin man has no more say in his country! Everyone else from all over the world can do what they want in SXM and get away with it !
One has to be blind or foolish not to see that the genocide was spreading over the past years! When as saint martiner, Yes I am, I remember how this country was, I can be brave enough to say that the Master plan was set to destroy us, both North and South!
When the Colonial powers unite to carry out their plans they use the weakest links of the People to make it happen! This is what took place for the French side in 1977. This is what is happening on the South Side today! They make you believe that you will be more independent, that you will be able to carry out your business.... They will pat you on your back, offer you lots of empty promises.... But trust me, when you know the history of those countries, you come to realize that you are put into a bottomless trap! They never set you free! I am of those who believe that Freedom is taken not given to you!
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed"as said by Dr Martin Luther King.
Over the years, I have been repeatedly saying that a country which loses its culture and its identity is doomed and bound to crumble down! That is what is happening today! So many bars, whore houses, more and more night life...... and next to that churches popping up like mushrooms! On every street corner there is a bar bursting your ears with music, cars running around with loud and obscene music popping out..... Nobody cares! It's a normal thing!
The saddest part is that our grandchildren are now growing up thinking : "Hey, this is the way to live!" So they also kill, rape, sell drugs, take drugs, rob and prostitute themselves because..... It's a normal thing! They are no longer afraid to neither kill nor die as we were when we were kids, running away as soon we saw the gendarmes! They are not scared of the police or the gendarmes!!! They are better equipped than the law enforcers!
I am convinced that it is time now for the People of this country in its entirety to stand up and challenge their governments on the manner they plan to take Saint Martin out of this disaster! Do they really believe that Tourists will come to our shores with such publicity?
What is the future they are planning to offer the younger generations of SAINT MARTINERS?
When are they going to tackle the issue of education for the school drop outs? It is very nice to create youth councils with brilliant boys and girls but what about those who didn't make it in school? Those are the ones on the loose breaking laws!
How long will the gates to Saint Martin be opened to all criminals and bandits from the entire world?
How long are we going to accept open handedly all those who leave their countries to come here where the job market is completely barren?
I can recall hearing "Saint Martin is a melting pot...." Well, the pot has melted and the "mix up all- in- one soup" that was cooking in it, is overflowing on our streets through crime and delinquency!
Are we going to sit back and accept that we go from the "Friendly Island" to the "Deadly Island" of The Caribbean?

Aline CHOISY
A proud, bold and brave Saint Martiner.

From the 'beginning' St. Maarten politicians/Government have been accusing 'Curacao' of 'bullying'- and 'ignoring the needs of smaller islands.
True or not, the politicians have used-, and abused this perception as a very potent factors for their motivation to separate 'St. Maarten' from 'Curacao'.
In the past-, I have publicly informed our so-called leaders, that our own St. Maarten Government-, in fact has always been exactly the same to us native-SXM'ers.
In addition, I predicted that their action one day might serve as an equally powerful motivation for us SXM'ers to do the same on the island by seeking a kind of 'intra-island' separate status.
This is now in fact taking place as a 'Starting charity must start at home' for St. Martiners -drive.
This makes anyone accusing that movement as 'divisive', while agreeing with- and promoting the separate-status drive for St. Maarten hypocritical to say the least.
In addition, anyone accusing the CPA of not having 'experience' to run Government, once elected in office-, should AGAIN realize that our own Government is setting an example to be followed.
After all 'Country' St. Maarten lacks lots of expertise in most areas and therefore has to establish various SLA's (=Service Levels Agreements) with either Curacao, Holland etc.
Similarly the CPA is in the process of establishing similar =MOU's with 'strategic alliances' with experts in various areas.
The above-mentioned- and other factors therefore contribute SIGNIFICANTLY to the CPA being, not only a very interesting outsider, but a contender that can create an enormous upset during the upcoming elections.
Many professionals-, and organizations representing all nationalities are already pledging to assist the CPA with their expertise.
Their motivation is clear and logical.
Finally, they too realize that unless 'Charity starts at home for St. Martiners', there will never be any social-, political-, and economical stability on the island and crime will rise to an even higher level.
We as a St. Martin grass roots movement applaud such efforts of coming together- finding common grounds and arriving at a 'win-win' solution.
It is the only way to build a truly harmonious-, multi-ethnic-, and fair society, which will reduce the 'gap' between the 'haves and the have nots' and subsequently of crime in general.
We are ready for such partnership.
What about you ?

Leopold JAMES,
And still native-indigenous St. Martiners without apologies- but with an 'open mind' for a 'win-win'- solution.

We all know that the days of the present administration are counted. Daniel Gibbs followed by Marthe Ogundele and even by Alain Richardson have given hope to hundreds of St-Martiners that there is a better world after Louis-Constant Fleming and his two devout followers; President Frantz Gumbs et director general , Pascal Averne.
We all feel it. There is a revolution of ideas and of ways and this revolution belongs to a new generation that cannot further accept to live on the crumbs they are handed out by the senator and his president.
It is no longer a political question but rather a profound social movement where the overwhelming majority of St-Martiners will prevail over political and economical repression carried out by the senator, his president and their very sly director general.
On one hand the senator's faith will most likely be decided by one of the many judicial proceedings that are now impending against him both personally and as a public official. On the other hand, Pascal Averne's and Frantz Gumbs' faith will take different directions even though the senator must absolutely keep them in power in order to maintain his stronghold on our collectivity.
What is already known by many in the collectivity is that the director general is desperately seeking to abandon the ship that he has himself caused to sink. He has already applied for a position at the Semsamar, for a position with the French "Ministère de l'outre-mer" and is evaluating all possible options to return to his native Guadeloupe. As the smartest of the desperate trio, he knows that Mr Gibbs' call for "new governance" has struck a chord with St-Martiners and that he must leave before it comes to be and exposes his personal and very large contribution to the poor state of our economy and of our public administration.
As for Frantz Gumbs, even if he will never be able to repair the damages caused by his own personal actions towards our people, he does remain the sorriest of the three horsemen of our collective apocalypse. For while he does not have the intellectual or public capacities to function without the orders from above and the technical support from below he does insist to hold on to power for as long as he can whether or not he destroys our island in the process.
On the island, it is being said that for many months now that Frantz Gumbs no longer enjoys his own family's political support. Last spring we heard that he had submitted his resignation to the senator who refused to accept it (By what right? Nobody knows). Notwithstanding the rumors, what is absolutely clear to all, is that today, Frantz Gumbs is an isolated man who is drunk with the power to which he is desperately holding on to.
Frantz's family is right, it is time for him to take advantage of his possibility to reenter the school system before the end of August deadline and for him to quit the political life with the basic honors of having been our collectivity's first legitimate president. His departure could therefore be achieved with his family's respect in hand and with a minimum of dignity. Never will that option be again available to him once his role in the past three years' administration is thoroughly exposed.
Imagine that if over that three year period, Frantz Gumbs has had such dismal results even though he was fully protected by the wealth and protection dished out by the one and by the cunning and self interested management used by the other, how long will he survive as sole member of the former trio? With no longer anyone to think and act in his stead, he is committing public suicide... but not before dragging us down with him!
There is no question that a fundamental movement has taken roots on Saint-Martin with a thirst for transparency, honesty and integrity. On the upcoming political judgment day, this movement will not forgive the president's poor record and delusional « power trip ».
It is regrettable, in a sadly pathetic way, that Frantz Gumbs will have chosen power over his family, power over his academic and professional life and power over our collective wellbeing.
Frantz wake up before it is too late, you have no political future in SXM...at least quit and gives us, Saint-Martiners, a chance to a better future!

Aline Brooks

Hi Marinka,

First of all, please allow me to wish you a very good morning.
Marinka, for a while now, I have not contacted you- nor spoken to you.
The reason for such was that I simply did not to create any impression of wanting to have any undue influence on your thinking- and opinion, considering the reality, that we are once more in the 'campaign season'.
However-, and I hope you will understand me-, as I sincerely and solely mean it.
After having read your OPEN LETTER to Mr. Theo HEYLIGER, in the Daily Herald this Thursday morning, August 26, 2010, I once more was really touched by the fact that you-, as has become your 'style', clearly signed that article with your name.
Marinka, people can say what they want about me, but I will always respect- and defend the rights people-, like yourself,, who stand up for what they believe- and accept full responsibility for such, by putting their 'John Henry' (signature and/or name under their letters.
Therefore Marinka, allow me to once more express my deepest appreciation- and admiration for you in this regards.
Whether I agree with everything you write or not, is complete besides the point.
In my estimation, people like you Marinka, are members of the generation of new leaders of this island, and that gives me hope.
However, Marinka, I must also express my regret that young- and intelligent ST. Martiners like yourself-, did not take a similar stance, when the party you are part of-, as well as all the others presently in the Island-council-, failed to stand up for your own ST. MARTIN people, when it REALLY mattered.
That was, when they all refused to recognize your own St. Martin people, to preserve- and protect them as a people.
That was a far more fundamental issue, that 'attacking' Mr. Theo HEYLIGER I sincerely believe that ALL parties should have made- and signed a COVENANT with the St.Martin people, committing themselves to what matters most to the people of any country...SELF-PRESERVATION.
Please Marinka, do not take this letter as any offense to you, because I wrote it with a 'heavy' heart-, but felt that it had to be said, in an effort to challenge-, and inspire young people, to have the courage to stand up in defense of their people.
Even if this means, speaking out against your own party-leaders.
If not-, ALL young people on ALL parties will simply be put on the list for politically convenience-sake, but in the end-, completely taken for granted-, which is a tremendous loss for the future of any self-respecting country..
That was one of the reason, I always admired my students, who had the courage, to stand up to me- and to question if what I was teaching during my biology-, and chemistry classes-, was really correct.
I never took that personally, but as a challenge to use more logic to prove my point-, or not.
If I was unable to prove my point, I simply acknowledged, because I too can be wrong, or even dead-wrong.
Many of my former students today-, are doctors, specialists, surgeons, lawyers etc, which certainly fills me with pride.
My message to you Marinka- and all other young people is to never allow anyone-, including me, Leopold JAMES to ever take your independent mind- and/or intelligence for granted.
That should be your sacred gift from the Almighty, who bestowed everyone with that specific- and unique ability for a reason-, a purpose-, and a mission during one's life on earth.
In ending, Marinka, trust me-, as always, my doors-, my heart- and soul remain open to contribute whatever ideas-, advice I have for the future of this island, its natives- residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, Marinka, Just like Mr. Jeffrey RICHARDSON of the CPA has done (see attachment), I look forward to see you- and all other proud- and conscious young St. Martin politicians stepping up to the plate and sign the covenant pledging your commitment to the preservation of the St. Martin people.
All other issues are simply comparatively speaking irrelevant to the St. Martin people.
The reason is simple.
How much good is a perfect environment-, great educational system-, fantastic jobs aboard cruise-lines, health care system-, pension-schemes-, tax system-, homes-, roundabouts-, hotels-, jobs- etc for St. Martiners............... if they are allowed to be wiped out as a people ?
God bless you and keep doing your part, it is very needed.

Love & respect
drs. Leopold JAMES
One proud, native indigenous St. Martiner without apologies.

We have always said it many times before-, and this Wednesday morning, August 18, 2010, on Billy D's radio-program, it was admitted-, by none other than the 'fox' himself, Julian ROLLOCKS campaign-manager of the DP party.
Sounding as the perfect 'cry-cry-baby', he vented frustration- and a sense of defeat-, feeling what others-, for decades have been going through at the hand of the DP-party .
Being 'outspent', by a party without any manifesto-,but with a very deep 'war-chest' to 'buy' votes.
It was 'delightful' hearing the man, whose 'Lord' is MONEY, now talk about the DP's 'manifesto' and blame the UP of Theo for 'splashing-around- too much-cash', without a real message.
All of sudden the DP-party-, which in fact has the 'copyright' on how to run a corrupt Government- and to buy your way into Government, wants-, oh yes....campaign-reform.
Wattating.
Talking about 'multiple standards'-, crocodile-tears-, opportunism and the like.
It appears that the DP-, just like many others-, including the TODAY-newspaper, is having a very strange- and uncanny 'premonition', that this time around, 'splashing-the-cash-to-buy-your-votes', might be very risky, to say the least.
Of course-, who would not 'take the 'cash' ?
But-, will very 'cash-taker' now also return the 'favor' as expected ?
That is the million dollar question.
That is a growing- and very unsettling fear within the large parties, such as the DP-, the NA- and the UP.
Clearly-, large bill-boards- and thousands of flags, might look victorious, but what of that will not really work ?
As 'crazy' as this might new sound, just 'mark my words'- or 'read my lips'.
The time might not be too distant-, that having lots of 'cash-to-splash'- and flags- and posters to show off with-, post might be simple seen as a clear 'motion of non-confidence' .
Consequently-, we might not be too far away-, that parties will no longer want to embarass themselves and look like absolutely empty-headed fools :-! :-! :-! by having all these ridiculously extravagant paraphernalia, polluting the environment.
Meanwhile-, with so many people suffering hardships, who knows what beautiful clothing could be made out of these flags- and what homes and shelters out of the plywood bill-boards.
Food for thought.

Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

Ever since, the idea of a cultural-ancestral ID-card for St. Martiners was launched, the demand has been growing steadily- and especially impatiently.
The demand is across all political party-lines-, and includes St. Martiners of all walks of life.
This is an indication that there is an awakening-, if you will even a resurrection of a hitherto dormant awareness of St. Martiners of their identity-, heritage and genealogy.
Within short-, interested persons will be able to apply for the card.
This ID-card will allow for native St. Martiners, residing anywhere in the world, to be able share their common ancestral identity with each other- too renew their ancestral bonds-, and to make sure they remain connected to their native St. Martin land.
This process indeed is one of inclusion, because it certainly does not exclude St. Martiners, like many other organizations on the island, so blatantly do.
What we are planning, as European resident recently pointed out to us, can be compared to the fact that 'a Jew is a Jew-, regardless, his orher place of birth-, nationality and/or residence'.
They all feel bonded by a common ancestry-,history-, norms&values-, isreal as their home-land, which regardless where they live they will take up arms and travel to defend.
Mr. Hilbert HAAR does not label the Jews, the way he labels us, for doing just the same; renewing- and maintaining our common bonds with each other as St. Martiners in order to preserve ourselves as any other people.
So, in that regard, the initiative of the St. Martin cultural-ancestral ID-card is nothing out of the ordinary.
In addition, no-one is forced to apply for one-, and no-one has to agree with it as well.
As a matter of fact, any St. Martiner who opposes the idea, is free to express such- and can be assured that we will be more than privileged to record such rejection for the record as well.
Consequently-, there is no need for any long winded debate on talk-shows and in newspapers on the issue and parties can agree to disagree.
Meanwhile, we will make use of our human right- and freedom of association as well-, and continue with the preparation of the registration process of people with a common ancestral identity-, whose destiny certainly is firmly interlocked.
In ending we also would like to add, that indeed it is our intention to honor- and recognize those who can not demonstrate their St. Martin cultural- ancestral heritage, but have made a tremendous contribution to our country- and people, with an honorary ID as well.
And finally-, for the smart 'Back-yard Alec's, we say 'wise up'.
Our cultural-ancestral St. Martin ID needs NO approval from any Government, because it is not a legal document, so it is completely out of the authority of any government.
So, just have fun-, relax- and settle down, because no-one gets excited when on the 'Friendly island' every nation is allowed to make use of the freedom of association, even if they exclude St. Martiners in the process.
That is great !.
Alas, when ST. MARTINERS, after being excluding by everyone on St. Maarten/St. Martin decide to do exactly the same....Oh my God, 'The skies come a tumblin' down'
Double standards ?
Hypocrisy ?
Simply ignorance ?
Make your pick.
Any which way, it simply matters not to us.
Quite to the contrary...it only inspires us even more.

Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

Dear Mr. Editor,

In StMaarten we have very ungrateful and disrespectful people. Most of the talk show host brings on guest that favors their story. The very fact that StMaarten have about 125 nationalities proves we are the most tolerant people in the world that allow ourselves to become a minority in our own country. As we move toward country status and we want to define who is a StMaartener some people of foreign origin seem to have a problem with that. These people should be saying yes StMaarten you deserve to be recognized for your outstanding service in human rights and economic opportunity and your passion for tolerance for pleasing others. Instead of saying thank you we are call discriminating and intolerance of the very same people we have help. There is an old saying never bite the hand that feed you. Now I understand why people of Jamaica, Guyana, Dominica, China, India, Dominican Republic, and Haiti think we are fools. Yes, we were fools for being nice to you loving you like one of us just to be kicked in our behind as a token of appreciation. Then there are other people that do not feel welcome so they are spreading fear that if we allow the people StMaarten origin to be recognize we would not be treated equal. I say to those people we were fools for treating you more equal than us because we allow ourselves in to be this position. My mother has always taught me to be grateful to he or she that helps you and surely they should be recognized for their grateful ness. In StMaarten case the people of StMaarten origin being kick by our own government for finally becoming aware of the importance of our heritage and culture. We finally wake up at this time 11.59pm. How is it that the most loving people and most friendly
people in this world can be a problem for they outstanding service for love of people. Or are they saying to bad you were foolish for loving us. As soon as the people of StMaarten origin comes to getter it appears that fear becomes the norm. It was always ok to accept every one else and tolerate them. But we should not tolerate the people of StMaarten origin coming together. To all people that do not want people of StMaarten origin to be recognize you will never be blessed. God goes not like ungrateful people. Ask yourself this question which other island or country in the world with the size like StMaarten have so many different nationalities, people who is against us are parasites for not appreciating gratitude. As long the StMaarten people of origin does not get their rightful recognition there will never be peace. We do not include to be excluded. With out the origin of people in a nation being recognize division will continue, so continue fooling yourselves.
Ungrateful people will never prosper. The people who we must hold accountable are our government they have the power to protect us but for money they are glad to betray us. All those people of StMaarten origin in the various political parties one day your children and grand children will be kick in their own house. I will be glad to tell them thank your father and mother for not recognizing you. How does it feel to not to exist? That's what happens when you include to be excluded. With out justice there will never be peace. As my friend told me which God in his right mind could ever bless a fool? Foolish is to be ungrateful to those that help you. Inclusion is always good for immigrants as soon as we have to honor and help StMaarten people of origin all hell break loose. The question people of StMaarten origin must ask them selves does a country that include all people to exclude ourselves has any relevant to us? In closing I affirm ungrateful people will never be blessed.

Miguel Arrindell Phone 523-7327

Dear Mr .HASSELL,

Your letter to the editor, must have really scared the living daylight out of many people.
However, it is not that I disagree with your observations in general in that letter.
Quite to the contrary.
But Mr. HASSELL, experience has thought me many things in life.
One being, to always remain firmly 'grounded' with both feet on the ground, and to avoid of living in 'Fantasia'.
Also-, that there have been many very competent- and qualified St. Martiners in the past, who have been totally rejected-, by our government-, and who have consequently left their island to further their career elsewhere.
That type of 'treatment' is still prevalent today towards outspoken St. Martin professionals.
In addition-, I am very comfortable doing what I am doing presently as president of the grass roots St. Martin nation building movement.
As such-, it is clear that our movement, regardless of what government does-, or does not, will become an even more independent- and influential 'stakeholder' on the island-, and abroad for St. Martiners in the 'diaspora'.
Honestly, there is no incentive whatsoever for me to 'trade' this position- and betray my principles, just to be possibly 'neutralized' with a big salary- and other 'perks', like how the present Island-council members betrayed the St. Martin people..
In ending Mr. HASSELL, I too am of the firm opinion, that even more important than any of the other issues confronting the island, the relationship between the natives of this island- and other residents will remain the most critical, and under-estimated force-, driving and determining the relevance of all the others, inlcuding education-health-care-, environment etc.
The longer the 'power that be' continue to live in denial of this hard reality, the more such will 'fuel' anger- and so called radicalism and threaten security-, safety- and stability and sustainable development on the 'Friendly Island'.
In ending, I humbly thank you for the recommendation, but the answer-, for now is; 'Thanks-, but no thanks'.

Leopold JAMES
Proud, native -indigenous St. Martiners..no apologies,...no compromise that St. Martiners should come first on the 'Friendly Island'.

Ms. Arrindell,

I would first like to wholeheartedly thank you and the PPA for standing up for good governance, solid principals, nepotism, and corruption in the past; you represented the people by magnifying these ills in our community committed by our very own elected officials. I thought you were an esteem woman of moral and ethical principles. Your fight for the introduction of the Ombudsman, Good Governance, and Campaign finance regulations, were in-line with the general public's sentiments at the time. Had these laws and policies been in place, Councilman Louie Laveist would have been convicted much earlier.
One of your main convictions as the PPA leader and your fight for "Justice for the people" was to bring Commissioner Theo Heyliger to justice, which you often told us, your PPA supporters, that it was due to him that you resigned from the "Red" machine. Theo's alleged "wheeling and dealing," and the creation of wealth for his immediate family and cronies were the focus at almost every public meeting, and because we all knew it was indeed a "public secret," we just thought it was a matter of time for him too, especially by your past persistence in bringing justice to the people of St. Maarten by way of transparency.
Based on these principles, you and the PPA had my support as well as my family's; we too believed in good governance, and thought that enough was enough when it came to our government officials, especially Commissioner Theo Heyliger, who you often referred to on numerous occasions.
To be quite honest, I really miss the Gracita we once knew; what happened to the Gracita we once knew? I think the change in your personality is where the PPA started its decline; you, Gracita, became a carbon copy of the very "creatures" you once fought against. If someone told me that you were joining up with the DP or the NA, I would have believed him/her, but to join with someone you so publicly despised because of his alleged "racketeering," really surprises me. What will happen to us, your supporters, the ones who supported what you and the PPA stood for?
Do you expect us to follow your move to join with the UP? I believe that the shared sentiments that swayed us into supporting you from the very beginning, will have to be re-aligned back with the DP, because if we all develop the same attitude of, "If you can't beat them, join them," we will at the end stand for nothing!
Your decision to join the UP can be seen as political suicide and all-out risky; your supporters deserve better, and for leaving them out in the cold, they will have the last say. I hope that your "no-show" at the UP launch was a sign of contemplation and the return of the Gracita we once knew.

Former PPA supporter

First of all I hereby express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the more than 1000 (and still growing) persons who have posted their comments in response to the article/letter I was allowed to post on www.smn-news online.com and also the Today newspaper for allowing me the space. The Daily Herald refused to carry it. Contrary to what some may think; getting your story in the media is not as easy as it seems, one must have a true life story as a person. The chances of your story being published or not is solely left to the media outlet itself, I can not dictate to them; they own the website or the newspaper. If the media was more liberal with me the eyes of the people of St. Maarten would be opened a long time ago. In a democratic society we still enjoy freedom of speech. Yet sometimes I feel stifled by that same media. I also thank those who were critical of the article and of me myself. What struck me most was the amount of bad words coming from members of the Wathey family, the hatred- ness, as they try to hide behind fictitious names. The anger and greed displayed in those comments can only come from one family, my fellow Watheys who want nothing to do with me because I am fighting them with all my might for what has been awarded to me by the courts in Holland, Her Majesty Queen Juliana as well as the courts in St. Maarten. Another modus operandi of the Watheys is not to answer their critics, just keep quiet and the problem will eventually get lost in history. This time around however Wendy and Al Wathey could not resist blasting me, I finally got a response from them after years of beating on them, and they gave in. The self-professed well educated Watheys, who unlike myself, were for years educated by some of the most prestigious American and Canadian universities while I stayed home trying to work with my father in his businesses but he didn't like to pay or the chances of getting promoted were minimal. As his unacknowledged son, I was always put at the bottom of the ladder while others were given higher positions, some with less education than mine. He always hired foreigners for the top positions in those businesses. A local had no chance whatsoever. Examples are: the late Coldridge, Alcide, Palao and many others. Al should have never brought in Maureen's name in the picture, she also was not acknowledged by my father, if she is indeed his daughter. That issue is also now being ruled on in the court. I could only get what was available to me at the time, a lousy MULO diploma which according to Al Wathey, I got while sleeping in the whorehouse. To my bitter critics, when life throws you limes turn around and make lemonade from them. That's exactly what I did. Well I am still very proud of my ability to write and read enough English and maybe more important, Dutch to defend myself against them in court as well as the little arithmetic to be able to count the millions they have squandered or stashed away somewhere and how much my inheritance is worth, I do not need anyone to count that for me, thank the good Lord and Savior. The Watheys as expected did not address important and relevant issues on the news site such as the more than US $. 20,000,000.00 they have received through inflated mortgages on sometimes tiny parcels of overpriced real estate from their crony bank and others. Where is the 20 million, Wendy? Why did Mr. Spadaro fire you from his real estate company? I also have the right to know about those millions! They did not address one worthy subject after another, like how they intend to settle my claim for my legitimate portion, the upcoming claim for other damages, nor did they defend why they have to live such lavish lifestyles since they were only very hard workers who worked for everything they own. T.O. and the Watheys were so eager on jumping on me, they completely pushed aside that fact that each allegation they posted against me will eventually have to be proven in court, sooner or later but then again they are the island's wealthiest family, they can pay lawyers till kingdom come; they have the millions. I have no choice but to clear my name from these allegations and accusations; one is not guilty until proven, they dumped a lot of stuff on me. Like Tupac wrote in one of his famous songs, "call me a dog but give me my money". The Wathey have all the money they need, they own homes in the USA and Canada, they can go relax in Santo Domingo under the palm trees with their rum-n-coke in hand or elsewhere under the sea grape tree, they can easily go into exile if St. Maarten fails after 10-10-10, you and I can't. Most of us will get stranded here and "die-like-whelks" on this already plundered rock which T.O. and the Watheys, themselves, are determined to finish selling out after 10-10-10. Watch out, the close-out-sale is coming if you permit T.O. to be elected in any leading position in the people's business, Government! What the Watheys won't admit is that T.O. is just a leaf on the Wathey family tree? I am the trunk. That leaf is very vulnerable and will eventually fall; they are foolishly depending on the weakest link of the tree. The one who should be following in his father's footsteps by continuing to do good for St. Maarten is his eldest son Al not T.O. but the necromancy around him seems to have gone to his head. Al was once a pillar on this island, today he is not even a block; his word cannot be taken for anything whatsoever. Well, T.O. has the perfect campaign manager and advisor in Al with Brenda as make-up artist for his list. T.O. and the Wathey should now do the honorable by doing the dishonorable, leave this island you have destroyed before St. Maarten people, themselves run you into exile. It is not unheard of. You have the country held up by holding me up. Turn me loose. Don't do me the favor of having to run you, myself! By the way, the Democratic Party of St. Maarten was founded by the late Milton Peters and others in Cole Bay and not by Claude Wathey as T.O. incorrectly told the voters when he was still with DP to get the votes he then got. I hereby extend my invitation to the Dutch to come in and monitor this very important election for incidents of vote buying, kick-backs and other irregularities the politicians always got away with over the past. The Dutchman should ensure that change also before 10-10-10, the Dutch Police knows what to do if they would only do it. Since rumor has it that T.O. is somehow affiliated with MNO Vervat, Windward Roads, Blue Mall as well as other larger construction companies on the island who perform work for government, I hereby also extend my invitation to them to publish their list of contributions to political parties and candidates in order for the voters to see where bias lies. Stay tuned for parts 3!

Norman C. Wathey II (One of YOU)

Dear Mr. Van RAAK
Member of the Dutch Parliament for the Socialist Party,

We have taken serious notice of statements attributed to you in our local St. Maarten news-paper the Daily Herald, of Saturday, July 31, 2010. (Van Raak: 'St. Maarten no country as per October 10')
'Grosso modo', we agree with the positions you have taken in this particular article, as far as they relate to the constitutional process affecting St. Maarten,
In particular we must add, that our total lack of confidence in the state secretary Mrs. Anke BIJLEVELDT-SCHOUTEN to really take the best interest of the people of the Antilles- and of the people St. Maarten in particular into consideration, has led to us no longer being interested in what the Dutch Government, as a whole has to say.
To be exact.
The feeling of betrayal our people have felt from those in the Dutch Government, collaborating with the same politicians generally considered to be incompetent at best-, and corrupt at worst, at the expense of the best interest of the native people of the island has made us realize that we have to rely on ourselves as a people.
As a consequence, we have decided no longer to communicate- with the Dutch Government and not to trust it at all, but to do whatever we have to do to protect ourselves as a people.
Therefore, whether or not St. Maarten receives its coveted 'Country status' or not, it will be on 'ground-zero', where these constitutional dreams- and fantasies will have to work and get the co-operation- and blessing from ordinary 'grass roots' St. Martiners.
Against this backdrop, the collaboration of most Dutch parliamentarians with the atrocity against our native people, we can fully understand- and sympathize very much with Mr. Geert WILDERS, because just like our movement, he listens to the cries of his native Dutch people.
Meanwhile, we are proud that a new party has been formed on St. Maarten, the CPA,( the Concordia Political Alliance) under the leadership of Mr. Jeffrey RICHARDSON, which intends to bring back structure-, justice-, and a sustainable development for the island and in particular for the natives of the island as the best foundation for integration with others.
In ending, Mr. VAN RAAK, we also thank you for your outspokenness, which is very necessary in dealing effectively with the issue of St. Maarten's drive for its so-called 'country status' for St. Maarten, which is solely intended to serve the interest of POLITICIANS and to further marginalize the PEOPLE of the land.

respectfully yours,

drs. Leopold JAMES
President St. Martin nation building- and unification movement and still...
proud, native-indigenous st. Martiner without apologies.

What type of 'crime'- and 'criminals' are they really fighting ? They being the UTFAC, the United Task Force Against Crime headed by Clarence RICHARDSON, a very intelligent-, competent- and professional St. Martiner hailing from a highly respected-, traditional native-indigenous St. Martin family-heritage Not that the members of UTFAC is not doing their best to fight the crime that is literally paralyzing our society. They are-, and we highly commend each one of them for taking on this incredibly difficult- and dangerous mission.
Therefore, that is not the issue we have with the possible 'implication' of the approach of the UTFAC.
Our deep concern is that the 'modus operandi' of the UTFAC lacks a 'bigger picture' approach in which the root-causes is also integral part of the solution.
Critically lacking for instance, is that while they talk about crime, such is done WITHOUT defining what is meant with 'crime'-'criminals' .
Consequently-, this approach is at best not effective- and at worst yet not genuine and/or fair to all and it possibly also contributes even more to the problem that anything else.
Reason, is that the 'implied' criminals-/crime are in fact mostly-, 'selectively' directed towards certain 'socio-economic' groups- in the process leaving out 'other'., perhaps more 'established' stakeholders A simple case in point.
It appears that only when members of 'certain sectors' of our community are affected, that some people, exclusively apply the term 'crime'- and 'criminals' on those perpetrators, who 'happen' to be mostly young-, Black boys from the 'hood- or the 'projects'.
In the process, it seems at best opportune to focus on these juvenile delinquents as the main 'culprits', forgetting the universal principle that; 'Every fish starts to rotten from the head down towards the tail'.
In other words.
How fair-, logical can it be to expect that our young people can be any better that those in the highest place within our community, who in fact create the conditions, in which only bad can come out ?
The number of examples is too large to even start mentioning here, but just to make our point-, and to shift the discussion in the 'other direction', to bring balance in the 'blame-game' against who are the real criminals.
What about those in high places, being Government selling out the island- its people and the future of our young St. Martiners, just to fill their own pockets- and enrich their family and their own elite circle ?
What about having allowed for Chinese supermarkets to 'infiltrate' deep into the 'hinterland' of the country, pushing out locals out of their traditional grocery businesses ?
Then what about employers, who abuse their employees, simply because many of them are undocumented and have no other choice then to accept ?
What about politicians 'bribing' immigrants to undermine local-, native St. Martiners What about the blatant discrimination taking place against many St. Martin- and Caribbean persons working in the white-south-African dominated marina-industry especially- at IGY in the Simpson-bay lagoon ?
What about the fact that there are many single-mother families, where the mother is underpaid-, and the children underfed and left up to the streets ?
And so, there are so many examples of exploitation and 'institutionalized' crime by the 'Haves against the have nots'.
So many people can express their own 'horror-stories'.
Unless-, we as a society have the courage to really attempt to define the notion of crime and its perpetrators and deal with their root-causes, I am afraid that NO task-force will ever be successful in fighting crime.
Focusing on the young perpetrators of the many violent forms of crime-, without also addressing the importers of the weapons- and those who make profit from the drugs-trade- and politicians, who condone this atmosphere of ired and supported, but so should also be the 'scope' of their work, including their definition of crime- and criminals.
Society must also go after the 'big guns' and those in Government-, who in fact create conditions conducive for asocial behavior- and crime.evil,- greed-, and corruption makes absolutely no sense in my humble opinion.
This is not to discourage those members of the task force, because they should be very much adm Our young delinquents-, as disgusting and appalling their violence is to any normal person, they are largely the product of neglect-, and bad examples by those in leadership position-, starting with Government, trickling down to law-enforcement officers-, churches-, educators-, parents etc.
Perhaps we can consider an initiative, I proposed on many occasions before, but which again was ignored by the media and the establishment.
Its premise is simple.
The only ones who REALLY know what 'drives them' to do what they are doing are the young people themselves.
We MUST therefore engage with them regardless the challenges.
That is what Greg ARRINDELL did a few weeks ago on his program 'It is about time', for which we highly recommend him.
And yes, it is time to conduct structural-, ongoing intensive secret polls among our young people in all schools, at the jobs etc. to find out what is 'in their heads', such as who and what pushes them into crime etc.
Only-, once we have that information-, can we possibly together with them design the right 'medication'.or solution Food for thought.

Leopold JAMES
First director HAVO/VWO of the Milton Peters College and still...
Proud-native indigenous St. Martiner without apologies

Are you optimistic or pessimistic? ...now read this story. I cried shame on the University of St. Martin (USM)! A young prominent computer technician, and the only one qualified at the institution, to fit the role of Computer Network Specialist, was fired from his job on Thursday. No reason was given to the young man, nor was there any evaluation done and presented to him. Reports claim that his role will be passed on to the Librarian, who is not a technical person and needs a work permit to work on the island. Which begs the question of him being victimized, because of his union status and him representing his fellow workers and students?
The young man was giving a dismissal letter by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who was previously mentioned in numerous articles for threatening and harassing particularly local staff. Now that 10.10.10 is fast approaching it seems more than ever that businessmen are pushing to give friends and family a dig-in, while the youths and workers of this country are trampled upon.
A CFO at the age 68, way past retirement is allowed to be employed, whereas a young national just in his 30's was sent home. USM should be crafting our young people to be future leaders in this country, not crush them. What kind of signal are we sending to the young people of this country? Who can they turn to for help?
A university is a place of higher learning. A place of ideas and debates and not a centre of victimization and oppression. I am appealing to the elected and honorable officials of this country to intervene and help put an end to the abuse and harassment of the workers at this institution and many other businesses on the island. This institution was put together by believers and funded by the nation for the betterment of the island and its people, but has become a plague to the youths and citizens of this country.
The Board of Directors continues to beg government for finances, yet up until the day the former president left, USM could not convince government with a proper budget. This should have been the CFO's priority, not the firing of local people and replacing them with foreigners, who needs expensive work permits. At the age of 68, it is due time to give our local and young accountants a chance.
Finally, 10.10.10 needs people with skills and not oppressors.

