POINT BLANCHE:--- 40 staff members across St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV (SSS), ICC Cargo and INTERMAR/IFX have completed almost two weeks training in warehousing and port operations for port stevedores, warehouse staff, and supervisors/managers as part of Pelgrim’s group of company’s workplace human resource development program. This is the second round of workplace training implemented for 2024 by George Pelgrim.
George Pelgrim, President of St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring said the willingness of the employees to learn is there. “Providing this opportunity to our staff is an investment in their future and we remain committed to continue to invest in creating the ‘Total Port and Warehouse Worker.’
“Education and training are essential for any organization. It creates greater opportunities for equity, security and human dignity. It promotes health and safety, improves skills and it enhances the employee’s professional status and welfare. They learn advanced methods of cargo and warehousing handling and other port related operations.
“This in turn results in improved cargo handling efficiency and enhancing the quality of service to all our clients and promoting sustainable jobs for current and future generations of workers. Our workers have a right to basic education and training.
“Where it concerns industries most exposed to global competition, all parties recognize the importance of investing in human as well as physical capital. St. Maarten is no different as we cater to cargo that comes out of Europe and the United States and the cruise industry.
“These international companies demand that all workers skills are at a certain level and standard. Therefore, the Pelgrim group of companies are at the forefront to meet the global trends head on in the ever-changing world with our workplace training program,” SSS President George Pelgrim explained.
SSS, ICC Cargo, INTERMAR/IFX employees received training in warehouse operations, forklift safety training, signal man, rigging, supervisors’ development and skills, stevedoring level 3 part 1 (stevedoring operations) and part 2 (stevedoring coordination).
The training was carried out by the Institute for Industrial Solutions (IIS) based in Kingston, Jamaica, led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Trainer Osric Forrest, and Technical Expert/Assessor Radcliffe Spence.
The Pelgrim group of company’s workplace training initiative came from George Pelgrim in collaboration with the Institute for Industrial Solutions for a program that would ‘Create the Total Port Worker.’
The training started on July 1 and concluded on July 12.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld is proud to announce that it has been honored with the "Progress of the Year" award by Changan Auto at the Automobile Overseas Partner Conference held at the Changan Automobile Global R&D Center in Chongqing, China. This esteemed award recognizes Motorworld’s exceptional progress and rapid development among all Changan distributors for the calendar year of 2023.
Representatives from Motorworld, including Mr. Tariq Amjad, Managing Director, and Mr. Dylan Smith, Regional Brand and Logistics Manager, attended the award ceremony. The "Progress of the Year" award underscores Motorworld’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry, setting a benchmark for peers and competitors.
Changan vehicles have been available for purchase from Motorworld since February 2023. Offering an affordable range of cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, Changan has left a positive mark on the minds of consumers on the island thanks to the impressive build and design of the products.
Accepting the award, Mr. Tariq Amjad expressed his gratitude and commitment to continued growth and excellence:
"This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Motorworld team. We are deeply honored to be recognized by Changan Auto for our progress and achievements with the brand in 2023. We introduced Changan Auto to St. Maarten because we strive to provide excellent products and services to our customers, and it’s amazing to have our efforts recognized on such a large scale.”
In addition to St. Maarten, Motorworld is also the proud distributor of Changan Auto to several islands in the Caribbean region, namely Saba, St. Eustatius, Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Turks & Caicos, Haiti, St. Barths, and the British Virgin Islands.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Natasha Manuela-Gumbs, a seasoned local businesswoman and tax accountant with nearly two decades of experience, has expressed grave concern about a new policy that "takes away proper healthcare as an option for new and small business operators on St. Maarten. Manuela-Gumbs, who has always worked in the interest of her clients, is the number 16 candidate on the United People's Party slate for the August 19, 2024, Parliamentary Elections. She is leveraging her expertise on the political stage to advocate for the people of St. Maarten. Her primary focus is rectifying a recent change made by the St. Maarten Health Insurance Provider (SZV) that she believes undermines the efforts of the UP-Party Leader and former Minister of VSA, the Honourable Omar E.C. Ottley. The SZV policy, updated on July 12, 2024, has annulled previous exemptions and forced all Directors and Majority Shareholders out of SZV Health Insurance coverage. This policy reversal has left many without viable healthcare options, a situation that Manuela-Gumbs finds unacceptable.
"There has to be a solution for our local business owners," she stated. "We need policies that support, not hinder, their ability to thrive. The Ottley Care program is critical to that solution, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those who contribute so significantly to our community."
