WILLEMSTAD--Antillean Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba (PAR) has explained more about the state of emergency she proclaimed at Curaçao's Bon Futuro prison up to and including December 31.

The decision was based on the perceived need for extra security measures and according to Jacoba is necessary in order to take extra steps quicker in addition to those of the past months.

After having met with the local labour unions involved and the personnel, the minister decided to implement the extra measures. The management team of Bon Futuro will supervise the process during this period.

The state of emergency was proclaimed by means of a ministerial decree that gives the prison director the possibility to take measures against prisoners using the telephones without permission, to take urine samples from prisoners for drugs and alcohol testing and to introduce a system of a mandatory first-day sickness report for the personnel.

The unlimited use of the public telephones in the prison will be curbed. Jacoba spoke of an exceptional situation whereby inmates could make unlimited use of the eighty public telephones in the prison.

In the future, they will be given ten minutes per week at the most. Every prisoner will receive a personal code to make a telephone call so that one can keep track of the calls and their duration per prisoner. The prisoners also have to ask a prison guard for permission to make a telephone call, who then dials the requested number for them.

The control on the presence of metal devices and drugs will be increased as well. Everyone visiting the prison -including employees- must remove their shoes and belt. In addition, specially trained dogs of the police and customs will be deployed during these visitor inspections.

The minister is also expediting the set-up of a security department within the prison in connection with the departure of the personnel of the Dutch special assistance unit LBB per September 1. Nevertheless, she made an appeal to the Judicial Departments Service in the Netherlands to keep the LBB members up to and including 10-10-10, offering an own Internal Assistance Team IBT the opportunity to get ready and take over the perimeter security.

The conclusion of a penitentiary workshop held on June 13 was that there's a crisis situation in the prison requiring 24-hour security. The workshop was organised by a monitoring group installed by the minister to evaluate the situation in Bon Futuro on a daily basis.

Various measures have already been taken to make the prison a safer place. Jacoba referred to the clean up action outside Bon Futuro, improvement and extension of the outside wall, installing cameras at strategic locations, moving the porter's lodge, construction of a porter's lodge at the outside entrance, using a metal detector, thorough cleaning out of the cells and establishing an own IBT.

Furthermore, LBB personnel were deployed from the Netherlands for the perimeter security and there's a police criminal investigation into bringing illegal items such as drugs, weapons and mobile telephones into the prison.

Leader of coalition party FOL Anthony Godett meanwhile said that Jacoba went too far in limiting the telephone conversations of inmates to ten minutes per week. He urged her to review this measure.

In reaction to the minister's decision, Godett stated that in the past the prisoners had acquired the right to make more telephone calls. "The regular contact with family members also fits into the prisoner's rehabilitation process."

Godett also points out the increased risks for the prison guards. "The prisoner who becomes frustrated because he has less contact with his family could vent this on the guard who receives the order to listen in on the conversations," said the FOL leader.

Godett also feels that the prisoners should have a certain extent of privacy. He finds it unjust that all 450 have to suffer because a few prisoners are at fault.

"The minister should tackle those who are at fault. This only creates an explosive situation with all possible consequences."

PHILIPSBURG--New judge in the Court of First Instance C.T.M. Luijks was sworn in by Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt at the Government Administration Building on Wednesday.

Luijks was a judge of instruction in the court in the city of Breda in the south of the Netherlands. The Kingdom Council of Ministers appointed him as a member of the Joint Court of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba on May 21. His appointment was made on the recommendation of Dutch State Secretary for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld-Schouten.

Judge Luijks will be taking up his duties at the Courthouse as of August 1, when he will be joining Judges René van Veen, Monique Keppels and André Mijnssen.

Judges are usually sworn in during an extraordinary session of the Joint Court. As that court is currently in summer recess, however, Governor Frits Goedgedrag granted permission, based on the Federal Ordinance on the Judicial Organisation and on the request of Joint Court President Lisbeth Hoefdraad, for St. Maarten's Lt. Governor to administer the oath.

It is expected that Luijks will be installed officially as a judge during an extraordinary sitting of the Joint Court next month.

 No crime in Khimouy Antoine's crash 

PHILIPSBURG--Authorities have concluded that Monday's fatal car crash in Saunders was just an accident, officially dismissing any possible pursuit of criminal charges against a young person who was held.

Khimouy Andromeda Antoine (18) died after she crashed her Suzuki Swift into a light post on Coralita Road. She was two weeks away from turning 19. Witnesses told police they saw a small white car chasing her through the neighbourhood.

Prosecutor Rienk Mud Tuesday dispelled rumours of racing, saying that Antoine's crash was merely an accident. "She just lost control of the car," Mud told The Daily Herald, calling the crash "purely unilateral." "There was a rumour of a chase or some kind of race, but investigation has shown that nothing of that sort was happening."

Police held one person that day for questioning. They have since released St. Maarten-born R.P.J.G. from custody.

PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner of Housing William Marlin said a management agreement for the 70 apartments at Hope Estate is "basically ready". He said he and his staff met with the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) last week about the issue.

Marlin explained that the SMHDF during the meeting indicated that their attorney would have to review the agreement. Following that process, the agreement would then have to be ratified by the Executive Council which would allow the SMHDF to begin the allotment of the apartments.

Marlin said while he is ultimately responsible, the agreement was "back and forth" between government departments and the SMHDF and, he added, should have been completed before he took office last year.

The final agreement will call for an approximate flat fee of NAf. 24,000 that government will have to pay to the SMHDF on a monthly basis for managing, maintaining and insuring the apartments.

Government will also reimburse the SMHDF for the monies the foundation advanced to government in order to finalize the apartment project. These monies will be repaid in instalments and included in the flat fee, interest free.

The 70 apartments at Hope Estate were completed in March 2010.

PHILIPSBURG--It is "unfortunate" that Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilman Roy Marlin chose to "drag his daughter into his personal political campaign to get political mileage" in connection with study financing appeal requests, said Education Commissioner William Marlin on Wednesday.

Island Councilman Marlin had expressed concerns about not getting a response to his daughter's appeal "under the guise of a concerned parent" and chose to "rant and rave" about political victimisation when none had taken place, the commissioner said.

Study financing for the councilman's daughter, Gillian, "was never denied." Financing was granted for her second choice: studies at University of St. Martin (USM) and not for her first choice to study in the Netherlands. An appeal for the decision to be reversed and funding granted for the Netherlands was submitted but no answer had been received by the councilman or his daughter up to late Tuesday.

The commissioner told a press conference Wednesday that he never made an issue when his son was given a run-around by government when he had applied for a job after completing his studies. He said the councilman and DP seem to think it "looks good" to strum the media together with claims such as victimisation. "I am not in the business of victimising anyone...all the nonsense about political victimisation was totally unnecessary."

Some nine study financing appeals were handled and signed off on by the commissioner on Tuesday afternoon. About three were missing grades and those documents were later provided by the study financing committee enabling the entire package to be signed off on, according to the commissioner. He said he had instructed the Education Department to call the parents of appellants to inform them of the decision so they can prepare.

The package of documents was not completed because the committee's secretary fell sick and another member had to pick up the work, causing the delay. Commissioner Marlin said he knows the series of events "sounds like a story" but it was the reality of events.

He added government was in a race against time when it comes to preparations for country status on St. Maarten slated for 10-10-10. "I'm not saying that other things are not important" but it is the same small group of public servants who have to provide support for the several government activities.

The first batch of St. Maarten students for the Netherlands leaves on Friday. Those who appealed the study financing grants and are now headed to the Netherlands are supposed to leave on August 8. Florida-bound students are expected to leave later in August.

PHILIPSBURG--The National Alliance (NA)-led government has had no discussion on replacing Deputy Leader of Government Commissioner Theo Heyliger, who resigned on July 19 with immediate effect, as long as he continues to perform his duties.

Leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin, when asked by the press how government intends to handle the matter, said NA and Heyliger had an agreement, referring to the Emilio Wilson Estate Accord signed on June 6, 2009 that moved NA from the opposition into the government.

Heyliger resigned as a commissioner citing the need to prepare his new United People (UP) party for the September 17 early Island Council elections. The party was launched on July 24.

Heyliger stays in office as long as he continues to function and so far that has occurred, Marlin said, pointing out that up to Monday the commissioner was at work in the Island Council meeting. That meeting's main agenda points related to Heyliger's portfolios of Public Works and Utilities.

Marlin, however, was very critical of the way Heyliger carried out his duties on Monday as well as his resistance to change in the Public Works Department. He said as long as he is Leader of Government he will not have any commissioner present a decision that is not the right one.

"If that happens I will deal with it accordingly," Marlin said, alluding to Heyliger's presentation to the Island Council on the granting of a variance on a planning permit to Olzina N.V.

Heyliger proposed to the council that the variance be granted and Marlin tabled what he called the decision of the majority of the Executive Council not to grant the variance. The matter ended up in a tied vote. The variance will be again voted on by the Island Council today, Thursday.

Marlin said if the commissioner was "allowed to get away" with presenting decisions that did not reflect that of the Executive Council in the past and his former party leader Sarah Wescot-Williams of the Democratic Party (DP) didn't "put her foot down" he would not allow it to happen under his watch.

Heyliger "continues to sit" with the Executive Council and had not moved over to the other side of Dr. A.C. Wathey legislative Hall where the Island Council members not serving in the Executive Council sit, Marlin said.

Resigning with immediate effect is a "technical thing" because in the government system, a commissioner is active until replaced. NA had made no move to replace him. Such a move will entail presenting a proposal for the appointment of a new commissioner to the Island Council.

Marlin drew a comparison with the resignation of former DP Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus, hinting that the same scenario can play out with Heyliger. Buncamper-Molanus had resigned with immediate effect two years ago when faced with a motion of no confidence. The then-government had gone after to the Island Council to appoint a "new" commissioner who was in fact Buncamper-Molanus.

PHILIPSBURG--The opposition Democratic Party (DP) failed to lay proper groundwork for Country St. Maarten and is now employing stalling tactics to thwart the efforts of the National Alliance (NA)-led government, Constitutional Affairs Commissioner William Marlin said Wednesday.

He cited what he said was a simple letter of enquiry sent by Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman to Finance Minister Ersilia de Lannooy that prompted an Island Council meeting called by DP as an example of the DP's stalling tactics.

The entire process of preparing for country status and the general running of government is stalled when such meetings are called, because civil servants who have to prepare answers and do research are the same persons who have to do so much other work, Marlin told a hurriedly-summoned press conference in Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

Some 30 organic laws related to Country St. Maarten still have to be tabled in the Island Council for approval. DP, when in government, had not prepared enough groundwork since the quest for country status began, in particular after the Final Declaration was signed in November 2006, Marlin said.

He said he had made great strides in one year since being in office – including having a date set for attainment of country status just two months after taking office. "What I have been able to accomplish kept me busy day and night" and now that this and other hurdles have been crossed, DP members "want to get on the photo to share the success," he said.

Addressing the claims about information blackout, Marlin said DP Island Council members had to realise that they were not operating within the executive branch of government.

Not all preparations taking place for country status will be communicated immediately, because some issues are still being worked out and announcing them prematurely will only cause confusion, Marlin said.

He asked rhetorically whether DP members wanted him to call them before and after all meetings, to keep them informed directly or via the media. There is "information flowing galore," but there isn't always time to share this with the press or the Island Council, because the island is "in a race against time" with deadlines relating to Country St. Maarten, he said.

"They are not in the executive branch, so they can't know everything," he said.

He also told the press conference, which was broadcast live, that he had "chosen not to engage in any bickering, back-biting or back-stabbing," but to focus on the job at hand.

There is no need to make public statements until everything is finalised, Marlin said, adding that he did not have details of all meetings other commissioners attended or decisions made, until they are concrete.

Issues were raised by DP after learning via the media about preparation for the joint Central Bank of St. Maarten and Curaçao.

Marlin said discussions about this had been held with Curaçao Commissioner Zita Jesus-Leito, but final agreements still had to be worked out and approved by the Executive Council, after which they would be tabled in the Island Council.

Political decisions on the joint Central Bank were made several years ago, so DP's shock about the planned "Caribbean guilder" – a joint currency with Curaçao – is not warranted, Marlin said.

He also hopes to finalise an agreement with Justice Minister Magali Jacoba on granting three-year residence permits to people who fall within Category I of the Brooks Tower Accord. These are persons who have lived in St. Maarten for more than 10 years without proper documentations.

The minister has scheduled a press conference on this issue for today, Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG--Police fined 21 drivers and arrested one undocumented person Tuesday in controls that they hope will scare criminals off the streets and deter crime.

Officers stopped 52 cars in these stepped-up controls, which began Thursday after police found the battered remains of 20-year-old Clemencia Josie-Ann Julot who had gone missing two days earlier. French authorities are working with Dutch side investigators to find the perpetrator(s).

Police also towed seven cars and one motorcycle and stopped 72 persons for immigration checks during the controls.

Police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson warned of temporary detention and a fine for persons who can't produce a valid photo I.D. when asked by an officer. "They will be then granted the opportunity to contact someone who can bring their proper identification to the station," Henson said in a written statement. "Once their identity has been established and everything found in order that person will be given a fine and will then be allowed to leave."

Police will also be checking businesses to ensure they close on time. "Not adhering to these stipulations will result in the immediate closing of the establishment and receiving a fine," Henson said.

Police plan to also continue checking blocks in various districts. "Parents should encourage their children to stay away from these areas," Henson said.

Chief Minister says financial situation improving

ANGUILLA--Viceroy Resort has been sold to international hoteliers Starwood Capital, Chief Minister Hubert Hughes announced at his weekly press conference Tuesday.

Hughes described Starwood as true hoteliers who will enhance the project. A memorandum of understanding was reportedly signed on Tuesday, but Hughes said it will have to be taken to the House of Assembly before finalisation.

The US $500 million property was sold by Citibank which had taken it over on its completion because the owners had not completed payments. The new memorandum will include five per cent stamp duty, eight per cent alien land holding licence and a one per cent transfer fee. The transfer fee will amount to some US $40 million for the Anguilla Treasury.

Starwood has also agreed that the villas that are for sale will go into the rental pool and a nine per cent alien land holding licence will be applied to these villas.

Starwood which is planning to put US $16 million into the project this year is also planning to build a conference centre as well as volleyball and a basketball courts on the property.

The Chief Minister said this development should be seen as the first step in the process of recovery for the island's financial position. "This Government will not continue to give away revenue. A meaningful, responsible approach has started," he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Haydn Hughes, who is responsible for tourism was also at the Chief Minister's Press Conference. He said Cap Juluca owes the Government about EC $3 million in accommodation tax and for the land lease. Hughes said this money has to be paid or else action will be taken.

Haydn Hughes said there is a lot of interest in the Temenos project and he was confident it will be taken over soon and the island's financial situation will turn around. It is to be primarily a hotel project as there is no financing available any more for real estate projects, he noted.

This year Anguilla will not be represented at the World Travel Market in the UK "as there is only necessary travel for this administration," Hughes commented.

The Chief Minister spoke about the appointment of new members to boards saying that his Government did not like the way that boards were appointed or operated previously. He said that in their campaign the Anguilla United Movement said they would re-construct the boards and that is what they are doing. In regard to the Board of Anglec he said there is an injunction before the court so he could not speak on that but he said Anguillans pay the highest electricity rates in the Caribbean and he is going to fight to lower the rates.

Speaking on alternative energy, Haydn said the Government is very interested in this and concessions will be available for persons bringing in equipment.

The Chief Minister said the financial situation is improving as the Government is taking all measures to improve the collection of revenue and encouraging new investment. He spoke of a project at Cinnamon Reef that is proposed and an Environmental Impact Assessment is currently being carried out. He said it is an ideal place for a marina and he hopes a meaningful project will evolve from a French developer who also wants to encourage boat building and yacht repairs in that area.

Hughes continued his remarks made at a previous press conference about the civil servants saying that the island has an archaic system as the government pays the civil servants but has no control over them. He said they have no regard for the Ministers of Government and the situation will have to be dealt with.

He plans to meet with the Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham, in London to raise some of the problems he is facing and this is to be arranged in the near future.

PHILIPSBURG--The 55-year-old Democratic Party (DP) is strong and has no need to add "any splash of colour" to its logo, said DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams Tuesday, alluding to logo of the newly launched United People's (UP) Party of former DP Commissioner Theo Heyliger.

The logo, unveiled Saturday, features UP in lime green, the first letter with an arrowhead pointing upwards against a backdrop of orange on which the party Website:

www.upparty.com is written. The orange also signifies the merge of UP with the People's Progressive Alliance (PPA) of another former DP member, Gracita Arrindell.

Heyliger had said at the launch that UP was "like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy, old room," when in reality he had been in that stuffy room for over 10 years, Wescot-Williams said. All the "fanfare" of the UP/PPA team up is "just the same players involved" in a new brand.

Heyliger, she added, should not think he would "get away" with statements like those, nor expect the people "to swallow it, hook and all."

Heyliger left DP when it was "no longer good" and did the same with the NA coalition by resigning as a commissioner on July 19.

The DP leader said that talk is growing "bigger and bigger" out there that "a party" has "some pact" with DP to team up after the September 17 elections. DP "does not need to join forces or add a splash of colour to its logo."

DP's slate of 23 candidates for the September polls will be made up of strong people. Of those 23, fifteen will emerge as parliamentarians who will hold the faith of the seven-member council of ministers in their hands. "This [the elections] is a serious issue. It is not a carnival."

Asked if DP will say which candidates will become ministers or if others have been selected as ministers prior to the polls, Wescot-Williams said DP will not get ahead of itself. She added that DP, unlike other parties, has not promised anyone that if he or she serves on its board, but is not a candidate, he or she is still guaranteed a minister's post.

She cautioned candidates and potential candidates to be careful what they say in public statements and to know their party and party leader's position on issues they raise, because those statements could come back to haunt the candidate and the party in the future.

PHILIPSBURG--Travellers who went to South Africa for the World Cup might have brought back measles, government's Collective Preventive Services (CPS) Department reported Monday.

In the wake of reports about the spreading of measles in South Africa, CPS warned through the Government Information Service (GIS) that persons who had gone to the games there should check their health with a doctor.

CPS also recommended immunisation.

A man in Australia was confirmed as having measles at the start of this month. He had attended the games. He probably was exposed to it in either Cape Town or Rustenberg.

Doctors in Africa have reported more than 12,000 confirmed cases of measles since April 28.

A four- to seven-day fever is the first symptom of measles. Runny nose, cough, watery eyes and white spots inside the cheeks are all initial symptoms. A rash develops in the first 10 or 12 days after exposure to the virus. The rash lasts for five to six days and then fades.

An infected person can transmit the disease within the first four days of the infection. The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.

"Everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunisation," CPS said. "Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives."

CPS is a branch of government's Sector Public Health, Social Welfare and Labour VSA.

Adults here can check their vaccination status and records with CPS. It recommends adult vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

CPS is also urging parents/guardians to take their children to Youth Health Care at the Vineyard Building in Philipsburg to check their vaccination status and/or have them vaccinated against preventable communicable diseases during the school summer vacation.

PHILIPSBURG--United Task Force Against Crime (UTFAC) will be marching through Philipsburg on Saturday, July 31, to protest rampant crime on the island. In a press statement Monday, it asked the community to join it.

UTFAC is planning a mixed march and candlelight vigil from John Larmonie Centre to the Government Administration Building. It wants all marchers to carry candles or lights.

"Crime is everybody's business and right now our little island is slowly turning into a paradise for criminals," UTFAC said in a message. "[It's] time to get up and show that we will not tolerate those in our midst who are hell-bent on destroying our wellbeing."

Anyone who needs more information can contact UTFAC members Clarence Richardson, Lenny Priest, Jadira Veen, Benjamin Kelly and Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt.

PHILIPSBURG--Only eight of the 64 licensed school-bus drivers turned up for inspections on Tuesday, the Government Information Services (GIS) reported.

Government's Control Unit ends its school-bus inspection today, Wednesday, July 28. It has warned that owners who don't have their buses checked will not be allowed to transport schoolchildren.

Control Department CIB head Martha Thewet appealed to drivers to have their buses inspected for the sake of the children.

If owners/operators don't have their buses inspected, "they cannot drive children to school and therefore won't get paid," GIS said. "On the other hand, if there are insufficient school buses many children will not be able to go to school."

GIS warned that Control Unit officers would turn away owners who came without all their paperwork. A driver must have the right licence, valid insurance and the bus must be in "general good condition" to pass the inspection.

"If buses do not show up, it is considered not having passed the inspection," GIS said. "We will not and cannot compromise the safety of our children."

Owners/drivers can contact Thewet at 542-4511.

MIDDELBURG--A Dutch court has lifted the supervision order regarding fourteen-year-old Laura Dekker, who wants to set a record as the youngest person to sail single-handed around the world.

Her lawyer said she would now set sail within two weeks. He said Laura was ready for the trip. She is well prepared and has successfully completed a survival course, according to her lawyer.

The judge in the District Court in the southern Dutch city of Middelburg said it was up to her parents to decide whether she should sail solo around the world.

Previously this had been impossible, because Laura had been placed under the supervision of Youth Care (Jeugdzorg), which can be awarded custody when a court fears a child's parents are unable to protect or look after the child properly.

To set a new record as the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world, Laura must complete the estimated two-year voyage before she turns 17 on September 20, 2012.

The youth care agency had requested that the court extend her supervision order by an additional 12 months, but youth care officials had asked the court to lift supervision, arguing that Laura now meets the conditions set down in a 2009 court ruling, which also asked for a comprehensive sailing plan.

A court placed her under supervision, which was extended by a month in June. However, Laura has now been given the freedom to make her voyage around the world. That is if her divorced parents agree.

That probably will not be a problem. Her father, who taught her how to sail, has consistently supported her plans. In an interview she gave last year, Laura's mother said she did not approve of her daughter's plans. However, she said in an open letter she wrote to the national daily newspaper Algemeen Dagblad earlier this month that her daughter should be given a chance to realise her dream. She also called the child protection authorities and Jeugdzorg "criminal organisations."

To set a new record as the youngest person to complete such a round-the-world solo trip, Laura Dekker must beat the record currently held by Australian teenager Jessica Watson (16), who became the youngest person to sail around the world non-stop in May.

In June, a US girl engaged in a similar attempt had to be rescued from her stricken yacht. Jessica Watson set her record three days before she turned 17 and Laura Dekker intends to improve on that feat "even if it's just by a day."

In December 2009, the determined Dutch teenager also made headlines in St. Maarten after she had left home without consent and was found here. Leaving Holland with six pieces of luggage, including a guitar, she had wanted to set sail on her trip around the world from St. Maarten. Instead, St. Maarten police and Immigration had escorted her to the airport, leaving her in the hands of the Royal Dutch Marechaussees, who transported her back to Holland via Curaçao.

PHILIPSBURG--According to the office of Commissioner William Marlin, there apparently was "something wrong with the advice" on the appeals of students who were denied scholarships, which resulted in this advice being sent back to the Department of Education.

Persons at the Education Department and the Study Financing Department could not elaborate on the status of the appeals. Calvin Mardembrough of this department said he did not have any information, but reiterated that once a student received an answer, all preparations would be made for a smooth transition.

However, at the moment he can only focus on 42 students who are scheduled to leave on Friday.

DP Island Councilman Roy Marlin said on Tuesday that it was not fair for parents to have to wait so long for a yes or no answer. Marlin, whose daughter was denied a scholarship and immediately appealed, said he wasn't concerned for political reasons, but rather for the position in which it put him as a parent.

Marlin explained that parents were basically left in limbo, not knowing what to do about their children's preparation for tertiary education. If the appeal committee rejects the appeal, he said, parents would have to hastily buy tickets, rent rooms, etc.

Marlin said he hoped his daughter's situation was not a case of political victimisation because of the party her father supports, adding that as commissioner he had never seen party colours when it came to students. "If others choose to do so now, then that's a horse of a different colour all together," he said.

Attempts were made to reach Commissioner William Marlin up to 6:00pm on Tuesday to ascertain the status of the appeals. However, the Commissioner could not be reached.

PHILIPSBURG--The common trend of the National Alliance (NA)/Heyliger coalition is not to provide information to the Island Council, leaving members to be informed by press reports and with the only option of calling for Island Council meetings, say Democratic Party (DP) Island Council members.

DP Island Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the press Tuesday that her party had been criticised for requesting Island Council meetings on various topics when there was so much work still to be carried out in relation to Country St. Maarten.

"Too many matters are left hanging, such as issuance of a bond by St. Maarten Telephone Group of Companies, about which DP posed questions in an Island Council meeting over a month ago now," she said.

DP leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams concurred with Buncamper-Molanus, saying government shared no information on issues such as the medical insurance coverage for the people in the new country status. This information shutoff is solely due to government and not for the want of asking by DP.

She said there were St. Maarten patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Curaçao who had been asked by the hospital management how they would pay their bills from the beginning of August. The health insurance cost bureau BZV will cease coverage to St. Maarten patients as of Saturday.

DP only learnt via the press that the coalition had agreed to pay higher premiums for Social Insurance Bank SVB coverage. The same goes for the new monetary system for Country St. Maarten.

Wescot-Williams said her party had learnt only from press reports that the Antillean guilder would be continued as the currency for St. Maarten and Curaçao, which would share a joint Central Bank.

"On the joint bank there are also questions, such as the composition and whether the present Netherlands Antilles Central Bank Chairman Emsley Tromp will remain at the helm. Island Council members are not afforded any respect [when questions are asked]," she said.

Similarly, no information has been given on questions raised concerning the Changing Lanes project announced by Economic Affairs Commissioner Frans Richardson last month, Wescot-Williams said. This leaves the party no option but to request an Island Council meeting to obtain information, particularly on the lifting of the moratorium on bus and taxi licences. A request for a meeting will be submitted soon.

"Government intends to lift the moratorium and issue bus and taxi licences without any proof to show this is needed or the right thing to do," she said, adding that existing bus and taxi drivers were having a hard time making ends meet.

PHILIPSBURG--Major road patching in the districts, totalling NAf. 245,000, was approved by Island Council Monday night. "Caretaker" Public Works Commissioner Theo Heyliger said the first work on some the most severely potholed roads could begin, so traffic flow could be improved.

Contractors MNO Vervat and Windward Roads Infrastructure will carry out the asphalt repair work in the districts. The contractors have been awarded a total of NAf. 122,500 in work each. They are the only contractors that provide asphalt in St. Maarten.

Heyliger told the Island Council the contractors were maintaining the same pricing as in the past when asphalt patching work was carried out. The Public Works Department executed asphalt patch work in 2008 and 2009. At the beginning of 2010, the department proposed yearly patch work periods, HJeyliger said.

The patch work entails milling the areas with potholes and degenerated road surfaces and replacing the layers with asphalt. The areas have to be milled first to prevent the spread of the damage to the road.

The contractors' pricing includes the total production of 250 metric tonnes of asphalt, execution of the work after inspection and approval by the Public Works Department; milling and excavating where necessary based on the price of NAf. 18 per square metre, and minimum asphalt quality 60-70 with a density of five centimetres. A minimum production of 15 tonnes of asphalt is required each time.

Work will be executed during regular working hours, with no compensation for night work.

The Island Council's approval was necessary because the project exceeded the NAf. 25,000 the Executive Council is allowed to approve.

Several Island Council members lobbied for roads in their areas to be patched under the project.

Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams, as she had done in the past, drew attention to the deteriorated Orange Grove Road and Well Road in Cole Bay.

NA Island Councilman Rodolphe Samuel called attention to Arch Road, in particular the section in front of the Baptist church. Heyliger said that for Arch Road, the entire road would have to be removed and new infrastructure put in, a project that will come in the future. The water in front of the church and elsewhere may have stemmed from water main leaks, which are being repaired by utilities company GEBE.

DP Island Councilman Roy Marlin pointed out that the roads in Pointe Blanche, especially the one leading to the prison, were in dire need of repair. He said the grass needed to be cut for road safety and the safety of Pointe Blanche House of Detention workers.

Heyliger said the state of the roads around the island was well known, but the sum approved for the road patching could not remedy all of the road problems by far.

Answering questions about the state of the roads in Middle Region, Heyliger said the plans for upgrading the area had been completed and put on bid. The project will tap into European Union development and community improvement funds. That project is slated to start in the last quarter of this year.

He said an advice to pave 10 roads in the districts with concrete had been submitted to the Finance Department. That paving project will depend on whether there are enough funds for the work.

PHILIPSBURG--The National Alliance (NA)/Heyliger coalition partners showed their differences very clearly on Monday when two opposing proposals were tabled in the Island Council. The proposals pertained to the request by Olzina N.V. for a planning permit variance that would allow a third floor on the Vorst Estate building in Cay Hill commonly referred to as "The Box."

The day's lengthy debate featured allegations about "hanky panky" taking place, talk about Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards reportedly first contending that his signature had been forged and later contending that he must have signed the document in question by mistaken, and questions about possible conflict of interest. There was also talk about missing documents and about senior officials signing documents and apparently giving assurances without being duly authorised to do so.

At the start of the meeting, caretaker Public Works Commissioner Theo Heyliger presented a proposal to the Island Council for the variance to be granted with an added condition that the company submit and carry out a beautification/greenery plan that would be subject to approval by the Department of Spatial Planning VROM. The Olzina matter dates back to 2007.

NA leader and leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin requested that the council uphold the decision of the Executive Council of October 27, 2009, not to grant the variance. He said Heyliger's proposal was not the decision of the Executive Council that dated back to October 2009.

The Executive Council's proposal as presented by Marlin was the one placed before the Island Council for a vote, as this was presented as the "majority" decision of the Executive Council and was submitted in letter after an adjournment and an extraordinary Island Council meeting. Heyliger's proposal was referred to by Marlin as a "minority" position of a member of the Executive Council.

Decision on the granting of the variance has been referred to the next Island Council meeting, to take place possibly on Wednesday, after a five-five tied vote Monday evening. The Island Council has to take a decision on the granting of the variance by Wednesday or government/taxpayers will be fined NAf. 2,500 per day up to a maximum of NAf. 500,000 by the court.

The company has taken government to court over the long battle to obtain the variance to an already-granted planning permit.

The 10 Island Council members present all voted to allow Olzina's appeal to the Island Council against the Executive Council's decision dating to October 27, 2009, not to grant the variance and the instruction to remove a third floor to its building that was not permitted. The appeal was deemed admissible by the Island Council because it had been submitted within the legal timeframe.

However, when it came to actually granting the variance, the Island Council, like the Executive Council, was split in its decision.

NA Commissioners William Marlin and Hyacinth Richardson, independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist and NA Island Councilmen George Pantophlet and Rodolphe Samuel voted in favour of the "official" proposal of the Executive Council to deny the variance. NA Commissioner Frans Richardson was absent with notice.

Heyliger and Democratic Party (DP) Island Council members Sarah Wescot-Williams, Roy Marlin, Maria Buncamper-Molanus and Leroy de Weever voted against the "official" proposal to deny the variance.

NA Commissioner Frans Richardson is likely to be the tie-breaker in this matter when the new meeting is called on Wednesday.

Two wrongs

Commissioner William Marlin said Heyliger's proposal was an attempt to correct a wrong with another wrong. If the variance were granted, he said, many unanswered questions would have remained – questions such as why incorrect decisions had been made in the first place in handling the planning and building permit issuance. Those permits allowed the parking garage and one floor of apartments to be constructed.