Joseph Harvey

Greetings to the people of StMaarten, I have notice in StMaarten we have a lot of party loyalist. They will do anything for party before country. These people will even deny God or Jesus before political party. Imagine if those people could love Jesus or country as much as party. The world would be perfect. Just recently we have ex government employee a former police who is on pension who gladly deny who he is, for most probably of securing a job in country StMaarten. We have party loyalist from all 3 major parties eager to deny who is a StMaartener. The big question is who are they loyalty to, is it foreigners or party. The foreigner knows who he or she is, no matter if he or she is a Jamaican, Guyanese, Haitian, Chinese etc. Now let's come back down to earth, if we have 2 Dutch citizens both are qualify, the Chinese get his Dutch citizens last month, and the person of StMaarten origin born with his Dutch citizenship. According to Judas and this ex pensioner of government we should give it to the Chinese.
Why they say that is because we cannot determine who is a StMaartener but we know who is a Chinese Dutch citizens, so these fools by their own words will give it to the Chinese with Dutch citizens. How foolish are these people for years in the cadastre and government registry all what is register is not real or accurate. All these so call StMaarten experts are making StMaarten the Jackass of the world. Foreigners tell me your so call leader is StMaarten biggest enemy they do not know who they are. They tell me StMaarten problem is that there is no leadership. Don't you see they do not care about StMaarten? This foreigner tell me your country will be very difficult to work because you your leaders do not know who they are so they cannot fight for StMaarten, he said he can see I fight with love and conviction they(Judas William Marlin and all island council member) fight for money and power. He concurs that only fools leave them selves unprotected. Patriotism is one who is true to their country, willing to die for its honor. All those members in the anti StMaarten Party of the National Alliance are party loyalist and not patriots. A true patriot of StMaarten will never be so foolish to say he cannot determine who he is, that alone disqualify you for wanting to be a leader. The point is you cannot love something if you have no knowledge of it that is common sense. Voters of StMaarten do not be fool vote for people who knows who they are, do not vote for people who does not know who they are or else you will be deceiving yourself. You are not a NA or DP or UP or CPA. You are citizens of StMaarten, your first loyalty should be to God then Country and then Party. Never be afraid to vote for or against a party. Vote your conscience and vote for a party that recognize you. You should not be a party loyalist you should be a patriot. In closing look at all 4 political parties, that is DP, Judas and his anti StMaarten Party, UP and the last newest party the CPA. Then look at which party knows who people of StMaarten origin are. Do not only look at their platform (manifesto) but look at their members see if they can be trusted look into their background? See if these people really love StMaarten. See if they are willing to value original StMaarten norms and culture. Judge them by the character. Make sure do not vote for any party or person that cannot recognize people of StMaarten origin, for surely he or she is an enemy of StMaarten. Do not be a party loyalist but a true and good patriot of StMaarten. Vote against Judas (William Marlin) and his anti StMaarten Party.

Miguel Arrindell 523-7327

Philipsburg:--- In the Herald of Thursday, August 19, 2010, candidate #18 on the National Alliance list for the elections of September 17, 2010 says "she made the best choice to join the Alliance". If her decision was strictly for immediate gratification and personal gain, the DEMOCRATIC PARTY would have to agree with her. If at any time however, the # 18 candidate on the National Alliance slate had even for ONE fleeting moment considered her own future on St. Maarten and that of her children and her children's' children, she would have realized what a grave mistake she was making. Allowing herself to be "bought" by the National Alliance is not only shameful; it is also against the law! President of the DP, Michael Ferrier, in a Press Release on Monday, August 23, 2010, revealed the following to the press: He and DP Party Leader, Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams visited de Windt at her home on the L.B. Scott Road on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, to invite her to postulate herself as a candidate on the DP list for the upcoming Island Council election. De Windt eventually accepted and agreed to do so, but not before she insisted to tell Ferrier and Wescot-Williams about her disillusion with NA's Councilman Frans Richardson whom she had supported and campaigned for in the January 2010 Federal elections. She said she had become disgusted after Richardson had made many promises to her and her followers, but honored very few after the election was won by him and his party. She also explained in great detail how for the 2007 elections she had supported then DP candidate and incumbent Councilman, Louie Laveist. According to her many thousands of dollars were given to her during that particular campaign in 2007 by Laveist to, as she put it: "take care of things for him" for that election. She claimed that all these shady deals did not sit right with her, being someone who "believes in a Lord above". She agreed to meet with us (the DP) to make a fresh start with the DP, the party that according to her "made it possible for her mother to migrate to St. Maarten years ago to make a living, something the matriarch could not do in her own country, the Dominican Republic". This time, she assured Ferrier and Wescot-Williams that she was on board with the DP with no strings attached. She just needed to have the assurance from the DP leadership that all will be done to assure an improvement in the conditions of the most needy amongst her fellow D.R country men and women, once the DP is back in government. And IF immediate help was available from the DP to a few of these persons truly in need, so much the better. Late last week she agreed to meet DP President Ferrier in Philipsburg to have her official DP photograph taken dressed in a dark suit and a bright red blouse. She beamed with pride to be part of the Democratic Party. After the picture taking session she asked how she could stay in touch with the party, seeing that she did not have a cell phone. Ferrier offered to buy her one and stopped in at TELCEL to do so immediately.

On Tuesday August 17th Ms. De Windt called the DP President with the "breaking news" that NA Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson offered her a car and $20,000 for distribution amongst her "constituents", if she would run on the National Alliance list. She said she defiantly refused the offer adding that "she was not for sale". Ferrier thanked her for her stance and show of integrity. That afternoon she again called the DP President, this time to ask him to critique a speech she had prepared in English that she wanted to give at a "Meet & Mingle" get together the DP was hosting for its candidates and their significant others that evening. Ferrier and another DP member listened to her on speakerphone and congratulated her for the obvious effort she put in formulating the speech. Unfortunately that evening she was a "no-show" and all efforts to reach her proved to be futile. The next morning (postulation day) the DP leadership heard on the news that de Windt showed up as candidate # 18 on the NA slate. The Democratic Party now asks, if the offer of a car and $20,000 did not convince de Windt to join the National Alliance, what did? Could it have been more money? A nicer car maybe? In alluding to the above, Democratic Party Leader Wescot-Williams has on Postulation Day already publically stated that it is lamentable that political parties would exploit the hardships of Dutch citizens on St. Maarten for political reasons. DP President Ferrier added that the stories of vote buying with raw cash by bagmen working on behalf of the National Alliance in the January elections were numerous and plentiful. Ferrier considers this practice, if true, a threat to the democratic process in our Country-to-be. He therefore calls on the competent authorities to be vigilant before and during this crucial election scheduled for September 17, 2010 and goes as far as to ask that independent election observers be invited to St. Maarten to monitor this upcoming election. He calls on the office of the Lt. Governor to urgently issue the rules and regulations that need to be adhered to by one and all to allow the voters of St. Maarten their God given right to cast their vote free form all pressure and in a fair and peaceful manner. Ferrier thinks that prohibiting voters from entering the voting booths with a cell phone or other devices that are capable of taking pictures of how the voter has cast his/her vote, will already be a giant step in the right direction. Additionally, according to the DP President, no party paraphernalia and/or party supporters should be allowed within five hundred meters of any of the polling stations, and this should be strictly enforced by the police.
The National Alliance cannot ignore the fact that when an elected Island Council member accepts the position he/she is elected to in any election, he/she must either promise or swear that he/she has accepted nothing from anyone, or promised any one anything to hold the highest public office in the land. The Democratic Party wonders how this will apply to the NA Candidate # 18, if God forbid she gets enough votes to be elected to public office on September 17th.
In an invited comment Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin urged the president of the Democratic Party to go to the Prosecutor's Office and to file a complaint if he has proof to substantiate his claims.

Philipsburg:--- In response to the article of Tuesday August 3, 2010 in which the private sector was accused of delaying deliberations for political reasons, the SHTA is offering clarification on the series of events leading up to the association not attending the scheduled meeting.

The labor tripartite committee was instituted by Government in 2006 and had been meeting on a monthly basis since then. Members met on a voluntary basis, investing countless hours in the numerous issues affecting the current labor market. Before the new NA/ Heyliger government took office, it was agreed that the committee would meet again in 6 months to evaluate the consequences and impact of the new amended policy.

This meeting never took place. Therefore, the SHTA, along with the other tripartite members, felt that the original task of the tripartite committee should first be completed before the committee is restructured.

SHTA clearly understands that it is government's right to decide the membership of the work that was put in by the original tripartite committee.

GREAT BAY,– To participate in the sessions planned for the Sint Maarten Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Week: the 6th Annual Caribbean Internet Governance Forum starting Monday, August 16 at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa until August 18, take the opportunity to register now.

The ICT Road Show and ICT Training Camps run from August 18 to 20.

Persons and businesses interested in the use of technology to advance in business/job opportunities or businesses seeking to optimize the use of technology for efficient and effective service offering can register for a number of seminars to be held during the course of Sint Maarten ICT Week.

Interested businesses and persons can request the registration form from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There will be a number of high-profiled speakers and participants who will be taking part in the forum related to the development and evolution of the internet in the Caribbean.

The three sessions scheduled for Monday, August 16 are: The Global and Regional Internet Governance Agenda 9.00am; Designing A Caribbean Information Society – The Government 11.00am; and Designing A Caribbean Information Society – Intellectual Property 15.30.

On Tuesday, August 17 the sessions are: Designing A Caribbean Information Society – Business 9.00am; and Designing A Caribbean Information Society – Group Work 15.15.

"Sint Maarten ICT Week is a great opportunity for our local community as experts in the field of Information and Communications Technologies from the region and beyond to come together on Sint Maarten to discuss, exchange views, inform, and bring awareness of the developments and opportunities through ICT use.

"This week offers an opportunity to access information, and expertise relevant to our growth as a people and our national development. This will be a worthwhile exchange open to all within our society," Peggy-Ann Brandon, a member of the local organizing committee told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.

The event is being hosted by the Island Government of Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Geneva-based non-profit ISOC Internet Society.

GREAT BAY,– The Civil Registry Office has set aside four days where Dutch nationals can come in to apply for an Identification Card (ID) or for renewals in connection with the September 17, 2010 elections.

The days set aside for only Dutch nationals are Saturday, August 21, August 28, September 4 and September 11 from 9.00am to 1.00pm.

For the Brooks Towers Accord (BTA) applicants and other persons, you can visit the Civil Registry Office from Monday to Friday during office hours. Only 75 ID-cards will be issued each day.
Customers for services at the Civil Registry Office should also take note that on Thursday, August 19, the office will not issue any ID cards since it's the sign-up of the political party lists of those parties participating for the first time in the elections.

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

Philipsburg: --- The newly form political party (CPA) Concordia Political Alliance headed by Jeffry Richardson is fighting to keep his party afloat by trying to meet the necessary requirements to submit his list on Wednesday. In an interview with SMN News Richardson said three of the four candidates he introduced to the media on Sunday cannot contest the election.
Richardson said the acting head of the census office informed him that Denicio Wyatte is not registered at the census office and for that reason he is not allowed to contest an election. Richardson said Wyatte was living in Holland and since he returned he never registered, while Leo Richardson said he registered on July 16th but the census office has no records of the registration. Party leader Jeffry Richardson said he will be returning to the census office on Wednesday with the paperwork to show that Leo Richardson registered before the August 8th deadline.
As for Natasha Chumney, Richardson said she got discouraged and decided to drop out. "This does not mean I would not have a list on Wednesday, I will be submitting a list at 2:30pm and I urge you to be there", said Richardson. The CPA intended to be the voice of what they described as the voiceless, the native and grass root St. Maarteners.

GREAT BAY:--- Regional telecommunications regulators must demonstrate a massive shift in their approach to the regulatory function, if the Caribbean is to take full advantage of the advances in information and communications technology (ICT). Respected Caribbean technology expert, Mr. Bevil Wooding, speaking at the 6th Caribbean Internet Governance Forum in St Maarten, said "Regulators across the region must move to regulating based on clearly articulated development goals".
Wooding, Chief Knowledge Officer of international non-profit, Congress WBN stated "The philosophy underpinning regulation in the Caribbean has to evolve from a liberalization model to a model that better supports innovation and social and economic development".
Citing examples from St Maarten, Belize and Guyana, speakers at the regional event highlighted the unevenness of the Caribbean telecommunications landscape. Some countries, like Belize, still block common internet-based communications tools such as Skype which are based on a technology known as Voice over IP (VoIP). In other countries, the cost of internet services is so prohibitive that most consumers cannot afford the high-speed or broadband connections that are so common in other parts of the world.
Speaking on the topic The Elusive Information Society, Mr. Wooding's presentation highlighted some of the key issues developing states need to overcome if they are to realize the benefits of the internet age.
According to Mr. Wooding, "A new form of digital divide is emerging in terms of the difference in quality and speed of access to ICT in developing countries." He highlighted the fact that in developed, high-income economies, the average cost of a broadband connection is significantly less than in developing countries, both in nominal terms and as a percentage of the average monthly income.
Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union highlighted the absence of hard data in the region that could provide the indicators needed to measure progress towards achieving the development targets. "There is still limited awareness of benefits of information and communications technology among government officials and key decision makers in the region. The Caribbean ICT Roadshow is our response to this challenge", Ms Lewis added that the Roadshow is designed to raise public awareness and to educate on these ICT issues.
The Caribbean Internet Governance Forum is being held in conjunction with the St. Maarten ICT Week currently underway at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa. The event has attracted a high profile cast of international speakers and admission is open to the general public at no cost.
"Information and the appropriation, dissemination, consumption and control of information have become central to the organisation of society, the economy and our individual experience." Ms. Lewis stated. She also emphasized that citizens of St. Maarten should avail themselves of this opportunity to learn how information and communication technologies may transform, lives institutions and Caribbean societies.

About Bevil Wooding.
Bevil Wooding is a technology pioneer in the Caribbean, and a strong advocate for the use of Internet technologies in industrializing nations. He has facilitated seminars and workshops on e-government, ICTs and national development and in the US, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. A tireless technology evangelist, Wooding works with US-based non-profit research organization, Packet Clearing House to the design capacity building workshops and support critical internet infrastructure for Governments, ISPs, policy-makers, and research communities regionally and internationally.
As Chief Knowledge Officer at Trinidad-based non-profit, Congress WBN (C-WBN), Wooding's reach extends far beyond his home base. C-WBN operates in over 95 countries, assisting organizations in the private, public and non-profit domain to leverage the power of ICTs. C-WBN is focused on nations-development programs, and Wooding is responsible for technology component of this mandate. An authentic Technology Ambassador, Wooding has been a strong advocate in developing countries for the adoption of Internet and internet-based technologies as a tool for government, corporate and social transformation.
The unique perspective afforded to Wooding through his global responsibilities has made him a sought after resource and speaker. To keep his finger on the evolving pulse-beat of technological change, he continues to work with governments and the private sector to directly shape and direct e-government implementations, information management, business process design and ICT service delivery strategy.

Philipsburg:--- In regard to the many recent serious criminal investigations and increase in different criminal activities taking place on the French and Dutch Side of the island, a very important meeting was held at the Philipsburg Police Station on Monday between the Commander of the Gendarmes, Major Stephane Brunet assisted by captain Antoine Cuignet
and Colonel Jean Pierre Chenel and the Chief of Police from the Dutch side Commissioner Peter de Witte assisted by the deputy Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John.

During the meeting essential information was shared by authorities from both sides of the island in connection with major joint controls that will be held to combat crime in general and weed out those criminals busy with their criminal activities and then going into hiding among the citizens in the community. The Custom Department and Coast Guard will also take part in these controls. The controls started today August 23rd at 07.00 a.m. and will continue indefinitely.

Philipsburg:--- The autopsy report that the public prosecutor's office was awaiting about the sudden death of Bart Pasman the former director of USONA is now available. The Public Prosecutor at that time ordered that the body of the deceased be examined in order to determine the exact cause of death.
Recently the Public Prosecutor's Office received the full results of the autopsy and the toxicological investigation. The pathologist and toxicologist have come to the conclusion that Mr. Bart Pasman died as a result of a heart attack. After the receiving the reports the public prosecutor's office has established that Pasman died of natural causes. Bart Pasman passed away on April 10th at his home.

...

Philipsburg: --- The president of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier and Andy Wescott, son of Democratic Party leader Sarah Wescott Williams has reacted very sternly to an email sent out by the founder of the People's Progressive Party Donald Hughes. Hughes sent out an email on Thursday urging the recipients to go a website and learn more about two of the PPA candidates that have teamed up with the United People's Party for the 2010 country election. In the email Hughes said "As we approach 10-10-10 our focus is on who we will be electing to represent St. Maarten in Parliament. A serious matter is now at hand. We cannot continue to handle this as Business as usual. Stop and think before you vote and choose the best candidates to form our next Parliament. I am introducing you to DR. Ruth, a medical Doctor by profession and a hardworking woman who can face tomorrow's challenges in the next Parliament. Visit this website and learn more about "Dr. Ruth."

Andy Wescot and recipient of the email responded to Hughes by saying "Thanks for the link; unfortunately we're not interested in any of UPP's candidates for this upcoming election; frankly, we think you and PPA stood a better chance running on your own and not with T.O. This is the very same Theo that you, Gracita, and the PPA publicly labeled corrupt; Gracita, in her departure from the DP, publicly chastised T.O. and his wheeling and dealing as her main excuse to leave the Democratic Party. What is really taking place at this time? Do you and your former PPA followers expect the people of St. Martin to forget the dislike and distrust you had all these years for Theo Heyliger?
We and by extension, the people of St. Maarten, can't and won't.
And why now? Are the rumors that the UPP paid big money to the PPA to "Team-UP" for St. Martin true?

No, Don, we urge everyone copied to VOTE RED, VOTE FOR EXPRIENCE, and VOTE DP!

Shortly after receiving the response Hughes responded by saying "Thanks for responding, however only "Time will tell!" As her majesty's loyal opposition in Government the PPA under the leadership of Gracita made every effort to do her job to the best of her ability. She preached Transparency, good governance and she constantly urged those in the position of power to try and better the lives of our people. As the number 2 Candidate on the UPP slate, she will maintain her position on these issues and based on that simple facts, I will support her candidacy....You will undoubtedly follow your leader and I will follow mine. On September 17th, I am voting Green.
Wishing you all the best in this campaign. There is one fact that I must before ending DP's Slandering tactics will get you nowhere this election. Neither Gracita nor any member that followed her lead can be bought for any price. Please remember these words: Slander is the revenge of a coward, and dissimulation of his defense. People are tired of those same old dirty DP tactics. May the best team win!"

La Savanne: --- The gendarmes have arrested the father of an 18 year old girl who officially filed a complaint against her father on August 11 2010, alleging that her father has raped her since she was 14 years old. The information was provided the gendarmes section for juvenile delinquency.
In a press release the gendarmes said in light of the evidence, investigators of the brigade arrested the individual the same day. The suspect is now being held at the Baie Mahault penitentiary.

POINT BLANCHE:--- Supporters and sympathizers of the United People's (UP) party are invited to come out and Team UP on Wednesday, August 18 to witness the UP party presenting its lists of candidates to the Chairman of the Main Voting Bureau at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.
Leader of the UP party Theo Heyliger along with 22 members of Team UP will be marching to the Government Administration Building, Clem Labega Square from the parking lot across from the Methodist Cemetery near the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel, where Heyliger will present the UP lists of candidates and their credentials to the Chairman of the Main Voting Bureau.
Gathering time at the parking lot across from the Methodist Cemetery is 8.00am.

"Interception of Communications" Bill or eavesdropping and wiretapping legislation may just be a means to legalize the clandestine activities of the government," said Peoples' Action Movement Deputy Leader Eugene Hamilton.

Basseterre:--- People's Action Movement Deputy Political Leader MP Hon. Eugene Hamilton is expressing grave concern about the proposed Interception of Communication Bill which was announced through a press release dated August 12th 2010 from the Communications Unit of the Prime Minister. The release stated that the Cabinet earlier in that week discussed and approved The Interception of Communication Bill for introduction into the Parliament for the creation of a single legal framework within which the interception of communications on private and public networks would be responsibly authorised by a High Court Judge.
The Constituency#8 Representative was particularly concerned by the present state of affairs with regards to the technology of Communications Interception and whether the government has such equipment and technology already operational and in use.
"With the announcement of this proposed wiretapping legislation it begs the question whether the government is already currently indulging in such activities to monitor citizens of this country including political opponents," said MP Hamilton. "We have certainly seen over the last few months where many incidents have been exposed which involves the use of high-tech, interceptory type equipment in various clandestine activities of the Labour Party government. It is certainly not far-fetched to imagine that the government has already been indulged in this sort of acivitiy and the legislation may just be a means to legalise it," the first term MP Hamilton, opined.
Many citizens have been questioning the proposed bill and have proclaimed that the bill may be a serious impingment and violation of the rights of citizens and also an invasion of privacy. The Labour government's moral authority to properly implement and maintain such a legislation without abusing it has also been heavily questioned.
"I have been listening to my constituents,the people of St.Kitts-Nevis and the overwhelming majority shares my concern over this proposed draft legislation," said Hamilton. They all express concern not only of the legislation and the possible privacy rights implications but also the government's moral authority to properly oversee such a legislation and not abuse it", Hamilton continued. "Frankly this labour government's track record when it comes to the privacy of citizens is not a very good one as we can recall as far back as 1994 when the labour party circulated tapes of a supposed conversation involving then Minister of Womans Affairs Constance Mitcham. This was before they even got into office. So one can only imagine what they are doing or are planning to do now that they hold the reins of political power."

Reference was made to the controversial Patriot Act passed by President George Bush amidst much opposition by scores of civil rights organizations including the ACLU which saw the legislation as a violation of the constitutional rights and an invasion of privacy of American citizens.
Hamilton said "Indeed, I am reminded of the controversial Patriot Act passed by President George Bush. I am very deeply disturbed at what appears to me to be our government's hell-bent intention to rummage through the private affairs of citizens of this country. This seems to be an effort to not only monitor the activities of persons through the interception of their communications but also to control persons through the monitoring of their personal day to day activities. In the hands of any government such as the Denzil Douglas-led administration this type of Bill is a very slippery slope, as any right-thinking citizen would agree."
The Interception of Communication Bill is setting the stage for a new and comprehensive regime of interception of communications or eaves-dropping and wiretapping of mobile phones, fixed line phones, cell phones, telegraphs, internet wireless networks and devices, mailing systems including parcels and couriers, and other means of communication.

GREAT BAY:--- Executive Director of the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse, has joined up with PEECC Foundation to work together in promoting a customized cultural exchange program in the area of architecture.

PEECC (Progressive Educational Experiences in Caribbean Cultures) Director Sara Stone says the project that her foundation is promoting entails to connect University age students from the Netherlands Antilles and those studying in Florida, to come together for a series of workshops instructed by various academic scholars, historians and architects.

"The purpose of the exchange is to examine varied contextual projections of contemporary Caribbean spaces and circumstances with respect to a historical frame. Participants will exchange ideas and observations of the island and design an architectural drawing of an urban island community suitable to replace one of the select groups of debilitated building(s).

"The plan must consider the surrounding architectural characteristics and respect the preservation of any historical properties and or environmental areas. I believe this is a great opportunity and a great experience for students culminating into the presentation and design being put forward to the public.

"I look forward to working with Arthur Lugisse Sint Maarten's Student Coordinator in Tallahassee, Florida in getting this project off the ground with the support and collaboration of local stakeholders on the island," PEECC Director Sara Stone told the Government Information Service (GIS).

"I think this is a great project and the collaboration with the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten partnership will further strengthen what PEECC is trying to do. This is a mutually beneficial relationship which is for the benefit of Sint Maarten's young professionals and youth studying in the field of architecture as well as promoting the preservation of the island's cultural-architectural heritage," Lugisse told the GIS.

Architectural students, graduates, historians, cultural icons, monument preservationists, architecture bureaus and other interested persons can contact Sara Stone at 5871636 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GREAT BAY:--- The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is urging residents to prepare for tropical storm/hurricane conditions as Hurricane Earl approaches the island chain from the East.
The EOC was activated at midday. An update was provided on national preparations for the passing of Earl and a number of decisions have been taken in the interests of public safety and security to prepare for the passing of Hurricane Earl with respect to the clearance of trenches etc.
Residents and contractors must use the remaining day-light hours to complete preparations for the passing of Hurricane Earl.
Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate on Sunday night. Hurricane Earl is forecasted to pass approximately 40 miles North of Sint Maarten on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane and possibly a Category 2.
Schools: By order of the Acting Lt. Governor, schools are closed on Monday, August 30 until further notice.
Businesses: By order of the Acting Lt. Governor, businesses are to remain closed on Monday, August 30 until further notice.
Government Offices: All government offices including federal government offices will be closed on Monday, August 30 until further notice. Only emergency services and other related services to disaster management will be on call.
Curfew: A strict curfew will be enforced at 12.00am tonight until further notice. Residents are requested to remain indoors until the all clear sign has been given by the EOC in the interests of personal and public safety.
Hurricane shelters: Information related to this will be released later today based on the latest hurricane forecast to be issued at 5.00pm.
Airport Operations: Normal flight operations will continue up until this afternoon 5.00pm. All evening flights are cancelled.
Hotels & Guesthouses: Hotels and guesthouses are recommended to execute their hurricane plans to protect guests and staff during the passing of Hurricane Earl.
Road Closures: The following roads could be closed by the Police if the need arises with respect to street flooding, rock falls and storm surge; Zagersgut Road; L.B. Scott Road; Bishop Hill Road; Cake House Road; Point Blanche Road; and Beacon Hill Road. The Traffic Police as well as the Public Works Department will continue to monitor the situation with respect to the aforementioned roads. In the event the Beacon Hill Road has to be closed due to storm surge, for emergency purposes, the emergency gates at the airport will be opened by the relevant authorities to allow access (in and out) to the Beacon Hill residential area. Heavy equipment will be available to reopen any roads that are closed due to debris as Hurricane Earl passes the island.
Garbage removal: The Public Works Department is coordinating the pick-up of household garbage by waste disposal companies and small items. Residents are hereby urged to secure any other large items they may have in their yards.
Construction sites: Contractors need to secure small and large building sites immediately. Anything that can blow away should be properly secured. The Public Works Department will be conducting spot checks with respect to building sites.
Political Campaign Signs etc.: The Office of Disaster Management would like to commend the political parties for heeding the call and removing political billboards. By the end of the day, all political billboards, unsecured containers and plywood sheets used for posters should be removed as a precautionary measure to protect life and property.

Types of preparations that residents should take immediately are:
Residents should take all necessary preparations to secure property in the event Hurricane Earl reaches Category 2 status when passing the island on Sunday night and into Monday morning.
The types of preparations entail at this point in time:

• check storm shutters or/and pre-cut ply wood for window's and doors;
• bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else that is not tied down;
• secure outdoor objects;
• check your battery-operated radio, flashlights;
•  coastal residents should remove outdoor furniture, place indoor furniture up high so it doesn't get wet if storm surge enters your home;
• secure personal papers;
• avoid driving in low lying areas due to street flooding;
• if you live in a hillside area, avoid going out due to possible rock falls;
• shut off gas bottles;

The EOC will continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Earl very closely and will issue advisory notices via radio and the internet with respect to what further actions are required.

Philipsburg: --- Close to three hundred people from within the community of St. Maarten joined the efforts of the United Task Force Against Crime (UTFAC) in the candlelight march on Saturday night. Among them were several elected officials, namely leader of government William Marlin, Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams, Island Councilmember Rudolph Samuel as well as members of the business community, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, representatives of the KPSSS in the persons of Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte, and Commissioner of Police Carl John and Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt. As a symbol of hope the marchers carried lighted candles as well as posters highlighting the current crime situation as they slowly and silently marched through the streets. Several bystanders and other onlookers stood alongside Front Street looking at those who opted to make a difference in this once peaceful community.

While the UTFAC campaigned all week to get the community to react to their call to march against the current crime situation, the Haitian community organized their own march in memory of Clemencia Julot who would have celebrated he 22nd birthday today. Members of the Haitian community gathered on Cole Bay Hill look-out point prior to marching towards Cole Bay where they visited Pastor Bell's Church. Supporters and marchers in that march wore Tee -shirt bearing the photo of murder victim Clemencia Julot.
The marchers gathered in front of the Government Administration Building where several speakers delivered short speeches regarding the current crime situation. The UTFAC said based on their research some 22 persons lost their lives to violent crimes during the past ten years. The UTFAC named the persons who lost their lives to crime from 2009 to now, they are Angel Martin, Marco Beaumont, Haresh Dayalani, Mikhail Boasman, David Eustace, Sabila Absalon, Jean Busquet, Eric Yuan Sam, George le Blanc, Lau Wai-Yin, Otmar Leonard, and Clemencia Julot who would have celebrated her birthday on July 31.Reasons why the UTFAC believes something needs to be done to reduce crime.

Delivering the invocation and the most powerful and to the point message was Pastor Wycliffe Smith who said that far too often people believe getting solutions to our problems cost lots of monies while the answers are simple. Pastor Smith said one of the first thing that has to be done on St. Maarten to reduce crime is that people here have to begin loving themselves and others if they are to make a difference. He said while the UTFAC and those who came out to march is making a statement each and everyone in the community has a responsibility if crime is to stop. Pastor Smith said currently the people living on St. Maarten has gotten into materialism and they are self centered rather than looking out for their neighbors. He said long gone are the days when doors can remain unlocked. Gone are the days when we trust our neighbors, the values and principles that have eroded over time which is the root cause for so much crime in society, namely murders, robberies, and domestic abuse, blue and white collar crime which are on the increase, not to mention cyber crime. Pastor Smith said the current trend has left one to wonder if there is still hope and if the clock can be turned back to regain the society.

Another prime cause for the crime wave Pastor Smith continued by saying people have lost love for each other, they are less tolerant, and on the verge of wanting to fight back. Pastor Smith said that the youths are often blamed but the youths learn from the adults. Adults he said are the ones who teach the youths how to tolerate and to love but in the homes the adults are heard cursing off their children and have failed to listen to their children. Pastor Smith said to make a change the family life has to be restructured. Pastor Smith said adults and elected officials are sending the wrong message to the youths when they legalize moral standards. Prostitution is a moral standard that has been legalized, casino gambling, certain forms of theft have been legalized, and the tolerating of lying. He said to see how much lies are told by adults then one has to visit the court rooms, or even listen to the politicians who have been making empty promises, or maybe one should listen to the island council meetings. He said when politicians choose to live by certain moral standards they are sending a message to the youths. "When politicians or people in high offices think they can get away with things the youths think they too can get away with things." He called on the adults to stop living double standard lives instead people should live right and act right. The message delivered by Pastor Smith caused the gathering to clap and to cheer as they agreed with what he had to say about the adults and the examples they set for their children.
Other speakers include Lenworth Wilson, Lenny Priest, Clarence Richardson, and Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt.

Philipsburg:-- The detective department is busy investigating case of ill treatment. According to acting police spokesman Geronimo Juliet, the victim was ill treated with a rock on Sucker Garden Road. On the scene police found the victim with an open wound on his forehead he was bleeding profusely and had to be treated by the ambulance personnel. Police learnt on the scene that the culprit who is known to them as Boetchie committed the act and fled the scene.
Police is also investigating another case of ill treatment similar to the one on Sucker Garden Road.
According to the victims an unknown man threw a rock on their car and damaged the right front door glass.

In an unrelated incident police is also investing another case of destruction. The victim identified as J.E.L told police that her ex boyfriend girl friend identified as J.L was chasing her and was throwing bottles at her car damaging it. It is believed that the suspect is acting out of jealousy police said. Juliet said while the victim and her boyfriend was at the police station the suspect she received a phone call telling her that J.L was at her house and she destroyed the front windshield of the victim's jeep.
Juliet said when the boyfriend W.F was at the police station giving his statement to police he received a call from J.L who told him that she was on her way to his house to destroy his car. The woman told W.F that she bought acid to ill treat J.E.L. The detectives are busy with the investigation.

Philipsburg:--- The police department is currently investigating a number of break ins, acting police spokesman Geronimo Juliet said unknown persons broke into a mini-van that was parked in the parking lot at Cupe Coy. At the time of the break in the owner's daughter was sleeping in the vehicle. The victim told police that she was awoken by strange sounds and she saw a man of dark complexion with a cap on, the suspect she said had dreadlocks. According to police the victim began screaming which forced the culprit to run away taking with him two bags which had contained some personal items such as wallets, credit cards, and identification cards. In an unrelated incident the police are also investigating the break in at a residence located at Organ Pipe Cactus Drive. The bandits forced their way in the house by breaking the front door. Stolen from the home is a Sony Stereo set, a Coby DVD player and a cross pen. Police reported that another break in also took place at Jacobs Drive on Saturday August 31. Items stolen at that location are a cable television box and a mixer.
Another break in took place at a residence in Arch Road. When the detective reached the scene the neighbor told them that the owners of the residence were away.
Police is also investigating another break in which took place at the Virgin Gordia Drive. According to police two men entered the house by forcing the back door of the house open. The victim told police that their daughter was in the home sleeping at the time of the break in. She awoke when she heard strange sounds in the house. When the culprits saw they were being watched they took off running in the direction of Dutch Quarter. One of the suspects was wearing a green tee-shirt, short jeans and a baseball cap on. The suspect also had straight short hair, while the second suspect was described as being dark in complexion. They stole gold necklace with diamond pendant, three pairs of ear rings and a black canon camera.
On Friday a residence on Paradise Island road was also broken into, the owners of the house told police that two unknown boys entered the residence and stole two pairs of old sport shoes a video camera, and a 24inch flat screen computer monitor. The victim told police that two days before the two boys were caught red handed by the neighbors when they tried to break in her house.

Cole Bay:--- Workers handling the BTA extension process and security guards at the Salvation Army building in Cole Bay saw quite a number of people who were seeking information and the necessary application forms to extend their Brooks Tower Permits on Monday. While the forms are being distributed at the Naturalization and Immigration Building on AT Illidge Road and the Philipsburg Police Station as well as at the Salvation Army Building the BTA project coordinator Tiara Hasselhoef said that they need to be careful with the distribution of the forms so that no one gets the opportunity to exploit the applicants. Hasselhoef said the forms can also be downloaded on the Brooks Tower Website.
Hasselhoef in an interview with SMN News said that this week the team of workers handling the BTA extension process would have to spend more time giving out information to the persons that has to renew their permits. Hasselhoef further explained that the applicants should to stick to the requirements to renew their permits and no one should not take the extra time to look for additional and unnecessary documents, Hasselhoef warned applicants to make sure they walk with a valid and authentic passport since they would not be accepting anyone's file if they do not have their passport. "There is no need to walk with the old passports because the BTA team is not checking stamps. All we need the last and valid passport that the applicants have in their possession."She said every person who is given a number must see the Marechaussee and the police that are inside the building with them to verify their passports before they are allowed to submit their extension application.
This week the BTA team will be processing the Category 1 (A) persons who are working for an employer. Those persons are required to have the declaration forms which must be filled out by the employer before going to the Salvation Army Building to submit their extension request. Person's who fall under Category 1(B) and are self employed has to also pick up the necessary forms to go to the Chamber of Commerce to register as a Sole Proprietorship prior to submitting their application.
Up to late Monday the BTA team only completed 6 of files which will be renewed Hasselhoef said.
Hasselhoef said on Monday they took a number of the people who showed up at the Salvation Army and informed them how to get the necessary forms and the lists of other documents that is needed for the extension.

Philipsburg:--- FACING THE ISSUES, a televised program of information by the Democratic Party of St. Martin debuts on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 on St. Martin's Cable TV Channel 15!
Now more than ever it is important for the people of St. Martin to know where the political parties stand on issues that are crucial for our daily functioning but especially on matters that are of importance for our future. The DP is prepared to tell you where IT stands!
Join us every Wednesday night at 10.30pm on Channel 15 for the views of the Democratic Party on crucial matters that touch the lives of our St. Martin people. It is our party's continuous loyalty to people and country and the vast experience of this Democratic Party that will shine the light on the path to a new St. Martin. Be involved and informed by setting your St. Maarten Cable TV channel box to Channel 15 and catch this and every week's Wednesday night's DP program "FACING THE ISSUES".
The DEMOCRATIC PARTY also hosts the radio program called "the Voice of the Democratic Party" that can be heard live every Monday at 5.30 pm on Radio Soualiga 99.9 Choice FM with a re-broadcast on Wednesday afternoons at 5.15 pm on 98.1 Pearl FM.

