Articles

Dear cousin Jules,
Some people would want to make belief, that I, your dear cousin Leopold, is a trouble-maker - always unnecessarily making issues where they are not.
Unfortunately, however for many of those people, history has proven many of my 'predictions' true.
One of them being my open advice to you, of Wednesday, January 12, 'Open advice from cousin James to cousin James', in the smn-news.com site. Click here to view letter.

Just to make one quote from that open letter.

'Dear Cousin, I also told you, that politicians better become aware that the social 'environment' on the island, is changing, deteriorating...rapidly and that politicians should not 'take people for granted anymore'.
In ending, my dear cousin, you will now have to lie down in the bed you made up for yourself, just for the sake of serving two masters in order to make and extra 'buck'.
Those now, in office, who still live in the past, better realize that we are living in a completely different world and that change can 'explode' abrubtly, with profound consequences.
They better, with a sense of urgency, read and interpret the signs on the wall with precision.
Have a nice weekend.

Cousin Leopold
The 'crazy'-, but very independently thinking JAMES, who does not 'suck up' to 'Massah'.

I did not intend to weigh in on this St.Maarten song contest, but since we have cowards who dare not put their r name under their opinion I decided that I would address that and then ask a question after. I used the word coward because first, when you throw stones and hide your hand you are a coward; secondly, if you fear reaction then you are a coward, and thirdly, if you are afraid that what you write will be qualified as junk, then you are weakling and a coward because you have to learn to stand behind your opinion, whether it is shared by many or nobody. You should be brave like Yuiy HE, who in spite of it being a ticklish topic these days still dared to write that letter to the queen and not only add name but also telephone numbers to the opinion. By now almost everybody knows about Miguel Arrindell and what he stands for. I do not believe exclusion is part of his philosophy. If while reading your first impression is to disagree with what is written, please take your time and read it again in order to make sure that you understand what is written before reacting publicly. I would like to ask everyone one of you who have and opinion about Miguel and what he stands for, whether you earn an honest living here or not, how often during a conversation do you deny your country. Is it not so that you constantly say I am proud to be a St. Lucian, a Barbadian, a Dominican, a Dominican, and a Guyanese etc. And is it not also so that even those of you who are ashamed to say where you come from would not even try to acknowledge that because of being on St.Maarten you are where you are today. So what is wrong with Miguel standing up for where he was born? It seems as if you want to come from where you come from and run the indigenous person from their country. You make use of your right of freedom of speech to say all kinds of negative things and you do not want the native to voice his opinion on something that he was force to do because of the behavior of many who come here and get and do not want the indigenous to open their mouth. If they cannot make a mistake nor have an opinion here, where do you want them to have it? Whether I agree with what they say or not, they are indigenous and should have an opinion. Can Miguel go to another man's country and make noise. I do not think so. So here is where he has to do it. I will tell you what happened to me on one of our neighboring islands. I went there without a passport because I had gotten a ride in what we called the jump seat. I had my ID-card and of course my police ID. One of the immigration officers who knew me very well explained the colleague who I was and I was permitted to land. But I will never forget what immigration officer told me "My colleague told me who you are, but do not take it for granted". Opinion about the Sint Maarten Song was voiced from different circles on the island, by those who know and those who do not know. And because that competition is or was to be launched by government and which almost coincides with the issuing of the Sint Maartener ID card which Miguel is standing behind, could I challenge all members of Parliament to apply for or accept a Sint Maartener's ID and carry it with pride. Because I do not think you can be a member of Parliament of country Sint Maarten and refuse to be identified as a St.Maartener. I am not trying to put anybody on the spot, but I was a policeman for years and had to accept the good as well as the bad that came along with the job. And you know what was good about me even though I say it myself. I did not say I will get you some day. I accepted whatever came, just like some of the notorious thieves who have reformed and with whom I still share a joke today. They would tell me Russell you catch me three times but I get away four times that you don't know about. Let me ask this. How long does the Wilhelmus exist? Does everything what is written in the Wilhelmus coincide with the status of The Netherlands today? Some politicians want to get rid of the crown, do they also want to change their national anthem. What is the seventh word in the Wilhelmus? Are there any lies about St.Martin's historical and cultural coexistence in the St.Martin song? I do not know how many of you have had the opportunity to be present on occasions when the St.Martin Song was played abroad. But on every one of those occasions I have had several people ask me for a copy. Why do not plenty people sing the song? It's because we do not sing it in schools as often as we should. And this would also be the case if you get a new anthem and do not sing it. Another reason why it is not sung by many because too many of the people who again I must say make a living on this Sweet Sint Maarten land do not consider the St.Martin song as theirs. What should be done is to take that money which would be given as prize money and buy karaoke equipment with the St.Martin Song which I believe should become the St.Martin anthem and set it up and play it in places where the anthem will be sung so that everybody would sing along and eventually learn it and if they hear it often enough they will eventually recognize and feel it. And you know something; I know that visitors would also sing along because it is sweet and catchy. The worst singers in the world who cannot carry a tune sing along when their national anthem is being sung. This government gives out all kinds of documents and official books. Print the lyrics at the back of some of those documents that people have to save. If Sint Maarten changes for the worse in the next ten years would it coincide with what is in the new anthem then? And will we be changing the anthem continuously to accommodate the situation and status of the island. I think I would rather show how far I have come. It is said the song represents both sides of the island then if that is part of the reasoning for a new anthem, then let us not row about whether we should write St.Martin or St.Maarten, and also let us forget the treaty and also let us stop celebrating St.Martin day, let us also close the borders, let us not try to correct the drivers license situation. And I can go on and on with the let us stop. We keep saying that we are unique. So Why not portray the real sense of the word. I know Mme Minister is going to let me have it when we meet, but I have to tell the new sheriff in town do not blow away my song. Do not try to change history.

Russell A. SIMMONS

On October 31 last, the St. Martin People grassroots movement, sent a letter to Mrs. Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS, Prime-minister of St.Maarten, and an identical letter to Mr. Frantz GUMBS, President of the Collectivity of St.Martin.
In both letters, an observer-status to the movement was offered to both Governments.
To this end, the Governments each, were invited to delegate a representative as such to the organization.
Thus-far, we have not yet received any official response from either Governments.
However, what is interesting is the following.
We have been contacted by a number of interested politicians, including a number of young contenders for the upcoming elections on French St.Martin, requesting to be granted the observer-status in the event Governments do not show any interest.
Clearly, this shows a growing interest on behalf of the citizens on the island, in the St.Martin grassroots movement's increasing appeal and vision for nation building and unification.
Nevertheless, hopefully Governments will react by November 11, 2011, St.Maarten/St.Martin Day 2011, a very appropriate day to take the concept of unity between the people of both sides of the island to the next level, which is to form this partnership with the grassroots St. Martin people.
One thing is certain.
The movement will not only seriously consider offering observer-status to interested political parties, or politicians, but will certainly not exclude other entities, such as the Dutch Government, the French Government and the various associations on the island as well.

Leopold JAMES

More than ever, people are realizing, that without a St.Martin identity, there is no foundation for anything durable.
Not for any constitutional change, not for any sustainable development, not for safety and security, not for an 'anthem', not for nation building, inclusion, integration and certainly there will be no guarantee for the very survival of St.Martiners as a people ....
Therefore, anything set up, or created on this island, that does not recognize, preserve, protect and take the St. Martin identity to the next level, will not last.
In that sense, it is to be hoped that one day, Government of 'Country St.Maarten', will finally, amend the Constitution to take this into consideration.
Meanwhile, our cultural St.Martin ID-card is contributing towards a paradigm-shift.
So much so, that while its potential for the future has got the attention from many, certain St.Martiners have been conditioned by a particular t.v. talk show host, not to respect its importance.
Worse yet, this t.v.-host labeled the ID-card as 'crap'.
He will very soon want to forget ever having made that statement !
Meantime, the interest for the cultural St.Martin ID-card, is exploding among certain groups of non-native St.Martiners within our community.
Clearly, these people, not only recognize the importance of them also receiving such a card - they COVET this card.
This has a very interesting consequence.
Where as, in principle, the only criterion for St. Martiners to qualify for the ID-cards, thus far is, to prove their roots on this island, back to the Traditional Period (1848-1963), or before, others had to prove being of an 'added value' to this country.
Now, what is happening presently, is that there is a great demand from the different groups of non-native St. Martiners to qualify for our ID-card.
To back up these applications, these candidates, come with a 'load of added value', that impossibly can be denied !
Should this trend take hold, which is expected, such could impact the 'equation' completely.
This is simply because, they would have 'elevated' the entry conditions for others vying for a card.
Yes -even for St. Martiners.
In other words, expecting to automatically qualify for our card, simply and only because one is a St. Martiners of heritage, might be, believe it or not - 'a little, too late'.
For some people, this might sound harsh and arrogant.
It is simply logical and should serve as a 'wake up call', something like 'I told you so'.
High demand for service and goods, always results in higher requirements.
Now for the record again.
For now, those who can prove their St. Martin heritage to this island going back to 1963 or before, have an easier chance of getting their ID-cards, than non-native St. Martiners.
However, considering the very rapid, social dynamics presently playing out on the 'Friendly-island', St.Martiners better not take our cultural St.Martin ID-card for granted, they might sorely regret that one day, after they realize that others have been paying keen attention to its future potential.

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

Dear recipients of our '10-10-10'- and '11-11-11' cultural St.Martin ID-cards and other fellow St. Martiners.

From the conceptualization of our cultural St.Martin ID-card, it has been the intention, was to attach a number of privileges/benefits to its card-holders.
In this context, it must be made very clear that this card definitely is not a 'popularity' -card, for the proverbial John's, Dick's and Harry's.
Our card is about St.Maarten/St.Martin and its people primarily.
In other words.
Our cultural St.Martin IC-card, is intended to build the St.Martin nation, by offering native, indigenous St. Martiners (St. Martiners of heritage) and St. Martiners-at-heart, where possible, special privileges/preferential services on the island.
While, we have already identified a number of areas, where this card eventually can be applied, we would also want to incorporate your ideas towards such a package of benefits for the cultural St.Martin ID-card holders.
To this end, we kindly request those of you who are interested, to add some of your own ideas to ours.
Clearly, such an ID card will give all card-bearing St. Martiners, the opportunity to enjoy the 'St.Martin dream' and to feel proud of being a St. Martiner.
Meanwhile, I hereby make a special appeal, for the record.
You St. Martiners, now holding all kinds of offices in Government, be it President, be it, Vice-president, Councilors, Ministers, Parliamentarians and others, let it be known, that having a cultural St.Martin ID-card of such magnitude will not only benefit your own family-members - it will eventually benefit yourself personally, once you do no longer hold public office, which will be a reality sooner or later.
In that regards, you are advised, not to join the group of former public office-holders, who now regret, not to have put policies and benefits in place for all St.Martiners, including themselves and their family-members.
Now, many of them, are walking around like 'has beens', without any sense of honor, vision and now painfully realize and feel what it means to be 'second-class' citizen in their own country.
It is up to you therefore, while in the prime of your life, to make your contribution towards the identification, preservation, and protection of your own St. Martin people by contributing towards the value of the cultural St.Martin ID-card.
In ending fellow St Martiners, we look forward to your creative ideas towards the empowering of the cultural St.Martin ID-card holders.

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

One dictionary defines character as "the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person." In another dictionary, character is said to be "the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual's life which determine his or her response regardless of circumstances. Our Character Is who and what we Really are. Abraham Lincoln said, "Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree." Our character is not just what we try to display for others to see, it is who we are even when no one is watching. Good character is doing the right thing because it is right to do what is right. Everyone has character – Good or Bad. Character transcends race, religion, education, position, age, gender, and personality. People sometimes think of character as something a person either has or doesn't have. They may say, "He has character," meaning he has good character. We intuitively recognize the truth that everyone has "character" and we distinguish between "good" and "bad" character. Our character is what determines our responses. The dictionary definitions said, character is a "complex of mental and ethical traits" and that those traits, or qualities, are "built into an individual's life." It is those character qualities, those character traits that determine a person's response in any given situation. For example, a person in with a strong character quality of truthfulness is much more likely to accurately report the facts in a given situation than a person who is not a truthful person. So, What are these character traits? What are the character qualities, or character traits, that make up a person's character? How can they be built into a person's life? Can they be changed? If you and I were each to make a list of good "character qualities," or "character traits," both of our lists would probably include such words as honesty, integrity, dependability, loyalty, enthusiasm, etc. Of course, there are many others that could be added. How does character affect our lives? It has been said that CHARACTER is the foundation for all true success. A person may have money, position, or power, but unless he has "good" character he or she is not considered to be truly successful. How does character affect the world around us? The world needs better character! Today's world faces many difficult problems. Escalating crime, drug and alcohol abuse, workplace violence, gang activity, vandalism, school dropouts, deteriorating work ethics, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, racial tensions, broken families ... The list seems endless. At their root, all of these problems spring out of the lack, or mis-application, of good character qualities. If we are to find lasting solutions to the problems of our day, we must deal with these roots! We must work to improve our own character, teach good character to our children, and help those around us to improve their character! Character development is essential to the ongoing success of our society. That is why character education is so important. Character truly is the Key to Success! StMaarten people have been wonderful to me. God bless you, never give up and keep the faith. A leader of good character is on the horizon to turn and change this nation to a better direction. Do not let negative people make you believe things cannot get better, it will but the change must start with yourself. I will take a break for a while. Happy StMaarten day. Merry Christmas and happy new year.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Mr. Editor please permit me some time in your opinion section. As a foreigner I sit back and observe what is happening in your country StMaarten.I notice that the government does not protect their people and that being a real StMaartener is like an insult to people in general. In my country where I from and around the world it is exactly the opposite. But the problem exist is because the real StMaarten people sit back and does not defend their interest. It is sad because with that mentality you will become a victim in your own country. In my country the patriot Miguel Arrindell will be a hero and a man that will be highly respected. A real man will defend and die for his country. I believe that your government make a huge mistake to state openly that S.Maarten people does not exist or cannot be determined, when the facts shows they are living in present and are distinguished by family names and land ownership. The same is so in my country. StMaarten is the first country where nationality is more important than identity, very unwise. The people who stand the most to lose will be the real StMaarten people. Love of a country must register in defending your people first. Where can the StMaarten people go to if StMaarten fail? They certainly will not be welcome in my country. We look for our people first. I will advice the real StMaarten people to start looking for their interest. StMaarten people are very nice and I think it is because they do not understand the real world. You must love your people before you can love other people. I think I have said enough as a foreigner. Thanks very much Mr. Editor.

Wade Johnson
Foreigner in StMaarten

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- On 31 October 2011, 12 volunteers from the 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron, located at the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL), donated time to support the International School of Curaçao. Volunteers joined efforts with the school parent teacher association to sponsor the annual Halloween community festival. They sold popcorn, soda and assisted with set-up and tear-down. "Thanks to your support we had an amazing event!" said Sylvia van Uden, President of the International School Parent Teacher Association. "This was the most fun I have had at a community project on the island," said one USFOL volunteer. USFOL personnel regularly donate their time to working with children, as well as other community projects, in Curaçao.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) has just been informed that the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Cole Bay is closed due to flooding issues.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution this morning on public roads and along hill sides due to the heavy rainfall last night.

Today is also a normal business day.

Philipsburg:--- Fun Miles invites everyone to attend the celebration of its first five years on St. Maarten. The festivities will take place at Emilio Wilson Park on Saturday November 5th from 3 to 8 PM. There will be food, drinks, prizes and fun for the whole family. The famous DJ Ricky Da Phox will host the party. Fun Miles is organizing this event to express its gratitude to the people of St. Maarten, who have been passionately supporting Fun Miles since 2006. Fun Miles is the Caribbean's biggest free saving and redemption program.

Saturday becomes Funday
This Saturday, Emilio Wilson Park will transform into an oasis of family fun. Well-known DJ Ricky Da Phox will preside over the festivities. There will be food and drinks from KFC and Monchi's Bar, as well as popcorn, cotton candy and hot dogs from the FunShaq. Kids will be able to enjoy face painting, bouncers, trampolines and the famous DUNK Fun Tank. Fun Miles cards will be on sale for only 5 Dollars and Fun Miles staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Tons of prizes to be won
Anyone who buys a Fun Miles card will get to spin the wheel of fortune for a chance to win great prizes, including Fun Miles, plane tickets and more cool stuff. On top of this, 5,000 Fun Miles will be raffled off every hour. Fun Partners ENNIA, WIB Bank and UTS will also be on site, the latter with special phone prizes.

FunJack in the house!
At the event, visitors can find out everything they want to know about FunJack, Fun Miles' much talked-about end-of-year campaign. The campaign's impressive list of prizes includes a trip to Las Vegas, a home makeover by Kooyman and thousands of instant prizes.

More information about Fun Miles?
Visit our website www.funmiles.net or facebook facebook.com/funmiles or contact Fun Miles Customer Service at tel. 543 3301.

Our current SXM partners are:
AMA Jewelers, Insel Air, UTS, WIB Bank, Travel Planners, Kooyman, BBW Concrete, Scott's Gas Station, Orange Grove Pharmacy, SBS, Princess Perfumes, McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, and ENNIA.

GREAT BAY:--- The PEACE IS Foundation has recorded yet another successful year during its 5th annual fundraising "PEACE IS Paradise" St. Maarten's Day Breakfast.
According to the group, their success is mainly attributed to the dedicated patronage of local residents and the continued voluntary efforts of the management and staff at Taloulah Mangos Restaurant.
"Times are hard, but we have people who have been supporting us from the inception of the project and they come religiously every year with their family to support our efforts of raising funds to promote programs to reduce violence in our schools," Glenville Blake; President of the Foundation said. "We applaud these people and companies for their patronage and most of all we applaud Taloulah Mangos for hosting this breakfast five years in a row."
The proceeds of this event Blake explained will be donated to the Methodist Agogic Center (MAC School) to assist in their peace keeping initiative. He also acknowledged that it is challenging to continuously host this event without many sponsors; he assured that the PEACE IS Foundation will continue to play their part in promoting peace in schools.
"At a time where there is a global downturn in the economy, we are happy to see that we still have the support of the community and the backing of the local businesses," he said. "We are very grateful and hope that we can get more sponsors on board next year.
This year, PEACE IS also had some beautifully designed T-Shirts on sale during the breakfast fundraiser. Many patrons took the opportunity to buy theirs and Blake pointed out that more T-shirts are available for those who missed out on the opportunity to get theirs. The t-shirts are available in black or white at a price of US$12 each." T-shirts can be obtained from any PEACE IS member. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales will also go towards the Foundation's violence prevention initiatives.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) has been informed by the Meteorological Department of Curacao (MDC) that the heavy rainfall watch issued Sunday night until 8:00am Monday, 28 November, has been discontinued.
The anticipated shower activity according to the MDC has moved to the Southeast of the island.

Philipsburg:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) invites the public to its lecture entitled, "Youth Unemployment its Causes and its Solutions" given by Mr. Raphael Boasman, Head of the of the Labor Department .
The event scheduled for Tuesday November 8th , 2011 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm, is part of the USM Lecture Series under the theme "Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sint Maarten."
The lecture will investigate the root causes of youth unemployment in Sint Maarten, its wider socio-economic implications, assess the institutional responses to the issue and propose the way forward.
The event is free and will be held at the USM Lecture Hall which has a seating capacity of 200 people.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (www.VacationStMaarten.com) welcomed 150 travel agents and 30 Sunwing Airline employees to the "Friendly Island" to experience the wonder of it all with two days of wining, dining and activities in conjunction with the inaugural Sunwing flight on Nov. 6, 2011.
This initiative which was put forth by the Sonesta Hotel and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau was set to offer a first-hand experience of the island highlighting what makes St. Maarten a top tourist destination. "We welcomed the travel agents and Sunwing employees with open arms so that they can sell St. Maarten with a clear understanding of how wonderful the island is, what there is to do and a personal guarantee," said May-Ling Chun, interim director of tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
While on-island, the group enjoyed the dining pleasures St. Maarten is known for along with an island tour as well as a taste of the famous nightlife and entertainment.
Sunwing Airlines partnered with the Sonesta Group in St. Maarten to provide flights to the island from Montreal and Toronto, Canada, which were launched on Sunday Nov. 6, 2011. The new service will feature four flights during the high season and two during the low.
For more information on St. Maarten, visit www.VacationStMaarten.com.

Sunwing Vacations started its in-house airline in November to operate flights from Canada to the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, as well as domestic flights. Sunwing Airlines merged with Signature and SellOffVacations in September 2009, consequently signing a partnership deal with UK based TUI Travel. In December 2010 parent company Sunwing Travel Group acquired Caribbean Nexus Tours, one of the leading ground handlers and incoming tour operator in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, giving more destination tour choices and flexibility to the Sunwing Group. Today, Sunwing is amongst the top vacation getaway airlines in the Canadian market which has promoted the airline to grow into the = European market with new routes from Toronto to Lisbon, London, Paris, Dublin, Rome, Porto and Amsterdam as well as from Montreal to Paris.

Arrindell Aviation Services (AAS) strengthened its position in St Maarten today by joining Signature Flight Support. AAS has been in operation at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM/TNCM) for 25 years providing flight support services for both business and general aviation customers and commercial airlines. The enterprise will be formally known as Arrindell Aviation by Signature.

The portfolio of services that Arrindell Aviation brings to this new Signature location include ground handling, fuel coordination, ground transportation for passengers and crew, ramp parking, water and lavatory services, gourmet catering and weather and routing services. Liaison between passengers and yacht connections will also be provided, as well as 24/7 aircraft charter brokerage services.

In addition to the these services, Arrindell Aviation by Signature will offer front of house services to commercial airlines such as passenger check-in, ticketing, security and gate agent services to several major air carriers.

St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport offers convenient access to high-end resort destinations, marinas and world-class shopping. SXM/TNCM serves as a hub for air carriers and cargo operations to surrounding islands such as St. Bart's, St. Kitts, Saba and Anguilla. It is also the second busiest airport in the Northeastern Caribbean behind San Juan, Puerto Rico's Luiz Munoz Marin International Airport.

Signature Flight Support's majority stake in (AAS) will compliment their recent purchase: Tropical Aviation at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG/TJIG) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the business and general aviation airport for the city.

Frank Arrindell, President and Owner of AAS commented, "We are pleased to join Signature's growing global network. I am proud that our 25 years of hard work and dedication to providing our customers with very personalized service has brought us to a level where we can join forces with the industry leader, Signature Flight Support."

Stated, S. Michael Scheeringa, President of Signature Flight Support, "Arrindell Aviation Services is a well-known name in aviation and a premier flight support services provider in the Caribbean. Frank Arrindell and his team of more than 90 associates have built a tremendous aviation services business over the past 25 years by focusing on the customer. We are very enthusiastic about this acquisition and see it as a key location for us in the Caribbean and we welcome Frank and the entire Arrindell staff to the Signature family."

Local AAS staff and management will not change. Roy Mingo will continue as the General Manager. Frank Arrindell's expertise will be leveraged for Signature as the corporate ambassador for the Caribbean.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams on Tuesday met with the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) HIV Caribbean Office in Trinidad, Dr. Amalia del Riego, Sandra Jones, European Union (EU)/Overseas Countries & Territories (OCT) Project Manager and HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Suzette Moses-Burton.

The PAHO delegates gave the Prime Minister an update on PAHO developments and about her session on Small Island states at which the Prime Minister will deliver the keynote speech at next week's Caribbean HIV Conference to be held in The Bahamas.

Willemstad, Curaçao – Curaçao has selected her new ambassador for the biggest pageant of the Caribbean the "Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus".

Marvia Laurence won the election with 194 points and became the new "Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus Curaçao". She was followed by Gwendeline Zimmerman with 190.5 points, and finalizing the top with 170.5 points Genecis Hooi.

A successful innovative season was the virtual election to crown someone who will follow Miss Ruënna Mercelina's footsteps as Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus Curaçao; it catapulted eleven local beautiful girls on an international virtual platform. After the 11, a top six got through, and afterwards the top three and finalized with the new virtual crowning of Marvia Laurence on 11.11pm on November 11, 2011.

Every delegate got the chance to promote their interests, and afterwards got an interview with the judges. The highlight of that night was the presence of one of the Best Students of the Netherlands "Fotis Sahertian" as judge. And afterwards three virtual international judges helped with their points to elect the winner, in the presence of Edwin Toledo (Director of the beauty website Times of Beauty), Theodore Elyett (Director of the Miss Teen Bahamas) and Anco van Hal (Director of Artists and Model Agency in Amsterdam).

The name Marvia, stands for "a wonderful thing" or "extraordinary" in Latin. She's currently finalizing her law studies, and carries lot's of personality and experience. She's known as first runner up Carnival Queen on the island, and also represented Curaçao in "PJD Caribbean Queen". And now she has the challenge to bring home the international crown on December 3, 2011 at Maho Beach, St. Martin.

Everyone can follow the developments, information and more innovative ideas through the page: www.facebook.com/misscaraibescuracao.

For more information or interest in making Curaçao's participation a successful one, you can contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +5999 - 562-0226.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) is closely monitoring the weather situation.

On Sunday evening the Meteorological Department of Curacao (MDC) upgraded its previous advisory placing the country under a heavy rainfall watch until 8:00am Monday, 28 November.

The ODM maintains its previous notice and advises the population of the South side of the island to be cautious for possible flooding in low lying areas, street flooding and rock falls due to possible persistent heavy rainfall expected to continue into Monday.

From all indications, the periods of rainfall will be intermittent and therefore Monday is a normal business and school day.

Weather conditions deteriorated on Sunday due to a mid to upper level trough coming into the area and are forecasted to influence the weather over a two day period.

If you do not have to be on the road, remain at home. If you have to go to work, drive cautiously as advised.

Philipsburg:--- "With the start of the field work, the first Regularity Audit of the General Audit Chamber has started", Roland Tuitt, chairman of the General Audit Chamber proudly announced on Monday November 28th.
"Following presentations to the various ministries and High Councils of State that took place between November 23rd and November 28th, the actual audit work, in other words gathering and reviewing information related to the regularity audit on the personnel expenditures, has started", according to Tuitt. The audit team comprised of researchers contracted by the Audit Chamber from the firm Berenschot and augmented with staff from the Audit Chamber, met with the management of the seven ministries, the secretariat of Parliament, the secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the ombudsman, and the Advisory Council to present Introduction information about the audit, including the plan of action and scheduling for the actual audit activities.
"As an institution authorized by law to investigate the efficiency and lawfulness of revenues and expenditure of the government of Sint Maarten, it is important that the process is professional and transparent", Tuitt stated. "As such, our presentation to the various entities included a clear explanation of the audit question that we seek to answer".
Specifically, the Audit Chamber seeks to ascertain the degree of lawfulness of payments of wages to personnel in the year 2011at all seven ministries and organizations directly under these ministries.
Tuitt explained that the main question will be answered in several phases whereby the following detailed elements will be reviewed: Are the payments of employee wages lawful and correct? Are employee records well organized and salary scales correctly applied according to the job descriptions? Finally, is the administrative organization/ process for payment of wages up to date?
"It is important in the early phases of the building of Country Sint Maarten that fundamental information is available. Equally important is that areas for improvement can be identified", Tuitt remarked. "Personnel expenditures represent a significant portion of the annual budget of government, and hence it is important that these expenditures are executed correctly and in accordance with law. Furthermore, after undergoing such a complex constitutional and organizational transition from island territory to country status, it is critical to determine whether the results are in line with the relevant legislation. This audit will provide an important baseline for future development." The entities have pledged to provide their full corporation.
The Regularity Audit on Personnel Expenditures will be executed in phases. The first step related to the llegal construct or framework has already been completed. In this phase a review of relevant legislation was conducted to ascertain if each entity was established and is operating based on a correct legal basis. In the coming weeks, the audit team will review personnel files. In January and February 2012, the team will conduct the financial audit, whereby calculations related to salary and compensation will be reviewed. During that same period the team will investigate the internal control procedures whereafter the findings will be integrated and discussed in consultation with the management of the various entities.
"Once this process is completed, the recommendations and conclusions will be sent in draft to the ministers or boards of the entities for consultation. A final report to Parliament that will also be published for public consumption is expected in the second quarter of 2012", the chairman of the Audit Chamber announced.
The General Audit Chamber was established on October 10, 2010, and has been working on its institutional development in the last year while preparing for the conduct of its core business, i.e. the execution of audits.

The Department of Statistics (STAT) will conduct the Business Cycle Survey for the second half of 2011, starting on Tuesday November 1st until December 16th. This survey is conducted twice per year with a purpose to collect up-to-date information on business and economic developments for industries and the business sector as a whole. Additionally, STAT hopes to capture the current opinions and expectations of entrepreneurs in the areas of economic development and the investment climate on St. Maarten.
The survey will be conducted among all businesses with more than ten employees, and a sample is drawn for those businesses with three to ten employees.
STAT interviewers will approach and distribute the questionnaires to the businesses. Should the business require any additional assistance, a STAT interviewer will gladly provide such.
Businesses can expect questions on the level of their turnover, investments made, their competitive status and the company's personnel situation over the year 2011. Additionally, a few questions relate to the entrepreneur's perception on a number of indicators and his/her confidence in the St. Maarten economy during the coming period.
With this information available, government and entrepreneurs can take better, quicker and well-founded decisions. The input of the private sector in this survey will be highly appreciated and is essential for its success.
STAT therefore appeals to all businesses approached to cooperate, only then can STAT timely analyze and publish the survey results for the benefit of the government and the private sector.

Philipsburg:--- Safe Haven Foundation will be hosting its third Annual Women Festival on Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm on the Clem Labega Square.

The event is being held under the theme: "Together we are one."

The festival will also kick-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the activities organized for Saturday will be different from other years at the festival.

President of Parliament Hon. drs Gracita Arrindell is calling on all women to come out and support the festival on Saturday.

"I think it's an excellent opportunity for the women of our country to come out and support Safe Haven and the festival. This organization has made a difference in the lives of many women on this island.

"Nobody in Sint Maarten should live in fear because they are unsafe in their own home, no adult and no child. For victims of abuse, you have a place to turn too, and that is Safe Haven.

"On Saturday, let's show our support to this great organization and the people behind it," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- On November 8th, representatives of the Caribbean Lagoon Organization visited the Sint Maarten House in The Hague upon the invitation of Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges, who had attended the 10th anniversary of the aforementioned organization on November 6 where he spoke at the event.

Caribbean Lagoon members are Windward Islanders who lived or happened to be born in Aruba. The organization organizes lectures, sports and cultural activities for their membership which also includes young people and senior citizens.

St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA)'s president Brian Deher is happy to announce that every Friday during Spotlight St. Maarten everyone will have a chance to enjoy a Sunset Cruise. The schedule for the Sunset Cruises is as follows: November 18, November 25 and December 2. The Cruise begins at 5P.M from the Aqua Mania Adventures dock at Simpson Bay Resort, in Pelican Key.
Spotlight St. Maarten is a month long celebration of education and recreation which kicks off on Friday November 11thand runs through December 17th. The goal of the SMMTA– the organizers of Spotlight St. Maarten - is to showcase the island, offer residents exposure to the marine industry and the SMMTA, and to encourage vessels to come to the region earlier by providing discounts, educational seminars, and highlighting recreational and cultural events on St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands.
The discounts offered through Spotlight St. Maarten, as well as most of the activities scheduled during the event, are available to everyone in the yachting industry as well as to residents and visitors of the island. Find out more about the event and the available discounts or special promotions by visiting the Spotlight St. Maarten website at www.spotlightstmaarten.com.
Lambada and Tango will cruise the stunning coastline of St Maarten, serving cocktails as the sun sets. The cost of the Cruise is only $20 per person and includes refreshments. Seating is limited , so it is important that you make reservations early. Reservations for the Sunset Cruise can be made at the Aqua Mania offices at Simpson Bay Resort, Royal Palm Beach and Divi Resort . PH: 544-2640. / 5442631 and at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Civil Registry Department will launch the new Country Sint Maarten Identification Card (ID) as of Monday, November 7 at 8:30am. Services for the new ID card will commence for the general public after 9:00am.

To facilitate the issuing of the new ID card, two options have been made available to the general public.

The first option is walk-ins. Individuals may visit the Civil Registry Office from Monday to Friday between the time of 8:00am and 10:00am.

The second option is by appointment, Mondays to Fridays from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Those wishing to make an appointment can call 542-2457.

Wednesdays has been reserved for civil servants only for the months of November and December between 8:00am and 12:00pm.

Philipsburg: --- Workers of the Pelican Resort filled the Court of First Instance tribune on Wednesday morning when their injunction case was handled.
Lawyers for the Workers Institute for Organized Labor (WIFOL) Maarten Le Poole and Wim van Sambeek argued that the court did not consider their arguments. The judge will give his ruling either on Wednesday or Friday next week. Should the court rule against the workers the union said it is prepared to take their case to the Supreme Court to further challenge the Appeals Court's decision.
The injunction is aimed at having the court quash a verdict delivered by the Appeals Court in favor of Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV (SBRMC) and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd.
Workers of Pelican Resort are still trying to come to terms with the verdict delivered by the Appeals Court which declared the February 8th verdict null and void due to a technical error. According to one of the workers, the court ruled in favor of the Resort because they did not consider the arguments of the union, claiming that the union submitted their information late. The Appeals Court however, reviewed the verdict while maintaining their decision.
Shortly after the court hearing, the workers gathered at the WIFOL office where they were given an update on the court hearing. Many of the workers expressed concerns that they may have to live with the blow the court dealt them. President of the WIFOL Theophilus Thompson met with members of the National Alliance Faction on Wednesday afternoon and updated the faction on the consequences of the court's decision. A public meeting of parliament is scheduled for Thursday. Thompson urged his members to attend the public meeting of parliament on Thursday where they intend to ask the legislators to do their job. "These legislators have to make laws that would protect workers and ensure something like this does not happen again."

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Hon. drs Gracita Arrindell is calling on parents and families to set aside time on Sunday 20 November, to celebrate Universal Children's Day.

The majority of nations recognize the fundamental importance of children to our lives, our families, and our futures. 20 November is a day to celebrate the joy and pure delight that children can bring to our society, Arrindell said.

By resolution 836 IX of 14 December 1954, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.

It recommended that the Day was to be observed also with an activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.

The date of 20 November marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

"Parents and families should take time out to observe and celebrate the great blessing of children, the joy, and hope they bring to our lives and to the nation.

"Spending quality time with your children, and giving them the love and respect they deserve, at least a big hug a day, and a smile, goes a long way to making our children feel loved and wanted.

"It must start from home. I encourage parents and caretakers to stay with their kids when they attend any sports activities and not only to drop them off and return after the game is over. They want you to be there to see them play.

"There is no duty more important than ensuring that a child's rights are respected and that their welfare is protected, and that they live free from fear.

"Parliament has started to deal with a number of issues related to children and youth. This week the various factions in parliament discussed with the Court of Guardianship joint custody of minors among many other issues.

"Within short Members of Parliament will be meeting with various organizations and entities that deal with young people regarding a central registration system for child abuse.

"I would like to wish the nation's children and youth a happy universal children's day this coming Sunday. We must all remember that the nation's future lies in the hands of our children" President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.

Philipsburg:--- The permanent committee of parliament for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), will meet on 25 November with the Sint Maarten Real Estate Association.

The meeting will take place on Friday morning at 11.30am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament after the plenary session about the Corporate Governance Council.

The two agenda points are the introduction of the Sint Maarten Real Estate Association and recommended adjustment of rules for the industry.

Committee TEATT members are, Chairman Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Jules James, Vice Chairman MP Hon. Leroy De Weever, MP Hon. Patrick Illidge, MP Hon. Lloyd Richardson, and MP. Hon. Frans Richardson.

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

Member of Parliament George Pantophlet is calling on employers who are intentionally and callously abusing their employees to desist from such actions. We on St. Maarten should not think that we are isolated from what has and is taking place in countries in the world such as Egypt, Libya, Syria, Greece and the United States of America. It all comes down to greed. When a people feel that the laws are not working in their favor their actions will reflect this. He said he has hear some people saying we should lobby with the other members of Parliament to get the laws changed and he has to remind them of the motions that were rejected by the coalition parties. Furthermore, he would like to see a motion from the faction of the National Alliance that was ever accepted by the other factions represented in Parliament. They still have to wait on a phone call or a BB message. He said while driving to town on Friday morning for the meeting on the corporate governance council he was stopped by a young man from St. Peters who wanted a ride. He was trying to get to Simpson Bay where he had just gotten a job some 4 days prior. He said he did not want to lose it. In the brief moment we spoke he explained that he had worked for a company for 5 years and never got paid out. He said by the time he obtained legal representation, the judge said that time had expired. The Member of Parliament asked him what had become of the company. The young man said that the company recently changed their name and has reopened again. The same afternoon the Member of Parliament met a lady who said that she had been outsourced to Simpson Bay Resort and Marina. She quit because they had her working 3 days week, her back got hurt and she could not get a doctor card. He met another person that said to him they had to clean 18 and up to 21 rooms a day at a particular resort (the name of the hotel is known to him). What she said is most difficult is having to do several check outs at the same time. The Member of Parliament said that he is not ignorant of the difficulties many businesses are facing but the abuse of employees has to stop. What is painful is the fact that Government does have what it takes to solve the problem. It would be interesting to know who really owns the companies involved in the outsourcing and who is in charge of the landscaping. It is no public secret that names of the real owners are not mentioned on any documentation. Has government done any immigration controls at the resort to verify statements that the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina brought in workers from Mexico or elsewhere? It would be interesting to find out who is working in the sales department? And also to find out when were the employment permits of these persons requested and or approved? What about the financial statements that should have been presented to verify the actual condition of the previous and now present owner? This would clarify the statements often made by persons who are saying that all monies generated are banked abroad and even funds for salaries come from overseas? Finally, what will the real power Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger do about the General Manager of the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina Jules James and Member of Parliament Jules James of the United Party do? Rethink your actions.