The developer, although informed by government that the third floor under construction had not received a permit and was in contradiction of a preparatory resolution for the area, continued work. Residents and St. Maarten Pride Foundation objected to the building in general as being against the rules for a residential area.

Marlin said this case was an example of "things going wrong from the beginning." He added that Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and members of his cabinet had visited the site, but work had never been halted despite it being in clear contradiction of rules. Building stops were prepared for the building, but were never signed off on.

Based on a letter from then-head of the Public Works Department Joseph Dollison, the developer was under the impression that the variance would be granted; yet another mistake, Marlin said.

He described the developer as "victimized" by the way the matter had been handled and referred to Heyliger's stance as coming from a position of being intimidated.

Marlin said the paper trail on the case "raised eyebrows," as documents had been missing even in the office of the Lt. Governor, only to surface months later. He also claimed that Richards had first said his signature on the original planning permit had been forged, but later said he might have signed it by mistake.

Marlin questioned why Richards, who was not present at the meeting, hadn't taken the matter to the Prosecutor's Office at the time.

Laveist said it appeared as though "some hanky panky" had taken place with the permit. He also requested that Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groenveldt explain whether a member of the Island Council who was involved directly or indirectly with a company like Olzina or a person being discussed had to step aside from voting on the issues. He and Groeneveldt discussed the matter behind closed doors.

Commissioner Heyliger stated that he was neither intimidated nor involved in any "hanky panky" in dealing with the variance request. He added that he had not hampered the placing of any building stop for the Olzina building.

Conflict

DP Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said the matter was a rather complex one that had become more intense with the two proposals presented by the Executive Council. She also contended that the "majority" decision of the Executive Council somewhat contradicted the advice of the Committee of Experts that had been asked to render advice.

DP Island Councilman Roy Marlin compared the saga to a boxing match that came down to a split decision by the judges. However, he stressed that there could be no such thing as a split decision of the Executive Council, as that body was a collective and members didn't stand alone – the majority position on any decision made that the official proposal.

He supported the granting the variance, saying the objections filed against the building, especially that it was an eyesore, were not admissible, as there were no regulations on how buildings should look.

PHILIPSBURG--The new electricity concession between utilities company GEBE and government can be signed post-haste with the approval of the new electricity ordinance by the Island Council on Monday night.

"Caretaker" Commissioner Theo Heyliger presented the ordinance to the Island Council and it was adopted by the nine members present.

Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilman Leroy de Weever, who had been present earlier in the meeting, was absent with notice by the time the new ordinance was handled. Commissioner Frans Richardson was absent from the meeting with notice.

The ordinance and new concession have been a topic of intense discussion in the community, because GEBE has been fined some US $300,000 in the past months by financier Pacific Life because the new concession was not in place a year in advance of the expiration of the current one.

Heyliger had maintained that he would note submit the ordinance and new concession to the Island Council until they were worked out to the benefit of the people of the island who have been suffering from high electricity bills.

DP Island Councilman Roy Marlin pointed out in the debate that due to his party's insistence, the right to regulate a variance cost for the operation of the still-to-be-constructed waste-to-energy plant was still up to the Island Council to decide. The Executive Council had first proposed that that cost be regulated by the commissioners rather than the Island Council.

As the exact cost of the waste-to-energy plant is not yet known, it would be "dangerous" to leave this tariff solely in the hands of the Executive Council, he said.

Councilman Marlin also enquired about the new tariff structure for GEBE to remedy the high fuel clause fee levied on residents. Heyliger said GEBE had developed a new tariff structure and this was being overseen by the Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP), which provides the same service for Curaçao.

National Alliance (NA) Island Councilman Rodolphe Samuel questioned whether the new waste-to-energy plant would also require a concession to produce energy that would be sold to GEBE as green energy. Heyliger said a concession would be necessary and would come to the Island Council in due time.

Heyliger told the council that GEBE had had a licence for the operation of an establishment for the generation of electricity, as well as for the distribution and supplying of electricity to third parties in St. Maarten, since January 1, 1961. The licence was granted for 50 years; thus it terminates on January 1, 2011.

GEBE had approached the Executive Council in 2008 with the request for an extension of the concession, or the granting of a new concession based on the new ordinance. A joint project group was instituted that recommended, among other things, replacing the current legislation with a new ordinance containing rules with regard to the granting of a concession for the generation and supplying of electricity.

The new ordinance shall be the legal basis for the new concession to be granted to GEBE. A number of new elements have been included in the ordinance and concession.

Heyliger explained that the exclusive concession to be granted had been used as point of departure. "The exclusive character was already in existence, but had been incorporated into the concession itself and not in the regulation which formed the basis for this. Based on the proposal, a concession may only be granted to a single enterprise. That enterprise must be a company established according to Dutch Antillean law. As is now the case, the concession is non-transferable."

In the future, generation and distribution for private use shall no longer be allowed, other than for "back-up" reasons. The economic interest of the concession holder GEBE exceeds that of "self generation."

"With existing installations for private use, one must think in particular of hotels and resorts that maintain their own establishments for the generation of electricity. Existing installations for private use shall be tolerated for three years after the implementation of the new ordinance.

"Such a term is considered sufficient from a financial point of view for the consumers in question and from capacity considerations for GEBE, for the transfer to the purchase of electricity from the concession-holder."

There are a number of exceptions to the exclusive character of the concession. Of importance is the exception for the generation of electricity from the energy released from the incineration, gasification or other processing of waste materials.

The commissioner said the Executive Council had the firm and concrete intention to have an installation for the generation of electricity through the processing of waste materials in St. Maarten. The energy resulting from the processing of waste materials shall be supplied in the form of electricity to the distribution network of GEBE. The utilities company is compelled under the new ordinance and concession to purchase "green energy" from the waste-to-energy plant.

The Executive Council is striving to stimulate the application of so-called "green energy." The concession will state that starting on January 1, 2015, as a supplement to the energy obtained from the processing of waste materials, at least two per cent of the electricity shall have to originate from green energy.

The new ordinance introduces a concession contribution to be paid by GEBE to government. The contribution has been set at an annual amount of NAf. 5 million, to be paid in four instalments. This amount shall be adapted annually, depending on the growth of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) index for family consumption. In addition, the fixed part of the contribution is subject to a periodic evaluation.

POND ISLAND--The Census Office, also known as the Civil Registry, is asking the public to register all changes of address in a timely manner to beat the late and last minute rush at the department in regards to the upcoming election for the Parliament of Country St. Maarten.

Persons who have moved need to change their address, and those who need to verify their current address are also urged to pass by the office or call the office for further information, according to Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin.

The community is asked to come in on a timely manner and provide their correct addresses to ensure the proper delivery of voting cards, Marlin said in a press-release on Monday.

In this regard, the Post Office and the Census Department have been working together in order to be more efficient in delivering the voting cards. According to Marlin, there is better categorization on how the cards are printed, and in turn the Post Office will able to deliver the voting cards more effectively.

"There is a lot of work being done behind the scene in reference to the elections," Marlin said.

At this point in time, there are approximately 19,365 persons registered to vote. The voting registry has not yet been closed and there was a backlog for June, as they had to wait for specific registration numbers. "So what is being processed are persons with Dutch nationality, then children and then persons related to the Brooks Tower Accord," Marlin said.

The public is urged to come in early to check on, and/or resolve any issues they may have concerning the September 17 election.

"This time around," Marlin-Romeo said, "the period is condensed, so there is much work to be done within a short period of time. Therefore, it is absolutely critical for the community to come in early and not wait until the last minute [to have their addresses changed]."

PHILIPSBURG--Local students blame crumbling families, substandard education and lax policing for much of the island's crime.

Five university students from St. Maarten elaborated on the complexities of crime – in schools and homes, against residents and visitors – at a government-initiated panel discussion Sunday.

They argued that St. Maarten needed to both restore its sense of community and ensure that past offenders received treatment and fair chances before law-abiding residents could expect less crime.

Panellists Ramzan Juman, Nerissa Cornelia, Candice Hazel, Neha Dayalani and Doran Joseph tackled bullying and peer pressure in schools, indifference at home and an unforgiving community, in a unique event at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Centre that was broadcast live on radio and TV.

Organisers called it the Rehabilitate, Educate, Save (RES) panel discussion, tasking students to dissect how treating, teaching and supporting – or not – young persons could either stir or stop their desire to break the law.

The students most often talked about absent and/or passive parents as catalysts for bad children.

Panellists agreed that deterring crime was better than having to fix criminals, but contended that the island needed to be more willing to give offenders a real second chance.

"We need to change our mindset," said Joseph, who leaves next month to start his study of medicine. One way or the other, he said, the island's youth will gravitate wherever they feel most supported. "If we don't reach out to them before they start to reach out to the malefactors, we are going to lose them."

Former convicts rarely, if ever, are given a chance to prove they have left their criminal lifestyles behind, the students said. Legitimate attempts at change, they agreed, were often sabotaged by the community's refusal to believe the ex-cons had grown.

The discussion turned sharply to law enforcement and crime prevention, with students arguing for punishments that fit the crimes and better policing to catch lawbreakers. Sharing stories from her first year in the Netherlands, Nerissa Cornelia said most residents there didn't violate even basic laws about riding bikes for fear of consequences. "People don't do [that] because they know they will be fined," she said.

University of St. Martin (USM) student Juman agreed that punishment for breaking the law was only a deterrent if enforced.

Joseph called for policemen being friendlier and more approachable, suggesting that at-risk youth would reciprocate a more personable approach.

Police Commissioner Carl John responded to this with promises to help create a community-supporting Police Force. "We agree with each other that our police force needs to be rebuilt," John said. "The police officers have to go back to being your neighbourhood big brother."

John was one of three experts called in to support or challenge the students' ideas and motivate the discussion. Teacher and counsellor Nelson Higgs and Court of Guardianship worker Kharisha Foeken were among the experts.

The panel discussion drew a mixed crowd of about 150 persons to seats at the cultural centre. Some students went with their parents. Businessmen and politicians, including Commissioner Xavier Blackman, attended in casual clothes to listen to the four-hour-long discussion.

Panellists debated the role of education and teachers in the lives of young people on the island. An aspiring teacher in USM's Bachelor of Education programme, Juman lashed the value system of many teens and young adults here, saying too many favoured flashy things over substantive opportunities.

"In St. Maarten, it has become more about fast money, fancy cars and big chains [than education]," he said in a sharp speech that opened the discussion on education.

He said vocational talents like carpentry and metalwork were undervalued in schools, leaving many students out in the cold. "The education system focuses on academic prowess, but not on trade skills," Juman argued, calling for more skilled-labour training and opportunities.

The students blamed bullying in and out of school for undermining education and driving youth to crime. They talked about many high schools' zero-tolerance policy on violence. Some contended that throwing students out would foster delinquency more often than it would better the teenager.

"I think sometimes it works, other times it doesn't," said Cornelia, whose mother taught at a primary school for 15 years.

But the discussion became most heated when parents, the primary educators as Higgs called them, were brought up. Hazel, a political-science major, earlier had criticised parents who passed their responsibilities along to teachers instead of nurturing them, treating schools like nurseries.

"One of your duties as a parent is to educate your children. You have to spend more time with your children," she said. "The school can only build on the foundations laid at home."

Panellists said most parents were too tolerant of misbehaviour, spurring on adolescents who disrespected the law.

Higgs suggested punishing parents along with their children for violence or crimes. "I believe if parents were made liable for the problems their children caused, they would stop them," he said.

Juman disagreed, responding, "It's not fair; it's a very drastic step to take." He argued that in doing that, the legal system would risk doing more harm than good.
Higgs countered, "What we need to get through to our young people is that not one person suffers, but everyone becomes a victim."

Moderator Khalilah Peters suggested also that parents always explain to their children the reason for their being punished.

Panellists said they were willing to tutor struggling students and volunteer to help protect the island from worsening crime. They agreed that this change would need a community effort. They agreed that residents must be better neighbours, wherever they lived.

"To save the youth of St. Maarten, everyone needs to be involved," said Dayalani, whose life had been rocked by a tragic crime.

"If we'd start acting like the family we used to be, you would be surprised that we'd become the family that we used to be," Joseph said.

Stressing the value of education, Juman insisted, "We have to make [education] a priority."

Commissioner William Marlin closed the discussion, praising the students for their willingness to volunteer their time and talents to the event.

MARIGOT--The two armed robbery suspects handed over to French authorities on Saturday by Dutch-side police have confessed to their crimes and subsequently have been transferred to Guadeloupe, where they are now being held in detention.

The identities of the wanted suspects had been relayed to Dutch-side authorities by French-side detectives.

Under interrogation by detectives, the two minors ages 14 and 16 confessed to having committed no fewer than seven armed robberies between them, in Concordia, St. James, and Sandy Ground, during the period June 30 to July 21.

The 16-year-old reportedly admitted having committed four armed robberies between June 30 and July 21, including the armed hold-up at Popular Supermarket in Concordia, which took the life of a 32-year-old Chinese cashier.

This same suspect additionally admitted to having driven the runaway car that deliberately knocked down a Gendarme during a traffic control in Cripple Gate on June 15, causing one of the Gendarmes to open fire on the vehicle.

The 14-year-old suspect admitted he had committed three armed robberies against small businesses between July 15 and July 21.

The suspects were escorted Monday by Gendarmes to Guadeloupe, where their cases will be heard by the Judge of the Juvenile Court. The 16-year-old has been placed in provisional detention and the 14-year-old in a secure educational-detention facility.

The Gendarmerie release praised the quality of the cooperation between the Dutch- and French-side Police Forces, and the engagement of eight investigators from the investigation squad Brigade de Recherches, who were able to examine the evidence and files, and extract confessions within the maximum 48-hour custody period (garde è vue).

PHILIPSBURG--The United Federation of the Windward Island (UFA) has forwarded a number of labour issues to Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson that it would like to be addressed in the tripartite committee meeting on July 29.

One of the issues mentioned is the correct calculation of minimum wage by 40 hours per week, five days per week, and eight hours per day, making a total of 173.33 hours per month. The UFA indicated what the salary distinctions should be for ordinary level skills workers, junior skills workers and senior skills workers.

The cost of living adjustment was also mentioned as a definite point of discussion. The UFA said, citing the CBS annual report, 100 per cent of the adjustment should be implemented on top of the minimum wages.

Another point of the union would like to see discussed is short term contracts for seasonal contract workers. Only seasonal employees should be employed during the seasonal periods and for six days per work week. Also, an off-season workweek for five days will be discussed, which would see no off-seasonal employees with seasonal contracts.

The UFA also suggested the issue of sub-contractors and having them work on a continued basis and not contracted for a period of time. The union argues that sub-contractors should not out-source permanent employees, thereby creating unemployment and "creating slave wages and poverty."

The union is also calling for mediators for St. Maarten and having time-share laws in place for time-share workers.

 Hato is fastest growing 

AIRPORT--According to the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on St. Maarten is the third largest airport in the Caribbean.

ALTA on Monday released its updated 2010 Latin America and Caribbean Capacity Analysis for 2010, and has PJIA as third largest airport behind only San Juan, Puerto Rico (Luis Munoz Marin International Airport) and Nassau, in the Bahamas (Lynden Pindling International Airport).

In terms of total flights (departing flights only) San Juan moved 62,843, Nassau 28,317 and St. Maarten 25,038 in 2009. Trinidad & Tobago, the US Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Antigua and St. Barths round off the top ten (in order from 4 to 10).

The ALTA report is a comprehensive compendium of the region's air transport statistics, including a ranking of the most important airports and city pairs in the region in terms of volume and growth. This year's results highlight the region's growth despite being faced with challenges due to the world crisis.

The analysis identifies the top and fastest growing airports (in terms of flights) and city pairs (in terms of available seats) across the region, and is organized in a hierarchical way that allows readers to quickly identify given information. The report separates international, domestic and total flights. This year, the report also includes top airports in the region by seat capacity for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The analysis includes information on 510 airports and 2,192 city pairs from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and compares overall 2009 figures with 2008, as well as the average annual growth rates between 1999 and 2009.

In terms of international flights, St. Maarten ranks second behind San Juan with 20,471 compared to 56,025 of San Juan in 2009. Aruba ranks ninth in international flights with 12,138 and Curaçao 12th with 10,567. Curaçao and Aruba were also fourth and fifth respectively as the fastest growing airports in the Caribbean for international flights.

St. Maarten also ranks sixth in domestic flights in the Caribbean with 4,567 in 2009. In terms of fastest growing airports (all flights) in the Caribbean, Hato International Airport on Curaçao took the top spot with 2,602 flights added in 2009, a 20 per cent increase over 2008. Bonaire was fourth and Aruba sixth.

When looking at Latin America and the Caribbean together, St. Maarten ranks eighth in departing international flights.

It should be noted that PJIA was also ranked as the slowest growing airport in the Caribbean. However, this is due to the fact that PJIA already caters to most major carriers and markets, whereas other airports are now trying to attract the business PJIA has.

Also noteworthy to mention about the report is the fact that only scheduled passenger flights are included in the queries; cargo and unscheduled flights are

not included whatsoever, and information on airports includes departing flights only, not total movements.

WILLEMSTAD--During the presentation of the annual report on 2009 by Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles, President-Director Emsley Tromp emphasised that the new Central Bank, which the future countries Curaçao and St. Maarten will have jointly, must be provided with all essentials to function optimally.

With an incomplete armamentarium, this important entity will encounter a "reputation risk" -the risk that a good reputation on which creditability and authority is based changes into a bad reputation- because the supervisor is blamed for undesired developments and results, even if its functioning was restricted due to lacking legislation. Tromp pointed to the necessity of adequate legal instruments to act quickly and effectively when supervising if such is necessary.

Choosing his words carefully, he stated that for example one should avoid that the legislation in one of the two countries lags behind that in the other country. Otherwise, there will be disparity that could lead to the new Central Bank being able to take action in the one country, while such is not possible in the other.

In this, one could think of for example budgetary discipline: "The lesson we learn from Greece is that careful coordination over budgets is necessary in order to prevent chaos," said Tromp.

He reminded his audience that the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had to take powerful and concrete action to convince relevant actors that they could hold fast to their belief in the European markets. According to Tromp, well-considered and continuous coordination between Curaçao and St. Maarten is crucial, as is the legal anchoring of such to also have healthy finances when the Council Financial Supervision CFT no longer keeps an eye on things.

He said it is also important the new Central Bank can operate sufficiently autonomous and independent, without influence or interference from politics. The bank provided the committee preparing the legislation on the establishment and functioning of the new Central Bank with advice on these and other matters, "but it is their prerogative whether or not they adopt our advice."

Police hold person for questioning

SAUNDERS--An eighteen-year-old dancer and soon-to-be-university student died two weeks before her birthday in a car crash in Saunders early Monday.

Police held one person, who was identified only as R.P.J.G., for allegedly driving the car that witnesses said had chased Khimouy Andromeda Antoine through Saunders about 2:00am yesterday.

Antoine crashed her blue Suzuki Swift with licence plate number 408ZBE971 into a light post on Coralita Road and died when the car fell on the driver's side. Firemen had to free her body from the wreckage of the car.

Antoine's death was the only fatality in a weekend when officers responded to eight traffic accidents. Occupants involved in three crashes were unhurt, police said.

One other accident was a hit-and-run, and drivers or passengers were hurt in four other crashes, including the Antoine.

Antoine would have turned 19 on August 12. She graduated from Learning Unlimited (LU) Preparatory School last month and planned to start at Florida A&M University (FAMU) next month.

Antoine had danced with Motiance Dance Company for many years and starred in several productions for the 25-year-old dance school. She later joined the breakaway Dance Theater of St. Maarten, founded this year by former Motiance teacher Susha Hein.

Antoine was supposed to star as "Rosie" in Dance Theater's upcoming summer production of the musical "Fame," scheduled for next week. She also enjoyed Carnival, revelling in parades with Carol Tackling's Bacchanal Productions' Troupe.

Witnesses told police they had seen a "white, small vehicle" with three occupants speeding behind Antoine's Swift. Acting on that tip, police held St. Maarten-born G. and seized a white Hyundai Getz with licence plate number R-829.

Police are still trying to determine whether to rule the crash an accident or to pursue possible criminal charges. "This investigation is still in its early stages and there is much more to be done in this case," police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said in a press statement Monday.

Police offered their condolences to Antoine's family and friends.

PHILIPSBURG--Young panellists tackled crime in St. Maarten on Sunday, from causes to solutions, at the first-ever Rehabilitate, Educate, Save (RES) panel discussion.

University students Doran Joseph, Neha Dayalani, Candice Hazel, Nerissa Cornelia and Ramzan Juman, who were raised here, discussed the oft-controversial subject before an audience of more than 100 at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Centre, and possibly hundreds of others at home, as the session was televised live.

The panellists pitched rehabilitation as a cure for the criminal mindset and then touted education as the best deterrent. The lively debate saw the young St. Maarten students, who attend universities here and in Canada, the U.S. and the Netherlands, wrestling with issues such as social responsibility and upheaval, moral values and the roles of parents and teachers.

They also fielded questions and comments from an expert panel comprising a policeman and two social workers after each presentation. Panellists kept the crowd entertained through four hours of debate.

Education Commissioner William Marlin praised the students for volunteering their time to starting the discussion about crime in St. Maarten. The panel discussion was an initiative of his office, led by intern Makhicia Brooks who coordinated and did public relations.

CYRUS WATHEY SQUARE--"We believe that Country St. Maarten will require forward looking and decisive leadership in the coming new era. We cannot afford the old and divisive politics of the recent past that at times have crippled our government and cast serious doubt on our ability to govern ourselves," said Theo Heyliger, leader of the newly-launched United People's (UP) party.

Heyliger, in the race to becoming the first prime minister of Country St. Maarten, said "the people need and deserve a viable alternative to the tired politics of ego and pride currently on offer. I left that kind of politics behind, because in such a climate the business of the people was forgotten. Join me in leaving it behind so that Country St. Maarten can move forward."

The "green" party was launched on Cyrus Wathey Square Saturday after a brief wreath laying ceremony at the statue of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, grandfather of Heyliger, who is considered by many as the "father of St. Maarten." UP board members signed party documents on the square named for Heyliger's great grandfather.

"The next decade will be crucial for Country St. Maarten as it steps out of the shadow of the Netherlands Antilles and onto the bright stage of the world," Heyliger said to a large gathering on the square.

He said of UP's objectives: "We must ensure the stability and growth of our economy. We must provide jobs and affordable housing for our people. We must create security and safety within our society. We must see that everyone has access to quality healthcare. We need to reform our tax structure. And we must ensure that our children receive a sound and proper education."

Speaking about the alarming rise in crime, the UP leader said it places enormous challenges on a small island like St. Maarten in a globalised economy. "Now, more than ever, we must be united at all social levels to protect what is valuable to us and preserve our peaceful and prosperous way of life. In the face of these serious threats and challenges, better ways of thinking that match this century's reality and urgency must replace the expired ideas of the last one."

To accomplish these objectives will require all the ingredients necessary in sustaining a healthy and viable St. Maarten - competent leadership, proven know-how, tried and tested experience, and a clear vision of the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the coming new era, Heyliger said.

"I sincerely believe that this organization, the United People, will provide these ingredients. We have the know-how, we have the experience, we have the vision, and we will now provide the much needed leadership."

Will Johnson sees Theo as 'natural leader' of DP 

PHILIPSBURG--The memory and contribution of the late Dr. Claude Wathey cannot be separated or erased from the Democratic Party (DP) of which he was a co-founder, said DP leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams at Saturday's wreath-laying ceremony to mark the anniversary of Wathey's birth.

She told the press the DP was "extremely humbled" to be able to continue the traditional wreath-laying as a way to honour Wathey and to show gratitude for what he had done for the development of the party and the people of St. Maarten. DP Island Council members Roy Marlin and Maria Buncamper-Molanus also were present for the ceremony. Absent was DP Councilman Leroy de Weever.

The Saturday morning ceremony had a marked difference from the past 11 years. The Wathey family, in particular the "Ole Man's" grandson, caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger, was not present for the ceremony, so no wreath was placed on their behalf. The family held a separate ceremony at 4:00pm. It was the first time two wreath-laying ceremonies had been held.

Heyliger broke with the DP in June 2009 and formed a coalition with then-opposition National Alliance (NA), putting the NA into government in the middle of the four-year Island Council term. That term has been shortened, as elections for the first parliament of Country St. Maarten have been called for September 17.

Master of Ceremonies Erno Labega told the gathering in front of the Government Administration Building that although wreaths were available for the Wathey family and the National Alliance (NA)-led Executive Council to place in Wathey's honour, representatives were not present.

Labega, DP deputy leader and son of DP co-founder Clem Labega, said the 12th annual ceremony, organised by the A.C. Wathey Political Awareness Foundation, followed the traditional line-up for wreath-laying, beginning with DP leader Wescot-Williams and DP president Michael Ferrier, followed by the Executive Council.

The ambassadors of University of St. Martin, which Wathey played an instrumental part in setting up, were next on the line-up, after which the Awareness Foundation should have placed a wreath. That wreath was to have been placed by Heyliger, but he was not present. Instead, Labega took up the task for the foundation.

The Wathey family and the DP Youth Wing were the last on the list. The youth wing was represented.

Saba Parliamentarian Will Johnson was present at Saturday morning's wreath-laying ceremony. He was in St. Maarten for a meeting of Saba Bank Petroleum Resources N.V. He said he remembered Wathey's birthday, as it was also the anniversary of his mother's birth.

When the DP asked him to join them for a group photo in front of Wathey's statue, Johnson declined, saying he'd be back for the wreath-laying in the afternoon. "I am here for the Golden Boy (as Heyliger is affectionately referred to by some people in the community)."

Johnson told the press that while there had been differences between him and Heyliger on issues such as utilities company GEBE, he was still proud of Heyliger for how he had moved St. Maarten forward. He also commended Heyliger for never denying his Saba heritage. "He always says his father is from Saba. He is not like others who say they are not from Saba."

Johnson said he was curious to see how Heyliger would perform at the polls now that he was running on his own party list. He said Heyliger should have become the "natural leader" of the DP, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and political mentor, but he didn't know what had gone wrong that had prevented this from happening.

Johnson, a political veteran, said he visualised Heyliger "doing well in the elections" although there had been some controversy over the way he had pushed forward projects, "but just look at the harbour. He has shown interest in moving St. Maarten with his forward thinking."

The former leader of Saba's government said he was not endorsing Heyliger on Saba's behalf, as he has no authority to do so, but this was his personal view.

CYRUS WATHEY SQUARE--United People's (UP) party, headed by "caretaker" commissioner and Island Councilman Theo Heyliger, was launched on Cyrus Wathey Square in the presence of a large gathering on Saturday.

This coincided with the launch of the party's campaign for the September 17 early Island Council elections.

UP president is former commissioner and Island Councilman Franklin Meyers. Former University of St. Martin president, Josianne Fleming-Artsen, is the party's vice president. Other board members are former Progressive People's Alliance (PPA) board member Cleveland Beresford, young entrepreneur Tamara Leonard, Port management graduate Rosina Romeo, businesswoman Joyce Wathey-Yee, and marine/yachting entrepreneur James Roidis.

The board signed party documents on the square with Notary Francis "Gachie" Gijsbertha conducting the proceedings.

Heyliger said of the party: "We are, quite simply, the United People. And we will be like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy, old room. We believe that a government or political party should never lose touch with the needs of ordinary folks. They are the heart and soul of a democracy. The United People will return to the cherished principles that once guided St. Maarten to becoming the best place in which to live, while providing new ideas toward solving the problems of a new century."

The main focus of the launch was the signing of party documents by board members on the square, and the unveiling of the party's logo: UP in lime green and the first letter with an arrowhead pointing upwards. The large banner hung in Barefoot Terrace was covered by orange drapery before it was unveiled.

The orange symbolises the merging of PPA, headed by Gracita Arrindell. The official signing between PPA and UP is expected to take place in the coming days.

One of the party's campaign songs – a cover of Shakira's FIFA World Cup anthem, Waka, Waka, was also played for the crowd.

Heyliger said "UP was built from the ground up to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We have created at once both a modern party with the vision necessary to work in a complex global economy and an organization based on timeless values that keep us in touch with the everyday needs and concerns of the people."

The "green" party's campaign theme is "Let's team UP for St. Maarten." Commenting on the theme, the party leader said the call is for "teaming up for the country we all love so much, because only through unity, only through teamwork can we accomplish what is necessary for St. Maarten. I will be teaming up with some of the island's best and brightest for Country St. Maarten."

Some of those best and brightest who will appear on the UP slate for the September polls include Arrindell, Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Richard Panneflek, former Police Spokesman Inspector Johan "Janchi" Leonard, Sylvia Meyers, Gregory Richardson, and Marshal Solange Apon.

"St. Maarten needs people who know how to provide solutions. We know what is important to all of St. Maarten's people, and with this in mind, the UP party was born," Heyliger said.

UP president, Meyers, told the gathering the party started many months ago. "It is what the people of St. Maarten want and we are going to give the people of St. Maarten what they want."

Meyers welcomed the "former leader" of PPA Gracita Arrindell, PPA members, and supporters who have given UP their support. Arrindell was not present at the launch, but several former PPA candidates, tipped to be on the UP list, were in attendance.

"What the people of PPA showed is that they put country above self. They put all our political differences aside and come together [with UP] for the unity of St. Maarten because of the road we are heading now. We need all hands on deck.

"The people have been asking for us to stop the political bickering, stop the political fighting, and put all hands on deck and, for once in our lives, fight for the people of St. Maarten," the UP president said.

Meyers urged the other political parties not to "take the UP lightly because we are here to work for the people of St. Maarten. Our main focus is the people of St. Maarten, putting people first."

The date and place chosen for the launch were of significance.

July 24 is the birth anniversary of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, Heyliger's grandfather who is considered by many as the "father of St. Maarten." He was also the co-founder of the Democratic Party of which Heyliger was a member until June 2009.

Meyers shared with the gathering an excerpt from an interview with Dr. Wathey, printed in Know Your Political History by Edgar and Julian Lynch to show "how history repeats itself."

Wathey said in the interview that one of his most difficult periods in politics was his early days when the more experienced in the political arena looked at him as a boy. "...All of them [said], how can we have a boy in the government. So I had little respect from those people for what I was doing."

Meyers drew a comparison with UP leader Heyliger who is considered young by some veteran politicians. Like Wathey, who had to go out to show the people what he was capable of, Heyliger had done the same and had overcome hurdles like his grandfather, he said.

Wathey remained part of the Central Government as a member of DP for many years "along with the help of the PPA [of Aruba] and myself and the one [DP] from Bonaire" he pointed out in the interview.

Meyers said a lot of things will be said about the new UP party and its candidates, some of whom are newcomers and others veteran politicians. "Given the opportunity, a lot of young people can do a lot of good things for this sweet St. Maarten land that we call home."

Cyrus Wathey Square was named after the father of Wathey and great grandfather of Heyliger.

UP candidate Johan Leonard made a fiery speech to the gathering about what UP stands for and what it will deliver to the island. People have the right to be frustrated and angry because of the difficulties being faced, he said, adding that UP is "deeply concerned" about the state the island is in. "St. Maarten is hungry for new ideas, for a new kind of politics, for a new party."

Some 400 people reportedly signed up to become UP members before and after the official ceremony on the square. Party officials said the party's membership drive started in earnest early last week and will continue in the coming days.

Some 600 T-shirts with the UP logo were also given out at the launch.