Philipsburg: --- Police discovered a dead body in the bushes Over the Bank. The body was discovered on Friday afternoon just after 4pm. Several police officers and detectives responded to the scene where the body was located.
So far the victim has been identified as an "unknown male." Public Prosecutor Rienk Mud said the body has been confiscated as an investigation is currently taking place to determine the identity of the victim and who might be the persons responsible for the man's death. SMN News learnt that the body was in its early stages of decomposition when it was found.

Philipsburg:--- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will introduce a fee for Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) beginning September 8. DHS has had the discretion to charge a fee to cover the costs of administering the program since ESTA was implemented.
The fee is comprised of two parts:
Processing Charge - all applicants requesting an electronic travel authorization are charged $4 for the processing of the application.
Charge determined by Travel Promotion Act (TPA) - if your application is approved and you receive authorization to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, an additional $10 will be charged to the credit card. If the electronic travel authorization is denied, only the application processing fee will be charged.

The fee must be paid by credit card at the time of enrollment at www.pay.gov. Some debit cards may be used for payment but only if they do not require a numerical PIN. Pay.Gov uses advanced encryption to protect transactions while applicants are logged in. When accessing a profile, any account numbers applicants have entered will be masked on the screen. DHS is exploring the possibility of adding other payment methods in the future.
Existing ESTA registrations remain valid for travel through their expiration date or until the passport expiration date if it expires sooner.
DHS also announced the elimination of the paper arrival/departure form (Form I-94W) for authorized travelers from nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes citizens with a passport issued by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All travelers seeking entry to the U.S. with valid visas still have to complete Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. All travelers (travelling both on ESTA registration and on visas) still have to fill the customs declaration (CBP form 6059B).

Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin introduced a new candidate that will be contesting the September 17 election for country St. Maarten. While this is the first time the candidate is postulating on a political slate she is no stranger to the St. Maarten community.
Marlin in his opening remarks said while it is difficult for mothers to step out and step up to the plate and put their hands on the deck to shape country St Maarten and prepare this country to become an independent nation in the Caribbean, Leona Romeo Marlin has decided to throw her hat in the ring and be part of the race on the National Alliance slate. Marlin said the upcoming election is important for St. Maarten since it is the first time the island people would have to elect a 15 member parliament as well as seven ministers to form the local government.
Marlin made it clear that the National Alliance is a committed team and they are not a playing hide and seek game. Marlin said some ten years ago the National Alliance team made a commitment to St. Maarten when the people voted for separate status and they are determined to see it through to the end, this is the reason why his party remained steadfast, focus and with their eyes on the ball despite the challenge. So far he said the National Alliance has had several successful discussions with the Dutch and Antillean government including the document he signed on September 30 that states that 10/10/10 St. Maarten will become country.
The new comer to the political arena has the support of her family and friends who hails from both sides of the island. Among them were her mother, father, husband, sister, brother and her minor children.
Leona Marlin a native by birth attended school in St Maarten and the Netherlands holds a bachelor's degree in political science, and a master's degree in international relations. Leona or Lioness held her first job with the S4 foundation that is based in Holland and she now heads the census office.
Marlin said she has been extremely humbled as many people within the community and even the different political parties have encouraged her to be a candidate for the 2010 election. She said she went on a quest with the issues that are facing the St. Maarten community and has asked people for ideas on what type of changes they would like for their island and future country. Marlin said based on her background and knowledge she believes that she is fully able to contribute to the efforts that was already started by the National Alliance. She said she chose to be part of the solution, and she is concerned about finding proactive, realistic and supportive solutions for the rising crime rate, to create opportunities for the young people. Marlin said she also believes that they would need to look at immigration reform, since the recent Brooks Tower Accord is a testament which shows that more policies needs to be developed that would reflect a healthy balance based on the labor market and the challenges facing the island. Marlin said another priority for her is to make sure the education system is evaluated and improve the areas that need to be improved. Marlin said St. Maarten needs competent and innovative solutions and young professionals to take on the challenges facing the island. Leona Marlin declared she is ready and to be part of the National Alliance Team (Together Everyone Achieves More) as they win the September 17th election to take St. Maarten Forward.
The National Alliance will be introducing another new candidate on Sunday he is no other than Dr. Lloyd Richardson, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) doctor.
In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that Christopher Emanuel would also be contesting the election on the National Alliance slate. Emanuel was also part of Romeo Marlin's launch on Saturday.

GREAT BAY:--- The Acting Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten, Reynold Groeneveldt, is urging political parties and persons planning to contest the September 17, 2010 Island Council elections, to adhere to Article 8 and Article 8A of the General Police Ordinance guidelines of July 1975 (Publication Sheet 1940, No. 14) applicable when placing or attaching party political propaganda materials alongside the public roads.
Political parties may place propaganda materials, such as billboards, posters and flags alongside the public roads, as of Wednesday August 18, 2010 up and until September 24, 2010, under strict conditions.

These conditions are the following:

1. In the interest of traffic safety, materials may not be placed at any location, where the police prohibits this.
2. In the interest of traffic safety it is prohibited to place any propaganda materials in, on or around any of the roundabouts on the island territory.
3. Propaganda materials may not hinder or endanger
   traffic by being placed on traffic signs, traffic light poles, other road indicators, or bridges.
4. Propaganda materials may not be attached on the propaganda materials of another political party.
5. Propaganda materials may not be placed on private property, without the prior authorization of the owner or person renting that property.
6. The content of the propaganda materials may not be offensive in any way.
7. The political party placing propaganda materials remains responsible for risks associated with eventual police actions and/or for damage, inconvenience or nuisance experienced by the public, as a result of the placing or of the presence of the propaganda materials.

All propaganda materials must be removed from alongside the public roads, on September 24, 2010.

GREAT BAY:--- Sint Maarten Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Week: the 6th Annual Caribbean Internet Governance Forum that started on Sunday is progressing very well according to Peggy-Ann Brandon, a member of the local organizing committee.

ICT Road Show sessions are being held at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa until August 20. As of Wednesday, August 18, some very interesting workshop sessions will be starting.

On Wednesday, August 18 at 9.00am, there is an ICT CAMP on Power Point and Podcast Creation as well as a session on Voice Over IP and E-Government.

On Thursday, August 19 at 9.00am, Telcell Black Berry Training Camp; 10.30am Dangers in Cyber Space and Parental Control Possibilities; 11.00am Hot Seat Discussion: Government, Private Sector, and Chamber of Commerce & Industry, face your questions.

On Friday, August 20 at 9.00am, Business and Banking Forum: Technology & Secure Transactions, how they are protecting your information.

Businesses and persons can still register to attend the various sessions planned for the coming days by requesting a registration form from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by stopping in at Duncan & Brandon, Cannegieter Str. #46 or call 543-7466, fax 543-7468.

"The various sessions planned over the next three days are very much relevant to the public and private sectors. In the case of the public sector, technology can be used to optimize Government services through E-Government. Improved public services will allow for the public to get through faster making long lines a thing of the past.

"On Thursday, the sessions deal with how to use your Black Berry along with the potential of creating applications or content that will allow you to make money with the device not only through use. There is a session that teaches parents on what they need to know about the internet and how to protect their underage children.

"Also on Thursday, attendees have the opportunity to ask questions to those who make the laws governing the communications sector. Friday's session will be a very interesting one with respect to how your personal information is being protected on Sint Maarten and how identity theft is being prevented. There is something for everyone and we welcome all," Peggy-Ann Brandon, a member of the local organizing committee told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday.

The event is being hosted by the Island Government of Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Geneva-based non-profit ISOC Internet Society.

Philipsburg--- As we go into the September election for country St. Martin, we are as an island at a point not often seen before.
A government that knows not what it is doing, crime out of control, cost of living skyrocketing, high unemployment, inefficient social services, social discord, in other words an island in peril.
It is beyond imagination that after a bare 14 months of a NA/Heyliger/Laveist coalition, this island could have spiraled to such a low.
Can it be, that this was willful planning by the NA and Heyliger to make our people beggars in their own country and as such control them with whatever crumbs can be thrown at them during campaign time?
It is with this reality in mind that the Democratic Party has planned its campaign for the September 2010 election.
It is with this reality in mind that the Democratic Party has chosen its candidates for the September 2010 election.
It is heartening to see the good will amongst many still, notwithstanding the serious times facing our island. Young and old alike have stood up to bring back St. Martin to its rightful place after 14 months of an NA/Heyliger/Laveist disaster.
14 months of a government consisting of basically the running of the harbor only by Heyliger, and William Marlin responsible for everything else, as Blackman only made error after error as far as the finances of the island are concerned.
14 months of some government members hardly uttering a word to the people and all are left to wonder where we are going.
These are not times for gimmicks, for grandstanding or shams.
And so, with confidence in our people to overcome the past disastrous 14 months, the Democratic Party presents its candidates for this election.

GREAT BAY:--- Securing corporate and government networks is the focus of discussion on the third day of the Caribbean Network Operators Group 1st Regional Meeting currently underway at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa in St. Maarten.
Experts from the United States, New Zealand, Argentina and Mexico join their Caribbean counterparts to discuss technical topics relevant to securing and maintaining critical internet infrastructure.
Mr Bevil Wooding, program director for CaribNOG, said in opening the historic first regional gathering of the group in St Maarten, "CaribNOG fills a very critical void in the region's technology landscape." He added, "The group provides a much needed forum for technology practitioners to exchange ideas and experiences."

This forum which targets local and regional technology enthusiasts has already provided fertile ground for insightful discussions and hands on training. Regional and international experts will tackle topics ranging from the requirements for establishing a Caribbean Security Incident Response Team to securing networks based on the popular Linux operating system.
Matt Ryanczak, Network Operations Manager at the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) is in St Maarten specifically for the event to share ARIN's experience in deploying the new network protocol know as IPv6.
Ryanczak's session will be done jointly with another highly regarded network expert Mark Kosters, the Chief Technology Officer at ARIN. Kosters will share his insight on the impending run out of IPv4 and 2byte AS numbers that will occur in the near future.
Stephen Lee, spokesman for CaribNOG said "We are extremely pleased to have Mark and Matt here to share their extensive experience. ARIN's contribution to CaribNOG, along with tech research non-profit Packet Clearing House, will enhance the capacity of the region's network administrators in addressing security-related concerns related to IPv6 deployment and help overcome the common challenges."
The 5 day CaribNOG meeting is part of the St Maarten ICT Week program of activities and targets the local and regional technology community. All activities during the St. Maarten ICT Week are open to the public at no cost. The CaribNOG 1st Regional Meeting is being held in conjunction with the Caribbean ICT Roadshow. Details can be found at www.caribnog.org.

About CaribNOG
The Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) is a rich community of Network Operators dedicated to exchanging technical information and experiences related to the management of IP networks in the Caribbean region.
CaribNOG collaborates with the regional and international organisations and stakeholders to facilitate capacity building and professional networking activities. Initiatives are delivered in several forms including technical workshops, seminars, research-papers and of course, our annual meeting.

About ARIN
The American Registry for Internet Numbers, the nonprofit corporation that manages the distribution of all Internet number resources, including IPv4, IPv6, and ASNs.

Philipsburg:---The St. Maarten Woman Awareness Movement Foundation (W.A.M.) held and informative session for the public on the 18th of August 2010 at the Salvation Army Community Hall in Cole bay in connection with new status of Country St. Maarten within the Kingdom, as of October 10th, 2010. The various topics and speakers were:

The Duncan Law by Minister Roland Duncan
Minister Roland Duncan give an illustration on why this law was put into place enabling the Island Council to change the setting of from Island Government to a Parliament setting and for S t. Maarten and Curacao to have an early election.
Areas for instance for Country St. Maarten which yet needs to be finalized are Aviation, Telecommunication, the Justice system together with the Curacao and Aruba.
Minister Roland Duncan spoke about the Caribbean Guilder and also about the joint court with Aruba and the other islands.
Minister Roland Duncan said St. Maarten is becoming a country and will be in our own hands to negotiate.
The National Health Insurance information was facilitated by Drs Jorien Wuite
Drs Jorien Wuite explained about the Nation Health Insurance , being implemented for 2012.How it wil be designed according to the same package as that of the Dutch Model in the Netherlands, and what studies yet has to be done to compile a package which will include everyone and will have justified premiums. The question from the audience was what about BZV after 10-10-10 and why St. Maarten did not have their own specialists.
The SVB by Dr Lloyd Richardson
The doctor explained how SVB functiond and which level has the authority and for what. We will have to go a little longer with SVB untill all the studies for the the National Health Insurance is completed. He elaborated on the various levels of insurances we have in our community and how at time these differences makes things difficult for our care givers.
Questions from the audience were; why not services from the French side instead of having to go to Curacao.Where we have to go to collect pension after 10-10-10. They answers were, we have to remember Frenchside is foreign country and measures have to be put in place for such possibilities. In regards to pension an SLA will be signed and it will be paid out in the same manner untill changes are made.
The Pensioneers by Drs. Raymond Jessurun
Mr. Jessurun spoke about Humnan Right and the right of the pesioneer. He explained that these rughts are part of the Dutch Kingdom where it concern the Human Right.
The new upcoming Informative session will be on Wednesday the 25th of August 2010 at the Salvation Army Community Hall and the topic is;
Taxes in Country St. Maarten.

Grand Case/ French Quarter: --- The widow of murder victim Raymond Murray who was brutally shot to death early Saturday morning came forward to tell her side of the story. Maryvonne Murray said she read some newspaper articles and heard of the one that was posted on SMN News that assassinates her character. Murray said while many people on St. Maarten feel that she is responsible for the death of her first husband Denis Dormoy that she said is far from the truth.
The woman said when Dormoy was killed the two years after they were legally separated. She said "I felt nothing when Denis was killed I was no longer in love with him, I was sorry he died because he was my daughter's father. At that time I was living with another man and I was pregnant for him." Murray alleged that her former boyfriend Orlando Isaac was abusive and he was extremely violent with her. "Our relationship lasted about one year and then I left him, but Orlando never gave up on me. He broke into my house once and he raped me another time.
Murray said Isaac was charged with both crimes and he was allegedly convicted. The judge ordered him to pay a fine of Euros 1,500, six months suspended sentence and two-year probation." Murray said the family of Orlando Isaac said there were two restraining orders against each of them but that too she said is not true. "I once asked the judge to give me a restraining order against Orlando and the judge refused. The judge said retraining orders cannot be issued for St. Maarten because the island is too small and the main roads are the same. If I could not get a restraining order from the judge even after I was raped, how could Orlando get one and who gave it to him she asked.
"Orlando would stop me every place and each time he want to go home with me and I would always tell him that it is over between us, I believe he is sick and crazy." Murray further admitted that her husband Raymond Murray had an argument in Marigot with the suspect, this however she said was caused by Orlando. "My husband told me what happened and my daughter was with my husband and she too told me what Orlando did that day. My husband was not someone that liked trouble or fought with anyone. He was a peaceful man and one that loved me dearly. Raymond never carried weapons and it is not because he is from Jamaica he was not good."
Asked about the incident where she went to Orlando's house and took his car keys. Murray admitted to taking his key but she said that was because Orlando had taken her bag earlier. Speaking about early Saturday morning when the fatal shooting took place, Murray said she went to Belto's Pool Bar around 10:30 pm Friday night to play pool and have fun with her friends while her children stayed at a friend's house. She said while playing pool with Raymond he jumped over the pool table and hit her down to the ground. "While I was playing pool my back was turned to the road so I don't know what my husband saw all I know is that he knocked me to the ground and he ran away. By the time I got up I did not see him and I did not know where he went. Someone in the pool bar asked me who Raymond was and I told him that it was my husband and the person said that I was lucky because Raymond just saved my life." "When Raymond came back I saw him with a fishing gun in his hands and a broken pool stick and I asked him what went wrong and he told me it was Orlando that had the fishing gun.
My husband and I decided to call the gendarmes but when I called them they told me that the patrol was busy. We were waiting on the gendarmes for almost an hour on the scene and that is when Orlando allegedly went for a weapon and shot Raymond. Asked if she knew if the two men fought when he left her in the bar or what exactly took place. Murray said she could not say because she did not see where Raymond went. "All I can tell you it was premeditated murder because Orlando went to get a gun and fired the fatal shot. He had time to think about his actions." Murray said.
Murray said while they were waiting on the gendarmes she saw Orlando coming with something shining in his hand and my husband saw him too and he told me to hide behind the car that was parked there. "My husband spoke to me in a harsh voice when he told me to hide behind the car and I did just that. The next thing I heard was a gunshot. I called out to my husband and when I did see or hear him and walked over to him and shook his body. Then I saw blood and I held his head to see where the blood was coming from. When I held his head his brain fell out and I tried to put it back in its place but by then it was too late.
Murray said the autopsy on her husband body was conducted on Thursday and she is leaving the island on Saturday for vacation with her children. Murray also tried to defeat some of the statements that were printed in one of the daily newspapers on Tuesday. The woman admitted that she was having some problems at home with her husband, all of which are financial. "Sometimes when we argue my husband would sleep out and he would say he slept by a friend in Middle Region, but then he would return back home. She said her husband was not working permanently and she is surviving through social aid as well as unemployment. "I was the one paying all the bills because my husband would always say he did not have monies and because of this we had our arguments, but my husband and I were not separated as suggested by someone who called themselves a sister to the deceased. "That person you spoke to is not Raymond's sister, Raymond has one sister on St. Maarten and I am not in contact with her. I did not even know his sister "Joy" is back on the island. Raymond had told me that she went back to Jamaica because she could not find work. "The lady you people spoke to tells everyone she is Raymond's sister but she is not, she is someone who gave him shelter when he first came to St. Maarten. I don't know exactly what type of relationship this person has with my husband but right now she is holding on to his passport." Murray said.
In the meantime a wake is scheduled to be held at the Murray's home in French Quarter on Friday night.

Philipsburg: --- Police has detained a man identified as W. from Suriname as it is believed that the man set his house on fire early Saturday morning. SMN News learnt that the man is mentally ill and that he told neighbors that he will burn his house down because people are coming after it. Neighbors said the man indicated on Friday night that he will burn his house down but no one took him seriously. Police and fire fighters responded to the scene early Saturday morning when they learnt that a double dwelling wooden shack was on fire.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that one person has been detained as police are busy investigating the cause of the early morning blaze. Henson said the suspect in custody was seen running away from the burning house and they managed to apprehend him.

GREAT BAY:--- The author Cynthia Wilson, a grande dame of Barbadian culture, has presented copies of her short stories book, Same Sea ... Another Wave, to seven St. Martin institutions, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). Same Sea recipients are the St. Martin's Home and Bethany Home, both facilities for the elderly, the House of Detention library, Save Haven shelter for battered women, Turning Point Foundation for drug rehabilitation, Belvedere Community Center, and Ujima Foundation for at-risk boys. "We thank Mrs. Wilson for her generosity, compassion, and cultural exchange gifts. Many of her stories in Same Sea will resonate with the elderly and the young because of what is unique to each island and what is wonderfully similar in Caribbean culture," said Sample. The gift pack of books, which includes titles contributed by the publisher, was organized by HNP as part of its reading and writing promotions and encouragement of people to publish their own stories in book form. Same Sea (HNP, 2001) is the first book by Wilson, who lives in Barbados. The Same Sea presentation was made at the St. Martin's Home (8/19/10) by HNP on behalf of Mrs. Wilson. The other book packs were mailed to the various institutions. St. Martin's Home manager MacFolda Gumbs said that she was happy to receive the books and that volunteers will read from them to the clients of the home.

Philipsburg:--- The controls that are being conducted by the police department in four areas of the island on Monday gave positive results stated police spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said the controls were held in St. Peters, Sucker Garden, Cay Hill and Cole Bay in the vicinity of Church hill.
The main focus of the control on Monday was for business license from vendors selling alongside the Public roads, while the officers controlled around the schools to restore public safety.
A total of 31 businesses were controlled of which 10 of them were closed for the lack of the necessary permits.
The police also controlled 36 persons, five of which were residing on the island illegally. They were arrested and turned over to immigration department pending deportation.

Henson said in location one, some 56 vehicles were controlled, 112 persons controlled, three warnings were issued, four motor cycles controlled, nine fines were given while one vehicle was towed away.

At location two, the officers checked 145 vehicles, 219 persons were controlled, 19 fines were issued, and seven vehicles were towed while four persons that were residing on the island illegally were arrested.
While at the third location the officers checked 115 vehicles, 187 persons controlled, 17 fines were issues, 3 persons were warned, six vehicles were towed away and one illegal person was arrested.

The police spokesman stressed that the controls will continue indefinitely and persons are urged to walk with their identification card and residence papers when using public roads. Motor vehicle owners and drivers are asked to make sure they have all the necessary paper work for their vehicle to avoid towing and or embarrassment.

Philipsburg:--- Members of the detective department arrested two persons identified as F.A.A.R and W.R.H from the Dominican Republic as suspects of a break enter and robbery of a jewelry repair shop on Back Street.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the robbery took place on Monday August 23 2010 during the night or early morning hours.
Henson said the police conducted several house searches and they managed to confiscate a large amount of jewelry, a substantial amount of money and three fire arms along with tools that were used to commit the break in. The police spokesman said the investigation is in its early stages and police still have a good bit of work to do before they are able to close the case.

Cole Bay: --- The James family has given the Democratic Party 24 hours in which they must remove at least two red flags that were placed on their property go over the Cole Bay Hill. A press release from Edwin James states that it has come to the attention of the James family that flags are placed on their Cole Bay Hill properties without consent of the property owners.
This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the family. Therefore the Democratic Party or the perpetrators are asked to have these political objects removed immediately and to seek some other suitable location to place their flags.
Failure to do so leave the property owners with no other choice but to take appropriate measure to have such removed at the expense of the party whom they will hold liable.
Even if the property remains unoccupied they still have owners the release states.

Philipsburg: --- Police arrested and subsequently released one of the public prosecutors after he was involved in a hit and run car accident on Saturday afternoon in the Middle Region area.
According to information reaching SMN News the public prosecutor was driving through Middle Region when he hit a car that had a couple inside of the vehicle. It is further understood that the prosecutor who holds the traffic portfolio did not stop at the scene of the accident but proceeded to drive towards his Oyster Pond home.
However, a team of police officers were not far away conducting their regular controls and they stopped the suspect and arrested him for running away from an accident scene. Reports are that the suspect identified as J.B.D was under the influence of alcohol at the time. SMN News learnt that the investigating officers did some visibility checks to see if in fact J.B.D was under the influence.
One of the tools that are not used in the Dutch system is the breathalyzer which would have been able to measure the exact level of alcohol that is in one's blood. Sources close to the investigation say the prosecutor was not able to stand on his one leg, a technique used by Dutch police to test ones sobriety. It is said the prosecutor has a medical condition which it is believed prevents him from standing on one leg. The reason given for running away from the accident scene was that the prosecutor was in fear thinking that the persons in the vehicle were about to rob him and this was the reason for his vehicle being hit.
In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed that J.B.D was arrested and released Saturday night after the accident. Mud said he does not have any information on the case since he is now waiting on the police report to determine whether or not his colleague would be charged. Asked if J.B.D would report to work pending the investigation, Mud said that is not his call and he simply does not know. Decisions such as that would have to be made by the Attorney general.
Mud made clear that the police treated the case like any other case. J.B.D he said was not given any special treatment because he is a prosecutor; he was arrested and released after he was interrogated.

GREAT BAY,– The 2010 Hurricane Season should start to get busy in the coming weeks as we move into the month of August with the formation of tropical waves and depression weather systems. This is one reason why the community should not become complacent, according to the office of Disaster Management and Preparedness.
The 2010 season has taken off from a slow start this year with two named storm systems to date, however this may change soon in the coming weeks.
The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness is calling on the community to make sure everybody has everything in place and storm ready. Everybody must take the required actions to minimize the risk of injury and damage to property in case there is a hurricane strike, and the time to act is now if you haven't already.
Being prepared is essential prior to a hurricane strike. Businesses and government must survive and recover from a disaster as quick as possible which would ensure that the economy can be up and running and our way of life returns to a semblance of normality.
Residents, business owners and contractors have been advised from the beginning of the season to draft plans that would protect their families, business operations and construction sites.
When a hurricane threatens our island, what is left for residents, businesses and contractors to do to prepare should be minimal.
The hurricane season runs through November 30.

Union Farm: --- An emotional yet intelligent Jeffry Richardson former executive assistant to former commissioner Roy Marlin and Louie Laveist at a press conference on Saturday gave some reasons why he decided to found the Concordia Political Alliance (CPA). Richardson said while he called the press conference at a place he called ground zero, the party will be officially launched on August 15th where all the candidates who will be postulating the upcoming election will be presented.
Richardson said the time is now and there is no turning back since the people on St. Maarten has been neglected by elected officials. Jeffry said since he has been moving around the island he met with several persons who are suffering, especially the families that are living in the emergency homes in Union Farm. The houses he said needs to be repaired while the roads are hardly accessible. "This is a forgotten corner on St. Maarten and there are people who don't even know this place." Richardson said the reason why the island has so many gangs is because there is nothing for the youths to do. "There is no place they can socialized, no sporting facilities are here. The current government and those that were there before did not give the youths an opportunity for them to fulfill their dreams. The CPA he said intends to make changes that are structural to St. Maarten while their main objective is to strengthen and preserve St. Maarten's Cultural identity.

Politicians he said is not listening to their people who elected them to office. Richardson said it is time for everyone to place their hands on deck to change the current situation. He said the people have to now put their hands together for St. Maarten since Unity is Strength.
The youths he said cannot find jobs, no recreational center, no homes can be found while government is not doing anything to assist these people, one of the reasons he said crime is escalating. Richardson said people are being victimized depending on which party they vote for, a trend he intends to stop. The CPA founder said they do not want to be part of the "lump" of the past but their mission is to be the future of St. Maarten. Change he said can only come if the people are ready to make that change. His party's mission is to conquer the current situation where people are neglected. He said government is supposed to work for and to empower their people.
Richardson also said that the CPA will be focusing on being the representative for the native St. Maarteners and they would strive to give natives an equal opportunity in their country.
Jeffry Richardson resign from the St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation now that he has decided to enter the political arena. He presented his resignation to the President of the SNBF on Saturday during his press conference.
Supporting the CPA is president of the St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation Drs. Leopold James. James in his speech said he is proud of Richardson whom he said has stepped up to the plate to make a difference. He said Richardson has decided to take on a responsibility to form a political party that is long overdue for those people whose ancestors has formed the basis for St. Maarten and have been forgotten for decades. He also commended Jeffry for the way he has decided to form his party which is among the ordinary and working class people of St. Maarten. James said doing so has showed that the CPA has a solid foundation which would give the natives an alternative and a clear choice.
The members of the island council took sharp criticism from James who failed to say what and who are St. Maarteners in the constitution for country St. Maarten.
James said the elected officials on St. Maarten betrayed their country when they adopted the constitution for country St. Maarten. James said the leader of the National Alliance has turned his back on the St. Maarten people when he asked "What is the St. Maarten people who is St. Maarten people."
James said all the other political parties on St. Maarten are the same as they are all in the same political system, this he said was proven when they denied and rejected the St. Maarten people. "Each and every island council member betrayed the St. Maarten people at a moment when it mattered. A moment when our people needed to be protected and defended every one of them betrayed the St. Maarten people." He said these are these people who want to lead a country but when push comes to shove they abandoned the people they ought to be representing or defending. James said all those persons who have chosen to align themselves with the National Alliance, the Democratic Party and the United People's Party has the blood of the natives on their hands which cannot be washed off, simply because those people has betrayed their ancestors who built the island.
James said now the people have a choice with the CPA from the current "lump" that has the same political hybrid under different political parties. He said any party that does not want to build on solid foundation and has decided to abandon their people, those political parties cannot include others who have denied their own. James also presented the founder of the CPA with an identification card which would align him with his native ancestors.

GREAT BAY (GIS) — President of the St. Maarten PRIDE foundation and local coordinator of the International Coastal Cleanup Jadira Veen presented the 2010 International Coastal Cleanup report to Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt. The report Trash Travels; from our hands to the sea, around the globe and through time highlights the summary of trash data collected every year in September.
This year the International Coastal Cleanup will be celebrating 25 years anniversary and as such the worldwide coastal cleanup will take place on September 25th.
In 2009, half a million volunteers in 108 countries including St. Maarten picked up trash from the worlds coastal waterways and below the ocean surface.
The report is a comprehensive data report on each category of trash collected, this report can be used by local governments to introduce anti-litter programs and sensitizing the population on recycling.
On September 25th, the public will witness hundreds of local volunteers descending on Mullet Bay Beach from 7am-10am to take part in the Grand Cleanup. Underwater cleanups will take place with the dive industry under the guidance of Tadzio Bervoets Manager of Nature Foundation.
The International Coastal Cleanup enjoys volunteer participation from many youth groups, service clubs, schools, SHTA, government agencies, animal and environmental activists on the island, as well as the many concerned citizens.

Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten bade farewell to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who will reach his pensionable age of 60 on August 10 2010. Richards who is currently on vacation will be relieved of his duty by her majesty on August 10th.
Leader of government William Marlin in his address to Richards and the island council said the executive council has decided to appoint the outgoing governor to take up the position on council of Judicial Affairs. Marlin said the executive council has met with Richards to discuss their proposal to which he has accepted. Richards even though a pensioner when this council is established will be representing St. Maarten on the three member council who would have the task of overseeing good governance in the justice chain.

The council known as lid zan de Raad voor Rechtshandving will have a member from St. Maarten in the person of Franklyn Richards, a member from Curacao and one from the Netherlands. It is understood the chairman ship of this council would be rotating every three years. SMN News further understands that the members of this council will be appointed based on the Royal Decree.
During the farewell ceremony there were representatives of the government owned companies, former senator Marcel Gumbs, former Acting Lt. Governor Millicent Acuna Lopez De Weever, the first lady Angela Richards and other well wishers.
Several of the island council members including Sarah Wescott Williams, Louie Laveist, Frans Richardson and Theo Heyliger referred to the Sheriff and the Cowboy statement that was used by Richards to describe his role compared to the role of the politicians.
They also wished the outgoing governor well on his future endeavors and credited him for the way he held his ground when chairing both the executive and island councils. Heyliger in his address spoke of the several heated discussions he had with Richards during his tenure as well as the advice he received from Richards when they worked together. Councilman Louie Laveist made known that he has no grudges against Richards even though they had their differences. Laveist said he on several occasions spoke of the difference of opinion he and Richards had during the ten years Richard served as chairman of the island and executive council. Island Councilmember Roy Marlin reminisced on the days when he and Richards were growing up and the days the spent together discussing. Marlin reminded the council that even though Richards was appointed by Her Majesty, the appointment he said is done based on political recommendations. The members of the council gave praise and they expressed their gratitude to first lady Angela Richards for allowing her husband to serve St. Maarten in such a capacity. Marlin said if they or the Democratic Party had the power they would have kept Richards in his position until St. Maarten achieves its country status which is 10/10/10. Councilman Leroy De Weever considered the statements made by the council members and the praises they bestowed on Richards to be hypocritical. De Weever said Richards had to be sent home because the hammer fell.

In his own address outgoing Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards said he was honored to hold the governor's office for close to ten years. Setting the record straight Richards said on September 12, 2000, he was appointed by Royal decree as Governor of the island territory of St. Maarten by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, and as he approaches retirement age he will be consequently discharged by no one other than Her Majesty the Queen on August 10, 2010.
Richards said as he looks back at the decade he recognizes a most fascinating period which so many have played a crucial role in the development of St. Maarten and he is more than grateful to have served the island territory of St. Maarten as "Gezaghebber".

He said his departure comes at a time when currently, great changes are taking place. "We stand on the verge of becoming country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This after, the citizens of St. Maarten expressed their desire for a change in status during a referendum held 10 years ago."
He cautioned and hopes that with St. Maarten achieving its country status, the welfare of the inhabitants of St. Maarten will not be taken lightly. Richards also called on the future Ministers and members of parliament to promote good governance and transparency and participation of the people in the deliberation and decision-making of Government. The presence of proper checks and balances is an indispensable condition for the proper functioning of authorities.
Some of the members of the island council and civil servants saying goodbye to Richards after the extra-ordinary island council meeting on Wednesday.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday August 6th a meeting in the presence of the Acting Lieutenant Governor Mr. Reynold Groenveldt between representatives of the Indian Merchant Association, the United Task Force Against Crime and the Management Team of the Police Force was held at the Police Head Quarters in Philipsburg.

The meeting was held in regard to the ongoing increase of crime presently taking place on the island. During the discussions one of the main focuses was to strengthen the relationship between all organizations, business communities the police department and the community at large. Other organizations and business associations not represented during this meeting will also be contacted, involving them in the battle against crime.

Also issues such as crime in general, youth crime, criminal and other illegal activities during the night time on the island and community policing were discussed. Community Policing which is a very important tool in combating crime by involving the community to give information to the police concerning crime in general or any illegal activities is one of the main points that were discussed. Also were discussed were plans how to effectively and jointly tackle these problems.

The discussions between parties were very informative. Periodic quarterly meetings between parties involved were agreed upon when discussions will continue about the progress or any other issues concerning this joint effort.

...

Philipsburg:--- Leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts from the region and across the world will be converging on the tiny Caribbean nation of St Maarten for an intensive week of technology meetings. The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa will be the venue for the 6th Annual Caribbean Internet Governance Forum being jointly hosted by the Government of St Maarten, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Geneva-based non-profit ISOC (Internet Society).
"The event is part of St Maarten's ICT Week", stated Ms. Peggy-Ann Brandon a member of the local organizing committee. She added, "We are proud that St Maarten has been chosen to host such a prestigious event and we are looking forward to demonstrating to the world St Maarten's own achievements and capacity."
The Caribbean Internet Governance Forum, now in its sixth year, attracts high-profiled speakers and participants from across the globe to discuss critical issues centered on the development and evolution of the Internet in the region.
The meetings are coordinated by the CTU, the region's inter-governmental agency responsible for promoting and advancing the adoption of ICT in the Caribbean.
According to Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the CTU, "We are excited to be staging this important forum in St. Maarten. The issues on the agenda speak directly to practical concerns and solutions to the challenges being faced by Caribbean nations in designing an information society."
Among the presenters is Dr. Steve Bratt, Chief Executive Officer of the World Wide Web Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, founded by Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee and focused on connecting and empowering all people on the planet through the Internet.
Also among the feature speakers at the event is Caribbean tech-guru, Mr. Bevil Wooding, Programme Director for the Caribbean ICT Roadshow. Mr. Wooding has been serving for many years as a technology evangelist for the Caribbean, focusing international attention to ICT issues relevant to the region.
He recently brought international media attention to the region's technology sector when news broke that he was one of only seven persons from across the globe specially selected to hold keys to the Internet.
"Mr. Wooding is the region's very own technology ambassador," stated local IT expert Mr. Gregory Richardson. "He was the lone representative from the Caribbean and Latin America selected to participate in very significant Internet milestone. Having him here for our ICT Week is a real privilege."
St Maarten's ICT Week is designed with activities tailored to every sector of society. The events will explain and demonstrate the transformative power of ICT in national development. The week will feature technology presentations, hands-on workshops, training, panel discussions and executive lecturers.
The events run from 15th to 20th August and kicks off with an opening ceremony on Sunday 14th at the ballroom of the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa. The event will include the inaugural Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) Regional Meeting, the first Caribbean Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshop, and the Caribbean ICT Roadshow and will feature ICT Camps for the youth. Admission is free to the public and all are invited to attend.