Manuela-Gumbs calls for immediate action on the Sustainable and Affordable Access to Health & Wellness on Sint Maarten (SAAHA) proposal, submitted by MP Ottley on October 12, 2023. This proposal, which has yet to be passed or implemented, promises to provide a sustainable healthcare framework that benefits the local business community and the broader population.
"Passing the SAAHA proposal is essential for our island's future," she asserted. "It's time we prioritize the health and well-being of our people, and that starts with ensuring every business owner has access to affordable healthcare. This initiative will alleviate the burden on individuals and strengthen our economy by keeping more money within our local system." The policy has excluded many local business owners, particularly new entrepreneurs, from obtaining medical coverage under the SZV. This policy shift has forced many to resort to costly private insurance options, a burden that is unsustainable in St. Maarten's high cost-of-living environment.
"Local business owners are the backbone of our economy, yet they are the ones who suffer the most from these detrimental changes," said Manuela-Gumbs. "The new SZV policy has thrown many into the cold, stripping them of affordable healthcare coverage and leaving them to fend for themselves with expensive private insurance."
As a staunch advocate for small business owners, Manuela-Gumbs underscores the critical need for the Ottley Care National Health Levy, a program introduced by MP Ottley before he left office. The Ottley Care program is designed to provide sustainable and affordable healthcare access. Manuela-Gumbs believes this solution is vital for St. Maarten's economic and social well-being.
"The only way to ensure small business owners and entrepreneurs receive proper healthcare coverage is through the Ottley Care program," she emphasized. "This initiative is not just about healthcare; it's about creating a robust tax structure that supports our economy and brings much-needed revenue back into our government coffers."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The controversial ENNIA Insurance bailout agreement has sparked significant debate among the Governments of Curacao and St. Maarten. The proposed deal is at the heart of this contention, which could burden St. Maarten taxpayers with millions of dollars in costs over the next fifty years. Attorney at Law, former Minister of Finance, and ex-ENNIA employee Richard Gibson Sr. have provided a detailed analysis of the situation, raising critical concerns about the agreement's implications for St. Maarten.
Gibson Sr. has emerged from retirement to address what he perceives as a hasty and ill-considered decision by Former Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Gibson asserts that the bailout agreement was signed without consulting or seeking approval from the Parliament of St. Maarten.
As Gibson highlights, one of the most troubling aspects of the agreement is its timing. The deal was signed just days before the January 11, 2024, Parliamentary Election, raising suspicions about the urgency and transparency of the process. Gibson questions why such a significant financial commitment was made without parliamentary consent, which he insists was required and prudent.
"The agreement signed cannot go forward without the approval of Parliament, which the former Minister of Finance knew," Gibson stated. He emphasized that this procedural misstep not only undermines democratic processes but also jeopardizes the financial stability of St. Maarten. Gibson's analysis underscores a critical imbalance in the benefits derived from the bailout. ENNIA, a Curacao-based company, pays taxes and primarily operates in Curacao, with 95% of its employees residing there. This means that most of the economic activities and benefits associated with the company will remain in Curacao. In stark contrast, St. Maarten, with only 3,000 of ENNIA's 30,000 policyholders, needs to gain more from the proposed financial support.
"Investing in a Company in another country could be a good idea, but only if you get a fair return on your investment," Gibson remarked. He advocates for a more balanced approach where St. Maarten's contribution to the bailout would also secure an interest in ENNIA, ensuring potential returns for the island if the company performs well. Gibson firmly believes that St. Maarten's 3,000 policyholders should be safeguarded, but not at the taxpayers' expense. He suggests alternative methods to protect local policyholders without committing St. Maarten to an unfavorable financial agreement for the next 50 years.
"The Curacao 27,000 policyholders should be taken care of by Curacao, and St. Maarten should take care of its 3,000 policyholders," Gibson proposed. He insists that any financial support should be contingent on receiving equitable benefits, thereby ensuring that the interests of St. Maarten are adequately protected.
Given these concerns, Gibson calls on the Parliament of St. Maarten to be critical when considering the current agreement. He emphasizes the need for a more transparent and mutually beneficial arrangement that prioritizes St. Maarten's and its taxpayers' interests.
"Sending all this money to Curacao to support a Curacao company that we do not own any shares in is a bad idea and should be rejected. “The agreement should never have been signed, but I hope the Parliament of St. Maarten rejects it out of hand."
Gibson's critique highlights the need for careful consideration and due diligence in governmental financial commitments, particularly those with long-term implications. As the debate continues, the people of St. Maarten await the Parliament's decision on this contentious issue, hoping for a resolution that protects their economic future and ensures fair treatment for all stakeholders.