Great Bay:--- The pageant that kicks off the St. Martin Day calendar of activities will take place on Sunday, November 6, at 4 PM at Celebration Palace, Bush Road. But the Little Miss St. Martin pageant contestants received the royal treatment last weekend at the Pelican Marina Resorts, said pageant director Nzinga Lake. From October 28-30, "The princesses were very excited and had a wonderful time touring the resort, having breakfast and lunch, and playing in the pool," said Lake. The weekend treat was provided with the compliments of parliamentarian Hon. Jules James, who was presented a copy of National Symbols of St. Martin by Lake and pageant mentor Nkosazana Illis on behalf of the contestants. "The princesses also thanked Mrs. Grace Maccow for assisting with their stay at the resort," said Lake.

The Nature Foundation carried out water quality tests on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of November 2011 at seven sites surrounding St. Maarten. These tests, which are conducted bi-annually, are carried out in order to determine the levels of pollutants and other factors affecting wetlands and beaches on St. Maarten. Tests were carried out in order to determine Nitrates (which shows that the water is polluted), Phosphates (which shows the presence of Sewage), Nitrogen, Dissolved Oxygen, and the acidity of the water. Tests were carried out on seven sites; Cole Bay Lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Pond, Kim Sha Beach, Great Bay Beach, Belair Pond, Fresh Pond, and the Great Salt Pond. The sites of Great Bay Beach and Kim Sha Beach were particularly chosen to test the swimming quality of the beaches.

It was determined that the sites Cole Bay Lagoon, Kim-Sha Beach, Mullet Pond, and
Great Bay had medium levels of both phosphates and nitrates in samples tested. Elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates show that there is a presence of various types of pollutants and sewage which can cause toxic algal blooms and mortality events (large scale dying of fish, turtle and crabs) in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond and indicates the presence numerous pollutants and sewage in the tested water. This may cause fish die offs and algal blooms therefore levels will continuously be monitored by the Nature Foundation.

It was further established that the sites Cole Bay Lagoon, Kim-Sha Beach, Mullet Pond, and Great Bay had low levels of Nitrogen in samples tested. Elevated levels of Nitrogen, caused by pollutants, can cause massive fish die-offs in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond at .6 ppm, which is a relatively high number and indicates the presence of elevated nitrogen levels which can pose a threat to aquatic organisms and which may cause fish die-offs between now and the beginning of 2012. The Nature Foundation will continuously monitor Nitrogen Levels at this site in order to give an approximation when fish die offs may be expected.

Almost all levels of oxygen recorded were at sufficient levels to maintain healthy life. The lowest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond. This site should be closely monitored for a further drop in oxygen levels which may result in fish kills and breeding of airborne insects (i.e. Midges). It is interesting to note that previously recorded levels in April 2011 of Oxygen in the Fresh Pond indicated a low level present. Current levels have been recorded at healthy levels, which is a significant improvement. This is probably related to the installation of aeration pumps in the Fresh Pond by the Public Works (ROB) Department of the Ministry VROMI.

Despite the fact that many sites showed Low to Medium readings, the Nature Foundation will follow up on a monthly basis during the upcoming high season to carefully monitor for changes in the respective levels. Similarly the levels recorded in the Great Salt Pond show that there exists the possibility of fish die-offs and increased midge activity between now and the early part of 2012.

Bellevue:--- Members of the St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation distributed several St. Maarten identification cards on St. Maarten Day. President of the St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation Leopold James said some 21 cards were given out to indigenous St. Maarteners on both sides of the island. Friday's distribution of identification cards marked the third year since the foundation has been giving out the cards.

Philipsburg:--- The official website for the General Audit Chamber launched on November 14, 2011. The URL for the website is www.arsxm.org
The General Audit Chamber, established in accordance with the constitution of Country Sint Maarten, commenced operations on October 10, 2010.
The Audit Chamber is one of the High Councils of State of Country Sint Maarten and is authorized by law to execute audits on the functioning of government in the broadest sense. Audits include regularity reviews of the annual accounts. In addition, the Audit Chamber can autonomously or on request of Parliament carry out Performance audits as well as investigations related to integrity of civil servants and public office holders.
The website contains information regarding the role and activities of the institution, as well as information on the public budget. Information on events and publications that have been issued since the establishment of the Audit Chamber can also be found on the website. Legislation related to public finance and the Audit Chamber, as well as the institution's annual report 2010, are published on the website.
The site was developed by the General Audit Chamber with technical assistance from the local technology firm COMPUTECH. The objective of the website is to provide information regarding the activities of the General Audit Chamber. By law, the reports of the audits carried out by the Audit Chamber are made public. With the public and other stakeholders making more use of electronic media, developing a web presence was a priority for the General Audit Chamber.
Funding for the website project, which is part of the larger institutional development initiative for the establishment of High Councils of State, was provided by USONA.
As the General Audit Chamber continues to develop and execute its core business, the content of the website will be expanded and enhanced.
Contact information and the location of the General Audit Chamber can be found at www.arsxm.org.

Marigot:--- Tomorrow, November 18th, Union pour la Démocratie will stand a public assembly open to his members and all Saint Martiners. It will begin at 8PM at Riviera One in Sandy Ground.
During this animated assembly, Daniel Gibbs will make an important public commitment to the people of Saint-Martin.
Medias who need technical support to cover this event are asked to call us as soon as possible.

Philipsburg:--- A Central Committee Hearing is planned for 21 November with the Real Estate Association concerning the National Ordinance on the Sale of Property and Assets.

The Central Committee of Parliament Hearing is scheduled for Monday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

The Real Estate Association has been invited to parliament to give their input with respect to the National Ordinance supplementing Title 1 of Book 7 of the Civil Code regarding provisions on the Sales of Property and Assets; and determination of Title 12 of Book 7 of the Civil Code (National Ordinance Sales of Property and Acceptance/Contracting of Work).

The parliamentary hearings are part of the process to deal with amendments to the Civil and Penal Codes. Parliament in a session of October 3 requested that other entities be heard with respect to the changes that are to be made to various laws that govern the country.

The hearings are open to the public and will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, as an outstanding leader in the Caribbean Region at Government level, the Prime Minister as one of the panellists of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition Panel discussion: "Ensuring Sustainability: Increasing Funding for Community-Based Organizations To Fight HIV in the Caribbean," outlined key determinants of effective political leadership, country and regional ownership of the HIV response and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure funding for Community Based Organizations in the region.

In the Caribbean, at least 270,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV. Of the 120,000 people who currently need treatment, only 50 per cent have access to it.

Research has provided new data about the effectiveness of HIV treatment and other strategies in treating and preventing HIV infection, and as a result is now realistic to hope that we can ultimately end HIV.

However, a global recession, economic austerity, and political impediments are placing constraints on funding throughout the region.

The future course of the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean depends on sustainable funding to achieve scale-up of HIV prevention, treatment, care, support, and protection of the human rights of all key affected populations.

At the event, panellists explored innovative approaches and developed an agenda for sustaining funding for community-driven solutions to HIV in the region.

The conveners of the panel discussion were Caribbean Treatment Action Group (CTAG), Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA), GBCHealth and International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC).

The three other panellists who took part in the late Sunday afternoon discussion were Miguel Bustos, Senior Program Manager for the Americas at the Levi Strauss Foundation; Olive Edwards, as Greater Involvement of People with AIDS (GIPA) facilitator with the Jamaica Network of Seropositives (JN+), a Community Based Organization; and Dr. Ernest Massiah, Director of the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister along with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Cornelius De Weever, are currently in The Bahamas attending the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference.

The conference is being held under the theme, "Strengthening Evidence to Achieve Sustainable Action," and is the third Caribbean HIV Conference in the past decade.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health travelled with a policy advisor from their cabinets along with representatives from the local HIV/AIDS programme management team and coordinators, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private and medical sectors, as well as research and community representatives.

The conference opened on November 18 with more than 2,000 individuals from across the region in attendance, and will conclude on November 22.

Simpson Bay:--- If you should notice any unusual occurrences at the Airport Tuesday, November 22, 2011, you are advised not to panic: they are most likely related to the evacuation exercise which the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company NV (PJIAE) would be carrying out in compliance with its Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan.
It will be the first time the emergency evacuation drill would be conducted at the new terminal building since it was inaugurated.
The drill, which is coordinated by the Operations and Fire Department, will affect the entire PJIA community including the almost 300 staff of the airport.
The airport emergency evacuation exercise will begin at 9 AM and conclude at 10 AM.
Flights landing during the time of the evacuation have been taken into account and provisions have been made. The exercise should not negatively affect operations during that time.
According to PJIAE managing director, Regina LaBega, the objective of the drill is to familiarize the staff and users of the airport with the required procedures on how to efficiently and effectively evacuate the terminal building in an orderly manner in response to an emergency situation in the terminal building and environs.
"We are urging all persons who will be using the terminal building and its surrounding areas on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, to please be calm and patient as the exercise is being carried out with everyone's interest at heart," LaBega said.
"There is absolutely no need to panic and we really would like to count on the cooperation of everyone as we conduct this exercise to further boost our emergency preparedness," she added.

At its 2011 meeting in Zambia, the Board of Directors of the International Ombudsman Institution (I.O.I.) unanimously approved the applications for institutional membership of the Ombudsman Institution of Sint Maarten.
Sint Maarten was among a total of six ombudsman institutions; the other institutions are : the newly admitted members are the Jordanian Ombudsman Bureau (Asia), the Complaints Commission / British Virgin Islands from the Caribbean and Latin American Region, the Síndica de Greuges de Barcelona / Spain, the Procurador del Común de Castilla y León / Spain and the Ombudsman of the German-speaking Community / Belgium (the latter three joining the European Region). Comprehensive contact information of the new members is available on the I.O.I. website. Sint Maarten along with the British Virgin Islands hails from the Caribbean and Latin American Region.

During the conference in Vienna from June 4th -9th 2011, Dr.Nilda Arduin was privileged to meet with the Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute Dr. Peter Kostelka. During that conference the membership of the Ombudsman Institute of Sint Maarten to the I.O.I. was discussed.

Philipsburg:--- A plenary public session of Parliament is scheduled for 25 November with respect to the Corporate Governance Council (CGC).

The plenary session of Parliament meeting will take place on Friday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

The agenda point for the meeting is the functioning of the CGC in general and its letter to Parliament of 25 October, 2011.

The National Alliance (NA) faction in parliament requested the aforementioned plenary session in its letter to the Parliament Secretariat of 14 November 2011.

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

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) is advising the population of the South side of the island to be cautious for possible flooding in low lying areas, street flooding and rock falls due to possible persistent heavy rainfall expected to continue into Monday.

From all indications, the periods of rainfall will be intermittent and therefore Monday is a normal business and school day.

On Sunday the Meteorological Department of Curacao (MDC) forecasted moderate to heavy showers that could cause street or urban flooding.

Weather conditions deteriorated on Sunday due to a mid to upper level trough coming into the area and are forecasted to influence the weather over a two day period.

On Sunday the Fire Department surveyed the districts and no major problems were discovered. The Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (VROMI) has opened the Great Bay Channel to allow access water from the Fresh Pond to flow into the ocean.

ODM is advising that in case of heavy rainfall on Monday, to avoid low lying areas; look out for possible street flooding; and if the rainfall is persistent, while driving along hill sides, watch out for rock falls; and if you do not have to be on the road, remain at home. If you have to go to work, drive cautiously as advised above.

Philipsburg:--- The Positive Foundation, in collaboration with the St. Maarten's Nurses Association recently took their breast cancer awareness campaign into several local elementary schools.
According to Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation, the purpose of these visits was to inform young girls about ways in which they should properly screen their breasts for signs of the disease.
Alphonso said that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and because of this it was important to raise awareness amongst all segments of society that early detection remains the best means for success against the illness.
"There is no vaccine against breast cancer and also no way of knowing who will get the disease. We do know that persons who have a history of breast cancer in their families should be start their screenings earlier and may have a higher risk of having breast cancer, but in general all women and young girls should take responsibility for their breast health and learn about breast self examinations," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that the team had used a tool called the Daisy Wheel, which had been developed by the US based Get In Touch Foundation. On the foundation's website it is stated that it is the aim that this product become a tool used worldwide to educate girls from 5th grade level about breast self exams (bse).
Some six elementary schools were visited throughout the week of November 21-25 and included Leonard Conner School, Oranje School, Marie Genevieve De Weever School, Martin Luther King School, Prins Willem Alexander School and the Ruby Labega School. Students were given demonstrations lasting about an hour in groups of 25-50 and we were also encouraged to actively engage with the tool and also ask questions.
Alsphonso said that the feedback from the young students had been positive and that this effort was definitely one which the two foundations would repeat next year.
"It is our aim, as a foundation, to make sure that all women are prepared to fight this disease should they be directly impacted by it. This means that they must first be able to detect if they have it. The Daisy Wheel teaches young girls about how they can detect differences in their breast tissues and what times of the month they should do their personal screenings. We cannot reiterate enough, to young or old, that early detection is the best prevention against death due to breast cancer," Alphonso said.
Also in late October Late October, Mrs. Marcia Holiday- Ravelli, school nurse at the Methodist Agogic Center, presented the Daisy Wheels to over 100 5th and 6th grade students. The daisy wheels were sponsored by the Positive Foundation and NVGEBE."
Alphonso said that other schools who may be interested in having Daisy Wheel demonstrations conducted at their school should contact the foundation at 580-9658.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, will be heading a delegation early next week to Trinidad & Tobago to meet with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO).

The purpose of the visit is in connection with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit carried out at the Curacao Civil Aviation Authority with respect to compliance with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The second objective is to look at what services CANSO can offer Sint Maarten, however there may be some legalities with respect to the Dutch language etc, Minister Meyers pointed out.

"This matter is a top priority for me and it has my full attention as well as that of the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs. Last week I met with Curacao's Minister of Transportation Charles Cooper and he appraised me and our department with respect to the current state of affairs.

"Every effort is being made to avoid being downgraded from category 1 to category 2; however I must state that a downgrade is possible for the Civil Aviation Authority of Curacao which Sint Maarten has a working arrangement.

"Based on the audit, the Curacao Authority is not in compliance with three out of 18 annexes. The lack of compliance has to do with the shortage of staff at the Curacao Civil Aviation Authority. We can all recall that the aviation department in Curacao lost two of its key personnel who tragically died in the Haiti earthquake.

"The Curacao Civil Aviation Authority is working to comply with those three specific areas, however certain legislation has to be put in place by Curacao and that will take some time.

"The Princess Juliana International Airport is not mentioned in the audit. ICAO is scheduled to audit our airport early December," Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Franklin Meyers said on Tuesday.

The Curacao Civil Aviation Authority has until December 14 to comply with the three annexes, namely one, six and eight. Annex one is related to personnel licensing, annex six, operation of aircraft, and annex eight, airworthiness of aircraft.

CANSO is the global voice of companies that provide air traffic control founded in 1996, and represents the interests of Air Navigation Service Providers worldwide.

CANSO members are responsible for supporting 85 per cent of world air traffic, and through workgroups, members share information and develop new policies, with the ultimate aim of improving navigation in the air and on the ground.

CANSO also represents its members' views in major regulatory and industry forums, including at ICAO, where the organization has official observer status.

FACEBOOK, St. Martin:--- Congrats to Gisele Jermin for winning The Salt Reaper CD prize from the Nehesi House Facebook competition. The knowledge quiz was posted public on October 19, 2011 at Nehesi House, the social network site that promotes the authors, books, and activities of House of Nehesi Publishers. In photo, Gisele, with her
award-winning smile, poses with the poetry/music CD by Lasana Sekou and Angelo Rombley. "After listening to the 'remnants' poem on soundcloud.com, Gisele identified correctly the 14 initials framing the remaining colonies in the Caribbean region," said Sekou. The initials, which are also found in the same poem on pg 68 of the book The Salt
Reaper – poems form the flats, are: "bdt, bot, bvi, bwi, cpr, dc, dwi, fod, fwi, na, upt, usvi, dom-tom." Can you identify them all?

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Section Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, reports that there have been so far for the year 15 confirmed cases of dengue fever of which one was Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Twelve of the cases were registered in the first three months of the year while in 2010 for the same period, 28 confirmed cases were reported and registered.

The months of May, June and August recorded one confirmed case for each month and for July there were zero.

However, for the same period in 2010, May, June and August, 26 confirmed cases were registered and for April and July, a total of 11 cases were registered. In 2010, for the period January to August, there were 75 confirmed cases while for that same period in 2011, there were 15.

The aforementioned numbers should not take away from the fact of implementing preventive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sources.

The only way to prevent dengue virus transmission is to combat the disease-carrying mosquitoes. CPS is requesting residents to remain vigilant in executing measures in eradicating mosquito breeding places especially where it concerns the cleaning of yards.

The CPS request the collective assistance from the community in protecting themselves, your family and your neighbor from the Aedes Agypti mosquito by means of minimizing mosquito breeding places in their surroundings and close environment.

Preventive actions that every household and each resident should take are: removal of debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards (usually are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases). These areas should be immediately eliminated.

Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.

Consultation with your physician is imperative for proper treatment and registration of the dengue fever case to ensure adequate follow-up by CPS.

Immediate diagnosis and reporting of Dengue Fever is helpful to have numeric data and to ensure follow-up.

Eliminating a mosquito breeding source is one of the most appropriate strategy in decreasing the mosquito population.

Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of mosquito breeding place(s), overgrown vegetation etc should immediately call CPS at 542-2078.

HNLMS Van Amstel (F831) is the current West Indian Guard Ship of The Royal Netherlands Navy and Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. On Wednesday November 9, the Van Amstel will enter the port of St Maarten after firing a traditional gun salute to the Flag of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Governor of St. Maarten.

The ceremonial entry will take place at 03:00 pm at Fort Amsterdam, in between Great and Little Bay. There, the Governor of St. Maarten will welcome the multi-purpose frigate. He is joined by the deputy Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean, Captain Jeroen van Zaalen of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

HNLMS Van Amstel is no stranger to the area. Just last year she completed a 4 month tour as West Indian Guard Ship and in 1995 the Van Amstel came to the aid of St. Maarten after hurricane Luis struck the island.

The Royal Netherlands Navy regularly deploys ships to the Caribbean to combat the trafficking of illegal substances and to deter other criminal activities at sea. Ships are furthermore equipped to conduct disaster relief operations, to provide humanitarian assistance after a hurricane strike or earthquake.

Great Bay:--- Broadcaster and popular talk-show host Jacques "Billy D" Hamlet will air "Cradle of the Nation" as a St. Martin Day radio special at 12 midnight on November 11 and at 3 PM of the same day, said Jacqueline Sample of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
The radio station SOS 95.9 FM will air the 13-minute dramatic poem, written and recited by Lasana M. Sekou, accompanied by an orchestra of music sampling and sound effects by Angelo Rombley, from The Salt Reaper CD, an HNP production.
"Cradle of the nation," which mythologizes St. Martin people to the island's Great Salt Pond has been called "magisterial" by Jamaican scholar and reggae critic Dr. Carolyn Cooper.
St. Martin Day is celebrated island-wide on November 11 with official speeches, sports, beach picnics, and music activities. "This is very encouraging to have Billy D add a literary expression in celebrating St. Martin Day through radio," said Sekou.
In the poetry-music drama it is the "voice" of the Great Salt Pond speaking to the St. Martin people about aspects of their history. "Airing 'Cradle of the nation' also raises more awareness about the meaning and value of the Great Salt Pond to our history, culture, identity, and the health of the natural environment," said Sekou.
HNP has a protect-the-pond petition open for everyone to sign at the Jubilee Library and the St. Maarten Museum, said Sample.
Sample and Sekou said the Nature Foundation water tests this week are added proof of how the pond is being degraded by human activity. The testing found high levels of "pollutants and sewage ... in the Great Salt Pond," and "the possibility of fish die-offs and increased midge activity between now and the early part of 2012," according to the foundation.
"We want to involve the nation's people as wide as possible, in signing the petition and in being aware about the deep cultural identity and extreme environmental importance of the Great Salt Pond. This radio-theater may help to spread the word a bit more at some level of consciousness and hopefully it motives more positive and protective action," said the author.
"Imagine a stronger awareness among people, ranging from research-conscious teens like those at SIMARC to the hardcore fans and participants of pop culture activities like the motor races organized by the undaunted Miguel Mingau," said Sekou.
Both SOS 95.9 FM and 98.1 Pearl FM will simulcast the radio-theater "At midnight St. Martin Day, and at three o'clock in the afternoon on November 11. Listeners can follow along with The Salt Reaper book or just enjoy or be inspired by the radio recital and music of this original story of the St. Martin people," said Sample.
The official St. Martin Day celebration is hosted this year by the government of the South of the island with a chock-full calendar of activities beginning at 5:50 AM.
"Tuning in for 'Cradle of the Nation' just adds a dramatic piece of radio-theater to the pot on 98.1 Pearl FM and SOS 95.9 FM," said Sample.

Voting for the Crystal Pineapple Awards nominees will be closing on Monday November 14th @ 9 am, so if you haven't already cast your vote for your favorite nominee, you still have this weekend.

Voting can be done on www.shta.com. Simply click on the 'Crystal Pineapple Awards' tab on the left hand side of the page and follow the instructions. A link to voting is also available on the Crystal Pineapple Awards Facebook page.

Tickets for the event are also on sale, and are going very fast! Tickets can be reserved in advance. Simply call the SHTA office or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your tickets. Tickets can be collected and paid for during from Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.

The award ceremony will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011, and will be a Gala evening with red carpet, and academy award treatment. For more information, please contact the SHTA office.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell gave a presentation about the role and functioning of Parliament to St. Maarten Academy 5a4 students. Arrindell said it was a pleasure for her to visit the school and inform the students about the important role parliament plays in the governing process of the country.

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested a customs officer early Sunday morning at the Carolina Night Club after the officer threatened the security officers at the establishment with a firearm.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the incident occurred around 4:30am when patrol was directed to the scene.
The Police Spokesman said the security officer identified as G.A.C told police that the suspect threatened them with the firearm and the security officers managed to disarm the customs officer before he was able to use the weapon. The firearm was turned over to police while the suspect who was still at the scene was arrested. Henson said so far the suspect who remains in police custody has refused to cooperate with police.
The Police Department is busy investigating to see if the weapon that was used to threaten the security guards is the officer's service weapon.

When the Queen of Zouk Tanya St.Val performs live "By The Pool" at Phoenix Club in Anse Marcel this Saturday, zouk lovers who are not there will be missing something exceptional. For Tanya the intimate show is the celebration of her 25th anniversary in music, so expectations are high, especially since she is bring as special guest Jacob Desvarieux of Kassav and her musicians, say the organizers, OMC Music & Phoenix Club.

Tanya will be performing hits from past to present, spanning her 25 years as a musician. Born in 1966 Tanya has experimented with a wide variety of musical styles. Zouk, of course, has earned her fame, from her African tours with Expérience 7 and Zouk Machine (in the late 80s) to the legendary stages of the Zénith (June 2000) and l'Olympia (December 2002). Sher has recorded nearly a dozen albums, and collaborated on numerous hits with other artists and concerts around the world. Tanya is considered a Diva in the pantheon of Caribbean music.

The organizers of the November 19th are proud that this worldclass musician will be on stage at the Phoenix Club. "It will be a truly wonderful event, so we urge zouk lovers to secure their tickets now," say the organizers. Tickets are available at Van Dorp in Madame Estate, Music Caraibes in Marigot and Hope Estate DVD. Space is limited so get your tickets now!

Infolines: 0690 505124 / 690 882090 / 5207963.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE RENEWALS FOR THE BTA CATEGORY II (2009) PERMITS HAVE COMMENCED.

EMPLOYERS/ BUSINESSES, WHO HAVE BTA CATEGORY II HOLDERS IN THEIR EMPLOY, ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO VISIT THE LABOUR AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT BEFORE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2011.

OUR OFFICE HOURS ARE MONDAY – FRIDAY, 8.30 AM UNTIL 3.30PM.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY 30 APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWALS WILL BE PROCESSED PER DAY.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE PROCESSING OF THE BTA CATEGORY II ( 2009)

RENEWALS:
LABOR REGISTRATION – 2011
VALID PASSPORT (COPY)
VALID RESIDENCE PERMIT AND EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (COPY)
VALID LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE SIGNED BY BOTH PARTIES.
VALID MEDICAL INSURANCE.

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR PROCESSING OF THE RENEWALS IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29,2011, AND NO APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWALS WILL BE PROCESSED AFTER THIS DATE.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Honourable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, who is currently in The Bahamas attending the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference, will on Monday give the keynote address at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Special Session: Small Island States – Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to give the final address at the Plenary Session III and Closing Ceremony: Insights into the Future Response.

The conference which is being held under the theme, "Strengthening Evidence to Achieve Sustainable Action," is the third Caribbean HIV Conference in the past decade.

It is designed to build on successes of the previous events, which demonstrated that regional cooperation and collaboration are key to confronting HIV in the Caribbean.

The conference opened on November 18 with more than 2,000 individuals from across the region in attendance and will conclude on November 22.

In the second daily newsletter issued at the conference, the Prime Minister gave her comments along with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and a representative in the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago with respect to: Will the NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) agenda take money away from HIV?

Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams responded: "This conference is to have exactly that discussion. For all the countries and islands here in the Caribbean it is about using scarce resources and trying not only to get as much out of those for the HIV response but also for NCDs.

"That is why bringing programs together to effectively and efficiently utilize funding is going to be a key issue as we start discussion during the conference."

The attendees represent a wide range of interests, perspectives, and backgrounds, and share a common goal – to take part in forming a collaborative and sustainable response to the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean region.

The Prime Minister also headed a delegation in June to the United Nations (UN) Three-day Summit on HIV AIDS in New York which brought together 3,000 participants, including 30 Heads of State and Government, along with senior policy officials, representatives of international organizations, civil society and people living with HIV to discuss the future of the AIDS response.

Also attending the conference is Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius De Weever, along with policy advisors from the cabinets of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, representatives from the local HIV/AIDS programme management team and coordinators, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private and medical sectors, as well as research and community representatives.

Philipsburg:--- A Central Committee meeting of Parliament is scheduled for 24 November with respect to adjustments that need to be made to the National Ordinance Armed Corps.

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

The changes to the National Ordinance will officially allow the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten to assist personnel from the national prison service as well as customs.

It is expected that the Prime Minister will be present for the parliamentary meeting supported by representatives of the Voluntary Corps.

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

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested an 18 year old St. Maarten Academy PSVE student identified as George Mardenborough as the main suspect that shot Guyanese businessman Mark Anthony Deygoo to death on September 21st in his Back Street store. According to information reaching SMN News, the young suspect was arrested at his Belvedere home on Monday evening after Deygoo's widow positively identified the killer. SMN News also learnt that police is busy working with the French side authorities for them to arrest the killer's accomplice who resides somewhere on French side of the island.
The 18 year old suspect that is currently behind bars as a suspect in Deygoo's murder investigation was born on St. Maarten to Dominican parents. Sources close to the investigation said that the young man resides in Belvedere and even though he is still attending school, he is always in trouble and he also has questionable friends, some of whom are currently behind bars as murder suspects.
SMN News further learnt that police got a breakthrough on the case when the widow of Mark Deygoo, Padmini Deygoo gave police a detailed description of the suspect. The source said that police then presented Deygoo's widow with a stack of photographs of possible suspects and she picked out the photograph of the person who shot her husband multiple times during an armed robbery at their Back Street store.
Mark Deygoo was shot five times by two young robbers on September 21 2011 as he and his wife Padmini were preparing to close their Back Street store. At the time of the gruesome shooting and robbery, the victim Mark Deygoo his wife Padmini and their young daughter were inside the store.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that Police arrested a suspect that was identified by an eyewitness who was inside the store when the robbery and shooting took place.
Mos also confirmed that the suspect is a student of the St. Maarten Academy PSVE, but refused to divulge any more information on the suspect since the second suspect (accomplice) is still on the loose.

The Bottom, SABA:--- Brian Deher, President of the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), recently met with Commissioner of Tourism Chris Johnson and Commissioner of Harbour Affairs Bruce Zagers on Saba to discuss the marketing opportunities of Spotlight St. Maarten. The event which kicked off on St. Maarten's day and runs through December 17th is designed to spotlight the key attributes that make St. Maarten the yachting capital of the Caribbean. Mr. Deher stated "the SMMTA fully understands that one of St. Maarten's greatest strengths as a yachting destination and home-port is the beauty, proximity and uniqueness of our surrounding islands. We are pleased to announce that Saba will be working with us to promote the island as a unique charter destination for vessels and as a perfect getaway for captains and crew looking to take a few days off to explore the region."
Spotlight St. Maarten is a month long celebration of education and recreation which kicked off on Friday November 11thand runs through December 17th. The goal of the SMMTA– the organizers of Spotlight St. Maarten - is to showcase the island, offer residents exposure to the marine industry and the SMMTA, and to encourage vessels to come to the region earlier by providing discounts, educational seminars, and highlighting recreational and cultural events on St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands
The SMMTA is excited that through Spotlight St. Maarten, they can build a better relationship with Saba and the other surrounding islands. It is a great opportunity for both parties to exchange information and promote the marine industry on both islands. Spotlight St. Maarten is open to everyone so residents on both islands can benefit from the discounts and be a part of the events being spotlighted.
Residents from the neighboring islands are encouraged to attend St. Maarten Saturday on December 17th. St. Maarten Saturday is a FREE concert / beach party modeled after August Monday in Anguilla and will take place at Buccaneer Beach bar on Kim Sha Beach. The event kicks off at 12 P.M with various activities planned throughout the day such as a carnival troupe, fireballs and live music. Headlining the event are Orange Grove and G Love. Boat owners are welcome to anchor in the Kim Sha Bay and should contact the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Great Bay:--- The Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is hosting an inter-island meeting with the tourist offices of its "hub islands" St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla, and St. Barthelemy, on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
PJIAE had attended the second inter-island meeting hosted by St. Barthelemy on October 25. At that meeting the directorates of tourism from Saba, St. Martin, St Eustatius and Anguilla confirmed their interest in cooperation with regard to tourism.
In addition to their geographical proximity, the islands are further connected by PJIA's broad international airline network and its hub function.
The meeting, which was held at St. Barthelemy's City Hall, opened dialogue between the islands regarding the development of a cohesive tourism identity, tourism zone, and touristic observatory.
The dialogue also served as a platform for the formulation of an inter-island association. This association would allow for fluid business relations and the sharing/pooling of both resources and information.
PJIAE was delighted to receive an invitation to the October 25 meeting, and as a result, proposed to host a follow-up meeting in St. Maarten.
PJIAE supports inter-island relations between the five "hub islands partners," and its function as a hub airport was critical in the development of the PJIA expansion plans. It is also a major point in attracting new airlines to the airport.
The theme that echoed throughout last month's meeting was teamwork "and the November 30 meeting will continue along those lines," said Kalifa Hickinson, PJIAE's Acting Manager, Marketing & Communications.
The tourism authorities at Wednesday's meeting will continue discussions on the development of connections based on each island's target markets. Also to be discussed will be the pooling of expenses incurred by international representation in order to carry out special promotions, to gain further market share, and to acquire market analysis tools of the tourist flow into and out of their destinations.
"We consider our hub islands partners in our efforts to meet the demands of our customers and further develop PJIA into a world-class airport," said Regina LaBega, PJIAE Managing Director.
Among the representatives and officials confirmed to attend the November 30 meeting are May-Ling Chun, director, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau; Hon. Hayden Hughes and Eustache "Guish" Guishard, representing Anguilla; Stéphanie Bessiere, director of tourism, Collectivity of St. Martin; and Ines Choisy, director of tourism, St. Barthelemy. Representatives from Saba and St. Eustatius are unable to attend due to prior engagements.

Great Bay:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) closed its doors here to the public over the weekend so that its librarians could take part in an essential 3-day seminar, October 30 – November 1.
The library will re-open on November 2. But reading is not taking a holiday. And PJL's customers appear to be an active enough bunch with as much 'trending now' behavior as yahoo.com users.
How else to explain the following "hottest" picks at PJL's e-Library of "What Others Are Reading"? According to the new streamlined website, for adults and youths using the services of PJL, the "Hottest title: Love Songs Make You Cry; Hottest author: Danielle Steel; Hottest subject: African-American literature – Fiction."
Love Songs Make You Cry is the first St. Martin book of short stories, published on the island. This is a good thing for St. Martin's literature and Caribbean books.
And what publisher could resist commenting on such an activity tagging a seminal collection published over 20 years ago? So I pitched the story to HNP, the book's publisher. "That's really good news," said Jacqueline Sample, president of HNP.
"Trends like these go up and down and usually don't last long. We noticed that many students were reading Love Songs in 2009 for their school assignments so this new information is exciting."
"It encourages us when we see the ways people make use of HNP books. We are happy for the library, that it can document such activities in our society."
"I wish the library more successes as a busy center for information and documentation, for leisure and serious readers in St. Martin," said Sample.
While I tried in vain to get a comment from the book's author, Lasana Sekou, I did find out that Love Songs might also be one of possibly only two books from St. Martin on the territory's elementary and high school reading lists at PJL.
According to the e-Library data, there are 123 books from a variety of countries and territories for the "English for Havo/Vwo" list and 111 titles for the "Book list English TKL." So, only two books from the island speak of a shortage?
Sample said that as far as the education system in concerned, HNP is working toward the day when there would be far more books by more St. Martin authors to compete for readers, and for students, teachers, and researchers to use.
Meanwhile, for who didn't take note, PJL is now more than just a public library, competing with exciting multimedia and digital devices. According to the website, the 2010 "constitutional changes have resulted in the Philipsburg Jubilee Library becoming the National Library" of the territory.
For more information of the PJL services, facilities, its many books and magazines in various languages, and to keep up with its activities and "trends," visit PJL or check out www.stmaartenlibrary.org.
To find out about being a volunteer, or a sponsor for the upkeep of the only public library in the South of the island, call 542.2970 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As for the importance of sponsorship, let's read it in the library's own words: "The Philipsburg Jubilee Library welcomes and encourages sponsorship from local businesses, corporations, families and individuals."
"The aim of sponsorship is to obtain funding or in-kind support to provide services and equipment that may not otherwise be available, to enhance events, programs, activities and services to the community."
Oh, about the Danielle Steel novels and US literary fictions popular now at PJL, maybe I can pitch another story to their publishers.

Kevin Davids is a journalism student in the USA of Kittitian background.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams opened one of the first protocol workshops last week. The workshops were organized in preparation for the Royal Visit this week.

A number of civil servants and members of the High Councils of State, Members of Parliament, several Ministers, Cabinet staff from the various Ministries, and the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers made use of the opportunity.

Hendrik de Groot, former Chef de Cabinet of the Mayor of The Hague, and former Director of Protocol of the Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, conducted the workshops and used his own publication, 'Protocol in Practice.'

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.:--- DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), a global provider of educational services, today announced it has acquired the business operations of privately held American University of the Caribbean (AUC). AUC's medical school campus is located in St. Maarten, and its administrative offices are located in Coral Gables, Fla.

The acquisition of AUC is consistent with DeVry's growth and diversification strategy, increasing its presence in high quality medical and healthcare education and expanding its academic offerings at the post-baccalaureate level. AUC's total enrollment is approximately 1,000 students. DeVry was attracted to AUC because of its highly regarded faculty, commitment to academic excellence, and an accomplished network of alumni. In addition, AUC has strong partnerships with residency placement hospitals across the United States.

Since 1978, AUC has provided its students with high quality medical education, and now has more than 4,000 graduates who are licensed and practicing medicine throughout the world. The school is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), and its students are eligible to sit for the USMLE, obtain U.S. Federal Financial Aid if qualified, become active members of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and, upon graduation, obtain residency and licensure throughout the United States. AUC is one of only three international medical schools whose students are eligible to receive federal student aid. AUC utilizes the same curriculum as U.S. medical schools, with two years of basic sciences taught at the St. Maarten campus, followed by two years of clinical sciences taught at affiliated hospitals in the U. S. and England. AUC graduates are eligible to practice medicine in all 50 states.