GREAT BAY:--- In one of his last acts as Governor of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten prior to traveling to Holland on government business and taking a well-deserved vacation at the end of May, Governor Franklyn Richards was presented with a complimentary music CD from calypsonian King Jacko.

Richards said the island heading into a new constitutional status, from island territory to country status, strong leadership will be needed once the island receives its new status on October 10, 2010, as their will be additional responsibilities and obligations attached.

The CD is entitled, "A Strong Leader," and during the presentation Governor Richards told King Jacko to keep up the good work and wished him the very best with his endeavours in music.

Franklyn Richards term as Governor concludes on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

The Vice Consul of the United States for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba will be in St. Maarten for American Citizen Services on:
Friday August 20th, 2010 from 09:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:00 hours.
At The Parliament Building in Philipsburg and on a "first come, first served" basis only.

The Vice Consul will provide the following services only:
* Accepting applications for U.S. passport
* Accepting applications for Report of Birth Abroad to a U.S. citizen.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION :

ACS Services                                          Form                        New fees
Minor passport (under 16 yrs)                  DS-11                         $105
Age 16 and 17                                           DS-11                         $105
Adult passport                                            DS-11                         $135
Adult passport                                            DS-82                         $110
Report of Birth Abroad                              DS- 2029                   $100
Passport Card Adult                                  DS-82                         $30
Passport Card Minor                                 DS-11                         $15
Additional passport pages                       DS-4085                     $82

*Applicants applying for a regular passport renewal can use the form DS-82. Please go to our website for instructions.
* All applicants using passport form DS-11 must appear in person.
* Passport applicants under 16 years of age must use the DS-11 passport form and must appear in person with both parents.
* Bring both originals and copies of the parents' passports and the child's birth certificate.
* If one parent cannot appear in person, a notarized statement of consent of renewal of the minor's passport (DS-2053) by the parent not appearing is required.
* Please bring photocopies of all original documents, including passports for each application.

We ask that all applicants bring a prepaid courier airway bill so we can send your passport back from Curacao. Some express courier services are now changing fees on a monthly basis, which makes it difficult for us to establish a set fee. We apologize for any inconvenience.

An additional $30 fee is necessary for mailing the passport back to you from Curacao if you are unable to provide a prepaid courier airway bill.

Only cashier's checks in U.S. dollars and negotiable in the U.S. will be accepted.
All cashier's checks should be made out to "U.S. Disbursing Officer".
NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS.

Please check our webpage at http://curacao.usconsulate.gov or www.travel.state.gov for new fees, to download application forms or for any other detailed information on passport applications and consular reports of birth abroad.

You may also contact us by e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Please make sure you have all the documents required for the type of service you are applying for to avoid delays! Please complete the necessary forms prior to arriving but do not sign the form until in the presence of the Vice Consul!

To make an appointment for a non-immigrant visa at the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, please call: 001-602-567-9833 or go to this website https://www.usvisa-info.com/en/selfservice

Philipsburg:--- Members of the Police 0-tolerance team during their general controls on Wednesday spotted a white Toyota Yaris with the license plate 46ZBD971 and darkly tinted windows driving on Long Wall Road. The vehicle was driving in the direction of Front Street.

The patrol also noticed that at least two persons were in the vehicle at the time. The patrol ordered the driver of the car to stop to carry out a routine control however the driver instead increased his speed and continued on his way.
The patrol chased the suspect vehicle to the vicinity of Radio Shack where the car was brought to a stop and both men stepped out and took off running. The patrol started chasing both men on foot. While running away one the officers saw that man who later turned out to be the driver had an object that looked like a fire-arm in his hand.
The men were ordered to stop however the suspect who was spotted with object in his hand continued running. A warning shot was fired by the officer however the suspect succeeded in avoiding his capture. The other suspect with the initials L.L. from Guyana was caught and arrested on the spot. A description of the suspect that escaped was given to the other patrols. Shortly after a man fitting that description was arrested in the Philipsburg area.
During a search of the suspect with the initials E.A.D. from St. Maarten back-pack the suspect , had with him the barrel of a revolver which was confiscated for further investigation. During further investigation L.L. stated that he ran because he does not have any documents to stay on the island. He was handed over to the immigration department for deportation. The suspect E.A.D. was turned over to the Narcotic and Fire Division for further investigation, however turned out not to be the driver of the car. The driver of the car has not yet been located.

Philipsburg:--- The Nature Foundation St. Maarten officially presented their Lionfish Action Plan to the Acting Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Reynold Groeneveldt. The Lionfish Action Plan clearly outlines the steps the Nature Foundation is taking to control the Lionfish Infestation. Present at the presentation were: Mr. Jan Beaujon, Chairman of the Board of Nature Foundation St. Maarten, Tadzio Bervoets, Manager of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten presenting the Nature Foundation St. Maarten Lionfish Action Plan to the Lt. Governor, Mrs. Marie-Louise Carty-Vialenc of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten Board and Mr. Frank Boekhout of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten Board.

Gracita states; "Following the attendance of a 2 day congress in Curacao on domestic violence, by organizations such as Peridot Foundation, Women's Desk, Safe Haven, the aforementioned organizations informed the public via the media that a similar workshop would be held on Sint Maarten. This workshop will take place on Friday August 13th from 8.30 to 4 p.m. at the Belvedere Community Center. Invited to attend the workshop are several non profit organizations and professionals on St Maarten who are directly, indirectly involved in the campaign again domestic violence within our community".

Arrindell continues; "We are happy to announce that several expert speakers will attend and participate in the work shop and share their views with organizations on Sint Maarten on the origins of abuse, violence and how they are dealing with the matter from within their respective organizations.
Speakers who will address the 1 day workshop include; Police officers R. Mauricia from the local police force, officer Ivan Wild from the police force Curacao recipient of Policeman of the year award in 1991 and 1992, Miss Gisette Wedervoort, clinical psychologist, just recently back from attending a specialist seminar in the US on this issue ,will share as we stated before the ' hard facts of the effects of domestic violence on children, especially boys, and their violent actions as adults as well as share her experience as a psychologist in dealing with convicted young criminals. Other speakers include; Ms Joy Arnell former head of Women's Desk, drs. Jorien Wuite sector director social and women's affairs, Mrs. Monique Dennaoui- Simon from the public prosecutor's office, and a domestic violence survivor".

Gracita concludes: "Act. Lt. Governor Mr. R. Groeneveldt will do the honors of providing the opening remarks to the workshop. We are also happy to be informed of the participation by several police officers to the work shop and take this opportunity to express our gratitude to management and staff of the police corps in general and in particular to officer Carl John as well as the public prosecutor's office for their respective cooperation and participation in what is slated to be a very timely work shop. The main of objective of the workshop is in collaboration with the local experts to Really better prepare and equip our local cadre of professionals and entities to deal with the challenges and continuing campaign in the prevention and combating of domestic violence".

Philipsburg:--- Chantal Jones, Martha Gumbs and Mansfield Webster concluded this year's Summer Work Program at the Ministry. Miss Gumbs and Mr. Webster are students at the Sundial School and Miss Jones is a student at the Milton Peters College.
During the beginning stages of the program students were given a basic introduction to the executive, legislative and judicial apparatus on the Kingdom, Federal and Island level. Louis Duzanson's book "An Introduction to Government Island Territory of St. Maarten" and Edgar and Julian Lynch's book "Know your political history", among others, were required reading for the Summer Work Program.
The students visited several government departments on both Island Territory and Central Government including the Coast Guard, Disaster Management, Prison and Ambulance Department. They also got in depth information on the constitution of St. Maarten from the Bureau of Constitutional Affairs and from Acting Lt. Governor Mr. Reynold Groeneveldt. They also attended a session of an Island Council Meeting.
Ms. Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant and Mr. Terry J. Peterson, Special Advisor to the Minister of Constitutional Affairs were the coordinators and supervisors of the summer program.

GREAT BAY:--- Executive Director of the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse, has extended his stay on the island due to the high interests shown in the Tallahassee/Sint Maarten partnership.

Lugisse who was scheduled to leave on Friday, August 13 will stay until Monday, August 23 and is available to meet with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), individuals, students, businesses, associations and other entities up until and including Friday, August 20.

The partnership includes joint relationships in the following areas, infrastructure, environment, human resources', health, police matters, EMS Ambulance services, meteorology, agriculture, fire department, technology, arts and culture, youth issues (juvenile delinquency, gang development), sports, financial options, and assorted joint ventures including education possibilities for those who didn't get study financing (Dutch, French or a Caribbean national) to still enter the Florida A&M University in Tallahassee at in-state tuition which is almost one third of the costs of out of state.

Businesses and educational institutions seeking to explore and develop programs/projects/policies/products/services in conjunction with entities out of Tallahassee for Sint Maarten can contact Arthur Lugisse up until and including Friday, August 20 at the Victorious Living Office, Backstreet #158B or call 520-1802, 542-2663 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the foundations website www.tlh-sxmf.org

GREAT BAY (GIS) — The Control, Inspection, and Security dept. of the Island Government hereby informs the general public that the school bussing inspections that took place between July 28 and August 13, 2010 has concluded successfully. The inspections took place at the Jose Lake Sr. ball park.
During these inspections all 64 school busses, that transport school children on behalf of the island government, were inspected. School busses that failed the initial inspection were given the opportunity to make the necessary repairs before being re-inspected. At the end of the inspections a total of 57 school busses had passed the physical inspection and 7 failed. Substitute school busses have been provided by the respective owners and will be available to transport the students to and from school. All substitute busses have also been inspected in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Island Traffic Ordinance.
While the inspections primarily focused on the specifications of the Island Traffic Ordinance, the inspections also focused on aspects such as, working emergency exits, fire extinguishers, conditions of the seats, sharp and or potential dangerous objects protrude from the school bus, insurance, and cleanliness. The inspection carried out by the Control, Inspection and Security dept. is more a physical inspection and not a technical inspection as annually carried out by the inspection Center on Bush road.
According to the Section head of school bussing at the Control, Inspection and Security dept., Ms. Martha Thewet, all school busses transporting children on behalf of the Island Government will be operating on the public road for the 2010/2011 school year and are all insured, clean, and are comfortable to ride on. Most importantly the buses have all sufficiently met the safety requirements of the Traffic Ordinance.
Furthermore the management of the Control, Inspection and Security dept. would also like to inform the general public that the daily directing of traffic in the Cul de Sac area by the members of the Control Unit will resume. Motorists are requested to adhere to the directives of the persons directing traffic at all times in order prevent obstructing the flow of the traffic during the morning hours.
Motorist operating the public roads are also asked to be more vigilant and cautious when driving on the public roads, particularly due to the fact that school has resumed and more children are expected to be walking along the public roads, traveling to and from school. Management of the Control, Inspection and Security dept. would also like to wish all the school children a Happy and Safe 2010/2011 school year, and to conduct themselves in an orderly manner especially when traveling to and from school via school bus.

MARIGOT: --- The security guards of Anse Marcel managed to catch three youths ages 16 years of age who stole a number of multi- media equipments and moneys from some of the hotel rooms. According to a press release from the gendarmerie the teenagers found some of the hotel keys which allowed them to gain access to the rooms. The security guards caught them shortly after they committed their acts. The stolen items have been recovered and returned to their owners. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on August 15.

Shortly after midnight they were apprehended by the hotel security guards who called the Gendarmes. The stolen items were all returned to their legitimate owners.

Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party held another successful contact meeting on Sunday, August 15 in the district of Fort Willem at the home of DP candidate Harry Brown. Many persons attended this meeting to hear from the DP its views on the upcoming election, but equally important to give their own views on matters affecting St. Martin.
As we go into the September election for country St. Martin, we are as an island at a point not often seen before.
A government that knows not what it is doing, crime out of control, cost of living skyrocketing, high unemployment, inefficient social services, social discord, in other words an island in peril.
It is beyond imagination that after a bare 14 months of a NA/Heyliger/Laveist coalition , this island could have spiraled to such a low.
Can it be, that this was willful planning by the NA and Heyliger to make our people beggars in their own country and as such control them with whatever crumbs can be thrown at them during campaign time?
It is with this reality in mind that the Democratic Party has planned its campaign for the September 2010 election.
It is with this reality in mind that the Democratic Party has chosen its candidates for the September 2010 election.
It is heartening to see the good will amongst many still, notwithstanding the serious times facing our island. Young and old alike have stood up to bring back St. Martin to its rightful place after 14 months of an NA/Heyliger/Laveist disaster.
14 months of a government consisting of basically the running of the harbor only by Heyliger, and William Marlin responsible for everything else, as Blackman only made error after error as far as the finances of the island are concerned.
14 months of some government members hardly uttering a word to the people and all are left to wonder where we are going.
These are not times for gimmicks, for grandstanding or shams.
And so, with confidence in our people to overcome the past disastrous 14 months, the Democratic Party will present its candidates this Tuesday evening, August 17, at the Cabana Lounge in the Royal Palm Hotel at 7 pm.
In the words of the leader of the Democratic Party: "The next month will separate the men from the boys and the women from the girls".

GREAT BAY:--- The Caribbean region must create a new evidence-based decision making framework if they are to survive or maintain their sovereignty over the next decade, says futurist Dr. David Taylor. Dr. Taylor, a speaker at the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum being held in St Maarten stated that current ad-hoc, short-term approach to policy formulation was driving the region to the brink of disaster and that "virtual re-colonisation" is an imminent threat.
Dr. Taylor warned that the Caribbean must start formulating its own unique intelligence services to inform all aspects of its political, social, human and technological development or else face "virtual re-colonisation" as global companies, criminal organisations and other states impose their foreign policy on the region. Asked about the specific case of country St Maarten, he stated, "St. Maarten celebrations of self-government may be short-lived unless political leaders actively build a new evidence-based decision making capability that transcends short-term political promises. We simply cannot afford to guess our way towards our future".
Dr. Taylor, Chief Scientist at London-based firm Congress Global Consulting, commented that the decades old development patterns and strategies are being challenged the world over. "The biggest impact of India, China and Brazil is that they are offering developing countries an alternative model for economic growth and development" he said. "But neither existing models nor alternative models are suitable to our unique Caribbean context, or in fact, many other developing regions".
The promotion of systemic evidence-based intelligence systems is a necessary pre-requisite to provide an accurate context for any development roadmap and a practical tool for managing government policy and national security. "Futurism is not a mystical, quasi-spiritual stab in the dark. It is a systematic methodology for more accurate decision making," he concluded.
Dr. Taylor is one of the keynote presenters at the Caribbean ICT Roadshow being held as part of the St Maarten ICT Week. The programme is being jointly hosted by the Government of St Maarten and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and is currently underway at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa. The event is open to the public and free of charge to the people of St. Maarten.

About Congress Global Consulting.
Congress Global Consulting (CGC) is an international firm specializing in values-based Leadership Development and Organizational Transformation.CGC approach focuses on impacting the long-term performance of organisations and their people through the promotion of ethical leadership models and systems-transformation strategies. Through industry specialist and experts drawn from over 50 nations, CGC is able to provide a unique perspective on global trends and issues, and to deliver comprehensive, values-based insight, expertise and resource to every engagement.

Philipsburg: --- The members and candidates of the National Alliance can fairly say they were the best looking team on Wednesday when the marched from Parliament Building around the block to the government administration building to submit their list of candidates to the main voting bureau for the September 17 election. The supporters and members of the National Alliance rallied through the street carrying a white balloon as they marched behind the party leader, deputy leader and the other candidates currently in the island council. Among them was island council man Louie Laveist the number 9 candidate on the NA slate.
It was clear that the National Alliance did not have difficulty finding people that would meet the criteria for this election, they also made sure the selected candidates running for public office has what it takes to be in government. Among them are seasoned politicians, doctors, the head of the census office, a candidate with a degree in criminal justice. The supporters of the National Alliance sang to the drum beat and shouted "follow the white line". The list of candidates was presented to the chairman of the main voting bureau by Henrietta Doran York the number 6th candidate on the National Alliance slate. After the list was presented and accepted the supporters of the National Alliance began whistling and screaming in the building signaling they are ready. They were asked who the winning team is and in an overwhelming the response was the National Alliance.
Deputy leader of the National Alliance Frans Richardson was overheard telling the chairman that he was signing off on the winning slate, and that each of his signatures meant 3 seats for the National Alliance.

Leader of the National Alliance and leader of government William Marlin told reporters that the National Alliance presented the winning slate and they would be having an all out victory which would give the National Alliance the mandate to govern for the next four years, to continue the process St. Maarten is currently on to become country. "We are confident that we will have the support of the electorate on St. Maarten on September 17th, our team is one that reflects the people of St. Maarten but also has the experience and knowledge necessary to run country St. Maarten. Marlin said the September 17 election is a serious election, "it is not only about voting but it is about electing a set of people that are serious and most importantly competent that will form the first parliament of St. Maarten out of which they would get the government." Marlin said St. Maarten still has a lot of work to do in terms of putting the necessary institutions in place and transforming the island territory to country. He said the voters will be able to identify with the candidates on the list which was created for the people and by the people. The National Alliance list comprises of a blend of candidates that are experienced. Marlin said he personally has been a member of the island council for the past 24 years consecutively. Marlin said the list has a wealth of new candidates that has the experience and education necessary to govern St. Maarten. Marlin said Louie Laviest is running with the National Alliance despite the efforts made by the other party for him to throw down government and the offers made to him. Asked about Narda de Windt whose photograph is in another party advertisement Marlin said that there are several of his candidates who openly said they were in discussion with the UP and the DP yet they signed his list and is running on the National Alliance slate.
Furthermore, Marlin said that up to Tuesday night the two other parties the UP and DP were busy calling members of the island council from the National Alliance making huge offers to them to join their party. "This is politics and people cannot go by what was instead they have go by what it is. Asked if De Windt is in some sort of situation that they took advantage of as alleged by the Democratic Party leader, Marlin said he will not engage in gossip but if the DP failed to secure the candidate's confidence then they need to take responsibility for it and not blame another party. Marlin said his number 22 candidate Jean Boasman was asked by both the UP and the DP and he declined. Marlin said he has posters designed for candidates that are now on the UP party and he will not cry over spilt milk. He said all three of the major parties contesting this election has a slate and that should be the focus of this election.
Asked if having Laveist on the list would not create problems for the National Alliance Marlin said the law allows Laveist to be a member of the island council and even a commissioner. He said every man is innocent until proven guilty and Laveist is still fighting his legal battles in the court of law.

UP Slate
The United People's Party led by caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger, his candidates and supporters braved the early morning sun on Wednesday to submit their list to the chairman of the main voting bureau. The UP leader and his supporters had to wait for almost half an hour before they could have submitted the list of candidates that will be contesting the September 17 elections. The UP candidates began gathering at the Great Bay Sonesta Hotel at 8 am. They began marching through Front Street chanting UP, UP all the way until they reached the government administration building. Commissioner Theo Heyliger went over to the statue of the late Dr. Claude Wathey and touched it before moving towards the stairs of the AC Wathey Legislative Hall.

The lists of candidates and the request of the party's color was prepared by Joe Richardson advisor to Heyliger, prior to handing over the folder to Heyliger, Richardson said "commissioner I have worked very hard in preparing your list of candidates and I trust that I did not let you down." Commissioner Heyliger in his brief address to Acting Lt. Governor and chairman of main voting bureau said "Governor Groenevelt I would like to present you on behalf of the family of St. Maarten the United Peoples Party the winning slate the United People's Party slate." The chairman after verifying the list said he wishes the leader and his candidates all the best for the upcoming elections and he would be looking forward to the contributions and participation in building country St. Maarten.
Speaking to reporters shortly after submitting his list Heyliger said the board and members of his party was waiting for a long time on postulation day. He said they worked really hard to submit the list with 23 candidates, none of which are appearing on anyone else's list. Asked how confident he is especially since most of his candidates are new, Heyliger said everyone started out new at some point. He made reference to when he ran in 1995 everyone was asking what was that "little boy" going to do for government, but he is there for the past 15 years.
On the UP slate, three of the 23 candidates are persons who ran in elections previously. They are Theo Heyliger, Gracita Arrindell and Johan Janchi Leonard. Heyliger said he confident that his "young team will bring new country St Maarten forward." Heyliger said he will soon present the UP manifesto and the critical issues affecting St. Maarten. However, the main focus will be on public housing, education, and fighting crime on St. Maarten.

Low Turnout for Democratic Party ---Sarah Says she is Confident.
The second political party to submit their list on Wednesday was the Democratic Party led by island councilmember Sarah Wescot Williams. The candidates, members and supporters of the long time party were scheduled to meet by the cemetery next to the Methodist Church on Front Street at 1pm. However, board members, and the candidates of the DP seemed disappointed when just a handful of people showed up to support them.
Just about 1:20pm the Democratic Party leader felt that they were unable to march through Front Street as planned claiming the sun was too hot. A bus was called to the scene to transport the DP supporters and candidate to the government administration building. The bus took over an hour to reach its destination. SMN News later learnt that the bus was also used to pick up people from different locations before heading to the administration building.
At the government administration building the supporters of the DP was significantly lower as compared to the past years. Even though smaller in number the crowd screamed out DP, DP as they entered the AC Legislative Hall as they showed support for their party and its leader, as well as the 23 candidates that will be contesting the elections.
Party leader Sarah Wescot Williams surrounded by her candidates including members of the DP board gathered around her as she addressed the chairman of the main voting bureau. Wescot Williams in her address said she is extremely honored to present the list of candidates of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten that will be participating in the September 17 elections. "I am extremely proud of the other 22 candidates who join her to vying for political office with a strong commitment to represent St. Maarten and its people. We do this at this time in history convinced that if they look around today and see what is happening especially with the current government, they believe that the people of St. Maarten deserves better and with that conviction she is presenting the list of candidates on the Democratic Party slate. Governor Groeneveldt that it is his privilege and honor to accept the list of candidates that are going to take part in the upcoming elections, Groeneveldt also wished the candidate well with much success and God's guidance and he knows for sure that all persons who are taking part in this election is doing it with the interest of St. Maarten at heart.
Shortly after submitting the list Wescot Williams told reporters that the presentation of the Democratic Party list signifies the start of a very short campaign. Wescot Williams said that she and the rest of the candidates on the DP slate are quite confident that with the platform that they intend to present to the people also with the commitment and dedication they will turn things around on St. Maarten. She further explained as they look around on St, Maarten and listen to the people on the street then they need to be in the election of September 17 because it is her opinion that the people deserves better.
Wescot Williams said she will be presenting her party platform in next couple of days, "right now it is available digitally but the print copies are not yet here." The Democratic Party leader said if they are elected they would be continuing the governing program they had in place for 2007 -2011. She said the DP is still one year away from their 4-year term and as such there are still things they must do based on their governing program. "As country St. Maarten we will be taking on new responsibilities in the area of crime, immigration, legislation in the area of education and health and labor." The highlight she said is to complete the programs they started. She said while the NA/Heyliger/Laveist government has tried to execute the program of the Democratic Party they have not been successful at doing it.
Asked about the candidate she has on her slate and is on the National Alliance slate, Wescot Williams said the DP has a full slate of 23 candidates. The DP leader said postulation day is about her and her 22 candidates that are on their list but her party intends to address the situation with the candidate that is on more than one list. Wescot Williams said that the candidate who is on the National Alliance list Narda de Windt is not on their slate, she was replaced by Melvin Gomez. Wescot Williams said it is rather regretful that a political party would take the hardship of people and use it as a pawn. She stressed that her party will be addressing this issue at a later date. Asked about the size of her crowd which is smaller than the previous years, Wescot Williams said she believes the people could not take the sun, while some of them did not make it to the government building. She said even though small her people are enthusiastic and upbeat.
In the meantime, leader of the Concordia Political Alliance Jeffry Richardson showed courage, and strength when he went to the main voting bureau and presented his slate. Jeffry is the lone soldier on the CPA slate. When SMN News contacted Jeffry on Wednesday to know exactly what time he was going to submit his list he said he was at the census office regulating his paper work. Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt confirmed that Jeffry was the only candidate on the CPA slate.

GREAT BAY:--- Governments, Telecommunications firms and creative enterprises were challenged to develop a comprehensive framework to drive competitiveness and better encourage and support producers of cultural content in the Caribbean. This according Josanne Leonard, a leading Caribbean media, communications and entertainment expert.
Speaking at the CTU's Caribbean ICT Roadshow in St Maarten on the topic 'Developing a Sustainable Content Creation Industry', Leonard stated that "the value of our cultural economy has been neglected by regional governments and private sector development initiatives".
In a wide ranging presentation covering policy and business strategy, Leonard touched on the need for Governments, Telecommunications firms and creative enterprises to flesh out a policy framework for ICT Networks, electronic communications, spectrum, roaming networks, e-commerce and information security.
"It's not business as usual in the cultural and creative sectors" she said. "Now that local and extra-regional economic shocks have caused massive dislocation in traditional sectors like agriculture, tourism and energy, we have to align creativity, innovation, technology and business entrepreneurship to make and distribute our local cultural content."
Leonard noted that while the cultural economy is widely recognized as the flagship of the modern knowledge-based economies, the region's governments were still too slow off the mark in addressing structural imbalances and biases that continue to impact negatively on the cultural sectors. She added, "We must do a bit of navel gazing quickly to address the barriers that inhibit the wider creation and distribution of local online and mobile content."
Leonard also highlighted some of the critical next steps, stating "What is required are partnerships geared toward promoting the competitiveness of Caribbean content in music, film, sports and other creative areas through the strengthening of Intellectual Property regimes, interoperability and e-commerce settlement systems and digital rights management to make content secure."
She continued: "Here in the Caribbean, we should be strategic about increasing integration between tourism and heritage, sports, entertainment to develop and retain lucrative tourism products on which to hang our different and individual appeal."
Leonard acknowledged that while regional telecoms and ISP's have made some tentative steps to embrace content, she said there was need for more strategic partnerships with leading content creators and rights holders to build strong on-line distribution platforms for content. "Our content producers, aggregators and entertainment enterprises have not been enabled to reach local, Diaspora and new consumers through affordable band width and fast digital networks. It is a paradigm shift that the Caribbean has to embrace more earnestly", she said.

About Josanne Leonard.
Josanne Leonard is a leading regional expert with over twenty five years experience in the Media, Communications, Entertainment and Cultural Sectors She combines industry acumen with knowledge of the public and industrial policy issues related to the media, cultural and technology industries and has built up strong networks of media and entertainment industry professionals and firms internationally. She can be contact at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Philipsburg:--- All of us as young people must be fully cognizant of the fact that, in recent times, St. Kitts and Nevis has recorded an unprecedented increase in violent crime and murders. These crimes particularly affect young people, especially when it comes to gang-related activity and when considering the fact that the majority of gun-crime victims are under 25 years of age.
In my view, the escalating wave of violent crime and murders now presents a serious national security crisis for the Federation and we cannot speak of or realise any meaningful national development unless we can first ensure the security of our people.
We lost a heart-stopping 27 of our fellow sons and daughters of the soil to murder in 2009 (a new record) and it appears that we are on track to tie this appalling record as thus far there have been 19 homicides in 2010. Even though it is often claimed that "crime happens everywhere", we can put this into perspective. Our population comprises, let's say, roughly 40,000 persons; we have had 19 homicides. For comparison purposes, Grenada with a population of 100,000 has had 5 murders for 2010. At a rate of 2.4 murders per month, violent crime has now become the leading cause of death among our young men. It is a matter for deep regret and concern that many of these recent homicides remain unsolved today.
It is against this backdrop, we are told, that the Interception of Communication Bill is being proposed by the Government. It is interesting that the proposal for the Bill seems to emanate, not from the Ministry of National Security, or in conjunction with it, but from the Ministry of Information.
According to the Honourable Minister of Information, Senator Nigel Carty, the Bill will give power to public authorities to obtain a Court order to intercept communication by cell phones, land-lines, telegraphs [OK, who uses telegraphs these days?], wireless networks and devices, mailing systems including parcels and couriers, and other means of communication – so, basically, nothing would be off-limits.
The Honourable Minister told the media that when this proposed legislation becomes law, it will help to solve crimes which have been problematic to solve before. The Attorney General, the Honourable Patrice Nisbett, has stated that the Bill will be broad-reaching and it extends to both capital crimes and non-capital crimes.
Now let us examine this more closely and scrutinize it carefully. Even though the Bill is not yet before the Honourable House, it cannot hurt to form an opinion on it from a young person's point of view.
Section 3 of the Constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis stipulates:
"Whereas every person in Saint Christopher and Nevis is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, birth, political opinions, colours, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely-
c) protection for his personal privacy, the privacy of his home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation..."
The right to our personal privacy, as this section illustrates, is a fundamental right and freedom which is enshrined in our Federation's Constitution. It is a constitutional guarantee; and as we all know, the Constitution is our supreme law and always takes priority over any Bill which is placed before Parliament.
As I understand it, our Constitutional rights can only be limited by something that is "in the public interest". This Interception of Communication Bill is probably going to be introduced under that premise – that is, that the Bill is proposed in the public interest and should therefore be passed on that basis.
But is it really in the public interest to pass this particular Bill, even against the backdrop of the unprecedented crime and murder wave?
Decades ago, George Orwell's famous novel entitled 1984 had warned us all very gravely against the rise of "Big Brother" and the intrusion of "Big Brother" into our personal lives and liberty.
As young people we must realize that this Bill proposes a restriction on our personal freedoms which are guaranteed by the Constitution. We cannot shy away from that fact or pretend that it is otherwise. It is immaterial that the Bill will not be used on all of us in the country and only a few of us. It is a limitation. Any violation of my neighbour's freedom is a violation of mine.
It is the rise of Big Brother. And, I assert, it is not in the public's best interest.
Let me say plainly, for the avoidance of doubt and question, I am not any criminal. I am not backing up for any criminals or defending their atrocious and horrendous activities. But seriously, what is the Government really thinking they will overhear when they listen in on a conversation of these criminals? It's a serious question, because the criminals these days are much more sophisticated and aware, as I'm sure we can all imagine. So what do they think they will hear these criminals say, after they get the Judge to make a Court order? And what do they think they will see when they intercept some text messages? "Yo David, this Brian. I using Andrea phone. Don't forget we robbing Stone Walls first thing tomorrow morning eh. Shawn say he want come with us. You still picking me up in you blue jeep right?"
You get the picture.
Now, let's be real. How many unsolved crimes do YOU honestly think will this Bill help to solve?
And by the way, how much has crime gone down since the Government put up surveillance cameras in various places around Basseterre?
As I said before, I am no criminal. I have no intention of committing any crime. I like my house. And frankly, I could not last even an hour in prison. But I'm sure many of us young people know how annoying it is when your Mom or Dad is looking over your shoulder on the computer while you're chatting on MSN or when you're on Facebook, and trying to read what you are doing. How does that make you feel? You're not doing anything criminal or wrong on Facebook. But you want your privacy! And there's nothing wrong with that. It's your right and you deserve it. You are entitled to feel funny about it. We can all relate to this. It's pure vexation, right? When you can't get to enjoy your personal space and privacy like you should?
I must say that Benjamin Franklin put it better than I ever could: "Those who will sacrifice their liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither." In America, they call it 'fear-mongering'. You see, sometimes, when our leaders want something, they use scare tactics to get their way and place restrictions on the freedom of us law-abiding citizens and then tell us it's for our own good. They will say, "Yes, we can all agree that crime is out of control. Therefore we are going to start checking all communication. Not to worry, we'll get a Judge to sign an Order before we do it to you. You don't want to get robbed do you? Good. Now, let us check all your BB messages."
It's the principle of the thing. We must defend our liberty and our constitutional rights, no matter what.
They want to keep tabs on us. But can any of us keep tabs on them? Bear in mind, the Government leaders are our servants. Their duty is to serve us and encourage our pursuit of happiness. Their duty is not to find ways and means to restrict that. We live in a democracy. And that means we elect them to do our will.
Where is the Freedom of Information Bill, the Bill that will allow us to hold the Government accountable, and let us monitor if they are doing what we put them in office to do? Where is the Integrity in Public Life Bill that will help to prevent corruption and maintain the utmost transparency in government dealings and the affairs of the State?
Does anyone else see a double standard here?
Some persons have been making the argument that other democratic nations have wiretapping laws to prevent crime, so why can't we have it? But guess what. Other countries have Freedom of Information Acts, too. Other countries have Integrity in Public Life Acts, too. Their citizens can know all the goings and comings of their government officials. They are fully abreast of every single expenditure that their governments make. So why can't we? Why don't our leaders lead by example and give up their privacy first?
And, honestly, do we want to give credence to the argument that other countries have this and that law, so we can have this Bill? Do we really want to go there? Because other countries have legalized gay marriage, too. In fact, the legislation in favour of gay marriage is increasing all over the world today. Does that mean it will automatically be good for us? Should we pass these same laws just because other countries are passing them? Seriously?
I will only say, in conclusion, that while government is killing up itself to make this unnecessary and unwarranted intrusion into our personal lives and liberty and monitor us like 'Big Brother', we had better stop and consider this - Who goin' guard the guard?

Philipsburg:--- Leader of the Concordia People's Alliance Jeffry Richardson is moving to court to force the main voting bureau to add a candidate to the CPA list which was submitted on Wednesday. Richardson in an interview with SMN News said that he approached the prosecutor's office on Friday but they were not willing to intervene and as such he is moving towards the court of first instance for justice.
Richardson said one of his candidates, Leo Richardson whom he introduced to the media on Sunday last registered at the census office on July 16th so that he can contest the September 17 elections, while registration for the elections closed off on August 8. However, on Tuesday the CPA leader said he was informed by the head of the main voting bureau that there is no record of Leo Richardson at the census office. He said on Wednesday he returned to the census office with his candidate and the stamped receipt given to him when he registered on July 16th to show that Leo Richardson did submit his registration. Richardson said despite providing the necessary proof to the census office he was informed that the file could not be found and that Leo Richardson would not be able to contest the election. Richardson said he spent most of the day at the census office on Wednesday hoping that they would have been able to find his candidate file but that did not happen which forced him to present his list to the chairman of the main voting bureau with one candidate. "On Thursday when I returned to the census office to get the necessary signatures to qualify the CPA for the September 17 elections I asked about the Leo Richardson file and I was informed by the department that the file was found but unfortunately the candidate still cannot be added to the CPA's list because the registration period is officially over."
Asked if he wrote a letter to the chairman of the main voting bureau to inform him of his predicament the CPA leader said he did not write the chairman and he is waiting to see what decision the chairman will take by Monday when all the lists that were presented are finalized. "I am not going to blame anyone at any department but I will ensure that whatever happened with the file will come out because my party and supporters will be going after the truth." Jeffry Richardson said it's a pity that Leo Richardson did not get to run on the CPA slate since he is competent. "We are going to do all in our power if it means going to court to remedy the situation."
SMN News learnt that while Leo Richardson registered on July 16th he was required to submit other documents to the census office so that they could complete his registration. The source said that Richardson was born in Aruba and he has to submit proof that Aruba was his last known address prior to him being registered on St. Maarten. The law states that anyone who was born on Aruba before January 1 1986 has to have a permit to register.
The source added that Richardson has been living on St. Maarten for over a year now and he never registered himself on the island. Furthermore, Jeffry Richardson and Leo Richardson could have gone to court on August 11 to utilize his rights to register and to contest the September 17 election. The source further explained that only one person residing on St. Maarten utilized that right even though the census office made several publications urging residents and citizens to verify and to make the necessary changes to their address prior to the election. "Right now no judge could do anything for Leo Richardson he is the one who did not do what was necessary to make sure he is registered. It does not mean that because he holds a Dutch passport he can live and register on St. Maarten without following the necessary procedures."
SMN News also learnt that the census office is faced with a severe backlog due to the current Brooks Tower Registration. Normally persons registering at the census office are told that their documents would be ready within two weeks after they were registered but now it takes over a month to complete the process.
Richardson said the people of St. Maarten have ensured that the CPA gets in the race because he already knows that the CPA has 146 signatures before he left the census office on Thursday evening. Richardson expressed gratitude towards those persons who signed for the CPA which validated them for the election. "For us this is our first victory which was to be able to present a list on Wednesday despite the hurdles, and to have the required amount of signatures." Richardson said he will do whatever is in his power to make sure that St. Maarteners are not excluded in the development of the new country.
Ever since Jeffry Richardson announced that he was going to contest the September 17 election under the CPA it was clear that Richardson is fighting his battle alone and that members of his family was not supporting him. Asked if the lack of support from his love ones and relatives is affecting him Richardson said he is not affected since God is with him. "God is first in my life and everyone else is after, in the bible it is written that when your mother and father forsake you it is then God will pick you up and take you where you are going and this is what I am holding on to. My major hurdle was to be able to postulate on Wednesday and to get the signatures on Thursday." "I also want to say that I love my family very much despite what they have done, it is also their prerogative and my brother's prerogative to vote for whoever they want to vote for but one thing for sure is that we will remain brothers and loyal to each other."
Asked if his family is worried about him and is concerned about his inconsistencies knowing that he ran with the Democratic Party in January 2010 despite the fact he was evicted from his job when he ran some years ago against his former boss Roy Marlin. "I think my family is concerned about me and that is their right, however, I must say I am 45-years old and must be able to pursue my dreams with the help of GOD and I will do whatever it takes to follow my dreams because everyone must follow their dreams. Even if I fail I will get back up, because failure is when someone fall and they refuse to get back up" Richardson said he is urging everyone whether or not they are from St. Maarten to follow their dreams, because that is the only way they will know what God has in store for them.