The official part of the launch commenced with the St. Maarten Song and an invocation by Eulalie Meyers, mother of UP president. After the ceremony, District Band entertained the gathering on the square well into the night.

PHILIPSBURG--Exploration for crude oil on the Saba Bank, the largest submarine atoll (coral island) in the Atlantic Ocean, has moved a step forward with the board of Saba Bank Petroleum Resource N.V. taking the decision to allow Emerald Petroleum, a small oil drilling company, to begin the search.

About one-third of the Saba Bank lies within Saba territorial waters, 12-nautical-mile (22 km) zone, while the remaining two thirds fall within the limits of the Economic Fisheries Zone (EFZ) of the Netherlands Antilles.

The Saba Bank company, headed by parliamentarian William Johnson, met on St. Maarten Saturday. Ahead of the meeting, Johnson told the press the decision of the board would be a positive one so the work can start.

The decision of the board has to be followed up by the shareholders of the Saba Bank – the Central Government and the Lt. Governors of Saba, St. Maarten, and St. Eustatius. The three islands have equal shares in the company, which was started in 1975.

Johnson said the Saba Bank company had asked several other large oil exploration companies to consider exploring the bank, but these have not shown interest in the job. With oil price continuing to increase, and new sources of oil being sought, the Saba Bank is seen as ripe for exploration.

St. Maarten is represented on Saba Bank Petroleum Resources N.V. board by former finance minister Frank Mingo and former Island Councilman, Commissioner Edgar Lynch.

Saba is represented by Johnson and Island Councilman Rolando Wilson. St. Eustatius' interests are overseen by Commissioner Roy Hooker. The Central Government of Netherlands Antilles is also represented on the board.

Commenting on another company owned by the three islands - utilities company GEBE - Johnson said if there continues to be squabbling about how to move forward with the company in the new constitutional status, St. Maarten can trade its share in the Saba Bank for those of GEBE on Saba.

He said it does not matter if St. Maarten or Saba becomes independent in the future, the people of the island will remain together.

According to Wikipedia, Saba Bank's north-eastern side lies about 4.3 kilometres (km) southwest of Saba. It is raised about 1000 metres above the general depths of the surrounding sea floor. With a length of 60 to 65 km and a width of 30 to 40 km, the atoll's total surface area is approximately 2200 square km, as measured from 11-200 metre depth, 1600 square km of which is shallower than 50 metres.

WILLEMSTAD--Curaçao's General Affairs Commissioner Zita Jesus-Leito (PAR) has confirmed that the Caribbean Guilder, which is to become the currency of the new countries Curaçao and St. Maarten, will not be in circulation until six to nine months from now.

It has been known for some time that the new common currency will not be ready by October 10 when the Netherlands Antilles ceases to exist.

The Caribbean Guilder will be under supervision of the joint Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten. The new bank will have a chairman, who will be chosen by both countries, while the two countries will also appoint the other six members of the Supervisory Board of Directors.

Jesus-Leito and her colleague in charge of finance, Mike Willem, held a conversation on St. Maarten with Commissioner William Marlin last week Thursday. The purpose of this conversation was to conclude further agreements on the interpretation of the joint Central Bank of the two future autonomous countries within the Dutch Kingdom.

According to Jesus-Leito, there is currently agreement on most details regarding an outline for the monetary union and a new Central Bank that requires further interpretation. The parties agreed that the Supervisory Board of Directors will consist of six members to be appointed by the two countries.

According to the commissioner, agreements were made also for a transitional arrangement until the introduction of the new currency. During this period, the new currency will be introduced gradually, whereby the current Antillean guilder will be taken out of circulation.

Jesus-Leito was very pleased with the conversation in St. Maarten. The experts will continue talks on the precise interpretation of the monetary system of the future autonomous countries.

During the presentation of the 2009 annual report on the Antillean economy, Antillean Central Bank president director, Emsley Tromp, said he still hadn't heard anything on the new currency and its denominations. Casually referring to the Central Bank advice in favour of "dollarization" which the political officeholders had not followed, Tromp said it could take 12 to 18 months before the two new countries switch to a new currency.

"First of all, we have to come up with a name for this currency and determine its denominations. From that moment, it will regard matters we have experience with, such as contacting the right authorities so that the banknotes and coins can be manufactured, and bringing this currency in circulation.

"During the transitional period, the Antillean guilder will be used along with this new monetary unit. Decisions need to be taken on this matter, as one has to consider the manufacturer's capacity, and let's not forget there's a shortage of the basic product for coins and banknotes - due to the crisis of 2008."

PHILIPSBURG--A disputed number of students who graduated from TKL 4 (formerly MAVO) recently and are opting transition to the HAVO 3 stream might have to forgo the upcoming school year or relocate off-island. They have been told there are not enough teachers in the HAVO 3 stream to make their transition possible. It concerns students who did not qualify to enter HAVO 4.

Parents said they had been informed by HAVO/VWO Head Mark Soree that they should consider sending their children to Aruba, Curaçao or the Netherlands, as there would be no way for the school board to recruit teachers to accommodate them.

Parents claimed Soree had told them on one occasion that 13 students wanted to go to HAVO 3. On a later occasion he said 23, according to the parents. However, according to School Board for Secondary Education (SVOBE) Executive Director Joseph Rogers, only the parents of four students had made their predicament known to the school board.

Therefore, he explained, the school board and the MPC directors will have to determine what the next step will be with regard to the students. He pointed out that it was not a simple case of hiring one teacher, but a number of teachers for various subject to accommodate a handful of students. The cost of this would have to be seriously considered, he said.

He explained that the predicament had come to light after the school had projected that it would need only one HAVO 3 class for the upcoming school year and had planned accordingly. He added that the teachers slated to teach HAVO 3 were already pushing overtime, based on projections, and said he did not foresee a scenario in which additional hours were added to their schedules.

"More students came into the system than we anticipated," he said.

Any solution for the students probably will not come before the first week of August, when the directors of the school return to the island. Even if the school board decides to allow the students into HAVO 3, recruiting teachers at this stage will be a nearly impossible task and could lead to protests from the teachers union if current teachers are forced to work additional hours.

In the meantime, parents said they were "fed up and angry" with the school's response thus far. They wonder if "these people" don't understand the stress of not knowing where or whether their children will be going to school in less than a month.

They also said they had gone to every department in St. Maarten, including to Education Commissioner William Marlin, in an attempt to obtain some urgent intervention. They were told that it was an issue of the school board.

"Just think about the cost of having to relocate children to Aruba, Curaçao or the Netherlands. And who is to guarantee that we can even get them into a school at this point? The school knew of the situation before the summer break and still nothing. They went on vacation and left us here with no answers," an angry parent said.

The parents also explained that the fields of study the students would like to take up when they started tertiary education required a HAVO education. Rogers said there were other routes students could take; for example, MBO level education. The problem is that there is also no MBO in St. Maarten.

"At the moment there is not much we can do until we meet with the directors," Rogers said.

PHILIPSBURG--Police caught two suspects who might have been involved in a fatal armed robbery last month, during a control Thursday.

Officers spotted 14-year-old R.F. and 19-year-old K.G., both of French St. Martin, driving a rented Toyota Yaris that night. They didn't have IDs on them and police detained them for questioning, said spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet. Police also fined five drivers for various traffic infractions that night.

Both suspects are wanted for the June 30 killing of Lau Wai Yin, a 32-year-old Chinese supermarket employee who was shot dead in an armed robbery. Juliet commended the officers for their work and again urged residents to share anything they know about crime.

"We are trying to do our part with the resources that we have," Juliet said. "We would like the community to do its share by assisting us and provide information to curb crime."

Officers checked 15 cars in Simpson Bay and ordered three towed until the drivers could provide all the paperwork.

Juliet reminded residents again to always carry IDs with them, along with their vehicle documents, to avoid fines or towing charges. He also warned against possible high-tech accidents. "Reading e-mail while driving can be very dangerous," Juliet said. "Please, it is better to take precautions than to feel sorry because it is too late."

The police also reported that civilians had caught a young person trying to steal a tourist's wallet on Friday. The visitor was swimming in Great Bay at the time.

PHILIPSBURG--An appeal to the Island Council by Olzina N.V. for a variance to its planning permit for Vorst Estate will be handled by the Island Council when it meets Monday at 10:30am.

Olzina has been refused a variance to its permit by the government and has launched an appeal to the Island Council. It has also initiated court proceedings. The Court has given the government until July 28 to answer on the variance or face fines.

Also on the Council's agenda is the approval of patchwork throughout the districts, road works in St. Peters, and several decision lists of past meetings.

The main agenda points for Monday's session pertain to the public works portfolio that is still overseen by "caretaker" commissioner Theo Heyliger. No move has yet been made by the National Alliance (NA) to replace him after his resignation on July 19.

His portfolios, which included harbour affairs and utilities, have also not yet been divided among the remaining four commissioners, according to information received from within the government.

MARIGOT--Claudio Arnell (19) was declared the winner of the Collectivité's new emblem design competition when the long-awaited results and finalists were announced at a press conference Friday.

Arnell, a first year architectural décor student at École Nationale Supérieur des Arts Appliqués et Métiers dArt (ENSAAMA), Olivier de Serres, in Paris swayed the judges with his Flying Pelican canvas featuring the symbols the island is best known for, such as the Flamboyant and Coralita flowers, the border monument, slavery walls, salt, sea, sunrise, mountains, and shells. These were all headed by a scroll depicting the paper the Treaty of Concordia was written on.

Artist and dance director of Dance Dimensions Academy Gersha Hendrickson was runner-up. Third place went to art director Kevin Baly, fourth place to artist Nancy Alliotte, and fifth place to graphic arts student Iseaha Pantophlet.

The finalists all received a 500-euro prize, while the winner was additionally awarded 2,000 euros. Each finalist gave a short presentation of their submitted work.

"With the sunrise, and the Pelican, the idea was to show new beginnings and the new future of the Collectivité...the Pelican taking off, but keeping a protective eye on the population," explained Arnell of his winning design that took two months to complete using acrylics and water colours. "I also included the yellow butterflies which are common on the island and wanted to recall the texture of the paper the Treaty was written on. I used a tinted grey canvas because that brings out the colours.

"I'm very happy and proud and would like to thank my family and friends who supported me, and to congratulate the other finalists. Everyone adds their personal touch to their work and that's what makes art difficult to judge."

Fifty persons submitted presentations for the competition and participants were required to follow specific rules and guidelines under the theme, "The Future Inspired by Our Heritage." The competition was driven by the need for a fresh emblem to go with the Collectivité's new logos.

A judging panel composed of six men and six women coming from various professional backgrounds had the difficult task of judging the work. Territorial Councillor Guillaume Arnell was Head of the Jury.

"We had to have separate judging sessions of 15 entries at a time in order to reduce the original 50 down to a final 20," said Arnell. "It was a difficult task."

Judging criteria and scoring included written presentation (15 points), artistic merit (15 points), technical aspect (30 points), integration of nature, cultural and historical elements (20 points), and overall presentation (20 points).

President Frantz Gumbs noted he was extremely pleased to see such an abundance of talent and creativity exhibited by the competition. The Territorial Council still has to validate the jury's decision though this is expected to be a mere formality as the Council has already seen the work.

Competition Coordinator Felicia Baly noted the delay in bringing the competition to a conclusion was partly because the designs had to be copyright protected before they could be presented to the public.

PHILIPSBURG--Government's Collective Preventive Services (CPS) on Friday asked local doctors to be on guard for possible cases of dengue fever on Dutch St. Maarten.

Nearly half a dozen other islands in the region, including most recently Curaçao, have this week warned their citizens of the growing epidemic of the fever, which is spread by mosquito bites.

CPS, a department of Sector Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA, said that residents should drain canisters with stagnant water and clear their yards of debris to prevent mosquito breeding.

"It is up to all residents and business owners to keep vigilant and to take immediate action in and around their homes/businesses," CPS said via a Government Information Services (GIS) press statement, saying they were "closely monitoring the local situation."

Dengue is nearing epidemic status in the Caribbean, GIS said, citing media reports.

The Dominican Republic reported recently at least 27 deaths in more than 7,000 cases. Trinidad has also been fighting fevers. Puerto Rico could "be facing the worst dengue outbreak in more than a decade," with five deaths and more than 6,300 cases since mid-July. South American countries Honduras and Belize have also reported outbreaks.

GIS said residents who have recently travelled to any of the countries with dengue outbreaks or those who plan to visit should see their doctor for a check-up. Dengue's symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint pains and other aches, nausea, pain and rash.

Dengue fever is spread to people by infected mosquitoes, not by other people. The virus takes three to 14 days at most to cause symptoms. More often, the virus has a four- to seven-day incubation period.

PHILIPSBURG--Joseph Dollison is now the former director of the ROB Department. His last day on the job was Friday, after he had accepted the Executive Council's offer for him to keep some of his job-related benefits in return for relinquishing his function.

In return for vacating his position, Dollison was allowed to keep his government-issued cell phone, pension benefits and full salary until October 2011, when he will turn 58 and enter early retirement. During negotiations, Dollison had also requested the use of his government vehicle, but this was denied.

Well-informed sources disclosed that current Head of Management Support Services Louis Brown had been appointed Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Volkshuisvesting, Ruimtelijke Ordening, Milieu en Infrastructuur (VROMI) after 10-10-10. Brown is a former head of VROM and former head of the Department of Policy and Planning (DPP).

Claudius Buncamper was also informed by the Executive Council on Friday that he would no longer be the Deputy Director of ROB. This notification has no bearing on his function as Head of Maintenance, considering it was Dollison who had appointed Buncamper as his adjunct, not the Executive Council. In fact, Buncamper recently received a promotion when he was appointed Head of the Department of Maintenance and New Projects.

With Dollison accepting the offer of the Executive Council and no punitive action being taken against Buncamper following the publication of the Government Accountants Bureau SOAB report into the issuance of building permits, government has avoided legal proceedings.

Both Buncamper and Dollison had indicated that they were prepared to take the Island Government to court should any disciplinary action be initiated against them based on the SOAB report, which they dismissed as being frivolous and filled with hearsay and innuendos.

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Traffic and Transportation Patrick Illidge introduced a two-fold initiative on Friday in collaboration with the Postspaarbank (PSB) of the Netherlands Antilles, which operates through the Post Offices of the Netherlands Antilles.

Along with Managing Director of the PSB Daniel Hodge, Illidge announced the opening of a PSB Loan Centre on St. Maarten and the development of an affordable housing project for middle income persons.

The intention is for the Island Government to make property available for the construction of the homes, which will be financed by the PSB. The prices of the homes will be kept under US $200,000, making it easier for first time, middle class citizens to qualify for a home.

Illidge said negotiations with the family that own the property are "90 per cent complete." The models of the two and three-bedroom homes are already developed and should be put on 3-D display inside the new PSB Loan Centre.

Hodge explained that the centre will be located on Juancho Yrasquin Boulevard. The office will be refurbished and given the "feel of a bank" to handle loan activities (mortgage and personal). All cash activities will be carried out at the Post Office.

Illidge explained that when he started his tenure, he had been very cognizant of the fact that St. Maarten had a housing problem and immediately looked for ways to "ease the burden on people and make some dreams come true." When realising that the PSB fell under his Ministry, efforts commenced to encourage the PSB to be more active on the island.

He praised Hodge and Commissioner of Housing William Marlin for their constant cooperation in realising both initiatives. He said the projects should be ready for ground breaking in about a month's time.

Hodge added that PSB is not a commercial bank and does not have profit maximization as an objective. This simple fact, he said, affords the PSB the ability to offer competitive interest rates (currently at 6 per cent). However, he said a special rate will be looked at for the housing project that should not exceed six per cent.

The PSB recorded an operational profit of approximately US $1.2 million in 2009 and has approximately US $110 million in outstanding loans. The Windward Islands account for 15 per cent of the US $110 million, with St. Maarten accounting for an 11 per cent share of the 15.

MARIGOT--President Frantz Gumbs and Senator Louis-Constant Fleming addressed some of the Collectivité's main concerns when they met with President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher on his first official visit to St. Martin on Thursday.

Larcher and his delegation proceeded from the airport straight to Hotel de La Collectivité for the official speeches and visited the Marigot waterfront, Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital, and social housing projects in French Quarter later. The delegation had visited St. Barths earlier in the day.

President Gumbs said in his speech that the Territorial Council, Executive Council, and Economic, Social, and Cultural Council worked with seriousness and tenacity with the means they had, but stressed that the necessary synergy between the Collectivité and certain services of the State at the central administration level "leaves much to be desired."

Gumbs said the State's interpretation of the organic law was sometimes "restrictive and not in St. Martin's favour" and reminded that the 12-million-euro product of the Octroi de Mer had never been compensated, despite the Collectivité understanding that it had been approved. This amount of money is missing from the Collectivité budget.

He added that also one million euros worth of house tax had been lost because State services did not have logistics in place to collect it.

Gumbs reaffirmed that there were no regrets in choosing Article 74, but said the Collectivité had the impression the "brakes" had been applied to its economic development. In this regard, he refereed to major projects such as the future development of the Marigot waterfront and expansion of Grand Case Airport.

"To realise these projects we are still waiting for the Plan Etat COM, the mandate for which was promised to the Préfet to negotiate and sign contracts."

Concluding, Gumbs mentioned there had never been the courtesy of a response from the relevant ministries on the Romney affair, but despite the grievances aired in his speech he hoped the President would be able to "oil the wheels of the higher administration" to act in St. Martin's favour on those grievances.

Senator Louis-Constant Fleming noted that "new competences have been constantly confronted by multiple roadblocks and different interpretations of autonomy" since the installation of the Collectivité in July 2007.

He said the principles of the "Competence de Source" needed to be put back into question following the latest developments on taxing State civil servants regardless of whether they were considered fiscal residents or not. He also noted that the conclusions of the Commission Consultative d'Evaluation des Charges still had not been the subject of an "arrêté."

Fleming said it was important that Paris knew of St. Martin's unique geographical, cultural, economic, and social situation, and that administrations and Parisian media needed to understand that St. Martin was not a fiscal paradise.

"But we continue to suffer from this erroneous image which does not reflect our reality or our ambitions," Fleming added.

Fleming called for a new "Information Mission" to be set up urgently that would analyse St. Martin's actual situation and oversee conformity between legislative requirements and the real needs of the Collectivité.

"The Senate is today the only national institution that can efficiently tackle the problems we have and I believe this initiative will bring clarity to our Government colleagues by putting real perspective into our ambitions."

President Larcher said St. Martin was the 62nd Collectivité he had visited in the past 15 months and noted 12 of those Collectivités were located overseas.

He said he understood all the concerns mentioned and the purpose of his visit was precisely to understand the situation in St. Martin and to make sure the State respected the will of each Collectivité. Some of those concerns he addressed.

He said he would follow up on the Plan Etat COM when he returned to Paris, but had already made a phone call about it from President Gumbs' office. He said it would have to be decided what form the Information Mission would take to get results as quickly as possible.

The planned walk on the Marigot waterfront was shelved due to a heavy downpour, the delegation members staying in their cars while they were briefed on the development plans.

Then it was on to Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital where President Larcher met Interim Director Hervé Magott and was shown the construction site of the new Psychiatric Centre for the hospital. The 2,530,000-euro 19-bed building is expected to be delivered to the hospital in September 2011. Semsamar is the supervising contractor and project manager René-Jean Duret gave an overview for the President.

Semsamar has three other projects in the works in the vicinity of the hospital.

Also present at this gathering was Yvette Fleming-Hodge, who had donated the land for the project. She was personally thanked by Larcher.

Larcher was invited to lay the first stone for the Psychiatric Centre, and President Gumbs, Senator Fleming, and Préfet Simonnet followed suit. A plaque was then unveiled.

The president was also given a tour of the hospital and emergency room by department heads.

The final visit was to the social housing projects in French Quarter before the delegation returned to Grand Case Airport for its return flight to Guadeloupe and Paris.

PHILIPSBURG--Eleven boat wrecks in and around Simpson Bay Lagoon will be removed or moored deep in the lagoon by Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation in the coming weeks.

This is being done in connection with the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (August/September) and will also beautify the area. St. Maarten Marine Trades Association board had been recently alerted about this.

The vessels moored deep in the lagoon will be marked by navigational aids to prevent then from becoming loose during a storm and cause damage to property or people.

The United People's (UP) party held a briefing for potential candidates and party supporters in Great Bay Beach Resort on Wednesday evening. Party leader Theo Heyliger and other party board members addressed the gathering of more than 100 people. The party's official launch and kick-off for the September 17 election is on Saturday. UP is said to be joining forces with People's Progressive Alliance (PPA). (Gromyko Wilson photo)

WILLEMSTAD--The net position of government at the Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles improved by 63.8 million guilders during the month of June.

This improvement was due to an increase of assets of the Island Territory Curaçao (73.2 million guilders) with the bank. This increase was due to transfers from Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations in connection with the Antillean debt restructuring.

Moreover, transfers from Central Government country to the island Territory Curaçao within the framework of the regular debt comparison between these two entities, contributed to the increase of the assets. The assets of Central Government with the bank had gone down with 9.5 million guilders by paying debts.

Central Bank further relaxed its monetary policy in June. In this regard the obligated reserve percentage decreased by 0.25 percentage points to 8.75 per cent, so that the entry "mandatory reserves' dropped by 10.6 million guilders.

During the bi-weekly Certificates of Deposit (CD) auctions, Central Bank had only aimed towards re-financing of expired CD's, so that the outstanding amount remained unchanged.

The basic amount of currency defined as the sum of the bank notes in circulation and the net current account assets of commercial banks at Central Bank had increased by 1.6 million guilders. This increase is due to more bank notes in circulation.

On the other hand, the current account assets on balance had decreased because the increase of the debts from Central Bank on commercial banks had exceeded the increase of assets from commercial banks.

On the assets side of the balance, the debts had increased with 10.2 million guilders because commercial banks had made use of the credit facility with Central Bank.

The increase in the entry 'deposits of other residents' (9.2 million guilders) is worth mentioning, which is due to Central Government's transfers to the general pension fund APNA. In June the entry 'Capital and reserves' had decreased by 13.8 million guilders.

Finally, the increase in the entry 'Foreign Currency' on the assets side of the balance (55.3 million guilders) can be attributed to the net sale of foreign currency by commercial banks to Central Bank and the afore-mentioned transfers from Dutch Interior Ministry for the debt restructuring.

PHILIPSBURG--The amount of visitors from the Canadian market continues to grow and is poised to further increase when St. Maarten launches its branding initiative in that country later this year.

Arrival figures for the first half of 2010 show an increase of 7.5 per cent (19,849) over 2009 (18,454) for Canadian visitors. Canada and the United States (US) are St. Maarten's largest source markets.

Following a successful launch in the Netherlands recently, albeit with a different twist, the branding is scheduled to be launched in Canada in September. Julie Lepsetz of Meca Communications, St. Maarten's representation firm in Canada, recently said the biggest strategy is going to be focussing on "where we would get the biggest bang for the buck from a lift perspective."

"This means we would be focussing on Ontario and Quebec markets. We're looking at two events in September, one in Toronto and one in Montreal, with our focus on tour operator, travel agent and trade media," she said. "

The overall strategy in Canada will be the same as that of the US, which is to set the destination apart for Canadian visitors, who are mainly interested in the Dutch/French aspect of the island.

Also contributing to the growth is the increase of WestJet's service to St. Maarten to year-round.

The inaugural WestJet flight 2652 touched down at the Princess Juliana International Airport in November 2009 with 116 passengers. This airline flew between Toronto and St. Maarten three times per week, non-stop, until April 29, 2010. Flight time on each leg was about 4.5 hours.

With this year-round service, WestJet continues to fly to St. Maarten once a week, on Sundays, with additional calls during the high season.

"We are pleased with the number of guests using south-bound and north-bound service. It is a mixture of leisure and business, with travellers visiting friends and family in Canada and on the island.

There is a large Caribbean population in the Greater Toronto area, and we know they appreciate the opportunity to return home via WestJet," Public Relations Manager Robert Palmer said.

WILLEMSTAD--Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs Roland Duncan (National Alliance) has clarified his recent statement about the stewardship of Central Government/Curaçao towards the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles through his ministry.

Duncan gave detailed information to back up his pointing to the current process to break up the Netherlands Antilles as an end result of a "rip-off." Curacao daily newspaper "Ultimo Noticia" on page 10 of its July 20, 2010 edition had published an article titled "Minister Duncan: Antias a 'rip-off' St. Maarten pa mas ku 50 ana."

Duncan says while majority of the quotes were correctly attributed to him, the article contained several errors and failed to provide the full story.

That Curaçao opposition party MAN had reacted angrily is nothing more than an emotional outburst aimed at inciting the people of Curacao against him.

Duncan pointed out that the acronym MAN stands for "New Antillean Movement" (Movemento Antia Nobo), but the party stubbornly continued to hold on to this name despite the demise of the Netherlands Antilles. "The party further deliberately - and erroneously - confuses and personifies Curaçao ('Korsou') with the Netherlands Antilles."

"Contrary to the nonsense Curaçao politicians feed the people there, St. Maarten contributes more than its fair share of tax revenues to the Government of the Netherlands Antilles.

Since January 1, 1997 a Turnover Tax of 3 per cent on gross receipts of businesses has been levied and collected by the Antillean government on St. Maarten. Government of the Netherlands Antilles had collected yearly more than 80 million guilders from 1997!

"Additionally, Government of the Netherlands Antilles collects gasoline excise, transfer tax, succession tax, etc. The Bureau Telecommunication and Post also collects annually license fees in the millions.

"St. Maarten - the tourist island - annually provides Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles millions in foreign exchange license fees. Social security premiums are also levied on St. Maarten.

"Anyone living on St. Maarten can attest to services of the Government of the Netherlands Antilles being deficient. Most departments of the Antillean Government are understaffed or non-existent on St. Maarten. In short, St. Maarten contributes MORE to Government of the Netherlands Antilles than it receives in services.

"A 'rip-off' is when the provider does not provide or deliver services or goods that it has contracted to or is bound to provide or deliver! Fact is the Netherlands Antilles have failed not only St. Maarten, but all of its constituent islands! This is logically the primary reason this 'country' has fallen apart and the islands are going their own ways!

Duncan referred to MAN party accusing him of "living a life of luxury on Curaçao from the tax payers of Curaçao" and that it is therefore a shame that he should dare say what he said. MAN party further alleged that Duncan does not like Curaçao and its people.

"Not only are these allegations false - as the undersigned is entitled to the same privileges all ministers enjoy (Curaçao has 6 ministers and St. Maarten 2) - but they assume that the undersigned would therefore not be free to speak his opinion. In short, I do not have fundamental freedom of speech.

"MAN party is typically trying to 'kill the messenger' but cannot successfully refute the message! Moreover, MAN party has proven its un-democratic nature and attitude!

"MAN party is highly insulted by the statement that the police department and the prison on St. Maarten are deficient. But is that not true? "What contribution has Government of the Netherlands Antilles made to the infrastructure of St. Maarten in the last 50 years?

Before they say such is the responsibility of the Island Territory, I humbly refer to the many infrastructural projects and funding Government of the Netherlands Antilles has carried out on Curaçao!

"MAN party alleges that taxes of Curaçao have covered the budgets of St. Maarten. This does not merit much of an answer. When and how so?

"MAN party then ignores the responsibility of the Netherlands Antilles for its constituents by blaming Holland for putting the capital in Curaçao. It is logical - if Curaçao politicians (like those of MAN party) wish to assume responsibility for running of the Netherlands Antilles- they must also carry the responsibility for their failed management and leadership.

"By the way, who incurred a five billion guilder debt? And where were these funds spent? Let us compare Curaçao's and St. Maarten's shares in this enormous debt!!

"It is evident that MAN party is deliriously holding on to the defunct political system called 'Netherlands Antilles' and continues to cry and lament its demise and - thus - also fight the constitutional process and the end it will bring to mentioned political system.

"But then again, MAN party is itself in an identity crisis, with a party board (President and General Secretary), Party Leader and now also 'Number one on the list,' all representing it. We wonder who represents what, especially now that the board also makes 'political' statements, as in the note referred to.

"In light of the afore-mentioned, I need not apologise to the people of Curaçao, neither do I have to prove my love and ties to Curaçao and the other islands, including Aruba. That's not for MAN party to judge! Ta fo'i su kwenta!! "

"What the article in 'Ulitimo Noticia' failed to mentioned was my statement that I believe and maintain that once the islands have left the Antillean political system, they shall be able to operate and functionally co-operate much better, in a more efficient and beneficial manner than before, because they shall be dealing 'one on one' and not in an un-democratic system dominated and run by (politicians from) one island."

"I always use European countries as an example to justify cooperation. They have put aside 1000 years of wars and dominance, to bind themselves to a union, and act as a group, 'one on one' based on agreements reached voluntarily!

"St. Maarten and Curaçao - and for that matter none of the Dutch islands in Caribbean- have never fought a war against each other. We can cooperate on a voluntary and mutually beneficial basis, if we are sensible and rational. "

"I further maintain that the Netherlands Antilles and its government have also failed the island of Curaçao, with its inefficient, deficient and stifling double government layer."

SUCKER GARDEN--Police arrested four persons in Sucker Garden on Wednesday for their suspected involvement in a burglary. Officers found ATM cards that were stolen during a break-in, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet reported.

PHILIPSBURG--Police plan to step up controls starting today, Friday, to reduce crime.

Yesterday's announcement came amid reports of a marked increase in criminal activities on the island, both Dutch and French sides.

In making the announcement, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet urged residents to carry their ID and other documents at all times and to be sure to follow all safety rules.

He stressed that the police would not be tolerating infractions.

"We would like to urge the community at large to please cooperate with the officers when stopped during this action," he said.

Juliet also asked anyone with information to contact police at 9300.

Meanwhile, included in its series of reports yesterday, the police announced that they were investigating a shooting incident that left two men hospitalized, a robbery at an electronics store in which one man was shot, and an armed robbery at a Chinese restaurant.

Home invasion

A man was hospitalised with a gunshot wound in his shoulder Thursday night after confronting an armed intruder who broke into his house. A man with a shotgun and another home invader broke into F.B.'s home and tried to steal from him.

The noise they made woke B. from sleep. He walked into the living room and caught the armed man. He saw the second man on the porch. The gunman shot at B. when he screamed and tried to run back into his bedroom.

The thieves stole at least a TV before escaping in a white car, possibly a Hyundai Sonata, police said.

Shooting

Police are investigating a shooting Wednesday that left two men hospitalised. One of the victims was in intensive care up to Thursday, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet said. The other, C.C., told police he had been walking to his car in an unspecified district when someone shot at him. Everyone had left the scene by the time police arrived, Juliet said.

Man shot

An armed man shot a man at Govar Electronics store on A.Th. Illidge Road during a robbery Thursday afternoon, police reported late Thursday. The unidentified gunman reportedly entered the store and demanded money. He pushed one man to the floor, shot him and stole his chain before escaping.

Two robbed

Gunmen stole about US $500 from two Chinese restaurant workers in Philipsburg this week, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet reported on Thursday.

Robbers attacked the men while they were relaxing after work and threatened them with a sawed-off shotgun. The robbers wore a red cloth and a black mask to hide their identities.

The victims described one of the robbers as approximately 1.65 metres tall and wearing a long-sleeved hooded black jacket. The other was approximately 1.75 metres tall and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Both were of dark complexion and slim.