"Working with AUC management, DeVry has already developed an initial plan for additional investments in academic quality, which will also support future growth. Planned investments include more than $20 million for facility and other improvements," said Daniel Hamburger, DeVry's president and chief executive officer. "AUC's high quality curriculum, faculty and facilities provide us the perfect opportunity to further expand our doctoral program offerings in this high demand field. The combination of DeVry and AUC is strategically compelling and will deliver significant benefits to students and employees. In concert with our other medical school, Ross University School of Medicine, DeVry will continue to be the leader in international medical education and the only publicly-held education provider that operates medical schools."

There is a significant unmet demand in the U. S. for well-trained, licensed physicians. Demographic trends point to accelerating demand for doctors in the coming years as the aging baby boomers require greater healthcare services. Ninety percent of AUC's students are U.S. citizens.

AUC's culture is highly compatible with DeVry, characterized by a commitment to strong student outcomes, program quality and regulatory integrity.

"We welcome AUC's employees as the newest members of the DeVry family, and will work closely with them as we continue to deliver high-quality educational programs," said Bill Hughson, president of DeVry Inc.'s Healthcare Group. "We intend to invest significantly in AUC, its programs and its facilities, while leveraging organizational synergies and best practices from across our family of educational institutions. We are excited about the opportunities that AUC provides to the Healthcare Group and we look forward to working with AUC employees, clinical partners, the government of St. Maarten and the ACCM in the near future."

"We are very pleased to be joining the DeVry family," said Yife Tien, son of the founder of AUC. "DeVry is renowned for quality education and their commitment to their students. I know AUC will continue to thrive under their leadership as will the people of St. Maarten who will benefit from the vast resources and commitment to partnership that DeVry will bring to the country. This combination truly positions the institution for continued prosperity and growth for decades to come. "

Terms of the Transaction

Upon closing, DeVry paid $235 million in cash in exchange for all assets of AUC.
For the year ending December 31, 2011, AUC's revenues are expected to be approximately $50 million. DeVry expects AUC to be accretive to earnings per share in fiscal 2012 by about $0.05 per share and increasing thereafter.

Mayer Brown served as DeVry Inc.'s legal counsel. DeVry did not utilize an investment bank for this transaction. Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor to AUC and McDermott Will & Emery served as AUC's legal counsel.

AUC will continue to operate as an independent institution, and will benefit from the sharing of best practices and systems as a part of DeVry's family of colleges and universities. The school will become part of DeVry's Healthcare Group, joining Ross University School of Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Chamberlain College of Nursing and the Carrington Colleges Group.

Philipsburg:--- The Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports Dr. Rhoda Arrindell has single handily decided to grant her current Acting Secretary General of Education Claudette Foresight Labega a one year contract to remain in the position as of this month.
Foresight Labega was supposed to leave her office during the month of November 2011 as she just reached her pensionable age. Sources within the government apparatus said that the Minister's decision has created some fireworks within her Ministry and her political party. SMN News learned that at least one person within the Ministry who has a Masters Degree in Education and Administrative Management applied for the position but was not considered by the Minister. According to sources within the United Peoples Party, the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger advised Minister Arrindell not to appoint Foresight Labega to the position since she was a candidate on the Democratic Party slate. The source said the Minister told her party leader that she does not want Foresight Labega to go home with all her years of experience and knowledge. Questions are now being raised by the UPP and personnel affairs as to when the Minister would hire a replacement for Foresight Labega to train.
The source further explained that Foresight Labega has not been working in the best interest of the Education Minister and there has been no progress with Education since the Minister took office. One of the persons blamed for the lack of progress is Foresight Labega, while one of top civil servants in the Education Ministry is contemplating resigning.
SMN News further learned that the department of Personnel Affairs is also questioning the appointment since basic procedures to appoint the Secretary General was not applied in the Foresight Labega case. The source said Personnel Affairs advised the Minister to refer the committee that was vetting the applications for the persons who applied for the positions of Secretary General during the National Alliance/ Heyliger government. The source said the committee members at the time comprised of the Lt. Governor, the Commissioner of Education, Commissioner of Personnel Affairs and the Secretariat handled the applications and delivered an advice on who they believed was qualified for the position.
At the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday, Minister Arrindell admitted that she granted Foresight Labega a one year contract for the position of Acting Secretary General. Minister Arrindell said that she personally evaluated the candidate in question and felt that she met the requirements. When asked by SMN News if she set aside the application process and advice that was delivered prior to her taking office, the Minister said she was not aware of any such procedure and she also does not know if anyone applied for the position before she took office. Minister Arrindell said several persons applied for the position since she took office. Minister Arrindell also explained that the Council of Ministers decided to take a formal position on appointing the Secretary Generals. She said at some point a decision will be taken on whether or not the Secretary Generals will become a "political appointment". However, that discussion is not yet concluded neither has any decision been taken. Minister Arrindell said she was advised by Personnel Affairs to evaluate the candidates and make an appointment in the interim since there was only a window of six months to appoint someone to the position. "I personally evaluated Ms. Foresight Labega and the results were positive," the Minister said.

...

South Reward:--- GEBE donated seventeen computers to the St. Maarten Vocational School to assist in equipping their computer lab. "The students badly need these computers, not only for their computer lessons, but also to learn how to setup and manage computers and computer networks" said Mr. Barry, Computer Instructor at the St. Maarten Vocational School. "The school computer lab has been plagued by problems and we could not wait to receive these computers. The students have been putting in extra hours installing the computers and getting the network working", said Ms. Astrid Hermelein.
Students will use these computers to learn how to get them working, get software installed, install peripherals and solve issues. The computers were presented to the school by GEBE Social Club members Samson George, Tara Charles, Kenrick Chittick, President of the GEBE Social Club Lloyd Euson, and Iris Hunt-Arrindel, the Club Secretary, who all came to the school to meet the students and visit the computer lab. "GEBE is happy to have donated the computers to demonstrate our part as a member of this community", said Ms. Hunt-Arrindel. "We hope that you [the students] use these computers well, and get the most out of them", she added.

Philipsburg:--- The Ad Hoc Committee for the Revision of the Rules of Order of Parliament, will meet on Friday morning at 10:00am in the House of Parliament.

Members of the Ad Hoc Committee are Members of Parliament (MPs) Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Chairman, MP Hon. Roy Marlin, Vice Chairman, and MP Hon. Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce.

The three MPs will review the draft changes that have been made to the rules of order.

A plenary session of Parliament is planned for Monday, November 7 at 10:00am.

The four agenda points are: incoming documents; confirmation of permanent and ad hoc committees of parliament; the advice of the Presidium to appoint an Acting Secretary General of Parliament; and the advice of the Presidium to appoint a 1st Acting Secretary General of Parliament.

The meeting will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament.

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

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell who was recently in Washington DC, met with U.S. Congressman Hon. John Conyers Jr., a Detroit Democrat, who was re-elected to represent Michigan's 14th Congressional District in November of 2010. He is serving his 24th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Conyers is the second most senior member in the House of Representatives.
Arrindell briefed Congressman Conyers about Sint Maarten's new country status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and they also discussed a number of other issues related to the socio-economic development of the country.

The Windward Islands Bank Ltd (W.I.B) will be hosting an informative Mortgage Forum for the general public interested in the construction process (building, expanding, renovating) and purchasing of a home.

Guest speakers will be invited to speak at WIB's Mortgage Forum to include, Civil Notary Office, VROM, Kadaster, WIB Insurance and WIB Mortgage representative.

Should you agree to our invitation, please feel free to contact WIB at 5422313or Marketing dept at 546-2865 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Further details of the event are listed below:

Date: Saturday November 19th, 2011

Venue: Belair Community Center

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We look forward to your positive response, as we seek to educate St. Maarten on this very important topic.

The Tennis Club de l'Ile de St. Martin in Marigot, offers group lessons for adults. If you are interested in making your game better or you're just a beginner, this will interest you! The lessons comprises of a maximum of 5 adults with one qualified instructor. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or join our Facebook page Tennis Club de St. Martin.

Philipsburg:--- On Saturday, November 12, Florence Nkpa will be launching a new association called 'headmade factory art sxm' aimed at creating new platforms for visual and modern contemporary art on St. Maarten/St. Martin.
The association while still in its infancy has already started on collaborations with the Dutch side based Imbali Center for Creative Movement. Clara Reyes, founder and director of Imbali Center for Creative Movement said that this new association would be an asset to the art community on the island, because it hopes to create new venues for exchange both across the island and with international artists in an artist in residence format.
Reyes explained that the association's launch will take place on the first floor of the West Indies Mall in Marigot. She said that the launching will feature art from across genres including performing and visual forms. New choreography by Peggy Oulerich, in collaboration with Reyes, will also be exhibited alongside paintings and art pieces by a range of local artists. The highlight of the evening though will be a lecture by Nkpa on "What is Contemporary Art". This lecture will be followed by an open discussion with those in attendance.
Reyes said that cost of the event was 45€/59$ per person or 82€/110$ per couple. Reservations should be made by calling 06.94.43.36.35 or 06.90.47.89.77. This price includes a buffet dinner and drinks. Reyes said that she is encouraging the general public from across both sides of the island to come out and support this new association as it seeks to develop itself for the betterment of arts on our island.

Philipsburg:--- The CFT has delivered a bi-annual report regarding the budget and other financial issues related to St. Maarten. Minister Donner on his visit here two weeks ago presented Members of Parliament with an official copy of the CFT report. The CFT claims that the St. Maarten's Minister of Finance has refused to hire a team of experts which would assist in getting St. Maarten's financial house in order.

The CFT says the Government of St. Maarten is like a child who is always late for school, yet that child always has an excuse for being late. They made the statement when explaining the constant lateness with presenting the annual budgets. The Audit Chamber of St. Maarten recently dispatched a letter to Parliament and the Council of Ministers informing them that basic budget procedures are not being respected. The Prime Minister of St. Maarten acknowledged receipt of the letter but said the Council of Ministers did not respond to the Audit Chamber as yet.
The CFT feels that the Minister of Finance is not able to keep government books in order since they said the bookkeeping is in real shambles. The Ministry thus far provided a host of unreliable figures for 2009. The CFT already reported St. Maarten to the Kingdom Council of Ministers on March 30th when the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance failed to show up for a video conference.

The CFT is questioning the financial statements of 2009 where 82% of all receivables are written off, thus creating the impression that the Ministry is hiding information.
According to the report, the 2009 financial statement was submitted on March 11 2011 while this report was due since August 31 2010, while the 2008 balance sheet was not used because the figures are unreliable and unavailable.
So far, the government of St. Maarten did not submit a profit and loss statement to the CFT for the year 2009 simply because the figures are unreliable and unavailable.
The CFT states that the government's financial statements were not audited. They said that there is lack of budgetary controls and the country's finances are being managed on cash availability basis, and not based on the budgeted figures which create the impression that the budgeted revenues are not realistic. The CFT in their conclusion states that it appears as though government is not paying its bills or they are delaying the expenditures until 2012, both of which would have negative consequences for the country's finances.

The CFT also delivered a report on the 2011 budget which can be considered as a major blow to St. Maarten. In the report delivered to the Kingdom Council of Ministers, they addressed the external accounting firm that the Minister of Finance has hired instead of hiring credible staff for the finance department.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the Turn Over Tax payments that are made at the Receivers Office is not being recorded immediately. The source said that the TOT payments are booked at least one week after the payments are made and that the computer system is set backwards to make it appear as though these bookings were done when the receivers office receives the monies. The source said the outstandings at the Receivers office is around one billion guilders while the accounting system only has 100 million recorded of which 82% cannot be collected.

Click here to view the report submitted by the CFT.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.

WDD was started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and according to the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, WDD has been set aside to raise global awareness of diabetes, its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases.

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia).

Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent or childhood-onset diabetes) is characterized by a lack of insulin production.

Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine, thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly.

Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes) is caused by the body's ineffective use of insulin. It often results from excess body weight and physical inactivity.

Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1, but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, once complications have already arisen. Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring in children.

Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia that is first recognized during pregnancy. Symptoms are similar to Type 2 and are most often diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than reported symptoms.

CPS says, over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. CPS adds that simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use, and appeals to the Sint Maarten community to "Act Now" and bring about change in your families.

WHO estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention. Almost 80 per cent of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Bridgetown, BARBADOS:--- An 83 year-old woman in Curacao who has spent her adult life championing the rights of the visually impaired has given Curacao its first top award in CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank's region-wide Unsung Heroes programme for 2011.

Cornellie Schoonhoven-Muntslag topped the list of 24 regional finalists after a panel of judges met in October to make the final selections. This is the first year that Curacao has produced the region's top Unsung Hero.

One of the first in Curacao to learn and teach Braille, Schoonhoven-Muntslag helped to form the Society for the Blind (Pro Bista) in Curacao in the 1960's. She has, for over 40 years, sought to integrate visually challenged persons into the community and has inspired many to do likewise.

Encouraged by her blind mother, Schoonhoven-Muntslag was determined to help visually impaired persons in Curacao. She started volunteering with a women's Christian group which organised activities for children with visual impairments. Eager to take this cause to another level, Schoonhoven-Muntslag, who was a full-time teacher, rallied a group of 14 volunteers and established the Society for the Blind. Leveraging her contacts with the Dutch Institute for the Blind, she arranged for the volunteers to receive training in Braille reading and teaching, communications techniques and craft work for blind persons. The volunteers then went through neighbourhoods in the island to register visually challenged persons and a variety of activities were then organised.

The number of Pro Bista's "clients" grew so large that in 1975 the group organised a Telethon and raised enough funds to construct their own centre.

Despite her advanced age, Schoonhoven-Muntslag spends three days a week volunteering at Pro Bista. While lauding the volunteerism of young professionals to the society she says, "I will always stay committed to Pro Bista, because if I stay home, I become an old lady."

Also receiving recognition as Unsung Heroes in the 2011 programme are Cleopatra Jackson from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who has trekked three miles on dirt roads to offer free after-school classes, and Sylvaneta Brooks from Antigua and Barbuda, who provides housing and care for underprivileged children and adults in her community.

Jackson, 63, who started teaching at the age of 14, has committed her life to the education and upliftment of children, adults, the needy and elderly in her community through a number of organisations and programmes. The seventh of 15 children, she experienced firsthand what it meant to share and care for others with limited financial resources. Many of the children that Jackson has cared for, housed or taught have gone on to become proficient and productive members of society.

Sylvaneta Brooks, 56, has, for the most part, depleted her savings to provide care for those in need. She began her labour of love some 40 years ago when, as a teen, she took on responsibility for caring for her niece. This formed the launch pad into community work which included providing shelter, clothing, food and social and spiritual guidance to over 25 children over the last 26 years in the Ottos New Town community in St. John's, Antigua.

The regional unsung heroes are to be honoured early next year at a ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago, the home of the 2010 Unsung Hero, Stephen McLatchie. He will hand over to the 2011 Unsung Hero at a ceremony which will simultaneously launch the 2012 Unsung Heroes programme. As local finalists the three have already received award donations of US $6000 each towards the development of their benevolent work. The two remaining awardees will receive an additional $US 5000 each, while Schoonhoven-Muntslag will receive a further US $7500.

CEO of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Rik Parkhill, offered congratulations to all the regional awardees. He made special mention of Schoonhoven-Muntslag, Jackson, and Brooks for possessing that rare combination of personal sacrifice, determination and consistency to make a significant and lasting impact in their communities. "CIBC FirstCaribbean's Unsung Heroes programme is a credit to the enduring spirit of benevolence in Caribbean people. We were humbled and impressed by the quality and level of sacrifice illustrated in the submissions both at the local and regional levels for this programme," Parkhill said.

Mr. Parkhill also expressed appreciation to the panel of regional judges for their continued commitment to the programme in seeking out those persons from far flung parts of the Caribbean who play their part quietly contributing and benefiting those who may be less fortunate. This year the panel comprised Sir Shridath Ramphal, who chaired the group, Sir George Alleyne, Sir Neville Nicholls, Ms. Marie MacCormack, Jones P. Madeira of Trinidad, Charles Williams of Dominica, and A. Leonard Archer of Bahamas.

The Unsung Heroes regional programme is CIBC FirstCaribbean's flagship corporate social responsibility initiative. Launched in 2003, the Bank has contributed over US$4 million in funding to the programme which continues to be of great assistance to unsung heroes.

Philipsburg:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams did not mix words when she was asked to comment on the CFT bi-annual report at Wednesday's Council of Ministers press briefing.
Wescot Williams said that St. Maarten is doing all it can to stay within the guidelines of the Kingdom but no one should expect St. Maarten to do as good or better than the developed countries around the world that have been through the same procedures. As for the budget procedures that the CFT said is not respected by St. Maarten, the Prime Minister said the 2012 budget is currently by the Council of Advice and then it will make its way to Parliament.
Wescot Williams said that St. Maarten would like to be given the chance so that they can get where they would have liked to be. The Prime Minister said there is no institution that is keener than the government of St. Maarten to follow the procedures and guidelines. She said the CFT has to do what it has to do likewise the government of St. Maarten will do its part with the tools available.
When asked if there is concerns at the receivers office that have to be addressed regarding the TOT payments and late bookings. The Prime Minister said she was not aware of such a situation neither is she is aware of anything that needs attention at the department. However, she made clear that when questions such as these are raised then it should send out a little flag to the Ministry that is in charge.

Under the Spotlight St. Maarten initiative, the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) in conjunction with the St. Maarten Sailing School and Aqua Mania, was able to provide personnel from the Labour Department and Milton Peters College (MPC) students a chance to go sailing. One of the goals of Spotlight St. Maarten is to expose the marine industry to residents and encourage them to take advantage of the on water opportunities available to them.
Earlier this week, three ladies from the Labour Department were treated to a great day of sailing. Also along for the sail was a local St. Maartener, who began sailing a mere three months ago. He started off doing the Basic Keel boat course on the St. Maarten Sailing School's 25 foot boat Little Poe and then moved up to the basic Cruising course on Moon Dance the Catalina 36. This novice is now doing the boatmaster course which is the new St. Maarten Commercial License as well as power boat handling and seamanship courses. The idea for the day on the water was to provide a firsthand impression of sailing and other aspects surrounding sailing and sailboats in general to the Labor Department personnel, in order for them to receive complementary knowledge that can further assist them when formulating labor programs geared specifically towards getting locals more involved in the vibrant marine industry on the island.
The MPC students are currently doing a program that encourages them to choose two outdoor activities. So far the majority of students have picked sailing for their first choice. This is a great opportunity for them to experience a sailing trip and expose them to the other activities on the water. With the help of the St Maarten Sailing School they were able to go out and enjoy an afternoon of sailing. The program hopes to raise an interest in the youngsters to pursue some of these activities as a hobby or possibly even as a trade. .
Another great opportunity for residents is the Spotlight St. Maarten Sponsored Sunset Cruises provided by Aqua Mania beginning this Friday evening and every Friday until December 2nd. Enjoy a cruise of the island's stunning coastline as the sun sets while sipping a cool beverage. The Sunset Cruises on Lambada and Tango are only $20 per person and include refreshments; they start at 5pm. Seating is limited, so it is important that you make reservations early. Reservations for the Sunset Cruise can be made at the Aqua Mania offices at Simpson Bay Resort, Royal Palm Beach and Divi Resort . PH: 544-2640. / 5442631 and at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Council of Ministers of the Kingdom will nominate Prof. dr. Age Bakker to the Queen as the new Chairman of the Board of financial supervision (College financieel toezicht - Cft). That has been decided by the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom on Friday November 18th. With this prof. Bakker will be the successor of prof. drs. Hans Weitenberg, who passed away in September.

Until last month Mr. Bakker (1950) was administrator at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington. In this position he was a member of the daily management at the IMF on behalf of the Dutch Kingdom. Within the IMF the administrator of the Kingdom looks after the interests of the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten, and other countries like Israel, Cyprus and some other Eastern European countries.

Mr. Bakker has studied in Grenoble, Amsterdam and Stanford and he is an expert on the Social Economic and Monetary Policy. Since 1995 he is a Professor on Monetary and Banking matters at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He has made his career at the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank) and has been a crowned member of the Social Economic Council (SER) for 12 years.

The chairmanship of the Board has been vacant since September 1st, when Hans Weitenberg resigned from this position for health reasons. Shortly after, he passed away. With the nomination of Prof. Bakker as the chairman of the Board, the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom perpetuates the course that has been deployed by prof. Weitenberg, because prof. Bakker is also known for his expertise on content and judgments.

Age Bakker will be the chairman of the Board of financial supervision for Curacao and Sint Maarten as well as for the Board of financial supervision BES. In the Board for Curaçao and Sint Maarten besides the chairman will be seated Margo Vliegenthart upon proposal of the Netherlands, Alberto Romero upon proposal of Curaçao and Richard Gibson upon proposal of Sint Maarten. In the Board for BES Margo Vliegenthart has sitting upon proposal of the Netherlands and Max Pandt upon proposal of the BES islands.

Philipsburg:--- A Central Committee Hearing is planned for 22 November with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry concerning the National Ordinance on Consumer Protection.

The Central Committee of Parliament Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been invited to parliament to give it's input with respect to the National Ordinance supplementing Title 1 of Book 7 of the Civil Code regarding provisions to Protect Consumers, particularly on Telesales Contracts and Warranties (National Ordinance Consumer Purchases).

A Central Committee Hearing is planned for 21 November with the Real Estate Association concerning the National Ordinance on the Sale of Property and Assets.

The Central Committee of Parliament Hearing is scheduled for Monday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

The parliamentary hearings are part of the process to deal with amendments to the Civil and Penal Codes. Parliament in a session of October 3 requested that other entities be heard with respect to the changes that are to be made to various laws that govern the country.

The hearings are open to the public and will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Philipsburg:--- 20 November is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Road traffic crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people every year globally and injure or disable as many as 50 million more. This is also the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 years.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure Hon. Theo Heyliger, in his message on 20 November would like the nation to remember all those who lost their lives in road traffic accidents or who was injured during such an incident.

In October 2005, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution which calls for governments to mark the third Sunday in November each year as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

The day was created as a means to give recognition to victims of road traffic crashes and the plight of their relatives who must cope with the emotional and practical consequences of these tragic events.

Nearly 3,500 people die on the world's roads every day. Tens of millions of people are injured or disabled every year. Children, pedestrians, cyclists and the elderly are among the most vulnerable of road users.

"My Ministry has been working diligently along with contractors on a number of public sector improvement projects which includes also making our roads safer for users as well as pedestrians.

"As a nation, on Sunday, let us reflect upon those who lost their lives and recommit and encourage others to prevent road traffic injuries by promoting good practices related to helmet and seat-belt wearing, not drinking and driving, not speeding, and not using a cell phone or texting while driving," Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure Theo Heyliger said on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- The Central Committee Hearing scheduled for 22 November with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry concerning the National Ordinance on Consumer Protection, has been postponed until further notice.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry was invited to parliament to give its input with respect to the National Ordinance supplementing Title 1 of Book 7 of the Civil Code regarding provisions to Protect Consumers, particularly on Telesales Contracts and Warranties (National Ordinance Consumer Purchases).

A parliamentary secretariat staff meeting has been scheduled for the morning hours and the postponement allows the Chamber of Commerce & Industry additional time to carry out research and prepare for the hearing when it is re-scheduled.

A presentation to the Central Committee of Parliament by the General Audit Chamber is still scheduled for Tuesday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of Parliament.

The General Audit Chamber will update Members of Parliament about current affairs and their proposal for a Committee of Government Expenditures.

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

The Board of Journey for Education Foundation announces the postponement of its annual gala dinner. The event, which was scheduled to held this weekend, has been rescheduled to January 2012.

The foundation announced that due to some last minute challenges it was forced to reconsider hosting the event and chose to reschedule to end of January. All ticket sold will be valid for the rescheduled date. Within short the new date of the dinner will be announced.

The organization apologizes for any inconvenience caused and promises a great gala dinner in January.

Philipsburg:--- Local Model Yulanda Gentle's s heading to the 'Big Apple' – New York City - next week after the Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation Executive Director Arthur Lugisse received an official invitation to visit, mingle and participate in fashion activities during her stay.
The visit is an initiative of Virgin Islands Fashion Week, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Henry R. Marsham Jr. "New York Office" and the Tallahassee - St Maarten Foundation Inc. Marsham Jr. says after having Gentles participate in the Virgin Islands Fashion Week "Caribbean Catwalk" 2011 held in St.Thomas US Virgin Islands last October as one of the featured model, she demonstrated great qualities of which a model should have on and off the fashion runway.
"It was a very easy decision to have her in New York to get her marketed in the fashion industry. As you would agree with me that New York is one of the "World Fashion Mecca" and is where every model dreams to be where they can further market their skills and talent as a model.
"Gentles will also be the "Fashion Model Ambassador" for the island of St Maarten while in New York. Yulanda has already been scheduled for four professional photo shoots by some of the industry's best fashion photographer's in New York City such as Don Thompson of Drac Inc and Clive Booth just to name a few. From the photo shoot a portfolio will be made for Yulanda to take on model calls to some of the leading agencies base here in New York City who are presently scouting for new and fresh faces for the next upcoming New York Fashion Week 2012 set for February of next year.
"Also while in the Big Apple, Yulanda will place a courtesy call to New York State Assemblyman, Nelson Castro. She will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with international models, designers, media, fashion editors and other fashion officials. Yulanda will also accompany the CEO of Virgin Islands Fashion Week on a visit to Lincoln Hospital Pediatric wing giving Christmas gifts and photo shoot with the kids dubbed a "Caribbean Christmas." On December 9th Yulanda will travel to the nearby Tri-State area of Philadelphia where she will be featured at a fashion show as the official model for Asodami clothing line set for December 10th at the Ark, 7.00 pm.
"Yulanda is also set to appear on other fashion runway in NYC for some of the top leading designers such as John Ashford. The young model is also schedule to shoot with one of Queens's leading designer Deliahi Haligun for her 2012 spring clothing line. For extra activities while here in the Big Apple, a trip to the nation's capital Washington DC will be planned where Yulanda will visit the Martin Luther King Memorial and the White House.
Those wishing to contribute towards the trip should contact her manager Arthur Lugisse at 1-721-587-9367 or 850-391 0977 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- Shirnon Trinidad will have to spend eight more days behind bars as the police continue with their investigation at the department of Public Works, namely VROMI.
Trinidad appeared before the judge of instruction on Friday where the prosecutor's office requested that his pre-trial detention be extended as they continue with the investigations.
Trinidad was arrested on Wednesday at the Belvedere community center while he was attending a class there.
Sources say that at least five investors filed complaints against Trinidad when he made certain deals that they paid him for and he could not deliver. It is further understood that the most recent was a set of Chinese investors that filed complaints against Trinidad and another co-worker at the Health Department.
The source said that at least one more inspector from the department is under the police radar as they continue to investigate the corruption case. SMN News further understands that Trinidad and the other inspector from VROMI works closely and they are also good friends.
This recent arrest of a civil servant working in the department of VROMI has made all the other inspectors very nervous. SMN News also understands that the other inspectors including the department head will be questioned.

Marigot:--- Union for Democracy issues today the report from its Commission on finances and fiscality which was presented to the Executive Board of UD last Monday. The Commission is headed by Mr Jacques Hamon, retired accountant and business man. Six other persons, all linked to this sector of activity, have been part of the work.

Daniel Gibbs, president of UD said: « We know  that the credibility towards the administration is very low among our fellow citizens. We must give them back the confidence in our institutions. That is why we are determined to put in place an effective, efficient and fair tax system over a 100 days period.»

We publish the Report as it is.

No Government, regardless of its size or budget, can work in a sound and coherent way without a clear and effective taxation system.

When we were a Commune, the taxation system was clear since it could not differ from the framework set by French laws. When Saint-Martin entered its new status as an overseas territorial Collectivité in 2007, it then became custodian of one of the most important tools regarding public policies: taxation. But we must acknowledge that this tool was either poorly utilized or not utilized at all in certain instances. It is a pity that policy makers have not wanted or known how to take advantage of such an incredible opportunity as the ability to establish the Collectivité’s own taxation.

Over the past 5 years we have been locked in an "ad nauseam" argument with the State regarding: "who owes what to whom." Unfortunate misunderstandings in public disputes leave us at a standstill. The President of the Collectivité was so slow to undertake legal proceedings that it would be surprising to have a decision from the courts before March 2012 territorial elections. Worse than this dead end towards which Saint-Martin is heading, is the irrational taxation policy that the Collectivité has set up, a sort of inconceivable patchwork. In short, the opposite of clarity, efficiency and justice!

Some today claim to provide solutions. They forget that they were the ones who led us in this blind alley! How can they claim today to want to put in place an efficient and competitive taxation system while in June 2011 they refused a proposal from D. Gibbs to create an ad - hoc Commission? How can others, claim to lead the way regarding a renewed tax system while a year ago, they were either silent or opposed to a serious study of the entire tax structure? Let the People be the Judge.

PREMIS

There will be no effective tax structure, as detailed as it may be, if the economy is in shambles. In Saint-Martin, our primary source of income is tourism. This sector, partly because of the international crisis, but also because of the indecisiveness of the Collectivité for the past three years, is in decline. Our infrastructure is not to the minimum level required to attract even the tourists who would want to come. Our attractiveness, set aside our beaches, offers nothing unique compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Everywhere, surrounding States or Islands, are actively developing original tourism products to reach niche markets that will “make a difference." The Dutch side has developed its appeal by following a plan which led to the building of the Boardwalk, of the Cruise facility, timeshare etc…

If we do not undertake one or several major, development projects, which will attract new tourists and additional income for the Collectivité, merchants, other professionals  and for Construction Companies, it is useless to talk about taxation: No income, no taxpayers!

 

For these key reasons the UD emphasizes on large scale economic development projects. Those who will exhibit tables of figures of any kind to explain their solution on taxation, without real development projects –or projects based exclusively on public money as it is usually the case in Saint-Martin - will show the emptiness of their ideas.

OUR APPROACH

The UD approach has not changed since June 2010 when Daniel Gibbs presented a deliberation to the territorial Council. Only experts, because there are different trends of thought on taxation, not one but several experts, can enlighten us whether normal citizens or elected representatives. But with appropriate information, it will be for elected representatives to make their choice. Every action carries consequences. We have been improvising for too long and the consequences have been serious for Saint-Martin.

 

We will not, in spite of promises made by others during the election campaign, engage in unchartered course or make decisions without prior discussions based on very specific ANALYSES. Those who sell dreams will say many things. Before making a decision it is necessary to gather information and then to analyze all the possibilities.

Taxation in Saint-Martin must no longer pop out as a surprise from a bag!

 

TAXE STIMULUS

 

CONTEXT:

I Objectives of Tax and taxation system upgrade

-          To establish a simple, fair and effective tax system with a high collection rate

-          To  establish a stable source of income to finance the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and the socio-economic projects it will develop

-          To lighten the tax burden of physical and legal persons residing on the island

-           To stimulate local and foreign investments and obtain a high and rapid collection rate

 

II Constraints

We must set reasonable taxes that are acceptable to the tax payer,  less penalizing for the economy and for the obligations of the Collectivité to its nationals.

The system must take into consideration the specificities of the island:

Positive Points:

- Privileged destination for tourist coming, essentially, from two continents, Europe and America

-Increasing number of facilities: airports (1 international and 1 local) and ports (1 international trade, 1 local)

- Strong potential for  (Hotels, activities, untouched markets,...)

-Advantage related to the dual currency and dual language

-Youth of the population

 

Negative points

-Limited natural resources and industries

-High cost of production of water, electricity, energy,...

- Poor habits regarding tax contributions

- Fiscal evasion on neighbor territories

- Rate change between the two currencies.

 

 

 

III Option

We present here the three possibilities the experts value as experienced.

Our today system:

To levy taxes on revenues, assets and turn over  generated by residents or nationals on the territory as foreseen in the General Taxation code of 2007, amended by severail Island Council deliberations.

Particular system: (so called Caricom)

This system has been used in the Caricom and elsewhere, where taxes are levied on those who will use the facilities and resources of the territory: thus the tourist. This can be achieved by creating poles of exceptional interest over competitors and focusing on quality tourism by offering them on St-Martin what they cannot find elsewhere. Hence the importance of always ensuring : Accomodation/ Competence/ Facilities and security. This system needs, to be effective, a strong and healthy financial base for the involved actors as well as a habit of partnership with the COM.

. The alternative we privilege:

Restructuration of the actual system in order to give the COM a taxation code adapted to our specificities, especially the fact that we are on a small territory. This system has to respond to the three following rules:

. Incentive: abolition of all taxes harming investment and labor .

. Effective: widening of the fiscal assets through simple declarations

. Fair: harmonization of indirect fiscality by a tax on business sales with modulated tariffs based on the nature of goods and services (first necessity, normal, luxury etc..)

This system also needs a new approach on the negotiations with the State.

2 ACTION

1^ST Stage  ( day 0 to 30-60days) Assessment  of the existing situation and needs

-Description of the present situation

-Evaluation of activities and potential taxation areas:

-Turnover generated on the island –

-Real estate Value

-Sales of specific items such as; cigarettes and gasoline –

-Hotels and tourism –

Investment of the State on the island (social benefits, RMI,...)-etc.

Evaluation of the budgetary needs of the COM:

- Operations

- Education and training

- Departments involved in economic promotion

- Mean dedicated to social projects

Capital Investment

Debt servicing

Non governmental Services benefiting from taxation: Chamber of commerce, tourism, EPIC… -

Concept of subsistence of the population

 

*Listing and assessment of the means and jurisdiction regarding taxation at our disposal

* Legal Aspects related to taxation, transition and authority of Collectivité

2nd stage: Identifying various taxes and their impacts (0 + 90 days)

*analysis of taxes and their consequences on various sectors of our society;

*Recommendations

*Collection means, including:

training

human resources

technology

control methods

 

*effects and means of mitigating difficulties due to dual nationality on the island and the problems resulting from "the evasion" of our resources on the side Dutch.

Evaluation of the impact of taxes allocated to of EPIC, Chamber of Commerce or other

Improvement opportunities of the proposed means; amendment and adaptation

Necessary legal adjustments, if any.

implementation period

3Rd step: Report  and vote by the Territorial Council  (day 100)

The Chamber of commerce will be holding their elections to choose new representatives for the new board. The chamber of commerce elections are held every year to select 3 new members to the board which are rotated into the 9 member council. The board is instrumental in ensuring that the chamber of commerce fulfills its role as an honorable representative of the business community in St. Maarten.
30 business persons in this community have nominated us Maria Mercedes"Elektra" Wyatt operating as Elektra Enterprises and Rolando Brison Managing Director of R&B Island Mauby to be a candidates in the upcoming Friday December 2nd Elections.
We are both honored to be nominated by the small business on St. Maarten. We are products of this island and community, we would like to continue to give back to the community by getting more deeply involved with the modern and future developments of the Chamber of Commerce as young and vibrant entrepreneurs.
We would like to help our people excel and raised them to higher heights as they have also paved the way for us to do the same. Allow us to be your representatives in the upcoming elections.
Business people of St. Maarten if you want to stimulate change , if you want to stimulate NEW growth in your business, if you want to stimulate NEW hope for our business future, we are urging the business community small and large business to go and vote. If you have never voting before make it your business and vote for new members like Rolando Brison and myself.
I would like to express that in an effort to encourage young entrepreneurs like Rolando and myself and we need to be able to represent the small businesses which make up a mayor part of the community.
As small business persons and we too feel the hardships, we too have concerns, for our business future. We believe that our businesses will do well, if our community does well and unites with each other to build, business brotherhood with constructive suggestions, creative innovative ideas and efficient marketing plans where everybody can have input.
In these difficult economic times, it is essential that every business person can make use of all the resources possible. Most importantly, we want to be your personal business representatives. We will strive for transparency, open communication, understanding with all supporters, keeping a journal of any and all concerns from the business community that you may have and ensure that these are brought to the attention of fellow board members as well as the director of the chamber, and in certain matters, to relevant government bodies such as parliament and local ministries. Together we can create a thriving economy as the private sector are the main engine and back bone of any country.
We ask you to give us your support by voting for us this Friday, on December 2nd 2011 from 9am to 12 noon at the chamber of commerce office on Cannegieter Street. A valid ID card (ID, Drivers license or Passport). You may support 2 candidates for small business on your ballot. With both of us in office, we are confident that you will see a huge improvement in the support you receive from the chamber of commerce.
We would like to extend an invitation to the Business community to a meet and greet cocktail information session which will be announced on Laser 101 with time and location later this week.
Maria Mercedes "Elektra Wyatt and Rolando Brison look forward to the opportunity to be your representatives of hope and prosperity Our voices will be your Voices in the Chamber of commerce.

Horizon Yacht Charters St. Maarten has recently generously agreed to attach a voluntary USD $20,- Environmental Fee to all charters out of St. Maarten, the proceeds of which will be donated to the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. This fee will go directly to the operational costs associated with the Management of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. Horizon Yacht Charters took the initiative as the first company on St. Maarten to voluntarily charge an environmental fee to their guests which will go to the maintenance of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park and research activities related to the biodiversity of the Marine Park and of St. Maarten in general.
Horizon Yacht Charters in is one of the region's premier yacht charter companies with locations throughout the Caribbean. For more information on Horizon Yacht Charters you can visit their website at www.horizonyachtcharters.com/stmartin/stmartin.