As the nation awaited the result of the most recent General Election, held in January, on a panel of pundits discussing the unfolding events over the long election night Sir Probyn Inniss, eminent scholar, lawyer and former governor voiced his discomfort at the prospect of an elected dictatorship taking shape in these two hitherto halcyon islands. He was speaking about the shocking conduct that occurred in Half Way Tree and the cruel sham that masquerades as an electoral process but it is doubtful that even he contemplated that before this year was through this Federation would even contemplate much less actualize the power of government to violate the personal correspondence of an individual.
The Constitution of this Federation expressly protects the right of every person to privacy. In s 3 it states "whereas every person in Saint Christopher and Nevis is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms, that is to say, the right, c) protection for his personal privacy". In s 12 it also protects the freedom to conduct private communication as the freedom of expression. It states that "except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference (whether the communication is to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) and freedom from interference with his correspondence".
The Constitution also outlines the conditions under which a government may with the permission and supervision of the High Court abridge these fundamental rights and freedoms namely those "reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health" but only if "the things done under the authority thereof are shown to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society".
It is clear the constitution foresees both that special circumstances may arise that require extraordinary responses and that even then it is important that governments do not have a blank cheque for no circumstance justifies arbitrary power. The proposed new law is intended we are told to deal with the explosion of criminality but such an assertion is extremely unconvincing. This Labour government has absolutely no credibility in its dealing with the crime scourge.
It has consistently refused to recognize the current situation as a crisis. The Prime Minister has infamously refused to take responsibility for crime and has declared that his tenure as Minister of National Security which saw the highest number of homicides in a calendar year, 27 in 2009; was a success. There have been 102 violent, mostly gun related homicides from 2006 to the present time and hardly any have been solved. The Commissioner of Police has had to complain to the BBC about the detrimental lack of resources given the police force to tackle crime. The police force has been politicized out of any semblance of professionalism or efficiency and abused verbally by the Prime Minister himself in parliament and in the inhumane conditions they are forced to work under. The former parliamentarian Mr. Astaphan has publicly revealed how him plans and programs as Minister of National Security were deliberately undermined and sabotaged by this Labour government and with the crime rate rising the budgetary allocation to this vital Ministry has actually been reduced in 2008 and 2010.
Basic interventions like consistent visible police patrols, enforcement of law against loitering on the streets which just creates targets, destruction of derelict buildings that are gang hideouts, putting the faces of convicts in public places and so on have been resolutely ignored but precious constitutional rights are to be infringed for "defense". The only defense this Denzil Douglas administration is interested it is the defense of its own illegitimacy and power to rape the Treasury. The evidence for this is clear and not only in Half Way Tree. Citizens must rally to preserve constitutional rights or soon there may not be any fundamental rights and freedoms.

Philipsburg:--- A commencement ceremony was held on Saturday last for Chantal Jones, Martha Gumbs and Mansfield Webster who recently concluded the Summer Work Program at the Ministry. Miss Gumbs and Mr. Webster are students at the Sundial School and Miss Jones is a student at the Milton Peters College.
During their first week 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 Duzanson'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.
The students visited several government departments on both Island Territory and Central Government including the Coast Guard, Disaster Management, Prison and Ambulance Department. They also got in depth information on the constitution of St. Maarten and were able to attend an Island Council Meeting.
Ms. Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant and Mr. Terry J. Peterson, Special Advisor at the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs, served as coordinators of the three week Program.

GREAT BAY:--- Hurricane specialist have reportedly stated that they expect things to heat up in the coming weeks and that we could see two or more storm systems forming per week.
Apparently cool, dry air has impacted the slow formation of storm activity during the past weeks and this reprieve is expected to end as Caribbean islands go into the peak period of the 2010 hurricane season.
The Office of Disaster Management is imploring the nation to make sure that all hurricane season pre-preparations are in place before storm warnings are issued. Residents are urged to update their family plan and restock their first aid kit and their supplies of non-perishable food as the lead time for preparation of a hurricane strike can be short and you don't want to be caught off-guard. Services such as supermarkets, gasoline, banks, running water, electricity and many other items that residents have grown accustomed too may not be available right after the passing of a hurricane.
The normal requirement is to have enough supplies in-house for three to five days. So far four systems have already formed for the hurricane season, namely Hurricane Alex, Tropical Storms Bonnie, Colin and Hurricane Danielle. There is currently a low pressure system near the Cape Verde Islands in the far Atlantic Ocean, and this system is expected to become a Tropical Storm and will be called Earl. Both systems at this time pose no threat to any land area and are forecasted to pass several hundred miles to the North of St Maarten. Forecasted are 18-20 named storms and 10 to 12 hurricanes, five to six of those are expected to be category three or stronger.
Some of the preparations that residents need to look at are: for those with a generator, to make sure that it is in good working order; check your shutters, make sure that they fit and you have all the parts; remove debris from the yard; trim back trees; ensure that travel documents are up to date and check on insurance policies to ensure they are current.
For weekly hurricane season preparatory tips and a listing of the hurricane shelters, you can check the Government Information Page published in both daily papers from Monday to Thursday. The remaining names for storm systems are Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie and Walter.
The hurricane season runs until November 30.

Philipsburg:--- On Wednesday August 25th at approximately 03.00 p.m. a police patrol was stopped on the St Peters road by the man with the initials M.H.A. who was victim of a break in of his home earlier during the day.
During this break in several electronic appliances and jewelry were stolen. The victim also informed the patrol of the vehicle the three or four suspects were driving in. At the same time the victim was speaking to the patrol the suspected vehicle in which four men were driving was spotted heading towards the Cul-de- Sac area. The patrol stopped the car in question in the vicinity of Cake House on the L.B.Scott road.
During a search of the Jeep a Play Station belonging to the victim was found in trunk of the vehicle. All four suspects with initials S.J.A., R.K.A., D.N.R., and F.J. from St Maarten were arrested on the spot for further investigation. The investigation into this case is still ongoing.

Philipsburg:--- The detective department is currently investigating another shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday night on Madrid Drive Dutch Quarter.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said at approximately 08:40pm police were sent to the location where they met a 37 year old Jamaican identified as A.S lying in a pool of blood on the street. Henson said the victim was shot in both of his legs and he told the police that three unknown masked men approached him and threatened his life.

The man said he tried running away but his attackers shot him four times in his two legs. The victim was transported to the St Maarten Medical Center for treatment. He was operated on and then admitted for observation. This case is still under investigation by the Detective and Forensic department to determine what exactly happened and the exact reasons for the shooting.
In an unrelated incident police are investigating a stabbing where the victim was seriously injured.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said at approximately 04.00pm police and detectives were directed to Welfare Road Cole Bay in the vicinity of Peiking Supermarket for a stabbing incident.
On the scene the investigating officers did not encounter the victim and were told, that he was taken by private vehicle to the St Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
On the scene the officers did not receive the necessary cooperation from those persons present to find out what exactly took place. Henson said when police contacted the medical facility to enquire about the condition of the victim the officers were informed that no one involved in a stabbing was brought in to receive any medical attention.
After contacting the hospital on the French Side, the Police Central Dispatch was informed that the victim with initials C.V. was brought-in in a very critical condition and had to be operated on immediately. The victim has been admitted to the hospital on the French side for observation. When the victim is in condition to speak a statement will be taken from him. The investigation into this case is ongoing.

GREAT BAY:--- The Office of Disaster Management is urging the public to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Earl which is approaching the North Eastern Caribbean islands.

The Office of Disaster Management will continue to monitor the progress of the storm system very closely and will inform the public if and when necessary with respect to what actions if any are required with respect to the approaching storm.

Tropical Storm Earl according to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Meteorological Service, due to uncertainty on how it will exactly influence local weather conditions, no local effects is expected before Sunday morning.

Tropical Storm Earl is expected to become a Category one Hurricane by Monday midday and is expected to be approximately 160 miles Northeast of Sint Maarten at 2.00pm on August 30.

GREAT BAY:--- Sint Maarten (GIS) – Operational leaders of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) met at the Fire Department in Cay Hill this morning to assess the situation on the island with respect to post Hurricane Earl clean-up as well as approaching Tropical Storm Fiona.

Curfew: The curfew was lifted at 10.00am by order of the Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt. This was done because of the accelerated clean-up efforts carried out by the Departments of Public Works, Fire and private contractors of the main road network system.

Acting Lt. Governor Groeneveldt recommends those persons who don't need to be on the road should remain at home cleaning up their yards in order for the national clean-up effort to continue in the various districts.

Groeneveldt would like to thank all government departments and emergency services that played a role in the pre and post hurricane period for their efforts and doing a great job.

Schools: An assessment of schools will be carried out on Tuesday and a decision will be taken quickly to determine when schools can reopen.

Electricity/Water: GEBE continues to be confronted with the situation of rough seas at the Cay Bay Power Plant. A number of generators that use sea water to cool the systems are still offline due to the sea state. Load shedding will be necessary and you are hereby advised to use electricity moderately in order to limit load shedding in the various districts.

GEBE crews are out assessing overhead lines and the distribution grid and making the necessary repairs.

Water levels in the storage tanks are at low levels. A transformer at the Water Plant has some problems and technicians are busy working on repairing the problem. Until that issue has been resolved water production is limited and residents are advised to use water sparingly until this problem has been resolved.

Clean-up & Debris Removal:

The Public Works Department has teams out clearing the various districts. Front and Back Street should be cleared of most debris within the next few hours. The Boardwalk will be cleared once an assessment has been made with respect to Tropical Storm Fiona which is forecasted to pass over 100 miles from Sint Maarten.

Drains are to be cleared prior to any inclement weather.

Airport/Harbour and Hotel Infrastructure:

No damage has been reported at the Princess Juliana International Airport. The airport will provide information about flight operations.

Assessments are to be carried out at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo facilities. No major damage has been reported based on a preliminary assessment. Divers need to assess the water depth before the all clear sign can be given. As the seas clear and subside these assessments will be carried out immediately.

The hotel plant infrastructure is all intact. No major damages have been reported other than minor water damage.

Food Safety/Dengue Fever Prevention: Health inspectors are out in the field assessing food safety matters where supermarkets, grocers and restaurants are concerned.
Residents are urged to implement measures to prevent mosquito breeding by removing any and all containers that can hold water.

Tropical Storm Fiona: The public is hereby asked to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Fiona which is several hundred miles East of Sint Maarten. The island is under a Tropical Storm Watch.

The EOC meeting was chaired by Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt. Also present was second Acting Lt. Governor Nilda Arduin-Lynch.

GREAT BAY: --- Executive Director of the Tallahassee-St Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse will be arriving on the island Tuesday, August 3 for 10-days with respect to the Victorious Living Entrepreneur Wealth Creation Symposium, a joint collaborative effort as a result of the Tallahassee-St Maarten partnership, and includes a lecture by infamous U.S. consultant Ramon Alexander.
During Lugisse working visit, he will also be available to meet with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), individuals, students, businesses, associations and other entities who are interested in knowing more about the Tallahassee-St Maarten partnership which has been in existence for more than 10-years.
Lugisse will be meeting with the Island Government in order to boost on-going relations. For the past 16-years all governing bodies of St Maarten have supported the partnership that exist between the island and the Florida capital city of Tallahassee, Lugisse pointed out, adding that education has always been a priority for the island no matter which government was in power and he expects things to get even better as we move towards country status.
The partnership includes joint relationships in the following areas, infrastructure, environment, human resources', health, police matters, EMS Ambulance services, meteorology, agriculture, fire department, technology, arts and culture, youth issues (juvenile delinquency, gang development), sports, financial options, and assorted joint ventures.
Now that TLH-SXMF has an office in Tallahassee, the aforementioned acts as a vehicle to bring many competencies, expertise, and programs to the island that could benefit both the Public and Private Sectors of the nation based on the close relationship with both the City and now Leon County.
"With our island heading towards country status, developing partnerships is key to our nations continued success in overall national development in the private and public sectors.
"The St Maarten Government with the partnership with Tallahassee has set a platform for ongoing relations not only for St Maarten but with the rest of the Caribbean. We seek to stimulate socio-economic opportunities by way of TLH-SXMF offering business opportunities in the USA to interested organizations.
"Do take the opportunity to learn more what the Tallahassee-St Maarten partnership has to offer the island. I also encourage students and their parents to get in contact with me especially those that did not get study financing from the Island Government.
"There are possibilities of still entering the Florida A&M University in Tallahassee at in-state tuition which is almost one third of the costs. Students from the French side of the island as well as Caribbean students can apply," Executive Director of the TLH-SXMF Arthur Lugisse told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.
Businesses and educational institutions seeking to explore and develop programs/projects/policies/products/services in conjunction with entities out of Tallahassee for St Maarten can contact Arthur Lugisse at the Victorious Living Office, Backstreet #158B or local contact number 524-8731, 542-2663 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the foundations website www.tlh-sxmf.org

GREAT BAY The Nurses at the OB/GYN and Pediatric wards of the St. Maarten Medical Center is commemorating World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), as supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
According to the WHO website, "WBW is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding."
"Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond."
Sheryl Carty-Fleming, Supervisor of the OB/GYN (maternity section), said that the nurses are committed and dedicated in their work and I commend them for a job well done, especially over the last 3 to 4 years.
As nurses at the SMMC, Nurse Carty-Fleming said that we play a vital role in the establishment of breast feeding. We render care to women during their pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We come in contact with mothers and newborns on a daily basis.
Three years ago, we interviewed fathers and men on how they see breast feeding and their thoughts/challenges on this. We concluded that women keep them away because we think they are not interested, so we have to get more men involved in the process. So we have decided that we needed to rejuvenation of our efforts.
Last year we set out to make aware our SMMC colleagues of the importance of breastfeeding from management to our interior care takers.
I would like to thank all that contributed to these efforts, Nurse Carty-Fleming said. Cancy MCRae, Stacy-Ann Violenus, Roslyn Brookson, Naica Arrindell, Mary Liburd, Yvonne Cameron, Fely Mendiola, Holis Parks, Kristine Efenio, and Ariene Tearr.
A committee has been put together and they have come up with several activities that will not only cover the week and month, but also throughout the year. Such activities as: a questionnaire, information sessions, revising breast feeding policy, article and picture contest, and promotional items.
In this regard, she added that an information booth will be in the patio area of the SMMC for the public to visit for more information on breast feeding, from 12 noon to 2pm on August 3rd. There are pamphlets, bookmarks, and other information, including persons on hand to provide the interested persons with information.
The organizing committee pointed out to follow the: Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, namely, every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should:

1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
2. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within half an hour of birth.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants.
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.
7. 7. Practice rooming-in - that is, allows mothers and infants to remain together - 24 hours a day.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

Cole Bay:--- Police have arrested a Haitian woman at the Salvation Army Building early Tuesday morning when they discovered the woman was in possession of a false passport. According to information reaching SMN News the woman went to apply for the extension of her Brooks Tower Permit and when the officers on duty scanned her passport they discovered it was not an authentic passport. Details on the false document are not forthcoming at this point in time.
The woman was escorted by police in handcuffs from Cole Bay to the Philipsburg Police Station where she is currently held.
Tiara Hasselhoef, project coordinator of the BTA process warned applicants that their passport will be checked prior to submitting their applications. Applicants are also told that they need to walk with their last passport which has to be valid.

These are available for the Annual Programs Fund (outright contributions that provide immediate funding for the Foundation's cultural, humanitarian, and educational programs) and the Permanent Fund (outright donations or endowed funds).
Past President Pierre Decelles expressed his and the St. Maarten Rotary Club's appreciation to Louis Wever for the excellent track record and never ending commitment to humanitarian service by bestowing on him the highest recognition within the Rotary organization.
"Louis, as you may well know is a very successful business man and owns and operated an electrical installation company.
He is originally from Curacao but has elected to live and work in St Maarten for many years now.
As with all our PHF (Paul Harris Foundation) recipient he is a dedicated Rotarian fully involved in everything Rotary. He belongs to the Mid-Isle Rotary Club of which he is a Past President and by the way once again President for the year 2010-2011.
For the last 3 years his position in Rotary has been as AG in District 7020. His duties in this function are to represent the District Governor on the islands of St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla and St. Barths. Having had to work with Louis as AG, I can assure you that his commitment to Rotary is more than anyone could demand. Louis is always present, always helpful and permanently available to all Rotarians. His efforts to make our Rotary world a better place to live is second to none.
We congratulate and thank AG Louis for a job well done and present him this PHF award".
Louise Wever's son Ronny, a member of the St. Maarten Rotaract Club accepted the award on his father's behalf.

Philipsburg:--- The police internal affairs are currently investigating a female officer identified as Dextra Philips who was working in Saba. The officer in question was assigned to Saba some two years ago after her boyfriend who was also a police officer fired shots at her house. Officer Alexander Cassiana lost his job due to the early morning incident that occurred in the Betty's Estate area.
The officer it is understood fought with her boyfriend in Saba and she pulled out her service weapon and threatened him. SMN News learnt that the young man filed a complaint with the police internal affairs. SMN News also learnt that the officer even fought on Facebook with her lover. Officer Philips was ordered to return back to St. Maarten and her weapon was also seized as the investigation continues. In an invited comment Chief Commissioner of Police Peter De Witte confirmed that the officer in question was brought back to St. Maarten because she is engaged in unethical behavior. De Witte said according to the information provided to him the officer did not use her service weapon, but admitted that the officer and her lover was engaged in a war of words that even took place on Facebook. De Witte said the investigation is in its early stages and when it is completed he would be able to say more on the case.

ST. MARTIN:--- The children of José H. Lake, Sr. held a family reunion here last weekend. The descendants of the late St. Martin newspaper publisher, labor activist, politician, and patriot, participated in a private prayer at their patriarch's gravesite; picnicked at Le Galeon Beach; and attended a dedication service at the Catholic Church in South Reward. Attending the services and activities were Lake's children grandchildren, one great grandchild, and additional family members. This is the second family reunion of the Lake, Sr. descendants. The siblings and their offspring that were unable to visit the St. Martin homeland for the weekend celebration were communicated with via the Internet.

Philipsburg:---Commissioner Blackmans latest response on the last CFT letter, he again tries to shift blame from his failing to historical perspectives, far from the truth said former finance commissioner Roy Marlin.
The 2009 budget was approved by the Island Council mid December 2009 and sent to the CFT. The CFT on March 12, 2009 sent its reaction. On April 15, 2009 the Executive council responded clarifying certain matters brought forward by the CFT. On April 27, 2009 the Executive Council and the CFT met in a clarification session. On May 5, 2009 the CFT gave its approval to the 2009 budget of St. Maarten. At no time did the 2009 budget approved by the Island Council need to be amended because of fictitious income projections as was the case in the 2010 budget prepared and supported by the members of the Island Council consisting of NA Island Council Members and Commissioners, Councilman and Commissioner Theo Heyliger and Councilman Laveist.
Commissioner Blackman is the one responsible for the management of the finances of the Island Territory since June 8, 2009. Several agreements were made during the course of 2009, with the CFT by Commissioner Blackman and the current Executive Council which agreements were not lived up to. The CFT in its letter admonishes the Executive Council for continuously setting deadlines and not living up to them. While the insinuations of historical perspectives are leveled towards the DP, it is not the DP that the CFT is referring to as not living up to agreements made. The authority to borrow which was granted in the General Measure Enacting Financial Supervision has to date not paid off. The 2009 budget when approved by the CFT allowed SXM to borrow for capital expenditures. We are still awaiting this matter of borrowing to be finalized for the year 2009 and 2010 with the Central Bank. Every time this matter comes up for discussion the Commissioner comes with the same flimsy excuse, we are working on it. A financial improvement plan which was prepared in 2009, to date still needs to be put into full fledge action. Annual accounts for 2008 which needed to be presented in mid 2009 still not presented for approval by the Island Council. August 2010 and still no final CFT approval to budget 2010. Not one budget amendments presented thus far for 2009 with several cost overruns not properly covered by Island Council approval. Quarterly reports for 2009 not presented on time. As agreed upon between the CFT and St. Maarten, monthly quarterly reports for 2010 not being presented on time. The restructuring of all debt for pre financed projects still awaiting finalization. The administrative handling of the debt payoff of Nafl 180 million, agreed upon between St. Maarten and the Dutch government still to be finalized. Draft budget 2011 to be presented to the CFT by august 15, 2010 and rumors has it that the proposed budget 2011 is running a deficit of close to Nafl 100 million. These matters are indeed history but part of the Commissioners history. The Commissioner uses every opportunity he gets to fly to the Netherlands on all sorts of useless trips with the only intention of racking up as much KLM miles as possible. Let me refresh the Commissioners memory that at no time did the DP party profess that the financial administration of St. Maarten was perfect. That is exactly the reason for the agreements made on improving finances between St. Maarten and the other Kingdom partners. The faster you acknowledge your short comings the faster you can pick up the pieces and move on. Trying to tie in matters such as historical perspectives as reasons for the damaging letter by the CFT are irrelevant at this point and time and serve no purpose. The Commissioner is the responsible person. His lack of taking charge, people's management skills, limited financial knowledge, continuous hostile behavior, his confrontational attitude and the lack of dialogue are all reasons, for the cause of the quagmire that we now find ourselves in. Is this behavior not meant to deliberately delay the constitutional change process for St. Maarten? Allegiance to a cause does not come easily. One would have had to be involved in this cause with heart and soul to have this allegiance. Commissioner Blackman allegiance has always been towards the Saba becoming an integral part of the Netherlands, which he championed tooth and nail together with his mentor for the past 10 years. His actions so far as Commissioner of Finance for St. Maarten makes me wonder if he forgot to make the switch of mind set from BES to Country Status, or if these actions are done with a predetermined agenda to undermine St. Maarten's success of achieving country status. Surprisingly is also that the leader of the NA while very seldom having an opinion on matters such as the BZV, SVB, Central Bank and these other institutions which are a direct responsibility of St. Maarten, we would at the least expect him to have an opinion on the matter of the finances and the CFT which is now being held above our heads as the sword of Damaclus by the 2nd chamber and the Kingdom Council of Ministers, threatening to undermine or delay the achievement of Country Status for St. Maarten. Members of government are expected to be responsible when making public statements and the reaction by Commissioner Blackman as if the attainment of country status cannot be stopped or delayed because of the fact that all laws have been adopted by the first and second chamber, undermines the credibility of St. Maarten as a responsible partner within the Kingdom. The motion of no confidence against Commissioner Blackman will be soon brought to the floor of the Island Council. We hope that this time around the NA/Heyliger government supported by independent member Laveist will realize that this Commissioner is placing St. Maarten in a very embarrassing situation and can no longer be held in this function to the detriment of our constitutional process.

Oyster Pond:--- Police are currently investigating a case of hit and run which took place early Sunday morning on Oyster Pond Road. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said about 01.00 am Sunday morning police responded to the scene of the accident scene where they were informed that a small white car intentionally run over the motor cycle. The police spokesman said the rider of the motor cycle identified as D. M told the investigating officers that while riding on his motorcycle in the direction of Oyster Bay in the vicinity of Lucian bar, he was overtaken by a small white car in which three men were driving. The victim said suddenly he noticed that he was intentionally forced from the road by this small white car.
Not trusting the situation and suspecting that the occupants of that car to have bad intentions, he decided not to stop. The driver of the car he said intentionally drove the car into the motorcycle causing him to lose control, and falling in the concrete trench on the side of the road. The driver of the car noticed that there was other traffic approaching the scene so he took off at very high speed leaving the victim behind. The victim suffered numerous bruises about his body and complained of severe pain in his back, hips, arms and legs. The paramedics attended to the victim on the scene and then transported him to the St Maarten Medical Center for further medical attention.

Middle Region: --- Relatives of Clemencia Josi-anne- Julot who was brutally murdered sometime before July 2 is running out of patience as they wait for two visas to lay to rest their beloved daughter.
In an interview with SMN News on Sunday, Julot's mother Viergenie Julot and her Father Clemente Zepher said that they requested two visas for relatives to attend the funeral but to date they have no answer from their request.
The elderly Julot who is currently ailing from a heart and lung disease said she wanted her son who lives in Haiti to come and see his sister before they bury her. The woman said they also requested a visa for a cousin to come for the funeral because her son if he gets to come to St. Maarten would have to leave shortly after the funeral. Julot said the reason she need her niece to come to St. Maarten is because she would need someone to travel back to Haiti where she is currently taking treatment.
Since the brutal slaying the family said detectives have been visiting their home constantly trying to clues as to who would murder the young woman. Clemente Zepher said the detectives even ask him for a DNA which he provided. Zepher said if it means giving his life so police can find his daughter killers he would do just that.
According to well placed sources Clemencia Josie-anne Julot was found with some 87 stab wounds about her body and her hands were tied behind her back. Zepher said he does not even know if the police and gendarmes finished with the body and if he could go ahead with the funeral arrangements. He said the Collectivity of St. Martin issued a death certificate but they did not tell him if he can make funeral arrangements.
Asked about this on Sunday Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he did not have any news on the case. Mud said he was off this Sunday but hopefully he would be able to provide some information on Monday.

PHILIPSBURG :--- The WIFOL on Friday blasted the University of St. Martin (USM) Board's decision to reduce staff by non-renewal of contracts and called the manner in which the board is operating hypocritical and discriminatory.
One Antillean, with a specialized function, has already received notice while other non-Antilleans, whose contracts have expired, continue to work and their contracts have been renewed. Those include Chief Financial Officer Ken Nolan and Librarian Mark Paul. Nolan, 68, who is well over retirement age, has a salary of over NAF. 10,000 a month, while Paul's is over NAF. 8,000. They also receive benefits, such as car allowance, health insurance for Nolan and his spouse, housing allowance, and other perks. There are also employees who do not have proper working papers. Nolan's contract ended on July 31, 2010, yet he continues to show up to work every day and fire local persons who do not require working papers, signing off as acting president of USM, at the same time, while Joyce Watson, who is said to be on vacation, is sending directives as acting president.
"No wonder the institution is in a mess," said Thompson.
Furthermore, the Board is misinforming the public because the USM Board did not meet with Commissioner Blackman as reported on Friday, August 6, 2010. Actually, the Board reportedly met with some civil servants in an effort to obtain more financing for the tertiary institution.
According to the USM Board, USM will be forced to close its doors as of August 15, 2010, should monies not be received. In the meantime, the USM Business Office is open and collecting funds from students for the upcoming semester which is scheduled to begin on August 16, 2010.
The USM Board is trying to gain favor with faculty, the majority of whom are part time. Faculty at USM only gets paid for classes that are taught, and classes can be cancelled if class enrollment is not sufficient. The salary for instructors has remained at $30.00 per hour since 1994. While the USM Board is cutting back on administrative staff, instructions have been issued for more faculty to be hired.
"The USM Board is providing misinformation and trying to gain political favor with this matter," said Theophilus Thompson.
The USM staff is incurring undue stress due to lack of transparency and communication regarding the future of USM.
The WIFOL is reiterating the call for the USM Board to do the honorable thing and resign while making way for capable and qualified locals to run USM, the island's sole tertiary institution.

GREAT BAY:--- Executive Director of the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse who is currently on a working visit to the island says there are investments and joint ventures within the hospitality sector for businesses interested in the Tallahassee/Sint Maarten partnership.

Prior to arriving on the island July 27, Lugisse who received an invitation from President of National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD, www.nabhood.com) Andy Ingraham for Sint Maarten hospitality students to attend this event, was able to have the authorities send two students to represent the island with other Caribbean students at the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers 14th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership & Investment Summit & Trade Show from July 21-24 in Miami, Florida.

Lugisse who has been assisting Andrew Ingraham and attending the summit for the last years, was able to meet with African American Hotel owners, national leaders, and top industry professionals, where he learned about hotel ownership, investments and supplier diversity. The NABHOOD Summit has been the vehicle for hotel developers to meet important persons in the industry.

"African Americans have a lot of spending power. I see possible joint ventures in multiple areas such as entertainment, cultural heritage and attractions, just to name a few. There is potential, the island has a lot to offer and I'am encouraging the business community to tap into this resource that the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten partnership has to offer," Executive Director of the TLH-SXM Foundation Arthur Lugisse told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

Lugisse who is available to meet with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), individuals, students, businesses, associations and other entities until and including Thursday, August 12, says he has a wealth of information on the possibilities and opportunities related to the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten partnership.

The partnership includes joint relationships in the following areas, infrastructure, environment, human resources', health, police matters, EMS Ambulance services, meteorology, agriculture, fire department, technology, arts and culture, youth issues (juvenile delinquency, gang development), sports, financial options, and assorted joint ventures including education possibilities for those who didn't get study financing (Dutch, French or a Caribbean national) to still enter the Florida A&M University in Tallahassee at in-state tuition which is almost one third of the costs of out of state.

Businesses and educational institutions seeking to explore and develop programs/projects/policies/products/services in conjunction with entities out of Tallahassee for Sint Maarten can contact Arthur Lugisse up until and including Thursday, July 12 at the Victorious Living Office, Backstreet #158B or call 520-1802, 542-2663 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the foundations website www.tlh-sxmf.org

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson met with Okama Brook, Liaison Officer, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the associating liaison organization in the Netherlands Antilles (UNV NA) to discuss current issues regarding the implementation of the Millenium Development Goals (MDG's) during the week of July 26-30th.

Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson, Loekie Morales (representative of MDG for Sint Maarten), and Khalilah Peters of the Directorate of Programmes and Projects met with Mrs. Brook on July 29th to discuss the issues outlined in the MDG work plan and reconfirm the commitment to achieving the MDGs for Sint Maarten.

Brook also met with the MDG workgroup to discuss the work plan. The visit was deemed successful and provided a good basis for the planning of future activities.

Brook supports the implementation of activities under the capacity of Development for Nation Building of the Netherlands Antilles project. This project is a partnership agreement between the Government of the Netherlands Antilles and the UNDP (with offices in Trinidad, Tobago, supporting Suriname, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.

The work plan for the project encompasses the following:

1. Building future relationship with the UNDP/UNV, which entails for example the Development of strategic note and sample project proposal with similarities to VOICE project, to corporate social responsibility initiative, University Internships, Fully funded UNV Volunteers.
2. Developing MDG Communication Strategy. There should be an advocacy/campaign plan development regarding the St. Maarten Website with the GIS department. Components will include but are not limited to factsheets on current project progress/lessons learned, MDG Campaigning tools—brochures, information kit, info share series and speaker series, e-newsletter, human interest news items, sourcing more knowledge management and networking approaches/methodologies MDG series, brochures, factsheets, human interest stories, posters/banners, MDG good will ambassadors, speaker series, UN days.
3. Promoting Volunteerism—advocacy, entails the integration, mobilization, and to organize meetings with key Volunteer Involving Organizations, Government, and the Private sector, and make presentations on volunteerism, symbolism of volunteerism and their economic contribution, identify potential volunteers or programs in St. Maarten, to discuss how to organize International Volunteer Day celebrations on December 5th with possible themes tied to MDGs.
4. Building Capacity for Negotiating with One UN System. The Legal requirements and processes for partnering with the UN and specifically UNDP after 10-10-10. Examine the treaties, joint programming, common country assessment (CCA), UN Development assistance Frameworks (UNDAF), Country Programme Documents ( CPD), plans for workshop in August on Sint Maarten for relevant stakeholders. The purpose of this workshop is to create awareness about the reformed UN system, the various agencies of the UN, on who does what, where, when, in order for the new nation of St. Maarten to acquire the knowledge and processes for partnering with the UN in the future. There will be need for an overall consultation with future department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries/line departments to agree on an approach for working with UN agencies and programs. This is important to avoid confusion, overlapping and duplication.
5. Support capacity development for public policy strategic planning. St. Maarten Department for Programmes and Projects is tasked with the development of a National Development Plan (NDP). DPP's capacity to be enhanced to enable taking a leadership role and future ownership of the MDGs process including the integration of the MDGs into this NDP. National development planning process, requirement for capacity needs assessment (for statistical monitoring, MDG localization), explore possibility of detailed assignment of a sectoral expert from UNDP Regional centre in Panama.
6. Localization of the MDGs and establishment of DevInfo (a database on development items); to refine the role of the MDG working group (who does what, where, how and when) will take place. Data collection streamlining preliminary information to DEVCO (Department for development cooperation on Federal level), as input for summary note under preparation for report writing consultancy will be part of the plan as well.

Philipsburg:--- The young people within our community are showing great interest to the benefit of the community that they affectionately call home.

A few remarkable events or examples are the discussion panel on crime, the surge in the number of aspiring young entrepreneurs who continue to be a source of inspiration for other young people in the community, the excellent work being carried out by youngsters in protecting the environment and the organization of events that showcase the many talented and competitive youth here on the island.

All these various initiatives exhibit the importance of celebrating International Day of the Youth each year and in particular this year 2010.

We are reminded that as a community we need to bring about more awareness on the social ills and create activities intended to eradicate the unfortunate situations within our society.

For this reason the young people within our community should take their activities and contributions to the next level by being more involved. There is another side to doing well for yourself and the community by organizing more activities that eventually will highlight your talents. Share your positive experiences and ideas with your peers as you move forward with your own personal goals.

All of our young people are valued because their input is needed. The youth needs to accept the challenges that our community and our country are facing by offering their valuable contribution towards improving the standard of living in our community. Government will continue to do its part by ensuring that consistent employment opportunities are made available for the young people on the island as well as training to ensure that the necessary skills are obtained in order to be successful. The Integrated Neighborhood Development Program was approved this year which aims to address key issues affecting our youth and our communities. Necessary information gathering will commence shortly within the various communities.

The Commissioner charged with Youth Affairs Mr. Hyacinth Richardson on behalf of the Executive Council wishes everyone a celebrated International Day of the Youth.

There will be an event on Thursday August 12th, 2010 at the Culture Center organized by Mr. Marlon Davis (5237011) to once again showcase our very talented youth.