Couple fights

A woman was hurt in a fight with her boyfriend on Wednesday, police said. The couple argued before it became violent. The unidentified man could not be found up to Thursday.

Sore loser

A pool player took being a sore loser to a new level Wednesday night when he allegedly lashed his opponent with a game stick. Police said victim O.P. had sustained a broken right arm and left wrist in an encounter with a man identified only by his nickname near a pool bar in Cay Hill. The men started cursing each other at Teke Teke Bar and then O.P. was attacked with the pool stick.

Found dead

Police found Anita Andrea Lewis (46) dead in her Defiance Road home Thursday. The police, paramedics and an on-site doctor concluded that the Guyanese woman had died of natural causes.

Burglary

Burglars stole jewellery and electronics from a home on Christopher Maccow Road some time Wednesday evening. They took the resident's Canon digital camera, Sony laptop, necklace, bracelet, ring and other jewellery. Police said some of the jewels were worth about US $1,000.

ATM cards

Police arrested four persons in Sucker Garden on Wednesday for their suspected involvement in a burglary. Officers found ATM cards that had been stolen during a break-in, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet reported.

PHILIPSBURG--Police plan to step up controls starting today, Friday, to reduce crime.

Yesterday’s announcement came amid reports of a marked increase in criminal activities on the island, both Dutch and French sides.

In making the announcement, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet urged residents to carry their ID and other documents at all times and to be sure to follow all safety rules.

He stressed that the police would not be tolerating infractions.

“We would like to urge the community at large to please cooperate with the officers when stopped during this action,” he said.

Juliet also asked anyone with information to contact police at 9300.

Meanwhile, included in its series of reports yesterday, the police announced that they were investigating a shooting incident that left two men hospitalized, a robbery at an electronics store in which one man was shot, and an armed robbery at a Chinese restaurant.

Home invasion

A man was hospitalised with a gunshot wound in his shoulder Thursday night after confronting an armed intruder who broke into his house. A man with a shotgun and another home invader broke into F.B.’s home and tried to steal from him.

The noise they made woke B. from sleep. He walked into the living room and caught the armed man. He saw the second man on the porch. The gunman shot at B. when he screamed and tried to run back into his bedroom.

The thieves stole at least a TV before escaping in a white car, possibly a Hyundai Sonata, police said.

Shooting

Police are investigating a shooting Wednesday that left two men hospitalised. One of the victims was in intensive care up to Thursday, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet said. The other, C.C., told police he had been walking to his car in an unspecified district when someone shot at him. Everyone had left the scene by the time police arrived, Juliet said.

Man shot

An armed man shot a man at Govar Electronics store on A.Th. Illidge Road during a robbery Thursday afternoon, police reported late Thursday. The unidentified gunman reportedly entered the store and demanded money. He pushed one man to the floor, shot him and stole his chain before escaping.

Two robbed

Gunmen stole about US $500 from two Chinese restaurant workers in Philipsburg this week, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet reported on Thursday.

Robbers attacked the men while they were relaxing after work and threatened them with a sawed-off shotgun. The robbers wore a red cloth and a black mask to hide their identities.

The victims described one of the robbers as approximately 1.65 metres tall and wearing a long-sleeved hooded black jacket. The other was approximately 1.75 metres tall and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Both were of dark complexion and slim.

Couple fights

A woman was hurt in a fight with her boyfriend on Wednesday, police said. The couple argued before it became violent. The unidentified man could not be found up to Thursday.

Sore loser

A pool player took being a sore loser to a new level Wednesday night when he allegedly lashed his opponent with a game stick. Police said victim O.P. had sustained a broken right arm and left wrist in an encounter with a man identified only by his nickname near a pool bar in Cay Hill. The men started cursing each other at Teke Teke Bar and then O.P. was attacked with the pool stick.

Found dead

Police found Anita Andrea Lewis (46) dead in her Defiance Road home Thursday. The police, paramedics and an on-site doctor concluded that the Guyanese woman had died of natural causes.

Burglary

Burglars stole jewellery and electronics from a home on Christopher Maccow Road some time Wednesday evening. They took the resident’s Canon digital camera, Sony laptop, necklace, bracelet, ring and other jewellery. Police said some of the jewels were worth about US $1,000.

ATM cards

Police arrested four persons in Sucker Garden on Wednesday for their suspected involvement in a burglary. Officers found ATM cards that had been stolen during a break-in, police spokesman Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet reported.

PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson expressed "grave concern" on Thursday over the crime situation in St. Maarten, stressing that the "crime wave" has the potential to harm St. Maarten's tourism product.

"No one would want to visit a destination that is not considered safe. While St. Maarten has been reaping the fruits of a re-branding effort and increased airlift possibilities, crime may hamper the island's efforts economically in hard times by enticing visitors to St. Maarten," he said.

The Commissioner said even minor crimes like pick-pocketing and harassment of visitors can have a disturbing effect on tourism for the island since it is not uncommon that incidents are widely publicized on, for instance, internet sites.

"We cannot afford to lose our edge over other destinations, simply because of a small group of individuals choosing to target both residents and visitors in acts of crimes. As a community, we must place a higher priority on stamping out or, at least, curbing criminal behaviour in St. Maarten," Richardson said.

He continued: "We have to understand how tourism accounts for most of our economy, is still the largest foreign exchange earner and employs many people in tourism-related sectors."

He said reports of the past few days indicate that St. Maarten is positioning itself to do well in the upcoming important winter travel season. "If crime is not brought under control soon, travel agents and tour operators will begin worrying about rising crime and will have a difficult time selling St. Maarten as a destination," he said.

The Commissioner said violence and crime rates will always be a consideration for tourists when choosing a destination. While some may not consider violent crime as a high-level concern for destination St. Maarten right now, "we cannot idly sit by and ignore the situation until it is too late."

"On crime in general, we have to recognize that incidents involving the loss of lives are to be condemned and cannot be tolerated, under any circumstance. The public needs to understand, though, that the combating of crime is not only the job of the police and the justice system. It is also a task for parents, social institutions, the church, schools, the business sector and the average citizen," he said.

"As we are weeks away from becoming a country, aspects of security have to become our collective responsibility, recognizing that we no longer have a Central Government to blame or call on," he concluded.

PHILIPSBURG--People's Progressive Alliance (PPA), led by former Island Councilwoman Gracita Arrindell, is in advance negotiations with "caretaker" Commissioner Theo Heyliger's United People's (UP) party about teaming up for the early Island Council elections on September 17.

PPA founder and public relations officer Don Hughes told The Daily Herald negotiations were ongoing and urged the public not to be carried away by speculations. One such speculation was that PPA would be contesting the elections with or without Arrindell.

"Let the party leaders work out the best way forward. PPA is working on the placement of its candidates on the list. The best thing to do now is let the parties work out their plans," Hughes said.

His confirmation of the talks between the two parties comes after months of speculation that Arrindell had already signed an agreement to run as number two on the UP slate.

PPA candidates in past elections who will be in the new slate were not disclosed by Hughes. The same is true for UP candidates, as party leader Heyliger is holding the names of his candidates close to his chest with less than four weeks before Nomination Day.

Asked by this newspaper whether working with the National Alliance (NA) or the Democratic Party (DP) was being considered Hughes, speaking on behalf of PPA, said joining with UP was seen as the best option for St. Maarten.

PPA has serious issues with the way NA and DP leaders have conducted the affairs of the island in the past years, he said.

Heyliger has proven that he is "working and working for the people. No one can deny this. Look at the projects he has carried out and the benefits those have had for everyone," Hughes said.

Arrindell and PPA had criticised Heyliger's way of carrying out projects and had stressed the need for more transparency and openness. Arrindell was also very keen about moving people from the mindset of traditional party politics to voting on issues for the progress of the island.

Commenting on these issues, Hughes said Heyliger had learnt well from past experience and realised that there was need for more openness, which showed in the way he had been forthcoming about the work he had done.

Heyliger had said earlier in the week that after going through numerous election campaigns, it was evident that politics in St. Maarten had changed. "I believe things have changed a lot in St. Maarten. People are now looking for the issues to be talked about. With the upcoming elections, we will focus on issues and bringing out the portfolio of St. Maarten.

"When you look at the world today and see the economic crisis not only in St. Maarten, we need strong leaders. We need people with vision and that's what we will be putting to the people of St. Maarten," he said.

The last election in which PPA and Heyliger (as a DP member) both participated was the 2007 Island Council election. In that race, Heyliger won 1,841 personal votes and PPA as a whole received 1,119. Arrindell received 533 personal votes.

Based on the 2007 vote tally and using this year's voter total of 19,355, the teaming up of Heyliger and PPA will earn them at least three of the 15 parliamentary seats. That calculation takes into consideration a 100 per cent voter turnout on polling day with 841 votes needed per seat.

Using PPA's votes in 2010 with Heyliger's in 2007 (the last election in which he took part), three seats are still projected for the joint UP/PPA slate.

The list with a maximum 23 candidates has to be submitted to the Main Voting Bureau on August 18, 30 days before the September polls.

This early Island Council election is actually for the 15 members of the first parliament of Country St. Maarten. They will be sworn in as Island Council members on October 5 and as members of parliament for the new country within the Dutch Kingdom on October 10, the date the new constitutional status takes effect. The seven ministers, including the first prime minister, for country St. Maarten are also to be sworn in on that date.

Arrindell, like Heyliger, started her political career with the DP. They resigned from the party at different times, citing issues with the direction the party had taken in running the island and taking care of the people.

Arrindell resigned in the early 2000s. As leader of the orange party, she served as Island Council member from 2003 to 2007. The party did not win enough votes in 2007 to remain in the Island Council.

Heyliger resigned from the 55-year-old DP, co-founded by his grandfather the late Dr. Claude Wathey, in June 2009 and formed a coalition with NA that same month. He held the post of commissioner for 11 consecutive years until he resigned on July 19, 2010. He remains an Island Council member.

The UP party will be officially launched in Barefoot Terrace on Saturday at 4:30pm. The date is significant, as it is the anniversary of the birth of the late Dr. Wathey, considered by many as the "father" of St. Maarten. Even UP's party colour – green – has symbolism. It was the colour of the National Party with which Dr. Wathey first vied for public office.

The teaming up of the green and orange parties is expected to be celebrated at a public party launch on Cyrus Wathey Square in Philipsburg. The square is named for Heyliger's great-grandfather, yet another bit of symbolism for the newest St. Maarten party.

The elections for the first parliament for Country St. Maarten now appear to be a three-party race with UP/PPA, DP and NA.

OYSTER POND--A search team found the remains Clemencia Josie-Ann Julot (20) among bushes and rocks in Oyster Pond early Thursday, one day after friends and family announced her missing.

For many, Julot's death was a haunting reminder of many similar tragedies in the expansive and undeveloped Oyster Pond hillside. Authorities called her killing an "awful crime."

According to reports reaching The Daily Herald, Julot's hands were tied when she was found, her shirt was torn and she wasn't wearing any pants. Unconfirmed reports mentioned at least one apparent stab wound.

Her body was left in the bushes, slightly north of the border, leaving her death in the hands of authorities on French St. Martin.

Julot leaves to mourn an ailing mother, friends and congregation members of Faith Baptist Church, in and out of the Haitian community. She is the second young person to be killed on the eve of a birthday this month.

Authorities told reporters on Thursday evening they would only talk about the investigation via press statements. French Gendarmes are leading the investigations with support from the Dutch Police Force.

Her friends and family had planned to search for her along the winding Oyster Pond Road she had lately started jogging in the mornings. She was last seen in a yellow shirt and gray jogging pants approximately 5:00am on Tuesday, leaving her house in Middle Region for a run to Dawn Beach – her usual route.

Julot's friends had arranged meeting times and places via Facebook on Wednesday, still hoping to find the young woman alive. Instead they gathered at her house that afternoon to console each other.

A search team from Blue Point where she worked was similarly hopeful. Flashlight in hand, about 25 employees and managers spent two hours on Wednesday evening trying to find Julot.

They resumed the search at 5:15am on Thursday, according to manager Nash R. They had printed posters and split staff members into teams to look. Co-workers found Julot's lifeless body about 7:00am. "Someone that age...hasn't even started their life," lamented R.

R remembered her as many do: quiet, hard-working and friendly. "She should be the last one to deserve anything like that," R said.

Blue Point closed both Philipsburg and Cole Bay stores on Thursday. Incidentally, every Chinese-owned stores and restaurants were closed on Thursday to show solidarity for Lau Wai Yin (32), a Chinese supermarket worker who was killed in an armed robbery on June 30.

A joint press release by Dutch and French authorities offered only meagre information about Julot's killing. For the first time, authorities on both sides have scheduled release dates for more information, promising a follow-up statement on Monday, July 26.

Meanwhile, tributes to Julot continued online. Friends and family went from hopeful to desperate, to sorrowful, as the tragic news of her killing spread through online social networks and phone calls.

Many swapped their personal profile pictures for one of Julot as they remembered her - smiling. They collected tributes on a Facebook page called "In loving memory our best friend, our sister Josie."

One friend wrote: "Clemencia always had a smile, no matter what; I never saw her sad." Another said: "it's a shame, may God watch over your family and take care of you up in Heaven."

Julot would have turned 21 on July 31. She is the youngest person to die in a homicide. Glenford Brooks (18) was stabbed to death in Zagersgut in August 2008 and Otmar Leonard (21) was killed eight days before his birthday last week after a stabbing in Belvedere.

Julot's murder stirred chilling memories of the nearly 15-year-old unsolved killing of Brenda Azile, a Haitian girl whose body was found in nearly the same area in the 1990s. She was also beaten and discarded in the bushes and her killers were never caught.

The body of a 30-year-old French woman was found in the same area in 2006. Authorities said she had been raped and beaten before being left for dead. Her killers remain at large.

MIDDLE REGION--Flames blazed in an apartment building complex in Middle Region on Wednesday afternoon, threatening to damage other buildings in the vicinity.

The fire in Philips Drive apartments started around 4:00pm. A few small children and some older men were around, but no one was hurt, said Fire Officer Clive Richardson.

The building is split into about nine units, but The Daily Herald was unable to determine how many people lived there.

Firemen spent about 45 minutes containing the blaze and another 90 minutes ensuring the flames were put out. "You have to make sure it doesn't leave any hot spots which would heat up," Richardson explained.

Philips Drive is just off Middle Region Road. The area contains several houses, mostly wooden and a few concrete. The Fire Department did not know up to press time what had caused the blaze.

PHILIPSBURG--Early elections in preparation Country St. Maarten have been set officially for September 17. The Island Council has approved amendments to the Electoral Law and with them the dissolving of the council.

This was the second of two historic decisions taken by the council on Wednesday night in preparation for the status of country within the Dutch Kingdom. The first was the unanimous approval of the constitution for Country St. Maarten after some 12 hours of at-times-heated debate.

Ten of the 11 council members voted for the amendments to the electoral law. Only Commissioner Frans Richardson was not in Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall when the voting took place.

Dissolving of the Island Council was necessary, as the council's term officially runs until July 2011. The new Island Council, when elected in September, will have 15 members; the current council had only 11 members.

The closing of the voters register on August 6 and Nomination Day on August 18 are also regulated in the amendments. The dates for all parts of the election process – the maximum of 23 candidates, support for lists of candidates, numbering of the lists and others – are also outlined in the amendments.

The 15 new Island Council members will be sworn in on October 5 as the last elected officials to hold that post. They will be sworn in again on October 10 – the date for country status – as the first parliamentarians of Country St. Maarten.

The first ministers for the new country will also be sworn in on that day. The Council of Ministers will have seven ministers, including the prime minister, another first for the island.

The debate on the amendments took less than an hour. This was brief compared to the more than nine hours of deliberations on the then-draft constitution that was approved earlier.

The debate was centred on setting of salaries for parliamentarians and ministers prior to Nomination Day.

Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilman Roy Marlin said it would not be good or proper for the newly elected officials to have to regulate their salaries. Setting the salaries prior to Nomination Day in the relevant ordinances would encourage in particular young professionals to "take the risk to go on list," he said. Those who want to run for public office can see if they can live and support their families on the set salaries and benefits.

Constitutional Affairs Commissioner William Marlin told the council the groundwork had started already on preparing the ordinance on the salaries for parliamentarians and ministers. However, he did not make a commitment as to a date when this would be ready, for which the DP councilman pressed in the meeting.

Similarly, the commissioner assured DP Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams that this draft ordinance would have "high priority" from government.

Wescot-Williams asked for individual voting after the two rounds of debate were completed. She and DP Island Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus noted that it was a historic moment and wanted to be on record as having voted in favour, as it was the first time in the history of the island that the council had been dissolved before the official term was completed.

Voting in favour of amendments were Commissioners William Marlin, Hyacinth Richardson and "caretaker" commissioner Theo Heyliger, and Island Council members Wescot-Williams, Roy Marlin, Buncamper-Molanus, Leroy de Weever, Rodolphe Samuel, George Pantophlet and Louie Laveist.

PHILIPSBURG--The Constitution for Country St. Maarten was approved unanimously by the Island Council on Wednesday night, putting in place yet another vital part for St. Maarten's status of country within the Dutch Kingdom after some nine hours of debate.

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) Island Council members Sarah Wescot-Williams, Roy Marlin, Maria Buncamper-Molanus and Leroy de Weever voted for the constitution after an intense debate to have Transitional Article VII removed. DP members had indicated Tuesday that they were not ready to give the constitution their support unless the transitional article was removed or sufficient reason was given for its remaining in the constitution.

The article, later deleted from the constitution, dealt with not preventing public office holders from running in elections if they had been convicted and punished for a crime prior to passing of the constitution providing the conviction did not revoke the right to vote.

The deletion came after Constitutional Affairs Commissioner William Marlin and Wescot-Williams met for talks during an adjournment Wednesday evening.

The debate primarily focused on the insertion of that article in the last draft of the constitution dated July 18 and the need for more public consultation. For the latter, Commissioner Marlin has promised that a public forum will be organised within two weeks to take the constitution to the people.

The article was inserted into the constitution on the advice of constitutional and legal advisors to bring it in line with the European Union Treaty on Human Rights, Marlin told the council.

He told the council that there had been no "back room dealings" between the National Alliance (NA) and independent Councilman Louie Laveist, who has legal trouble dating back to 2008, to have the transitional article added to the constitution as the opposition had been implying.

Marlin said when the debate started at 9:00am yesterday that whether the article was included in the constitution or not, it would not make a difference. He was willing to have it removed if that would allow smooth passage of the constitution in the council so the constitutional change process would not be stalled.

Non-approval of the constitution would have meant that St. Maarten was missing a vital document needed for the changes to the Kingdom Charter for the birthing of new countries-within-the-Dutch-Kingdom St. Maarten and Curaçao to take effect come 10-10-10. This would have left the island in limbo, as it would have been neither an island territory of the Netherlands Antilles nor a new country.

Laveist said in a fiery presentation that he didn't want the article in the constitution if it would mean that it would not have the two-thirds majority needed for adoption. The article, he insisted, had not been included in the constitution for his benefit and did not stem from any deal with NA.

Wescot-Williams pointed out that her party had no issue with the merits of Article VII, but with the method used to insert into the constitution as though it was an afterthought. She said that protection from punishment twice was already regulated in the constitution in Article 28. This protects everyone, including politicians, from "retroactive" punishment; thus there was no need for Article VII to be inserted, in her opinion.

The need to define who is a St. Maartener was also a prominent topic in the debate. Several council members said consultations needed to begin now on fully describe a St. Maartener.

Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt congratulated the people of St. Maarten, the Island Council and all advisors on achieving this milestone in history.

Voting for the constitution were Commissioners William Marlin, Frans Richardson and Hyacinth Richardson, "caretaker" Commissioner Theo Heyliger, Island Council members Sarah Wescot-Williams, Roy Marlin, Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Leroy de Weever, Louie Laveist, George Pantophlet and Rodolphe Samuel.

WILLEMSTAD--"Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman should have known better than to inform me that money has disappeared." That's what Antillean Finance Minister Ersilia "Zus" de Lannooy said before sending a letter of response to Blackman's inquiry about 13 million guilders of the Island Territory's one-third share of the Turnover Tax (ToT) that supposedly could not be found.

"Blackman should have known about the agreement to deduct the debts the island has to the General Pension Fund APNA, Social Insurance Bank SVB and St. Elisabeth Hospital, among others, from the ToT money we transfer to Philipsburg," De Lannooy said.

She pointed out that Blackman had been a Central Government State Secretary in charge of the Solidarity Fund, while he was finance director of Saba. "He should know about the deductions or at least how to check the arrangements. I think it scandalous to try to put me in a negative light," De Lannooy said.

In her letter De Lannooy explained that her figures differed considerably from those presented by Blackman, mostly regarding advances to St. Maarten by the Central Government. She provided an overview that showed the Island Territory still owed money from 2005 up to and including 2009, after the amount had been deducted from its ToT share.

"St. Maarten had indicated that it placed much value on a positive cash flow for a short term. Advances were given to St. Maarten from 2008 solely based on payment of revenue-sharing, without taking into account deductions for health insurance premium. However, Central Government administration does register advanced amounts when it comes to SVB premiums as claims on the Island Territory," the letter stated.

"Considering the differences, I suggest you use experts available to your Island Territory when similar exercises are done in the future," De Lannooy said.

PHILIPSBURG--Two suspected money launderers were held last week trying to sneak large amounts of money into St. Maarten.

Prosecutor Rienk Mud said the two men, who were identified only as being from the British Virgin Islands, remain in custody as the investigation continues. They were arrested "with a large amount of money" but Mud wouldn't say how much.

PHILIPSBURG--The annual wreath-laying ceremony celebrating the birthday of St. Maarten Democratic Party (DP) co-founder the late Dr. Claude Wathey will be held at Clem Labega Square on Saturday, July 24, starting at 10:00am, the party announced Wednesday.

Wathey, fondly referred to as Claude and "the Ole' Man," was born in St. Maarten on July 24, 1926, and passed away in January 1998. He co-founded the DP with his friend, the late Clem Labega, and was DP leader until 1994.
The DP noted in its press release issued by its Deputy Leader Erno Labega that, for the past 11 years, the annual wreath-laying ceremony had been held every year at the A.C. Wathey statue in front of the government administration building.

"Customarily taking part in the wreath-laying ceremony are the Executive Council of St. Maarten, the family of the late Dr. A. C. Wathey, the present leadership of the Democratic Party, the young people of the Democratic Party, Dr. A.C. Wathey Political Awareness Foundation and University of St. Martin, which was established in 1989 by Dr. Wathey and Ambassador Hushang Ansary," the DP explained.

It said the general public was invited to attend the ceremony.

PHILIPSBURG--The Central Bureau of Statistics announces that consumer prices in St. Maarten were 0.5 per cent higher in April 2010 than in February 2010. Average consumer prices have risen by 2.4 per cent over the twelve-month period ending with April 2010, compared to the same period one year earlier.

According to the CBS, this is a good indicator of long-term inflation. Thus, the rising inflation trend in St. Maarten that has set in since December 2009 continues, albeit more slowly.

Seven of the nine expenditure categories became more expensive, with the highest being food (up 1.5 per cent). The most noteworthy price changes in this category were dairy products with a price drop of 2.2 per cent, potatoes, vegetables and fruit with a price increase of 5.4 per cent, and sugar and chocolate with a price jump of 6 per cent.

The price fall of dairy products was mainly caused by powdered milk that became, on average, 5-per-cent cheaper. The greatest influence on the price development of potatoes, vegetables and fruits on the island in April can be attributed to onions and sweet pepper that displayed price leaps of 20 and 78 per cent, respectively. The price increase of the sugar-and-chocolate category was mainly caused by a 9-per-cent average price hike in sugar.

MIDDLE REGION--Twenty-one-year-old Clemencia Josie-Ann Julot left her house about 5:00am Tuesday for a morning run. Her family and friends haven't seen her since.

More than 60 of her friends from the Faith Baptist Church in Cole Bay plan to meet at her house today, Wednesday, before forming search parties to look for her along her walking routes.

Friends of this young woman posted more than two dozen status updates and comments on their respective Facebook pages about Julot's disappearance Wednesday. One friend posted as her status: "da longer I stay on fb..& I see all of these post..nothin Positive (yet)...I get even more nervous:(...I was hopin everythin wud've been Good by 2day."

Police asked the community to report anything they know about her disappearance.

Julot works at Blue Point computer store in Philipsburg. Friends remember her as quiet and unassuming. Her family said she is unlikely to have gone anywhere without telling them.

She runs with at least one other person nearly every day. Sources say jogging had recently become routine for her. She would leave her house in Middle Region at 5:00am run to Dawn Beach and back.

Sources said she had at least one running mate - a man, possibly another woman. They say the man has already told the girl's family about that run, but The Daily Herald has been unable to learn the details.

AIRPORT--St. Maarten recorded a 22.6 per cent increase in air arrivals in the first half of 2010, and most of the airlines servicing the island recorded increases in passengers compared to the same period of 2009.

American Airlines continues to lead the way with 55,988 passengers brought to the island, a 12.5 per cent increase over 2009. US Airways which operates out of the North Carolina hub recorded 36,304 passengers. This is a decline of 10 per cent.

JetBlue recorded 20,007 passengers transported, a three per cent decline for this low-cost airline. Delta Airlines recorded a small increase of 0.5 per cent by transporting 15,396 passengers to the island. Charter flights recorded 31,375 passengers, which constitutes a decline of 1.6 per cent.

Major European carriers KLM and Air France recorded increases and decreases respectively for the first half of 2010 compared to 2009. KLM recorded 7,459 passengers, a vast increase of 30 per cent and Air France recorded 22,717 passengers transported, a decline of 7 per cent.

Winair continues to perform well in the region, registering 21,540 passengers to St. Maarten, a 4.5 per cent increase over 2009. LIAT recorded 15,917 passengers in the first half of 2010, a 3 per cent increase over 2009 figures.

Antillean Airlines InselAir and DAE recorded increases of 4.7 per cent (19,286) and 26 per cent (8,406) respectively.

In terms of private aircraft, the first half of 2010 shows 4,282 private jets with "wheels on ground" compared to 3,275 over the same period of 2009, a 30.7 per cent increase.

In related news air arrivals to the Caribbean declined in the first quarter of 2010, but showed a recovery in the second quarter. According to St. Maarten Tourist Bureau this could largely be attributed to Carnival in April and May. The bureau pointed out that figures indicated the potential of Carnival as a significant economic activity.

It should also be noted that St. Maarten's activities in Brazil paid off with 2,620 visitors in the first half of 2010, an 83 per cent increase over 2009.

To put that in context, the island recorded 2,975 passengers from Brazil in 2009 and is projected to exceed that amount three-fold in 2010.

A.TH. ILLIDGE RD--A man was shot in the leg late Saturday trying to stop thieves from making off with his motorcycle.

Victim R.L.M. was rushed to the hospital for treatment after he confronted the bike thieves with a machete near his A.Th. Illidge Road home, and then ran away when one pulled a shotgun. He slashed with the blade at least two of the crooks before getting shot, police spokesman Chief Inspector Humphrey Giterson reported Monday.

M. told police that he was awakened by the sounds of two masked men removing his Yamaha 225 cross bike from his yard. He went outside to try to stop them, but one pulled a handgun.

M. ran back inside for a machete and chased the crooks as they rode off on his bike. It stalled on them near a book store. Three other men attacked M. when he tried to retrieve his bike. The victim put up a fight before he lost, Giterson said. "He managed to defend himself with his machete and even injured two of the thieves with it, but could not avoid being shot in his leg," the spokesman reported.

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Sarah Wescot-Williams says the resignation of Commissioner Theo Heyliger on Monday is "déjà vu," because he resigned from the DP in June 2009 and joined with the National Alliance (NA) also citing the interest of the people of St. Maarten as his reason.

Wescot-Williams told the press on Tuesday that both times Heyliger resigned "it was all about St. Maarten and its people."

"Remember Heyliger was not just a commissioner. He was deputy leader of the government for more than a year. He needs to give account to the people. You, me, we need to hear from the commissioner. We also need to hear from the coalition partner on the resignation and what this will mean," Wescot-Williams said.

"So many promises upon promises" were made by the coalition in June 2009, she said. A governing programme was in the works with an action plan for projects and programmes.

That programme was to include "priorities" such as affordable housing, allotment of Hope Estate apartments, the environment fee, purchase of Emilio Wilson Estate, the environment and solving the crisis in education.

The establishment of the Gaming Control Board for casinos was also said to be on the "front burner" during the early days in office, she said.

Although resigning with immediate effect, Heyliger remains commissioner until a new commissioner is appointed.

Wescot-Williams said that coincidentally the coalition had informed the Central Committee that an ordinance was being prepared to increase the number of commissioners from five to seven. Government had said then that it was not its intention to appoint two additional commissioners at that moment, she said.

She now wonders if government will take steps to appoint three commissioners "tomorrow [Wednesday] or the day after."

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten's new branding strategy launched in October 2009 to attract visitors to the island has yielded results. Air arrivals for the first six months of 2010 were recorded at 289,037, an increase of 53,360 (22.6 per cent) over the same period of 2009.

Increases were recorded in every source market, with Europe and South America performing especially well. Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson and Tourism Bureau head Regina Labega have been focussing on expanding St. Maarten's visibility in these two markets since late 2009.

The half-year figures showed arrivals at 52,529 from Europe, a six per cent increase over the same period in 2009. Arrivals from South America were recorded at 6,758, a 21 per cent increase over the same period in 2009, with visitors coming primarily from Brazil.

St. Maarten's main source market, North America (US and Canada), recorded a two per cent increase – 158,008 arrivals – compared to the same period of 2009. The Caribbean region recorded an increase just below one per cent and the "rest of the world" recorded an increase of four per cent.

The intention of the "edgy" approach of this strategy was to differentiate St. Maarten from the other Caribbean destinations. Absent from the images were typical Caribbean scenes of the steel pan, palm trees, coconuts, etc. Instead, marketing and branding firm Tambourine presented an intimate, emotional and personal concept for the island.

Night life was depicted, but not the typical spread of crowded night clubs. St. Maarten's beaches and surrounding nature were featured, but the images showcased the island for couples as well as for families.

Images of the Great Bay beach promenade, the Courthouse, Front Street and other areas were displayed prominently. Another creative aspect was the use of misspelled adjectives deriving from the double A (AA) in the Dutch spelling of St. Maarten.

The double A is splashed across promotional paraphernalia describing the St. Maarten experience: "Chaarming," "Sensaational," "Maagical," "Enchaanting," and so on.

 Tourism shows general rebound 

PHILIPSBURG--Turnover Tax (ToT) revenue, the primary gauge of economic activity on the island, declined by 4.29 per cent for the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period of 2009.

Figures released by the Department of Economic Policy and Research (DEPR) confirm what many in the business sector have been saying: Liquidity flow on the island is at very low levels and no significant improvement of visitor and public/consumer spending is evident coming out of a challenging 2009.

However, despite the sustained decline in ToT figures, the island's key sector, tourism, indicated a gradual rebound, with increases in cruise visitors, stay-over passenger numbers, occupancy rates and hotel room tax revenues.

According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, inflation increased in February 2010 to 1.7 per cent. "This rising inflation trend since December 2009 also gives an indication that the economy is gaining some strength, as inflation showed a consistent declining pattern through the most part of 2009," the department said in its report.

The number of stay-over tourists arriving on the island increased by 8,993 (seven per cent) during the first three months of 2010 compared to 2009. Tourist arrivals from St. Maarten's primary source market, North America, continued to show an expansion for two consecutive quarters, growing by seven per cent in the last quarter of 2009 and by six per cent in the first quarter of 2010.