The Governor of Sint Maarten launched his new website www.kabgsxm.com on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011. The site's homepage welcomes visitors with a clean design, bright colors, and news images.

"The aim of the website is to communicate with the public about the role and position of the Governor in the governance of Sint Maarten. This is important, considering my vision for excellence in governance to serve the people, because it contributes to greater transparency and knowledge with respect to the overall functioning of government." Governor Holiday said.

The website is available in English and Dutch and features a wide-range of information, including:

• insight into the responsibilities of the Governor of Sint Maarten;
• an overview of his activities including working visits, speeches and recent news;
• information about the tasks of the Cabinet of the Governor, such as consular services

"With the increasing complexity of our social and governmental structures and the associated growing demand for information, I am pleased to share this information about the Governor of Sint Maarten and the services offered through my Cabinet with the general public." Governor Holiday stated.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Every parent's number one concern this holiday season should be to make sure that whatever it is you buy for your child this year, it's safe.

Every year Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour as part of its calendar of observances highlights and creates awareness where it concerns safe holiday experiences for the entire family.

Before purchasing or giving any gift, particularly one intended for a child, double check to make sure it does not pose a hazard by reading the safety conditions attached to the gift.

Here are some safety tips for holiday season shopping: select toys suitable for a child's age, abilities, skills and interest level; for infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.

Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age eight; do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age eight; read the labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide in your holiday shopping.

One of the most important gifts of all to give a child is time spent with you as a parent this holiday season.

Safe holidays.

The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) would like to inform the general Yachting community of the following change in the immigration policy of country St. Maarten as recently announced by the Minister of Justice Mr. Roland Duncan.
Nationals from the countries listed below, including the newly added Jamaica and Guyana, are exempt from obtaining a Visa to enter the island by air or sea when they are in possession of the following:

• Dutch Caribbean Visa
• Multiple entry visa for the U.S., Canada, or the European Schengen region
• Residence permit for the U.S., Canada, the Schengen region or U.K.
• Residence permit for French St. Martin
• Residence permit for one of the BES Islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba)

For professional yacht crew on the visa required list without one of the above mentioned visas, entry is granted with a Seaman's Discharge Book and an Agent Guarantee Letter that a local agent will prepare
For yacht guests on the visa required list without one of the above mentioned visas, a 48hr transit exemption to go from the airport to the vessel or the vessel to the airport can be arranged with a local Agent Guarantee Letter.
The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association hopes that this new change will encourage yacht crews and yachting tourists from around the world to visit St. Maarten and enjoy what the island has to offer. The changes come just in time for Spotlight St. Maarten, a month long celebration of education and recreation which begins November 11and continues until December 17. Numerous exciting events are planned from seminars to concerts and various outings as well. Spotlight St. Maarten also offers island- wide discounts at participating marinas, chandleries, restaurants and more. So come to St. Maarten and start the season with a blast!

Phillipsburg:--- The consortium GB Group, through its subsidiary GB Energy LTD., announced yesterday that they have signed the Sales and Purchase Agreement to acquire the Chevron assets in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St. Maarten.

GB Group is one of the major private industrial groups in the Caribbean, with offices in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Miami, FL. The Chairman of the Group, Mr. Gilbert Bigio commented: "this transaction is part of our ongoing efforts to constantly search for new opportunities to expand our downstream fuel business in the Caribbean, keeping our focus to satisfy the needs of our customers in the markets where we operate".

GB Group has more than one century of successful business activities. The Group has more than 2,000 employees and is comprised of numerous companies, affiliates, and joint ventures, in the following sectors: Building Materials, Consumer Goods, Environmental Services, Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Trading, Transportation, and Fuels Marketing and Distribution.

As a partner for this transaction, GB Group counts with Mr. Randal Perkins, President and CEO of AshBritt Environmental, the largest rapid-response company for disaster recovery, emergency and environmental services in United States.

In Dominican Republic, GB Group has partnered with Martí Petroleum Group, an experienced company in LPG distribution and fuel marketing business in the country.

Philipsburg:--- While there has been some severe budget cuts to accommodate the visit of the Royal Family to St. Maarten and St. Maarten's Day Celebration for 11/11/11 is practically overshadowed by the visit of the Royal Family. The Minister of Culture and Education granted a contract to Artemia Event Planners to the tune of $55,895.00 to decorate the lampposts and Festival Village for St. Maarten's Day Activities.
Artemia provided the Government of St. Maarten with an invoice to provide services for two sets of light pole banners with and without HSD, brackets, pennants, billboard banners, rotating billboards, entrance banners, uplighting, floral arrangements, stage banners, storage, and installations which will cost $55,895.00, not included in the bill is the freight charges which depends on government's choice on shipping.
On October 13 2011 based on an advice signed by the Education and Culture Department's Secretary General, the Government of St. Maarten approved the decorating for St. Maarten's Day to the tune of Naf: 100,611.00 which had to taken from budget post 6330-44201 to cover the services to be rendered by Artemia. The advice also included the approval of the release of the funds so that the materials could have been ordered from abroad.
SMN News learnt that while the Minister of Culture established a committee to organize St. Maarten Day festivities, no official advice on the week long activities has been presented to the Ministry let alone the Council of Ministers for approval.
At the Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday, SMN News asked the Minister if she received an advice and if there is an official budget for St. Maarten's Day celebration and Minister Arrindell said that a decision was taken to order the materials for the street decoration but she was not aware of the cost. Minister Arrindell said they also decided to split the advisory document into multiple documents. She said to date there is no final total for the host of activities planned but they are working on getting the decorations to St. Maarten.

The Advice and Invoice for Artemia Event Planners.

Great Bay:--- The PEACE IS Foundation will be hosting their fifth annual Fundraising Breakfast on St. Maarten's Day, November 11 at Taloulah Mangos, in keeping with their efforts to promote peace amongst the youth in our society.
The proceeds from these annual breakfasts are usually donated to a particular school to assist with their non-violence promotional activities and this year, the recipient of this donation is the Methodist Agogic Center (MAC) School, both campuses.
"We chose the MAC school this year because of a number of reasons," Glenville Blake; President of PEACE IS said. "For one, we have never made a contribution to this school before and they are one of the largest elementary schools on the island so the target group is by far bigger, he explained. "This school has very low violence and while it is good to target other school that has violence, it is also good, it is also good to highlight those keeping the peace."
This year instead of having the breakfast at two locations, PEACE IS will be hosting the St. Maarten Day breakfast at Taloulah Mangos and tickets for this event can be bought at any of the MAC campuses.
"We urge the community, especially parents to support this venture," Blake said. "Buy some tickets, make it a family experience, have breakfast with your kids and bond with them, use the time to sit and talk to them in a nice environment, because peace makers are created at home."

The President of the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), Brian Deher, officially announced on Monday, November 1stthat Spotlight St. Maarten has signed international artists G-Love and Orange Grove to headline the event's free concert which will take place on Saturday December 17that Buccaneer Beach Bar on Kim Sha Beach.
Spotlight St. Maarten is a month long celebration of education and recreation which kicks off on Friday November 11thand runs through December 17th. The goal of the SMMTA– the organizers of Spotlight St. Maarten - is to showcase the island, offer residents exposure to the marine industry and the SMMTA, and to encourage vessels to come to the region earlier by providing discounts, educational seminars, and highlighting recreational and cultural events on St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands.
The discounts offered through Spotlight St. Maarten, as well as most of the activities scheduled during the event, are availableto everyone in the yachting industry as well as to residents and visitors of the island. Find out more about the event and the available discounts or special promotions by visiting the Spotlight St. Maarten website at www.spotlightstmaarten.com .
SMMTA is excited to announce that they have signed GLOVE and Orange Grove to headline the St. Maarten Saturday event at Buccaneer Beach Bar on Kim Sha Beach as well as for the V.I.P event taking place on Friday December 16th at the Yacht Club Isle de Sol.
The FREE concert with headliners G LOVE and Orange Grove will be open to the general public and will end Spotlight St. Maarten with a bang to officially kick off the 2011/ 2012 Caribbean Yachting Season! This event will be called St. Maarten Saturday and will be somewhat modeled after Anguilla/ August Monday. Overall St. Maarten Saturday will be an event to remember with great music, fun and games in a relaxed atmosphere.
G Love & Special Sauce is a three member alternative, blues, hip hop band from Philadelphia with hits like " Fixin' to die", "Sunshine" and "Baby's Got Sauce". This will be their first performance on the island of St. Maarten and it is sure to be a great show. Orange Grove is no stranger to the island, with members from St. Maarten; they are popular locally as well as internationally. Residents know they can expect a great performance from OG. Whether you are an avid boater, interested in the marine industry, or simply looking to have a good time, Spotlight St. Maarten has a lot of different activities for everyone to take advantage of.

Philipsburg:--- The University of St. Martin will soon be offering a course specifically for teachers, instructors, lecturers, and aspiring teachers to enable them to use technology more effectively in the classroom
The course entitled "Teaching and Learning in a Digital Environment" will begin in the third week of November 2011 and run until January 2012.
"This course is one of a kind for the island of St. Maarten especially since so many students are so into technology. It will enable teachers to be adequately prepared to offer students the best education possibilities using technology in the process," USM officials said.
The course contents reflect the following domains like Pedagogy of Teaching in a Digital Environment, Digital Learning Concepts, Collaborative Learning, Awareness: Ethics, Health & Safety Considerations, Reviewing, and Practicing with Authoring Tools, and Design, Develop and Develop Courseware; From Curriculum to Method.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Develop and distribute digital class materials and assessments to use in their own classes
• Work in a collaborative setting during the course
• Set up their own digital environment that meets their school's organizations requirement
• Use the advantages of technology within their organizations.

One unique aspect is that persons taking the course may also be tapped to teach future sessions of the course. The instructor for the first session of course is Mr. Marcus Nicolaas Jr., who holds a Masters degree in Educational Science and who has taught on various levels both on Curacao and St. Maarten. Some of the software applications that participants will be using include Microsoft PowerPoint, Courselab, Hot Potatoes, Articulate Presenter, Articulate Quizmaker, Wikipages, Youtube and Video Soft, Online Collaboration and Skype.
Teachers can use for their own self-enrichment or as an upgrading course. The course is open to all individuals with a Bachelor's degree and an updated laptop. USM has also formally approached the various school boards on the island to ascertain whether they would be interested in groups of teachers taking the course.
The course is in line with the technology education requirements for teachers on St. Maarten.
Established since 1989, USM offers a host of education and certification programs and courses to individuals and businesses on the island. Persons interested in more information on the "Teaching and Learning in a Digital Environment" course, such as the fees and meeting schedule, can contact the Admissions Office at the University of St. Martin at 542-5171 Ext. 1008 or 1019.

The Ministry of VSA, in particular the Department of Labor, is in the process of conducting a Job Vacancy survey in collaboration with St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry and The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association.

The survey is being distributed now and will be utilized as a tool, whereby information is compiled to give an accurate representation of the vacancies in the various businesses within the community.

The survey will call for the company to provide a brief description of the business, any current vacancies and projected vacancies for the coming three (3) months.

In addition, any tasks or skills that would make employees taking up these positions more beneficial to the company, thus better equipped to attain the position and retain it long term.

Should your business be one of those selected to receive the survey, we would like to urge you to take the time to complete it, as it will provide us with valuable information.

We at the Department of Labor would also like to request your cooperation in returning it via your most convenient medium as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Last Saturday, November 5th, the Antillean & Aruban Notary Association held an assembly meeting at the Avila Beach Hotel in Curacao.
The well attended meeting was followed by a seminar by Professor Jan de Boer on many amendments and new legislation in the Civil Code that will be introduced in Curacao at the beginning of 2012. It is anticipated that at a later stage introduction is also to occur on the other islands that formerly constituted The Netherlands Antilles and on Aruba.
Said legislation comprises among others:

• New Succession Law,
• Paternity Declaration by the Court
• Trust; and
• Amendments to Marital Patrimonial Law,

all of which items are of great importance to notaries.
Henry Parisius, President of the notary association:
"We can look back on a very fruitful day and in this context I cannot emphasize enough the significance and the incalculable value of Professor De Boer as the driving force behind the introduction of the New Civil Code on the islands that formerly constituted The Netherlands Antilles and also on Aruba. All these islands owe him a debt for this!"
The goal of the Antillean and Aruban Notary Association is to foster notary services and to look after the interests of notaries on Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius.

November 11, 2011

One Island, One People, One Destiny

This St. Maarten/St. Martin Day we have truly challenged ourselves in no small way, if it is our intention to give credence to the theme we have chosen to celebrate this historic day. A look back indeed suggests that it is with this in mind that this day was proclaimed several decades ago.

Every year we condemn ourselves for not having brought about a renewed commitment and passion to celebrate our oneness as St. Maarten/St. Martin, although one could justifiably argue that the times have gotten more complex, more technical and more challenging to keep together that feeling of togetherness which has been nurtured over centuries.

To answer that, we have to ask ourselves: Do we have one island? Geographically, most certainly. It is an interesting thought to consider what was the strength of our island that conserved our oneness, even when battles were fought for dominion over the 37 square miles of land; we call "our land". What prevented borders from being erected and armies from being galvanized?

We see in many places of the world, where borders have been erected and torn down, separating and uniting people.

Was it the partition treaty that protected the oneness and openness of our land for all its inhabitants?

The anecdotal account of the division of the island is just that, an anecdote. The truth behind the division was purely one of commercial considerations.

Our "one "island has endured much and at the end of many bitter wars, ended up in the administrative division we know today.

Our fate could have been one of many. Had the Spanish troops persisted, we could have been Spanish, just to mention one. Yet at a point in history, the fighting stopped and the people of this land of ours lived in peace and relative harmony since.

For many, many years, we have given content to the one-island mantra. There were even years, we forgot or brushed aside the administrative division of the island.

Times have changed, our society became more complex and hordes of outsiders came to our shores, making this land their home as well.

The differences in our political status became more and more evident. One thing was clear, the people of this island even under 2 distinct administrative systems, have always cherished the oneness we share.

This oneness, like a big family has had its ups and downs, its tensions, its sparring.

Over the past months, technocrats across ministries have come together to establish a working program for areas of functional cooperation. With the status of country, this has become easier to accomplish, although the difference in terms of administrative powers and authorities between the two sides remains evident.

It is clear that one island is precisely that, one people is something we have to all work hard at maintaining and one destiny is a choice we all to make. Let this St. Maarten/St. Martin Day be in that light, thankful for our homeland and all it offers to so many, one people by the actions of the very same people and one destiny as a conscious choice of the people.

Let this St. Maarten/St. Martin Day 2011 therefore be one of the people in gratitude for what we are and what we can become in the spirit of One Island, One People, One Destiny.

God Bless and Protect our Nation,

Happy St. Maarten/St. Martin Day

Cay Hill:--- The Supervisory board of the St. Maarten Medical Center ordered the hospital's Medical Director Dr. George Scot to fire Dr. Smit on Thursday. SMN News learnt that Dr. Smit was fired early Thursday morning for abandoning a patient that he was operating on early Sunday morning. SMN News broke the story on Wednesday when we learnt that Dr. Smit abandoned a patient who he was busy performing a C-Section operation on when he saw another doctor enter the operating room.
According to the Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever, the Inspectorate of Health was busy investigating the case on Thursday. Sources at the hospital said that the hospital's Medical Director Dr. George Scot fired the gynecologist before the investigation was completed.
Efforts made to reach the hospital's medical director on Thursday proved futile.

Philipsburg:--- Vice President of the Netherlands Council of State H.D. Tjeenk Willink will meet with the Central Committee of Parliament on Monday, November 14 at 11:00am in the House of Parliament.

President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell will welcome Willink to the House of Parliament and the latter will make a speech to the Members of Parliament (MP).

The Queen is President of the Council of State, which in practice is presided over by its Vice President. The Council of State advises the Dutch government and Parliament about legislation and serves as the highest court in administrative law disputes.

Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima are currently members of the aforementioned Council, however are not able to vote.

On Monday, at 2:00pm the Permanent Committee for Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations will meet in the House of Parliament behind closed doors in a procedural session to discuss preparations for the Kingdom inter-parliamentary meeting scheduled to take place in Sint Maarten 14, January 2012.

Members of the aforementioned Committee are MPs Hon. Roy Marlin (Chairman), MP Hon. Ruth Douglass, Vice Chairlady, MP Hon. Patrick Illidge, MP Hon. William Marlin, and MP Frans Richardson.

Only the first session of parliament at 11:00am is open to the public.

Philipsburg:--- The police department is busy investigating several break-ins that were reported to them during the St. Maarten's Day festivities.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said during the weekend of November 10th to November 13th several persons filed complaints with the police stating that their cars, homes, and business establishments were broken into. The Police Spokesman said most of the incidents took place during the hours when the St. Maarten's Day Festivities were taking place. All cases Henson said are under investigation.
The Police Spokesman said that two establishments were also robbed by armed gunmen. Both establishments he said are located in the Cole Bay area. Henson two persons filed official complaints with the police claiming they were victims of armed robbery. The employees of the two establishments told police they were threatened with handguns and machetes. The armed robbers also robbed them of cash and cellular phones while their personal identifications were also stolen.

Police is also investigating a chain snatching case that took place on November 11 2011.
Henson said an individual identified as G.J.F told police that while walking in the parking lot of the Cultural Center he was robbed of his gold chain and gold medallion. The victim said one of four persons snatched his chain while the other three looked on.

In an unrelated case, the police spokesman also reported that the police managed to capture three persons on Monday November 13th. Police had obtained arrest warrants to arrest O.F.R, O.A.R, and J.A.W. They are suspected of kidnapping, threats and violation of firearms. The three wanted men were arrested in the Sucker Garden area by the Zero Tolerance Team.

The St. Maarten Vocational Training School Management, Teachers, Staff, and PTA have untied stronger than ever to regain control of a safe and working school environment for all.
Over the past few years, the SMVTS has been the dumping ground for unruly children. When some children are out of control and considered dangerous to others, these children are expelled from their school, but are then sent to the SMVTS because of compulsory education. SMVTS being the only government owned high school.
These unruly children are bunched together at one school and over the years have physically and verbally harmed children and teachers. Many of these unruly children have had many encounters with the law (violence, drugs, rap, and stealing). The SMVTS offers vocational education and was never designed to handle students with extreme behavioral problems.
This led SMVTS to step up its disciplinary actions. During the course of last week a series of exercises were carried out some including lining up and being checked for weapons and drugs, appropriate uniform, drills about respect for all.
At the same time, SMVTS allowed students to voice their concerns they were encountering at the school. Some of the issues students listed were bullying, high level of violence and classes being interrupted because of unruly children.
We are calling on Ministry of Education to address the problem of placing unruly students at SMVTS as an answer to the problem. These children need to be placed in a proper facility with qualified staff to deal which such cases.
SMVTS is also calling on parents to be actively involved in your children's lives and to work in unity with the school. When some parents/guardians are called for unruly children, some parents' reaction is "Don't call me. Call the police, because I don't know what to do with him or her either. I am tired." Only together we can move forward.
SMVTS would like to thank its teachers, staff, and PTA for the tedious exercises that took place last week and encourages all parties to stay united as we continue to bring positive change to our school.

Philipsburg:--- The over one hundred workers who are facing retrenchment from Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV (SBRMC) and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd confronted Members of Parliament Roy Marlin and Jules James as they left the Parliament Building Thursday night. The workers became very angry at the statements Marlin made during his presentation telling the workers that they should not bite the hand that fed them, referring to the Democratic Party who was in power for close to ten years.
The Member of Parliament also insinuated that the workers lied on the General Manger of Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV (SBRMC) and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd and Member of Parliament Jules James who sent them home two weeks ago while pulling back their punch cards. The angry and almost violent workers became more frustrated when the Chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell allowed Member of Parliament Jules James to vote on the two motions that were presented to the floor of Parliament. The workers said Arrindell does not know her job since it is clear that James who is an MP is operating in conflict of interest while holding two positions. James was present and the meeting but did not speak on the floor.
The workers showed their anger when the Members of Parliament from the United Peoples Party and the Democratic Party voted against the motion that was presented by the National Alliance Faction, asking that the SBRMC wait on the outcome of the Supreme Court case before taking any action.
The motion presented by the National Alliance Faction received six votes in favor and seven against while Member of Parliament Romain La Ville once said that he would abstain from voting but then was advised to leave the room since it was not possible for him to abstain. Independent Member of Parliament Frans Richardson also supported and signed the motion presented by the National Alliance.
La Ville immediately left the room and did not vote on the motion presented by the National Alliance and the one he presented to floor of parliament on behalf of the coalition. Since La Ville was not present to vote for the UP/DP motion it was also not carried since they only receive seven votes. As soon as the voting for the National Alliance motion was completed the workers and their union representatives who were in Parliament for the entire session walked out of Parliament sending a clear message to the ruling parties that they are not satisfied with their decision.

The workers gathered outside of the Parliament Building and vented their frustration until the Members of Parliament left the building. MPs from the National Alliance and Independent Member Frans Richardson stood with them and tried to console them. Many of them were overheard telling the Members of Parliament that the rules of order are not respected and that too much politics is being played by the highest legislative body for country St. Maarten.

Emotional Debate --- Laveist and La Ville broke down in tears.

Member of Parliament Louie Laveist captivated the workers attention when he made his arguments and suddenly broke down in tears when he explained what his two sisters have been through at the hands of greedy employers. Laveist said that his oldest sister Juliana Laveist is a victim of the Mullet Bay demise and after 16 years of being without a job she cannot find permanent work simply because she is over 40 years old. Laveist said today his baby sister Dorothy is a victim of the Pelican saga which has been going on now for over a year. As soon as Laveist spoke of his sisters he broke down in tears and the chairlady of Parliament had to call for a five minutes recess so that Laveist could catch himself and finish his statements. As Laveist spoke all the workers of Pelican Resort who was in the public tribune began shedding tears including Member of Parliament Romain La Ville.
Laveist attacked the motion La Ville presented saying that it's been a year now since the Pelican workers are facing dismissal and the tripartite committee and government could not find a solution even though government granted SMRBC one million guilders in transfer tax so that they can keep the 183 workers employed. "Government intervened already and they could not fix this problem of greed and not even the courts could fix it so why ask government to intervene again."
Laveist called on his colleagues in parliament to take their heads out of the trough for a second and see what is happening over their heads. He made clear he will not subscribe to the disgrace of parliament to save no one.
Laviest also informed Parliament that he was working on a draft legislation over one year now which is to amend the constitution and govern Members of Parliament who are holding double functions. The Parliament of Curacao just recently accepted a draft legislation to do the same. Laveist presented the draft legislations to his party leader William Marlin and asked him to make sure it gets to the floor of parliament so that they can stop the 'greed machine". "No Mas, No Mas" Laviest shouted as he condemned the greed and selfishness of the politicians especially Member of Parliament Jules James who is at the center of the Pelican saga.
The statements made by Laviest during the second round and the tears that were running down the cheeks of the workers both male and female forced Member of Parliament Romain La Ville to stick to his conscience even if his decision would cost him his seat in Parliament. La Ville openly condemned the company for their actions. He said he cannot and would not support the company even though he has no intention of throwing his colleague under the bus. He said this is not about politics and party colors but it is about doing what is right in the interest of the people who elected them to office. La Ville said the time has come for him to take a stand and do what is right and go after the "big boys", I just don't care what happen after this meeting, I cant sit back while our people are being mishandled." He further criticized the politicians for going to doors of these same workers during the election and asking them to vote for them and after the election is over forgetting about them.
"My mother always told me that when people shed tears it would either fall on you or your children and when I see the tears of these workers I have decided to tie my own shoe lace." La Ville made those statements during the second round even though he presented a motion during the first round on behalf of the United Peoples Party and Democratic Party. As the Member of Parliament made his statements he walked out of the meeting hall forcing the chairlady to call for an adjournment hoping that La Ville would change his mind.
While several adjournments were called so that the Members of Parliament could caucus and discuss the motion presented by the National Alliance the Chairlady of Parliament had to call two extra adjournment to allow former police officer and now Member of Parliament Johan Janchi Leonard to convince La Ville to go back to his seat. La Ville did adhere to the wishes of his party supporters but when the time came for voting he walked back out and did not vote.
Member of Parliament Frans Richardson described the employers as the "fat cats" who have no interest in the island and its people. He urged the Members of Parliament to call a spade a spade.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin attacked the UP and DP members for not preparing for the meeting and plagiarizing the National Alliance. Marlin said the MP's supporting the government did not go to the meeting prepared but when they heard what the National Alliance put together they decided to select the parts they like and form a motion of their own.

Click here to view photos of the Parliamentary Debate on the Pelican Dismissal and the reaction of the workers.

Philipsburg:--- A Central Committee of Parliament is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament with the High Council of State the General Audit Chamber.

The General Audit Chamber will make a presentation to the Central Committee about the general state of affairs as well as a proposal to establish a parliamentary committee for Government Expenditures.

President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell said she met with the Chairman of the General Audit Chamber Roland Tuitt and Acting Secretary General Joane Dovale-Meit on several occasions on a number of issues including the proposal to establish the aforementioned committee.

On September 26 a meeting of the Seniorenconvent of Parliament (faction leaders represented in parliament) was held to discuss the necessity of establishing such a committee.

The General Audit Chamber addressed its proposal to Parliament in a letter dated October 21, 2011 and according to Arrindell, the proposal is for the committee to function as a sounding board between Parliament and the General Audit Chamber in a smaller functional setting.

It is expected that such a committee can play a critical role in having a proactive working relationship between the two entities in terms of the general supervisory tasks they must execute in the broadest sense of the word.

The proposed committee will be tasked with the handling of all aspects in regards to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the budgetary process. Some of the proposed main tasks of the committee are, support of the permanent committees of Parliament in the execution of their financial supervisory role in a specific policy area of Government; review of the budget in all its aspects; review of year reports and all other reports commissioned by the General Audit Chamber.

Last week Wednesday the General Audit Chamber met with the Seniorenconvent to discuss general points of interests including the proposed committee.

The Central Committee meeting scheduled for November 22 is open to the public and will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Simpson Bay:--- Honor to whom honor is due. That seemed to have been the theme when the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) honored three members of its staff as Employees of the Month, Friday afternoon in a ceremony to which the spouses, friends, family, and PJIA colleagues of the honorees had been invited.
Receiving the awards were, Ana Cairo-Reyes, of the Finance and Accounts Department (FAD), for Employee of the Month, May; Philmore Watson of Air Traffic Services (ATS) for Employee of the Month, June; and Mauricio Webster of Rescue & Fire Fighting (RFF) for Employee of the Month, July.
Following congratulatory speeches by their respective heads and representatives of departments, including Lyndon Hodge, Fireman 2nd, RFF, Lloyd Hinds, manager of the Radar Control Department, and an address by Managing Director, Regina LaBega, the honorees received tokens of appreciation consisting of gift baskets and an envelope each. The contents of each envelope were left to the imagination of those in attendance and a warm reception capped the ceremony.
In her brief remarks, Ms. LaBega pointed to the honorees as role models and encouraged other staff to continue to do their best.

The maritime Lynx helicopter from the guard ship, HNLMS Van Amstel, delivered three transformers on top of Mount Scenery, Saba on Saturday. Mount Scenery with its 877 meters, is the highest point of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With this delivery, an important step was made towards putting the radio tower back into service.

The re-use of the tower was already established in December 2009. To this end a contract was signed on top of Mount Scenery by Guusje ter Horst, former Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and the Governor of Saba, Jonathan Johnson.

Radio tower
Thanks to this radio tower, emergency services are able to communicate better, are more accessible and more responsive. It provides a significant contribution to safety on the island. The restoration of this tower is also an important step towards the joint commissioning of the control room. This is part of the transition process of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba in becoming public bodies of the Netherlands.

Waiting for transportation
The authorities of Saba asked HNLMS Van Amstel, now sailing for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, in early November if they could fly the transformers to the top of the mountain. The crew then conducted several surveys by helicopter as well as on foot and drew up a plan, which could be put into action as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

The transformers, each weighing 180 pounds, have been waiting for a long time for transportation by air. Transportation through the narrow and slippery path which was almost always hidden under a thick cloud, proved impossible. Several of the guard ships have tried to transport the transformers, but due to different circumstances, this was not possible. Not until last Saturday.

Philipsburg:--- The armed robbery unit of KPSM is busy investigating a robbery that was committed late Monday night reported Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.
Henson said that on Monday November 21st several police patrols were dispatched to Miki's Bar and Restaurant to investigate an armed robbery.
The police spokesman said the manager of the establishment identified as Z.M. told police that two masked armed gunmen stormed into the establishment and threatened to use their weapons if they did not receive cooperation from the owner and clients who were inside the establishment at the time of the robbery. The robbers managed to rob the business of $200.00 while one of the clients identified as T.M. was injured and had to be transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment. Henson said while the gunmen were fleeing one of their guns fell on the floor. The police spokesman said the escaping bandits did not bother to retrieve the weapon so police managed to recover yet another illegal weapon which may help them in indentifying the robbers.

Philipsburg:--- Preparations are well underway for St. Maarten's staging of Rent. Rehearsals are ongoing and tickets are already available for the four day run, which begins with a gala premiere on December 1. Tickets for the gala cost $50 and tickets for the regular performances cost $25. All performances will be at the Philipsburg Community and Cultural Center.
The production of Rent is a collaboration between the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team for HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Suzette Moses-Burton and Dirkjan Jansen and Joost de Jong are leading the creative team behind the performance.
"We want to continue to deliver the message to our community in a way that touches people's lives and cultural performances have proven to be a way to educate, sensitize and entertain our St. Maarten people and our visitors at the same time. We chose Rent this year because the Tony Award winning production has touched many lives while delivering a message about how people who are infected and affected deal with the disease," President of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation said.
"In every calendar year there are 525,600 minutes. In life we all rent emotions, we don't own them. Those key thoughts are central in my mind as I anticipate the curtains rising on St. Maarten's production of Rent, and what better day than World AIDS Day," Producer Suzette Moses-Burton said.
"In the past the community of St. Maarten has shared so much with those of us deeply involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS, including your emotions and time. We want to invite the community to share some of the remaining minutes of 2011 with us as we continue our tradition of using cultural performances as a key means of carrying the message," she added.
"As a creative team, we've worked to stay true to Jonathon Larson's vision but we've also injected that true St. Maarten flair as embodied in so many of the rich voices here. The cast is coming together both on and off the rehearsal times and we're sure that when we hit the stage, they'll have gelled so well that the emotions will be real and the performances will be spectacular," Jansen and de Jong said.
Though the organizers would have wished to make this a family event Rent is rated R. The hope is that adults who see the show will so grasp the message, that they'll be able to also take it to the next generation.

About Rent
Rent is a Pulitzer and Tony Award winning stage production conceptualized and produced by Jonathon Larson. It tells the story of Bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggling with life, love and AIDS, and the impact on their lives. The play also hit the silver screen in 2005 as a full length feature film.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Education would like to inform the public that the 2012 Study Financing application period has already began, and that interested persons are encouraged to apply early.

The requests for the scholastic year 2012/2013 have already commenced since October 17, 2011 and will close on Friday December 30, 2011.

Persons applying for study financing are required to submit the following documents:

• A completed application form
• 2 recent passport pictures
• An Original Birth Certificate. (If the applicant was born outside of the former Netherlands Antilles, the original birth certificate must have the apostil stamp).
• Proof of Dutch Nationality
• A copy of Passport page with relevant information
• Proof of registration at the Census Office.
• A valid health certificate
• 1 copy of tax assessment statement from the Tax Inspectorate supporting 2010 parental income.
• Recent grades/report card/transcript.
• Proof of admittance to the educational institution.

Application forms can be downloaded from our website: www.study-sxm.org.

All the above-mentioned documents must be handed in at the office of the Division of Study Financing located at N. De Brotstraat #3, Vlaun Building, (Opposite the Post Office) from Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:00.

For more information regarding the application requirements, procedures, the study financing regulations and policy, interested persons can visit our website www.study-sxm.org or contact the Division of Study Financing via telephone 542-2363 or 542-7318.

Please note: After December 31, 2011 no applications will be accepted.

Philipsburg:--- The Pelican workers with their union representative Workers Institute for Organized Labor (WIFOL) were relieved on Friday when the Court of First Instance ruled in their favor to delay the execution of the Appeals Court decision until the Supreme Court renders its final verdict.
The judge of the Court of First Instance identified that the Appeals Court had made an error in their ruling some weeks ago.
President of the WIFOL Theophillus Thompson told SMN News that the workers went back to work about one hour after the court verdict was known to them but the company's general manager and Member of Parliament Jules James was not on the property when they reached there.
Thompson said the Court of First Instance granted the workers and their union their request during the Injunction which is to place a stay of execution on the Appeals Court's verdict which according to them is erroneous. Even though the court ruled in favor of the workers and they are heading back to work, Thompson said the legal battle is not yet over. "We won this battle but the war is not yet over, my members and I have to remain vigilant until the Supreme Court issues its verdict on the matter."
The jubilant workers met for a brief moment at the WIFOL building where leader of the National Alliance William Marlin addressed them and assured them that his faction in Parliament will do all in their power to represent all the people of St. Maarten especially workers who are being abused by certain employers. Marlin told the workers his faction is busy working on the concerns of the Advisory Council to amend the civil code where they intend to put some better structure and guidelines on the use of the six-month contracts that is being abused by certain employers.
The National Alliance leader said there are some employers who use their workers as tools on the work site and these workers he said have to be protected which is what his faction intends to do in the Parliament of St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is inviting all schools to attend a meeting on Tuesday, November 29th 2011.

The meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Government Administration Building.

The participation of any educational institution of learning inclusive of the various elementary, secondary and university level schools is vital to the continuity of carnival in years to come.

"With early preparations already underway, the SCDF believes that the schools and parents have ample time to swing into action and involve their student body in the country's largest cultural manifestation," SCDF President Stuart Johnson, who is an educator by profession, said.

Johnson added, "Carnival is more than just children dressing in costumes. It's not about who has the most elaborate costumes, but about our children participating in the name of culture and the experiences they will take away from this participation.

So we are looking forward to teachers and school administrations promoting this form of our culture and as SCDF we will support them and re-enforce their efforts through our school tours."

"SCDF will do its utmost to continuing fostering a long and healthy working relationship with schools enabling them to participate in Carnival annually.

We remain committed and dedicated to this long-term investment into the future and continuity of carnival as it starts
with the generation of tomorrow, our youth," Johnson concluded.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is still looking for a slogan for Carnival 2012 and has reopened its annual contest for carnival lovers. As is traditional, the foundation has opened up the process of selecting a slogan to the general public. The person who submits the eventual slogan will win a season pass to the Carnival Village for Carnival 2012.

Submissions can be emailed right away to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It has also been a tradition to have the slogan rhyme with the Carnival year. In other words, slogans must rhyme with '2012'. Deadline for submitting slogans will be by December 2, 2011.

"Involving the community as much as possible in all facets of Carnival remains one of the goals for the SCDF," President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said.

"We are asking once again the public for an energetic, appealing, short and sweet slogan for Carnival 2012. We hope to get a number of submissions to choose from. So spread the word, we need your help as only with your support will Carnival 2012 be a success," Johnson said.

The slogan for Carnival 2012 will be displayed on Carnival posters, calendars, radio ads, website, Facebook Fan page.

"Our slogan helps to set us apart and reaffirms the true spirit of the carnival season, so make it catchy," Johnson concluded.

Carnival 2012 will be from April 19th to May 2nd, 2012.

Philipsburg:--- Despite the decision from the Court of First Instance ordering the Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV (SBRMC) and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd to reinstate the workers of the former Pelican Resort. General Manager of the Resort and Member of Parliament Jules James has failed to comply with the judge's decision up to Monday.
President of the Workers Institute for Organized Labor (WIFOL) Theophillus Thompson said he met James at Parliament House on Friday where he informed him of the court's decision but so far the General Manager has not made contact with the union neither the workers who reported to work on Friday shortly after learning of the Courts decision. Thompson said SBRMC was ordered to pay the workers their full salary and to reinstate them, failing to comply with the judge's order will cost the company an additional Naf. 25,000.00 per day in penalty.
Maarten Le Poole Attorney at Law for the WIFOL and the Pelican workers said that the General Manager of SBRMC was served with the court's decision on Friday afternoon (November 25th) and according to him the penalty is already being enforced. "In my opinion, its four days since the verdict was given to the company's General Manager and the penalty is already mounting. However, the Pelican workers case is becoming more technical by the day since the lawyers representing SBRMC has filed a procedure which will be heard on Tuesday. The Appeals Court will take a decision to either execute or suspend Friday's ruling," Le Poole said.
In the meantime, the SBRMC has appealed Friday's verdict while the WIFOL had appealed the Appeals Court verdict issued on November 2nd. The court of Appeals is expected to decide as early as Tuesday if the workers will go back to work immediately or if they would have to wait until the Supreme Court issues its decision.