Belair:--- "Awe-inspiring! Timely; awesome; indeed necessary for this time; and a definite call to action," are just a few descriptive comments made by attendees at Victorious Living Wealth Creation Symposium held Saturday August 7th.
The island is a buzz with excitement and inspiration as persons were motivated by an impressive group of international and local business men and women including former VP of Dell and Motorola, Fenorris Pearson, and Neal Lemlein the marketing mind behind Star Wars who generated billings of more than $100 million in less than twelve months for Paramount Pictures and NBC TV.
From start to finish, the audience was engaged by moderator Kim Reed, inclusion strategist for some of the largest companies in the world including Deloitte, PWC, Merrill Lynch, and Campbell Soup. Attendees included students, doctors, and business persons from various walks of life. Acting Lieutenant Governor Dr. Nilda Arduin endorsed the event and encouraged businesses to make use of the opportunity.
Sessions included the viewing of the powerful and dynamic YES movie featuring 30 multimillionaires before the age of 30, produced by the versatile and empowering Louis Lautman. KFC, one of Victorious Living's Partners in the series also had a power breakfast on August 6th led by Lautman who helped to motivate KFC's employees to be champion sellers and persons with great work ethic who take initiative to move the company's sales.
Ramon Alexander of Clutch Strategies also inspired the NGOs present with various sustainable methods that NGOs could utilize to ensure that they successfully implement their programs.
A panel discussion of all the dynamic facilitators concluded the proceedings which included local business woman of 35 years Marie Antoinette of Hairlusions, the official hairstylist of the Queen of the Netherlands and the renowned Arthur Lugisse of the Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation.
Erna Mae Francis, MA, DD, the visionary behind the foundation and series was humbled by the level of support and appreciation of the event by the international speakers as well as the attendees who hailed from St. Martin, Statia and Curacao. The purpose of the event and the Wealth Creation Series is to empower youth and adults and encourage them in entrepreneurship; stimulate our local businesses to become more innovative in business and facilitate their cash flow.
Francis is also grateful to all of its partners including AMFO; SHTA in the person of Robert Dubourcq; Laser 101 and Gee Money who helped to facilitate their radiothon to inform the public about their various solutions to crime and violence and how persons may benefit from its programs and all others who supported the initiative.
Ascendant Strategy, based in Philadelphia, Victorious Living's major partner in this series enabled the foundation to have such high caliber speakers, and is totally committed to the goals of the foundation. Executive Director of The St. Maarten Tallahassee Foundation, Arthur Lugisse, also a partner of the Foundation was impressed by the caliber of the event and is even more motivated to have the event staged in Tallahassee in the future.
The series continues through March 2011 and promises to increase its momentum in providing wealth building tools for persons in our community ready to grab hold of the opportunity. One attendee stated to Francis, "Keep doing what you do because your vision is for the improvement of our community. With your vision and all our efforts, we would definitely live victoriously."
Persons interested in registering for the remainder of the series, volunteering with the organization, purchasing the cds or dvds of the event, or partnering with them, may do so by calling Victorious Living Foundation at 542-2663/524-8731/1-305-407-9260 or visiting them at 158 B. Back Street Philipsburg or www.victoriouslivingsxm.org.

"Calypso in St.Kitts-Nevis is in good hands with Sacrotes and the future of kaiso is bright in the hands of Konris" say People's Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant.

Basseterre, Calypso in St.Kitts-Nevis is easily the standard for the region, particularly the leeward islands , as has been proven with the recent success of our Calypsonians at the recently held Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch competition," said People's Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant. Grant continued , "Both Konris and Sacrotes continue to do our country proud in the calypso arena. I must also mention King Astro who also performed credibly representing Nevis. Calypso in St.Kitts-Nevis is in good hands with Sacrotes and the future of kaiso is bright in the hands of Konris".
The event took placed in Anguilla and according commentators and calypso pundits alike at the event the show turned out to be an almost straight fight between Reigning St.Kitts Calypso Monarch King Sacrotes and defending Leeward Islands monarch King Konris.
Konris and Sacrotes tied for first place in the first round with 398 points Socrates gave a splendidly energetic performance of his classic piece, the 'The Real Health Scare'. While Konris performed 'Mommy and Daddy. In the second round Konris pulled ahead as he gave a very good performance of one of his past hits ' Sleeping Tiger!' With an explosive performance, the King interjected lines on almost all the calypsonians who took part in the show, even Anguilla's just dethroned Repeater, who Konris said, could not live up to his name. The performance undoubtedly moved the crowd and he topped it off with a last verse with touched on an incident that took place that very night less than an hour before.
The show climaxed with Konris taking the crown for an unprecedented 2nd straight year while Anguilla's Vinnie took 1st runner up. Scoring 783 points Vinnie gave two dynamic performances with 'A Caribbean Unity' and 'Freedom'.
St. Kitts' Calypso Monarch King Socrates with 739 points captured the second-runner up spot. The charismatic Socrates, decked out in bright yellow pants and a blazing red jacket, sang a new composition 'No reason at all', a scathing indictment of domestic abusers.
This was Konris' 2nd straight Leewards title adding to an already impressive list of titles including the St.Kitts Carnival National Monarch title 4 straight times, 2 St.Kitts Soca Monarch titles and 2 Junior National Calypso Monarch titles.
King Sacrotes legendary career has included 2 Leeward Islands Monarch titles, 5 National Monarch Titles, 1 King of Kings Title, 3 times Federation Monarch , 3 National Witty Monarch Title, 2 Buy-Local Titles, 1 Newtown Fest Monarch Title . He also finished 2nd runner-up in the Caribbean 50 and over Calypso Competition beating the likes of Gabby from Barbados and Swallow from Antigua.
The participants were Kandie from Montserrat , Kanfu from the USVI, Astro our of Nevis, Plentae from French St. Martin , Dutch St. Maarten's Baker Junior and Luther B from the BVI.

Philipsburg:--- Persons who applied for the Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) permit extension and falls under category 1A would begin receiving their permits as early as Wednesday announced State Secretary for Justice Ernie Simmons. Simmons said at least 350 of the permits are already prepared and they are now awaiting signatures of the Minister of Justice or Lt. Governor.
The State secretary further explained that the BTA team received some 721 applications for renewal a mere 16% of the total amount of permits that was issued during the introduction of the BTA permits.

Of the 721 applications, 561 are from persons who are employed. Simmons said the BTA project team is now encountering problems with the processing of persons who fall under category 1B simply because they are not able to confirm if the Executive Council of St. Maarten took a decision last week to amend the island regulation to allow the applicants to register as sole proprietorship at the Chamber of Commerce. Simmons said unless the island regulation is amended by the executive council the chamber of commerce cannot move over to the Salvation Army building to begin the registration. Simmons said based on the law sole proprietorship are for Dutch nationals or persons who have been residing on St. Maarten legally for more than 10 years. However, the persons who would fall under category 1B BTA are persons who have been residing on St. Maarten for more than 10 years illegally. Simmons said he has been trying to make contact with the acting Lt. Governor to see if the executive council took the decision last week, however, he was not able to reach the acting Lt. Governor. Simmons said the largest group which is about 2000 persons falls under this category and time is running out on them. He said the BTA recipients have until November 2 to extend their permits but the Minister of Justice and the BTA project team is aiming at finalizing the BTA process prior to October 10/10/10.
Registration for the extension of the BTA permits began on August 2 and it will end on September 18th said project coordinator Tiara Hasselhoef. Hasselhoef said so far they were able to accept applications from six persons who fall under the category 1B because those people had already registered at the Chamber of Commerce. Asked if the BTA team has been bending over backwards to accommodate these people Simmons said the reason they decided to have the persons who falls under BTA category 1B is for them to pay their dues to St. Maarten. "These people declared they are making enough monies doing odd jobs to survive on St. Maarten and if that is the case they too have to contribute by paying their taxes and having proper health insurance. This way immigration would have better control of the recipients of the BTA permits." Simmons further explained that anyone who is caught without the necessary requirements will be deported and their permit will be cancelled. He said these persons are supposed to have a valid insurance at all times and if they are found without an insurance that is ground to cancel the permits.
Persons whose extension applications have been denied would have to leave St. Maarten within the six week time stipulations since there would be no more grace periods offered. However, the percentage of denials is very slim Simmons said. "As long as the documents provided in the application is verified and can be substantiated the permits will be issued he said.

The BTA project team is now accepting application extensions from persons who do not have their crib number as yet. Hasselhoef said persons who have all their documents can proceed to the Salvation Army and submit their application and the BTA team will proceed to uplift their crib number since they are given preferential treatment at the tax department. She said since they started the project two weeks ago there are long lines at the tax office as people are requesting their crib numbers to finalize the list of requirements and this is slowing down the process. Hasselhoef said during the first week the procedure was moving slowly since the applicants did not have sufficient information however, they are now processing close to 100 persons per day.

Valid and Authentic Passports—Four caught with False Documents.

Hasselhoef urged the applicants to make sure they have a valid and authentic passport when going to submit their applications for the BTA extension. Persons whose passport has been expired will not be processed, while those persons caught with fraudulent passports will be arrested and deported immediately.
Already four persons have been detained and are pending deportation for being in possession of a false travel document Hasselhoef said. She further explained that there are Marechaussees and immigration personnel assisting with the processing of these passports.

GREAT BAY:--- Schools on the Dutch side of the island will open their doors to thousands of school children as the summer holiday recess came to an end on Sunday.
Commissioner of Education William Marlin would like to wish students, parents and the teaching staff a successful 2010/2011 school-year.
"Students are once again embarking upon a very important process in their overall development. An education is essential if you want to be successful in life. Everybody has a responsibility to make sure our young people succeed in life, from parents at home, to teachers in the classroom.
"Every student also has a responsibility in their education. Because even though with the good efforts of parents and teachers, if students don't show up for class, or don't pay attention, the responsibility of not succeeding lays with the student.
"I call on our students to be responsible and while in school, the number one thing is focus on your studies. At the end of the school day, when you leave the school ground, then it's your free-time to do whatever you like to do, but of course don't forget to do your homework. Remember, you are doing it for yourself in order to be a better person and to make a contribution to your community and island.
"Remember, no matter what you want to do in life, you'll need to have an education in order to do it. An educated person will be hired while one without will be without a job.
"At the beginning of every new year, as individuals or families, we come up with new year's resolutions. I encourage all parents and students to do the same starting this new school year. Set goals and work towards them together by supporting each other. Parents need to support their kids and invest the time in order for them to learn and be successful young persons.
"Remember, you cannot drop out of school and just drop into a good paying job. It doesn't work that way. Every educated person plays a key role in our island nation. Your investment in education is also an investment in Sint Maarten's future as an island nation. We need every single person who attends school to study hard and become a success. Don't let your-self down, make us all proud," Commissioner of Education William Marlin told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
Commissioner Marlin also added that as the new school year begins, the island is also on a journey to country status come 10-10-10. "During the first semester, before the end of the year, Sint Maarten will take its final exam to become a country. Now more than ever, we need educated and a well prepared workforce to take on the responsibilities that country Sint Maarten brings.
"Over the past months much emphasis and effort has been placed on compulsory education. We have worked diligently making sure that every child documented or not, has an opportunity that our island nation offers. A brain is a terrible thing to waste," Commissioner William Marlin concluded.

Philipsburg: --- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin on Sunday introduced another new candidate who will be contesting the September 17 country elections. Marlin said when he first approached Dr. Lloyd Richardson some years ago he asked him if he was crazy, but this time around he neither the other members of the National Alliance did not have much talking to do because Dr. Richardson is ready to serve the people of St. Maarten in another capacity. Dr. Richardson is the doctor for the Social Insurance Bank since March 1981. Dr. Richardson in his address discussed some of the difficulties the Turning Point Foundation, an institution founded by him to provide proper care to drug addicts are having with financial and other assistance and the amount of letters he wrote to those that were in government. While the foundation he said was able to restore many young person's there are much more he said that still have to be saved from the destruction of drugs. Dr. Richardson spoke of the inconvenience drug addicts had in the past when they were sent off island for treatment. He said while he worked with others effortlessly to build the center which was opened in 1997 the institution is still not where they had intended to take it. Dr. Richardson said he is willing to continue the fight for equality for these patients but this time he wants to do it with authority. Richardson said he would like to be the one to sign the releases and to take care of the direction of the monies so that it can be directed to people that are suffering in society. He said the young people of St. Maarten are angry and one has to be very careful of how they speak to the younger generation today because they feel marginalized and not part of society, reasons why these persons have to be brought back into the fold.

Dr. Richardson said St. Maarten is at the crossroad of change and while many have said St. Maarten is not ready. He said St. Maarten is not incompetent but some of the experiences will be new and the island has people who are capable and as a candidate on the National Alliance slate he is calling on the entire community to behave as adults and start to assume their share of responsibility of the country and take it to higher heights. He said St. Maarten is a blessed compared to some of the Caribbean nations and if nothing is done with the blessings the island has then the hard days would surely come.
Dr. Richardson spoke of the amount of times he times he was ridiculed and many thought he was showing interest for political intentions, however, he said he did so for 20 years prior to entering into politics. The doctor said all the political parties on St. Maarten approached him to join their ranks but he chose to join a political party that has GOD in its rightful place, and one that supports integrity and honesty. He said he also chose the National Alliance because he realized that the NA leader and members chose the people before their pockets and have dedicated themselves to serve the people of St. Maarten.
Dr. Richardson also highlighted some of the major issues the Social Insurance Bank and the St. Maarten Medical Center are having with transferring patients overseas for medical attention. He said right now when Curacao is called they are constantly refusing to take the patients, forcing St. Maarten to turn elsewhere. He said while not criticizing the BZV or FZOG, their services were not what it should have been for the Windward Islands.
The new candidate also spoke of the amount of monies St. Maarten is sending to Curacao annually so that they could support their budget.
Dr. Richardson said the island has enough people who are qualified to take care of their own business and to demand proper medical services when they would be paying for it and most importantly when the island has more options. He said the island has no intention of abandoning the relationship with the rest of the Antilles with whom they have worked for centuries, but this time St. Maarten would be able to approach them as equals, asking them for services at a particular price while demanding that the island is served well because St. Maarten now has alternatives.
Apart from being a doctor he was on several assignments related to health, sports and student care. He was also chairman of the taskforce for the Adventist School, and instrumental in building the HWEY (Health, Welfare, Education and Youth) building.

Sucker Garden:--- Relatives of murder victim Clemencia Josi-anne Julot created some confusion at the Royal Funeral Home on Monday when the body was prepared for the funeral. Family members accused the Royal Funeral Home of not putting the body on ice causing it to fully decompose. The family also alleged that authorities on the French side told them the young woman met her demise about three hours before the body was found. Reasons why they said they cannot understand how the body decayed.
Julot's mother Viergenie Julot said management of Royal promised her that they were going to dress the young woman in proper clothing but that was not done. Members of the media were called to the scene when the undertakers of Royal prevented a crowd of people that was gathered at the funeral home to view the body, all of which was done for their own health and hygiene safety.
Shortly after, several police officers and the detectives working on solving the gruesome murder showed up at Royal where they held a meeting with the immediate family, members of the Haitian Association and management of Royal Funeral Home to decide if they were going to go ahead and lay the body rest.
Franklin Meyers director and CEO of Royal Funeral Home said Royal Funeral Home will not take any blame for the state of the body. Meyers said when the search team and family members found the slain victim the body was already in a state of decomposition. "The body was smelling and there were maggots all over the body. That alone is evidence that the body was decaying already and there is nothing Royal Funeral Home or any other Funeral Home could have done to reverse the decomposition." Meyers further explained that the police held the body for two weeks as they waited for the pathologist to come from Curacao to conduct the autopsy. The CEO further stated that on top of that the family held the body for another month because they wanted relatives from Haiti to come attend the funeral. Meyers said his staff assisted the family to the fullest extent and he as well as his attorney explained them that the body was not in proper condition to stay that long. As for viewing and dressing the body Meyers said he explained the family that a decomposed body cannot be dressed he said he told the family to bring whatever clothing and it will be placed on top of the body, which is what they did. He said even though the law states that decomposed bodies are to be buried immediately he allowed the immediate relatives to view the body on several occasions. " We agreed with the family that only two people were going to see the body on Monday which was her brother and cousin who came from Haiti for the funeral. But every one of them claimed they are her relatives and they all wanted to see the body and because they were refused they caused this confusion."Meyers said.
According to the law of the Netherlands Antilles the body should have been taken immediately after it was discovered to the cemetery for burial but since St. Maarten do not have a pathologist they were forced to wait on one to come and do the autopsy. "When a body is confiscated we cannot embalm the body, actually we are not allowed to touch or open that body bag. So there was nowhere we could have embalmed the body." Meyers said when a body is decomposed the veins collapse so embalming cannot be done. Furthermore he said funeral homes nowadays do not use ice. They either embalm a dead body soon after the person dies or they do it after the autopsy. Meyers said his staff placed the Julot's body in two body bags and then in a steel box called the ziggler to keep it that long.
"They saw the body and they all know how she looked, they know that the body was decaying and for them to try and blame Royal is not fair", said an officer who saw the body when it was discovered in Oyster Pond on July 2. Clemencia Josi-Anne Julot went missing on June 29th and her body was recovered on July 2. Supporting the statements of Franklin Meyers is a close friend and relative of the deceased Marilene Lawrence who said she was surprised at the commotion and the delay the family caused on Monday. Lawrence said she knew the body was decaying when it was found because the detectives told it to her on the day the body was found. Lawrence said because of that the detectives and Royal did not allow her to see the corps on July 2. She further explained that she went to the scene where the body was found and she saw on the spot a lot of maggots even after the body was removed. Lawrence said she is the one who finally identified the body the following Monday and the detectives could not show her the entire body. "All I was able to see was the face and the only thing that I could have recognized Clemencia by was her nose. Her entire face was damaged like bruised or burnt. So for the family to blame Royal today is wrong. I know they have lost a loved one and they are grieving but doing this is not going to change anything."
After a lengthy discussion the body was taken to a church in Cole Bay for funeral services prior to the internment at the Cul de Sac cemetery.

Belair:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin at a general meeting held at the Belair community center unleashed the 23 candidates that will be contesting the September 17th election under the banner of the National Alliance.
The meeting which was supposed begin at 7:30pm had to be delayed until after 9pm because the National Alliance had too many persons that were interested to be a candidate. Marlin said political parties have to submit a list of 23 candidates and his party had 28 persons that wanted to contest the election. He said while the first 15 seats were secured he had to finalize the selection of the last eight persons which took the extra time. "Normally a list is finalized when it is submitted to the chairman of the main voting bureau so we still have some time to make the final selection.
Marlin said his party is looking to capture ten of the 15 seats because they believe that this is the year for the National Alliance. He urges his supporters and candidates to work hard and to make sure they win the election as a landslide like they did in January.
Those contesting the election on the National Alliance slate are as follows:-

1. William Marlin
2. Frans George Richardson
3. George Pantophlet
4. Rodulphe Samuel
5. Hyacinth Richardson
6. Henrietta Doran York
7. Patrick Ilidge
8. Silveria Jacobs
9. Louie Laveist
10. Terry Peterson
11. Leona Romeo Marlin
12. Dr. Lloyd Richardson
13. Kendall Dupersoy
14. Christopher Emanuel
15. Rudy Engel
16. Martha Simmon Thewet
17. Jason Peterson
18. Narda De Windt
19. Herbert Martina
20. Claudette Charles Hassel
21. Jacinto Mock
22. Jean Boasman
23. Roland Duncan 

The National Alliance will be presenting its list of candidates at 2:30 pm on Wednesday August 18th. The candidates and its supporters are expected to gather at the Parliament Building in Philipsburg prior to marching across to the Government Administration Building.

Marigot:--- Six persons were arrested and placed into custody for various types of offences ranging from being in possession of stolen cars, drugs and driving under the influence of alcohol. The arrests took place between August 17 and 18th when the gendarmes conducted some road controls in an effort to reduce the staggering crime rate.
Other persons were also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a driver's license. The gendarmes plan to continue with the controls. Already they have seen results from their efforts because since the controls started there were no armed robberies committed.

Le Galion:--- A well known Sucker Garden resident who hails from the Dominican Republic lost his life while fishing in Le Galion beach. The man whose identity has been revealed as Hose Eusebio Jesus (55) better known as Tooti who lives at King of the Seas in Sucker Garden. He was born on October 27 19 57 in the Dominican Republic.
SMN News learnt that Tooti a proprietor of several apartments in Sucker Garden is also a a fisherman. The source said Tooti went to fish and it appears that he either got a heart attack or encountered problems with his fishing gun while in the water. SMN News learnt that the body must have been floating in the water for more than three hours before it was found.
Commandant of the Gendarmerie Stephane Brunet said the victim died while swimming at the Le Galion beach. It is believed that the man died of drowning due to a heart attack. Brunet said the victim is from the Dutch side of the island.

Maho:--- A fatal car accident on Rhine Road Mullet Bay has left two persons dead, they are identified as Geraldine Bliss (17) of French Quarter and Jean Michel Mc Donna (27) of AT Illidge Road.
A press release from the police department states that the accident occurred around 04:40 am on Thursday morning. Police and ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene where the two victims were found pinned under the vehicle in which they were driving. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the investigating officers encountered a green Mitsubishi Pajero with license plate M-3685 lying on its left side. The vehicle at the time of the accident was traveling at a very high speed Henson said.
The driver of the vehicle while making a left turn lost control of the vehicle causing it to hit a light pole. Upon impact the vehicle turned over several times and then coming to rest on its left side.
At the time the vehicle was turning over the occupants were thrown out of the vehicle and when the vehicle finally came to a stop it landed on the two victims pinning them to the ground.
Both victims died on the scene as a result of the injuries they sustained during the accident. Doctor Douglas who came to the scene pronounced the victims dead. The investigating officers also discovered that at the time of the accident seven persons were in the vehicle, one of which ran from the scene. The other victims suffered minor bruises and scratches to their body. They were all treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the St Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested for further investigation. The Traffic Department along with the Forensic Department is still investigating this case to determine exactly what happened.

GREAT BAY:--- The Main Voting Bureau will meet on Monday, August 23 at 10.00am behind closed doors to review the lists of candidates that have been presented by four political parties vying for the September 17 elections.

The meeting is being held based on Article 22 of the Election Regulation of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten.

The meeting will take place at the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall at the Government Administration Building and is not open to the general public.

The Nature Foundation has once again recorded a successful Leatherback Sea-turtle hatching on Simpsonbay Beach close to Karakter Beach Bar. The nest was laid on the 8th of July and Nature Foundation Chief Ranger Etienne Lake counted 67 hatched eggs, 8 developed eggs with yolk and 17 undeveloped eggs. St. Maarten is one of the few places in the world where the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle lays its nest. There are six additional Leatherback nests which the Nature Foundation is monitoring on Simpsonbay Beach. If you observe turtles or hatchlings call the Nature Foundation Sea Turtle Hotline at 9229.

Philipsburg:---The program which is half an hour in length, will give the general public important information pertaining to the issues which the National Alliance led government is dealing with, leading up to St. Maarten becoming country on 10-10-10.

In addition viewers will also be able to see highlights from the campaign trail, public meetings and various interviews with party candidates.

The general public is urged to tune in for Forward Together, which airs every Monday at 10 p.m. starting tonight (Monday August 23rd) on TV 15 with repeats on French Cable Station Tele 2 on St. Martin Cable TV.

GREAT BAY, St. Martin (August 22, 2010):--- The island's 2010-2011 school year began last week in the south and within short school doors will open in the north as well.
But not a full week into the school year and Albert Chance of Van Dorp bookstore had to re-order copies of An Introduction to Government and National Symbols of St. Martin, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
Individual customers and schools may cause bookstores to pack in these books. "But I think there is a successful response to these books at this time because people who identify with the island, and people who want to identify with the nation's history and culture, are openly hungry for more and more concrete information," said Sample.
Sample may be correct, because not a day after Van Dorp received its order that Shipwreck shops had its National Symbols order fulfilled, said the publisher.
One educator who sees the response of students in the classroom to well-written books about St. Martin is Rhoda Arrindell. "I think the positive response is growing because as a people we are finding ourselves in the text; and students are making the connection with people, places, and events in the narrative," said Arrindell.
"These books are making it comfortable now for students to go back to school with St. Martin books. It's easier for the young, adults and older heads to take our books home, to the work place, on the beach or on vacation," said Arrindell. As HNP's senior editor, Arrindell has worked for years on a number of the titles that are only now becoming popular reading and study material.
An Introduction to Government – Island territory of St. Maarten by Louis Duzanson was first published in 2000. It remains the "island territory's" only reader in English about how the island and executive councils and the lt. governor's office work.
The easy-read book explains about the government budget and the responsibilities of island councilors, commissioners, and the lt. governor. "In the very near future, it will probably be used barely for comparison study because of planned adjustments to the territory's government structure but right now that is not stopping Van Dorp customers," said Sample.
National Symbols, also a primer, looks at the island as one "nation" and remains popular with teachers, students, the general population, and tourists for well-researched information about the culture, historical personalities, and natural environment of St. Martin, said Sample.
HNP's reading motivation booklets for boys and girls about early nation builders in sports, music, religion, engineering, and house design from St. Martin, Saba and Statia are also available in bookstores.
Arrindell noticed during her stint with the St. Maarten Academy this year, and contrary to a popular belief, that when it comes to assigning books like National Symbols, The Salt Reaper poems, and Love Songs Make You Cry, teenagers, including boys read strongly, "and probably again it is because they see themselves in the narrative," said the award-winning teacher.

Philipsburg:--- The Police Force of St Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius is continuing the upgrading of its police officers in training and the necessary equipments to fight crime.
With the ongoing enhancement the police force just added more technology to crime fighting by installing a camera and voice recording set to the helmets worn by the bike patrol. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the use of the cameras is a pilot project and the new equipment is in its test phases.

Henson said the camera will record everything that the officer hears or sees and it is stored in color with clear vocal recordings. The expectation of the police force on the use of the new equipment is to register all images which would aid the police in fighting crime. This however, he said will increase security where ever the bike patrol is active.

Henson said the use of the recordings will be numerous as they intend to use the images to solve crimes during their investigations which would lead to people being prosecuted.

Henson said the new technology would greatly aid the bike patrols as they would no longer be required to take notes of suspicious situations, since the recordings could be used for the investigations. The police spokesman said the project has been realized by one of the advisers to the Sint Maarten Police Force Mr. Ron de Milde in close cooperation with Zenitel who has made an important contribution by making the camera and technical equipment available to start the testing.
The project will be evaluated after two months and if the results are positive and most importantly helpful to the police force then the other members of the bike patrol will be equipped with the new equipment.

Philipsburg:--- The understaffed forensic department of the St. Maarten Police Force has received an additional personnel from the Netherlands announced police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The new employee of the KPSSS is Mr. Jos Van Deventer who will be working in the forensic department for the next two years. While working here the forensic specialist will be training three local persons who are now assigned to the department.
The department also received a new vehicle and new equipments that will be used to process crime scenes in criminal investigations.

Philipsburg:--- In the month of August youths who were interested in furthering their studies could sign up for one of the six SBO/ASVE (advanced secondary vocational education) courses that will start this school year: Maritime Assistant Level 1, Cook Level 2, ICT Computer Service Level 2, Carpentry Level 2 for students with a PSVE PBL diploma, Bookkeeping Level 3 and Secretary Level 3 for PSVE PKL or TKL graduates.
Apart from the ICT service course the classes will be held in daytime and the courses will require fulltime involvement of the students. In all courses practical training will be a major part of the study. Companies that will take on these trainees will be asked to give the students some compensation for the work that they are doing.
There are still some spaces available for the following three year courses such as: Bookkeeping 3 (financial administration) and Secretary 3, slated to start in September. Furthermore students can still sign up for the two year course ICT computer service Level 2, slated to start in January 2011.

Philipsburg:--- The leader of the Concordia Political Alliance Jeffry Richardson is expected to appear before the court of instance on Friday where his lawyers from HBN law would be presenting a file against the civil registry in order to add Leo Richardson as a candidate of the CPA list. Richardson met with the Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt on Thursday afternoon where they agreed that a decision to add the candidate must be taken by a judge. It is believed that if the case is submitted during an emergency hearing on Friday, a verdict can be delivered as early as Sunday so that the main voting bureau can proceed with the procedures to finalize the four lists that are contesting the election.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the civil registry made some crucial mistakes when dealing with the registration of Leo Richardson on July 16th. Sources say Leo Richardson's file had disappeared and then reappeared and that even though Richardson submitted his documents to register on St. Maarten nothing was entered in the system on August 18. SMN News further learnt that the civil registry is over burdened with work since the ongoing Brooks Tower process thus creating a backlog.

Philipsburg:--- Reacting quickly to reports that was broadcasting through the police radio commissioner of Police Carl John and Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson along with an off duty police officer managed to intercept a bandit who had just broken into a home on Back Street on Thursday morning. A press release from the police department states that the Chief Inspector Henson and commissioner of Police Carl John were driving on Long Wall road when they heard of the house break in on Back Street. According to the press release at least three suspects were involved in the break in but one of the suspects was seen running away at the entrance of Back Street.

The other two suspects managed to escape somewhere in the vicinity of Radio Shack. The officers chased the suspect on foot through the nearby alleys, but while running he was continuously pushing his hand under his shirt. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who also participated in the chase said they ordered the suspect to stop on several occasions but he refused to adhere to police orders, as such police had to take action by shooting the suspect in his right leg. When police searched the suspect whose identity was not released they found a bag on him with 33 wrist watches of different brands and several pieces of jewelry belonging to the victim of the house. The suspect was treated on the scene and was subsequently transferred to the St. Maarten Medical Center where he remains a patient. Henson said the investigation has just begun and they are supposed to be making more arrests as the investigation continues.

The community of St. Maarten as well as law enforcement officers are left to wonder how the parents of at least four local youths could harbor their children with stolen items at their homes. A situation that calls for outrage since these very parents accused police of brutalizing their children during the carnival season. Adding insult to injury these youths it is said are constantly telling police that they are innocent and have not been committing any crimes. Police acted on a tip off on Thursday and they searched two homes in Down Street area while they arrested four persons all of whom are minors.
Participating in the searches were the chief public prosecutor Hans Mos and the acting judge of the court of first instance.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said in connection with several ongoing investigations by the detective department based on important information provided by some concerned citizens' two houses were searched. During the search police confiscated a sawed off shotgun, a revolver, two cars, several scooters, motorcycles, flat screen television, and other electrical appliances and monies.

Those arrested are all locals and minors and have been identified as C.R., R.St. J., A.T., and G.C. The police spokesman said the investigations are in its early stages and that the suspects were turned over to the detective department. The police also commended the concerned citizens who provided them with valuable information into solving the cases that are currently being investigated.

The police department has issued a warning to all residents residing on St. Maarten to take the necessary precaution as they have stepped up their controls to reduce the current crime rate. Henson said the police will be blocking off certain areas every night and if necessary they would be searching all homes of suspected bandits or criminals. The police spokesman also reminds residents that law enforcement officers on the both sides of the island are currently working together to weed out criminals. Parents who harbor their children that are committing crimes and whose homes are found to have stolen items will also be prosecuted.
In the meantime on Thursday night the police, fire department and the health department blocked off the AT Illidge Road from Madame Estate to the Round About as they control all businesses located on that street. Henson said several persons were detained as the control took place. Another section of St. Maarten will be closed off later Thursday night as the controls continue.

GREAT BAY:--- The Office of Disaster Management is advising political parties participating in the September 17 elections to have a plan in place for the removal of all political campaign material such as political billboards, and flags attached to guard rails in the event of a storm threat to the island.

Billboards could pose a threat to life and property, and the removal includes the complete wooden frame which could become a projectile in the event of a passing hurricane.

Once the all clear sign has been given by the EOC, political parties can proceed with putting the billboards, flags and other campaign paraphernalia back up at the locations where they were previously located.

Political billboards once removed should be properly stored away eliminating the possibility of becoming a danger to persons and property in the event of a hurricane strike.

The removal of billboards and other campaign promotion materials will have to take place when a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued by the relevant authorities.

A Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning indicates that the system's approach is imminent and that deteriorating weather conditions are expected within 36 hours.

So far five systems have already formed for the hurricane season, namely Hurricane Alex, Tropical Storms Bonnie, Colin, Hurricane Danielle and Tropical Storm Earl.

The remaining names for storm systems are Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie and Walter.
The hurricane season runs until November 30.

"I am in support of the actions being taken and pursued by SPIRIT as they have seen the need to highlight the people's discontent and displeasure with the governmet's decision to rename the High School in honor of the former Labour Party and parliamentary Opposition Leader Mr. Mills without proper consultation," says People's Action Movement Deputy Leader and Senior MP the Hon. Shawn .K Richards.
Basseterre, St.Kitts (August 25th 2010):-Thousands of residents from the communities of Sandy Point, Fig Tree and surrounding areas have expressed their significant opposition to a decision taken by the Labour Party government to rename the Sandy Point High School (SPHS) without consulting with and involvement of members of the community .
Cabinet announced its decision to rename the Sandy Point High School in honor of educator and former Labour Party Leader Charles E. Mills. The decision raised much concern by a significant majority of residents in Sandy Point and its surrounding communities. The announcement triggered some debate and sparked significant indignation and displeasure among residents of the community.

A group of civic minded Sandy Pointers led by the recently formed SPIRIT (Sandy Pointers Inspiring Real Improvement Throughout) community group sent copies of a petition to Cabinet, affixed with no less than 2 500 signatures of persons who are in strong objection to the renaming of the school in the absence of the proper consultation with the community.
A Press Release from the SPIRIT group highlighted the position of the almost 100 member strong community group. "Over 2 000 individuals from several communities have taken a bold stand to join the community group SPIRIT in support of seeking consultation from Cabinet before a proposed name change of the Sandy Point High School is officially made," the Press Release stated
The SPIRIT Press Release referred specifically to the issue of consultation. The release indicated that the Labour government's decision was made with consultation with 3 or less persons from the community.. SPIRIT, however, along with the 2 000 plus signatories of the petition, requested a comprehensive consultation before any decision is made.
The SPIRIT release stated "SPIRIT launched a petition on August 5, exactly one month following an announcement by the Ministry of Education to rename the secondary school in honour of Charles E. Mills, a past educator and parliamentarian. Since then, hundreds of past and present students and staff as well as local businessmen and social activists have affixed their signatures to the petition, supporting the position that widespread and thorough consultation with the communities the high school serves must precede any decision regarding a name change."
SPIRIT acknowledged Cabinet's authority relative to making such decisions but asserts that "any decision to rename a landmark of the town of Sandy Point and a hallmark of excellence for these communities must come from leadership of the communities and be followed by thorough consultation.
This petition fits squarely into one of the largest campaigns of SPIRIT called Pride, Virtues and Civics (PVC) Campaign. It is a campaign launched in early May 2010 to promote participatory democracy and to increase awareness and appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
The 105-page petition was addressed and delivered to the office of the Minister of Education and Information, Senator Nigel Carty and copied to Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister for Constituency Empowerment Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris and Cabinet Secretary Joseph Edmeade.
Parliamentary Representative for the constituency in which the school sits, the Hon. Shawn Richards and Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Number Four and who holds responsibility for Youth Empowerment the Hon. Glenn Phillip were both subsequently notified.
Parlimentary Representative for the area the People's Action Movement Deputy Political Leader and Opposition Senior MP the Hon. Shawn .K Richards expressed his support for the call that was being made by SPIRIT. Richards addressed the issue when the announcement was first made and expressed his displeasure with the government's failure to conduct a proper consultative process with the community to come up with a name that was not only appropriate but also satisfactory to the thousands of community residents.
Richards said "I said it when the announcement was initially made and I am re-iterating my earflier sentiment and that is the community of Sandy Point and the surrounding areas should have been properly engaged and consulted regarding the renaming of the school. I am in support of the actions being taken and pursued by SPIRIT as they have seen the need to highlight the people's discontent and displeasure with the governmet's decision to rename the High School in honor of the former Labour Party and parliamentary Opposition Leader Mr. Mills."
Prime Minister Denzil Douglas on his weekly "Ask the PM" programme addressed the issue and in dictatorial fashion bluntly re-buffed the call for proper consultaion in the renaming of the school by the SPIRIT Community Group along with Parlimentary Representative the Hon. Shawn Richards.
"When Dr. Simmonds named the South East Peninsula Highway after himself, who did he consult? Who did he consult? When the Beach-Allen Primary School was named, who was consulted? When the Dr. William Connor Primary School was named in honour of Pastor Connor, who was consulted? asked Prime Minister Douglas.
In response to Dr. Douglas' statement the Parlimentary representative for the area Senior MP Hon. Shawn K. Richards said "Anyone who leads by looking backwards is not fit to lead. If you lead a country by looking backwards you are bound to lead that country into a dead end or over a cliff. That statement shows the maturity of the labour party government and it highlights yet another reason why Dr. Douglas and the labour party are un-fit to lead this country."
No indication has been given by SPIRIT or the government if the proposed consultative meeting has or will take place in light of the Prime Ministers statement regarding the situation.