Tourist arrivals from South America recorded high double-digit growth of 51 per cent, while visitors from Europe increased by nine per cent. The Caribbean and "rest of the world" market segments continued to show lower arrival figures in 2010 compared to 2009.

According to data from the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), combined occupancy rates grew by three percentage points to 77 per cent in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 74 per cent in 2009. Although there were 14 fewer cruise calls during the first quarter of 2010 relative to 2009, actual cruise passenger arrivals showed a slight increase of less than one per cent.

Overall government revenues on a cash basis expanded by 5.7 per cent during the review period. Revenues from hotel room taxes registered a growth of approximately two per cent in the first quarter of 2010 over 2009, while timeshare tax revenues decreased by about the same amount (2.4 per cent) and rental tax receipts contracted by less than one per cent in the review period.

Receipts from direct taxes (wage tax), remained relatively the same during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, increasing by less than one per cent, but constituting a recovery compared to a seven per cent decline for the full year 2009.

AVBZ premiums also remained the same during the first three months of this year compared to 2009, with growth of just 0.6 per cent.

The utility sector indicated strong growth in the review period, with double-digit increases in overall electricity consumption, but also in the individual customer categories: domestic, commercial and large consumer.

The large consumer category, with a number of large projects coming online, led growth with a 40 per cent expansion in 2010 over 2009. Overall water consumption showed a 5.8 per cent increase, with growth of 3.9 per cent in the domestic category and 20 per cent in the large consumer category.

Based on figures from the Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles, the trend of slowed growth continued in resident loans (5.9 per cent) during the first quarter of 2010. Quite the reverse, resident deposits recorded a sizeable jump in growth, with an expansion of 16 per cent compared to 2009, due in part to a 25 per cent increase in time deposits in the review period.

PHILIPSBURG--Workers' rights crusader Rui Bagina has suspended his hunger strike until September.

The French Quarter resident had been on a one-week hunger strike from Sunday, July 11, until Sunday, July 18, out of frustration with a fruitless ten-year-long battle against what he says are exploitative employers, uninterested politicians and civil servants, and the impossibility of seeking justice and claiming what is legally his.

The 58-year-old Portuguese had not been taking food, hoping that his action would finally open the eyes of authorities on both sides of the island and move them to do something on his behalf.

Bagina said he had decided to suspend his hunger strike until September, because such an action during the vacation period would, in his eyes, not yield sufficient attention to his cause.

However, in the meantime, labour union Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL) has decided to support his claim, and has arranged for a meeting with Commissioner of Labour, Hyacinth Richardson, scheduled for Wednesday, July 28.

Bagina has been battling with employers and authorities in and out of the courts in French and Dutch St. Maarten for 10 years, but his efforts have left him empty-handed. Moreover, his fight for the rights of workers in the hospitality sector has left him jobless and without money.

Bagina has worked as a waiter and bartender at various restaurants on both sides of the island. He has lost several jobs. Bagina is protesting the large-scale violation of workers' rights in the hospitality sector, citing workers being underpaid, the 15 per cent service tax not being paid out to workers, and tips being taken from individual workers. He is also protesting the fact that no free legal assistance is being provided when a worker wants to take his employer to court to claim his legal rights.

He said he would resume his hunger strike in September in case he would not receive a "substantial" response from the authorities concerning his complaints. "Seven days I have spent without eating in protest against social injustice, which is the reason for so much crime and desperation among the youths, insecurity, unhappiness, domestic violence, anger, hunger, and poverty throughout the entire island," Bagina said.

DP asks for two more points to be added

PHILIPSBURG--The draft constitution for Country St. Maarten and changes to the electoral law to allow the dissolution of the Island Council in connection with early elections are up for approval today, Wednesday, by the Island Council. Meeting starts at 9:00am.

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) has requested that two additional points be added to the agenda: the draft Electricity Ordinance/concession for utilities company GEBE and the appeal for variance on a planning permit request by Olzina N.V. The party said that these matters, if not dealt with as soon as possible, may eventually have financial consequences such as the levying of fines on the island by the courts and others.

Up to press time, it was not known if Council Chairman Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt had placed these two additional points on today's agenda.

On the draft constitution, DP Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said it was "presumptuous" of chairman of the Central Committee of the Island Council George Pantophlet to have said that he expected unanimous support on the constitution when tabled today. His comment stemmed from numerous questions that were already posed by council members and answered by government in the Central Committee.

Wescot-Williams said her party is caught between "a rock and a hard place" on the constitution approval because of changes made by the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition that DP goes not agree with or doesn't see the logic for. One such addition is a transition clause that would allow someone who had had issues with investigations and brushes with the law to still be able to run for public office as long as these occurred prior to the constitution being passed.

She said if government "continues to take away pieces" from the constitution that undermines earlier clauses about the conduct of elected officials then the better thing to do was to remove it entirely from the constitution and make an ordinance.

DP not supporting the approval of the constitution today would mean that it would be accused of not supporting St. Maarten's quest to become a country within the Dutch Kingdom come 10-10-10, the party leader said.

The party was discussing its position when it comes to voting today, she said, adding that it was also taking into consideration that there has not been any consultation on the draft since 2008.

DUTCH QUARTER--Residents of the so called "emergency homes" in Union Farm are at their wits end when it comes to crime in their area and are pleading with government and law enforcement to pay closer attention to the area as well as upgrade the surrounding infrastructure.

The Daily Herald understands that some of the residents have approached the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) literally begging for the foundation to take action on their behalf. They said their neighbourhood is growing into a "cesspool of crime" which is run by a group of individuals identifying themselves simply as "911."

Speaking on condition of anonymity and out of fear of reprisals, sources explained that youngsters in this "911" group commit robberies throughout the Dutch Quarter area and return to the vicinity of the emergency homes with whatever they stole.

Of more concern to the residents is the rise of break-ins in the emergency homes themselves. "Something have to be done about this place. Sometimes they bring back stolen cars here, other times you see them plainly walking with a TV bragging about where they stole it from. Can't someone do something?" one of the residents asked.

In addition to the crime, residents complain of roads that are "beyond horrible" and running sewage. "Government have people living like dogs up here," another resident chimed in, adding that residents of the other emergency home areas complain of the same hardships.

Law enforcement said on Tuesday that they are well aware of the situation at the emergency homes and are doing something about it. Exactly what that is could not be divulged at this point in time.

The 200 emergency homes, erected in the aftermath of Hurricane Luis and Marilyn of 1995, are located in Union Farm, Cole Bay, Sucker Garden and South Reward. Government owns the homes and the SMHDF leases the properties, pays insurance and collects NAf. 386 in monthly rent.

Wreath laying to mark Wathey's birthday

PHILIPSBURG--United People's (UP) party, headed by "caretaker" Commissioner Theo Heyliger, will be officially launched with the introduction of board members and kick-off of the campaign for the scheduled September 17 early Island Council elections in Barefoot Terrace on Saturday at 4:30pm. The official UP logo will also be unveiled at the launch.

The public is invited to the party launch, Heyliger said Tuesday afternoon. "UP is about the people of St. Maarten and the future of the island."

The launch coincides with the birth anniversary of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, considered by many as the "father" of St. Maarten. Wathey was the grandfather and political mentor of Heyliger.

Heyliger will lay a wreath at Dr. Wathey's statue in front of the Government Administration Building on behalf of the family at 4:00pm prior to the party launch. Everyone who wants to pay respect to the late Dr. Wathey is invited by the family to be part of the ceremony.

The UP leader expected to make a statement after the wreath laying about his grandfather and the launch of the party founded on "Progress Always" for St. Maarten, the motto on the island's coat of arms and flag.

People interested in joining UP can do so at the launch.

UP board members and supporters will celebrate the party launch and the start of campaigning on the square after the official ceremony with music by District Band.

Heyliger resigned with immediate effect as a commissioner in the National Alliance (NA)/Heyliger coalition on Monday. He had described that move as necessary to give the new party the "greatest possible chance" by going out himself and campaigning in the upcoming elections.

He remains as a caretaker commissioner, based on the Islands Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles ERNA, until replaced by a new commissioner.

PHILIPSBURG--With the stroke of a pen, Deputy Leader of Government Commissioner Theo Heyliger ended his eleven consecutive years as commissioner Monday morning when he signed his resignation letter in Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall and submitted it to Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt.

Heyliger is now readying his United People's (UP) party for its first election scheduled for September 17.

"It is very important that I give the new party the greatest chance. That greatest chance is actually me going there and working the campaign trail – sitting with the new candidates who are coming so we are all on the same wavelength for the future of St. Maarten," Heyliger said.

In keeping with Article 52, section 4 of the Islands Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles ERNA, Heyliger remains a "caretaker" commissioner until he is replaced in the Executive Council, despite resigning with immediate effect.

The ERNA states: "The alderman [commissioner] who has resigned shall continue in office until his successor has assumed such function." It also instructs that the vacancy created be filled "if possible in the very next meeting of the Island Council."

The very next meeting of the Island Council is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 9:00am, to handle the approval of the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten and the ratification of amendments to the Electoral Law to allow dissolution of the Island Council so early elections can be held on September 17.

However, the National Alliance (NA), with which Heyliger had formed a coalition on June 6, 2009, can ask for an addition to Wednesday's agenda to appoint a new commissioner.

The party can also opt to distribute Heyliger's portfolios among the four remaining commissioners William Marlin, Frans Richardson, Hyacinth Richardson and Xavier Blackman, with less than two months to go before the September polls.

Attempts by The Daily Herald to obtain comments from Leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin, who is also NA leader, about Heyliger's resignation and about whether the NA plans to appoint a new commissioner were unsuccessful up to press time. However, there has been some talk in the community that the post may be filled by NA Island Councilman and Parliamentarian Rodolphe Samuel.

Heyliger continues to be an independent Island Council member until the first parliament for Country St. Maarten is elected on September 17 and new members take office in early October.

In an interview with this newspaper on Sunday evening Heyliger signalled his plan to resign on Monday morning. After the interview, he made the same announcement on his Facebook status update.

Groeneveldt informed the Island Council of Heyliger's resignation and the ERNA stipulation at the end of Monday's meeting on the NAf. 13 million outstanding to St. Maarten from the Central Government.

Groeneveldt told the council that a copy of Heyliger's letter would be sent to the members.

Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilman Roy Marlin enquired whether the resignation letter stated that Heyliger had withdrawn his support from the NA-led coalition, because its majority in the Island Council was based on NA's five members and Heyliger.

The letter did not indicate any withdrawal of support, Groeneveldt said. It was a brief letter with Heyliger stating that he was resigning effective immediately, and expressing thanks for having been able "to serve St. Maarten and its people as a member of the Executive Council."

Heyliger was the youngest commissioner ever to take office in St. Maarten when elected in 1995. He served from July 2, 1995, to August 17, 1997. He returned as commissioner from July 2, 1999, until he resigned from DP on June 4, 2009. Heyliger formed the coalition with NA two days later, immediately returned as commissioner and has held that post until the present.

~ Blackman: Letter simply sought clarity ~

PHILIPSBURG--Locating St. Maarten's "missing millions" was as simple as doing some homework and consulting with all relevant government departments, instead of causing the island "embarrassment" by government firing off a letter to Finance Minister Ersilia de Lannooy, opposition Democratic Party (DP) Island Council members said in Monday's Island Council meeting.

DP members Sarah Wescot-Williams, Roy Marlin, Maria Buncamper-Molanus and Leroy de Weever said the NAf. 13 million of St. Maarten's share of the Turnover Tax (ToT) allegedly not transferred could have been found easily in the administration records and information provided by government to the Island Council.

Monday's meeting was requested by DP on Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman's announcement last week that the records indicated that NAf. 13 million had not been transferred by the Central Government to St. Maarten between 2005 and 2009 and that he had sent a letter to the finance minister enquiring about the millions.

While DP members hammered on Blackman, National Alliance (NA) Island Councilmen George Pantophlet and Rodolphe Samuel, and independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist strongly defended Blackman and the NA-led Executive Council's move to obtain clarity about the "people's money."

Commissioner Blackman said the letter was an attempt to obtain clarity about the funds from the Central Government, not an attempt "to make anyone look bad." He expressed "surprise" at the stir caused by just asking for clarification – "protecting the people" from any deal not made in St. Maarten's favour.

Based on answers provided by Blackman to DP's questions, the DP contended that more than NAf. 3 million in ToT funds had been transferred to St. Maarten's bank account at Windward Islands Bank in July and December 2007. These amounts had never been booked by the Island Receiver's Office, resulting in records showing zero had been transferred.

The remaining amounts appear to have been withheld by the Central Government for insurance premiums for the coverage of family members of those insured by the Social Insurance Bank SVB. The withholding of premiums has been an ongoing battle between the Island and Central Governments.

DP Island Councilman and former Finance Commissioner Roy Marlin said the SVB coverage was the "last piece of the puzzle" of the missing or not-transferred funds.

More than NAf. 19 million in SVB premiums was paid by St. Maarten in 2007. The island had to pay NAf. 5.9 million for coverage in 2005 and NAf. 6.8 million in 2006, followed by the massive jump the following year.

The massive jump corresponds with the time the Central Government stopped withholding St. Maarten's money because the island territory was challenging the premium amounts.

The not-transferred millions can be explained easily by two bank statements and the SVB premiums paid for 2005 and 2006, prior to the massive increase in the amount owed in 2007, DP members contended.

"From the amount of 12 million paid, most probably from St. Maarten's share, and the two bank statements, I can conclude that there is no missing 13 million, unless someone can tell me differently," Marlin said.

DP Island Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus said the necessary homework should have been done before government had caused embarrassment for the island with claims of money not being found.

DP Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said the Central Government had continued to deduct money for services and premiums, although there was no agreement for this with St. Maarten.

She and DP Island Councilman Leroy de Weever questioned whether the allegation that NAf. 13 million was "missing" was a ruse, as it was the same amount as the deficit the 2010 budget had in June that was covered by an advance of NAf. 15 million on St. Maarten's assets in the Netherlands Antilles.

Wescot-Williams concluded there was a ruse, based on government's second-quarter financial report, which notes that the NAf. 15 million was not included in the table of monies collected. A notation in that report states that the amount was not included because it might have to be repaid "to Curaçao" at any time.

Pantophlet said he was "still curious" to hear what De Lannooy's response would be to government's enquiry. He blasted DP for the budget-plugging comment, saying that so-called balanced budgets had been presented by the former administration for years, but that since the NA/Heyliger coalition took office in June 2009, Blackman had uncovered more than NAf. 100 million in accumulated deficits.

Laveist said, "There is honour even among thieves," but the way the Central Government put its hand in the pocket of the people and took money without telling them was unacceptable. "It's like you going into my house and just taking the money from under my mattress."

Samuel commended Blackman for attempting to stop the Central Government from dipping its hands into the people's pockets. He said the DP had only requested the meeting to clear the names of its former commissioners of finance, because they should have been more vigilant with the people's money.

Commissioner Frans Richardson, who is said to be on vacation, was absent from the meeting with notice. Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt said Richardson was off-island. Commissioner William Marlin was not present for the start of the meeting, but arrived while it was in progress.

PHILIPSBURG--Government's Control Unit will be inspecting school buses next week to prepare for the 2010-2011 school year, the Government Information Services (GIS) announced Monday.

Drivers who miss inspections will not be allowed to take children to and from school this year.

"It is essential that the buses are in good operational condition," GIS said on behalf of the Control and Inspections Department. "Bus drivers and/or owners have to have their buses up to standard according to the Traffic Ordinance."

Some 64 persons have licences to transport schoolchildren. Their buses carry T, G, P, M and BUS plates, GIS said.

Control Unit officers will be inspecting the buses at Jose Lake Sr. Ballpark in Cul de Sac from 8:30am to 12:00 noon each day starting next week Monday.

Government has warned drivers and owners that they will "not be compensated nor be allowed to transport schoolchildren" if they do not have their vehicles inspected.

 Customs impound 20 full fuel tanks at port 

MARIGOT--The three main gasoline importers on French St. Martin are advocating a "go slow" at the gas stations this Thursday by selling a maximum 5 to 10 euros worth of gas, and some stations may close, to protest the Collectivité's implementation of a 6 euro cent tax on a litre of fuel voted at the Territorial Council meeting on March 25.

The protest is expected to coincide with the first visit to St. Martin by President of the Senate Gérard Larcher.

The importers--Cadisco, Friendzoil, and GEDC - say the Collectivité is "reinforcing" collection of what is supposed to be a consumption tax paid at the pump; Taxe sur les Carburants (TSC), but in effect claim the Collectivité is seeking to tax the importer, making the importer liable by "fronting the money" with the idea the importer can collect the tax later from the retailer and thus the consumer.

The TSC is an existing tax that was always paid until 2007 when the economic climate deteriorated and the advent of an unfavourable euro-dollar exchange rate coupled with an increase in gas prices meant gas stations could not afford to pay it. Collection was not enforced but now a financially-strapped Collectivité is seeking all avenues to augment revenues.

Despite numerous meetings between the importers and the Collectivité on the matter since the end of May, Customs were instructed by the Collectivité, as of July 12, to block access to fuel arrivals at Galis Bay Port for non payment of the tax.

The measure comes in the midst of a stagnant economy and rapidly approaching high season for hurricanes, the impact of which threatens to prevent deliveries to gas stations.

According to importers two gas stations have already run out of gas and had to be supplied by other means.

The latest tax woe to hit French St. Martin comes as the business community grapples with the prospect of the controversial 2 per cent Taxe Génerale sur le Chiffre d'Affaires (TGCA) applicable as of August 1.

"Unfortunately the Collectivité has effectively derailed all negotiations and has arbitrarily imposed its will, ignoring agreements made," a spokesperson for the importers told The Daily Herald. "Importers and retailers are fully open to renewing discussions with the Collectivité at any time. Arbitrary enforcement is in nobody's interest. We need a solution that works for all....not punitive action that will result in inevitable closures and layoffs."

"We offered some middle ground proposals which have been rejected. We submitted all our figures, showed what our margins are, and have been very transparent. For us, as with most businesses on the French side, we are in survival mode. If you compare the litre turnover per month by Dutch side gas stations it is double to triple what the French side is taking, and then you have the other factors, the euro-dollar conversion etc."

Importers say the 6 euro cents is not only unsustainable by gas stations that need to remain competitive with Dutch St. Maarten to survive but the inequality of labour cost, social charges, and taxes put a very heavy burden on French St. Martin businesses as evidenced by the exodus of French companies to the Dutch side.

"We fully understand the Collectivité needs tax revenue and we are quite prepared to contribute but it seems they are unable to grasp the sense of gravity this measure will have. Nor do they understand the intricacies of the business situation and market logistics."

Importers added that they cannot agree to a tax being imposed as an import duty collectible by Customs as it sets a frightening precedent for the future, affecting purchasing power and jobs.

"We will accept a less burdensome fuel tax of between 2 and 3 cents. We want a true consumption tax, payable the month following the sale and not a customs duty at entry to the port," the spokesperson added.

President Frantz Gumbs could not be reached to comment on the matter yesterday.

WILLEMSTAD--The Unusual Transactions Reporting Department MOT signed a NAf.-197,550 financing agreement with Dutch funding agency USONA on Monday for the establishment of a MOT centre on St. Maarten.

Dutch Representative in the Antilles and Aruba Rob Vermass explained that the financing agreement for MOT on St. Maarten was the last of the IVB Funding Programme (Institutional Strengthening of Governments of the Netherlands Antilles) to assist St. Maarten and Curaçao in finalising finance-related matters on their way to new constitutional statuses. Like on future Country Curacao, MOT on St. Maarten will be reviewed by the International Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Considering the short time until St. Maarten obtains country status, Vermaas said it would be too "ambitious" to expect that a centre that fully complied with international standards regarding suppression of money-laundering and tackling financing of terrorism could be set up. However, he added, having the centre showed that the island viewed these problems as serious and addressed them as such.

He said the vulnerability of a small island territory such as St. Maarten, with limited law enforcement capacity, was well known. Law enforcement in a small and open society where "everyone knows everyone" is a formidable challenge, he said, adding that establishing an MOT sent a good signal to the financial world that the country could be critical of self, and persuaded reporting entities outside the financial sector that cooperating with money-launderers was not only illegal but socially irresponsible.

MOT Director Kenneth Dambruck explained that MOT was already being worked on in St. Maarten, not only from the national office, and that because of experience gained thus far in St. Maarten, the establishing of the office could continue. Coordination is currently being carried out from Curaçao, and eventually these tasks will be transferred to St. Maarten. With the financing in place, computers will be purchased and the service of experts in the field will be sought.

MOT receives approximately 20,000 reports of unusual transactions annually, of which approximately 14,000 are from Curaçao and 6,000 from St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG--The Central Government hopes to introduce three-year permits for some Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) recipients in measures to ease them into the regular procedure.

Only persons who have lived here longest will qualify based on St. Maarten's labour policy.

Antillean Justice Minister Magali Jacoba sent her post-BTA policy to St. Maarten business stakeholders Monday for comments. She had hoped to implement the policy that would give more than 5,000 persons here and in Curaçao who have been granted temporary legal status a chance to stay in the Netherlands Antilles.

"You have to look into the policy of the island," the minister told The Daily Herald.

Category I BTA applicants received their permits because they had been in the Netherlands Antilles since before 2002. BTA Category II applicants would not be covered by the policy. She said she hoped to receive responses from the various stakeholders later in the week.

Jacoba refused to discuss the policy's other terms in depth because she wanted to offer stakeholders the chance to discuss it first.

PHILIPSBURG--A new Justice policy slaps teens and young adults with alternative punishment, rather than traditional jail-time, for breaking the law.

Its sponsor, Antillean Justice Minister Magali Jacoba, hopes to lessen the impact of minor crimes on these youths' futures. "We can work on a good base for the youths that have been in contact with the Justice system," she told The Daily Herald on Monday. "If they do a small crime, you don't always have to send them to prison."

The minister told this newspaper in March that the youth Justice policy probably would be her last big project before leaving office. She said in that same exclusive interview that she would retire from politics and government service when her term ended in October.

She said Justice departments like the Court of Guardianship and youth development programmes in Curaçao and St. Maarten had agreed to the policy's terms in a June 29 meeting. The minister said local officers had been absent, but she understood that "this is a very busy time for them."

Minister Jacoba's policy gives conditional sentences of "social activity" to offenders. Their records are expunged when they have finished serving the time. She didn't say when it would be ready, but she said Parliament's approval of new penal regulations was necessary before she could act.

Independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist (right) continues to be mum on his plans for the scheduled September 17 Island Council elections. Since pledging support to National Alliance (NA) in May 2009 and campaigning for the party in the January 22 parliamentary polls, speculations have been abundant about him becoming a candidate with NA. Laveist, however, declined to comment on his plans when asked by this newspaper on Monday. He is seen in photo with United People's (UP) party leader "caretaker" Commissioner Theo Heyliger sitting in Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall. Heyliger is also busy putting together his party's slate for the September elections. (Alita Singh photo)

PHILIPSBURG--The Department of Disaster Management is calling on motorists to exercise caution while driving in low lying areas which could flood due to heavy and persistent rainfall.
Motorists driving near hillsides are also asked to exercise caution with respect to possible rock falls due to the water saturated hillsides after several days of rainfall.
The island is currently experiencing weather from a Tropical Wave located near the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico which is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

PHILIPSBURG--Deputy Leader of Government Commissioner Theo Heyliger says he will be tendering his resignation as a member of the Executive Council today, Monday, with immediate effect, in a move to put the campaign of his United People's (UP) party into high gear for the Island Council elections scheduled for September 17.

Heyliger will remain an independent member of the Island Council.

He told The Daily Herald Sunday evening that his resignation letter would be submitted to Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt today.

He informed leader of Government and National Alliance (NA) leader William Marlin about his decision by telephone text message Sunday afternoon.

Heyliger's text message about his impending resignation, a copy of which Marlin forwarded to the newspaper Sunday evening, read: "Was calling you to let you know that I was tendering my resignation as a member of the Executive Council in order to prepare for the upcoming elections. Just want to thank you and your team for the ability to have served."

Heyliger told The Daily Herald Sunday evening that his first and main interest in his political life remained the needs of the St. Maarten people. "I intend to continue public service for as long as the people call on me to do so. This will also give the people the opportunity to vote me back into office come September if they want me to keep on representing them. It's all up to the people."

Heyliger was tight-lipped about the UP's plans, but the party is tipped to be launched in the coming days

Heyliger's departure from the Executive Council is not expected to affect the government's stability. NA has five members in the Island Council and the support of independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist.

There were indications in the past that Heyliger was planning to resign over issues in the NA-Heyliger coalition. His office at the Government Administration Building was cleared out two months ago, sparking speculation that he was about to quit the coalition. Heyliger said at the time that he had no intention to resign and his staffers said the office was being prepared for new flooring and a paint job.

Shortly after speaking to this newspaper Sunday, Heyliger announced his intended resignation on his Facebook page. In his status, he also wrote: "I would like to thank the entire population of St. Maarten for allowing me to have served from July 2, 1999, to July 19, 2010 [ed. as a commissioner]. It has been an honour serving you."

Heyliger also told this newspaper Sunday evening, "St. Maarten is at a crossroad in its history with the move from the Netherlands Antilles to a country within the Dutch Kingdom. The people who must take responsibility for our new nation must be up to the task and ready to build up St. Maarten into an even better place to live."

He said his task with the UP party was to ensure the party slate would be made up of just that kind of candidates, another reason he had opted to resign as a commissioner to reinforce the UP party, so it would be the choice to "keep St. Maarten progressing always."

"We are moving up and the list is coming together, but I won't reveal any names yet. The UP party is about everyone working together to better this island of ours. And together we will make our plans and intentions to brighten up St. Maarten's future known directly to the people," he said.

Heyliger added that as an Island Council member he would continue to look out for the best interest of St. Maarten and its people in the remaining months and days leading up to elections. "Not being in the Executive Council at this time doesn't mean I will be any less busy. Safeguarding the interest of the people from outside the Executive Council is even more important now."

Asked whether his resignation had anything to do with rifts within the NA/Heyliger coalition, he said, "Every relationship has its high and low points." Pressed for details, he said, "The focus should not be on the past, but on looking ahead to a bright future for the island."

Heyliger is the grandson of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, who is considered the father of St. Maarten and co-founder of the Democratic Party (DP). Heyliger was the youngest commissioner to take office when elected in 1995. He served from July 2, 1995, to August 17, 1997.

He returned as a commissioner from July 2, 1999 until he resigned from the DP on June 4, 2009. Heyliger formed the coalition with the NA two days later, immediately returned as commissioner and has held that post until the present.

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten's paramilitary volunteers trained with a team from Curaçao last week to sharpen their shooting and riot control skills in the event of emergencies.

The week-long event, which sent members onto shooting ranges and high buildings, did more than just prepare them for disaster relief, the corps said Sunday. "It's also important for bonding," said Captain Paul Martens of the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten VKS.

VKS members rappelled off Blue Mall, shot rifles at Emilio Wilson Estate and ran crowd control drills on Pond Island with their Voluntary Corps of Curaçao VKC counterparts to prepare for hurricanes. "A lot of the exercises we did were actual exercises that we already do regularly," Martens said.
As Curaçao usually isn't affected by hurricanes, the VKC has committed to helping the VKS execute post-storm cleanup and assessment. Martens explained that the VKC, together with the Voluntary Corps of Bonaire, would relieve the VKS when it had stabilised the island. "Sometimes our own members are victims too; they need the time to recover," Martens said.

VKS will also be working along with Dutch Marines in early September for the annual Hurricane Exercises HurEx training drills.

PHILIPSBURG--The draft constitution for Country St. Maarten is now in the final stage of approval. The Central Committee of the Island Council completed its deliberation on the draft Friday afternoon and sent it on for public handling.

A meeting of the Island Council is expected to be called this week to debate and possibly approve the draft constitution, a vital part of the preparation for the country-within-the-Dutch-Kingdom status scheduled to come into effect on 10-10-10.

Central Committee Chairman George Pantophlet told The Daily Herald questions on the draft constitution submitted in writing by Island Council members when the meeting originally started in June had been answered by Project Director for Country St. Maarten Dennis Richardson and legal advisors. Those answers were sent to council members Thursday afternoon in advance of Friday's continuation.

Changes to the Electoral Law that will allow for the dissolution of the Island Council and early Island Council elections in preparation for country status were also handled by the Central Committee on Friday in a meeting prior to the one on the draft constitution. The amendments to the law also will be up for approval by the Island Council this week, said Pantophlet.

Also dealt with by the Central Committee on Friday and sent on to the Island Council were the amendments to the 50+-year-old Electricity Ordinance and the new concession for utilities company GEBE, Pantophlet also reported Sunday.

The scheduled date for elections is September 17, with Nomination Day set for August 18. The voters register will close on August 6, based on the election schedule provided by government to the Island Council.

The September elections are being referred to as early Island Council elections, but in reality, voters will be electing the first parliamentarians of new Country St. Maarten. The parliament will have 15 members, whereas the present Island Council has 11 members.

The 15 new Island Council members will take the oath of office on October 5 at the latest, during a meeting called by the Island Council chairman.

In reporting on the GEBE issues Pantophlet explained that GEBE's financier Pacific Life was no longer issuing any penalties to the company because the new concession is not yet ready. However, the new concession has to be approved as soon as possible.

GEBE also wants a new tariff to be in place. Island Council members have requested a copy of a report by Deloitte and Touche. They also want to know the cost to be borne by consumers and how the fuel clause can be stabilised.

Also discussed in Friday's meeting was GEBE's purchase of electricity from the company that will be in charge of the waste-to-energy plant to be constructed on Pond Island.

Appeals by Easy Tar Restaurant NV and Dependable Construction regarding government's rejection of their director's licence requests were placed on hold. These appeals were on the Central Committee agenda for Friday.

Pantophlet explained that the appeals had been rejected because the applicants had not submitted their appeals within 14 days, as stipulated by the Administrative Law, and the applicants' circumstances had changed. The companies will be contacted before the Island Council takes a final decision.

Another appeal with which the Central Committee had to deal was from Ozina NV. The company's application for a planning permit was rejected by government, a move that sparked several court cases dating back to 2007. The judge has now given the Island Council up to July 28 to make a decision on the appeal or government will face

MARIGOT--A Bertram 43 fishing boat caught fire and sank at Captain Oliver's Marina in Oyster Pond late Saturday night, the marina's dock master confirmed on Sunday. Nobody was on board at the time.

The vessel named For Us was tied up at one of the docks when it caught fire. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but there was a significant amount of fuel in the vessel's tanks.

According to dock master Pascal, the boat had been docked at the marina for about two years. Its owner, name given as Carlo, is currently off-island, but it was being looked after by a caretaker.

"I received a call from the restaurant about 9:30pm saying there was a boat on fire in the marina," said Pascal. "Both Dutch- and French-side fire-fighters responded, as well as the Dutch Coastguard. The fire was not extinguished until about 1:00am, at which time it sank completely."

Fortunately there was no fire damage to the wooden dock and the vessel's location was far enough away from Captain Oliver's Marina and Restaurant. A strong breeze was also fanning the flames away from the docks and buildings.

Pascal quoted the vessel's caretaker as saying the cause of the fire was a "mystery."

The vessel's owner is due back on the island in about 10 days, he added. It was understood the remains of the vessel would be salvaged today.