Democratic Party Strategizing on several issues.

It should be noted that while the company and the union are battling out the labor dispute before the courts, the members of the coalition government are meeting separately to decide on how they will handle the Pelican saga and Member of Parliament Jules James.
According to reliable information reaching SMN News, the members of the Democratic Party met on Saturday at the Government Administration building where they discussed ways of handling the Pelican saga and Jules James. According to sources close to the Democratic Party, certain members of the DP are not happy with how their party leader and Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams is handling matters especially regarding issues surrounding the coalition government between the United Peoples Party and the Democratic Party. The source said one of the unhappy persons is Member of Parliament Leroy de Weever who believes his nephew Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever is being treated unfairly. The source said De Weever feels that if the labor policy is fully implemented then the General Manager of SBRMC would have to abide by them when laying off or firing workers. Another issue that had to be discussed is the pending placement of the school managers where Stuart Johnson was to be placed as head of the Lionel Conner school. A matter which still has to be resolved by the Minister of Education and Culture.

Philipsburg:--- Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation Inc. (TLH-SXMF) Director Arthur Lugisse announced on Tuesday that Tallahassee Links Inc. and the City of Tallahassee continued to support St. Maarten students in presenting the annual Thanksgiving dinner.

The Links Group of Women of Tallahassee of which City Manager Anita Favors Thompson is also a member, always take the opportunity at the thanksgiving dinner to present speakers on interesting topics for St. Maarten students. This year's guests was Judge Peggy Quincy, who spoke on young students having children, and the consequences thereof, and that they should remember that child support exist in Tallahassee if so be the case.

Judge Quincy also spoke about different laws existing in Florida, for instance the lemon law and criminal laws, rental laws, and sexual laws. Many students asked questions about rental and vehicle laws. Judge Quincy spoke about 'Driving under the Influence' (DUI) and advised them not to don't drink and drive, as it could be so life threatening. The Judge also spoke on license suspension and car accidents, and pointed out never to leave the scene of an accident.

Judge Quincy gave students advice on different subjects of the law, one of the most important being the "Miranda rights to remain silent," adding the first thing to do is call your parents and get a lawyer.

Ben Harris, Director of Minority Business of the Tallahassee Economic Department asked the question if you should agree to take a breath analyzer test, everyone laughed but if you agree and you are over the limit you are going to jail. Harris has always been one of the key persons with City Manager Anita Favors Thompson and Mayor John Marks supporting the ongoing Sister City partnership between Tallahassee and St. Maarten.

The Links member Pharmacist Alexis McMillan spoke about health and also indicated that 65% of students drink alcohol and that there are negative consequences both by law and personal negative results. McMillan also spoke of healthy eating, diabetes and the constant need for exercise to prevent hypertension especially in people of color.
Past President Linda Dilworth asked the Lugisse family that was present to stand and take a bow for patriot Arthur Lugisse that started this movement and the relationship with the City and Links Inc.
Dilworth reminded the students that thanks to all the hard work that Lugisse has done they are able to study in Tallahassee and for them to study hard and make their Island proud.
"I was informed that a special thank you and applause was given to Ben Harris who has always been there for the partnership and our students and has also been the designated photographer and coordinator of all events. Cindy Peters and Lililita Johnson thanked everyone on behalf of St. Maarten and also showed appreciation to Links and the City for their continued efforts in sponsoring this event for St. Maarten students," Arthur Lugisse said on Tuesday.
Michael Parker who heads the City Economic Department in Tallahassee and who has always been the one to make this event happen was not able to stay to have dinner because he had to drive his son to college but indicated that when he started this event his son was 9 years old and was in middle school today he is taking his son to college and can reflect how long this event has been ongoing and indicated that the City will always be there to support St. Maarten students and the partnership.
Cindy Peters also gave recognition and asked everyone to applaud and congratulate Dr. Cherissa Abdul-Hamid for her accomplishment in getting her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida where she did her final studies in Gainesville.
Links then gave goody-bags as always to the St. Maarten students and thanked them for coming out as always. Links hopes to visit St. Maarten in the near future with their group and to meet with parents and Government officials.
They have requested TLH-SXMF to make the necessary contacts when a date is set. Links also acts as Moms away from home for St. Maarten students.
St. Maarten has been a sister city with Tallahassee since September 23, 1999 and over 50 students has graduated since then and presently are gainfully employed. Instate-tuition is the deciding factor making Tallahassee not only an affordable option but also a great and safe place to live, and has won the award as best City to live, in America, Arthur Lugisse concluded.

Volunteer divers and staff of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation cleared five Lionfish from the Aquamania docks on Sunday. Management of Aquamania contacted the Nature Foundation informing them about the high number of Lionfish by their docks. Six Nature Foundation divers surveyed the area and removed the dangerous fish species. The Nature Foundation will be removing Lionfish from various other locations in the Simpson Bay area based on lionfish sighting reports.
The lionfish is an invasive species which was introduced into the Caribbean through the aquarium trade. The fish is a threat to local fisheries because they have the potential to destroy local fishing grounds and the economies which depend on them. The lionfish is also a venomous species which can inflict a dangerous sting; therefore the Nature Foundation requests that if a lionfish is spotted to please contact the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Member of Parliament George Pantophlet says that the people of St. Maarten will consider it a happy occasion when their electricity bills are reduced. On the front page of one of the Daily Newspapers of Friday October 28, 2011 it read "Historic agreement signed for GEBE shares transfer, 100 percent to St. Maarten by January 12, 2012". The Member of Parliament hopes that this will soon reflect a reduction in the electricity bills. He is also awaiting the new energy policy. Minister of Energy Theo Heyliger promised on September 28, 2011 in a newspaper article and he quotes; "St .Maarten will have an energy policy within 30 days that will be aggressive in changing the energy outlook for the island, with a goal of realizing 20% of electricity consumption from renewable energy sources in the next two years" end of quote. Perhaps the new energy policy is intended to coincide with the signing of this historic agreement. What is noteworthy however and let he quotes the October 28, 2011 article; "St. Maarten with its 92 percent share in GEBE will buy out Statia's 4.5 percent for 9 million dollars and Saba's 3.1 percent for 6.2 million dollars, with financing coming from GEBE St. Maarten, which is in a financial position to commit 15.2 million dollars end of quote. (27.3 million guilders) Then his question is why was the motion presented by the National Alliance during the 2011 Budget discussion in July 2011 to reduce the fuel clause by 50% for six months rejected by the members of the coalition? For all intents and purposes one could see based on what is mentioned by the Minister that GEBE was well capable at that time and now of reducing the fuel clause without affecting their cash flow or payment to their creditors. He will be asking the Minister for all correspondence that was sent from March of this year relating to GEBE. The Member of Parliament also hopes to get a copy of the agreement that was signed on Thursday on the division of shares. As he said before he hopes it reflects a drastic reduction in the electricity bills that are burdening the entire population of St. Maarten. It will make for a Merry Christmas and a truly Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Disaster Coordinator Fire Commander Winston Salomon, is thankful that once again the nation has been spared serious devastation from a hurricane for the 2011 season.

The six-month 2011 season comes to an end on Wednesday, November 30.

The season turned out to be an extremely active one with 18 named storms forming.

"We have much to be thankful for having gone through the 2011 hurricane season without being struck by a storm system.

"I would like to thank the people of our island nation for taking the necessary preparations for the season when it was advised to do so. We had a number of storm systems that forced us into an emergency preparatory mode to take the necessary actions required to protect life and property.

"I would like to thank the public as well as the island's disaster management team and emergency support functions for their role played in preparing the country," Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon told the Department of Communication (DCOMM) on Tuesday.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- A number of Government and Parliament officials were among the congregation that were present for the opening of the Good News Baptist Church in St. Peters on Sunday afternoon. Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams and Vice Prime Minister Hon. Theo Heyliger were among those who addressed the congregation. Left to right, Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, Vice Prime Minister Hon. Theo Heyliger, Member of Parliament Hon. George Pantophlet and Pastor Roderick E. Webster. (DCOMM Photo)

Sint Maarten is the only island within the Dutch Caribbean and one of the few in the wider Caribbean region that does not have a land-based protected area. Rapid and poorly planned development over the past four decades has resulted in the destruction of much of the island's natural resources, except for a handful of remaining green areas such as the Emilio Wilson Estate in the Cul-de-Sac valley.

The Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation (EWEF) was established in 2005 to give voice and structure to the overwhelming outcry of opposition amongst the population to plans for the development of a gated residential area on the pristine and historic Emilio Wilson Estate. The Foundation is dedicated to the protection of the entire Emilio Wilson Estate and all associated man-made as well as natural monuments. Its goal is to turn the Estate into the "Emilio Wilson Estate Ecological and Historical Centre and Protected Area" much like Curacao's Christoffel park, Aruba's Parke Arikok and Puerto Rico's many protected areas.

On September 20th, 2005 the then Island Council of St. Maarten first approved an Island Resolution aimed at protecting the Emilio Wilson Estate, as a result of widespread public pressure to do so. From 2005 through 2008 Government implemented a number of basic measures towards the protection of the Estate, including placing the entire area on the monument list. The Estate is however still very much under threat of commercial and residential development.

In November of 2010 the EWEF was approached by Rain Forest Adventures a foreign company with plans for the development of the Estate into the "Golden Rock Park", a mass tourism amusement park for primarily (Cruise Ship) tourists, featuring zip-lining, chair-lifts to the top of the hill and rock climbing. Having followed the Rain Forests Adventure's "Golden Rock Park Proposal" presentation and having reviewed the documentation provided at that time, the EWEF decided not to support the aforementioned proposal for the Emilio Wilson Estate based on the following;

The "Golden Rock Park Proposal" entails the large scale construction of infrastructure and facilities on the hillside, top, and ridges of Sentry Hill as well as the alteration of the natural rock formation at the top of the hill.

Aforementioned plans include permanent structures above the Sentry Hill's 200 meter altitude line. St. Maarten's Hillside Policy was drafted "to conserve the green hillsides, protect and if needed restore their natural value for the benefit of the environment, the tourist industry and quality of life on St. Maarten". The"Golden Rock Park Proposal" plans are in violation of the hillside policy which states that "no building should occur on hill tops, ridges, and above 200 meter altitude line". As is the case with many of the Hills in the Cul-de-Sac valley, the area above 200 meters is the most ecologically significant area of the Sentry Hill/ Emilio Wilson Estate. The proposed activities would have a permanent and undesirable impact on the Flora and (Avi-) Fauna of the area both during and after construction.

The proposed project does not provide for educational activities regarding the Emilio Wilson Estate's history and its importance as a unique aspect of St. Maarten's, the Dutch Kingdom's and the Caribbean's shared heritage.

The "Golden Rock Park Proposal" is focused on the commercial, mass exploitation of the Emilio Wilson Estate in the form of an amusement park with no noteworthy conservation initiatives and no regard for the cultural significance of the area and our ancestors who toiled on the Estate for generations during slavery.
Government has made commitments to the people of St. Maarten to protect the entire Emilio Wilson Estate which is now officially a recognized national monument. The Foundation is therefore surprised to have been informed that Minister Heyliger is supporting the Rain Forest Adventures "Golden Rock Park proposal" and that the plan is now being reviewed by relevant government departments.
It would set an unwanted precedent if Government were to even consider supporting the "Golden Rock Park proposal" on the Emilio Wilson Estate which has been formally established as a National Monument and is clearly a part of the people's patrimony.
Some may wonder what the Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation has been doing to ensure protection of the Estate. Aside from repeatedly petitioning Government to take measures to protect the estate and even purchase it, the Foundation hired consultants to compile a business plan for the "Emilio Wilson Estate Ecological and Historical Centre" and has applied for financing to purchase the estate by a number of Dutch and International funding agencies over the past 6 years. While the cultural and ecological value of the estate for St. Maarten, the Kingdom and the Caribbean is undeniable, the aforementioned applications have all failed due to the absence of financial and legislative support from St. Maarten's Government for the protection of the island's heritage.

The Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation once again urges Government to pursue all possible legal and financial means necessary to realize its commitment to the people of St. Maarten to secure the Emilio Wilson Estate as the Island's first land-based protected area and National Park.

Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation

Philipsburg:--- Ravi Darayanani took up his position as the head of the Finance Department on Monday. Daryanani was hired by the Minister of Finance to fill the vacancy that Bas Roorda left earlier this year. SMN News understands that the Minister of Finance flatly denied that Daryanani was hired by his government when he appeared on a talk show last month.
Daryanani, a Dutch national worked on Curacao for a number of years. He also worked at TELEM St. Maarten but left when a financial scandal broke. SMN News understands that there are some ongoing investigations taking place on Curacao regarding Darayanani. SMN News was not able to confirm the magnitude of the investigations taking place in Curacao where Daryanani is allegedly implicated.
Daryanani worked as the Director of Universal Time Curacao BV. The new head of finance was also a financial controller for SAE at (Stichting Overheids Accountants Buro) SOAB as well as the financial controller at Visser Holding and DIGICEL Aruba. He has broad experience in all aspects of accounting, auditing and financial management.
Ravi Daryanani is the son of a well known Indian businessman who used to operate a store on St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- Two University of St. Martin (USM) Business Information Management (BIM) students, Isabelle Hodge and Gregory Renfurm, have joined over 1 million professionals in over 125 countries who are certified by EXIN, an internationally recognized organization for certification of professionals in information management.
Hodge and Renfurm were handed their EXIN –Certificates by Business Division Head Mr. Erwin Wolthuis on Tuesday. The two took the examination, which is based on standards, best practices, and international frameworks, earlier this year after completing the BIM 300 Business Intelligence / Information Management class.
According to Wolthuis, this is a milestone for the graduates and the university. He further read a letter to the graduates, from CEO of EXIN Michiel van der Lande, which states as follow: "Congratulations with earning your EXIN-Certificate! You are now part of a worldwide group of professionals that have given their career a demonstrable new impulse. The EXIN-Certificate is an independent proof that you have extended your skills according to a worldwide recognized standard."
Both Hodge and Renfurm, noted that the course and exams were very challenging. They added that especially the cases demanded some rereading at times. Both graduates explained that they have already been applying what they learned in the course.
Wolthuis further explained that within the complexity of today's market, businesses simply cannot do without properly functioning information technology (IT). As such, IT is one of the most important aids for the implementation of any business strategy. The most critical points are found in the alignment of IT with business processes. It is precisely this alignment that is often far from optimum. Business information Managers bear final responsibility for this alignment.
"The BIM Certificate establishes a bridge between IT and business processes. It offers a starting point for the improvement of these processes using best practices, amongst other things, and it provides uniform terminology," Wolthuis noted.
The USM Associate of Applied Science degree program in Business Information Management (BIM) is a business-oriented program that will allow the students to acquire the necessary skills, concepts and experiences to be employed in a variety of positions within the administrative department of any middle-sized or large company. Graduates can, of course, also decide to continue their studies towards a Bachelor degree.
The program blends the essential elements of business, information technology and accounting needed by employees who are responsible for business intelligence, management information and formulating the company's desires and demands towards Information Technology solutions.

Organized by the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten (VKS.

Date: Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Start: VKS Office, Guadeloupe Rd 1, Madame Estate

Starting time: 5:00 AM

Route: VKS Office, Madame Estate - A.Th. Illidge Road (direction Mt. William
Hill) - Belvedere Roundabout - Bishop Hill Road - Sucker Garden Road -
W.J.A. Nisbeth Road - A.Th. Illidge Road - Arch Road - VKS office

Price: US$ 10 (includes t-shirt and breakfast)

Tickets are available from VKS members.

Cul De Sac:--- Celebrations for St. Maarten Day kicked off on Monday at the academic campus of St. Maarten Academy with National Alliance Member of Parliament, Mr. Louie Laviest urging students to embrace the history and culture of the island.

In a poignant speech before the assembly, Laviest said it did not matter whether the students were born here, or came from elsewhere, it is important that they understand what the day means as they have now made the island their home. Students should know the national symbols of the island and wear the national colours in celebration, he said. To support the efforts of the Academy, Laviest pledged to donate 20 traditional wear to the school, a $3,000 gift and asked students to wear the outfits with pride.

He also read the words of the St. Martin Song and urged students to listen carefully, as the song has significance for the people of the island.

"Only frivolous people...narrow-minded people would have a problem with the words 'donkeys, sheep, and goat'...or with 'Columbus'," the MP told the students referring to the current debate over whether or not to make the St. Martin Song the national anthem of the island.

Students also received a special treat from Benjamin Bell of God's Chosen, who performed his yet-to-be-released song, "Beautiful Island". Before they headed off to classes, Math teacher Olutunde Dalrymple entertained the gathering with folk songs as he played the Congo drum.

St. Maarten Day celebrations will continue at the Academy on Tuesday with class presentations by renowned writer Danielle Jeffrey, who will be speaking to pre-exam students about the history of the island from slavery onward; storyteller Papa Umpo; and poetry workshops by Lenworth Wilson.

On Wednesday, President of Parliament, Drs. Gracita Arrindell will speak to exam students about parliamentary procedures; Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Fabian Badejo will present what the new constitutional status means; and Lucinda Audain will give a poetry workshop.

The week of celebrations will culminate on Thursday with the annual Art and Artifacts Exhibition and a special show. The show's line-up will include the Mighty Dow on the steel pans, Saxophonist Connis Vanterpool, Mr. Andre Patrick, the school's Education Advisor Roberto Arrindell, and many talented students.

"We are using this opportunity to celebrate our achievements as a people living on one island and to further educate our students. It is all about cultivating a sense of nationalism in our young people as they showcase the ponum dance, sing local songs, and model traditional wear," said the school's planning committee in a release.

There will be regular school on Thursday during the first four periods. Thereafter, the cultural celebration will begin. Students and teachers are being encouraged to dress in either traditional wear or red, white and blue apparel on that day.

The 12th annual – Lion Nelson Van De Linde Senior Citizens Party – hosted by the St. Maarten Lions Club was held late October at The Boo Boo Jam Restaurant. Over two hundred seniors enjoyed a full day's program that started 9am and ended around 4pm; including entertainment from Tanny and The Boys, Helen and Fats and DJ Tony Wilson.

Lion Wally Havertong: "This event is held every year to honor seniors in our community. Each year the numbers keep growing with this year having the largest number of participants. Seniors from the St. Martin Home, The Home Away from Home, St. Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Foundation, The Helping Hands Foundation, The White Yellow Cross District Nursing, as well as a large number of seniors from the French side but also some young seniors who just recently reached pensionable age were present and enjoyed themselves to the max. Besides the musical entertainment, the Lions provided food and drinks, starting with a healthy breakfast, sumptuous lunch and tasty desserts. Seniors expressed themselves through poetry recitals, singing and especially dancing together with the Lions, who participated with the same level of enthusiasm and joy as the seniors with modeling and singing"

The St. Maarten Lions Club Senior Citizens Party Committee Chairperson Ms. Lisandra Havertong and Lion President Merlyn Schaminee thanked the seniors for coming out and enjoying the celebration of their contribution to the community during their younger days. Special thanks also goes out the members of the St. Maarten Leo Club who took special care of the seniors by serving them their breakfast, lunch, dessert and always saw to it that the seniors were well attended to. The Lions also acknowledged the contributions and support of corporate citizens that have this year in one form or another helped the Lions Club of St. Maarten make the event a successful one, including Nagico Insurances, UTS, Caribbean Liquors, Princess Juliana International Airport, Orco Bank, Dutch Tours and Boo Boo Jam Restaurant.

Click here to view more photos of St. Maarten Lions Club Senior Citizens Party 2011.

Philipsburg:--- Police have arrested one person as a suspect in one of the ongoing murder investigations. Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that an arrest was made on Monday but declined to say in which of the murder cases the suspect is involved. Mos said during the arrest a second person who was with the wanted man was arrested since the two men had a gun inside the car in which they were driving. The Chief Prosecutor further explained that the second suspect was arrested for gun possession and resisting arrest.
SMN News has been reliably informed that a female police officer identified as Joyce Hassel was suspended some ten days ago because she might be implicated in some of the murders committed this year. "Not only was officer Hassel suspended, she was also banned from entering any of the Police Organizations on St. Maarten." The source said the officer in question has some questionable friends who are suspected of being involved in criminal activities that are allegedly known to the officer. SMN News learnt that persons who are suspected and are under the police radar for the murders of Amador Jones, the Arrindell brothers (Miguel and Rodolfo), Eric Lake, Kevin Gumbs, Sheldon Thomas, and Anthony Whyte were in contact with Officer Joyce Hassel. Investigators realized that the suspects have police contacts through phone tapping. The source said the investigators tapped certain peoples phones who they suspect are involved in the murders of several people and more than one of the suspects were found to be calling Officer Hassel.
"Officer Hassel also went with someone police is looking at to neighboring Tortola recently," the source explained.
In invited comment, Chief of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that the officer was suspended but refused to say for what she was suspended. "I can confirm that the officer was suspended 10 days ago but I am not in a position to tell you for what. We are busy investigating a certain case and when we are closer I will release the information," De Witte said.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos also refused to comment on the officer's suspension. "I will not confirm or deny anything regarding the officer," Mos said.
Some 16 murders have been committed so far for the year 2011. So far police managed to close four of the 16 murder investigations. Detectives from the TGO team and the Police Department are busy investigating the murders of De Leon Reyes, Amador Jones, Miguel and Rodolfo Arrindell, Eric Lake, Kevin Gumbs, Sheldon Thomas, Anthony Whyte and Mark Deygoo.

Bellevue:--- On Friday, November 11, 2011, an official-, as well as a grassroots people's ceremony was held to commemorate St.Maarten/St.Martin Day 2011.
The official ceremony by both governments was the first to start and lasted no more than about 30 minutes.
Both ceremonies were held at the same venue, the Cole-bay/Bellevue frontier unity monument.
In addition, no more than about 30 minutes separated to the ceremonies.
However, there is where the similarities end as well.
The contrast could not be more obvious and glaring.
Whereas, the official ceremony was filled with the usual pomp and decorum, it was very distant, cold and totally not reflective of the sentiments of people of the island.
Apart from the laying of the wreath, there was not one word uttered.
As soon as that duty was performed, the large party seemed to be happy jump in the bus as quick as possible in order not to have to deal with the common man and woman.
I stark contrast, the grassroots celebration was clearly about grassroots St. Martin, their real life issues and about creating concrete steps to cement the indivisible oneness of the St. Martin people, which is the strength of their survival as a people.
During the event, that was aired live on La Voix 101.5 F.M. as well as on MSR-cablet.v, an umber of residents were handed out their cultural St .Martin ID cards.
Although not all those nominated for the card and had their cards made, were present, the following persons received their ID-cards, or are still to pick them up.
Mr. Kenrick BAPTISTE, Mrs. Barbara RICHARDSON-ALEXANDER (mother of MP, dr. RICHARDSON),Dwight BARRAN, Julien RICHARDSON (Baige), Jean Pierre MACCOW, Mary GUMBS, Felicita LEWIS, Andre PATRCK, Imran MACSOOD, Glen CARTY, Berryl LAKE, Marcel GUMBS, Father CHARLES,Mildred FLEMING-SUPERVILLE, Augustine LAKE (DJAirsupply), Catherine CARMONT (Diamond Kath), drs. Mark WILLIAMS.
After the ceremony, those present remained for a long time after, exchanged ideas and enjoyed having discussions about the future of the St.Martin people.
It was a very inspiring experience and many new bonds have been reinforced, while new ideas have been born.

Click here to view more photos of the St. Maarten Grassroots People "11-11-11" Celebration.

Marigot:--- The Gendarmes are calling on persons who might have seen a small white car escaping after robbing a hitch hiker. The victim was also beaten by his attackers.
A press release from the Gendarmerie states that the attack took place on November 13 in Grand Case.

According to the press release, the hitch hiker was asking for a lift by "thumbing" near the Residence Bleu Emeraude around 5:30pm when a car with four Antillean men stopped and picked him up. When the hitch hiker entered the car he was forced to hand over his monies (Euros 60) that was inside his pocket. The victim also received a number of slashes on his forearm. The attackers used a knife to injure the victim.
After committing the act, the suspects threw the victim out of the car in front of Gess Gas Station in La Savane. The victim managed to get to his house where he summoned the gendarmes. He was taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment. The victim believes the suspects were in a white Kia or Hyundai. The Gendarmes is asking anyone who might have information on the suspects or the vehicle to call their emergency number 17 or 0590 590 52 30 00.

Groningen, The Netherlands:--- Students from St. Maarten who are attending school in the Netherlands are asked to attend the Memorial Service that will be held on Wednesday November 16th in the Netherlands.
S4 Director Marva Richardson has officially informed the St. Maarten students in the Netherlands via email of their colleague and friend's passing.
Richardson said the students are invited to the Memorial Service on behalf of the Richards family. The Memorial Service will be held at the Yarden Crematorium at 4:45 on November 16th.

Joaquim Richards was reported missing since October 20th 2011. His body was recovered in a pond on November 11, 2011.

Philipsburg:--- The Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation Inc. under the directorship of Arthur Lugisse has joined up with WTN-TV Channel 10 to profile St. Maarten Heroes.

WTN-TV Channel 10 has already started airing its programs.

The intention is also to create a St. Maarten hall of Fame of personalities who have played an integral role in the development of baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, track & field, volley ball, cricket, cycle racing, weight lifting, tae kwon do, table tennis, lawn tennis, boat racing, car racing, pool, boxing and dominoes.

"We will also be adding disc golf which is a new tourism sport. In order to see these great programs, one will have to be a subscriber of WTN-Cable TV. These personalities are legends in their own right.

"They are outstanding in their areas of expertise and have contributed to their community above and beyond normal expectations. Therefore, TLH-SXMF and WTN-TV found it important to team up and profile these very important members of our society," TLH-SXMF Executive Director Arthur Lugisse said on Monday.

Host of the programs are Arnell Brown, Arturo Lugisse, Valerie van Putten, and Andrew Dick.

Philipsburg:--- Central Committee Hearings are planned for 17 November and 18 November about a Centralized Registration System for Child Abuse and the National Ordinance on Inheritance and Legacies.

The Central Committee of Parliament Hearing for the central registration system is scheduled for Thursday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament.

A number of organizations and entities dealing with children have been invited to parliament to give their input with respect to the national ordinance to amend Book 1 of the Civil Code.

The organizations are Safe Haven, Court of Guardianship, I Can Foundation, Crystal Home, UJIMA Foundation and Women's Desk.

The parliamentary hearings are part of the process to deal with amendments to the Civil and Penal Codes. Parliament in a session of October 3 requested that other entities be heard with respect to the changes that are to be made to various laws that govern the country.

A Central Committee of Parliament Hearing is scheduled for Friday at 10:00am with the Notary Association of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba and the Bar Association of Lawyers.

Parliamentarians will get the input of the aforementioned with respect to the National Ordinance establishing Book 4 and Title 7.3 of the Civil Code, National Ordinance on Inheritance and Legacies.

This hearing will take place in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament.

The hearings are open to the public and will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20.

Philipsburg:--- St. Maarten's 14 member delegation to the Caribbean Conference on HIV/AIDS in Nassau, Bahamas begins departing on Wednesday, November 16. The conference runs from November 18 to 21, and includes the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Pan-Caribbean Partnership for HIV/AIDS (PANCAP). The PANCAP AGM will be held on November 18.
The upcoming conference will deliver significant milestones for what is still a very young country. One of the first, simplest and most impacting is the fact that this is the largest delegation from St. Maarten to any regional or international meeting related to HIV. It is also the most diverse delegation as it contains representatives from the government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.
"This level of participation can only bring good things to our country as it shows the broad support of the community for this issue and it allows for a wide array of partners to get the latest information that will inform policy initiatives and create new advocates," HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Suzette Moses-Burton said.
"I am extremely pleased with the size and composition of the delegation, because it provides an opportunity for St. Maarten to extend its links further into the region and leverage years of work that have already gone into building a network of regional and international contacts previously made through the HIV/AIDS Programme," Moses-Burton added.
Another of the key milestones is the fact that Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Cornelius de Weever will become a member of PANCAP's board. Moses-Burton, who is to receive a PANCAP award, will serve as his alternate. The installation will take place at the Executive Board Meeting on November 17.
St. Maarten has been deeply involved in the conference from the beginning as the country's programme manager is a member of the planning committee. The actual meeting will see the participation deepen as delegates address a number of critical sessions. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams who heads the delegation will speak at two sessions – a special session on non-communicable diseases and HIV, a session on issues, challenges and opportunities faced by small island states. She will also deliver an address at the closing ceremony entitled Insights into the future response.
The country's involvement at the conference also includes a presentation by Moses-Burton titled [RED] Campaign St. Maarten: A model for successful public/private sector partnership who will also chair a panel discussion themed Stigma and Health Professionals. The President of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation Dr. Gerard Van Osch will make a presentation titled Stronger Together to a more sustainable future and Head of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation's Prevention Unit Rajesh Chintaman will also deliver a presentation titled Free Rapid Testing: An alternative means to prevention and awareness. Next to oral presentations there will be also be a poster presentation on the Girl Power Program.
"This level of participation has given and will give voice to the specific issues and challenges that St. Maarten has faced because of its political status, and allow us to share how through creativity and partnership we have been able to still make major strides and live up to regional and international norms and standards," Moses-Burton said.

Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten is pleased to announce the official launch of its new website: www.sxmregulator.com on November 15th 2011.

Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten collaborated with a design team, photographers and the web building team of Litemoon to provide a more comprehensive source of company information and services.

The aim of the new website is to provide a useful and helpful reference tool to our clients, consumers, government, attorneys and to all other interested parties who want to keep up to date on telecommunication developments and regulations in St. Maarten.

With the launch of the new website, BTP-SXM also wants to create more transparency towards all stakeholders with regards to telecommunication regulation and be more efficient, since BTP-SXM is going to offer much more online services to their clients.

The new website is divided in different sections. Topics covered include:

• About us: includes the company profile, roll and activities of BTP-SXM, the organizational structure and individual profiles of the professional team members.
• Media Center: includes all press releases and media coverage in newspapers and also regular market updates.
• Consumer Desk: an online portal where consumers can file complaints against Communication Providers on St. Maarten.
• 1-721 / NANP Section: where St. Maarten residents can find all information on St. Maarten's transition to the NANP and the use of dialing code 1-721.
• Industry section; contains information on Communication and Post Regulation in St. Maarten

Bureau Telecommunication St. Maarten hereby invites the general public of St. Maarten to visit www.sxmregulator.com and explore the new company website.

The demand for the cultural, St. Martin ID-card, as issued by the St. Martin grassroots movement, has resulted in a change in the application procedure.

This had been done in order to be able to deal more effectively with the growing demand and to alleviate the pressure on the office.

In addition, the new procedure will afford the applicants more flexibility/choice in having their roots verified by independent, legal entities, instead of by the movement itself.

Based on the new procedure, applicants are advised to obtain a written and stamped statement from the office of any notary-at-law or law-firm, or from any relevant Government institution, indicating the following.

That it is proven that applicant (name, date and place of birth should be mentioned) has roots via mother and/or father, to the island of St. Maarten and/or St. Martin, dating back to the Landmark Year 1963.(or before.)

That document should then be emailed to; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If, after receipt of that document by our office, application is approved, applicant will be contacted and referred to Pete's Photo Studio to take his/her picture and have his/her ID-card produced.

It is to be hoped that this procedure, will add a measure of objectivity/ legitimacy that applicants have met the movement's criteria to have their application processed.

Notary's expenses are for the account of the applicant and the movement bears no responsibility for such.

Filing the application for the cultural St. Martin ID-card does not automatically mean, that the application will be approved.

Applications-, or recommendation for the cultural St. Martin ID-card based on honorable recognition, by applicants not of St. Martin heritage, can be done directly via our office; telephone 5443512 or via 5875207, or via our emails This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This new application procedure goes into immediate effect.

For applicants living abroad thus-far the same applies.

However, once their applications have been approved by the movement, they too will be contacted and given further instructions how to finalize the process.

For more information; contact drs. Leopold JAMES, president of the St. Martin people grassroots movement at ; 5443512 / 5204325 / 5875207.

Philipsburg:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams said that she is seeking clarity on the status of the Corporate Governance Council and its finances. Wescot Williams responded to questions posed by SMN News regarding the recent letters that were sent by the CGC to government and Parliament. The Prime Minister said she was surprised when government received the recent letters and she has since requested clarity on their financial status. Wescot Williams said she thought things were up and running for the CGC and as such she has asked for an update on the matter at hand.
The Prime Minister said government also received another letter from the high councils of state with respect to their interaction with various government departments.
Wescot Williams said much of the setbacks can be contributed to the lack of manpower at the various departments. The Prime Minister said the shortage of manpower is also affecting the other departments that rely on the central departments such as personnel affairs.
When asked if monies are budgeted for the CGC in the 2012 budget the Prime Minister said that the law of the Corporate Governance Council states that they will be financed through the Government Owned Companies. Wescot Williams said government decided to advance the CGC Naf. 400,000.00 for 2011 hoping the issues surrounding payment by the government own companies will be sorted out for 2012.

Philipsburg:--- The large scale operation and raid conducted by the KPSM, RST and other law enforcement agencies on Wednesday morning led to ten house searches, the confiscation of eleven (11) firearms, 7 kilos of cocaine and $24,000.00 along with the arrest of eight suspects.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos in a follow up press release states that three of the eight suspects arrested for murder and attempted murder were placed directly into preliminary detention for eight days by the judge of instruction.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the three suspects Omar Jones, Erno Labega Jr. and C. Fleming were shipped off island on Thursday. Sources say two of the three suspects were sent to Aruba while the third was sent to Curacao. The other five suspects are expected to appear before the judge of instruction on Friday where their pretrial detention will be extended.
The Chief Prosecutor also said that on November 8th the TGO team investigation Vesuvius led to the arrest of the suspect K.D., a resident of Dutch St. Maarten. The arrest was performed by the SWAT team close to the French border. During this arrest a firearm was also confiscated.
The TGO Vesuvius investigation team is appealing to witnesses who can give information about the murders that were committed on Sint Maarten since April 2011 to come forward and assist them with this crucial investigation. Persons with information are asked to call, Telephone: (00-1721) 5803952.

Sandy Ground:--- Residents and citizens from all cross sections of St. Martin packed the Riveria One in Sandy Ground to witness the official launching of the Union pour la Democratie that will be contesting the 2012 Territorial election. The newest political party will be headed by first vice president Daniel Gibbs.
What was being rumored over the past months also became reality Friday evening when former Mayor of St. Martin Albert Fleming took the political platform and officially endorsed Daniel Gibbs. Fleming told the gathering that the last time he was on the political platform was in 2007 when he decided he was leaving politics. However, he told those that gathered at the Riveria One that he loved his country, since he was born and bred on St. Martin. He said most people left the island and went to other shores but he stayed and sucked the salt here on St. Martin.
Fleming said he returned to the political train because he is convinced that a change must come and the people of St. Martin will be hearing a lot from him in the coming weeks and months leading up to the March 2012 election.
The former Mayor of St. Martin who held political powers on the French side of the island for 30 years said when he left politics in 2007 all the shops on the main street of Marigot were open and doing business. He said today when he passes in the main street his heart hurts when he sees how many shops had to close their doors. "In 2007 when I left politics all the shops were open but today it's deplorable and it is absolutely necessary that a change must come. Education is very important but ambition and the love for one's country makes a big difference. You need to love your country if you want to lead. Do you know what hurts? It is that someone who is very educated failed three times in his political career (campaign) because he does not want to make his political accounts available. How can someone make the same mistake three times?" Fleming was referring to Louis Constant Fleming who was condemned by the State Council on three occasions.
Fleming said Daniel Gibbs, the first vice president of the Collectivity is the only person (man) that stood up and told those in leadership that they were doing wrong and that enough is enough. "There is not another elected member of the 23-member council that stood up and said that this is enough and we are not taking it anymore. I need to know how you people especially parents are going to tell your children that you failed them because you did not make the right choice when electing people to run this country." Every one of us has a parental responsibility to our children and when we fail them we are culpable."
Fleming then presented Daniel Gibbs to the crowd so he could have announced his candidacy for the 2012 election. Gibbs told the gathering that it is not easy for anyone to take such decisions, especially someone like him who has a quiet and good life. "I have a beautiful wife and two children and this decision will change our lives. People have told us about the dangers and fears, the fear of being hurt, the fear of hurting my family, the fear of losing, and the fear of dirty politics. But I have decided to run because I am tired of being afraid and as Bob Marley once said we need to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery." He further told the gathering that he will not make promises neither would he give them fridges, cars or blackberries but the only thing he could offer them was his commitment and a choice to choose a better team for the next five years.
"My team and I are prepared and committed to bring back life and hope to the St. Martin shores, to develop the island by creating jobs both on St. Martin and overseas. The Union pour la Democratie is committed to oblige the developers who come to St. Martin to recruit locals in fair numbers and having them contribute to a permanent training foundation for the locals. The UD leader said he is also committed to support the local businesses and to allow fair trade and create more business opportunities both on St. Martin and abroad. Most importantly we are committed to support the community councils with finances and human resources so they can assist in solving local matters locally."
Other commitments the UD leader gave was to make sure Semsamar gets back in the hands of the locals while solving the Collectivity's deficit in four years and implementing a decent and fair tax system.
Gibbs said Union pour la Democratie is ready and committed to take legal actions against the State each time the State fails to uphold its responsibility. Other high priorities on the UD's program is closer and real cooperation between the French and Dutch side and restoring safety and security on St. Martin. Gibbs promised to present the list of candidates that will be on the UD list in the coming weeks.