Airport:--- An early morning accident on Friday has left two persons injured reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said police and the ambulance department responded to the scene around 08:30am. Henson said on scene the investigating officer realized that there was a head-on collision between two vehicles, a white Hyundai Accent with license plate 431 ZBE 971 and a white Hyundai Atos with license plate M-3319. Henson said the cause of the accident because the driver of the Hyundai Accent was driving on the left side of the road causing the collision with the oncoming traffic.

The Hyundai Atos came to rest on the left side of the road, while the Hyundai Accent remained in the middle of the road. As a result of the severe impact both vehicles suffered severe material damage. The right leg of driver of the Hyundai Accent remained stuck between the seat and the body of the vehicle.
The Fire Department was called in to assist in helping remove the victim from the wreckage. The driver of the Hyundai Atos suffered a cut to his right knee and several other minor cuts to his face, due to fact that at the time of the accident he was not wearing his seat-belt. Both victims were treated on the spot by paramedics and then transported to the St Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. Both vehicles were towed from the scene by a towing company.

Grand Case:--- The gendarmes is currently investigating the shooting death of a Jamaican man who was shot next to Belto's Car Wash in Grand Case early Saturday morning. Relatives of the suspect identified as Orlando Isaac told SMN News that their son surrendered to authorities shortly after the fatal shooting.
The gendarmes brought the suspect to his home about 11 am Saturday morning as they continued to search for the weapon that was used to shoot the victim whose identity has not been revealed. Gendarmes as well as territorial police were seen combing the bushes and nearby drains hoping to would find the weapon. The gendarmes and the suspect entered his apartment which was first searched then they moved over to his mother's house where they continued to search for the murder weapon.
The girlfriend of the suspect who preferred to speak to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said her boyfriend has a restraining order against his ex girl friend yet she and her "man" was just meters away from Orlando's house. The young woman said the ex girlfriend has been using other people as tools to get to Orlando because she already made clear that if she could not be with him then no one else could. "Once she came into the family's yard and took Orlando's car key and left with it and when Orlando saw her car with its key in it he took her keys, hoping that the woman would return his key and he would then return hers. But the woman she said used someone in Marigot whom she sent to Orlando's house with a machete to fight for her key. The young woman who has been living with Orlando Isaac for the past four months said she was not feeling well and was asleep when the commotion began."I was awoken by the gunshot." She said when she heard the shots she went outside to inquire and found out that it is her boyfriend who shot and killed the Jamaican.
The woman said Orlando and other members of the family waited on the gendarmes to arrive and they all accompanied the gendarmes to La Savanne where they all gave their statements, yet the gendarmes went to her home in Marigot to look for the murder weapon. Asked if Orlando filed complaints against the woman and her husband recently she did not know how many complaints Orlando filed. "You people know that even if he filed complaint the gendarmes do nothing unless there is bloodshed." "Orlando was shot once before by people who threatened him and made good on their threats. He still has lead in his shoulders from that incident. So to be threatened again and having his family being threatened forced him to act." The girlfriend explained.
Supporting the allegations of constant harassment was Orlando's mother who said the young woman once came to her house and sprayed tear gas at her daughter and other relatives. She also accused Orlando of raping her two years ago and the gendarmes broke his doors down when they went in search of him, to date the two doors has not been repaired.
Other relatives of the suspect said he has been victimized over the years by this woman whom they considered as a menace to their family. The family said the gendarmes shot a local man who was married to the woman. "Mr. Dormoy was shot and killed by the gendarmes for this woman and now Orlando shot her current husband. This is the second local man to lose their life for Marie." "Marie is the mother of three children and I would like to know where she leaves these children at night when she in search of trouble" asked another relative. As the news spread several bystanders were seen on Grand Case road looking on while several family members gathered at the home of the Isaac family.
The brother of the suspect Oliver Isaac said the now dead man drew a knife at his brother threatening to take his life. Oliver said around midnight on Friday Marie and her "man" came to his brother's house and knocked on the door. He said it appeared that when no one answered them the duo waited outside of their residence waiting on Orlando's arrival. "I don't know exactly what happened but based on what we are told the two people began fighting with Orlando and they threatened to kill him and his entire family including his elderly mother, father and other siblings." "Orlando acted in self defense because the now dead man pulled a knife at him in the past and he was in possession of a knife when the shooting took place.
On the scene there were blood stains and parts of the dead man's brain on the roadside.
Commandant Stephanne Brunet confirmed that the gendarmes have arrested the shooter and they are currently hearing a number of witnesses. Asked if the female in this affair has been detained at this time Brunet said so far they do not think the female is involved in the shooting incident.

GREAT BAY:--- The EOC would announce when hurricane shelters would be activated.

1. Leonard Conner School – Venus Drive – Cay Bay
(for the Cay Bay & Cole Bay districts)

2. Christian Fellowship Church – Welfare Road – Cole Bay
(for the Cay Bay & Cole Bay districts)

3. Salvation Army Building – Union Road – Cole Bay
(for the Cay Bay & Cole Bay districts)

4. Milton Peters College – L.B. Scot Road – South Reward
(for the St. Peters, Ebenezer & South Reward districts)

5. Rupert Maynard Youth Center – St. Peters Road – St. Peters
(for the St. Peters, Ebenezer & South Reward districts)

6. Sr. Marie Laurence School – Ellis Drive – Middle Region
(for the Middle Region & Defiance districts)

7. New Testament Baptist Church – Cannegieter Street – Philipsburg
(for the Philipsburg & Pointe Blanche districts)

8. Allan C. Halley Community Center – Simpson Bay Road – Simpson Bay
(for the Simpson Bay & Beacon Hill districts)

9. Marie Genevieve de Weever School – Guana Bay Road – Hope Estate
(for the Hope Estate & Sucker Garden districts)

10. Epheses SDA Church – Belvedere Estate Road – Belvedere
(for the Belvedere & Dutch Quarter districts)

11. St. Maarten Academy – Cupper Drive – Cul-de-Sac
(for the St. Peters, St. Johns & Cul-de-Sac districts)

(Willemstad, Curacao) This afternoon, at the Marriott Hotel, Minister Duncan signed two covenants with the unions representing civil servants, confirming agreement with regards to Social Charters for emerging countries Curacao and Sint Maarten. These documents were signed in the presence of Prime Minister, Mrs. Emily de Jongh-Elhage, Commissioners Mrs. Zita Jesus-Leito (Curacao) and Mr. Xavier Blackman (St. Maarten).

The Social Charters contain the conditions under which the civil servants of the respective island territories Curacao and Sint Maarten, as well as of the federal government will be transferred and enter into the employment of the new countries Curacao and St. Maarten. The signing of the covenants is required under the new federal ordinance on collective bargaining for civil servants, which went into effect in 2008.

The basis for the social charters was established in a conference at the Maho Beach Hotel in December 2007, chaired by Minister Duncan and attended by representatives of the aforementioned unions and island territories as well as the Netherlands, for the BES-islands. On December 8, 2007 a document containing the points of departure for the transfer of the civil servants to the new entities was initialed by the participants and Minister Duncan.
By Administrative Agreement of November 24, 2008 signed by representatives of the island territories of Curacao and Sint Maarten with the Government of the Netherlands Antilles the aforementioned points of departure were ratified and agreed upon with the governments involved.

While the negotiations for the social charters occurred under the auspices of Minister Duncan as Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs, the actual negotiations were conducted by Commissioners Jesus-Leito and Blackman for their respective island governments, thereby insuring that all concerned parties were involved and in agreement. This consequently provides full guarantee to all civil servants in this constitutional process.

We congratulate the unions ABVO, STrAF, NAPB and WICSU with their accomplishment in representation of their membership as well as all civil servants, who are now guaranteed protection and fair treatment in their transition to their new jobs in the new entities. Congratulations and gratitude is also extended to Commissioners Jesus-Leito and Blackman for their outstanding work on behalf of their Executive councils.

We make use of this opportunity to thank our support staff, all experts and the presidency and secretariat of the CGOA for their assistance, expertise and advice, without which the documents executed, would not have been created.

The social charters now go to the Island councils of Curacao and Sint Maarten for approval and convergence into island ordinances -- legal regulations governing the transfer of civil servants into the service of the new countries. We shall, in subsequent notes, discuss the contents of the social charters.

Marigot:--- The suspect involved in the shooting incident in Grand Case will have time to think about his actions now that he is in prison in Guadeloupe.
A press release from the gendarmerie states that the suspect that was apprehended shortly after the shooting was given a 12 months prison sentence, six months suspended.
The culprit fired shots after an argument leaving two persons seriously injured. In an unrelated incident which occurred in French Quarter where another shooting incident took place, the suspect was charged with attempted murder was also sentenced in a Guadeloupe court to 12 months, six of which are suspended.

Philipsburg:--- NAGICO Insurances made a donation to PA-Ben's Productions to assist with the making and promotion of the first set of PA-Ben look-a-like dolls. These dolls which will be presented as special collector's items to both tourists and locals will be displayed on various airlines and other key points of contact for visitors to the island. NAGICO Insurances strongly supports the preservation of St. Maarten's heritage, especially now on the eve of 10.10.10 and as such saw it fitting to assist in the production of this collector's item. An item that portrays the image of a man who has consistently and proudly promoted St. Maarten's culture and way of life for many years.
Mr. Roland Bryson accepted the donation on behalf of his organization with much appreciation and expressed this by stating: "NAGICO Insurances gave a prompt positive response to the request for financial assistance to get this project off the ground. I am very grateful and look forward to presenting the dolls in the near future."

Philipsburg:--- It appears as if the invasion of the venomous Lionfish is on the rise. The Nature Foundation has been busy responding to every reported sighting of lionfish in St. Maarten waters after the first specimen was captured on July 24th. "We have one additional specimen that was captured on the Fu Sheng wreck on Monday and reports of three additional specimens, including one at Divi Little Bay and by the Simpson Bay Bridge reported to us by fishermen. These two sightings are a little more alarming as they were reported in very shallow water and can pose a threat to swimmers and bathers. They are also different species to the one that was captured on the 24th. The ones we are collecting now are the red lionfish, which is more aggressive and breeds much more prolifically than the black lionfish which we caught last week," commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation manager.
Nature Foundation staff are attempting to collect the specimen reported at Divi Little Bay and will continue to monitor for any additional specimens. If a lionfish is seen the general public is urged to report the location and activity while the lionfish was spotted to the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or on 5270490.
Lionfish were introduced by humans through the aquarium trade and can inflict a venomous sting that can be harmful to humans. They also voraciously eat the juveniles of many ecologically and economically important fish species including snapper and grouper. "The main challenge that we face now is the lack of legislation which would make the controlling of the infestation much easier. If we had the Marine Park Ordinance in place we would have more resources, including international help, to combat the infestation. But because we are lacking legal backing we have to struggle to control this issue, in additional to all the other issues, which our marine ecosystem is facing," concluded Bervoets.

La Savane:--- The Gendarmerie has just recently received at least four new persons to fill some main positions that were left vacant after the persons holding them returned to France. Replacing Captain Arrousseau is Captain Jouault Sylvain (29). Captain Thuriet Pascal (49) is the new commandant for the brigade in Marigot and Quartier d' Orleans, Adjudant Francoise Cantie (51) has joined Rougier Yann in the brigade prevention of delinquents.
Three of the new officers were presented to members of the media on Thursday while the head of personnel and detectives was not presented. Commandant Stephanne Brunet said that fourth person is never presented to the public due to the type of work this person has to carry out. Two of the three came directly from France to take up their new post while Cantie left the island of Martinique to work on St. Martin.

Cole Bay:--- Close to 100 persons who received their Brooks Tower Permit have submitted the necessary documents to have their BTA permits extended for the next three years. Project leader on St. Maarten Valerie van Velzen told SMN News that even though they saw a lot more people over the past four days just about 100 of them had all the required documents for the extension. Van Velzen said the current registration process is for those persons in possession of a BTA permit and not those persons whose applications are still pending in the 'steering group." Van Velzen is also urging BTA permit holders to make sure they follow the guide lines as to what are the documents needed for the extension.
On Tuesday a Haitian national was arrested by police at the Salvation Army building after she was caught with a false passport, while on Thursday police escorted a man to the police station because he apparently did not have his BTA permit. SMN News further learnt that the man applied for a BTA permit and was rejected but he later appealed to the steering group. It is not clear up to press time if the man will be deported or if the BTA steering group would issue the permit as promised. The BTA extension registration began on August 2nd and it is expected to end on September 18th. During this first week the BTA team is accepting applications from persons holding a BTA Category 1 (A). Category 1 (A) are persons working for a company or someone. Persons falling under category 1 (B) would be able to submit their application after August 9th. After that period persons holding the BTA category two permits would be able to submit their application for extension.

Sandy Ground:--- The grandparents of three and half year (3 1/2) old Damien Paulino Adams who was beaten to death by his father is now seeking financial assistance from the public to bury the young victim. In an exclusive interview with SMN News Adams Paulino, the child's grandfather said that he was informed by the gendarmerie that they have released the body to the family for burial. "I was told by Monday or Tuesday I can arrange for the funeral."
Adams said his grandson met his demise on July 7th and only now the gendarmes released his body for burial. Adams who is currently not working and residing in Sandy Ground said he is in a financial predicament and is unable to find monies for the burial. He said since the tragic incident friends donated blocks and other materials for the grave which was completed on Saturday but he cannot come up with the monies needed for the funeral. Adams said the Social Services of the Collectivity of St. Martin will be paying for some of the expenses, such as the hospital. The bereaved grandfather said he was also informed that the Social Services would also pay part of the funeral expenses.
"I met with the lady from the funeral home and she told me I have to pay at least half of the amount before they pick up the corpse and prepare it for burial. I do not have fixed job, I do odd jobs to put food on the table and to pay my bills." Adams who was obviously distressed when SMN News interviewed him said despite his financial problems he is also seeking custody of his two other grand children who were placed in protective custody since the killing. "I have two other minor children and my wife and I am prepared to feed our grandchildren. So far I did not get any assurance as to when my grandchildren will come home, but I know with the help of JESUS I will get them."
SMN News contacted Managing Director of Emerald Funeral Home and the number 13 candidate on the United People's Party (UP) Sylvia Meyers to see if the funeral home is willing to assist the family. Meyers who hails from the French side of the island said management of Emerald Funeral Home would provide the assistance and take care of the funeral. Meyers said she wished the family or anyone else dealing with this tragedy had contacted her or her husband Toochie Meyers before going public. "Even though we are there to do business we also assist the people in our community who are in financial distress." Anyone who is willing to make donations to the Adams family are asked to contact Paulino Adams at 00590 690 22 85 47.

Who Killed Baby Damien?

When the community of St. Martin learned of the killing of the three year old, several people expressed disgust at the parents and the immediate family of Damien Paulino Adams. Many persons in the community wanted to take revenge, saying adults should not take advantage on little children. In an effort to learnt more on how the youngster died and to know who the allege killers are we questioned the grandparents.
Paulino Adams said his daughter and her boyfriend was not living at his house when the father and alleged killer killed his grandson. Adams said some fifteen days before the killing he asked the man to get out of his house and his daughter who is currently in jail in Guadeloupe left with the man she claimed to love taking with her the three children. Adams said his 27- year old daughter has a 7-year old who is partly handicap, the three year old who was killed, and an 18 months old child.

About the Children's Father and Alleged Killer.

Adams said the children's father is known to be aggressive and abusive especially when he uses illegal drugs. The man whom he identified as 32 year old L.B from France is constantly in fights. He said L.B and his daughter were not living together all the time. Many times they broke up, they were not a serious couple. Every place that man lived he had problems with his neighbors and he had to move out. He said when he asked L.B to leave his dwelling he went to stay with some people in St. Louis and shortly after that they had to move because of his behavior. At the time of the incident the couple was living in a car. "I heard they had paid for an apartment and was waiting for it, but I don't know if that is true."
The grandfather said he was in the Dominican Republic with his wife and two of his minor children when they received a phone call from one of his daughters telling him to return to St. Martin because the "man" wanted to beat all the people living in his house. At the time Adams said he had two daughters in his Sandy Ground home and his three grandchildren. "That man was not on the island when I left he was in France and the minute he came back we had problems at our house. Look at that hole in the lattice wood, he took a rock and pelt after my daughter leaving that big hole on it."
Asked if they ever witnessed the man beating the children, Adams and his wife said they never saw him beating the children but he was always punishing them. "The man was always very harsh with the children, they were always on punishment."
Asked who beat little Damien and why he was beaten to death, Adams said based on the information he got, since he was not there is that little Damien had peed his pants and his father got into a rage and began beating him. Asked why the gendarme arrested his daughter if she did not take part in the beating and the killing of her son. Adams said the gendarme told his daughter that she did not do anything to help the infant. She could have called for help and taken him earlier to the hospital they said.
Adams explained that his daughter was in complete fear of the man. "My wife spoke to her before they took her to Guadeloupe and we asked her that and she said that she was afraid to leave the baby and the 7 year old that is partly handicap with the father. My daughter said she wanted to take the child immediately to the hospital but the father stopped her. "She was so afraid it is as if the man was holding a gun at her head and she feared leaving the other two children because he might have beaten them to death too."
Currently both parents are held in Guadeloupe as the investigation is ongoing. It is not clear at this time what charges would be laid against the mother or if she would be released. Efforts made to contact Prosecutor Jacques Louvier proved futile. SMN News will continue to monitor the developments of this case.

Philipsburg:--- Rotarians of St Maarten/St Martin/Anguilla and St Barth's are seeking four outstanding professionals from the Hospitality and Tourism sector to visit the Devon region of England in May, 2011 as part of the Group Study Exchange program of The Rotary Foundation.
Through the program, teams of professionals exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. The exchange involves four- to six-week visits, during which team members share personal knowledge of their own country and experience the customs, vocations, and lifestyles of another.
The purpose of a Group Study Exchange is to promote international understanding and good-will through person-to-person contact. While abroad, team members stay in Rotarians' homes and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts. They will also give presentations to Rotary clubs and other groups about our islands.
The Rotary Foundation provides a round-trip air ticket, and local Rotarians in the host country provide meals, lodging, and group travel in their district. Team members pay for personal and incidental expenses.
People interested in applying should be employed full-time in the hospitality/tourism sector. Young professionals within the age range of 25 to 40 are encouraged to apply. Applicants must live/be employed in St Maarten/St Martin/Anguilla and St Barth's and also be citizens of their respective countries.
For an application form, please contact Rebecca Low, GSE Team Leader at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Pierre DeCelles, GSE Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.rotarysxm.org. Please note the deadline for application is Monday, September 6, 2010.

Colebay:--- School Manager of the Charles Leopold Bell Primary School, Ms. Alice Samuel, is pleased to announce the launching of the school's website at www.charlesleopoldbellschool.org. It's just in time for the start of the new school year and is created to facilitate communication between the school, parents, staff, PTA members and the community.

Ms. Samuel deems it necessary for the school to launch a website of its own, as it would serve as a valuable asset to the school and an important extension of its services. We are living in an age when people want to be and stay informed and our website offers all relevant information pertaining to the school and its activities, says Ms. Samuel. The website is user-friendly, boasting smooth navigation, advanced functionality and engaging content intended to help site visitors quickly find what they are looking for.

The website will provide site visitors with general school information and answers to most frequently asked questions. Basic school forms can be conveniently downloaded. A school calendar, Kids Corner, photo gallery and a news section for press releases, school bulletins and special announcements are added features of the website. The website will also serve as a platform to showcase major school projects done by the children throughout the school year. A Facebook page has also been created for the school and has been incorporated in the new website. This greatly enhances the school's outreach efforts, especially to parents.

Mrs. Patricia Williams-Carty who is a teacher at the school, has worked tirelessly with the developers in providing all pertinent information for the development of the website. The website has been developed by Swaby Academy, a United States based non-profit organization. Swaby Academy has committed to sponsoring the school's website for a period of five years by financing domain registration, hosting, design and maintenance services.

Philipsburg:---"Not showing up for meetings of the Island Council can be considered neglect of your responsibilities for which Island Council Members have been elected by the people" say DP Councilmember Maria Buncamper Molanus after the rescheduled Island Council meeting once again could not get started due to a lack of quorum.
The DP councilmember continued to state that contrary to the opinion of at least one member of the NA lead Executive Council, public transportation, as well as matters related to the transition to country St. Maarten such as, BZV card holders, Joint Currency/Central Bank, Social Charter for government Employees and Post (bank) Services, the Democratic Party strongly believes that these issues directly affect the lives of the people of St. Maarten.
Wednesday's Island Council meeting which once again did not get started because only the DP faction signed up for the meeting clearly illustrates who is taking the people's business seriously.
Buncamper-Molanus said that while it is not surprising, the constitution for Country St. Maarten which was approved by the Island Council on July 21st , still has not been translated into the English language and made available to the public of St. Maarten. During the debate of the draft constitution the DP faction in the Island Council insisted on having Government commit to translating the document into English as well as having public forums organized within the shortest possible time. Three weeks later there is no evidence of either of these commitments made by Commissioner William Marlin on behalf of the Executive Council, having been lived up to.
One can only wonder what else is in store for us. We continue to await government's explanation as to which language will be considered official when it concerns laws and policies, especially when it pertains to their legal interpretation.
And as we continue to call upon government to give account for their actions or a lack thereof, the people remain in the dark about what will happen in among others, the area of the pension, health insurance, healthcare and specialized care if not available locally. And with respect to the currency that will be used and how that affects the economy, every day transactions when we buy goods and services or the sums of money small or large that the people have in local banks, remains an even bigger mystery.
The Democratic Party will remain prudent in seeking information in an effort to inform the people; concludes Democratic Party Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

Lowlands: --- The gendarmes are busy investigating a gruesome rape, robbery and car accident that took place in Lowlands on Wednesday night. SMN News learnt that the female victim is an intern of the Nature Foundation and she was scheduled to finish her three month internship on Friday.
Sources say the young lady who is in her early twenties left the Tantra Night Club with a male companion and another female who was dropped off some distance away from Tantra. SMN News further learnt that the victim and the male driver of the car were on their way to Marigot where they both live, when four men in another vehicle slammed into their car. It is understood that the culprits intentionally hit the car so that the occupants would stop. SMN News learnt that when the car stopped the culprits dragged the young woman out of the car and took turns in raping her. It is further learnt that the young lady suffer severe damages but spent most of the day at the gendarmerie in La Savanne giving investigators information on her ordeal. It is not clear at this time if the victim who was picked up by the gendarmes from the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on Thursday will return to the institution for further treatment.

SMN News further learnt that the student is from Guadeloupe and she was scheduled to leave the island after she completed her internship. Sources say the young lady is currently studying in France and she was exploring other ideas which would aid her in completing her studies. "The young lady was of great help to Nature Foundation especially when it comes to turtles."
The St. Maarten Nature Foundation closed its office on Thursday when they learnt of the gruesome rape. It is further understood that the workers at Nature Foundation were emotionally distraught and they needed time to cope with what happened to their colleague.

On July 21, at least eight men in two vehicles committed a similar act in Grand Case, where two visitors who were staying at Baie Nettle were attacked and allegedly raped. When SMN News learnt of the incident we also learnt that the female victims left the island the following day out of disgust and fear. At the time commandant Stephane Brunet of the gendarmerie said while there were an accident and robbery the victims were not raped. Brunet said the suspects attempted to fondle one of the victims during that incident. To date no one has been arrested for that robbery and attempted rape.

SMN News contacted the commandant Stephane Brunet on Thursday about the rape and robbery that was committed on Wednesday night. Brunet said several gendarmes from the brigade are currently investigating the rape of the young student. However, the commandant said he has no authority to give out information on the current investigation and that members of the media must contact Prosecutor Defirmas in Guadeloupe for information. Several attempts to contact the prosecutor proved futile on Thursday.

Philipsburg:---The St. Maarten Lions Club donated five computers to the Philipsburg Jubilee Library to support the organization's efforts to upgrade its computer network system, in particular the internet café currently located in the reading room. Director, Mrs. Monique Alberts accepted the generous donation on behalf of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. President of the St. Maarten's Lion Club stated: "This Lionistic Year's focus is on "Empowering the Youth". As such, the club's board found it fitting to make this donation to help guarantee that our youths are empowered through the acquisition of knowledge. Today, computers play a vital role in retrieving and storing of valuable information. We hope that through our contribution we inspire more young people and adults alike, who currently have no access to a home computer, to visit the library and make use of the internet and other educational materials."

Maria Buncamper-Molanus, through the Sky Is The Limit Foundation, assisted the St. Maarten Soccer Education Foundation with a financial contribution towards the foundation's annual soccer camp.

As the former Commissioner of Sports, Buncamper-Molanus has never underestimated the value of sports in a young person's life and said she took great pride in assiting the foundation with the good work it continues to perform annually.

"The benefit of sports in a child's life is immeasurable, especially in the development stages. It instills discipline, character, respect and the value of working with others. I commend the foundation for its dedication towards this annual event, all in the benefit of the youth of St. Maarten," she said.

The camp attracted approximately 100 youngsters from Dutch and French St. Maarten, Emphasis was placed on teaching the fundamental components of soccer and fostering a positive, enjoyable learning environment.

Philipsburg: --- The Concordia Political Alliance (CPA) has released the candidates that will be contesting the September 17 elections under the CPA slate. The CPA is headed by Jeffry Richardson, with three other candidates, Leo Richardson, Natasha Chumney, and Denicio Wyatte. While agreeing that this would be difficult for the new party Jeffry said his party is determined to move forward since their party is the only one that would be looking out for the native people's interest. One of their goals is to give content to the identity of the St. Maarteners.
Richardson said right now there are constant discussions on who is a St. Maartener and even the elected officials have failed to safeguard the interest of its people in the constitution. "We want to make sure St. Maarteners come first in their country while we would not be excluding anyone" Jeffry said it makes no sense having a country when the people of that country is not identified, he further explained that politicians are going out there looking for St. Maarteners abroad yet they need a committee to define who is a St. Maartener. "For us this makes no sense and a consensus is needed because St. Maarteners are becoming an endangered species."
Jeffry Richardson ran on the Democratic Party slate on at least two occasions where he said he gained a lot of political experience even though he was never elected to serve. He said he wants to serve his people and at one point decided he would have stayed away from politics but after speaking with many people he felt there is a need for someone to step up to the plate and defend the interest of the people. Richardson called on voters to elect at least one person on his slate to be the voice of the people. He also threw punches to those politicians whom he said are engaged in vote buying and are being financed by large organizations. One of the main reasons why the island is over built with concrete jungles.
"When those organizations support you and you are elected then it's payback time at the end of the day. He said the CPA will ensure that the St. Maarten people do not become extinct in their own countries. "We don't want our grass root people to become like the Amerindians and Caribs who are no longer here. We also do not want the St. Maarten people to be a minority in their country." Jeffry said if these issues are not addressed then the people will see the explosion of the social time bomb. "Crime is exploding on the island and the people are now demanding that they come first in their country. This has a very strong energy and if not properly constructed and harness then the island would find itself in major problems.
Jeffry said he is also prepared to face his critics and those who would say negative things about him. He said he knows that the CPA will be labeled as anti foreigners even though that is not the case. Jeffry said he knows that there will be people who would ridicule and attack them but they are prepared for it and if that is what it takes for the island natives to be counted then so be it.
Jeffry also signed the covenant the St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation presented to politicians on May 15 when the discussion was held on the treaty of Concordia. He said while politicians were asked to sign the document that states they are going to protect the island ancestral interest none of them signed it. Jeffry said the other members of the CPA will be signing the document in order to show their loyalty to St. Maarten.
Jeffry is also concerned with the one day time frame the two new political parties have to gather 134 signatures to qualify them to contest this election. "The island council made the changes to keep out other parties."

Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin introduced four new candidates that will be running on the National Alliance slate on September 17. The new candidates are Jacinto Mock, Martha Simmon Thewet, two new comers to the political arena along with former members of the People's Progressive Party Christopher Emanuel and Herbert Martina. The two candidates who came from the PPA expressed their disgust as well as disappointment in the former PPA leader Gracita Arrindell who teamed up with care taker commissioner Theo Heyliger for the United People's Party. Herbert Martina describes the fusion as a hoax, a sham and a ploy to sway the voters of St. Maarten. Martina reminded the gathering of how Arrindell criticized Heyliger for his work ethics in the past, yet she chose to have him as her leader now. He said the marriage between Heyliger took place without the approval and consent of the former PPA members, and in fact his views do not coincide with that of the United People's Party.
Martina said he can be considered a reflection of St. Maarten's younger generation thus he will be focusing on sports, education, and crime. Firing shots at Arrindell also was Christopher Emanuel who said politics makes strange bed fellows and that him being on the National Alliance slate should not be a surprise to no one. Emanuel said he simply returned to his fold because he left the National Alliance to form the PPA in 2003 because he wanted something new or different. He said when the time came for him to choose where to go he had no difficulty because he knew what is right for the people of St. Maarten. Emanuel called on the voters and supporters of the National Alliance to make sure they campaign hard because he felt the National Alliance should have nothing less but ten seats for 10/10/10. He said the members of the National Alliance is not afraid neither are they scared. He spoke of some of the achievements of the National Alliance since they took office such as the implementation of compulsory education and the fact that the leader of the National Alliance and now leader of government was the only one who was able to pin point a date when St. Maarten would become country.
Jacinto Mock a Chinese national who was born in the Dominican Republic but grew up on St. Maarten surprised many with how he analyzed the situation St. Maarten and its people are facing daily.
Mock said declared that he will not tolerate financial crimes if elected, neither environmental negligence, or any other recklessness that can harm the people of St. Maarten. "Negligence and recklessness have torn our conscience, destroyed our cultural and historical sites, and endangered our environment and the people, acts which that have created economic loss and those responsible for this must be brought to justice." He called on the people to remain vigilante and look out for white collar and computer crimes which can further harm this society. Mock said the new leaders would be challenged with will have a host of work before them such as the escalating crime rate, the influx of immigrants, educational reform, health care, price control, and closing the gap between the rich and the poor. All of which must take place within the framework of human rights, equality and respect of religion as well as cultural freedom. His message for the youths is that they should live a meaningful life, and be imaginative, creative and learn to innovate. Mock warned that he will not leave without a fight to get into government.
"As for those that say that they are more experienced I need you to tell us what you did with the more years of experience, was it used to go in the wrong direction? More experience doing wrong things? Or more experience doing things wrong. Was the more experience used to lie to the people and to betray and sell them out? More experience foreign consultants?" He said even if someone has 30 years of experience as a cook they only have to poison one person to be prosecuted. While the fourth candidate introduced by Marlin holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice, and is ready to assist with the current crime situation that is plaguing St. Maarten. Simmon Thewet, a former employee of New York mayor's cabinet Rudy Giuliani and USM. She is the section head of the Bus and Taxi Drivers and advisor to the executive council. Thewet said she also developed a love for education and is concerned about the students who are not able to achieve a full academic education. Her intention if elected is to write policies that would accommodate students that are not academically strong.

Philipsburg:--- The judge of the local Court of First Instance ordered the immediate release of a young woman of Guyanese descent. The young mother had obtained residency last year through the Brooks Tower procedure. The young lady had lived on St. Maarten for ten consecutive years and had obtained legal status in 2002. She lost her status but got it back via the Brooks Tower procedure. When she filed for the renewal of her permit on August 10, 2010 she was apprehended and immediately incarcerated by local police after it was discovered that her passport was false.
One day after the arrest she was handed over to the immigration department for instant deportation. Her family was ordered to immediately provide a one way flight ticket to Guyana.
An order they felt could not be ignored without serious repercussions. As a consequence the ticket was handed over by the family and the young lady was scheduled to be put on the Saturday, August 14 flight back to Guyana. The fact that her young daughter, who grew up on the island, her husband, her mother and aunt had to stay behind (for they are all legal residents of St. Maarten), was of no issue to the local authorities.
The family contacted local Attorney Remko M. Stomp, who did not waste time filing an immediate injunction at the local court of instance. During the hearing the attorney representing the Governor pointed out that it was the full responsibility of the young lady to present the correct documents. By presenting a false passport she deserved nothing better than instant deportation. Setting her free would create a very bad precedent the attorney claimed who went to great lengths to explain his point of view. Besides she was only holding a Brooks Tower permit, she was illegally residing on the island for many years the attorney stated.
Stomp on the other hand commenced his pleadings explaining that the young lady had her passport recently renewed and was not aware of the fact that it was no good. The lady had put her trust in someone who was going to take care for the renewal of her passport. This person turned out to be a criminal of which my client has become of victim, Stomp stated. My client does not need a false document for she can proof her Guyanese identity easily with her valid birth certificate and had no problem getting original documents. Stomp presented a copy of the young lady's old passport to the judge which was perfectly original, Stomp explained.

Stomp told the judge that his client got so desperate in the notorious holding cells at the local police station that she begged the immigration officers to put her on the plane back to Guyana. The Governor's lawyer swiftly reacted to Stomp's statement stating that there actually was no case, for the lady wanted to leave the island completely voluntarily! This reaction created widespread laughter in the courtroom with Stomp complimenting his colleague for his sense of humor. The case then regained its seriousness with the governor's lawyer stating that setting the young mother free would leave the authorities with the hands in the air with similar cases in the future.
Stomp reacted stating that this was nonsense for the authorities could have indicted her or could have given her a fine. In addition the Governor could have revoked her resident permit instantly. Nothing of the likes had been done Stomp said. Stomp concluded that based on the file his client's resident permit was still valid and that the Governor therefore had detained a person that was legally residing on the island, this was a clear breach of jurisprudence and the legal guidelines for Lieutenant Governors in the Netherlands Antilles, Stomp explained.
Stomp demanded the instant release of his client. The judge ruled accordingly.