PHILIPSBURG--Environmental awareness group St. Maarten Pride Foundation wants protection and preservation of the environment enshrined in the constitution for Country St. Maarten and has written to the Island Council with this request.

The group said it was "unfortunately" never consulted or briefed on the contents of the soon-to-be approved constitution. However, it has been following the debates with "great interest."

The constitution is still a draft that will be before the Island Council for approval this week. The Central Committee completed its deliberations on the draft constitution on Friday.

Foundation President Jadira Veen submitted the request for addition to the constitution last week. The letter, signed by her and Vice President Rueben Thompson, states that considering the health and well being of a people is closely interlinked with their surroundings they request that the council "ensure the protection of the environment in the Constitution of Country St. Maarten."

The foundation believes that the protection of the environment can be arranged for in the Constitution through the inclusion of the text (provided in Dutch) that was compiled from other constitutions in the Dutch Kingdom and other countries.

The addition says in essence that government will take measure for "protection, conservation and rehabilitation of nature. Preservation specifically deals with "biological diversity and the protection and the management of ecosystems." Government will also pledge to adhere to the international treaties concerning the management and the protection of flora and fauna.

The foundation also urged the Island Council to provide for the protection of- and secure public access to St. Maarten's beaches. "St. Maarten advertises the island's beaches as public, yet over the past decade there have been court cases, public debates and even group confrontations between developers and residents about access to and ownership of beaches," the group said in its letter.

Veen and Thompson cited the Civil Code of the Netherlands Antilles (Article 26, Book 5) that states beaches are considered to be property of the Island Territory. The public nature of beaches in the Netherlands Antilles can only be limited through permission by the Central and Island Government, according to the Civil Code.

As St. Maarten's beaches form part of the people's patrimony, Pride strongly believes beaches should never be sold nor leased out to third parties. The foundation therefore wants St. Maarten's beaches be stated in the constitution as "protected, public and belonging to Government and by extension thereof are owned by the people of St Maarten."

They continued, "The protection of our beaches and the rights of the people to access our beaches can be enforced by updating the currently existing Beach Policy, by converting it into a Beach Ordinance and by zoning beaches as public and protected."

WILLEMSTAD--InselAir International encountered some problems on Sunday morning while it was being pushed back from its parking spot in preparation for take off.

A ground handler at Hato International Airport apparently did not see an air-conditioning van parked behind the aircraft and pushed the aircraft into the van. Insel's management did not elaborate on the scope of the damage the aircraft sustained.

The flight to St Maarten and Puerto Rico was delayed until approximately 5:00pm. The flight with another aircraft to Aruba was also delayed until 7:45pm and to Valencia until 10:15pm.

InselAir apologized for the delays.

WILLEMSTAD--Curaçao's Executive Council has appointed Marvin Leito as new acting head of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock LVV, apparently for political reasons.

Commissioner Anthony Godett (FOL) confirmed that up-to-then acting head Kenneth Heidweiler was no longer responsible in that position within the department. There is an obvious lack of confidence between Heidweiler and Godett, who is responsible for the LVV.

The confidence breach is said to be due to a number of circumstances. Godett: "He obstructs the development of local farmers, is constantly at odds with environmental organisation Carmabi to the extent that the latter may miss out on financing from the Netherlands for a project to reinforce the organisation and he cooperated with leaking sensitive information from the department to the political party he is associated with."

Rumours are also circulating that the Public Prosecution is currently investigating the LVV.

Heidweiler is number four on the candidate list of Partido Laboral (formerly PLKP), which participated in the "preliminary elections" to collect signatures on its candidate list last weekend for the Island Council elections of August 27.

According to Godett, Heidweiler informed the Lt. Governor and the Island Secretary one day before the submission of the candidate lists of the fact he is on the list of Partido Laboral. "As his direct boss, I had to learn this through the grapevine."

"Subsequently, he informed the Lt. Governor he had not taken any holiday for four years and that he wanted to take leave."

However, in the meantime the Executive Council decided Heidweiler was no longer acting head of LVV. "He can do two things. Either he goes on holidays and retires afterwards, or he can make a claim to the early retirement VUT-arrangement," said Godett.

Heidweiler, who succeeded former head Chris Winkel in 2005, is scheduled to go into retirement in March 2011. He says the letter he got does not even include a signature of the Lt. Governor needed to make the decision legal.

Both he and his party with its new leader Errol Goloe plan to fight this "violation of passive voting rights" tooth and nail and have asked the voters to support their "fight against this kind of injustice."

PHILIPSBURG--Heavy rainfall associated with an upper level disturbance located north of the island caused heavy rainfall throughout the weekend, with Sunday receiving the brunt of the bad weather. Consequently, several low-lying, flood-prone areas were inundated with rain water, chasing motorists from the road and forcing residents to spend a rainy Sunday indoors.

Dutch Quarter, Illidge Road, Zagersgut and Cole Bay were the hardest hit around mid-morning on Sunday. Flood waters ran off the roads in a short time when the rain held up a bit by 2:00pm.

Personnel of the Public Works Department were out in the field monitoring the situation from early Sunday morning and reported no significant debris on the road or life-threatening situations.

Additionally, the canal at Great Bay was opened to allow excess water to flow to the sea. It was also explained that there was no need to run the water pumps, as the pond was pumped a few weeks back and was at a very low level.

Some flights at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) were disrupted and diverted during the morning on Sunday because of "white-out" conditions. PJIA, St. Barths, Anguilla and Grand Case were closed to VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic for most of the day. Only pilots using IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) were landing. Air operations started to normalise at approximately 1:00pm.

VFR are a set of regulations which allow a pilot to operate an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. Specifically, the weather must be better than basic VFR weather minimums. If the weather is worse than VFR minimums, pilots are required to use instrument flight rules.

There were no cruise vessels in port on Sunday.

Nature Foundation attempting to capture specimen

PHILIPSBURG--Reliable reports have reached St. Maarten Nature Foundation of a possible lionfish sighting in local waters.

The sighting was reported by Sally Davies of Octopus Diving on the Bridge dive site approximately 50 feet deep. Photographs were taken and a positive identification was confirmed. Christophe Joe of Reserve Naturelle St. Martin also confirmed the sighting.

According to Nature Foundation manager Tadzio Bervoets, the specimen seems to be a juvenile, approximately two to four inches in length. Nature Foundation staff will dive the site today, Saturday, to attempt to capture the specimen to take genetic samples and conduct stomach content analysis.

Nature Foundation has a Lionfish Response Plan in place that outlines management actions to be taken regarding the lionfish infestation. A lionfish invasion can have detrimental effects on the island's marine environment, particularly the populations of both ecologically and economically important fish species. Coral reef ecosystems can also experience degradation due to predatory stress caused by lionfish on coral reef grazers such as parrotfish.

The invasive lionfish also poses a threat to public health. The species has 14 venomous spines over the length of its body that can inflict a painful sting. Due to the nature of the invasion, complete eradication of the species is imperative.

Lionfish are usually found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They were introduced into the Atlantic possibly as a result of the aquarium trade in the early 1990s, after which they quickly spread throughout the tropical and subtropical Atlantic.

Bervoets said he had received unconfirmed reports of the species being sighted in Saba. "I would like to appeal to all dive centres and fishermen that if a lionfish is seen, the location should be noted, the depth, activity of the specimen, and water temperature."

Nature Foundation will attempt to collect every specimen reported. "Please use caution when handling these animals, as they can inflict a dangerous sting," Bervoets stressed. For additional information, contact Bervoets at 00599-527-0490.

By guessing amount of seashells 

PHILIPSBURG--Puerto Ricans are being called upon to "Escaape to St. Maarten" in a new promotion launched on Thursday, July 15, 2010, by the St. Maarten Tourist Office in Puerto Rico.

Themed, "Escaapate a St. Maarten con San Patricio Plaza" (Escaape to St. Maarten with San Patricio Plaza), participants are asked to guess how many seashells are inside a plastic urn filled with an unspecified amount of seashells.

The person who guesses or submits the closest number of seashells in the urn will win a two-night/three-day vacation for two in St. Maarten at the Holland House Beach Hotel, including a return airfare courtesy of American Eagle.

The plastic urn is located in San Patricio Plaza's main hallway, next to Kmart's main entrance which has a lot of traffic, especially during this time of the year due to the on-going back-to-school shopping.

Interested persons can also participate online by visiting: www.diviertetemas.com/caracoles or by sending an e-mail to promo@diviertetemas.com.

Persons can also participate by scanning the QR-Code (two-dimensional barcode) on the display with their Smartphone. By doing this, the person's phone will open the specific website address with the promo registration from.

This Sunday, an ad in El Nuevo Dia newspaper will also have a call-to-action to the promo and the QR-Code that people can scan with their smart phones. This marketing strategy is new in Puerto Rico and people will find it very curious and fun. In this way St. Maarten will engage people to participate.

The promo is also being advertised on Facebook and via an e-mail blast to over 18,000 addresses. San Patricio Plaza will also do their part to promote this with their Facebook group and Twitter account, as well as in their bi-weekly newsletter. The promotion will run through August 22.

San Patricio Plaza is an upscale mall that specializes in clothing, jewellery and footwear boutiques. Located in Guaynabo, over 150 stores are under one roof for shopping. A movie theatre and a food court featuring popular fast food restaurants provide other attractions.

PHILIPSBURG--Sector Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Inspection Pharmaceutical Department has instructed pharmacies to discontinue selling the medications Tylenol, Benadryl, and Motrin IB, and consumers are advised to stop using these products.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Johnson & Johnson has recalled 21 lots of Tylenol, Benadryl, and Motrin IB. This action is a follow-up to a product recall that McNeil Consumer Healthcare originally announced on January 15 when consumers complained of a musty or mouldy odour that has been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromanisole (TBA).

The recall is in line with public health safety. The product lot numbers for the recalled products can be found on the side of the bottle labels. Persons can contact the Inspection VSA Pharmaceutical Department at 542-2059 for more information.

BELVEDERE--A violent slaying in Belvedere on Wednesday most likely will reverse months of work by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to repair the community's poor image, said a representative of one of the groups.

Otmar Leonard (21) died at the hospital late Wednesday from stab wounds he received when a 17-year-old ambushed him. Leonard had stopped a fight between his younger brother and alleged attacker H.K.I. earlier that day and that night I. reportedly stabbed Leonard in the back.

Police said Leonard had been conscious for a while, but had died shortly after arrival at the hospital.

"It's a sad day in Belvedere for all of us," said Belvedere Home Owners' and Tenant's Association (BHOTA) President Benjamin Kelly, adding that the killing had "hit hard."

Leonard's sister called him a "very quiet" person, known for his industrious nature and introverted personality.

BHOTA has launched more than half a dozen youth-centric community outreach programmes in the past year, hoping to steer children and teenagers away from crime. Kelly said the killing would hurt efforts to restore Belvedere. "It affects all of us," he said.

The Belvedere Community Centre is another group trying to clean up the district with youth outreach programs. BCC's youth programme has been praised for years for taking young people off the streets. Its most recent programme, part of the Youth-Elderly (Y-Elderly) programme, was well-received by the seniors in the community.

Comments posted on St. Maarten news Websites lambaste suspect I. for his supposed criminal past and perceived remorseless attitude. Posters also criticise his parents, blaming neglectful adults in general for the problems of teens living on the island.

One of Leonard's sisters said he had had little need for friends. "He was back on the island nearly a year already and people were still saying, 'He was here?'" his sister Sheila Leonard said. "He don't keep company."

She corrected earlier reports that Leonard had arrived recently for the summer, saying he had, in fact, spent the last 12 years in the Netherlands before returning to St. Maarten. He had been working for Prime Distributors since January.

Leonard would have turned 22 next week Wednesday.

He was visiting one of his sisters this week when he was attacked and killed. It started with a fight on the basketball court between I. and Leonard's brother that afternoon, his sister said. Leonard intervened, stopping the fight without attacking I.

"He didn't even fight," she said. "He was just like [saying], 'Cool out.'" I. later showed up with a baseball bat, launching verbal threats.

The killer's attack came later that night, not during the encounter at the court as previously reported. Leonard's sister recalled that her brother had been walking in the area when he was stabbed.

Police said he had died of blood loss from a knife wound under his arm.

BHOTA convened a meeting among members Friday to discuss ways to boost morale for residents.

PHILIPSBURG--Part of the Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard (in the Sangs Supermarket area) will be closed off from Sunday, July 18, to Tuesday, July 20 to allow Windward Roads to carry out work on the troublesome patch of road in front of Sangs.

The road in this area has been undermined by leakage from a GEBE water main. Windward Roads will dig up the road on the Sangs side and re-layer it with sand cement and then add a base course, and later a binder and top layer asphalt.

The work will disturb the traffic from out of Point Blanche for some hours during the work period from 7:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday and from 7:00am to 4:00pm on Monday and Tuesday.

WILLEMSTAD--The Social Insurance Bank of the Netherlands Antilles SVB has forwarded a proposal for a three-per cent health coverage premium hike to the various governments. As yet, only the Island Territory of St. Maarten has responded: the Executive Council can agree with the increase.

Coupled with the general request to expand the medical expense package -by for example including dentist costs- one cannot avoid a premium increase.

In addition, the raising of the retirement age from 60 to 67 years, with possible transitional steps of 62 and 65 years, remains a real option. The AOV-AWW Fund will go into the red at a certain moment without this increase in the pension age.

That the revenues of the Old Age Pension AOV fund increased last year by 14.2 million guilders due to an increase of the wage limit from 72,000 to 77,544 guilders and that the revenues of the General Widow's and Orphan's Insurance AWW Fund also increased by 1.1 million guilders compared to 2008, does not change the less-than-rosy long-term outlook much.

According to the SVB, Curaçao will not be able to postpone the necessary measures much longer to deal with its ageing population. The payment costs of the AOV and of AWW are going up strongly as there are increasingly more pensioners and the pension payments are also indexed annually.

The SVB had paid approximately 219 million guilders on AOV in 2005, but that increased to approximately 355 million guilders in 2009. In that same period the AWW expenditure entry increased from approximately 14 million guilders to more than 20 million guilders.

Compared to 2008, the number of pensioners last year increased by 5.5 per cent to 47,254 persons. The AOV indexation of 7.7 per cent per January 1, 2009 largely explains the cost increase of 39.7 million guilders last year for the AOV-AWW Fund.

The total result of the four funds managed by the SVB had amounted to a surplus in 2009 of nearly 47 million guilders. According to the government-owned institute, customer satisfaction in general increased, of which director Philip Martis is very proud.

For the fourth year in a row, the organization obtained an approved statement from the external accountant. Antillean Public Health Minister Omayra Leeflang (PAR) and Martis announced this during a press conference at the Council of Ministers.

Although a surplus of 46.9 million was booked -which was especially due to the positive investment result of 67.7 million guilders- this masks an alarming deficit of 19.2 million guilders for the fund for Medical Expenses and Accident Insurance ZV/OV. Although this is an improvement of 22.1 million guilders compared to 2008, it is clear that the ZV/OV revenues and expenditures are not in balance.

The expenditures had increased last year by 24.4 million guilders, of which 3.6 million was due to an increase in the number of employees, more sick days, and the like.

The remaining part of 20.8 million guilders expenditure increase in the ZV/OV Fund was purely of a medical nature. Intramural care expenses had increased by 4.9 million guilders, mainly due to an increase of the tariffs at the local St. Elisabeth Hospital.

The increase of the subscription tariff for family doctors had led to an increase of the total subscription expenses by 3 million guilders.

The increase of consultation tariffs for medical specialists had led to a cost increase of 4.7 million guilders. The entry "medical foreign referrals" also increased by 2.7 million guilders.

Pharmacy expenses had increased by 3.7 million guilders. Laboratory and other expenses had totalled an increase of 1.8 million guilders.

The SVB hopes to realise savings on all medical expenditure entries by becoming even more efficient and cost-conscious regarding methods and products. For instance, economising on medical foreign referrals seems possible.

The line of thought is that significant savings on medicine and prostheses should be feasible as well.

The introduction of a medicine compensation system is of importance. They are currently studying which prescription rule compensation can count on the approval of pharmacists, insurers and other parties involved.

One is also considering an offer from the association of medicine importers for a four-per cent reduction on all medicines. "However, a price-freeze must be become effective first in order to prevent that in due course one gets a four-per cent reduction on something that is quickly made much more expensive," Martis remarked.

Both he and the minister are of the opinion that decisions on such subjects should be taken much quicker in "País Kòrsou," as only one administrative level and one executive would be dealing with this.

Leeflang regrets the increase of 2.7 million guilders for medical foreign referrals in 2009. According to her, in many cases the same care could have been provided for on the island against lower cost.

She particularly thinks this about specialist care for heart patients. "That the persons in question are cared for is essential and correct. The referrals themselves are not the problem."

"I spoke with two people who were referred to Colombia for respectively four- and three bypass operations. These people say they owe their life to the fact that due to recent policy they are included in the SVB organisation and could be referred abroad," Leeflang explained.

The member of government regrets that outlined policy for "a sustainable and financial-economic reliable solution for urgent problems in health care regarding to diagnostic coronary angiographies, heart treatments, heart operations, implantations of pacemakers and heart surgery for SVB insured" did not receive broad implementation.

"We have local heart specialists whose name is spoken well of abroad, but cannot amply offer their capabilities to the community here. Apparently, their required permits and the like are difficult to realise," said Leeflang.

In view of the living and eating habits on the island and the linked prevalence of the so-called "three obesities" – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetics – Leeflang concluded an agreement with the Taams Clinic on August 5, 2008 to provide local patients with aforementioned heart care.

While SVB saves money, those patients are spared much inconvenience. Leeflang hopes that prevention and local heart care will be tackled further in the new Country Curaçao.

On September 1st of this year, SVB will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. "We want to celebrate this adequately and peacefully," said director Philip Martis.

Half a century after the organisation was founded in 1960, it is now confronted with fundamental changes regarding its field of action. The forthcoming constitutional changes will imply among others that per January 1, 2011 the Regional Service Centre will perform what the SVB is now doing r the BES islands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

The SVB tasks will be divided among the Dutch Ministries of Social Affairs, of Public Health and of Finance. A protocol agreed upon with State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld (CDA) guarantees the employment continuity for the SVB-personnel on the BES-Islands.

The intention is that the SVB sections located on Curaçao will perform all SVB functions for the new country Curaçao.

MARIGOT--Gendarmes from investigation unit VAMA took into custody on Monday, July 12 a 14-year-old youth suspected of robbing a grocery store at gun point on Sunday, May 30. He will be summoned to court in due course.

Elsewhere in the Gendarmerie's Sunday report, three cars were damaged when they went into the back of each other during an accident that occurred a little before 9:00am in Cripple Gate on the RN7 on Thursday. Two persons were slightly injured and taken to hospital. The cause of the accident was not mentioned.

Also on Thursday, just after midnight, Gendarmes controlled a 27-year-old woman who was found to be in possession of 80 grams of cannabis resin. She will be summoned to court.

On Tuesday at 11:30pm, Gendarmes responded to a call from a young woman complaining that her ex-boyfriend had entered her house without permission and was in a drunken state.

Gendarmes established that the man, a Dominica national aged 32 years, was in an illegal situation on the territory. An order will be processed to escort him to the border. He was already the subject of the same order on December 17, 2009.

Clara"Sugar Cake Lady" Lake is presented with a plaque and bouquet of flowers by President of the French side's Chamber of Commerce CCISM Stephen Tackling (right) during the chamber's first anniversary celebration on Friday. Looking on are Lake's son Didier Lake (left) and emcee Hervé Dorvil at the lectern

PHILIPSBURG--September 17 is the date chosen by the National Alliance (NA)/Heyliger coalition for early Island Council elections, which will increase the number of council members from eleven to fifteen in preparation for country-within-the-Dutch-Kingdom status on 10-10-10.

The Central Committee of the Island Council in its meeting today, Friday, will deal with proposed changes to the Electoral Law to establish the dates for Nomination Day, August 18, and the early elections, September 17. There are 30 days between these dates.

Based on the draft election schedule provided by government to the Island Council, the voters registry will close on August 6 and the 15 Island Council members will take the oath of office on October 5 at the latest.

The draft amendments to the law were added to the already set committee meeting agenda, after the Executive Council's meeting on Thursday.

Following the rounds in the Central Committee the draft amendment will have to be tabled in the Island Council for approval.

Island Council members were informed of the addition and received all documentation from the Island Secretariat on Thursday afternoon.

It is hoped by government that the approval by the Island Council of the amendment to the Electoral Law will be handled in the week of July 19.

The proposed election date was set by government with a view that debate on the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten would be wrapped up in the coming week and it would receive the two-thirds majority support needed for adoption. The constitution is an essential part of the constitutional change process.

Once the constitution is adopted by the Island Council, early dissolution of the Island Council can take place to allow for elections on September 17.

Whether the constitution is adopted by the Island Council or not, St. Maarten will be going to the polls early, because the first parliament for Country St. Maarten, based on the draft constitution, must have 15 members.

While the September 17 elections will be called early Island Council elections, it is in fact voting for the first parliamentarians of Country St. Maarten, as those elected will serve as members of the first parliament of Country St. Maarten.

It is expected that parties contesting the elections will have a maximum of 22 candidates on the slates, as 15 parliamentarians and seven ministers are needed. In the new dualism governing system, a parliamentarian cannot serve as a minister and a minister cannot sit in parliament.

Government has set aside NAf. 270,650 on the 2010 budget for the elections and these funds will be used to prepare polling stations, print ballots and other expenditures. A total of NAf. 222,214.78 was used to fund the 2007 Island Council election process.

PHILIPSBURG--A public meeting of the Permanent Committee for Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) has been requested by the opposition Democratic Party (DP).

This will give persons interested in the supreme law of the land the opportunity to present their views and discuss the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten.

The request was sent to PCCA Chairman Commissioner William Marlin on Thursday afternoon. DP leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams told The Daily Herald her party hoped this meeting would be convened soon.

Based on the 2000 Island Resolution governing PCCA, public sessions can be called and persons can register to speak, but they will have to register before the beginning of the session.

The format of the meeting has to be decided on by Marlin. He will also decide whether all Island Council/PCCA members will have an opportunity to speak and whether persons will receive copies of the draft constitution prior to the meeting.

The request for the PCCA meeting stems from the fact that "clearly no public consultation will be organised before the draft constitution goes to the Island Council," Wescot-Williams said.

On preparations for elections, she said several pivotal deadlines had passed and based on the present electoral law the first parliament for Country St. Maarten would have to take office on 10-10-10 when the status of country-within-the-Dutch-Kingdom would be attained.

The registry has to close 30 days prior to Nomination Day and at least 48 days should be allowed between nominations and voting. These days are all interlinked.

The law also stipulates the time that must elapse between Election Day and when the new government/legislature takes office. "If things are left the way they are, it can become chaotic."

The date of 10-10-10 is approaching and the DP is ready to take action. Wescot-Williams said her party would table a motion in an upcoming Island Council meeting to instruct government to prepare an election timetable within 72 hours.

If the PCCA meeting is convened soon, the motion will be outlined there and will be tabled in a subsequent Island Council meeting.

Government has set Election Day for September 17 and this information was forwarded to the Island Council members on Thursday afternoon along with a schedule, to prepare them for the Central Committee meeting on the electoral law amendment today, Friday.

When a date is set for the PCCA meeting, the chairman has to inform the public of the date, place, time and the process to register to speak. Copies of the final draft of the constitution also must be provided to the public on time, so it can be studied.

The draft constitution is in Dutch. The English translation available to the public is from 2009 and some technical and other changes have been made by government since then.

PHILIPSBURG--Gas prices will be adjusted to reflect an increase for unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel as of Sunday, July 18.

The last price change was on June 8, when the prices were set at NAf. 1.89 per litre for unleaded gasoline (ULG) and NAf. 1.57 per litre for diesel fuel. The new prices will be NAf. 1.96 per litre for ULG and NAf. 1.64 per litre for diesel fuel.

Meanwhile, at the international level, Reuters reported that the price of crude oil had fallen below US $77 a barrel on Thursday after disappointing U.S. economic data curbed expectations for future demand growth. A U.S. Federal Reserve report showed slowing growth in factory activity in the mid-Atlantic region, pushing down both oil prices and equities markets. U.S. crude for August settled down 42 cents at US $76.62 a barrel, after earlier jumping to US $77.66.

"Today's economic data is disappointing and indicates that recovery is stalling," said Andy Lebow a broker with MF GLOBAL in New York. Lower economic growth is generally seen as reducing future demands for crude oil.

China said its economic growth had cooled slightly to 10.3 per cent in the second quarter. This is a slow-down likely to continue the rest of the year. Most major European economies are also reporting a slow-down.

Minister received letter, checking into matter 

PHILIPSBURG--Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman claims the press was incorrect in stating that some NAf. 13 million in Turnover Tax (ToT) revenue that St. Maarten should have received from the Central Government was "missing."

He said on a Voice of St. Maarten Radio Network programme Sunday that the millions were not "missing," but according to the research carried out by the administration, there was no evidence that the money had been transferred to St. Maarten.

"We could not find it [the NAf. 13 million] back in our administration and we are basically asking her [Finance Minister Ersilia de Lannooy] to explain what the difference is," Blackman said on the radio programme.

In a press conference last week, Blackman said it had been discovered that NAf. 13 million never had been transferred to St. Maarten as part of its one-third share in the three per cent ToT.

He said the Executive Council had written to the minister asking her to confirm St. Maarten's findings and to transfer the funds into St. Maarten's accounts if she concurred with the amount. The account number was also provided in the letter, according to Blackman.

De Lannooy told The Daily Herald in an update on Thursday that she had received the letter Tuesday, was looking into the matter and should have an answer by next week.

On the radio programme, Blackman said the Executive Council had requested De Lannooy to look into her administration, because the local government had noticed in its administration research that "those 13 million guilders" over five years "were never transferred to St. Maarten."

St. Maarten receives one-third of the three per cent ToT levied here. The Central Government deposits an estimated monthly amount into the local government's coffers.

When the actual ToT amount collected for the year is tallied, the amounts outstanding to St. Maarten should be forwarded to the Island Government to balance the accounts. However, this apparently was not done.

Blackman explained that government basically had asked the minister in its letter to look into her administration and "confirm" whether this was correct. If it is correct, government wants the minister to give a reason and outline the situation.

"We never said the Central Government stole any money, withheld any money or hid any money," Blackman said on the radio programme.

It was never reported in the press that the money had been stolen or hidden by the Central Government. However, Blackman was reported as saying that he was open to the possibility that there could be some difference between the numbers of the Central Government and those of the Island Government, and in this case the matter would have to be reviewed by both to figure it out.

It is also possible that the money was held back by the Central Government for some fee or service provided to St. Maarten and, if so, this needs to be explained by the minister and proof needs to be given to the island, according to Blackman.

The Daily Herald had contacted Minister de Lannooy after Blackman's press conference last week about the non-transferred millions. She had stated that the outstanding money was "strange," because the Central Government's annual accounts had been passed by the General Audit Chamber, and that once the letter was received, the matter would be looked into.

Blackman stated on the radio programme that, based on the media report, the minister was going to look into the matter and tell government what the outcome was. "So it is nothing about missing millions. We just could not find them back in our administration."

He said the Central Government had been making "different kinds of deals, arrangements and decisions over the years, when it comes to these islands."

He added that in his 15 years in the Netherlands Antilles and dealing with the Central Government, sometimes those deals were "not formalised, so they were thought out, but not put on paper, so 10 years later, no one knows what the deal is."

An Island Council meeting on this issue requested by the opposition Democratic Party (DP) is scheduled in Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall for next week Monday starting at 9:00am.

Reward offered for laptop return

MARIGOT--Eye2Eye store on Rue de St. James was robbed by two individuals on Thursday morning, just two days after Tendances furniture store in Bellevue had been robbed.

The storeowner said two persons had entered the shop around 11:30am. "They were young, of dark complexion, and spoke English," the owner told The Daily Herald. "They showed me a gun and ordered me to give them the money from the cash register. Then they searched me and took my money, cell phone and a red laptop."

"They were looking for more money and asked if any jewellery in the showcase was gold. I said 'no,' but they still took some. They then escaped on foot. One had no mask on and the other was partially masked."

Gendarmes responded immediately and investigators are studying the surveillance camera footage.

"These armed robberies are happening everywhere and it's not good for the community," the owner complained. "Gendarmes can only do so much, but the public has to help too."

He was particularly upset about the theft of the laptop, which contained valuable information. "It's a 15-inch screen Dell laptop and has an attractive red crimson colour. I am prepared to offer a reward for its return," he concluded.

PHILIPSBURG--Social benefits as agreed to with the governments of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) as of October 10 are too low to keep recipients above the poverty line, Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Piet Hein Donner said.

The minister stated this in a letter in response to questions asked in the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament concerning the draft Resolution on Social Benefits for the BES islands.

In his response, the minister said he was aware that, also after the transition, there would remain a discrepancy between the actual payment of benefits and the cost of living.

He said he had the "ambition" to reduce this difference "in a joint effort" to improve benefits "according to the economic sustainability." Donner said it was important to maintain a "solid equilibrium between rights and obligations and an equal growth of both."

The minister stressed, however, that the arrangements for social benefits as of October 10 would be much better than now. The minimum amounts are to remain as they are, but will increase in certain cases.

An important improvement is that the amounts will be adjusted annually to take into account the level of inflation and the increase in cost of living. This has not been the case in the Netherlands Antilles for a number of years, as a consequence of which, spending power has decreased considerably.

Another advantage, according to Donner, is the implementation of a surcharge per child, with a maximum of three children.

Donner said that, in the current situation, there were "unparalleled" differences between the islands. As per October 10, the level of benefits will be harmonised, which will lead to an increase in payment for certain types of households, and for those who are no longer able to work, depending on the current situation on their islands, the minister said.

The fact that the amounts will be lower than benefits in the Netherlands is, according to the minister, not in conflict with the principle of equal treatment. "This would not be fitting in the socio-economic circumstances of the Caribbean. We must prevent the islands from being economically isolated in the region and from being confronted with undesired migration. I also take into consideration that certain differences between benefits in the Netherlands and those in the BES islands result from differences between the two parts of the Kingdom where it concerns socio-economic circumstances, social security, the level of provisions, and the manner of implementation."

Contrary to their counterparts in the Netherlands, recipients of benefits in the BES islands will not receive payment to purchase sustainable household products, such as TVs, washing machines, or personal computers. But, on the other hand, they will be entitled to gather additional income. As is the case now, benefits will be paid every two weeks.

The new arrangements are designed to stimulate persons to find a job. "The difference between social benefits and the minimum wage is a considerable financial stimulus," said Donner.

Persons who are doing less than their best in finding a job will be cut in payment. Persons who apply at the Regional Service Centre (RSC) for benefits will be referred to a job centre to find a job.

Donner said the labour market in the BES islands was "relatively positive." He added that it had been agreed with the island territories to develop "job programmes," if deemed necessary.

In his letter to the Second Chamber, Minister Donner underlined that the new arrangement was less vulnerable to fraud than the previous one. "In the BES islands, there is a substantial informal economy and frequently-changing relationships, and maintaining the law has no priority in many fields, including control of social benefits, caused by a lack of rules."

The new arrangements comprise instruments to prevent and combat fraud, and will include training, the minister promised.

Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba currently have 350 recipients of benefits, which is two per cent of the population. The Dutch government estimated that payment of social benefits in the BES islands in 2011 would require some 1.4 million euros, which would be made available by Donner's ministry.

WILLEMSTAD--At the request of several members of Curaçao's Island Council, government is currently working on a compensation arrangement for the current elected representatives.

The suggestion is dictated by the fact that these council members will be in office only three instead of the usual four years. They want compensation for the loss of income for one year.

Financial experts of the Island Territory are currently working on a 'suitable' solution, according to reports from various sources. There is no concrete proposal available yet, as officials are currently figuring out how to crystallise the proposal.

How much money will be involved with the arrangement is consequently also unknown. Parties in question do not wish to divulge any details, although it is clear the compensation arrangement will have to be equivalent to the allowance usually paid former authorities at the Central Government level.

In conformity with the Islands Regulation Netherlands Antilles ERNA, the term of the Island Council lasts four years. The last council elections were held in 2007 and according to ERNA should be held in 2011 again.

However, since a two-thirds majority had not adopted the Draft Constitution for Country Curaçao, snap elections must be held. The latter requires dissolving the current Island Council. As of October 10, the new-to-be-elected Island Council will cease to exist and continue as the Parliament of Country Curaçao.

Island Council members elected in 2007 said they assume they would stay on for four years, although the process of the constitutional renewal was already in progress at that moment. Now that their term remains limited to only three years - due to a two-thirds majority not adopting the draft Constitution or to the self adopted Island Ordinance Snap Elections- many council members have urged some form of compensation or transitional arrangement.

There is no transitional arrangement for members of Curaçao's Island Council, such as determined for Antillean parliament members and ministers at Central Government level. The Federal Ordinance to regulate the allowance and pension for political authorities of the Netherlands Antilles and the island territories Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba mentions a compensation arrangement.

This arrangement is granted for the duration equal to the period in which the person concerned was in office for at least one year, with two years at the most. The allowance during the first three months amounts to 95 per cent of their salary, while during the following seven months it is 85 per cent, during the next ten months 75 per cent and subsequently 70 per cent.

If the former authority accepts employment elsewhere, the income of this employment will be balanced with the allowance per month.

PHILIPSBURG--The ordinance dealing with the new electricity concession to be granted to utilities company GEBE, and the new electoral law will be handled by the Central Committee of the Island Council today, Friday.

Committee Chairman Island Councilman George Pantophlet told The Daily Herald the ordinance and several appeals for licences and planning permits by companies will be up for discussion starting at 9:00am.

Amendment of the Electoral Law to allow early Island Council elections on September 17 was also added to the Central Committee agenda last Thursday afternoon.

The Central Committee will resume discussions on the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten after the 9:00am meeting has concluded. Those discussions began in June.

Pantophlet is hopeful that the first meeting will be swift so the discussion can move on to the draft constitution, an integral part in the preparation for Country St. Maarten. The island is scheduled to become a country within the Dutch Kingdom as of 10-10-10.

Public Utilities Commissioner Theo Heyliger, amid public calls to finalise the electricity ordinance and concession, had maintained that he would not finalise the process until he was satisfied that the consumer "was getting the best possible deal."

The new concession and ordinance will see GEBE going into renewable energy and the new tariff structure will be based on a business plan and GEBE's investments. Also, the fuel clause is to remain stable and prices in line with what GEBE actually has paid for fuel, with the consumer being charged accordingly.

BELVEDERE--A young man was stabbed trying to stop a fight in Belvedere late Wednesday. Otmar Fernando Alfred Leonard (21) died shortly after arriving at the hospital, police said.

His suspected killer, a 17-year-old identified only as H.K.I., surrendered to police with his lawyer Thursday afternoon. Leonard is the fourth person killed in Dutch St. Maarten this year.

Police found Leonard on the ground near the basketball court in Prospect Estate bleeding from a wound under his left arm. "He had a problem breathing, but managed to tell the police that he was stabbed with a knife," police spokesman Chief Inspector Humphrey Giterson said in a press statement.

Paramedics tried to stabilise him with first aid before rushing him to St. Maarten Medical Centre (SMMC). "Unfortunately, the victim died shortly upon his arrival at the SMMC," Giterson reported.

Sources said Leonard had been trying to break up a fight between a sibling and the suspected stabber. That intervention allegedly led I. to stab him in the chest. Prosecutor Rienk Mud refused to comment except to confirm the victim's death in a violent confrontation.

Friends said Leonard had been home from the Netherlands for the summer. Police said he had lived in French Quarter.

Leonard's 22nd birthday would have been next week Wednesday. I. allegedly was hiding out after the incident until some time after midday. Giterson said he had given himself up with a lawyer present.

I. reportedly has had other brushes with the law, allegedly including an encounter at this year's Carnival Jouvert morning jump-up where he was detained along with six others for violence.

The last homicide victim in St. Maarten was Grenville Freeman in May. A British Virgin Island native, Freeman was said to have had a tarnished past with multiple run-ins with criminals in his home country Tortola. An autopsy revealed that he had been killed in a forcible attack.

 No legal action from Brooks yet 

PHILIPSBURG--The Shareholding Foundation and Supervisory Board of GEBE have received many applications from candidates to fill the vacancies for two additional managing directors. Representatives of the firm handling the recruitment process are on the island to finalise matters.

Managing Director William Brooks, through his legal representative, has yet to follow through on his threat to take legal actions if the process was not stopped.

Brook's attorney had written to GEBE's Shareholding Foundation and Supervisory Board demanding that they "immediately stop the procedure to recruit managing directors." He argued that this process was against good governance principles and they had not consulted his client.

The parties were given until noon on June 25 to comply. If not, Brooks would "deem himself free to commence injunction proceedings." Neither the Shareholder Foundation nor the Supervisory Board complied with that demand. They proceeded with the recruitment process and Brooks has not initiated any legal action to date.

According to GEBE's articles of incorporation, the Shareholder Foundation was within its rights to appoint two additional managing directors. They will form the Managing Board along with Brooks and a chairman will be selected from among the three.

PHILIPSBURG--The Executive Council ExCo has forwarded the first draft of the 2011 budget to the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT.

This draft contains only basic government income and fixed expenditures and had to be submitted by Thursday, July 15. The council also submitted the second quarterly report to CFT.

The complete budget with new government policies and projects is due on August 15. Commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman is confident that the council will meet this deadline as well.

As for the 2010 budget, CFT still has not received from the Executive Council satisfactory answers to various technical questions on the last budget amendment. Reportedly, CFT has given the council until the end of this week.

It is unclear what CFT's next step will be, considering that seven months of the year are almost over and the periods for submitting the budgets for 2010 and 2011 are about to overlap.

PHILIPSBURG--Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten VKS members rappelled on a building and practiced shooting with rifles while training with counterparts from Curaçao this week.

"The main focus of this training is to prepare both groups for possible hurricane situations and to forge a closer cooperation," VKS officers said in a press statement Thursday.

The Voluntary Corps of Curaçao VKC sent more than 20 members Saturday to work with officers here for one week. VKS members descended the side of Blue Mall in Cupecoy and shot rifles for several straight nights in Emilio Wilson Estate. They also ran riot drills on Pond Island.

If a hurricane hits, VKC members will join St. Maarten's VKS for riot control and disaster relief.

VKS commander Jean Illidge told The Daily Herald this week that the annual Hurricane Exercises HureX with Dutch marines also will be held within the next two months.

In preparation for labour workshop

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) is seeking sample cases of the experiences businesses encounter with the functioning of the island government's employment-permit policy.

The samples are being collected in preparation for a labour workshop SHTA is planning to convene.

SHTA said the idea to host a labour workshop to address the concerns of its members was suggested after meeting with the Executive Council last week at which mainly major labour issues were discussed.

"SHTA is again stressing its support for the employment of local labour, but feels that, in the event that local labour is unavailable, the legalisation process for foreign labour should be logical and efficient. The SHTA remains of the opinion that a cumbersome process only adds to the hardships and expense of businesses, which is passed on to consumers as higher prices."

The Association called on its members who had sent in applications under the current labour law to provide sample cases of their experience with the functioning of the existing labour law. Submissions, which should be "specific" and "exceptional" cases, should be sent to

info@shta.com.

These will then be compiled, reviewed and addressed in the upcoming workshop.

All aspects of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, including legal views, will also be addressed in the workshop, SHTA explained.

SHTA claims that the Executive Council's response to the private sector's questions on the role of the treaty in the permit-application process for United States nationals "was misleading and was wrongly reported in the press earlier this week as coming from the SHTA."

In a press release issued last Friday reporting on a meeting with the Executive Council held earlier in the week in which this topic was discussed, SHTA said: "This treaty can only be considered on St. Maarten after 10-10-10, as treaties are only applicable to countries. Furthermore, the treaty does not automatically mean that Americans do not need employment permits. It can, however, be used to substantiate appeals if permits have been denied. Regarding the recent ruling based on the treaty, it is being appealed because the treaty states that Americans will be treated fairly, but the national laws still apply, which was the case."

SHTA said all labour issues would be openly discussed at the upcoming labour workshop. Details of the workshop will be released once preparations are complete, SHTA said in the release.

COLE BAY--Police arrested two marijuana dealers in Cole Bay on Tuesday night as they were cutting and sorting the weed for sale, and confiscated about 365 grams of the drug.

Officers "caught the suspects by surprise" in a broken-down taxi on Clammy Cherry Road and arrested D.N. (19) and G.R. (35) of St. Maarten, said police spokesman Chief Inspector Humphrey "Boyd" Giterson in a press statement Wednesday.

Police found them in the midst of dividing the drugs into about 100 small plastic packets. They also seized a small scale from the suspects. The police didn't take the taxi because it wasn't the suspects' property. They had merely set up shop in the broken-down car, which the owner had left on the road.

First programme airs Friday 

PHILIPSBURG--Antillean Prime Minister Emily de Jongh Elhage and Leader of Government and Constitutional Affairs Commissioner William Marlin will be the first guests on a new television series focussing on the constitutional-change process in St. Maarten and the Netherlands Antilles.

The programme titled "Nos Pais" (Our Country), produced by Curaçao-based Mavis Albertina, will air on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 15 this Friday, July 16, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. The programme will also be aired in Curaçao and Bonaire.

Marlin and Elhage will speak in depth, during the first programme, about the status of the constitutional-change process in St. Maarten and Curaçao, what still needs to be done and the process being followed to accomplish outstanding tasks. Albertina's intention is to get the public informed and engaged on the issues of importance leading up to the historic dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles.

"Our objective is to contribute to a well-informed society about relevant issues, and also to stimulate our citizens to be actively engaged in the daily debates on culture and community," Albertina, a television producer with over three decades experience in the industry, told The Daily Herald on Wednesday.

Friday's programme is the first of four in the series. The second programme, which will air on Friday, July 23, on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 15 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, will feature interviews with Roland Tuitt and Rafael Christian. Tuitt will speak about financial issues and the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT, while Christian will delve into St. Maarten's past, present and future.

The third programme, scheduled for Friday, July 30, will feature interviews with St. Maarten's Tourism Director Regina LaBega and St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) President Emil Lee. Both will speak about tourism.
The final part, on Friday, August 6, will feature interviews with media practitioner Fabian Badejo and Democratic Party (DP) Island Councilman Roy Marlin. Albertina said Badejo would speak about the media's role in the constitutional change process and how the media was handling this responsibility.

Some of the programmes will also feature the voice of the man in the street, to showcase their sentiments on the process.

The producer said it was her intention to return to St. Maarten sometime soon to speak to more persons on the 10-10-10 event, to keep the public informed and enlightened about the constitutional-change process.

Albertina worked extensively in the Netherlands before moving back to her native Curaçao to continue her work in television.

WILLEMSTAD--Curaçao police apprehended ten foreigners during a control at a resort under construction in Julianadorp.

At first it appeared none had residence and work permits. Eventually four were released, as they were able to present their permits later on.

Initially, five Jamaicans, two Surinamese, one Haitian, one Colombian and a person from Belize were apprehended at the resort. Of these 10, the Surinamese, one Jamaican and the Colombian were released after they were able to prove they were on the island legally.

The six other foreigners were detained in the alien barracks at Bon Futuro prison. They were to be repatriated to their respective country of origin sometime soon.

MIDDLE REGION--Police officers seized about 10.5 kilograms of marijuana during a raid at a home in Middle Region on Saturday.

They arrested E.W. (34) of St. Maarten, V.C. (52) of Jamaica, L.C. (34) of St. Maarten, R.I. (34) of St. Maarten, M.C. (55) of Jamaica and C.B. (19) of Dominica. The drugs were found in a suitcase.

Police also arrested two marijuana growers in a raid on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG--Will Country St. Maarten continue to use the Netherlands Antilles guilder or a new joint currency with Curaçao as the two islands will have a joint Central Bank, opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams asked in a press release Wednesday.

"Politicians on Curacao have made it abundantly clear that all talk on dollarisation has been abandoned. Has the government of St. Maarten decided that we too will stick to the original plan of our joint own currency, and when is the transition to this new currency being planned?" she asked.

Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles President Emsley Tromp stated in a recent interview that for a monetary union between Curaçao and St. Maarten to work, the islands must have agreements on financial-economic policies and budget discipline.

Wescot-Williams asked, "Does the Executive Council of St. Maarten have such agreements in place and if so, what do these agreements entail? Are St. Maarten's representatives on the Supervisory Board of the Common Central Bank to be appointed on the basis of their expertise or on the basis of political affiliation, as seems to be the norm of late?"

She also questioned if government had discussed its recently announced tax plans with its counterparts in the joint Central Bank that had to be established. We pose these questions publicly in the hope that the government of St. Maarten will feel itself obliged to answer to the people directly, as the government has long abandoned the notion of working together in the Island Council towards Country St. Maarten. The Island Council is totally ignored; meetings are stalled or indefinitely adjourned; questions are answered selectively and so on."

The DP leader said the Executive Council is "scratching its head as it ponders the reason for the lacklustre support government is receiving for its efforts to make 10-10-10 a reality. Wherever one turns, however one turns, the same tune is heard. What awaits us on 11-10-10?"

The National Alliance (NA)-led coalition seems "oblivious to the fact that we are too close to this watershed in our political history to be content with government's apparent closed-door handling of matters that will have a profound effect on every resident of this island.

She continued, "The time left until 10-10-10 is shorter than the credit line most businesses apply. How can we not be pre-occupied when fewer than 90 days away from 10-10-10, we are yet to hear government unequivocally state [what currency the island will use]."

The opposition leader added that the Executive Council attempted to silence the Island Council, in particular DP, "under the mantra of working for team St. Maarten.

"Team St. Maarten, most definitely, but to accept government's inaction and incapability to deal with most issues, in the name of team spirit, will be a dereliction of duty by each and every elected representative of the people of St. Maarten. The Democratic Party can not and will not sit back in the name of unity and see the NA/Heyliger Executive Council lead our country into an abyss."

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten's missing millions from its share of the Turnover Tax (ToT) will be the main agenda item of Monday's Island Council meeting requested by opposition Democratic Party (DP). The meeting is scheduled to start at 9:00am in Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

Meeting convocation was sent out Tuesday by Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt after DP filed the request on Monday to get to the bottom of this discovery by the Finance Department and Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman.

Blackman announced on July 8 that there were indications that the Central Government had short-changed St. Maarten NAf. 13 million in ToT payments between 2005 and 2009.

DP submitted a request on Monday for an Island Council meeting about the missing millions to get to the bottom of the issue.

DP Island Councilman Roy Marlin told the press Monday that Blackman needed to explain how these missing millions had been uncovered. He expects that the Island Council meeting will be a "very short one," if the information requested by the party is delivered prior to the start. "Then the commissioner just has to come and give an elucidation and we can all go home and have a nice day."

In its letter, DP had requested that Groeneveldt ensure that the Island Council was provided, in advance of the meeting, with the letter the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition had sent to Minister of Finance Ersilia de Lannooy requesting that she rectify the matter of the missing millions and deposit same into the government's bank account.

The party also requested that the Island Council be provided with the report from the finance and other departments, on which basis the NAf. 13 million in unpaid monies had been revealed.

PHILIPSBURG--Not only European Dutch, but also St. Maarteners, Curaçaoleneans and Arubans may be expelled from Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) if they don't have the financial means to sustain themselves, a spokesperson for Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Piet Hein Donner confirmed.

In his response to questions posed in the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber, the minister had only mentioned "the Dutch," but according to spokesman Rense Weide, this also applies to persons born in St. Maarten, Curaçao and Aruba.

Donner's response was part of a reaction, also given on behalf of State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld-Schouten, to questions about the draft Resolution on Social Benefits (Onderstand) for the BES islands.

"During the first five years, Dutch nationals are not entitled to social benefits. In case the admittance by statutory right (or by permit) has expired, or has been terminated because the requirements for admittance are no longer met (including sufficient financial means of support), these Dutch nationals could be expelled," the minister said.

Controls and maintenance of law and order have been taken care of, the minister said. "From the moment of transition, the BES Law on Admittance and Expulsion WTU BES will be applied by the Regional Service Centre (RSC). Because the RSC will also take care of payment of social benefits, it will be possible to examine locally who has sufficient financial means of support and who doesn't."

The Christian democrat CDA faction in the Second Chamber finds it "remarkable" that, where the right to social benefits is concerned, a distinction is being made between Dutch nationals born in and out of the new "public entities" Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire.

"Why is a Dutchman who is moving to the BES islands not entitled to social benefits during the first five years of his stay there, while such a limitation does not apply to residents of the BES islands who move to the Netherlands?" CDA wondered.

Donner referred to the fact that "in all policy areas, the capacity to absorb persons on the BES islands is considerably lower than in the European part of the Kingdom." He also pointed at the socio-economic consequences of a large influx of residents from other parts of the Kingdom, as feared by the island governments.

The minister added that Dutch nationals on the BES islands, because of the small scale of the islands, were inevitably more dependent on the outside world, including the European part of the Kingdom, than was the case the other way around.

Donner said he was not in favour of the suggestion made by CDA to investigate the possibility of limiting access to social benefits in the Netherlands for persons from the BES islands during the first five years of their stay there.

PHILIPSBURG--The Executive Council ExCo has made Public Works ROB director Joseph Dollison an offer.

Although not all the details of the offer could be ascertained by press time on Wednesday, it is understood that if he agrees to vacate his position, he will keep his government-issued cell-phone and full salary until October 2011, when he turns 58 and enters early retirement. During the negotiations Dollison had also requested the use of the government vehicle, but this was denied.

The Daily Herald also learned that Management Support Services Head Louis Brown has been offered the post of acting Director of ROB until St. Maarten attains country status on 10-10-10.

This offer includes Brown retaining the function of Secretary General of the Ministry of VROMI (Volkshuisvesting Ruimtelijk Ordening Milieu Infrastructuur) after 10-10-10. Brown is the former Head of VROM and former Head of the Department of Policy and Planning (DPP), where he also worked on the new Government Administration Building project.

Brown has been the point man for Commissioner William Marlin and his efforts to have a local contractor take over this project, although reports indicated he had been sceptical about the direction of the project.

The offer to move to ROB is contrary to Brown's own future preference within government administration. He and another high-ranking civil servant had applied for the position of Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs (presently Directorate of Support Services), not ROB.

The Executive Council has yet to elaborate on what final decision it took following the allegations in the SOAB report on the issuance of building permits by Dollison and Maintenance Head Claudius Buncamper.

Public Works Commissioner Theo Heyliger had stated that he would not seek disciplinary measures against anyone based on speculation and innuendos, because he was not convinced the SOAB report had produced the proverbial "smoking gun" against the accused.

Because the SOAB report focussed mainly on Dollison and not on Buncamper, the Executive Council decided to move Dollison and is not seeking any disciplinary measures against Buncamper.

There is no information whether Brown and Dollison accepted or declined the offers.

MARIGOT--President Frantz Gumbs in his Bastille Day speech at Hotel de La Collectivité on Wednesday underlined the contrasting achievements of young people in a St. Martin society impacted by social issues and unemployment, but implored the disadvantaged or under achievers to never get discouraged or give up as "their time will come."

Speeches generally were consistent with this year's theme for the national holiday "An Ambitious Youth engaged in its Future."

"I know many of our youngsters are frustrated and discouraged and I know that many lack guidance and assistance, but others are so desperate they have a complete disregard for law and order, jail, and life. How did they get to such a point of no return?" Gumbs questioned rhetorically. "We have a collective responsibility to coordinate solutions and I can say that the Collectivité is resolutely engaged to offer young people constructive and worthwhile opportunities."

He noted on the other hand the many ambitious young people who have boundless energy and enthusiasm, and made mention of the Junior Territorial Council whose 23 members were present, as a model example of that enthusiasm.

Aside from the speech of President Gumbs, speeches were given by Préfet Délégué Jacques Simonnet, Senator Louis-Constant Fleming, and President of the Junior Territorial Council Gaël Gombs.

Senator Fleming reminded that it was the eve of the anniversary of the now three-year-old Collectivité, the installation of which was not as easy as first thought.

"What is clear is that we cannot change or rewrite history and we are obliged to accept it and look to the future with optimism," he said. "We have more autonomy, more authority, and the means to accompany that authority."

Fleming also had critical words for the state, highlighting the state's failure to "manage and protect its public domain" regarding the land occupation situation in Sandy Ground which is now in a laborious process of being regulated, its "incapacity to control immigration on a territory of 30,000 inhabitants", and the "waste" of public spending by services such as Caisse Allocation Familiale (CAF) and others that have a negative effect on society and particularly the youth.

Bastille Day activities were reduced this year due mainly to financial constraints but still included the church service, the laying of wreaths in the garden of Hotel de La Collectivité, and a parade on Boulevard de France with several troupes.

Fireworks and the musical activities on the waterfront were cancelled much to the chagrin of vendors who benefit from that extra business.

Following the speeches there was an informal toast in the garden to mark the national holiday.

Interim Lt. Governor Reynold Groenenveldt, Leader of Government William Marlin, and Commissioner Theo Heyliger were among government dignitaries from Dutch St. Maarten attending the church service, wreath-laying, and parade. However, they did not stay for the speeches.

Anguilla was well represented at the ceremonies with Chief Minister Hubert Hughes, Minister of Youth and Culture Edison Baird, Minister of Home Affairs Walcott Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure Evans Gumbs, and Special Adviser Samuel Webster, all attending.

In keeping with the youth theme, the occasion was also an opportunity for the Collectivité to present five plaques recognising some of the youngsters who have excelled and shown particular determination, enthusiasm, and hard work in their different fields; from sports to entertainment and business.

The French side girls' gymnastics team with their coach Gratienne Riom were recognised for their achievement in winning 13 medals (6 gold and 7 bronze) at an event in Martinique in May while the Speedy Plus Athletics Club was also recognised for similar achievements by its athletes. Vice-President of Speedy Plus, Henry Connor, accepted the award on behalf of the club.

The owners of clothes design company "Aze Krox," Philbert Benjamin and Kael Fazer, both 19 years old, were recognised as was musical artist "Hypnoz" (Pierre Charville) who has a music production company. The award was accepted on his behalf by Alice Charville.

Lastly, Kevin Stephen was presented with the award for running two businesses, his clothing store Treadz in St. James and the cleaning company Sparkle Services.

The awards were presented by members of the Junior Territorial Council. Earlier a video made by Our News studio highlighted the recipients and their achievements.

Phase one to be completed by end of year

CAY BAY--GEBE signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the developers of Indigo Bay on June 28, 2010, officially finalizing the location, technical specifications and conditions of the installation of new utilities that will feed the project and the relocation of the existing utilities that are feeding the northern and eastern part of Dutch St. Maarten.

The signing also signalled significant movement at the project with concrete being poured for the construction of roads today and lot sales picking up. Developer of the project Steve Smith said he recently signed some 16 contracts for the 30 acres of phase one. About 117 acres are still left, "but confidence in the market is returning and the project is still here."

He added the project area is being "cleaned up" in preparation for a soft launch at the end of this year. Additionally, the hauling of beach sand will commence this week or early next week in preparation for restoring the beach at Indigo Bay.

The process to finalize the location of these utility lines has been ongoing for approximately 13 years after initially meeting with then-Leader of Government Vance James in 1997. Design changes, disputes of the location of the public road, and more recently the global economic downturn were some of the reasons for the extended delay of the project.

The trench work kicked off on July 13, 2010 and the installation should be finalized in four to five months. Existing main waterlines and high voltage cables presently serving the northern and eastern side of Dutch St. Maarten will also be replaced by larger and higher capacity lines and cables, enabling GEBE to transport the water and energy produced by GEBE's Cay Bay Power Plant and the Air Fin Water Plant to meet the growing demand in the next 15 years.

The upgrade in cables and pipes will also result in higher reliability in the service of electricity and water and enable GEBE to respond quicker to cable faults and water leaks on the main supply connections between the power plant and the northern and eastern side of Dutch St. Maarten.

Dean functioning in interim capacity ~

PHILIPSBURG--The University of St. Martin (USM) board will embark soon on the process to recruit a President to replace Josianne Fleming-Artsen, who retired at the end of June.

In an invited comment on the matter on Tuesday, Board Vice Chairperson Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet said the board was currently discussing the matter and preparing to appoint new members, which was expected to take place before the new semester. Dean Joyce Watson is functioning presently as acting USM president, as is customary.

Fleming-Artsen had served USM for 11 years before going on retirement. She had indicated that she wanted to continue assisting the university in some way and was in discussion with the board on how this relationship would continue.

She also indicated she wanted to enter the political field and would be joining an existing party. In an interview with The Daily Herald she had declined to name the party. However, it is widely speculated that Flemng-Artsen will join Theo Heyliger's United People's party.

Prior to working at USM she served as Executive Director of Methodist Agogic Center (MAC). She began her career in education as a teacher at Oranje School. She then moved to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School and then to Milton Peters College, following which she joined MAC.

POINTE BLANCHE--Prison management and advisors praised thirteen young inmates for finishing basic skills, morals and language training, urging them to leave the Pointe Blanche House of Detention better men than when they entered.

Inmates ages 16-24 were taught to cook, weld, repair cars, and use computers as part of the prison's new Youth Education Programme. They were also taught English writing and reading comprehension, mathematics and Dutch. "Everything you learn here is good learning," Director Rudsel Ricardo told some of the youngest prisoners.

He promised more rehabilitation programmes to detainees, including an eventual GED and similar diploma programmes to better allow inmates back into society. "We want to help you so you can reach the end."

The courses started on January 5. The prison engaged professionals in several trades to teach inmates skills they can use after they leave. Thirty-five inmates started the courses, but most dropped out.

Rehabilitation committee vice president Eulalie Meyers said the prison hoped to be rid of them for good, once they were gone. "When you leave from here, you won't be coming back," said Meyers, who has long been considered the prison's matriarch. "That is what Pointe Blanche wants of you – to make men out of yourselves."

The inmates' association requested more education programmes to better train prisoners to change their lives. The association president cautioned his fellow inmates against peer pressure, warning them to be better people for themselves and the community.

"In the end, you will prove that they are the ones that are soft," he said. "The goal must be to re-socialise and reintegrate as many inmates as possible."

Despite millions of euros for projects

THE HAGUE--The policy of the Dutch government to tackle problems with Antillean youngsters in particular has failed dramatically.

That is the conclusion of the report "Evaluation Arrangement Antillean Municipalities 2005-2008" made by the Rotterdam research institute Risbo on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Neighbourhoods, and Integration.

The research focussed on the results of the so-called "governmental arrangements" made in 2004 by former integration minister Rita Verdonk with the 21 cities in the Netherlands with the largest number of Antillean residents.

Attached to the nine million euros made available annually, the municipalities were obligated to reduce the predominance of Antillean school dropouts by 50 per cent.

The figures requested by researchers to establish whether the municipalities have reached these targets proved to be "not up to date, incomplete, or were not available."

Therefore, researchers had to limit themselves to a nation-wide inventory, based on which they came to the shocking conclusion that the projects carried out within the framework of the governmental arrangements had had hardly any effect.

Moreover, the number of Antillean dropouts has decreased, but less than the national average, which led to an increase in their over-representation in the statistics.

Youth unemployment has decreased in the researched period, but only five "Antillean cities" managed to reach the target. In other cities, such as Amsterdam and Nijmegen, the over-representation of Antilleans among the unemployed has increased.

Also the intention to reduce the number of registrations of criminal suspects was not met. Nationwide, the number of Antillean suspects dropped by ten per cent, but in municipalities that have special policies in place the figure went up by three per cent. In cities such as Nijmegen and Arnhem the over-representation even doubled.

The researchers also looked for an explanation for the failed policy, one of which is that the regular "white" agencies do little outreach work, which makes them insufficiently accessible.

Direction and cohesion are lacking, projects are too short in duration, waiting lists cause problems, projects are mainly geared towards combating symptoms and are being set up too late and after the situation has already escalated, and there is too little eye for prevention.

The investigators are also critical of the criteria for admission for certain projects, which leads to potential participants being rejected and excluded from help. Also "the wheel is being reinvented over and over again," researchers said.

The researchers state the group of Antillean "problem youths" is small-sized, but their problems are "multiple, complex, and very unmanageable."

They also said the "social position of Antilleans in the Netherlands cannot be seen without the circumstances under which they grew up in the Netherlands Antilles."

"Coordination of the integration policy for Antilleans in the Netherlands and the so- called "cooperation policy" for education, combat of poverty and health care between the Netherlands and the Antillean islands in light of the new constitutional relations is worth being considered," researchers said.

Risbo recommends the ministry to play a better role as director, to take care of more cohesion, to provide more knowledge about the target group to regular agencies, to do more outreach work, and to increase the involvement of the Antillean community.

PHILIPSBURG--Frustration with a fruitless ten-year-long battle against what he says are exploitative employers, uninterested politicians and civil servants, and the impossibility of seeking justice and claiming what is legally his has led Rui Bagina to go on hunger strike.

The 58-year-old Portuguese man has not been taking food since Sunday morning. The desperate crusader for workers' rights is hoping that his hunger strike will finally open the eyes of authorities on both sides of the island and move them to do something on his behalf.

The French Quarter resident and father of two children ages nine and 17 years has been battling with employers and authorities in and out of the courts in French and Dutch St. Maarten for 10 years, but his efforts have left him empty-handed. Moreover, his fight for the rights of workers in the hospitality sector has left him jobless and without money.

Bagina has worked as a waiter and bartender at various restaurants on both sides of the island. Problems started when the eloquent and inspired Bagina noticed that workers' rights in the hospitality sector were violated on a wide scale.

"I saw that people were blatantly underpaid. The 15 per cent service tax was not paid out to workers, but disappeared into the employers' pockets. Tips were taken from individual workers and divided among staff as the bosses deemed fit," Bagina stated in mentioning but a few examples.

"I protested against this abuse and stood up for myself and for my colleagues. I am Portuguese and I carry a European passport. As such, I can reside legally in French St. Martin and am safeguarded from being kicked off the island. I have been living on the island since 1998," he said.

"Many of my colleagues, however, depend on their jobs. Without them, they have no title to stay here. Therefore, they are afraid to claim what is legally theirs. Employers know that, of course, and are scandalously abusing the power they feel they have over their workers."

Bagina's audacity in standing up against his employers has cost him dearly. He has lost several jobs. Last month, he was dismissed again, after he was instrumental in unionizing staff at the Cole Bay restaurant where he had been working. Three other colleagues were sacked with him.