Click here to view more photos of the launching of UD and Albert Fleming endorsing Daniel Gibbs.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- As part of the Integrity Project of the Government of Sint Maarten, the department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is organizing the first Integrity vision meeting for key Integrity stakeholders.

The workshop will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011. The main goal of the Vision Meeting is to formulate a vision on the topic of integrity within the Government which will then be carried forward in the yet to be formulated Integrity Policy document Sint Maarten.

Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams says she is pleased with the progress being made since the project was executed and adds that the vision meeting planned is a key part of the process.

Diana Pearl Hendrickson-Flemming of HPS Consulting has been contracted to give the workshop and has invited Bart Hofstee of the Integrity Bureau of Amsterdam as one of the speakers for this event.

Hofstee has also been asked to give a presentation to the Council of Ministers regarding the topic. The invited stakeholders are the Secretary Generals, Department Heads within government with defined Integrity tasks and responsibilities, the General Audit Chamber and the Ombudsman.

It is the intention that after this meeting HPS will be able to deliver a draft vision document to the department of the interior and Kingdom Relations. The document will in turn be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. If approved this document will serve as the basis for the yet to be established comprehensive Integrity Policy Sint Maarten.

The document should reflect a collective view of the stakeholders on integrity, Sint Maarten's Integrity goal/vision/ambition, the options when deciding on a strategy for Integrity management and organization, the instruments/tools (mix) that are necessary to implement the strategy/policy and recommendations for the implementation of the chosen strategy.

In March 2011, the financial agreement for the highly anticipated Integrity Policy Sint Maarten was signed after the Council of Ministers approved this project in December 2010 and in March 2011 USONA agreed to fund the project.

Cripple Gate:--- The first annual St Martin Trails unity walk-a-thon enjoyed a rather large turn out on Sunday November 13th 2011.
Approximately 250 walkers made the 10 km trek from the Festival Village Philipsburg to the Home and Tools parking lot in Bellevue. Where a caribbean breakfast of bush tea, saltfish, Johnny cakes and eggs awaited the walkers at the finish line.
The Saint Martin Trails association congratulates all the Walkers who completed the 10 km.
11 donated prizes were given out "raffle style" as soon as the last walker arrived at Bellevue.

The association would take this opportunity to thank the volunteers from the Maternité Active Association, Sint Maarten Road Runners and the Sint Maarten Red Cross : your assistance was indeed invaluable.

We would also like to tank our sponsors : without you, this event would not have been possible :
La Collectivité De Saint Martin, Heavenly waters, Siapoc, Blue Point Gas Station, Kitrad, ETI, Rouxel Travaux, Getelec, Napa auto, Hôtel le Grand Bleu, SARL Secor Alain Richardson, SMEC, TSA Sogetras, International Liquor and Tobacco, Georges Coutou Plomberie et terrassement, Bertaux Antoine, Saint Martin Food Service, SARL Begoframe Shop, SARL Pain Authentique, Sarafina, Le Brige Café, Grands Resaux Caraïbes, La Seigneurie, gigiphotosxm.com, Lamic, Sint Maarten Pride, Bay Side riding club, Ecosnorkeling, Spa Thalgo, Endless Summer Swinwears, Dany's, Kacey's, Wurths, Conscious Lyrics, The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin, Radio SOS.

A great thank you to all those who purchased tickets and made monetary donations. The proceeds from this Walkathon will go to making the existing trails more passable and well marked on both French and Dutch sides of the island for the enjoyment of everyone.

For more information call 0690 67 83 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For weekly hiking schedule visit www.stmartintrails.com and SXM Trails on Facebook.

Great Bay:--- The Student Support Services division of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs will be holding a workshop for parents entitled Parenting Solutions on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at the University of St. Martin from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm. and also on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Center in St. Peters at the same time.
The workshop will examine problem behaviors that are universal to all families such as sibling rivalry, bedtime and morning routine, chores, fighting and children taking responsibility for their own school work.
According to Student Support Services Division (SSSD) officials, all children display challenging behaviors as they develop into young adults and parents have a huge influence on children becoming positive, self-sufficient, and contributing members of society. SSSD officials added that participants at this workshop will learn techniques that will help them to handle these problems as well as a model for using democracy in the home.
The facilitators for this event are Dr. Timothy Evans and Geri Carter, two of the leading innovators in Adlerian-based Classrooms, family therapy and encouragement training.
Dr. Evans received his doctorate from the University of Georgia, and is an approved supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He completed an American Psychological Association internship at the University of Delaware. He has worked in community corrections and in a narcotics treatment program; developed a family therapy program for an adolescent psychiatric unit; and has extensive training in marriage and family therapy. Dr. Evans was a college professor for over 20 years. He developed the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of South Florida. Geri Carter received her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida, and is licensed by the State of Florida. She has worked with adolescents and their families for the past 17 years as a Youth Minister and Mental Health Counselor. She was a
behavioral specialist in an alternative education program, S.M.A.R.T., at Sarasota Middle School. She is currently an educational trainer for the Alfred Adler Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida. She has written Parenting Today's Teenager: A Guide to Fostering Democracy, Cooperation and Teamwork in Your Home . Geri is a trained mediator (Design Your Own Divorce), and past President of the Florida Adlerian Society.
This workshop is open to the general public. USM Lecture Hall has a seating capacity of 200 persons and the Rupert I. Maynard Center has a seating capacity of 150. All parents are urged to come out and take advantage of this free workshop. For further information, please contact Ms. Denise Johnson at 542-3718 ext 127.

Cole Bay:--- Police and firemen had to respond to Burger King when one of the fryers at the establishment caught fire. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said around 8:45am on Tuesday police and firemen responded to the scene when they were informed that a fire had ignited in the kitchen. Henson said when police reached the scene there was heavy smoke emanating from the kitchen area causing the firemen to react immediately to bring the fire under control.

The manager on the scene told police that when the deep fryer was turned on for unknown reasons it short-circuited and caught fire. The blaze became uncontrollable and the fire department was called in. The deep fryer was completely destroyed and the inside of the business suffered minor smoke damage as a result of the fire. No one was injured.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Labor Department hosted a two-day Safety and Health workshop at the Belvedere Community Center for various other governmental Ministries, namely: VROMI and TEZVT (Tourism, Economy).

Unable to be there because of previous engagements, the Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever sent his apologies. He wishes the participants a successful workshop, and he knows that the information and knowledge will be useful when doing their jobs and enhancing the safety of the work place for everyone.

Unable to be there because of previous engagements, the Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever sent his apologies. He wished the participants a successful workshop, and he knows that the information and knowledge will be useful when doing their jobs and enhancing the safety of the work place for everyone.

Head of the Labor department, Raphael Boasman gave the introduction.

"Enhancing the skill and knowledge base of the current Occupational safety and Health Inspectors as well as the policy advisors responsible for safety legislation is paramount for building a solid foundation on which to grow."

"Government is a firm believer in the safety of the country's inhabitants where they work, and so we must provide our personnel with the necessary skills to ensure that this goal is met."

The facilitator, Anthony Rocheford, gave the workshop on behalf of the International Labor Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations that deals with labor issues pertaining to international labor standards. Rocheford is based in Barbados and has many years experience in the field, in addition to having a Master's Degree in Risk management and Safety technology.

The two-day workshop consist of Safety and Health Law, Occupational Safety and Health Legislation, Duties and Responsibilities of Safety Officers, Report writing, Inspection techniques, and Accident investigation.

Philipsburg:--- Postal Services St. Maarten NV and Aruba Post NV signs Postal Money Order Agreement, which will allow the general public of St. Maarten the option again to send postal money orders to Aruba, as well as receive postal money orders from Aruba via the post office.

The service will be offered at both PSS's postal locations in Philipsburg and Simpsonbay. The maximimum amount that can be sent or received via the Fax Postal Money Order or "Postwissel" arrangement will be up to ANG 3,000 and the cost per transaction will be a flat rate of ANG 5 guilders. The service is readily available, and the general public is urged to come in to once more to do their usual maoney transactions between St. Maarten and Aruba, for any further details please contact the Post Office.

PSS would also like to advice the general public that it is also busy negotiating and hoping to get such an agreement in place with NPNA, which to date has not yet signed on, but hopes will do so within short to allow the public at large the service they are accustom to of having at the post between the former islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

In addition PSS continues to work on bringing back other past and new business opportunities into the post office and will be updating the general public on the conclusion of these agreements within very short. The PSS family thanks the community, despite the challenges for its support and understanding, for the new operations.

Philipsburg:--- Confusion and disappointment broke out at Parliament House on Friday morning with a group of Real Estate Agents when they were asked to leave the Parliament House while a public meeting was in process. A representative of the Real Estate Association of St. Maarten expressed disappointment to members of the media after they were asked to leave the meeting. One of the real estate agents said that they were surprised when they read the newspapers on Friday morning and learnt that a meeting was taking place with the Real Estate Agents and they were not invited to participate. The agent said his association represents 20 companies while the ones participating in the meeting with Parliament only represents five companies one of which is owned by Member of Parliament Leroy Petrus De Weever.
The agent said they went to listen to meeting but it appeared as though they don't have that right while living in democratic society. "Its bad enough that the Members of Parliament did not see it fit to invite the Association that represents the most companies, and now its worse since we cannot even listen to a public meeting."
Another agent said bright minds would get ideas from as much people as possible when they want to make laws. "The more people that participate in these meeting is always better since you get the most out of the meetings."
The agent said they made a presentation to Parliament earlier in the week and they were supposed to attend a follow up meeting to which no date has been set. The agent said that prior to meeting starting he asked Member of Parliament Leroy de Weever why their association was not invited to the meeting and De Weever told him that the association requested the meeting. However, he said President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell contradicted what MP De Weever told them by stating that it was parliament who invited the association.

Philipsburg:--- A number of parliamentarians this week will be in Panama to attend the executive and permanent committee meetings of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

Parlatino is a regional, permanent and unicameral organization, comprising the National Latin American Parliaments elected democratically upon popular vote. Parlatino was created on December 7, 1964.

President of Parliament Hon. drs Gracita Arrindell will be attending the executive board meetings of Parlatino where she is one of the Vice Presidents of the Junta Directiva, the main directorate of organizational activities.

The purpose of Parlatino is to promote, human rights, and economic and social development; to maintain and foster relations with other geographic parliaments, as well as international organizations; and to defend against imperialism and colonialism.

The following Members of Parliament (MP) will be travelling and representing the following Parlatino permanent committees: MP Hon. William Marlin (member of Committee on Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Communication); MP Hon. Johan Leonard (Committee Citizen Safety, Combat and Prevention of Drug Trafficking, Terrorism and Organized Crime, Committee Human Rights, Justice and Prison Policies); MP Hon. George Pantophlet (Committee Citizen Safety, Combat and Prevention of Drug Trafficking, Terrorism and Organized Crime); MP Hon. Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce (Committee on Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Communication); MP Hon. Dr. Ruth Douglass (Committee of Health); and MP Hon. Leroy De Weever (Committee of Health).

Sint Maarten supports the core principles that Parlatino represents such as defence of democracy, non-intervention, self-determination of nations, legal equality of States, the rejection to threat and to the use of force against the political independence and territorial integrity of any State, the peaceful, fair and negotiated solution of international conflicts

The Parlatino meetings are being held from November 29 to December 2 when the XXVII General Assembly meeting is held.

Grand Case:--- Relatives and close friends of Robert Weinum are mourning his passing while preparing for his funeral. Robert Weinum passed away early Sunday morning at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. Weinum was a General Councilor of the canton of St. Martin from 1981 to 1992, while he represented the 2nd canton of St. Martin in 1992 to 1998.
The late Robert Weinum was also elected Municipal Councilor under the United Saint Martin Movement (USM) in 2001 to 2007.
President of the former USM Daniella Jeffry said Weinum was ill and he passed away on Sunday morning. Jeffry expressed her condolences to the Weinum family.

Great Bay:--- It may be in papier mache, but the striking sculpture of the legendary string band group, Tanny and the Boys, has nothing to envy bronze or any other more traditional material for sculpting as it graces the recreational area where seniors come together at the St. Martin Home.
Created by artist Randolph Scott, the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company NV (PJIAE) recently donated the sculpture to the White Yellow Cross, the parent foundation of the St. Martin Home.
The senior citizen's home manager, Nurse Macfolda Gumbs, received the sculpture with much appreciation and enthusiasm, according to Kalifa Hickinson, PJIAE's acting manager, marketing & communications.
The donation was made in the context of the St. Martin Day celebrations. "The sculpture's base is equipped with a CD player, and the seniors welcomed the contribution with fond memories of the folkloric group's traditional music," said Hickinson.

Dutch Quarter:--- Members of the Zero Tolerance Team managed to capture prison escapee Anthony Spencer around 6:30pm on Monday in Quilletor Drive, Dutch Quarter confirmed Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos. Mos praised the police for their swift action in the recapturing of convicted murderer Anthony Spencer.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police were tipped off that Spencer was in the Dutch Quarter area so members of the Zero Tolerance Team staked out the area. Spencer was captured when he was seen running in the bushes on Quilletor Drive. The Police Spokesman also said that Spencer resisted his arrest very heavily and the arresting officers had to use excessive force to bring the escaped convict down. Henson said after the arrest Spencer was transported by ambulance to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
Anthony Spencer escaped from the Pointe Blanche House of Detention early Sunday morning when he was taken out of his cell to work in the kitchen. The Operation on Monday evening to recapture Anthony Spencer was directed by Acting Chief of Police Carl John and Randolph Bloieman. Spencer was convicted on October 11th 2011 to 20 years behind bars for murdering Christian Lloyd in his St. Peters home.
Currently, the Lands Recherche is busy investigating three cases at the Pointe Blanche Prison confirmed Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos. "We are investigating the escape of Omar Chucky Nelson and Anthony Spencer, both men escaped this year and were recaptured, while we are also investigating the facts surrounding the suicide that occurred in the Prison last week."
The Chief Prosecutor also confirmed that the case of the stolen prisoner's money which was under investigation and landed two prison guards in pre-trial detention is now closed, but not solved. Mos said at least two guards were arrested and later released but there was not sufficient evidence to pinpoint who exactly stole the prisoner's money.

Philipsburg:--- Some seven police recruits from the island of Bonaire forming part of the BPO-class from Sint Maarten arrived on Tuesday said Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.
These recruits will continue the remainder of their on job training on Sint Maarten. Henson said the trainees recently completed the Module I/ Service and Intake. They will now continue their training in the traffic laws which will be given by Inspector Anja Vos from the Netherlands. The names of the recruits are: Rachid De Windt, Guido Mercera, Elston Martis, Nathaniela Emerenciana, Leoginio Winklaar, Leonedy Molina and Andy de la Merced.
The Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John, Inspector Ricardo Henson, the class-coach Inspector Keturah Brown along with recruits from Sint Maarten were at the Princess Juliana International Airport to welcome the incoming recruits. Commissioner John welcomed these recruits and wished them much success during their training.

Cay Hill:--- The Minister of Justice Roland Duncan was rushed to the St. Maarten Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon for emergency treatment. Reliable information reaching SMN News states that medical officials wanted to admit the Minister but he refused to be admitted to the institution.
SMN News learnt that Minister Duncan accidentally swallowed a pigtail bone while eating on Tuesday and he was treated by his house doctor and sent home. SMN News further learnt that the Minister went to the St. Maarten Medical Center shortly after 3pm on Wednesday seeking medical attention when his condition worsened.
However, indications are that the bone is located close to the Minister's lung and as such he had to be flown out of St. Maarten so that it can be removed. Up to late Wednesday evening, personnel at SZB were busy making the necessary arrangements for the medical evacuation for the Minister to be flown to Curacao. SMN News learnt that SZV was having serious difficulties locating an aircraft to evacuate the Minister but they managed to make arrangements for the Minister Duncan to be flown out at 9pm Wednesday night.

Philipsburg:--- Calniff Williams, a native of St. Vincent who was convicted to 15 years behind bars for the murder of Basilio Bruno better known as "Eddie the Barber" is now a free man as the Appellate Court quashed the verdict handed down by the Court of First Instance on May 2 2011.
Williams was charged with the murder of "Eddie the Barber" who was stabbed at least 18 times on December 21st 2008. On March 2nd 2011, the Court of First Instance considered proven that Williams was responsible for the death of Basilio Bruno and sentenced him to 15 years behind bars.
In the appeal hearing, Williams was represented by Jason Rogers of Gibson and Associates Law Firm. The Appellate Court found that it is not legally proven that Williams had committed the brutal murder on December 21st 2008 where Bruno lost his life.

Rogers in his arguments requested that two of the witnesses be heard for a second time, he showed that the statements provided by the witnesses are conflicting, and it is ambiguous based on the telephone printouts provided to the court. Furthermore, the Prosecution did not provide any DNA match of Williams to the court. Neither could the witnesses identify Williams as the culprit.

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

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Section General Public Health of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, would like to thank all stakeholders (secondary schools, parents, community organizations, students) and Emory University research team, for realizing the 2011 adolescent survey during the week of October 24.

The survey took place among seven secondary schools, and among the out of school students, youth between the age of 13 to 19, as well as those who have dropped out of school.

The participating schools were Milton Peters College, St. Maarten Academy PSVA, St. Maarten Vocational School, St. Maarten Academy, Sundial, Learning Unlimited and St. Dominic High.

The social organizations assisting in coordinating out of school youths are the St. Maarten Youth Council; Victorious Living; GB3 and the University of St. Martin. All mentioned took extra efforts to facilitate the research.

During the survey week there were 340 computer surveys, 17 of which were out of school youth, and 11 focus group discussions with 66 adolescents, all achieved thanks to the schools, organizations, students and parents.

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

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

UTS contributed € 2000 to the planned St. Maarten's Day celebration which will be held on Holland on November 11th 2011. The celebration is the initiative of the cabinet of the Prime Minister and the intention is that a feeling of togetherness and love of country is created among St. Maarteners living in the Netherlands. In addition the presence of the Cabinet in the Hague will also be promoted amongst attendees. 'We are happy to be able to support the initiative of the cabinet as this creates a closer bond amongst St. Maarteners abroad' states UTS Marketing and Communications Officer, Ivy Lambert. 'We commend the organizers for putting together this celebration. When living abroad, nothing reminds you more of home and your roots than meeting with your fellow countrymen and women to celebrate on a special occasion such as St. Maarten's Day.'

UTS closed off the breast cancer awareness month of October with a donation in the amount of $2500 to the Positive foundation. The contribution represented part of phone sale proceeds generated during the month of October. To highlight breast cancer awareness month and in keeping with the various events and activities organized by the Positive Foundation, Chippie put a variety of pink phones on sale during the month of October. UTS, the company offering mobile services under it's Chippie brand, pledged part of the proceeds of this sale towards the Positive Foundation. 'The sale was very successful and phones were sold out fairly quickly' says UTS Marketing and Communication Officer, Ivy Lambert. 'The offer on the pink BlackBerry Smartphone was especially popular. We were delighted to see this kind of response from customers, while raising awareness through the campaign. That part of these proceeds would go towards supporting the foundation that does so much in the month of October to raise awareness on the island is only natural to us. We raised a certain amount with the sale and added to that to come to the round figure of $2500. We commend the foundation for their good work and also feel that radio personality Elektra deserves special mention. She has dedicated countless hours to the planning and coordination of so many events in the past month and I am sure that the foundation is thankful for her tireless efforts on their behalf.

Staff of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, the Department of Maritime Affairs and Inspectors from the Ministry of Public Health responded to an alert of a gentleman fishing in the Rolandus Canal behind the RBTT Parking Lot in Philipsburg. Upon arrival it was determined that the Gentleman was fishing using a gill or killer net. The use of Gill nets is prohibited without a license under the Fisheries Ordinance (Visserijbesluit (PB 1991, nr. 74)). The Gentleman was unable to provide any identification or any proof of a license to use a gill net. He was order to remove the net and release the fish he had already caught. Numerous fish were released including tilapia, mullet, and tarpon and a strong warning was given to the fisherman.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams on Monday met with the Chairman of Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) Supervisory Board George Greaux and other representatives including WINAIR's legal counsel P. A. Brandon, to discuss the new statutes of WINAIR and a proposal from the Princess Juliana International Airport for a tripartite agreement. The meeting took place in the Prime Minister's office.

Maho:--- Authorities responded to Sonesta Maho on Wednesday morning to investigate the death of a man that was found in one of the rooms of the hotel.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said a man who is believed to be a heart patient died in his room. Henson said authorities visited the scene to investigate the cause of the man's death. The Police Spokesman had promised to issue a press release on the discovery but up to press time had not done so.

Cay Hill:--- Several medical personnel including those working in the operating rooms of the St. Maarten Medical Center are furious at the institution and at how the Medical Director Dr. George Scot is handling a particular incident that took place on Sunday morning.
According to well placed sources, Dr. Smit, a gynecologist at the St. Maarten Medical Center abandoned a patient that he was performing a caesarean operation on Sunday morning. Medical personnel at the institution said that the patient was in labor when she was admitted to the medical institution. The patient they said is a patient of Dr. Randal Friday, but somehow Dr. Friday could not be reached immediately and the patient and baby were in trouble. The source said Dr. Smit then decided to examine the patient and when he realized that the patient needed to have an emergency C-Section operation he decided to go ahead and perform the operation.
SMN News learnt that while the operation was in progress Dr. Randal Friday showed up at the hospital and went to the operation room to see what was happening. "When Dr. Smit saw Dr. Friday, he got into some rage and stormed out of the operation room leaving the patient to bleed profusely. Dr. Smit used his bloody gloves to open all the doors leaving a blood trail behind him. Besides that, Dr. Smit did not tell Dr. Friday he was abandoning the patient at such a critical moment. The baby was removed but the placenta was still attached and the mother had a scar on her uterus all of which were bleeding profusely. Dr. Smit did not tell Dr. Friday that he was leaving neither did he update Dr. Friday on the patient's condition. Dr. Friday had to rush and prepare himself to save the patient's life. At the time, the patient was abandoned by Dr. Smit she was still under anesthesia, her belly was wide open and she was bleeding," the source said.
Questions are now being raised by several other medical personnel at the institution about Dr. Smit's credibility and if he should be allowed to continue practicing medicine on St. Maarten. Some doctors at the institution have said that Sunday's incident is enough to revoke Dr. Smit's medical license.
The incident caused medical personnel in the operating rooms to take a unanimous decision not to work with Dr. Smit again until proper measures are taken against him. Sources say that Dr. George Scot has issued a gag order on all medical personnel preventing them from speaking about the incident. Some said that Dr. Scot has threatened to fire them if they do not continue to work with Dr. Smit.
It should be noted that Dr. Smit was involved in an incident earlier this year where he hit nurse Sheryl .
SMN News learnt that medical personnel from the institution already informed the Minister of Health on the situation and requested that an investigation be conducted by his Ministry.
In an invited comment, Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever said that the Inspectorate will be informed about the incident and they will conduct an investigation.

Philipsburg:--- St. Maarten's Day celebrations kicked off on Friday with the traditional church service which was held at the Philipsburg Methodist Church, while the laying of wreaths took place at the Bellevue Frontier. Protocol was disturbed somewhat at the wreath laying ceremony when the Prefet of the French side did not show up for the one day celebration. The first set of wreaths were laid by Governor Eugene Holiday and Senator Louis Constant Fleming, while the Chief of the Prefet's cabinet laid a single wreath, followed by another set of wreaths laid by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams and President Frantz Gumbs.
Dignitaries were transported to Front Street where they witnessed the parade of the uniform troops. The official ceremony and lunch was served at the Festival Village. Minister of Education and Culture Rhoda Arrindell lost her composure and could not find words to describe the outpour of support from the people who came out to celebrate St. Maarten's Day.
President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs and the President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell were among the four speakers on Friday.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams captivated the crowd when she showed up at Festival Village in her patriotic outfit. The Prime Minister called on every citizen and resident to do what they can for their country. She also called on everyone to show love for St. Maarten by wearing their colors when it comes to celebrating St. Maarten's Day.


Click here to see more photos of the St. Maarten Day Church Service and Wreath Laying.
Click here to see more photos of the St. Maarten Day Celebration.

Philipsburg:--- As a follow-up to the meeting between Members of Parliament (MP) and the management of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) held last week Thursday, will be a follow-up meeting with the Permanent Committee of Parliament for Public Health, Social Development and Labour.

MPs last week met with the management of SMMC and were also given a tour of the medical facility. Parliament had received a request from SMMC for a meeting.

According to President of Parliament Hon. drs Gracita Arrindell, MPs received an overview of the challenges that SMMC is facing as well as future potential activities with respect to being able to offer more medical services to the community.

MPs were briefed on financial matters, structural and management issues and the request for governmental support to overcome some of the challenges that the medical institution is faced with.
Optimal patient care and service remains as the primary goal and the focus of management MPs were informed.

MPs who attended the meeting were MP Hon. Leroy De Weever, MP Hon. Patrick Illidge, MP Hon. Frans Richardson, MP Hon. Hyacinth Richardson, MP Hon. Dr. Ruth Douglass, MP Hon. Roy Marlin, MP Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson and the President of Parliament. Absent with notice were MPs Hon. Romain Laville, MP Hon. Louie Laveist and MP Hon. Janchie Leonard.

CHIPPIE presents the "Stay True to the Blue" customer appreciation program. This unprecedented program is an initiative developed specifically for CHIPPIE's post-paid customers who have been loyal UTS-CHIPPIE clients for the past year or longer.
"We felt that it was necessary to recognize this group of customers for their long-standing commitments to CHIPPIE," says Ms. Michanou Arrundell, UTS Service Market Manager. "Our goal is to measure their overall level of satisfaction, as we continue to make essential service upgrades to meet and exceed customer needs, and also provide exclusive offers to show CHIPPIE's appreciation for their continued business as loyal customers who over the years have remained 'True to the Blue', which is the prominent color in CHIPPIE's core brand."
As part of the "True to the Blue" program, CHIPPIE's customers are contacted by a telemarketing team, managed by IMBRACE, under leadership of its CEO Ms. Jacqueline Louis. These customers are asked a few minutes of their time and given an opportunity to share their feedback on a customer service survey to measure their level of satisfaction with various aspects of CHIPPIE's services. In addition, these individuals also qualify for a phone upgrade with renewal, as well as specific incentives depending on their particular phone service package. One of the devices available as an upgrade upon renewal is the brand new Blackberry 9900 smartphone, which was released by CHIPPIE this past week, as well as other new and existing phone models.
The current CHIPPIE "Stay True to the Blue" program is only valid for select post-paid customers with 1 or 2 year contracts from the period of 2008-2011. "As we are continuously working to improve our services, there will be a series of other customer-focused promotions available in the coming months. We encourage our customers to stay tuned and "Stay True" as we have much more in store," states Ivy Lambert, Marketing & Communications Officer of UTS.
CHIPPIE's post-paid customers are strongly encouraged to participate in the phone calls being made by the "Stay True to the Blue" Team. For further information, please contact the "Stay True to the Blue" Team or Ms. Michanou Arrundell, UTS Service Market Manager at 542-0101 or via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Philipsburg:--- The five members of the Corporate Governance Council (CGC) that was established on February 26th 2010 based on the Island Resolution sent a very strong letter to the 15 Members of Parliament on October 25th 2011. This is the second time the CGC has written to Parliament requesting that they intervene on behalf of the CGC.
Chairman of the Corporate Governance Council (CGC) Louis Duzanzon outlined the reasons why the CGC was established and who were the signatories to the agreement made on January 22nd 2008 at the Belair Community Center. Duzanzon also reminded the Members of Parliament of the oath they all took when St. Maarten obtained its country status on October 10th 2010. That oath was to uphold the country's constitution and to abide by the laws that govern the country.
The CGC also reminded the Members of Parliament of a letter they sent to them requesting that they call the Council of Ministers to order since they have failed to execute various responsibilities assigned to them. That letter was dated February 23rd 2011 which also called on Government to uphold the laws of St. Maarten and to deal with the various requests of the CGC. Duzanzon said eight months after expediting that letter he is yet to receive a response from the Members of Parliament. The CGC said that due to the lack of a response they have no other choice than to believe there is a crisis in government where it relates to conforming with the rule of law. He further said that the integrity of government is under siege and when there is a crisis, corrective measures will have to be taken. The current situation within the government apparatus is of concern to the CGC, Duzanzon said.
Duzanzon in his final appeal letter is calling on Parliament to ensure that the Council of Ministers award the CGC its budget since they have been working for almost two years without an office, staff and an adequate budget. CGC supplied parliament with the letters and the budgets they submitted to the Council of Ministers for the year 2009 and 2010.
In the meantime, the National Alliance Faction of Parliament submitted a letter to the Chairlady of Parliament requesting that a meeting be scheduled to discuss the issues facing the Corporate Governance Council. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said in an invited comment that he submitted the request to the Chairlady of Parliament earlier this week requesting that she convene a meeting to discuss the functioning of CGC as well as its letter of October 25th 2011.

Click here to view the letter CGC sent to Parliament.

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested a number of persons early Wednesday morning during an early morning raid at several homes on the island as they continue investigating several murders that were committed this year. Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that several persons were arrested and that police also searched a number of homes.
A special team of detectives arrived on the island on Tuesday to conduct the operation which took place around 4:00 am on Wednesday morning. Police also searched at least two other homes after 8am also on Wednesday morning. Special detectives were seen at a home in Saunders and at another home in St. Peters as police continue to gather more information and evidence on the cases they are investigating.
Mos said the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) in collaboration with the Kingdom Detective Cooperation team (RST) along with assistance of other law enforcement agencies made several arrests and conducted several house searches on St. Maarten.
The special actions were carried out under the orders of the Public Prosecutor's office in the form of a large scale investigation in connection with a number of violent murders on St. Maarten.
SMN News has been reliably informed that at least four of the suspects are well known to the St. Maarten community. They are Erno Labega Jr., Omar Jones, Ekron Morgan and Daniel Thomas. One source identified another suspect as Andrew but no details on the other suspects were available.
The TEAM GROOTSCHALIGE OPSPORING (TGO) team and local detectives are busy investigating the murder of Amador Jones, Miguel and Rodolpho Arrindell, Kevin Gumbs, Eric Lake, Sheldon Thomas, Mark Deygoo, Anthony Whyte, and Michael Grainville.
In an updated press release issued on Wednesday afternoon, Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that eight suspects were arrested and a large sum of monies and drugs were confiscated. Wednesday's operation is called VESUVIUS.

Large Scale Investigation code name "VESUVIUS" leads to 8 arrests.

This morning - as was reported earlier today - within the frame of a Large Scale Investigation with the codename VESUVIUS, arrest-teams on Sint Maarten arrested a total of 8 persons. The suspects O.J. (35), C.R. (29), E.L. (28), C.F. (36), E.M. (34), D.T. (25), A.D. (30) – all residing on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten - were arrested simultaneously on different locations. On the French side, in collaboration with the Gendarmerie Nationale, one suspect K.M. (27) was arrested during these actions. His house was subsequently searched. 6 of the 8 suspects are Sint Marteners, whereas one suspect is from St. Vincent and one from Jamaica. House searches were conducted on ten separate locations. As a result of those searches several guns and other weapons were found, next to a considerable amount of drugs and money. The house searches were conducted with the use of 5 specially trained dogs, 1 from Sint Maarten, 1 from Aruba and 3 from Curaçao.
This Large Scale Investigation (TGO) codename "VESUVIUS" is an investigation conducted under the authority of the Public Prosecutor's Office of Sint Maarten and is carried out by the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) in close cooperation with the nearly full capacity of the Kingdom Detective Cooperation Team (RST), assisted by members of RST from locations outside Sint Maarten. Many other law enforcement organizations joined in this close cooperation such as the Police Force of Curaçao (KPC), the Police Force of Aruba (KPA), Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland (Bonaire), the Police Force of the Netherlands, the Customs Department of Curaçao, the Royal Marechaussee, the Gendarmerie Nationale and the Coastguard. They all have provided and still are providing all necessary cooperation and assistance to this Large Scale Investigation. Until today more than 30 detectives have been working together in TGO Vesuvius and a total of 150 investigating officers took part in the actions of this morning.
During the past few months, the investigating team has conducted an in depth investigation and has identified the possible suspects and accomplices of at least five murders/liquidations and two attempted murders which took place between April and September of this year on Sint Maarten. The investigation indicates that these murders took place within the criminal scene.
The suspects who have been arrested, were brought before the acting prosecutor and were all remanded in custody. In the coming days, the suspects will be questioned and further investigation will be conducted into the confiscated items.

The Public Prosecution Service considers it appropriate to use this opportunity to thank all the services mentioned above and those authorities who carry their responsibility in all the countries within the Kingdom, as well as the Gendarmerie Nationale, for the outstanding cooperation during the preparation and execution of today's operations. The assistance rendered and still to be come are highly appreciated.

Great Bay:--- A reception will be held here at the Cultural Center on Backstreet to close the Art Expo 2011 on Friday, November 18, starting at 5 PM, said organizer Urmain "Youmay" Dormoy.
Over 100 pieces of artwork from aspiring artists to stunning finishes by seasoned crafts people have filled the center's main hall and stage for about one week. The exhibition space was arranged as a basic gallery to house the works of the 20 aspiring, hobby, and professional artists.
The exhibit can be viewed on its last day from 9 AM to 5 PM, and during the reception, beginning at 5 PM until 9 PM, said Dormoy.
The group exhibit was opened on November 11 as part of the official St. Martin Day calendar of activities, said Dormoy, who also manages the cultural center.
Akeem Adams, Artist Tihanyi, Marci Cooke, Mavis Verwoord, Randolph Scott, Lili Peterson, and Dormoy himself are among the painters, sculptors, beaders, photographers, shell craft artists, and illustrators of the multimedia show.
"We had a nice stream of people passing through but only the minister (Dr. Arrindell) came by from the leaders of government," said Dormoy.
"I didn't see any other official walk in up to Thursday; not even the head of the department (Culture) I didn't see come by. If they don't show up on Friday all I can say is 'they ain't ready yet'," chuckled Dormoy.
"Everyone is invited to the exhibit on Friday, take a peak at the paintings for lunchtime, meet the artists, take home piece of art, or just come to the reception on Friday evening," said Dormoy.
Earlier in the week the Oranje School took its primary school students on a field trip to the Art Expo 2011.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Affairs, Division of Examinations, Brooks Tower Building, in the Harbour View Building, Philipsburg hereby releases the following information.

The Ministry states that all candidates who were recommended to sit the Naturalization Examination Part I on December 10, 2011 are requested to pick up their summons in person with a valid picture ID at the:

Division of Examinations, Brooks Tower, Falcon 7
Suite B2 (second floor downstairs), Harbour View
Philipsburg.

The remaining date is through Friday, November 18, 2011

Persons can pass between the times: 9:00 am-12:00 or 13:00 -16:30

Please note that:
1) No other dates or time than stated will be entertained.
2) Without the summons you cannot sit the exam.

Philipsburg:--- The leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger called a meeting on Friday afternoon with the members of his faction in Parliament especially Romain La Ville. The meeting was held in Heyliger's office where they also discussed how they will handle the Pelican saga and Jules James.
Sources close to the party and board members said that the issue surrounding Pelican and Jules James had to be dealt with a long time ago but the party leader Theodore Heyliger did not do what he was supposed to do. A party insider said the purpose of the meeting on Friday afternoon was to make sure James takes a decision on his political future. "Jules James is making more money working for SMBRC and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd. Besides that, James has several businesses around the island so he does not need to be in parliament. The situation with Jules James and the Pelican workers is hurting the United People's Party very much and Heyliger and James would have to take a decision as to how they will proceed." During the meeting on Friday members of the United Peoples Party gave Jules James a few days to think on the course of action he will take. While the UP members did not spell out to Jules James that he must resign from Parliament if he wants to maintain his jobs at the former Pelican Resort, they made clear to him that he can no longer take the front seat when representing the company if he wants to stay in Parliament. "You cannot be the one to fire people and sign on behalf of the company. Morally this is not right and playing with people's livelihood will not go down well," one member told James.
Some of the United Peoples Party members said they respect Romain La Ville for taking a stand on Thursday night since La Ville on several occasions mentioned to Heyliger and his other faction members that Jules James was taking the party downwards. However, during Friday's meeting the members told La Ville that he needs to choose better words when he is on the floor of Parliament. The source said Laville was still emotional he eventually apologized to the faction members before the meeting ended.SMN News further learnt that James and La Ville ended up arguing over the Pelican affair.