GREAT BAY:--- The Government of St. Maarten in association with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) launched the St Maarten ICT Week on Sunday 15th August with a grand Opening Ceremony where speakers emphasized how fundamentally the world has changed as a result of the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies (ICT).
The first activity of St Maarten's ICT week, the 6th Caribbean Internet Governance Forum has as its theme: Designing a Caribbean information society. The theme was chosen in response to the recognition by Caribbean governments that competitive advantage must be built on the basis of knowledge and the effective use of information and communication technologies as enablers for social and economic development.
The programme commenced with Mr. Rodney Taylor, Business Development and Operations Manager of the CTU, who gave a global perspective on Internet Governance (IG) and its genesis in the World Summit for the Information Society. "The issues associated with IG are numerous, wide and complex, encompassing such matters as infrastructure development, legislation, economics, privacy and security" stated Mr. Taylor. He emphasized the tremendous potential of the Internet to positively impact the lives of every citizen of St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean.
Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary-General, of the CTU then gave an overview of the work of the CTU in advancing the Caribbean Internet Governance Agenda which includes facilitating the establishment of Internet Exchange Points, encouraging the adoption of IPv6; building public awareness and educating all stakeholders on the power and potential of the Internet and its resources.
The reasons why the dream information societies has been eluding Caribbean countries was explored by Mr. Bevil Wooding Chief Knowledge Officer of Congress WBN. He pointed to the need to define the construct of an information society and then to identify the mechanisms by which it could be established. This required the formulation of strong policies to address specific issues pertaining to the information society such as education, access and legislation and the political will to implement them.
The power and value of information were discussed by Dr. Steven Bratt CEO of the Wide Web Foundation who presented the limitations of e-government and the paradigm shift to o-government, an emerging model which advocates making government data available to the public. In this way, interested stakeholders are able to develop the services that are of benefit to them, by using the raw data.
The issues of intellectual property and rights, trademarks and copyrights were also discussed in the context of the design of an information Society. Attorneys at Law, Messrs. Teni Housty and Warren Cassell from Guyana and Montserrat respectively presented erudite perspectives of how the legal issues pertaining to intellectual property should be addressed.
The first day St. Maarten ICT Week was overwhelming success and St. Maarteners are encouraged to attend the remaining sessions which are designed to explain many of the issues pertaining to information and communication technologies and innovation and entrepreneurship. All of the events are free.
The activities for the rest of the St. Maarten ICT Week are as follows:
18th to 20th - Caribbean ICT Roadshow: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
18th to 19th - Caribbean Network Operators' Group (CaribNOG):1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
18th to 19th - ICT Camps: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
19th to 20th - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Philipsburg:--- On Sunday August 22nd Dutch Antillean Storyteller Wijnand Stomp will perform for the first time in St Maarten.
Stomp, in Holland better known as Mr. Anansi is a highly creative, multi-talented performer who captivates children as well as adults with his Anansi stories. The energetic mixture of physical, musical, visual and textual elements determines the strength of his performances.
The first performance of Mr. Anansi in St Maarten this Sunday will at the same time be the launching of the 'It takes a story to raise a child program" on our island.
It takes a story to raise a child is an educational program developed by Wijnand Stomp which aims at stimulating storytelling and reading. The goal is to familiarize teachers (in training), group workers and parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles with the basic principles of theatrical storytelling and tot teach them how to best make use of the power of storytelling. Only if a story is told with passion, courage and dedication does it have true impact.
In early African tradition, the griots were responsible for sharing the African history with the people and singing about the African heroes, always infusing their stories with humor. And although the griot serves the king, the king in turn cannot rule without the approval and wisdom of the griot.
In many oral traditions, and certainly in Africa, the spoken word has tremendous power.
Teachers are the present-day griots; they are the ones to tell the stories that will inspire our children. Who doesn't remember their brilliant teacher who captured the attention by telling a gripping story?
In St Maarten a group of 15 storytellers will participate in a four day "It takes a story" workshop. The program which is organized by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the Ark foundation will be repeated in 2011 and 2012.
The Library and the Ark foundation invite the general public to come to the Belair Centre on Sunday August 22nd for this very special storytelling event with Mr. Anansi.
Time: 4.00- 6.00 pm
Entrance: Free of charge
For more information call the library 542 2970 or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Philipsburg: --- A friend of mine recently posted on his Facebook page that he was identifying two candidates from each party of his choice in a distinct attempt at garnering support for candidates that he felt can do the country very good if they are elected to serve. When told that as a journalist he should not engage in such campaign owing to what is regarded by many as our noble profession, he defended himself by firmly pointing out that "... I am a photographer and this is my country so I have a right to endorse whoever I want," While this popular photographer/journalist whatever he wants to call himself (he interchanges the position to suit whatever point he is trying to make) wants to do he must understand that as a journalist the power of influence and command is significant as many persons from the public depend upon us so as to make vital and in many cases very critical life changing decisions.
However much more of a burning issue is the recent disclosure by very popular and veteran journalist Bibi Hodge Shaw's demand on Facebook?? that journalists /of a leading newspaper in St Maarten cease immediately their bandwagon endorsements and soft story writing which as she said evidently demonstrates their political bias and affiliation. I have deliberately decided to follow the controversy as it is my opinion that no journalist while serving actively in the profession should:

1. Be involved in such practice
2. Should be allowed by his/her media house to do so if that media house wants to be seen as being independent.

The journalists and their newspaper which has been able through its hard working staff and good management to build a very reputable image within the North Eastern Caribbean must know that there are rules governing print journalism and reporting in general that ought to be followed I rush to point out that the particular media house must be very cognizant that the public is looking on and more and more is becoming aware of the unprofessional and unethical behavior of some members of its staff.
Jagdish P. Sukhu quoted from the Wikipedia online: "Journalism ethics and standards comprise principles of ethics and of good practice as applicable to the specific challenges faced by professional journalists. Historically and currently, this subset of media ethics is widely known to journalists as their code of ethics or the canons of journalism."
This clearly demonstrates that the three journalists from their writings are hiding behind the cloud of freedom of speech to assert that they are doing no wrong by clearly on a regular and sustained bases writes article for three candidates that are contesting an election. Examining the writings I am very confident and certain that the three journalists are involved as over the years I have been able to ascertain their writing style and ability thus knowing that the candidates that they represent.
The United People's party headed by Theo Heyliger, the National Alliance headed by William Marlin, the Democratic Party headed by Sarah Wescott Williams and the Concordia Political Alliance (CPA) headed by Jeffery Richardson are fiercely contesting for political office and while it is every journalist's right to vote for, or to support whoever he or she wishes, there is a thin line that should be respected in terms of his or her public pronouncements, endorsement and political writings – especially if working for an independent media house.
The question that one has to ask - especially of the editor and management team - is in what capacity are these journalists employed as it is evident that some of them are mouthpieces for some of the political parties and their candidates.
I specifically ask this critically important question taking into consideration recent observations by several members of the public. The newspaper in the interest of preserving its own image and that of its reporters should explain why the Guyanese media couple (man and woman) that works there has been seen on a number of occasions entering and engaging in closed-door meetings of the UP.
The Guyanese couple referred to should publicly indicate whether they are working as journalists or as mouthpieces for the UP. To make this point much clearer recently when the UP held a closed-door meeting at the Westin Resort, the only media people allowed were this couple. Not even another media colleague who, very inappropriately chaired the UP launching was allowed to sit in at the meeting.
I also call on Theo Heyliger in the fairness of public disclosure, honesty and transparency to explain if he is engaging the services of a journalist while that journalist is performing journalistic duties full time for a local media house.
I must state that we must recognize that as journalists we should guide our lives by basic ethical principles which include principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality and public accountability. I stress that like many broader ethical systems, journalism ethics includes the principle of Limitation to harm. While I will not judge the esteemed newspaper I would state that if it is aware of the current situation and has not taken any action against the individuals who are causing it to lose its credibility and also causing the public to lose its high respect for journalists, in general, then I would say that the media house is acting irresponsibly. I am sure that the editor of this media house knows the destruction irresponsible journalism can cause.
In closing, I urge all media practitioners working with independent media houses to ensure that they pursue the truth and do not allow themselves to be used by any politician or by any special interest. Their conduct should be professional and beyond suspicion and their reporting should be fair, balanced, honest and accurate.

Philipsburg:--- "It is commendable how Insel Air has been able to offer students attending the University of the Netherlands Antilles (UNA) a discount to the over ten destinations the Curacao airline travels to," remarked Stuart Johnson President of the Youth Link Foundation. The entire board of the Youth Link Foundation believes that WINAIR should follow suit by offering students of the University of St. Martin (USM) a similar discount. Johnson is a former student of USM and the former student government association president.
"It will provide further incentives for our students as they embark on their educational journey toward completing their university studies," Johnson said. We must not rely on Government alone to take initiative but let us collectively as a community take a stand. "I would like to urge more businesses locally to follow suit by giving back to the community which can only yield positive results for everyone," he said. "As we approach our new country status it is imperative we get the involvement of everyone, because only united and together can we truly achieve our goals," he concluded. The board of the foundation has submitted a letter to the management of WINAIR requesting their consideration in this matter.

...

Philipsburg:--- Last month, NAGICO Insurances introduced its revamped Corporate Newsletter NAGICO Life Lines to its employees, agents and brokers at the company's mid-year conference.
Marketing Officer, Jimmy Challenger: "The name NAGICO Life Lines was based on three things: First NAGICO, a name that has stood strong for over twenty-five years. Secondly Life: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the fruits from the earth that we eat, the sharing and love we give and receive from our family and friends in the communities we serve, are all needed for life. NAGICO protects lives. Whether it may be through Life Insurance products or protecting our homes, cars, boats and businesses, NAGICO insurances is here to cover our lives and most valuable processions. Thirdly Lines, NAGICO extends lines of communication to all, in order to better understand internal and external challenges to ensure that NAGICO's goal to become the most highly respected insurance company of choice is not only attained but maintained through open lines of communication and an understanding of what it takes to stay ahead."
The NAGICO Life Lines Newsletter is a quarterly publication, available to the public at any NAGICO Insurance Authorized Agent or the main office on Cannegieter Street. To commemorate the launch of NAGICO Life Lines, the company made a contribution to the St. Dominic High School's participation in the European Union's Comenius Project: "The Way we were, the way we are". The Comenius Project is a school partnership where students and teachers originating from schools located in different European Countries work on common topics. Small publications on their project results are made and presented at exhibitions and on the internet. The St. Dominic High School is the only school in the Netherlands Antilles participating in the project. The students are heading to Sweden to meet their German, Italian and Swedish counterparts under the theme: Communication

NAGICO Insurances Managing Director in charge of Information Technology Mr. Vincent Haakmat presented a cheque to the students stating: "We are proud to make a contribution to help cover the costs of this project as it allows students to develop their research techniques and project management skills, while at the same time get exposure to international relations. The key to any regional or continental exchange of ideas or projects for that matter is communication."
Each student received a copy of NAGICO Life Lines and was encouraged to continue to do good work on the Comenius Project during their visit to Sweden.

Philipsburg:--- The United Task Force Against Crime (UTFAC) is applauding the police and control unit with the recent surge in controls on the roads and in the districts.
UTFAC is happy to see that police officers and members of the control unit are more active stopping vehicles while checking for weapons, stolen items, tools that can be used for robberies as well as necessary documents that includes vehicles insurance and driver's licenses.
The Community Councils Task Force Against Crime would like to remind the general public that the battle against crime is everyone's business. The police has their job to carry out and as a responsible society we should be mindful and respectful towards their tasks.
UTFAC urges everyone to remember to walk with their ID card, it is the law that everyone should be in possession of an ID card in order to show to authority when asked.
UTFAC is also asking all those that use their blackberries to send info on road controls to their mass mailing list, to refrain from doing so. The criminals also have blackberries and can plot new ways to avoid road controls and police interventions.
The community is urged to call the police anonymous tip line 108 whenever they have information on robberies and sensitive information relating to crime.
Together as a community and partnering with our police force we can take a bite out of crime.

Philipsburg: --- The College Financieel Toezicht (CFT ) has informed the executive council by letter on Wednesday that they have rejected the 2011 budget that is prepared for country St. Maarten as well as the plans government had sent them.
SMN News learnt that the executive council of St. Maarten submitted the budget on August 13 to meet the August 15 deadline with 100 million guilders in deficit and they also submitted a plan as to how the government intends to fill in the deficit.
Reliable sources say that the CFT made clear in its letter that the budget will not be accepted with such a huge deficit. SMN News further learnt that the federal government over the years has been providing St. Maarten with bogus figures as to how much it costs to maintain the police department, the prison and the other departments that are being transferred to St. Maarten when the island gets it country status on October 10 2010.
Spokesman for the CFT Gert Bergsma confirmed to SMN News that they indeed sent a letter to the Executive Council of St. Maarten on Wednesday requesting more information. The spokesman said the budget presented to them did not meet the necessary requirements laid down by law when it comes to income and spending. The CFT spokesman also confirmed that the 2011 budget that was presented to them by St. Maarten has a 100 million guilders deficit but crucial information on the budget was lacking.
He said when St. Maarten presented the budget two weeks ago they acknowledged there was missing information and that it will be sent to them within two weeks, which expires on Friday August 27th.
Even though commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman received the official letter from the CFT on Wednesday he told members of the media on Thursday that the 2011 budget was balanced and that there were wild stories circulating about the 100 million deficits, one he considers to be humongous. Blackman said one has to understand that budgets are work in progress because the minute they receive an additional expenditure or income everything changes. However, Blackman acknowledged they encountered some issues regarding the expenses coming to St. Maarten from the federal government transfer.
It is understood that when the finance department and its staff did the calculation they realized that St. Maarten would find itself in a hole financially. The source further explained that government decided they would have made budget cuts by shifting monies around. An example given was that government felt removing part of the operational cost and cutting expenses would have done the job but the CFT said that was impossible while saying these cuts are more like wishful thinking since it is not realistic neither is it well documented.
SMN News learnt that with the new development country St. Maarten or 10/10/10 is in real jeopardy because Holland can well say that St. Maarten is not able to shoulder her expenses and such delay the constitutional process. One of the questions politicians now have to answer is how are they going to sustain the new country without enough money. One political figure said that the new development can well throw a monkey wrench in the entire process even though the island is gearing up for early elections to be held on September 17th. "This new information can be considered as political dynamite but none of the political parties that are contesting the election have a solution as to how they would remedy the situation." "While the opposition would want to jump on this for political mileage they too do not have inkling or plan to deal with a situation such as this one. They are all like children playing in a garden innocently." The focus for politicians right now is for them to say how they would finance country St. Maarten because the island definitely cannot afford it. Efforts made to reach commissioner Blackman on Thursday afternoon proved futile as he did not answer his phones.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Information reached the Commissioner in charge of Public Health Mr. Hyacinth Richardson that Dr. Pallas, a resident optometrist at the St. Maarten Medical Center SMMC has not been accepting BZV cards recently.
The Commissioner held a meeting with Dr. Pallas on Friday July 30, 2010 to address the matter and to bring some form of resolution to the ongoing issue.
Mr. Hyacinth Richardson is happy to inform the general public that Dr. Pallas will be accepting all BZV cards to ensure the provision of continual Health Care on the island.
In a press release to the Government Information Service (GIS) Commissioner Richardson concluded that the meeting was very fruitful as all parties are eager to continue the good work on behalf of the people.

PHILIPSBURG:--- University of St. Martin's (USM) Political Science 120 class for the upcoming Fall semester will be taking full advantage of St. Maarten's historical political developments.
The main objective of the USM's Introduction to Political Science course, taught by instructor Khalilah Peters, is to help students better understand the environment in which political decisions are made and governments operate.
According to Peters, the intention is to, as much as possible, integrate St. Maarten's political issues, developments, and activities into the class program. St. Maarten is currently in the process of obtaining Country Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
"In doing so, students will be given the opportunity to not only witness St. Maarten's political developments surrounding its constitutional change, but they will also be expected to examine and discuss these developments through an analytical academic lens," she said
Classes will not be limited to classroom instructions and textbook readings, students will be expected to attend political rallies, sit in on Island Council meetings, interview politicians and assist with the organization of one of the AVS political debates scheduled during the month of September, 2010.
Topics covered in this University of St. Martin Political Science course will include: (1) approaches to the study of politics;(2) basic concepts of politics; (3) emergence of the state; (4) nature of various governments; (5) function of governments (6) the nature of various ideologies and their influences on politics; (7) the role of political parties and interest groups; (8) administration and function of a civil service apparatus; (9) democracy and it's various forms; and (10) international politics and how they relate to our new constitutional status.
This course is open to all matriculated and non-matriculated USM students, and classes will be scheduled for Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon starting from August 21st, 2010 to December 11th, 2010. Persons from the wider community, who are interested in politics, can also take the class but their enrollment is subject to approval from the dean of academic affairs.
"For those persons interested in politics and who may have keen interests in serving their communities, this course will provide them with an analytical basis from which they can assess the political developments of Country St. Maarten," Peters concluded.
USM fall semester gets underway on August 16th and runs through December 11, 2010.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday August 6th at approximately 02.00 p.m. police patrols, police traffic department, fire department and ambulance department were sent to the crossing of Oyster Pond road and Bishop Hill road for a serious traffic accident involving three vehicles and where at least one person was injured.
On the scene the driver of a white pick-up with license plate V-1426 was complaining of pain in his chest, neck and back. With the assistance of the Fire Department using the metal cutting machine called "the jaws of life" made it safer for the victim to remove from the wreckage by paramedics.
The victim was then transported to the St Maarten Medical Center for medical treatment. The exact cause of this accident is still being investigated by the Police Traffic Department.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The historic 1st Regional Gathering of the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) gets underway in St Maarten from 15-19 August. The five day event is being staged to coincide with the Government of St Maarten's ICT Week and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union Caribbean ICT Roadshow.

"This is a very significant gathering" stated Mr. Bevil Wooding, Programme Director for the event. He added, "CaribNOG is a forum designed specifically to create greater levels of technical collaboration in the Caribbean. This puts us all in better position to address critical technology challenges and issues and to derive relevant solutions."

Over the past year the CaribNOG group has been building a reputation as an influential forum where network technicians and technology professionals share experiences and participate in high-tech training exercises and workshops.

Stephen Lee, spokesperson for the group and Chief Technology Officer at ArkiTechs Inc. stated "Not only will we have network professionals from across the region, CaribNOG has attracted speakers and participants from as far as New Zealand, Argentina, the UK and North America for the event."

The event affords St Maarten has a unique opportunity to showcase itself to the world as one of the region's main technology hubs. The week-long program includes technical training sessions in Voice over IP (VoIP), Linux Security, IPv6 and advanced routing for building the skills of ICT technicians and engineers.

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), co-convener of the ICT Week, has been a staunch supporter of CaribNOG and collaborating partner since the inception of group. Ms. Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the CTU stated, "The goals of CaribNOG are consistent with the CTU's vision for greater technical collaboration within the region. We were pleased that the organizers have been able to use our Caribbean ICT Roadshow as a launch pad for CaribNOG's activities."

The event has also gained strong support from some major organizations in the industry including the American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Internet Society (ISOC) and the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) and Packet Clearing House (PCH).

Ms. Peggy Ann Brandon, local coordinator for the St Maarten ICT Week said, "We are delighted to host such a high-caliber slate of presenters for this meeting." She added, "Regional ICT practitioners have a unique opportunity to be part of history in the making and to benefit from the expertise of some of the top minds in the industry."

The 1st CaribNOG Regional Meeting will be held at the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa. The meeting is free of charge and open Internet Service Providers, Network Administrators, Computer Engineers, Technology Researchers and ICT Consultants and other interested stakeholders.

The Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) is a non-for-profit, independent technical community committed to providing a regional forum for sharing technical experiences and expertise; building technical capacity and knowledge; and advocating relevant technical solutions for the region.

CaribNOG is committed to providing a regional forum for influencing technical development in the Caribbean region and raising awareness among the region's network operators and ICT practitioners as to their common role and regional responsibility.

About the Caribbean Telecommunications Union
The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is a inter-governmental, treaty organization, acting in an advisory capacity to the governments of the Caribbean region. The organization was established in 1990 years ago by regional heads of government to advise on matters related to Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The CTU is headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago and has been involved in the harmonization of policies across the Caribbean for the development of the ICT sector. It is governed by a council of ministers from the telecommunication and information ministries of the regional governments. Its membership base comprises governments, private sector and civil society organizations.

Philipsburg– Executive Director of the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse, has been appointed head of Urban Broadcasting Company TV (UBC-TV) International Business Development and Marketing Division.
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UBC-TV Peggy Dodson, says Lugisse, is a perfect fit with respect to UBC's global strategy.
"Lugisse has the experience and background to make UBC the international company I have always intended it to be. I look forward to making some big deals and forming lasting relationships through Arthur for UBC-TV and all of our associated ventures and projects," Dodson stated in a press release provided to Lugisse.
"UBC-TV would like to expand into the Caribbean and I am looking forward to making that happen. We will be firstly looking at this part of the region, namely the North Eastern Caribbean.
"I am interested in hearing from TV stations, Cable TV Companies and others that are interested in working together to make this happen. UBC-TV is also very much interested in investors as well who would have shares in the company. The main benefactors are the customers of the various companies, and UBC-TV will only be an asset to what is already going on in the Caribbean," Lugisse said on Sunday.
UBC-TV is a new broadcast multi-media company that will broadcast multi-media company that will broadcast original 'urban lifestyle' programming that will include entertainment, music, culture, news, comedy, concerts, original dramas and other programming that is relevant to today's Urban Multi-Cultural Market.
Dodson can be contact by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 917-478-0625, or check out website www.urbanbroadcasting.tv

Television stations, Cable TV companies and other multi-media companies interested in developing a mutually beneficial relationship with UBC-TV can contact Arthur Lugisse up until and including Friday, August 20 at the Victorious Living Office, Backstreet #158B or call 520-1802, 542-2663 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pointe Blanche:--- Parking in Pointe Blanche on Monday night was indeed hectic as motor vehicles were seen alongside the road leading up to where the leader of the UP party was having the introduction of their candidates. Party leader Theo Heyliger on Monday night had his candidates sign a pledge as well as signing on to the UP party. Heyliger also presented his candidates with a tee-shirt bearing their names at the back.
The candidates were also given a two minutes to address the large gathering mostly relatives of the candidates and close friends. The affair looked like media frenzy as reporters gathered at the location to capture every movement of the green machine.

Among them were former leader of the People's Progressive Party Gracita Arrindell, Doctor Ruth Douglas, Johan Janchi Leonard, Silvia Meyers, Gregory Richardson, Jesus Richardson, staff of the UP leader Veronica Webster, former acting chief commissioner of police Richard Panneflec, Solange Apon are just a few of the people who would be on the new slate come September 17. Solange Apon called on those present to make sure they go to the census office and sign for the UP party so that they can contest the election. The UP is expected to submit their list to the chairman of the main voting bureau early Wednesday morning.

MARIGOT: --- The gendarmes has arrested a 30 year old man who is suspected of committing at least eight robberies in different areas on the French side of the island stated a press release from the gendarmerie.
The suspect has been transferred to Guadeloupe pending trial. He is accused of committing robberies in Grand Case, Baie Nettle, Orient Bay, and Marigot between April and August 2010. The suspect was active during the peak season of July when several armed robberies were committed. He was arrested on Thursday August 19 during a special operation the press release states. It is alleged that the suspect was a loner and would normally target restaurants, and liquor stores by holding up his victims at gunpoint.
The robber was arrested after several persons assisted the gendarmes by giving testimony. While the robberies were committed on the French side of the island the suspect is from the Dutch side of the island.
The gendarmes also arrested two minors ages 14 and 16 for their involvement in armed robberies to small businesses.

Philipsburg:--- The Acting Lt. Governor and Chairman of the main voting bureau has sent a letter informing the leader of the National Alliance and the Democratic Party that they need to make some minor corrections to the names of their candidates before their lists can be approved for the September 17 island elections.
SMN News learnt that the discovery was made in a closed door meeting on Monday when the verification process was taking place.
The two parties would have at least three days after the receipt of the letter to react by making the necessary corrections. The source said most of the errors that were made relates to how some of the candidate's names on each of the two lists were written.
In an invited comment leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said his list had a simple error with one of the candidates. He said the candidate first name and married name was written on the form but somehow the word "born" was left out before her maiden name. The corrections Marlin said was already made and submitted to the main voting bureau. Several efforts to contact the leader of the Democratic Party proved futile up to press time.
In the meantime, the two new political parties that were formed this year to contest the early elections for St. Maarten, namely the United People's Party headed by Theo Heyliger and the Concordia Political Alliance headed by Jeffry Richardson have been approved.
SMN News further learnt that the CPA might be able to add a second candidate to his list since the Civil Registry made some mistakes when dealing with Aruba born Leo Richardson. It is understood that the committee that perused the lists and the complaint filed by Jeffry Richardson already agreed that the mistakes were made by the civil registry thus Leo Richardson will be allowed to vote come September 17. SMN News further learnt that discussions are currently ongoing to see if the possibility of adding Leo Richardson as a candidate to the CPA list exists. The source said the CPA leader is not giving up on his quest to have a second person on his list and that he would be continuing the fight even if it means filing an injunction on Friday.

Willemstad:--- Community relations (COMRELS) projects help bridge cultures, uplift communities and lay foundations for change for all involved.
USS Klakring (FFG 42) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL 42) Detachment (Det) 10 sailors worked alongside airmen from 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron landscaping, building bookshelves and painting during a COMREL at the Siloam Village Orphanage in Curacao, 16 August. The ship was in Curacao as part of the six-month Southern Seas 2010 deployment to the region.
The orphanage presently houses 12 terminally ill children and helps the surrounding community through weekly food and clothing distributions. Plans are being made to provide a daycare, school and training facilities for adults to help improve reading and enhance job skills. It is supported by the generous contributions from private citizens and organizations that give money, supplies and time.
Owner and director Brother Herman Gijsbers, a missionary who along with his wife, Bep, and daughter, Natasja, moved from the Netherlands to Curacao 21 years ago, said he was very pleased and a bit overwhelmed to have the U.S. military (18 sailors and 10 airmen) come out and do so much for the children and community.
"It would have taken me three or four months to do the work you all did in four hours," said Brother Herman. "I saw the work and sweat you all gave for us in this heat today. I am truly grateful to both God and you for being here."
COMREL programs enable U.S. military members to be involved with the local community through humanitarian efforts. Many of the programs include repairing and repainting schools or hospitals in communities of need, as well as providing supplies such as medical goods and hygiene products. School supplies and toys are also common goods given to the local community.
Air Force Chaplain Karl Blancaflor said we as Americans sometime forget how fortunate we are.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau hosted 11 Hospitality students from the University of St. Martin on an island tour and lunch at Mr. Busby's restaurant.
After the Island tour and lunch, the students were divided into two groups and spent the weekend at The Divi Little Bay and Holland House. As part of their hospitality assignment, they had to evaluate the respective properties before starting classes. The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau has supported this initiative for the past four (4) years now.

Philipsburg:--- Cleaning up St. Maarten in all areas is a task the residents and members of public works have begun shortly after hurricane Earl passed across St. Maarten and its neighboring islands. While the island was spared from significant damage one of the most worrisome scenes is the areas where the different political parties had their posters.
Even though the Island Lt. Governor and Chairman of EOC urged all political parties to make the necessary arrangements to remove their political paraphernalia from alongside the public roads as hurricane Earl approached, the political parties only safeguarded their posters leaving the wooden frames in their respective positions alongside public roads.
These frames were seen in different locations tumbled across the roads and in some cases were blown on to private properties. At least three 40-foot containers that are used for political posters were also overturned with the high winds. A situation which is dangerous for road users and members of the public in general. Signs on several buildings such as Motor World, Office 1 Superstore, The Daily Herald and a few road signs were also blown down. A few houses also lost their roof including a roadside restaurant in Cole Bay.
Another eye sore during the passing of Earl and which made cleaning up more difficult in some areas was the overflowing garbage bins on both sides of the island. Many of these bins fell and the uncollected garbage washed away in the nearby drains, causing unnecessary flooding.
While the heavy winds has already subsided St. Maarten still has to prepare for at least 8 inches of rainfall which is expected from Earl, while a tropical storm Fiona is already making its way towards the Leeward islands.
A large amount of trees broke down leaving many roads inaccessible, cable and electrical poles were also down leaving many areas without electricity. The board walk was full of sand and sea weed as it is clear that the sea water due to rough seas washed onto the boardwalk. Rescue and the clean-up crews began cleaning up the Great Bay area shortly after the passing of Earl even though the curfew was not yet lifted. Heavy equipments from MNO was seen removing the sand that came in from Great Bay beach while some residents in the area lent a helping hand to remove the trees that fell in their immediate neighborhoods.
Police officers and members of the Voluntary Korps braved the heavy rains as they controlled each passing vehicle and to maintain the curfew. In some areas the police vehicle was seen across the roads as the officers tried their best to make sure that people were not out and about unnecessarily and to maintain public order. Some youths that were walking out of St. Peters area with hoodies were made to turn back as they were not able to say exactly where they were going. Police did their best to avoid looting and theft throughout the storm.
Residents in almost every area were seen outside of their homes trying to clean up after Earl. The residents of Beacon Hill were surely locked in as the waves from Maho beach were washing up across the road and running on to the airport runway. The Sunset Beach Bar suffered significant damage as the waves were beating into the restaurant balcony and sitting area. Debris was also seen in the airport parking lots. GEBE power plant also seemed to suffer from sea water damage. It was clear that the waves from Cape Bay Beach were washing onto the GEBE power plant property.
Even though Earl was well away from St. Maarten he leaves behind severe sea conditions in the Great Bay and Simpson Bay areas. The A. C Wathey Cruise dock was almost covered with high waves, at certain point the cruise dock was no longer visible. The water in the Great Salt pond was also very high shortly after the passing of Earl. It is not yet known if the pumps would help in eliminating the water since the seas itself was very rough.
While the island has been spared significant damage residents of St. Maarten needs to remain vigilante as Fiona approaches. We urge the three political parties to use the remaining time we have to remove their fallen poster frames to avoid personal injuries to our residents and visitors.
Several areas on the French side of the island also suffered the loss of electricity. EDF workers were waiting after 2pm on Monday for clearance from the Prefet Delegue to begin accessing the damage that was caused to the over head power lines.

Airport:--- The Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU) and its members in the immigration department of the Princess Juliana International Airport took industrial action on Saturday.
William Reed President of the WICSU told SMN News in a telephone interview that the union and its members have had enough. Reed said currently there is a deadlock between the union and the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. Reed said immigration officers has no chairs to sit on while working at PJIAE, the computers do not have the protective screen, immigration officers who are permanent are yet to get their salary increase and benefits and the Minister of Justice is doing nothing about these matters. "I have held meetings with her and she keeps promising that she would look into the matter and to date nothing is happening. I also sent an email to the Minister telling her that I will not take any responsibility if anything happens at PJIAE. Reed said St. Maarten is approaching 10/10/10 and the union and its members have to know what would happen to their benefits and salaries and the Minister must give us some assurance on these matters. Unless that happens then the WICSU would have to take action to get her attention.
During the action persons arriving on St. Maarten were allowed to walk through without being processed. At the time SMN News learnt it was the peak hour at PJIAE when several planes had landed.
In invited comment Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groenevelt said when he heard of the incident he immediately went to the airport to begin talks with the WICSU president William Reed. Groeneveldt said before he begin the talks he asked Reed to send the immigration officers back to work since he considered the union's action to be very irresponsible. "Right now we don't know who is on our island and what this could do to our economy and I made this very clear to Reed" Groeneveldt said.

Philipsburg:--- Rich and vibrant in color and content, Buncamper-Molanus said the upgraded site is www.mariabuncamper.com "your introduction into understanding the government and politics of St. Maarten."

"It is by means of politics that people are elected and assume positions of responsibility to represent the people. A popular question is: What is politics really about? For me politics is a vehicle that takes you from the side line to the place where you can actually make a difference for the people, the people of St. Maarten," she said.

"The people have the right to know which decisions are being made on their behalf and how these decisions will affect them. By means of this website you will get an impression of several of these decisions made on your behalf," she added.

The website is interactive in functionality and features sections such as press releases, other articles, a gallery and a section for Live feeds and Events. "You can read about meetings, concerns and decisions taken by our representatives. It is also important that you voice your opinion, you can do so through your representatives, you can do so through me," she said.

The site also has polls and surveys with critical questions. There is also a contact form for a direct connection to the Maria Buncamper-Molanus Team. "Please use this to voice and share your ideas. We also have the Maria Buncamper-Molanus Newsletter. You can receive an email with information about St. Maarten, its current status and the developments towards Country St. Maarten.

"I sincerely hope that the public use this opportunity to learn more about my candidacy and what I have done and continue to do on their behalf. It is time to take your place at the table and be counted," she added.

Solid Logix, a St.Maarten founded company, designed the website. Solid Logix is a provider of information technology professional consultants for medium to long-term engagements. The company provides permanent placements and designs quality solutions for entire IT projects and companies.

They design, develop and install web applications that will help foster business development efforts, facilitate and improve communication with customers and prospects.

Philipsburg: --- Members of the detective department were seen searching the home of a tire shop owner believed to be the dead man that was found Friday after noon Over the Bank. SMN News learnt that the victim is Dionicio Pozo of the Dominican Republic and owner of a tire shop located across from old Sunny Food Supermarket on AT Illidge Road.
Neighbors of Pozo said he has no immediate family living on St. Maarten. They said the man was seen last Sunday cleaning up his surroundings which is at the back of the tire shop on AT Illidge Road. On Sunday several detectives was seen by an SMN News reporter questioning bystanders and taking photographs of where the man used to live and operating his business. According to well placed sources the victim was found shackled in the bushes Over the Bank. In an invited comment on the man's identity Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he would neither confirm nor deny if the police have identified the victim.

In the meantime Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police still did not positively identified the victim. Henson said the prosecutor office as well as the detectives is still requesting the assistance of the public to positively identify the dead man. Henson said police have their suspicions as to who the victim might be however they still need a relative or close friend who might have specifics about the victim to identify him. Asked if police are in possession of the victim's passport and or identification card, and if that is not sufficient to identify the person. Henson said that even though they might be in possession of such documents, the photographs on the documents must match the victim. "In cases where the person's face is damaged then definitely someone has to identify the victim" Henson said.
On July 2 the body of Clemencia Jose-ann Julot was found in the bushes in Oyster Pond, she too was found with her hands tied. SMN News has been reliably informed that Julot had about 87 stabs wounds about her body, information which was not released to the media. So far police has not made any headway in finding the killers of Julot.

GREAT BAY:--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) announced on Thursday that there has been 54 confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Dutch side of the island from January up to the end of July. Of those 54 persons, 12 were hospitalized.

Current dengue fever numbers on the Dutch side do not qualify to declare a dengue fever epidemic. The criteria call for at least five cases of dengue fever for two consecutive weeks and that is not the case at this point in time.

A meeting of the Dengue Action Response Team (DART) took place earlier this week at the offices of Sector Public Health. The meeting was called to review the current dengue situation on the Dutch side of the island and the actions that have been taken and what still need to be done.

One of the main conclusion points is community action in the fight against preventing dengue by denying breeding grounds for mosquito's.

Mosquito Eradication Controllers are not able to visit every yard on a regular basis, and therefore if all owners of structures, homes and business all assist, the Ades Aegypti mosquito which has the potential to transmit dengue fever would be denied a breeding place to lay its eggs.

Every home and business owner has to do their part. The more hands on deck the better and one are able to tackle the problem head on.

Vector Controllers have visited various locations where dengue cases have been reported and have taken the appropriate measures required to eliminate mosquito breeding spots.

For a period of three weeks in May and early June, an island-wide (Dutch side) fogging exercise was carried out to kill the adult mosquitoes. However, if there are larvae the fogging control measures does not kill the larvae which then later become mosquitoes, which can be responsible for dengue.

The best and only measure is for every home and business owner to also join the war in taking preventive measures to deny mosquito's breeding areas.

Mosquito Eradication Controllers after carrying out follow-up inspections in certain districts have noticed homeowners are not following the instructions that have been given to them to remove items etc that may become a breeding ground for mosquito's.

When controllers go back to locations that have already been visited, and the owner hasn't taken any action as requested by the vector controllers, due to non-adherence, the possibility of issuing fines will be considered.

Those present for the DART meeting were representatives from the Tourist Office, SLS Lab, Epidemiologist, and CPS.

Those who require information about mosquito prevention measures can check on a weekly basis the Government Information Page in the two daily newspapers or call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003.