The United Peoples Party members are scheduled to meet again next week to further discuss the matter.
Some of the Members of Parliament from the United Peoples Party Faction are also very upset at James for refusing to take advice from his colleagues. "What happened Thursday night could have been avoided because James was advised to use the Front Street entrance to leave the building but he is so naive that he refused to listen. Besides that, his son was busy cursing and arguing with the Pelican workers. We believe that James the Preacher needs to keep his house in order and control his emotional son. "

Great Bay:--- "YOUR BOOK IS ON THE LIST" is how Edouard Cointreau, president of Gourmand International, wrote in an email to HNP on Thursday, about his magazine's selection of Yvette's cookbook.
The November edition of Gourmand-Magazine has listed From Yvette's Kitchen To Your Table – A Treasury of St. Martin's Traditional & Contemporary Cuisine by Yvette Hyman, among "the best Christmas gift" cookbooks for 2011.
"This list of 112 new cookbooks and wine books 2011 in English has been established for Gourmand-Magazine, by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, which had 162 countries participating this year," stated the Cointreau release.
"More than one third of yearly cookbook sales take place in November and December," according to the president of the prestigious cuisine trade organization.
"This is an appetizing piece of news to receive between St. Martin Day and Thanksgiving Day (first Sunday of December)," said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
Gourmand is also known for its annual tours de force of chefs, wine experts, cookbook publishers, cuisine and lifestyle media, and throngs of fans and foodies from around the world that flock to its wildly successful expos in Paris, London, and Frankfurt. http://youtu.be/1Go9U0u0wbg.
"The best Christmas gift is often a cookbook. They are beautiful and practical, useful and cultural, local and international, great quality at a reasonable low price," said Cointreau, who is also president of the Paris Cookbook Fair.
He added that there is "a large offer of great titles this year from the US or the UK." Among that large offer of titles, Yvette's cookbook keeps popping up.
In was just in September that Gourmand-Magazine placed Yvette's cookbook in its "selection of one hundred recent food and wine books from 52 countries."
According to the magazine, that selection is to "help bring the titles to 'the international book trade, which is the first objective of Gourmand International.'" The list, with Yvette's cookbook being one of the few titles with its cover featured, served as a trade guide at the mega-Frankfurt Book Fair in October.
The 162 nations represented in the November Gourmand-Magazine with the "best Christmas gift" cookbooks and wine publications include France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, Ghana, Ethiopia, Bahrain, India, Thailand, China, Japan, Bali, Papua, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
About eight Caribbean countries and territories are represented in the Gourmand-Magazine "best Christmas gift" cookbooks 2011: Antigua, Trinidad, Curacao, Haiti, and Jamaica among them. www.gourmand-magazine.com.

Over the past 10 years, Valerie Brazier has demonstrated what personal development is all about within Toastmasters. Her passion, perseverance and commitment has brought her to the pinnacle of the organization as on Thursday she was awarded with the highest level a Toastmasters can achieve. She is now to be referred to as Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Valerie Brazier. She was presented with the Distinguished Toastmasters plaque along with an official letter from Toastmasters International. The presentation was done by District 81 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training Rolando Tobias during the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club meeting at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library last Thursday.

During the Presentation, Tobias who is also a Distinguished Toastmaster read the message from World Headquarters which commended DTM Brazier on her accomplishment in fulfilling all the communication and leadership requirements set forth by Toastmasters International. "The award indicates that you have developed significantly in your communication and leadership skills, but more so it demonstrates that you have also played a significant role in developing other Toastmasters, your community and Toastmasters International"; the letter stated.

DTM Valerie Brazier is the one of the most qualified Toastmasters on St. Maarten as she has held practically every top position in the 4 levels of the organization. She has functioned as Officer and Club President of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club, as Area Governor for the 4 clubs on St Maarten. She then moved to a higher level as Division Governor with responsibility for the 29 Clubs in Division A, which comprises Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St Maarten & Puerto Rico. Currently, DTM Brazier sits on the District Executive level as District Secretary, overseeing the administration of the 104 clubs in 17 territories throughout the Caribbean known as District 81.

In accepting her Distinguished Toastmaster award, DTM Brazier explained how upon her return to her place of birth St Maarten back in 2001, she could hardly manage a full sentence in the English language as she had lived in the Netherlands and Curacao for most of her life and spoke mainly Dutch and Papiamentu. In addition to that she was extremely shy and could not imagine herself in front of an audience. However, over the last ten years Toastmasters has enabled her to develop tremendously to the point where she now delivers keynote addresses, trainings and functions in several communication and leadership roles on St Maarten and throughout the Caribbean. In thanking everyone, she encouraged all Club members by saying: "If I can do this and attain the highest level of Distinguished Toastmaster, then all of you as Toastmasters can do it".

Philipsburg:--- On Tuesday, November 22nd at approximately 09:15am a police patrol was directed to Point Blanche on the road leading to Monte Vista to investigate a traffic accident in which one man was injured. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said when the patrol reached the scene of the accident they spoke with the driver of a vehicle who was injured during a freak accident. The driver identified as S.G. had numerous bruises about his body and a cut on his left foot. According to the driver, as he was driving down the hill, his vehicle with license plate M-2839 lost brakes and began to malfunction and he could not bring the vehicle to a stop. The driver said when he realized the danger of not being able to control the speeding car he decided to jump out of the vehicle. Henson said the car hit the side of the hill and overturned several times before it came to a stop on the cliff overlooking Pointe Blanche.

The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The vehicle in question was severely damaged and had to be removed by a tow truck. No one else was injured in this accident.

The departments of Social Services is working on improving their services to the general public. The department will be in a conference with our counterpart on Friday, November 25, 2011. Therefore the office of the Departments of Social Services would like to announce that office will be close on Thursday afternoon and Friday to the public.

Our doors will be open as usual to the public on Monday, November 28, at 8:00 AM.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

Philipsburg:--- The members of the current coalition government namely the United Peoples Party and the Democratic Party will meet sometime to discuss the effects of the Pelican workers that were dismissed by the company's General Manager who is also a Member of Parliament. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams confirmed on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers press briefing that she plans to schedule a meeting with her coalition partner to discuss the effects of the dismissal of over 100 workers. The Prime Minister who recently returned to St. Maarten said she cannot say when the meeting will be held since it has not yet been scheduled.
Wescot Williams also confirmed that the government of St. Maarten agreed to waive the transfer tax for Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV (SBRMC) and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd so that the two companies would keep the 183 workers that would have lost their jobs when the companies purchased Pelican Resorts.
The Prime Minister said waiving the transfer tax was part of the agreement but there was some sort of technicality which prohibited government from waiving the transfer tax. "At the end, it seemed impossible for a transaction to take place with the transfer tax not paid. So the company had to issue a check and the financial persons of government were in discussion on how they will comply with the agreement to waive the transfer tax. I know there was an issue regarding the waiving of the transfer tax, which had to be worked out. I don't know if the transfer tax was fully waived or if it was delayed."
When asked by SMN News to elaborate on her opinion on having a Member of Parliament who is also a Managing Director for a company. The Prime Minister said one of the things that they have to focus on is the situation at hand regarding the former Pelican workers. "We have to look and see what can be done and what tools and mechanism is available to government to regulate or to prevent companies from firing their workers. I also believe that the Pelican saga will trigger discussions on whether or not the laws of St. Maarten have to be changed. The law does not prohibit a Member of Parliament from having second jobs and everybody is using that to their advantage. But I believe that this will eventually lead to changing of the laws to ensure that anything that seems or appears to be a conflict can be dealt with according to the laws."
The Prime Minister also said that the legislation that is being worked on by Member of Parliament Louis Laveist to prevent double functions is a step in the right direction.
In the meantime, the Court of First Instance will be issuing its decision on Friday on the injunction that was filed by the Workers Institute for Organized Labor (WIFOL) and its members.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), is appealing to residents to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding after the island experienced two days of rainfall.

Measures need to be taken in and around homes and businesses to reduce breeding of the Ades Aegypti mosquito which is mostly found in domestic environments as a result of human activity and has the potential to transmit dengue fever.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults. If you experience fever, body aches, headache, severe pain behind the eyes, consult your physician and check your surroundings to ensure that no breeding source is present.

Clear stagnant water in old tires and other types of debris in yards can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

CPS is therefore advising residents to take immediate measures after rain events to make sure there is no clear/clean stagnant water in their yards and disposing of responsibly old tires, empty drums, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses.

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

To avoid being bitten by a mosquito, use repellent and wear long sleeve shirts/blouses as well as pants. Place screens at windows, doors.

Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servant Union (WICSU/PSU) and the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) are scheduled to meet on Thursday with the Human Resources department of Government (POA) to find a solution to the Cost of Living Allowances that will not be paid out to the civil servants and teachers come January 2012.
President of the Windward Island Teachers Union Claire Elshot told members of the media during a press conference called by the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) that they recently received a letter inviting them to a meeting to discuss a decision taken by the Council of Ministers not to pay out the cost of living allowances for 2010 since it was not budgeted for 2012. Elshot said that the Council of Ministers took an independent decision to not pay out and budget the cost of living adjustment even though there was a positive advice given by the GOA which is signed by the Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto.
The union representatives and the government of St. Maarten (Council of Ministers) agreed earlier this year to pay civil servants and teachers their cost of living allowances after the teachers and other civil servants protested the lack of the COL payment. The Government of St. Maarten agreed to pay the COL for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009 during the month of June this year, while the 2010 payment would be made in January 2012. Elshot said the unions even received a letter from the Prime Minister informing them that based on the GOA advice the COL for 2010 will be 3.2% added to their salaries.
The union leader said the only comment on the signed advice from the Minister of Finance was asking the union and the advisory body not to make the advice public prior to the passing of the 2012 budget. She said the unions respected the Minister's wishes because they did not even inform their members and school boards about the signed advice.
The Chamber of Labor Unions stressed on Wednesday that there has been a severe lack of social dialogue on St. Maarten and the current situation will cause social unrest. Elshot hinted that the civil servants and teachers had to take action before they were paid for the prior years and it appears as though they would have to do the same thing to get their 2010 payments.
Elshot said right now there are labor concerns both in the public and private sector and the labor organization is prepared to deal with what is before them.
Elshot further explained that the labor situation on St. Maarten has become very worrisome. She lamented the fact that St. Maarten is now a country yet the Parliamentarians who are supposed to draft laws and amend the current laws to protect the working class are not doing their jobs. "Some of them have three and four jobs while collecting $10,000.00 salary from government yet they want to dip their hands into the civil servants pockets. Government chose to rent a building for $99,000.00 a month even though they know that Jack cannot live in a house he cannot afford."
The WITU President said the unions namely the WICLU will be meeting with Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever and they intend to inform him of their plans to address parliament on their matters of concern. One concern raised by the members of the WICLU is the abuse of the six months contract. "One would think that it is only the private sector is abusing the six month (short term) contracts but government is also abusing it since they are no longer hiring people on a permanent basis. Elshot categorized the labor situation as being out of balance since there is far too much youth unemployment. "Generally, too many people are unemployed since persons over 40 years of age can no longer find work. In the casino industry, workers are being rotated. Dealers and cashiers are sent home for as long as six months while these casinos open year round." Elshot said the current situation cannot continue because it's affecting everyone's lives. Workers she said are living from pay check to pay check since cost of living on St. Maarten is skyrocketing.
In the meantime, President of the Workers Institute of Organized Labour (WIFOL) Theophilus Thompson described the labor situation on St. Maarten as one that lacks social dialogue. Thompson said there should be no decision making without consultation with all social partners. Therefore, the Windward Islands Chamber of Labor Unions (WICLU) has decided to hold weekly press conferences where they intend to highlight the workers plight throughout the island.
Thompson said the labor situation has not improved, he said right now the department of labor has collapsed since they are now sending the unemployed to the Employment Agencies to find work. These agencies he said are taking 35% of the worker's salary. The unions describe the Employment Agencies as lucrative business. Thompson said the labor department (mediator) also does not function since St. Maarten achieved its new status and this will cause widespread labor unrest on the island. "The non-functioning of the labor department and mediator will cause labor disputes to escalate which will lead to social and labor unrest." He said the labor department is not functioning because the workers did not receive adequate training prior to St. Maarten becoming a country. He charged that the government of St. Maarten is secretly introducing new policies at the department which are not public. He said workers cannot obtain legal aid from the labor department which to him is discriminatory towards the workers. During the days of the federal government workers were able to obtain legal aid despite their color or creed, that he said, is no longer the case because of a new policy that has been introduced.
As for obtaining social aid or social assistance, a new policy was introduced making it impossible for the unemployed to obtain social assistance. He said the Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever is fully responsible for the department's failure due to the lack of vision. Thompson said the unemployed are supposed to be registered at the labor department and while that is done, the unemployed are referred to the employment agencies if they want to find work, this practice he said is a concern to the unions. He described the tactics at the labor department as wrong since all of it is in contraction of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The ILO he said stipulates that workers must have proper and gainful employment so that they can contribute to the development of their country. The ILO also establishes that there must be social dialogue to prevent war and social unrest, Thompson stressed.

Netherlands/ St. Maarten:--- Police as well as the parents of 24 year old Joaquim Jamal Richards are busy investigating his disappearance. Richards is the son of the former Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards and former first lady Angela Richards.
According to news reports and Facebook postings, Joaquim Jamal Richards was last seen on October 20th 2011. According to the reports, Richards left his home leaving behind his personal belongings. The parents are appealing to anyone who might have seen him or know the whereabouts of the young man to contact them or police since he should be on medication. Persons who may have information on Richards are advised to contact the police in Groningen. Efforts made to reach the Richards family over the weekend proved futile. SMN News learnt that Interpol is now involved in the search for the missing young man.

On November 5th and 6th a group of ten volunteers attended a Reef Check training course held by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. Reef Check is a coral reef research method designed to be both simple yet effective in researching the health of both the country's coral reefs and fish stock population. "One of the main tasks of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation is to conduct research on the health of our Marine Ecosystem. However, because we lack the resources to conduct a wide scale, continuous study we have decided to use Reef Check on St. Maarten using volunteers from within the community" commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager and Instructor during the Reef Check course. The course involved one day of theory including theoretical exams and one day of practical work involving conducting an actual Reef Check while SCUBA diving on Frenchman's Reef.

Reef Check is a coral reef monitoring protocol designed to research tropical coral reefs. Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. The Goals of Reef Check are to: educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check's scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.

On St. Maarten Reef Check dives will be conducted once a month on four different sites both inside and outside the Marine Park to monitor for the various threats and changes on our coral health. Specific attention is given to Coral Health and Diseases, the presence of Important Fish Species and the Health of Invertebrates including Lobster and Conch. In addition to Nature Foundation staff the St. Maarten Reef Check Team is comprised of Kippy Gilders, Andrew Murphey-Laws, Fleur Hermanides, Ivana Rakutt, Stephane Ferron, Morgan Scotney, Leslie Scotney, Kevin Dekkers, Leigh Elmes, James Tedeschi, and Petra Teplanova.

Philipsburg: --- Students from various primary schools on St. Maarten gathered at the Sports Auditorium on Wednesday morning where they kicked off the St. Maarten Day celebrations. Some 1,700 students from various primary schools dressed in tee shirts that symbolize the flag. There were students with red, some with blue while others wore white tee shirts. Each student was also given a flag to wave as they gathered at the Sports Auditorium.
At the Sports Auditorium to participate in the days activities were Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Minister of Education Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, and Head of Department of Education Gwendolyn Davis-Holiday. The intention of the organizers was to have some students participate in cultural performances prior to marching through the streets of St. Maarten.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams implored and encouraged the students to live up to the St. Maarten's Day theme "Respect" while respecting the colors of the St. Maarten Flag.
Minister of Education and Culture Rhoda Arrindell thanked the organizers for organizing Wednesday's event. Dr. Arrindell also commended the persons who took the initiative to involve the Primary School students in the St. Maarten Day celebrations.
Discouraging for the teachers and organizers on Wednesday was when they had to cancel most of the items on their programme due to a power outage from GEBE.
The students and teachers then marched through Long Wall Road on to Front Street and headed towards the Government Administration Building where they sang a few patriotic songs. On hand to witness the performance at the Administration Building were Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Deputy Prime Minister Theodore Heyliger, Minister of Education and Culture Rhoda Arrindell, Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto, and Minister of Economic Affairs Franklin Meyers.

Click here to see more photos of the Primary School St. Maarten Day Celebrations.

Philipsburg:--- Three members of the National Alliance Faction in parliament have submitted an urgent request to Parliament to address the massive layoff at the Pelican Resort.
Management of the Resort sent home over 100 workers last week when they heard that the Appellate Court ruled in their favor. According to media reports, the Managing Director of Pelican Resort informed the workers that the Resort is not obliged to employ them due to the outcome of the court case and those workers who are still interested in working for the Resort should sign the six month contract the Resort is offering.
At the helm of the labor dispute is Member of Parliament Jules James who was criticized on a number of occasions by his colleagues for his insensitiveness.

Groningen, The Netherlands:--- Police recovered the body of Joaquim Richards (24) in a pond in Noorderplantsoen on Friday midday reported a Dutch News agency. Joaquim Richards is the son of St. Maarten's former Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.
Police in the Netherlands confirmed the body they recovered on Friday midday is in fact that of Joaquim Richards Friday night. The younger Richards went missing on October 20th 2011. A relative of the young man along with his father who is currently in the Netherlands have been looking for Joaquim.
According to the news reports in Netherlands, the young man's body was found by walker who was at the time in the park. Divers secured the body and moved it to a nearby morgue. Police said they have no idea how the body reached the pond and they have since launched an investigation into the disappearance and subsequent death of Joaquim Richards.

Click here to view the recovery of Joaquim Richards's body in the Netherlands.

Philipsburg:--- The Postal Services of St. Maarten (PSS) now one month in operation is still low on stamps confirmed PSS Director Denicio Richardson. In an interview with SMN News, Richardson acknowledge that PSS was having some issues with one of its carriers to the United States but that issue has already been resolved.
Several persons contacted SMN News claiming that they are not able to post letters to overseas (international destinations) but Richardson refuted that claim saying that letters for all destinations can be posted at the Philipsburg Post Office. The PSS Director also produced some stamps that are sold at the Post Office bearing the name St. Maarten. Richardson further explained that PSS has a shortage of stamps and that wholesalers are not able to purchase the amount of stamps they need to resell.
On another note, the Postal Services St. Maarten Director also explained that he is working feverishly to add more services to the Post Office. Richardson said one of the services that will be added before the Christmas Season is the Money Gram and probably EZone.

Philipsburg:--- The Minister of Education and Culture Dr. Rhoda Arrindell cannot help but display arrogance at the members of the media when she is asked for explanations. On several occasions the Minister of Education would go after the media claiming that reporters on St. Maarten do not seek the truth or both sides of a story but whenever she is asked for explanations the Minister would display arrogance and become very defensive.
SMN News asked Minister Arrindell if she had the final figure for the cost of the St. Maarten's Day festivities and even though the celebrations are over the Minister said she did not have the figures, she further explained that the committee did not meet to discuss the final figures.
SMN News also asked the Minister why she never sings the national song of St. Maarten "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land". Instead of giving a straight explanation, Minister Arrindell who already said that St. Maarten does not have a National Anthem also refused to acknowledge that "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" is considered as the National Song of St. Maarten. After a bit of tit for tat, the Minister then explained that she is 45 years old and has never sang the song in her lifetime since "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" does not speak to her as an individual. Minister Arrindell said she does not know how to sing and she believes that her choice of singing or not is her private right as a citizen.
Minister Arrindell said as the Minister of Culture she has a duty and responsibility to execute certain things, but she does not have a responsibility or duty to sing. Singing she said falls under the realm of the private rights of a citizen. "I dance to music but I don't dance to every song that people play, I dance to the ones that speak to my soul and I think that this is what music is meant to do. I tap my feet because the music is really good music but I really cannot sing."
SMN News referred to "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" as the national song of St. Maarten, however, the Minister asked if there was a national song for St. Maarten. For the sake of clarity, it must be noted that when a foreigner obtains his or her Dutch Nationality on St. Maarten they are presented with a CD by the Governor of St. Maarten. On that CD which has on its cover, "The National Anthem" has two songs, the Wilhelmus and Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land. It is now very clear that while the Minister of Education and Culture said that St. Maarten does not have a National Anthem and National song then it is only fitting for her to tell the people of this great nation why "Oh Sweet St. Maarten Land" is on the "National Anthem" CD that is presented to new Dutch nationals.

...

Great Bay:--- "The biggest St. Martin Day ever!" is how Glenfield Gipson gleefully described the only annual "official" island-wide celebration. St. Martin Day celebrates the nation's historical unity and the cultural dynamism of all of its people as One St. Martin Family.
Radio personality Gipson was speaking to the eager listeners of the long-running Adventures in Book Land children's program on November 12. It was the day after St. Martin Day.
Well into the week following the complex of festivities led by Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs – with what turned out to be an irrepressible committee put together by her ministry, St. Martin Day 2011 is still the talk of the town.
The committee, which from an almost too calm-looking start rose undaunted to the occasion to make a nation proud, consisted of Fabiana Arnell, Urmain "Youmay" Dormoy, Lisa Coffi, Thierry Gumbs, Cassandra Janssen, Maria van Heyningen, and its chairman Neville York.
The St. Martin Day talk is still about the Unity Parade, numbering, according to parade manager Dormoy, no less than 1,000 participants, which fashioned a mass exuberance of colors, sound, and "look people" that claimed the Frontstreet and WJA Nisbeth Road like a spectacular flood tide.
The talk is about the non-stop "who put that together so, boy" performances on the Festival Village stage. The talk is about how people just kept coming to the village, filling the place to the brim, as if folks were on some sort of a pilgrim's progress to find an imaginative homeground to be with each other (it doesn't escape me for a second that this Village in located on the Great Salt Pond, historical Cradle of the Nation).
The "talk" will continue and vary until overtaken very soon by the coming year-end holidays. Whatever challenges the organizers might have faced, on St. Martin Day these were dwarfed by the sheer magnitude of excitement and variety of activities and movement of thousands of people generated and sustained from morning to midnight, to the burst of fireworks signaling the end of the beloved day.
Michael Ferrier once told of flying up the Caribbean chain one Old Year's night and how, looking out the small plane's window, he could see that St. Martin was the only island "spitting fire" into the sky around midnight.
I inject the "spitting fire" imagery to say that, while New Year's Eve in St. Martin is nothing to trifle with, (and it is yet to dawn on us), it can be wagered that as far as joyous and spectacular mass gatherings in one general public place go, there would be only three major festivals of record nation-wide for 2011. Mardi Gras, St. Maarten Carnival, and St. Martin Day.
For an island with a fervent festive and entertainment culture "tha' doan sleep" (starting way before the tourism boom, back then with barely over 8,000 people); and now with a population of arguably over 100,000 people (including unregistered folks), St. Martin Day 2011 has made massive history.
Talking of making history, a defining high point of the nation's day was the presentation of the first St. Martin Day Cultural Awards by Minister Rhoda Arrindell to six outstanding artists.
What was genuinely impressive about the awardees is that 99% of them have long been working fulltime in their fields. This is a profoundly telling socioeconomic aspect of a toughly gained progress on this island, in areas without an abundance of classic benefactors, major investors or political godfathers.
Shujah Reiph and I often speak of a certain courage among artists, particularly those in entertainment who risk it all, while raising their families, to work full time in the hotel, casino, restaurant, and concert circuit. Pioneers like the late "Butcher" and Ray Anthony Thomas, Sr. and those who picked up the gauntlet between the late eighties and into the mid-1990s like King Beau Beau, come to mind.
This first batch of honorees of the award that will hopefully become an institution of distinction, has set a high bar by their continuing in-the-field productivity, consistently growing professionalism, and creative excellence.
The award itself is a sort of crowning glory to this unprecedented St. Martin Day celebration, and to the historical spirit of a day that, if it is still reaching for its fullest meaning, is reaching for a natural destiny of all nations: "sovereign equality." Here the applause for the decision to respond to a clear and consistent message encapsulated in the day's theme, for the very triumphant St. Martin Day 2011, goes to the people.
Minister Arrindell has been refreshingly consistent too since taking office in October 2010, and not without prickled controversy. Her statements; the unaccustomed sobering addresses in Parliament; and what might be a Promethean task of orienting policy to the critical developmental meaning and liberating role of culture and education, seeks to test and advance the territory's limited autonomous status.
Language, education, "national symbols" are no longer hidden or play-safe issues. If this alone would be her legacy, hurrah!
Beyond the territory's borders is Dr. Arrindell's open embracing, as a true St. Martin daughter of new birth, recent arrival or long lineage should do, of the island's people as one nation. Her language is culture and not the colony's language of political schizophrenia that Frantz Fanon so expertly forewarned us all about. This latter position of Dr. Arrindell, precedes her taking office by some 20 years.
There is a sense that it is really the comingling of these positions at governmental level that are troubling to some, causing some detractors to call Rhoda out of her name, some with passive aggressive tones and others taking open potshots, try to malign her family's working people's pedigree and village (a no-no in Traditional St. Martin ethics).
But Dr. Arrindell comes in the spitfire tradition of Caribbean womanhood. She can pick up, train, and take home children from weekly volleyball practice with the same "flow" that she so elegantly represented the territory's associate membership of UNESCO last month.
This St. Martin Day Cultural Award has all the markings of the minister's consistency thus far. To genuinely invest in the working ethos and striving for excellence in culture, education, and sports; harness progressive traditions that are usually and purposely marginalized by the establishment; and embrace as a natural way of life a cultural vision of "One Island, One People, One Destiny."
Here Dr. Arrindell can speak for herself: "The activities of this day would have been incomplete if we did not ... recognize and honor some of our cultural workers for their outstanding work."
The minister then proceeded to grant the first St. Martin Day Cultural Awards to six leading artistes on the Festival Village stage on November 11 as the St Martin Day activities warmed up to a crescendo.
Broadway star, Nicole de Weever, who was named St. Martin Cultural Ambassador on World Tourism Day in 2009, was honored again for her groundbreaking work in dance. De Weever is a featured dancer in the award-winning, Broadway hit musical, FELA! Her sister received the award on her behalf since she is at present on tour with this much-applauded production.
Clara Reyes, another dancer, renowned choreographer and teacher, who founded one of the island's leading dance schools, the Imbali Center for Dance and Creative Movement, was the next recipient of the St. Martin Day Cultural Award. Reyes, whose name has become synonymous with dance on the island, had also been honored earlier this year by Queen Beatrix of the Dutch kingdom.
Leading the next four awardees – all musicians – was Lino Hughes, "Founder and bandleader of the legendary group, Lino and the Hardways, which took the entire region by storm in the 80s," according to his citation. The citation added that "Lino Hughes also wrote the inspirational song, 'St. Martin is My Home' from which the theme of this year's St. Martin Day celebration – 'One island, One People, One Destiny' is taken."
The Youth Wave Band, celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, was praised for its "staying power" and for being "trail-blazers with their innovative sound." Led by Patricio "Patou" Piper, the band has produced such big hits as "Move to the right, move to the left," "Big truck," and "Reverse" among a long list. Alex Piper received the St. Martin Day Cultural Award from Minister Rhoda Arrindell on behalf of the band.
Celebrating his 35th year in the field of kaiso, Clement "Kaiso Brat" Richards received the St. Martin Day Cultural Award "For a lifetime of outstanding contribution to the art form of Kaiso." Brat, also known as "Emperor Brat" and "Mr Lyrics," was the founder of the "legendary Cool Creations, out of which came so many other frontline St. Martin musicians," according to his citation.
Finally came Isidore "The Mighty Dow" York, considered one of the most honored artistes on the island. Dow was cited for his "consistency, dedication, innovation, and pride in his work." His citation read in part that "Dow struck gold with his St. Maarten Rumba, the only song by a St. Martiner to have been nominated for a Grammy Award, the Latin Grammy Award." People still remember his 15th Anniversary concert dubbed, "How Great Dow Art" held at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium. Dow this year also received an international Lifetime Achievement Award in Trinidad, along with the Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow.
According to Minister Rhoda Arrindell, "what is common to all of the awardees is their undeniable talent, their commitment to excellence and the pride they have always shown in their island wherever they may be performing."
The Minister further explained that "The St. Martin Day Cultural Awards is a simple way of saying thank you to all of them, on behalf of the people of St. Martin, for doing us proud."
"It is a token of love and appreciation, on my part, as Minister of Culture," Dr. Rhoda Arrindell added.
Take a bow, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell; take a bow the St. Martin Day Organizing Committee and the six well-honored sons and daughters of this Sweet Land.

Philipsburg:--- Four of the eight suspects in the Vesuvius investigation who were arrested were led before the judge of instruction on Friday, confirmed Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos. The judge considered their arrest and subsequent custody lawful. The suspects will be kept in custody for eight more days as the investigation continues. The suspect who was arrested last week in connection with this investigation was also remanded in pre-trial detention for 8 days by the judge of instruction.
Mos said questions have been raised on the name of the investigation: "Vesuvius". Police usually give names to large scale investigations. These names are unbiased and picked from a list of names that have a predetermined topic: rivers, plants, fish, mountains and this time: volcanoes. Earlier this year, smaller investigations as part of a large scale investigation were named after volcanoes. This time Vesuvius was next on the list.

Philipsburg:--- Local Model Yulanda Gentle's photo adorned the front page of Courier-Life Publications Inc. Caribbean Life, Brooklyn, New York/Staten Island weekly paper in connection with St. Thomas Fashion Week.
Caribbean Life which is located in Brooklyn New York is part of the Community Newspaper Group. New York City represents the single largest population of Caribbean people outside of the Caribbean Islands, and for 20-years, the voice of New York's Caribbean community has been Caribbean Life.
The Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation Inc. Director Arthur Lugisse said he is very pleased with the coverage that Model Yulanda Gentle has received regarding her performance at U.S. Virgin Islands Fashion Week. Gentle won Direct Music TV America' s 2011 Caribbean Model & Bikini Event that was held on August 27 in St. Maarten.
Yulanda Gentle; the 5'9, dark skinned beauty winner of the Direct Music TV America's 2011 Caribbean Model Search; as the winner, her prize was to represent her beautiful island at the Virgin Island Fashion Week.
The 24-year-old model is preparing to go to New York, but the details of her trip are still to be finalized.
"Yulanda Gentle has a bright future ahead. As you can see, she is already making waves in New York from the recent Caribbean Life publication of week November 11-17, 2011 edition. We are working diligently with other parties to bring about Gentle's participation in events in New York," Director Arthur Lugisse said on Sunday.

Growing demand for the cultural St. Martin ID-Card and especially for less bureaucracy in the process, has led to a simplification.
Consequently, no longer, will it be necessary for applicants to provide an official (notarial) statement, confirming their roots to the island of St.Maarten/St.Martin dating back to the Landmark Year of 1963 or before.
In fact, the new procedure will allow for the applicants themselves to prove such, by filling out a simplified application-form and returning it to the office of the organization.
Approval for the ID-card, will be therefore mainly based on the information provided by the applicant him-/herself.
Once the application-form has been filled out, it can be sent in the the office via email, fax or mailbox or otherwise.
To make it even easier to obtain an application-form, copies can be made of the form (See attachment) or can be picked up from a number of yet to be listed addresses.
In filling out the forms, the following caveat should also be taken seriously into consideration.
While the process is based on trust, that the correct information will be provided by applicants, every application is subject to internal verification by our office.
Consequently, false information will lead to the application being rejected.
In addition, even if a card has already been given out and subsequent investigation proves that false information was provided in the process by applicant, the card can be publicly revoked using our website, once it is up and running properly.
As of December 1, 2011, or possibly earlier the process will officially start.
Again for the record.
The Cultural St. Martin ID-card can be issued based on either one's proven St.Maarten/St.Martin heritage (roots) to 1963 or before or it can be issued to non-St.Martiners based on merit, honorary recognition and having an added value for the island and its people.
Those falling in the last group, need not filling out our forms.
Either they are recommended and they can apply themselves.
For more information contact Leopold JAMES.

Click here to view/download application form.

Philipsburg:--- An inspector from the department of Public Works (VROMI) was arrested early Wednesday morning by local detectives. Reliable information reaching SMN News states that detectives arrested Shirnon Trinidad at the Belvedere Community Center while he was participating in a class.
Sources say that at least five investors filed complaints against Trinidad for making certain deals with them which they paid him for but he could not deliver what he promised the investors. The source said the investors filed the complaint with someone at the Health Department and that person filed the complaint with the relevant Minister and police. The source said that at least one more inspector from the department is under the police radar as they continue to investigate the corruption case. SMN News further understands that Trinidad and the other inspector from VROMI works closely and they are also good friends.
SMN News further learnt that the head of the Inspection Department always had suspicion over Trinidad due to his behavior. It is not known if the department head ever reported his subordinate to his superiors.

SMN News learnt that Shirnon Trinidad just recently began working at VROMI and he was aiming at the department head's position. Wednesday's arrest is not the first of its kind. Some two years ago a similar incident took place and one of VROMI's inspectors was also arrested.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that the police are busy investigating a corruption case and the suspect was arrested.

It should be noted that the SOAB indicated in their report that corruption was widespread within the department of VROMI. SOAB made specific referrence to the inspectors at the inpection department which they said were making shady deals with investors.

Cole Bay:--- A female unlicensed driver reversed a Ford F-150 truck into the Caribbean Auto Sales showroom on Thursday night, smashing the entire glass showcase.
Information reaching SMN News states that a Blackdog tow truck carried the vehicle to Caribbean Auto to be fixed. One eyewitness said the driver of the tow truck parked across from Caribbean Auto Sales and asked a woman of Dominicano decent to park the vehicle in the Caribbean Auto Sales parking lot. "The woman put the vehicle into reverse and drove the truck straight into the brand new show room which was recently inaugurated by its owners." The eyewitness said the woman appeared to be wearing a pair of slippers at the time of the incident and it got stuck between the gas pedal which prevented her from bringing the vehicle to a stop. SMN News further learnt that the female driver does not have a drivers license and it is not yet clear why the driver of the Blackdog tow truck instructed the woman to park the vehicle.

On November 22, 2011, NAGICO Holdings Ltd. completed the acquisition of the shares of British American Insurance Company N.V., Curacao, including its subsidiary British American Insurance Company (Aruba) N.V. and branch operations on Bonaire and St. Maarten. British American currently has over 18,000 individual policy holders in the Dutch Caribbean. CEO of the NAGICO Group, Mr. Imran McSood-Amjad, confirmed that the acquisition is in line with NAGICO's continued strategic expansion throughout the Caribbean. "Our insurance portfolio will be bolstered with a sizeable Life Insurance division, with the combined expertise of the staff and management of both companies. I am delighted that most of the policy holders of British American kept their policies in force while the parent company of British American experienced difficulties and we are now happy to welcome them under the NAGICO umbrella. Most of the staff and agents also remained loyal and I look forward to counting them among the NAGICO family". British American will be headed by Managing Director Drs. J. Oosterwaal, who brings a long track record as a Life Insurance expert, having served in senior capacities in Holland, Asia and the Americas.
Mr. McSood-Amjad continued: "In the short-term, we will work towards integrating the NAGICO and British American operations. Over time, clients will be able to benefit from a wider range of insurance solutions as the product portfolio will be expanded. The product range will include Life, Pension, Health as well as Property and Casualty insurance". NAGICO is a dynamic group of companies with insurance operations on 16 territories across the Dutch, English and French Caribbean and plans are to expand to at least 19 territories by the end of 2012. The NAGICO Group now writes premiums of over USD 100 million and has total assets of over USD 125 million and the general insurance group operations carry the prestigious AM Best B++ rating. British American Insurance Company N.V. policy holders will shortly be informed directly on the benefits the acquisition will have for them and the operational transformation they may expect.

Philipsburg:--- Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte who is currently off island attending the 80th Session of Interpol in Hanoi, Vietnam announced that the St. Maarten Police Force is now a member of the Interpol.
"We can proudly announce that on Monday after the presentation of Mr. de Witte at the General Assembly, which was a very important moment at this conference, the country of Sint Maarten was unanimously accepted as an independent member of Interpol, by the other 188 country-members, making Sint Maarten the 189th member."
De Witte said the acceptance to Interpol is a great achievement for country Sint Maarten in its relentless battle against crime. An Interpol Office on Sint Maarten definitely means international communication with all other country-members regarding many criminal issues, such as identifying of escaped convicts and suspects, the expertise in large scale investigations, carrying out international search warrants and the access to the database of the other country-members, concerning issues such as stolen motor vehicles and false documents.
Becoming a member of Interpol gives Sint Maarten an edge in being able to intercept criminals before entering this country, creating a safer environment for the community and tourists who visit our island.
As they say: "Security begins at our borders," De Witte said.

Airport:--- The Royal Family comprising of Queen Beatrix, her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, and his wife Princess Máxima received a warm welcome when they touched down at the Princess Juliana International Airport on Thursday morning. The aircraft carrying the Royal Family touched down at 10:30am. At the airport to welcome and greet the Royal Family was Governor drs. Eugene Holiday along with first lady Marie Louise Holiday and Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams.
Queen Beatrix stepped on to the red carpet greeted the St. Maarten Officials before inspecting the guards of honor. At the Airport, the Wilhelmus and the St. Maarten song were played before a bouquet of flowers was handed to Queen Beatrix by Naomi Selena Kemble of Oranje School and Princess Maxima by Tyrese Shemar McBeancoutar of St. Joseph School.
The Royal family then greeted the President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell shortly before leaving the Airport to go to Philipsburg.
Along the roadside from Simpson Bay to Philipsburg several school children lined up waving St. Maarten flags and the orange balloon as the Royal Family passed. The St. Maarten Police Force accompanied by the BAVOL were seen throughout the streets of St. Maarten as security was elevated to the highest level for the official visit of the Royal Family.
When the entourage arrived in Philipsburg the Royal Family was taken to the Governor's mansion before they were brought to the Government Administration Building. Students of the Oranje School lined up in front of the Government Administration Building where they welcomed the Royal Family and waved St. Maarten flags. At the Government Administration Building, the Royal Family along with Governor drs. Eugene Holiday met with the Council of Ministers for about twenty minutes. Media personnel were barred from entering or taking any photographs of the official meeting with the Council of Ministers.
When the meeting with the Government Officials concluded the Royal family led by Queen Beatrix came on to the balcony of the Government Building and waved to the large crowd that gathered outside of the government building to get a glimpse of the Royal Family.

The Royal Family was then taken to the Mental Health Foundation in Cay Hill where Queen Beatrix officially opened the new facility by unveiling the plaque. At the Mental Health Facility, Minister of Health Cornelius De Weever was on hand to receive Her Majesty, and her son Crown Prince Willem Alexander and his wife Princess Maxima. The Royal Family was given a tour of the facility before they were escorted to the Emilio Wilson Park to meet with the environmental foundations. At Emilio Wilson's Park, the young, old, and the middle aged gathered there to get a glimpse of the Royal family. Presentations were made by the St. Maarten Pride Foundation Jadira Veen, Nature Foundation Ruben Thompson and Jay Haviser of SIMARC.
Veen explained the Royal family some of the activities that are being carried out by the St. Maarten Pride Foundation, while Haviser spoke of SIMARC students and the archaeological projects they have worked on thus far. Her Majesty and Princess Maxima engaged in conversations with the students of SIMARC. They asked questions one of which focused on the kind of support these students get from their parents regarding archaeology and the environment.
Students of the Sundial School presented the best display on Thursday for the Royal Family. The organizers of the institution had well set tables set up to display the restaurant of the Sundial School, while in the corridor there were students conducting facials, while others performing manicures and pedicures.
Besides the curriculum that was displayed at the learning institution, students of the Sundial School also engaged in a cultural manifestation which captured the attention of the Royal Family.

National Manifestation --- Embracing St. Maarten's Tradition.

The highlight of the day's activities took place at the Clem Labega Square where students of the Imbali Center for Creative Movements, Motiance Dance School, Dance Theatre of St. Maarten, Tanny and the Boys, Tiny and the Boys, The Bottle Neck Crew, and the Soualiga Capoeria entertained the Royal Family.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams addressed the Royal Family of St. Maarten's current situation after achieving separate status a year ago.
At the end of the official program, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix made sure she thanked the performers for the entertainment they provided the Royal Family. They also mingled with the students of Imbali, Motiance Dance Schools as well as the Capoeria stilt walkers.
It must be noted that St. Maarten is the only place thus far that gave the Royal Family a hearty welcome without protesting. At each location, the Royal Family received a hearty welcome with a planned program. However, media personnel were barred from entering the meetings. Her Majesty held meetings with the Governor of St. Maarten and the Prime Minister. SMN News learnt that DCOMM personnel were not even allowed to take photographs of the meetings. One source said committee member Marcel Gumbs blocked DCOMM workers from entering the meetings saying that based on protocol no one is supposed to record or repeat what her Majesty says on her working visits.

Click here to view photos of the Royal Family visit to St. Maarten 1. 

Click here to view photos of the Royal Family visit to St. Maarten 2.

Click here to view photos of the Royal Family visit to St. Maarten 3.

Click here to view photos of the Royal Family visit to St. Maarten 4.

Bush Road:--- Despite the heavy and constant rain on Sunday evening supporters and organizers of the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant persisted with the show so that the three young ladies who participated could have been rewarded. Organizer Nzinga Lake said that initially nine contestants signed up for the pageant but six of them dropped out due to the lack of funding and sponsorship. Lake said some of the girls were also not sufficiently encouraged. In the end, the three contestants that remained worked hard to make the first ever Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant a success, Lake said.
The three contestants were Kiara Meyers, Shendrica Daal, and Shaniqua Jeffrey. The contestants were asked to display their talent and to research someone in St. Maarten's history. Shendrica Daal did extensive research on Madame Fleming who resides on the French side, Shaniqua Jeffry portrayed the late Alberic Richards who was a sportsman and politician while Kiara Meyers focused on the late Dr. Claude Wathey who first championed Independence for St. Maarten.
As for their careers, Shendrica wants to become a teacher, Shaniqua wants to be a doctor that will find a cure for all diseases especially breast cancer while Kiara wants to become a neurologist.
As for presentation and information, it was clear that Jeffry worked hard and she made a lasting impression on those that braved the rain, while Kiara was clearly the crowd's favorite.
The five judges were Minerva Dormoy from the French side Culture Department, Sherilda Hodge, Islet Moskhan, Lyzette Carty and Mickey Gee.
The judges awarded Miss Amity to Shandrica Daal, while Miss Photogenic went to Shaniqua Jeffry, and Miss Popularity to Kiara Meyers. Best talent and best national hero went Shaniqua Jeffry, while best introduction went to Kiara Meyers. Meyers also won the prize for the most creative wear and best princess wear.
Kiara Meyers was also declared Little Miss St. Maarten Queen, Shaniqua Jeffry first runner up, and Shendrica Daal second runner up.
The results of the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant shocked many that attended the show including Shaniqua who burst into tears when it was announced that she was awarded the first runner up.
The three contestants received a crown, a bouquet of flowers, trophies for each category they won and several other prizes. The Queen of the night walked away with a laptop, 2012 school fees, $100 worth of school supplies, and a round trip ticket.

Click here to see more photos of the Little Miss St. Maarten Pageant.

Philipsburg:--- Joel Fraser, the boyfriend of the late Latoya Bryson who died as a result of electrocution last week has decided to break his silence while grieving the sudden loss of his girlfriend of six years.
Relatives of the late Latoya Bryson have been accusing Fraser of killing their relative even though the police department and doctor on the scene said that the death of Latoya Bryson is a clear case of electrocution. Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said on Sunday that police gathered enough evidence to show that Bryson was electrocuted. However, his office has decided to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and to make sure the young woman indeed died of electrocution and to rule out foul play.
In an interview with SMN News, the distraught and grieving Fraser said that he lived with Latoya Bryson for some six years and the last night they spent together was one of the best nights since they were together. The young man said the night before his girlfriend lost her life, he picked her up and they were fooling around and having fun. That night he said they went to bed late and the following morning, Latoya woke him up because they were both late for work. "Latoya shook me a number of times and said baby get up, get up we are late, when I got up and realized that we were in fact very late I told Latoya to go and take her shower first while I was going to iron her clothes. Latoya washes her face with lots of products and that takes time so I wanted her to shower first because after that she had to do her hair. While ironing her clothes, I heard a sound pop, pop, and then I heard something fall. When I heard that I called out for Latoya twice and when she did not answer I went to see what had happened. As I got into the bedroom it was in darkness and so was the bathroom. Latoya was on the floor of the bathroom and water was pouring. I jumped into the bathroom to see what happened to her and when I could not get a response I came outside and requested help from the neighbors. I panicked and I was desperate to get her up so I tried giving her CPR while one of the neighbors called the ambulance. When they came they told me the doctor was coming and I thought they were going to help her but it was sometime after someone told me that Latoya died," Fraser said.
The young man further explained that he was questioned by the police but was never detained. "I told the police what I know. I did not see what happened and I am sure the investigation that is being conducted by the police will vindicate me. Fraser said that he believes that Latoya plugged in the curling iron so it could heat up while she was taking her shower and somehow the electrical cord ended up in the water and that was how she got shocked. He said Latoya was in the habit of plugging in the iron while she takes her shower so that it could be hot when she is done showering. "That is the only thing I believe happened and I did not see the electrical cord in the water because the place was in total darkness but one of the neighbors saw it when he came to help me. There were two men who came in the house and one of them was looking at her naked body and I grabbed a sheet and covered her and I even asked the guy not to look at my girlfriend like that."
Fraser said he is sure that he will be vindicated because he did not hurt his girlfriend and he is not responsible in any way for her demise.

The Real Latoya Bryson.

Latoya Bryson is known in the St. Maarten community as a friendly and loving young woman. She was an employee of the harbor, Penha Perfumes, Caribbean Cash and Megaplex. However, Joel Fraser claims that he is the only one who knew the real Latoya Bryson and for years he said he covered for her and only some months ago revealed some truths about his girlfriend to her relatives including her mother. "I could not take it anymore and I needed to find help for her so I spoke to her relatives and some close friends of mine."
Fraser said he did not want to expose his late girlfriend's past but he is terribly hurt by the allegations that are made against him. Furthermore, he said, since the incident, relatives of the late Latoya Bryson have threatened his life even in the presence of police. "Some people even went to my job looking for me so I need to let people know what I was dealing with."
Fraser said Latoya was a compulsive gambler and one who was addicted to gambling. "Latoya stole between ten to fifteen thousand dollars from Penha Perfumes and blew the monies out in casinos. When her employers found out and were about to call police, that was when Latoya called me to say she was sorry and that she would get locked up. The owner of Penha liked Latoya and so instead of filing a complaint and having her locked up he made a payment agreement so that Latoya could pay him back his monies. Up to the day of her demise, Latoya was still paying that money back. She also had a number of people take out loans for her while I was constantly giving her monies to pay back her debts. Several persons in the community can come forward because they all tried to help Latoya by taking loans for her. She committed forgery while working at Caribbean Cash for someone who took out a loan for her and she was fired. Fraser said his girlfriend just recently got a job at the harbor as a tour guide while she also worked at the movies. "I am the one who was paying all the bills where we were living. I met Latoya there so I would give her the rent monies and many times Latoya did not pay the rent, she gambled the monies out and I had to borrow money or pawn all my stuff to get out of the situation while covering for Latoya. Fraser maintained that he loved Latoya and for that reason he would call her constantly to monitor her. Besides that, he said due to her gambling habits and the constant struggle to get out of financial predicaments they were always fighting and screaming at each other. "Some months ago she moved out and went to her mother's house because she felt that I wanted to control her but I had to because of the amount of people Latoya owed. My chain, games, and other personal items are in the pawn shop because of Latoya. I bought a car and put it in both of our names because she had nothing and for her to get a bit of collateral I put the car in both of our of names, now her relatives have taken the car without my permission and are driving it. It was after Latoya moved out she admitted to me that she had a gambling problem and that she would seek help and that is how we got back together. "I told Latoya to pay her debts, work and pay the people you owe, while I pay the rent, GEBE, buy food, and everything else. I told her mother about this some months ago and I even confronted her in the home of a close friend," Fraser explained.
The young man also showed SMN News several SMS messages where he pleaded with Latoya to stop borrowing monies and most importantly told her she should stop gambling.

On Sunday November 6th around 10:30PM the Dutch side of St. Maarten experienced a blackout, when the GEBE power plant was suddenly shut down by the over current protective system of the power plant.
While in operation power plant, a short circuit suddenly occurred in the main High Voltage Busbar system. This resulted in an excessive over current. The protective devices of the power plant upon sensing the excessive overcurrent reacted and shut down all the production units, in order to protect the production units from damage, which consequently resulted in a blackout.
After inspection of the situation, the personnel of the power plant noticed that one of the High Voltage switch gear of the main high voltage buss bar system had suffered damages due to the short circuit.
Further analysis revealed that critical components of the high voltage Switch Gear was damaged and had to be replaced. This reconditioning and replacement is a time consuming process, reason why the outage took quite some time.
Upon completion of repair work the startup procedure commenced and power was restored at 2:28AM to first district. The restoration process continued until power to the last district was restored at 3:52AM.
We regret this unfortunate occurrence and apologize for the inconvenience caused to all our consumers. However, we assure the public that GEBE is making effort to ensure a stable as possible power supply to the island.

Philipsburg:--- Several organizations, foundations and foreign denominations responded to the call of the organizers of the St. Maarten's Day activities and participated in the unity parade on Friday afternoon. Revelers from several organizations dressed in their cultural costumes and participated with pride as they waved the St. Maarten flag through the streets of St. Maarten and danced to the drum bands. It was a clear sign of patriotism among the native St. Maarteners and those that made St. Maarten their home. Despite the economic hardship at this time of the year, several persons and organizations invested heavily in costumes and flags for this St. Maarten's Day.
Among those that marched through Front Street were the Capoeira Stilt Walkers, the Generations New Status, SIMARC, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, the St. Maarten Nurses Association, the Red Cross, the St. Lucians Pitions, the Best Hair Care Groups, the Chinese Association, the Indian Merchants Association, the Pilipino Association, Marigot Brass Band, Students of the Sister Basilia Center, Les Explorateurs, the Museum, and Marigot Scouts were among several other groups that participated in the unity march. The march started at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, through Front Street and unto Pondfill road before making their way to the Festival Village. It was clear that this year's St. Maarten's Day activities was one of the best organized in recent years.
Residents and visitors alike stormed the Festival Village where the activities were being held. While St. Maarten's Day celebrations are known for political speeches and promises, this year politicians from both sides stuck to the theme "One Island, One People, One Destiny."
While the organizers had one full week of events planned for the celebration of the 2011 St. Maarten's Day. Friday was the only successful day for the week. Throughout the week, all activities including Kaisorama were hampered by the constant power outages on the Dutch side. However, the booth holders could not complain on Friday as the Festival Village was packed to its capacity.

Click here to view more photos of the Unity Parade 1.
Click here to view more photos of the Unity Parade 2.

Philipsburg:--- Two young St. Maarten men were arrested early Saturday morning when they were caught with two handguns in their vehicle. The suspects identified as J.R. (21) and A.J. (24) were arrested after police were tipped off that that the two men were in possession of the weapons and sitting in their vehicle next to the parking area of Déjà vu Night Club. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police were told that the two men were in a white car parked next to the night club.

Henson said when the suspects saw police the driver stepped out of the vehicle and attempted to walk away while the other man remained in the car. Police ordered the driver to stand still and they ordered the second man to get out of the vehicle. The officers then proceeded to search the vehicle and they found a Glock .45 caliber pistol and a revolver INA NAC (Brazil) .35 caliber. Police immediately arrested the two men upon finding the weapons which they confiscated.
Police also found a small plastic bag containing marijuana which they confiscated.
The two suspects were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for processing and it was discovered that an arrest warrant was out for J.R. who is suspected of being involved in an armed robbery.

Great Bay:--- Representing what is new or canonical in Caribbean Literature is probably getting more difficult as the region's national literatures continue to produce more writers within the various countries and territories.
But independent Cuban scholar Emilio Jorge Rodríguez recently went to one of Venezuela's prestigious universities to do just that.
"I was invited to give lectures during two weeks in October to the Master of Arts program on Ibero-American Literature, headed by Professor Arnaldo Valero at the Instituto de Investigaciones Literarias Gonzalo Picón Febres, of the Universidad de los Andes in Mérida, Venezuela," said Rodríguez on Sunday.
"As my last lecture in Mérida was about Lasana M. Sekou, they decided to launch Corazón de pelícano" on October 14, said Rodriguez.
And that is how the St. Martin book Pelican Heart – An Anthology of Poems by Lasana M. Sekou/ Corazón de pelícano – Antología poética de Lasana M. Sekou was launched as a contemporary example of Caribbean Literature at the University of the Andes (ULA).
In addition to the copies bought by students and other guests, review copies of the book was "presented to professors and researchers at ULA who would make use of it in the classroom and in their studies of Caribbean and Latin American literatures," said Rodríguez.
ULA is the second-oldest university in Venezuela, dating back to 1810; and ranks among "the top 30 research institutions in Latin America." (wikipedia.com)
The ULA request for the Pelican Heart launch allowed Rodríguez to continue his introduction of the St. Martin author to Hispanic audiences.
Rodríguez is the editor of Pelican Heart/Corazón de pelícano (HNP, 2010), in which all of the poems are translated to Spanish by Maria Teresa Ortega from the original English. The editor wrote the critical introduction to the 432-page book. There's an extensive bibliography by the editor and the poet explaining a number of words, terms, symbols, names, dates, and language fragments in the poems.
At the ULA lectures Rodríguez focused critically on performance poetry and what he terms the "oraliture" of a region that has produced a stellar number of world-class authors, across its different language zones, in a short historical period, and in a relatively very small geographic space.
Rodríguez included video clips of writers, poets, and storytellers he discussed as central to the graduate class theme: Kamau Brathwaite (Barbados), Linton Kwesi Johnson (UK), Mutabaruka (Jamaica), Paul Keens-Douglas (Trinidad & Tobago), Louise Bennett (Jamaica), Elis Juliana (Curacao), Mikey Smith (Jamaica), and Sekou (St. Martin).
The Pelican Heart collection, which Italian literary critic Dr. Sara Florian calls "an election" of Sekou's poems from 1978 to 2010, has been previously launched with critical introductions in Barbados, Cuba, and Mexico.
A book signing for Pelican Heart was held in St. Martin last February at the Jubilee Library as part of the Tribute to the Great Salt Pond concert by Sekou (poetry) and Nicole de Weever (dance).

Simpson Bay:--- The Emergency Evacuation Drill at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) was seamlessly executed on November 22, 2011.
This was the first time that the emergency evacuation drill was conducted by Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company NV (PJIAE) at the terminal building since it was inaugurated in 2006.
The hour-long exercise called for the evacuation of all staff and management of PJIA and the businesses and services at the airport, along with all travelers and visitors to the airport from about 9:05 a.m.
Within minutes the building was mostly evacuated save for the handful of safety officers who stayed behind to "sweep" the building (last minute check for remaining people) and guide stragglers toward their designated exits and assembly points.
The evacuation drill was based on the scenario of a fire discovered in a mechanical room on level 2 of the four-level building.
In the scenario the airport would be at 70 percent occupancy at the time of the morning when the "fire" would have triggered the emergency event.
In reality, on Tuesday around 600 members of the airport community were present and all exited in a "speedy," "orderly" manner in which "nobody was panicking"— as described by the drill evaluators who gathered at the four assigned assembly points. The assembly points corresponded with the four corner areas of the airport building identifiable by green signage.
As the assembled calmly chatted, observed, stood or sat and waited at the four points, the PJIA managing director Regina LaBega, Manager of Operations Michel Hyman, Deputy Chief of Rescue & Fire Fighting Damian Cooks, and other key members of the evacuation drill workgroup team, continued to diligently network and monitor the progress of the emergency event and to attend to their pre-designated assignments.
The airport taxi drivers were also included in the drill, and were instructed to move their vehicles from the Arrival Lane and have them parked near the easterly assembly point facing the lagoon for the duration of the drill.
By 9:30 a.m., the initial 600 or so occupants and users of the airport were joined by a number of passengers who had arrived and, directed by security, filed into the assembly areas almost imperceptibly. Some of the waiting passengers appeared to be taking the drill as part of their St. Martin experience, observing, some casual, some alert, and some posing for the occasional reporter's camera, or taking pictures of fellow travelers.
Around 9:43 a.m. the occupants of the "PJIA community," as LaBega refers to the airport and all of its users, started walking back to the building, some in single file groups identified by the airline, shop, cleaning service or other companies that are tenants of the hub-busy international airport.
At 10 a.m., by all visible signs PJIA was back to normal.
At 10:06 a.m. the emergency evacuation team met in the training room at PJIA to evaluate the Emergency Evacuation Drill.
Hyman opened the meeting by thanking the team. He called the evacuation "a success" and said that the purpose of the evaluation meeting was to determine the areas that needed to be improved, and as such, "build on what we have and to enhance the evacuation plan."
LaBega congratulated the entire team on the first drill. "You did a commendable job. The review of what took place is for us to be better in the event of a real disaster." We need to take "the evacuation extremely serious and I'm happy that you did," said LaBega
The review comments targeted personnel, equipment, building, and procedural glitches. One departing point that all agreed on was that the evacuation of the building, was "speedy" and "orderly."
The most impressive comments came from the keen-eyed officers of the Government Fire Department, who called the PJIA operations "impressive."
The fire officers stressed the importance of the critical need for the safety team that "sweeps" the building to ensure it is fully evacuated and then exit themselves.
Communication between the volunteer safety officers, security officers, and between the assembled groups and their group leaders will also be improved upon and streamlined as a result of the drill.
Most of the equipment such as automated doors and alarms, worked according to emergency procedures.
The sound alarm and the voice alerting all, that, "due to an emergency it is necessary to evacuate the terminal" remained clear and constant throughout the operation, although it was noted by evaluators that the alarm sound could be a bit louder at the onset of the emergency alert.
Overall, the emergency evacuation drill was deemed successful and PJIAE intends to conduct similar drills annually.
"We would like to thank all users of the airport for their participation and cooperation during the emergency evacuation drill," LaBega concluded.

Philipsburg:--- Police and their forensic team along with ambulance personnel rushed to a construction site on Bush Road to investigate an early afternoon shooting that left one man injured.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that two men who were working at a construction site behind Beds and Beyond had an argument. Henson said eyewitnesses told police that the argument started early in the morning and at some point one of the men left the location and later returned with some friends. "When the man and his friends returned, the argument continued and at some point one of the men pulled out a gun and shot the other man in his abdomen. The victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment, and his immediate medical condition is not known."
The police spokesman further explained that the men who committed the act escaped from the scene with a small vehicle.
SMN News learnt that the victim and suspect are workers of Avalon Construction.

Philipsburg:--- The end of the year operation "December Offensive 2011" already indicates that it will be an effective and successful project announced Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson. On Thursday at approximately 03:50pm, the Police Central Dispatch informed all police patrols taking part in this operation, that shortly before a Blackberry telephone had been stolen in Front street from the victim with initials P.J.A. After committing the act, the suspect fled the scene in a small white car and was heading in the direction of Sucker Garden. A description of the suspect was also given to the patrols. Immediately after receiving the information a search to locate the suspect started. At approximately 04:15pm, a small white car was spotted by one of the patrols in the vicinity of Sucker Garden Road number 1. A man fitting the description of the suspect stepped out of the car. The patrol immediately approached the man and asked him to identify himself which turned out to be A.R.P.B. from Sint Maarten. When the suspect was searched, the stolen cell-phone and a small plastic bag containing a small amount of marijuana were found on him. These items were confiscated for further investigation. The suspect was arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg police station for further investigation.

Cole Bay:--- Dignitaries from both sides of the island and representatives from several car dealerships gathered at the newly renovated Caribbean Auto Sales in Cole Bay to celebrate the re-opening and launching of the new business by business pioneers of St. Maarten, the Amjad family. The new owners of Caribbean Auto Sales recently remodeled the entire showroom and the parking lot to allow more space for vehicles. The gas station that used to be on the premises was removed to create more parking space.
Caribbean Auto Sales/Ford was established on St. Maarten since 1938 and is one of the oldest car dealerships operating on St. Maarten. Formerly owned by French side Senator Louis Constant Fleming for some 19 years, it was later sold to the Amjad family on November 1st 2009.
What was meant to be night of celebration and a formal get together turned out to be a night of speeches most of which credited Farina Amjad and her two sons Tariq and Reza for their hard work and dedication as they continue to build the newly acquired auto dealership. Management of the company also announced during the official reopening of the company that they have now added the Mercedes Benz to their fleet of vehicles that will be on sale at the location.
Representatives of Mercedes Benz (International Trading Company) commended the Amjad family for allowing them to add Mercedes to the list of vehicles that can be purchased at Caribbean Auto Sales. Words of congratulations were also given by the Volkswagen area manager and parts division of Latin America, Ford Exports as well as the Managing Directors of Caribbean Auto Sales Reza and Tariq Amjad.
CEO of the company Imran Macsood Amjad credited his wife Farina for all the hard work and energy she placed into the two auto dealerships they own. He said often times he is the one who is recognized by the people for doing many things while his wife is the driving force behind his success. Amjad said while they have been doing a lot and are successful business entrepreneurs it also comes with its fair share of hardships and criticism. He openly called on the Minister of Finance to take stock of the millions of guilders his businesses are putting into government coffers.
Dignitaries who spoke at the event were the former owner and now Senator of French St. Martin Louis Constant Fleming, Senator William Marlin and personal friend of the Amjad family, President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin Frantz Gumbs, Deputy Prime Minister Theodore Heyliger, and Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams who also assisted the CEO and Managing Directors of the company Imran and Farina Amjad in cutting the ribbon and officially opening the business establishment.

Click here to view more photos of the Re-Opening and Launching Ceremony.

Marigot/Philipsburg:--- Reliable information reaching SMN News states that the Gendarmes have released the murder suspect they arrested on Wednesday in close collaboration with the Dutch side authorities.
The source said the Dutch Prosecutor Hans Mos was informed of the suspect's release on Friday. SMN News asked Mos on Friday about the suspect that was arrested on the French side because Mos did not release any follow up information on the suspect on Thursday and Friday. At the time SMN News requested the information, Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said he will stick to the press release of Friday and no more information will be released on the VESUVIUS investigation over the weekend.
Sources close to the investigation on the French side said that the suspect in question was recently released from prison and he has on an ankle bracelet (electronic monitoring device) and it is impossible for the suspect to be involved in murders on the Dutch side. K.M. was arrested on Wednesday and was released on Thursday, the source said.
When SMN News learnt that the suspect was released by the French authorities even though weapons and other illegal items were allegedly found at his residence. SMN News contacted the Captain of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet on the release of the suspect. Brunet confirmed that the suspect was released but refused to say why authorities released the suspect since he is suspected of being involved in multiple murders on the Dutch side. Brunet said that the authorities on the French side are considering making a statement on Tuesday on the incident and investigation.
"I cannot say anything now on this matter. It's a Dutch side dossier and they are the ones that have to speak on the case. You can either contact the prosecutor on the Dutch side or the prosecutor on the French side for immediate information. On Tuesday, I will even make available a photograph of the search to you but until then I cannot say anything."
SMN News then contacted Mos over the weekend and informed him that we learnt that the suspect was released and asked if he would consider commenting on the release of the suspect. Mos said that he will stick to his press release of Friday because he does not have the authority to speak on investigations that take place on the French side.
SMN News then contacted the Chief of Police Peter de Witte for a comment on the release of the suspect. De Witte said even though he is the Chief of Police and is heading the operations of VESUVIUS investigation he is not allowed to comment. "We have decided to allow the Chief Prosecutor on the Dutch side to handle the press releases and to comment on the investigation."
On Wednesday afternoon, Mos sent out a press release on the eight suspects that were arrested in the VESUVIUS investigation. He said that K.M. (27) was arrested by the Gendarmes and his house was also searched. Mos said ten homes were searched in Wednesday's operation and as a result of the searches police found several guns and other weapons. Police also seized a considerable amount of drugs and money. Mos said the suspects that were arrested early Wednesday morning are suspects and accomplices of at least five murders, and two attempted murders which took place between April and September 2011 on St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- The Chamber of Labour Unions met on Saturday to discuss some strategic ways to protect the workers of the former Pelican Resort. According to reliable sources, the Chamber of Labor Unions plans to shut down the country if the rights of the Pelican workers are violated by the outcome of the court case. Sources close to the union said the various unions and shop stewards are meeting this week to finalize the plans. Should the chamber take action then key sectors such as airports, ports, hospitals, and the hotel industry will be affected.
SMN News further learnt that the President of WIFOL Theophillus Thomson was instructed by the Chamber of Labor Unions to invite the Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever to an urgent meeting where he will be informed about the current labor issues facing St. Maarten.
The intention is to bring the Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever up to speed with the non-functioning of the Labor and Social Welfare Department, and the predicament of the Pelican Resort workers. The Chamber of Labor Unions also intends to inform the Minister of the current status of the teachers whose status is yet to be regulated by country St. Maarten and other issues facing workers on St. Maarten.
One of the main concerns discussed on Saturday is the fact that the Parliament of St. Maarten has one of their own violating the labor regulations and that is unacceptable and must be dealt with by the legislators.
On Thursday last week, the workers of the former Pelican Resort erupted outside of Parliament House when the motion presented by the National Alliance was voted down and the current coalition government played politics with their plight during a parliamentary session to discuss their working status and the role General Manager of Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV (SBRMC) and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd Jules James. Jules James is also a Member of Parliament representing the United Peoples Party faction.
The leader of the ruling party Theodore Heyliger met with his faction members on Friday evening to discuss the Pelican saga and how to deal with one of their own who is at the center of the dispute. According to well placed sources, Member of Parliament Jules James was given one week by his party to decide which one of his positions he will give up since it is impossible for him as a legislator to hold both positions.

The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Public Sector Union, WICSU/PSU will be hosting an Occupational Safety and Health workshop that will seek to develop strategies including an action plan for raising the awareness of workplace safety and health in the various establishments where WICSU's members are employed. The workshop will target fifty (50) employees, managerial staff and other personnel who will be exposed to internationally accepted OSH concepts and skills, and be challenged to assume roles in contributing to safer workplaces throughout St Maarten.
The two-day workshop will be held at Carl and Son's Unique Inn & Conference Facilities in Colebay on November 24th and 25th under the auspices the International Labor Organization Office for the Caribbean with whom WICSU/PSU is affiliated. The training will be administered by Dr Anthony Rocheford, a Licensed and Authorized Course Provider for the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (ISOH), in the Caribbean, and whose at least 25 years experience in the field of safety and health distinguishes him as an authority in the field. Dr Rocheford holds degrees in Public Administration and in Risk Assessment and Safety Technology. He has also earned a number of certificates from regional and extra-regional institutions in the field of occupational safety and health, in addition to training and experience in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management.
The workshop program will include segments on Workplace Hazards Control, Risk Assessment and Management, and the role of Collective Bargaining in Promoting Occupational Safety and Health. Participants will also become familiar with the ILO's Decent Work Agenda, and with its Occupational Safety and Health Convention #155 and accompanying Recommendation # 200.
The WICSU/PSU workshop is made possible through the contribution of ILO Caribbean for the purpose, and contributions from certain companies to the Union's Education Fund. WICSU/PSU therefore wholeheartedly thanks all who have contributed to this effort, and is delighted to be associated in this aspect of our country's development.

Philipsburg:--- The end of the year (2011) is approaching and the cruise-season is here, the arrival of Mega Yachts, the arrival and departure of many more flights (commercial flights and private flights) will increase as the year comes to an end. Sint Maarten expects a very busy tourist season. At the end of each year as customary the Police Department conducts general controls all over the island. As of November 24th 2011 these controls have started. The Police Department will be going out in full force assisted by other departments such as the Customs Department and Coast Guard, to combat any type of criminal activities that take place during this time of the year. The purpose of these general controls is to increase the visibility of police on the streets and to create a sense of security and safety for the visitors to the island and of course the community at large.

This year is a new challenge for the Police Force of Sint Maarten. Even though the police force is lacking in capacity (manpower), a plan has been put in place to have all areas get the necessary attention. There will definitely be an increase in the visibility of the men in blue. The police department will have patrols on foot, bicycle patrols and car patrols controlling all areas where tourists visit regularly. There will also be an increase in patrols in all neighborhoods on the island. The Customs Department will be checking the harbor and airport for any illegal items coming in or going out of the island. The Coast Guard will be patrolling the territorial waters to make sure that no illegalities are taking place on our shores.

The police department will also be focusing on areas such as Philipsburg and the Cruise facilities where the "Gypsy" (illegal) transportation is taking place, the Boardwalk and shopping areas in Philipsburg (pulling of chains), Beacon Hill, Maho Reef, Mullet Bay and Cupe Coy for car break-ins and car thefts. Our goals are to suppress the amount of incidents taking place recently and most of all to prevent them from happening. There will possibly be some street closures and traffic diversions in the Philipsburg area to allow the shoppers to shop in a more relaxed manner. All changes with regard to traffic will be announced to the public at a later date. Parking in Philipsburg is very limited and the general public is advised to temporarily use the Ring road as public parking.

The police department asking the general public to give the officers carrying out these controls all necessary cooperation so that they can provide the best safety for everyone.

Philipsburg:--- A 15 year old boy was arrested on Saturday evening as a suspect of an armed robbery that took place at the Daily Extra Supermarket.
In a police press release, Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that the Simpson Bay patrol responded to the Daily Extra Supermarket to investigate an armed robbery which had taken place moments earlier on Saturday evening. Henson said during the armed robbery the suspects used a handgun and a shot gun and after committing the act they fled the scene in a small black vehicle. The police spokesman said when police searched the immediate area they found a small black vehicle with license plate 3232 AAA 971. Inside the vehicle police found a young man sitting with a loaded handgun lying on the backseat of the car. The suspect is a 15 year old boy from St. Maarten identified as K.D. He was immediately arrested and police confiscated the shotgun. The suspect remains in custody at the Philipsburg Police Station as police continue to investigate the early evening robbery.

The Nature Foundation is recommending that the Invasive Lionfish not be eaten or consumed based on a recently concluded study where flesh samples which were taken of larger lionfish caught in St. Maarten waters showed levels of the poisonous ciguatoxin which causes Ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatera poisoning is caused by naturally occurring toxins, called ciguatoxins, which are produced by microscopic plants - gambierdiscus toxicus - that live on seaweed and other surfaces within coral reef communities. When fish eat seaweed or algae they consume the organisms and the ciguatoxins build up in the fish's flesh. The toxin is stored in the fishes' body and not excreted - so it builds up as it goes up the food chain. The bigger fish eat the little fish and the toxin gets passed on until it is consumed by humans. Predators at the top of the food chain - like barracuda and lionfish - can end up with large amounts of the toxin in their flesh. No test can be done to determine if the fish is poisoned and cooking and preparation have no affect on the toxin. The toxin is unrelated to the venom found in the spines of the Lionfish. "This is very bad news for us as we were planning on promoting lionfish as an edible, commercially viable fish which we hoped would help in reducing its numbers along the reefs. However, before we started telling the community that the fish is edible we wanted to be absolutely sure that there were no health care threats associated with eating the fish. With our partners in the USVI and in the French Islands we tested several samples of lionfish meat and have found that unfortunately an uncomfortably high percentage showed the presence of ciguatoxin in the meat. Therefore we do not recommend that Lionfish be eaten. This is the same toxin which is present in the flesh of Barracudas, large Jacks and large Snapper, which are traditionally also not eaten if caught in our waters. Various countries and territories in the Caribbean have been promoting lionfish as edible. However these areas usually do not have a high level of ciguatoxin in their larger reef fish. The North Eastern Caribbean from Guadeloupe to the Virgin Islands, including St. Maarten, have a higher level of ciguatoxin than most other areas in the Caribbean. So to be absolutely safe rather than sorry, we unfortunately can not recommend the eating of lionfish as a method for controlling them," commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager.
Ciguatera poisoning or fish poisoning as it is also known causes nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, electric-shock-like or painful sensations, reversal of hot and cold sensations, intense itching or tingling fingers and toes, slowed heart rate and a drop in blood pressure, weakness or fatigue, muscle or joint pain, depression, and headaches. There is no effective treatment or antidote for ciguatera poisoning and the mainstay of treatment is supportive care.
The lionfish is an invasive species which was introduced into the Caribbean through the aquarium trade. The fish is a threat to local fisheries because they have the potential to destroy local fishing grounds and the economies which depend on them. The lionfish is also a venomous species which can inflict a dangerous sting; therefore the Nature Foundation requests that if a lionfish is spotted to please contact the Foundation at 5444267 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Marigot:--- The gendarmes are busy investigating the death of a two month old infant who passed away at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on Monday. SMN News has been reliably informed that the baby boy was taken to the hospital on Sunday afternoon for medical attention.
The source said that the prosecutors on St. Martin opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the child's death, it is believed that the child who is of Haitian descent died as a result of negligence. The parents of the deceased child reside in French Quarter.

Philipsburg:--- The Detective and Forensic Departments are busy investigating the death of a young woman identified as Latoya Bryson who was found dead in her Middle Region home early Monday morning.
The detectives have confiscated the body of Latoya Bryson whose body was found early Monday morning in her bathroom. Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that the body was confiscated as the investigation of Bryson's death continues. "Preliminary results shows that Bryson must have been electrocuted at her home," Mos said.
SMN News learnt that Bryson was electrocuted while she was using an electric curling iron in her bathroom. Police questioned the young woman's boyfriend who was at home with her when she was shocked but later released him when they found no traces of foul play.

Latoya Bryson (28) was an employee of Megaplex in Simpson Bay.