"Enough is enough," Bagina said about his reasons for launching a hunger strike. "I will continue [the hunger strike] until I have received a substantial response from the authorities. All the talks I have held over the years with leaders of government, commissioners of labour, with the Labour Department, the Government Mediator, and recently with the Minister of Labour have all led to nothing.

"It is not just my problem. I am frustrated to see how workers are being treated at the Labour Department. When there is a labour conflict they advise you to take your employer to court. But how can you seek justice when they refuse to provide workers with free legal assistance?

"They know perfectly well that the average worker cannot afford a lawyer, which means that employers go scot-free. Therefore, exploitation continues right under the eyes of government. I feel totally neglected," an emotional Bagina said.

Bagina has not turned only to politicians and civil servants for help, but the roads of justice have not yielded many results either. From February 2002 to August 2003 he was employed as a waiter in an Oyster Bay restaurant. In May 2006, the Court decided that his dismissal and those of three of his co-workers had been illegal and awarded each of them NAf. 45,000 in damages.

However, this legal success proved to be a Pyrrhic victory, because the former employer has not complied with the verdict up until today.

"I have been advised to file a new case against my former employer because I'm sure to win that case. But how can I do that? I am still waiting for the free lawyer the Minister of Labour had promised me. I feel gravely neglected by the authorities and lawyers in French St. Martin.

"Even though there is free legal assistance (aide juridictionnelle) in the French judicial system, this does not cover the cost of airfare and the cost of a hotel necessary to travel to the Court in Guadeloupe where these types of civil cases are heard," Bagina explained.

He feels as though he is standing with his back against the wall. "This is not a joke. I will continue my hunger strike for as long as it takes; if necessary until death. I cannot feed my children, even though I am well qualified to do my job and provide for myself. This situation has to stop." (John van Kerkhof)

Estate shareholder partnering with realtor to develop area

PHILIPSBURG--Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation and St. Maarten Pride Foundation are urging Government again to pursue legal and financial means to realise its commitment to the people of St. Maarten to secure Emilio Wilson Estate as the island's first protected area.

In a press statement, it was noted that information reaching the foundations revealed that the estate shareholder Henri Brookson, initiator of the much-disputed plans for the development of the estate, had partnered with a realtor and former commissioner in drafting new plans and strategies for the development of the area, which only adds to the foundations' concerns.

"The foundations do not wish to be confronted with a situation whereby the courts decide to grant developers permission to develop the estate because Government did not take sufficient measures to protect the area," stated the foundations in the release.

The release went on to note that in a few weeks half a decade would have passed since then-unregistered Emilio Wilson Estate BV submitted its planning permit request for the subdivision and development of Emilio Wilson Estate in August 2005.

August 2010 will also mark five years since Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation, Emilio Wilson Cultural and Historical Park Foundation, Heritage Foundation and a large number of concerned residents launched renewed efforts to protect Emilio Wilson Estate. From 2005 through 2008, Government implemented a number of basic measures to protect the area, including placing the entire estate on the monument list.

In its verdict in the court case between Emilio Wilson Estate BV and the Island Government regarding Government's decision to deny the BV's planning permit request, the Court of First Instance advised the Executive Council to draft a comprehensive conservation zoning plan for Emilio Wilson Estate to ensure the legal protection of the area.

The VROM Department of Sector ROB compiled a "draft preparatory resolution Conservation Areas" in 2008 which includes what is in essence the first step towards the zoning plan for the entire Emilio Wilson Estate. Two years later, in July 2010, the Zoning Plan for Emilio Wilson Estate has not yet been completed. The foundations are concerned that not enough is being done to ensure the legal protection of the estate.

POINTE BLANCHE--Almost every Tuesday for the rest of the slow season, cruise ship Norwegian Epic will stand out as a reminder of the island's premier place in the cruise industry as it will help arrival figures surpass those of the last slow season. Norwegian Epic made her inaugural call here Tuesday.

St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo told The Daily Herald after the inaugural call of the Norwegian Epic that the island has struggled through the slow season in the past years because of the 9/11 incident and then the ravages of the global economic crisis.

However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. With the addition of this new innovative cruise ship added to the schedule, St. Maarten should see arrival numbers for this slow season over 70,000 per month from just over 40,000 per month for the same period last year, Mingo said.

Norwegian Cruise Line has always been a good partner for St. Maarten and the arrival of Norwegian Epic reinforces that partnership that had dipped for a while but is now strengthen again, said Deputy Leader of Government Harbour Affairs Commissioner Theo Heyliger. "It is great to have this ship in port at time of continuing global economic crisis."

The first upgrading of Captain Hodge Wharf in the late 1990s was carried out specifically to accommodate the water tenders of the Norway, the then flag ship of Norwegian Cruise Line, Heyliger said, pointing out that is was one of the first projects he under took when entering office.

The slow season's boost in ship calls and passenger arrivals is expected to push the 2010 tally to over 1.4 million cruise passengers, up from 1.2 million in 2009.

The increase in passenger arrivals may seem quite a jump, but for July alone there will be 23 ship calls up from 12 for the same month in 2009. Projected arrival number for July is 74,011 up from 45,414 (actual arrivals) in July 2009.

For August, projected arrival is pegged at 72,468 cruise passengers, up from 39,447 in actual arrival for the same month last year.

The Harbour Group estimates 77,064 cruisers for September, long considered the slowest month of the annual slow/Atlantic Hurricane season. This is a significant increase from last September's actual cruise arrivals of 39,892, the lowest figure for the entire 2009.

In October, estimated cruise arrival numbers will jump to 89,500, a massive increase from 52,841 for the same month last year.

Estimates for November are even more impressive with cruise arrivals tagged at 140,820, up from 90,288 actual arrivals in November last year.

The first month of the annual high season, December, has an estimated cruise arrival of 207,560. Last December's actual cruise arrival was 168,201.

Norwegian Epic, like Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's behemoth Oasis of the Seas and Carnival Corporation's Carnival Dream, are significant contributors to the slow season numbers and the overall year's figure.

Missing family member

After the expansion of the cruise and cargo facilities, a "family member was missing" when everything was put in place, said Harbour CEO Mingo. That family member was Norwegian Cruise Line.

Mingo said it is the completion of the vision for St. Maarten to have Norwegian Cruise Line's ships, including the Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sun, again calling at St. Maarten. He credited the return of the "missing family member" to the approach of Heyliger to reach out and directly lobby cruise executives and itinerary planners.

St. Maarten has struggled through the past slow season with very low ship calls from May to November but things are different this year, Mingo said. "It's good to have Norwegian cruise line back."

Commissioner Heyliger said the Norwegian Epic in port should be a welcome sight especially for merchants in Philipsburg who were always happy when the Norway was in port.

An Epic arrival

Norwegian Epic Captain Trygve Vorren welcomed a delegation of harbour, taxi and ship agents aboard his ship for a plaque ceremony Tuesday to mark the inaugural call. The delegation was headed by Commissioner Theo Heyliger. The captain and Heyliger exchanged plaques before the delegation was hosted to lunch and given a tour of the recently launched cruise shop.

St. Maarten was the first Caribbean port Epic visited after leaving New York where it was christened. The ship heads to St. Thomas and the Bahamas to complete its Eastern Caribbean Cruise.

Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 30, 2011.

The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on November 5, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 7, 2012.

Captain Vorren had visited St. Maarten in the early 1980s and again about two years ago aboard Norwegian Dawn. He commended Commissioner Heyliger and the Harbour Group for the "fantastic job" in developing Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities.

Norwegian Epic is not the largest cruise ship in the world, but she has plenty of firsts and superlatives to brag about. It's the first ship to offer studios for single passengers.

It has the largest spa on any cruise ship. And its entertainment and lifestyle options make it a floating Las Vegas, where passengers can go from getting a shot of Botox to front-row seats to see Blue Man Group or a circus called Cirque Dreams and Dinner. Elsewhere on board, there are 20 restaurants to choose from.

The 1,081-foot-long ship weighs in at more than 150,000 tonnes, has a capacity of 4,100 passengers, and is the latest in a string of enormous new megaships ordered by the ambitious cruise industry. It has more than 2,100 guest rooms, including 128 single-occupancy rooms - the first ship to provide rooms designed for one.

MARIGOT--Tendances furniture shop in the Bellevue industrial estate was robbed at gun point around 11:30am Tuesday morning.

An individual calmly walked into the shop and pointed a gun at the sales floor manager and demanded the cash from the till.

According to the manager no customers were in the shop at the time and the incident was over in a couple of minutes with no violence and no shooting. The individual, who was not masked and described as "an Antillean-type, speaking English," walked out of the shop before escaping on foot with an envelope of money said to be the cash float.

The manager indicated that the suspect had probably been watching the shop for the opportunity as just five minutes earlier a Gendarmerie patrol had left the area. Immediately after the robbery Gendarmes were summoned and they proceeded to set up control points at the exits and entrances to Bellevue, checking cars, in hope of trapping the suspect.

But up to press time no suspect had been detained.

It was the first time Tendances has been robbed. The store specialises in colonial furniture and decorations and is part of the same company as First Deco.

WILLEMSTAD--Eleven political parties submitted their candidates' lists on Monday to contest the early Island Council elections on August 27. Parties were accompanied by drum bands, cheerleaders, colourful supporters and vuvuzelas as they made their way to the main voting bureau in the "Kranchi."

Contesting the elections will be the PAR under Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage; PLKP under former Island Receiver Errol Goeloe; FOL under Anthony Godett; NPA with its new leader Adrian Monk, since Nelson Pierre retired from politics; MAN under new leader Eunice Eisden, with former leader Charles Cooper taking up the #2 spot on the list; newcomer MFK of Gerrit Schotte; Pueblo Soberano (PS) led by Helmin Wiels; the one-man party of Ruben de Meij Aliansa Curaçao Independiente (ACI); the DP under new leader Norberto Ribeiro; PNP under the leadership of Humphrey Davelaar; and a second one-man party, Akshon Revolushon Tula Ehersito (ARTE) of Andechi Albert.

Yellow party PAR had the largest delegation by far when submitting its list. Party leader De Jongh-Elhage said, "The people of Curaçao have the keys in their hand to make the new status of Curaçao possible. If the people vote for the parties that are for Country Curaçao, then 10-10-10 is guaranteed."

All parties used the opportunity more as a kind of campaign rally than as a venue to deliver their party platform and ideas. Most shouted the word "Victory!" when they addressed the media after submitting their lists.

Parties called for the end of government corruption, shrinking the gap between the have and have-nots in the community, addressing crime and building a strong Curaçao for the day after 10-10-10 and beyond.

PHILIPSBURG--Fifteen local Cub Scouts are scheduled to fly to Curaçao today to participate in the twelfth Caribbean Cuboree, which starts tomorrow, Wednesday, July 14.

The Caribbean Cuboree brings together hundreds of Cub Scouts of the Caribbean every three years to participate in a range of Scouting activities and it serves as an enriching cultural and educational experience for the young participants.

The St. Maarten delegation, Cub Scouts of Scouting Antiano, Mohican Scout Group I, will join more than 1,000 other Cub Scouts of other Caribbean countries at the 2010 Cuboree Village in Curaçao for the unique nine-day Scouting experience, which will end on July 22.

The local Cub Scouts, ages 7½-11½ years, will be accompanied by four adults, group leader First Lady Angela Richards-Huggins told The Daily Herald Monday.

Cub Scouts from Curaçao, this year's host, as well as from Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tortola, and Trinidad and Tobago are also expected to participate in this year's Cuboree.

PHILIPSBURG--The Opposition Democratic Party (DP) is a proponent of a mixed system of direct and indirect taxes and believes the opportunity to develop a new and better tax system for St. Maarten should be grasped with both hands.

"However, an orderly changeover as of January 1, 2011, makes more sense than on October 10, which in some cases would be irresponsible if not outright impossible," the party stated.

DP leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams, speaking at a party press conference Monday, said the National Alliance (NA)-led government seemed to forget that they had to carefully analyse any move to a new tax structure first.

"We believe that first and foremost a simpler system will alleviate many of the ills experienced under the current tax regime," said Wescot-Williams and DP President Michael Ferrier in a written statement given out during the press conference.

Wescot-Williams and Ferrier said, "In reconstructing our tax system, we do not need to throw out the baby with the bath water, as there are several taxes that could be maintained, albeit in a somewhat adjusted form.

"On the other hand, we should not shun from discussing new ideas and insights that will not only provide revenue for government, but also serve other purposes, for instance in the case of the levy of import duties on cars," the DP representatives stated.

They continued, "Drastically lower rates for wage, income and profit taxes, less deductibles, lower thresholds for wage tax, but also a possible review of the minimum wage.

"If the ToT is chosen as a source of revenue for government and increased to offset the reduction in, for instance wage and profit tax, then basic items should be exempt from the ToT. In essence the structure of the TOT itself should be changed to one more closely resembling a VAT [value added tax]. Some of the local taxes could be maintained, but not one sector should be unfairly burdened," said Wescot-Williams and Ferrier.

The way ToT is levied also needs to be addressed. This three per cent tax is levied at every stage of purchasing, from the wholesaler to the customer, with the customers bearing the hefty prices.

Any ToT increase will ultimately mean the cost of living will get much higher for residents, who may get a bit more in their pockets from a lower wage tax, only to have this eaten away by the high cost of items, DP representatives explained.

According to DP, stakeholders' input is paramount for the process of any change, as is input from the private sector for a balanced and well founded system to be arrived at,.

The French side must be considered when devising any (new) tax system for the Dutch side and when debating the tax system, the structure for collecting social security premiums must also be included, the party representatives pointed out.

Is there a plan?

Wescot-Williams told the press the million dollar question was if government really had a plan for a new tax system, or if Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman had headed to the Netherlands on Sunday to seek help from the Dutch Ministry of Fiscal Affairs to develop it now. "Is there a plan or did government throw a few numbers into a tax model and come up with a new tax system?"

Government had the "nerve" to say that a plan to move from direct to indirect taxes could be implemented on 10-10-10, the day St. Maarten becomes a country within the Dutch Kingdom, the party leader said.

Commissioner Blackman, in a press conference on July 8, had said that it was his hope that the plan for the tax shift could be ready and on the shelf for implementation by Country St. Maarten on 10-10-10.

He had indicated that government, with an internal committee, would first develop a table or structure for the move to indirect taxes and then engage the private sector, for example St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce, into the discussions.

Wescot-Williams said from this planned approach, DP could already see that this new tax structure discussion would have the same short life as the Economic Stimulus Package promised by NA when it took office in June 2009.

The chamber had forums on the stimulus package and now they are planning to do the same concerning the tax structure change next week. The report on the stimulus package was presented to government, but none of the suggestions have ever been implemented, said Wescot-Williams.

Government has to be careful with its approach to a new tax system instead of taking the attitude that it knows best what structure will be beneficial for taxpayers across the board, she added.

No legislation

Government had requested the Central Government to transfer the tasks for the Inspectorate of Taxes, Central (Federal) Government Receiver's Office and the fiscal affairs with the corresponding funding on June 23. This request was complied with, but what "baffles" DP is government's statement in the request letter that fiscal affairs could be transferred without the rights to deal with and change legislation.

Wescot-Williams wondered how government could want to change the tax structure on St. Maarten without the authority to make new or amend legislation. That authority would come as of 10-10-10.

"The tax structure on St. Maarten needs to be adjusted and simplified," she said, pointing out that Curaçao has already worked out its structure for when it becomes a country within the Dutch Kingdom on the same date as St. Maarten.

The Central Government has been a facilitator for Curaçao to get the tax system ready and even assisted when the tax regime for the soon-to-be Dutch Public Entities – Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba ­– was approved by the Dutch Parliament.

"Where is the Central Government's facilitator role for St. Maarten in getting prepared?" Wescot-Williams asked.

PHILIPSBURG--A lot of talk about "Team St. Maarten, all hands on deck" for country status and other such "lofty terms" has been circulating in the community, but the National Alliance (NA) government has been avoiding discussions pertaining to elections, Democratic Party (DP) leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said Monday.

She told the press government appeared to be waiting until the last moment to then approach DP for its help in the matter. She questioned whether government would remain "silent" on how elections would be handled, until a few days from Nomination Day.

"It seems that government is neither going to be open and aboveboard about this matter, nor about others related to attainment of country status," she said.

Constitutional Affairs Commissioner William Marlin had said on July 1 that no matter what, St. Maarten had to go to the polls for elections prior to 10-10-10, because the Island Council only had 11 members and the first parliament for Country St. Maarten was formulated to have 15 members.

"The Kingdom Charter has been approved by the Dutch Second Chamber and recently by the Dutch Senate, but here in St. Maarten, no discussion has yet been had about our election vis-à-vis the draft constitution. No other discussion or information on the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten has taken place since the Central Committee adjourned in June for the technocrats to research answers to questions posed by DP," Wescot-Williams said.

The Central Committee of the Island Council is scheduled to resume its deliberations on the draft constitution this Friday.

With two scenarios on the table for elections and the installing of the first parliament, the DP leader said government needed to decide which approach would be taken.

"The Kingdom Charter stipulates that the draft constitution must be approved by at least a two-thirds majority of the Island Council. If this is not accomplished, the Lt. Governor can dissolve the council and call early elections," Wescot-Williams pointed out.

"However, the Duncan Law – an amendment to the Islands Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles ERNA – states that the constitution can be approved by a majority, and if this is not achieved the Island Council can move to dissolve itself.

"The draft constitution under discussion by the Central Committee states that the present Island Council will automatically become the parliament of Country St. Maarten as of the transition date of 10-10-10. That transition role, however, is only for one month after the change of status.

"Within that one month, election for the first parliament of Country St. Maarten must be called and within two months this new legislature of 15 members should be in place," Wescot-Williams said.

No consultations

Besides silence about elections, she said government had decided unilaterally on candidates for the first Governor of Country St. Maarten, with the rest of the island and the Island Council only learning about such matters when they were "leaked to the press."

"Moves such as these by government undermine the process for country status instead of instilling pride in the process as a people," she said. "Or are these air balloons that government is sending up to see how many people will shoot at them?"

Another issue about which there has been no communication by the NA-Heyliger government with the Island Council or the people is the joint monetary system with Curaçao. Wescot-Williams said Curaçao had taken dollarisation off the books, so both islands should be preparing for their new currency that will be used after country status has been achieved.

"Silence on the fate of the garbage collection contracts, plans to lift the moratorium on bus and taxi licences, plans for the establishment of the National Tourism Organisation (NTO) and the labour policy, among other things, continues to be deafening," she said.

She added that when DP had submitted letters to government in the past, a note of acknowledgement usually had been sent, but lately these also had stopped.

She said these occurrences or lack of action by government were a source of "much anxiety, concern and preoccupation" by DP on the people's behalf.

Recklessness

DP President Michael Ferrier said all NA's moves displayed the party's "lack of ability, experience and lack of know-how" and voters should remember this on Election Day for the parliament of Country St. Maarten.

Commissioners Frans Richardson and Xavier Blackman had decried Ferrier on a radio programme Sunday for calling NA "reckless" because of the way it had dealt with governing; for example, the announcement of the move from direct to indirect taxes.

According to Ferrier, the commissioners tagged him to the sale of the assets of Windward Islands Airways International Winair, which they had labelled as reckless behaviour. However, Ferrier contended that he had resigned from Winair's board in 2003 and from the privatisation committee in 2004.

He said NA Island Council member Rodolphe Samuel, then state secretary, had been in charge when the deal was made and it had been completed under the watch of then Winair board chairman Fernando Williams, now advisor to Commissioner Richardson. "Now that is recklessness, because they didn't know what they were talking about," Ferrier said.

PHILIPSBURG--Public Utilities Commissioner Theo Heyliger says the electricity ordinance has been finalised and will soon be handled in the Central Committee, followed by a public debate on the floor of the Island Council.

GEBE's concession, which has also been finalised, is slated to be handled and approved by the Executive Council.

Despite public calls to finalise the ordinance and GEBE's concession, the Commissioner has maintained that he would not finalise the process until he was satisfied that the consumer "was getting the best possible deal."

After addressing additional questions by Governor General Frits Goedgedrag about the ordinance, Heyliger said he was satisfied with the final draft of the legislation.

Declining to go into details, Heyliger said renewable energy must be part of GEBE's plan for the future. He said the new tariff structure would be based on a business plan and GEBE's investments. Additionally, the fuel clause would remain stable and prices will in line with what GEBE actually paid for fuel. The consumer would be charged accordingly.

In response to terse political statements from the governments of Saba and Statia about the division of GEBE's shares and the St. Maarten operation subsidizing GEBE's losses on those islands, Heyliger reiterated that this practice logically had to stop.

"I am a fair person and I believed when we were all part of the Netherlands Antilles we had to help our sister islands out. But with the forthcoming constitutional changes, Saba and Statia will be part of Holland. It is not right for the handful of consumers on St. Maarten to be subsidizing a country of 16 million," he said.

He said while some may not understand that position, it is after all, a fact. "I think Holland should be subsidizing Saba and Statia. Furthermore, why did the government of St. Maarten have to pass regulations on good governance and abide by them, maintain direct hands-off approach, while the governments of these two Island Territories in a BES structure can freely interfere in the company? I can't do that. A rule for one should be a rule for all," Heyliger said.

 Recalls horrific experience 

PHILIPSBURG--Barbadian Events Consultant Natalie Hercules said she had a horrible experience with Veronica Joseph and her team that coordinated St. Maarten Fashion Week which coincided with Miss Model International competition, which was cancelled abruptly on Sunday.

Hercules, who travelled to St. Maarten to represent Barbadian fashion designer Shelniel, called the event a "complete disaster" and said promises made were not fulfilled for the event never got off the ground.

Hercules said she travelled to St Maarten from July 5 to 10 to take part in the event to showcase Shelniel's luxury swimwear.

"My experience with J & J Productions was one that I would never like to repeat because it was disappointing due to the disorganization and unprofessionalism shown," she said.

During an interview with this newspaper on Monday on the cancellation of Miss Model International Competition, Veronica Joseph said the team had two successful events leading up to the competition – one at Bliss and another at Princess Port de Plaisance PDP.

However, Hercules called the latter event at Princess Casino a sham.

Before coming to St. Maarten, Hercules said designers were asked to pay a registration fee of US$600 to secure a spot on the show. They were told the funds would cover hotel accommodation from July 5 -10; a spot in the Runway Extravaganza on July 7, ground transportation for the duration of stay; airport transfers and a feature in the St. Maarten Fashion Week look book.

In return for paying this fee, designers were responsible for submitting a photo and biography along with five photos of previous collections for inclusion on a website, and in the look book; present a full collection of 15 - 30 looks and they were expected to work with the Fashion Week style team and submit any promotional items that will help to promote their line to potential buyers and the general public, for example, flyers and cards.

Hercules said none of this was done. She said her photos were submitted, but the website was never updated and the look book never existed. She said no advertisement was done for Fashion Week. Their designs could not fit the models as they were "not standard size models." She said the style team did not exist. The make-up artist who arrived on the island was not paid and no hairstylist was present, so models did their own hair. Designers were not asked for music and did not receive the promotion they were promised. They also never met the press as they had been promised.

"All information which was requested prior to arrival was submitted from our end. Once the payment of the registration fee was sent, communication via email from Veronica Joseph ceased. No one contacted me regarding the flight itinerary, so that an airport transfer could be pre-booked. I paid for my own taxi to the hotel named as the accommodation - Pelican Marina. My request for reimbursement was acknowledged, but never fulfilled," she said.

"After arriving at Pelican Resort, Veronica advised me that I was not booked to stay there, but next door instead at Atrium. Despite the email confirming my hotel name, Veronica proceeded to deny giving me this information. After a few days at Atrium, I requested to be moved back and this did not happen until Friday morning in the early hours. If this was not pursued, I would have had to share a room with another designer from the US."

She said St. Maarten International Fashion Week was portrayed as a platform to promote and strengthen business relationships between buyers and designers, both regionally and internationally, and advertised a stellar line-up of models and designers from the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Africa, South America, Asia and a special guest designer from the United Kingdom who was recently featured on the 2010 BET Rip The Runway Show.

"No such designers came and it turned out to be only four designers, including myself, who turned up - two from the US and two from the Caribbean, including myself, and we all arrived on different days and were never introduced. We had to always push for information and initiate any meeting between ourselves. There was no team of advisers working with Veronica who could keep us informed and changes made were discovered through third parties."

She said a market place for designers and buyers to transact business was supposed to be one of the main featured events, along with seminars and workshops which were to be also held for models and designers. It would have featured speakers with experience in this industry for more than a decade, but this day never happened, Hercules said.

"Instead, we were taken to a local casino on Thursday night along with the models and expected to showcase a few designs there. Both myself and the other swimwear designer - Tammy B - refused to participate as this was sprung on us with no warning. The smoky environment and crowd present made it even more discouraging as we had expected a suitable location to showcase the quality and standard of clothing in our respective collections. When questioned as to why this had happened, we were told by both Veronica and Kelly Joseph that in their opinion, the clientele who frequented local casinos had money. I was so appalled and embarrassed at the same time, primarily because so much preparation had gone into the choreography for the show, which was now not going to happen."

She said too that an award called 'The Soualiga Award' was to be presented to the most outstanding designer at the fashion extravaganza. As this event never happened, the award was never presented.

"I along with another designer requested that we get our registration fee back as they had not delivered on their side of the proposed contract for Fashion Week. We were not briefed on what would happen on a day-to-day basis and when we tried to contact Veronica, she either had her phone turned off, or just didn't answer. Veronica agreed the night before we left to reimburse us the next day, which was our departure day. This never happened. Instead a promise to repay on the following Wednesday/Thursday was given."

Hercules said since reading about the controversy surrounding Miss Model International Competition, "it is now clear that we are not going to get our money back from them willingly. This is now going to be passed on to the legal team for the design company and hopefully we should be able to seek compensation for the sham that was St. Maarten Fashion Week 2010."

Say 'every hog has its day' 

PHILIPSBURG--Kelly and Veronica Joseph from Up Rising Star Promotions say "a pocket of persons" who are "out for their demise" are primarily responsible for the Miss Model International show going awry.

In an interview with The Daily Herald on Monday, the duo said this group of persons had been "blocking" their hosting of the show, resulting in the series of events leading up to it eventually being cancelled.

Coordinators pulled the plug while models were preparing for the competition on Saturday evening, leaving the 20 delegates, 19 of whom travelled to St. Maarten for the competition, stunned and shocked. The cancelation occurred shortly after the venue had been switched from the St. Maarten Festival Village to Celebration Palace around mid-Saturday.

Kelly Joseph said that although things could have been coordinated better, their hosting of the show had been blocked.

"The people who are trying to look for our demise have won," said Joseph, adding that this pocket of persons has tried to "see our demise and the demise of everyone who is associated with us over the years."

"And they have been very successful, but when they do this they are creating an environment for crime. When you block someone who is trying to earn an honest living, you are creating an enabling environment that fosters criminal activity," he said.

Veronica Joseph said the same group of persons had been encouraging designers not to attend the St. Maarten Fashion Week that she had organised last year. "If you're out to break someone's neck, then you are the person who is disorganised," Veronica Joseph said, adding, "Every hog has its day."

Cancellation

On the issue of the show's cancellation, Joseph said she had taken a conscious decision to cancel the show at the eleventh hour, because she felt that the public had not been sufficiently informed about the venue change.

She said it would have been "suicidal" to hold the show on Saturday, when this change had not been advertised or publicly announced. She said the cancellation hadn't been due to payment issues, as had been reported in this newspaper on Monday.

However, Celebration Palace owner Alfredo "Carlos" David told this newspaper yesterday that he had informed the coordinators that he would not start the show if he wasn't paid the required deposit. He said the coordinators had been trying their best to obtain the funds, but in the end had not.

Veronica Joseph said too that rumours had been circulating that the show had been cancelled.

Kelly Joseph: "Though unpopular, it was the right decision under the circumstances."

The duo said Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with a number of contestants that they would be given "first preference" to represent their countries if another Miss Model International show would be organised in the future and that all of their expenses would be paid.

The Josephs also said that their contracts with the models contained a cancellation clause and said that it was not uncommon for pageants to be cancelled or to encounter challenges, because this happened all the time, even at international pageants such as the Miss World and Miss Universe Pageants.

Venue

Explaining the controversy over the venue, Kelly Joseph said, "The use of the village was settled long before the show." He said coordinators had made a request to host the show at the village on the intended date about a year ago. They had received a positive response, indicating that it was ok to host the show there, but said that there were requirements to be fulfilled, such as the payment of fees.

Based on this, he said coordinators proceeded with the planning of the event. He said they had received a letter from the Festival Village last week Wednesday, informing them that the venue had been cancelled because the payment had not been made. Veronica Joseph could not be reached and did not return calls to settle the issue.

The following day, one day before the competition, the foundation sent a letter to government, asking them to cover the application cost for use of the village. Kelly said government had earlier indicated that it would assist the foundation.

According to Joseph, they were granted use of the Village by Saturday. However, they could not proceed to use that venue, because the light and sound crew said it would not be possible to set up in less than a day. He said it was at that time that they decided to move the show to Celebration Palace.

Asked why they had not ensured that the venue was secured earlier, he said the coordinating committee was handling pressing issues first. He said too that they had been waiting on "disbursement" from sponsors.

He said later in the interview that sufficient sponsors had been on board for the hosting of the show, noting that under normal circumstances about 60 to 70 per cent of the cost to host such an event was covered through sponsorships and the remainder through ticket sales. He could not say how much in sponsorship the foundation had received, but noted that it was a combination of monetary and in kind. He said too that it would have been easier for the sponsorship from government to be made directly to the foundation, hence their last minute request to government.

"We knew that the date was booked and we knew we had some leeway to deal with the [venue]. It doesn't mean that we didn't want to pay; we were just taking care of the most important things first."

Permit

On the issue of a permit, Kelly Joseph said while an application had been submitted for a permit, organisers were stumped when they were told that a NAf. 6,000 deposit had to be paid when they went to pick up the permit on Thursday. He said this was in addition to the NAf. 1,800 they paid for the permit on Thursday, which was required before any agreement could be reached with the Festival Village.

Without being specific, Kelly Joseph said "an understanding" had been reached on Friday that the show would proceed without their physically having the permit in their hands. He claimed that the NAf. 6,000 deposit was a separate issue from the permit, which he said "was ready" to be picked up, but couldn't be released until the fee had been paid.

"I want to make it clear that we are not against complying with laws, because this is what makes our country strong."

Asked to comment on allegations that they had a track record of being disorganised, Kelly Joseph asked: "What is the benchmark that is used to define something that is well organised? I hoped that it would go differently. A lot of things could have been done differently and better. I won't say we didn't make mistakes, but what benchmark was used to say something was disorganised?

"We have always tried to do stuff above board, but things tend to be personalised. We could have done things better, but almost every event in the world did things badly. That's the way it is in the real world.

Asked whether they would continue hosting events, Kelly Joseph said: "We will continue to analyse what transpired and to look back and figure out where we went wrong and what could have been done better and differently."

The duo said they had had successful events at Bliss nightclub and at Princess Port de Plaisance leading up to the model competition.

Tickets

Not many tickets had been sold for the event. The Josephs said patrons who had purchased tickets could return them to the venue at which they purchased them for a refund.

PHILIPSBURG--A "remarkable discovery" is how former finance commissioner Roy Marlin (DP) described the announcement by Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman that the Central Government has short-changed St. Maarten NAf. 13 million in Turnover Tax (ToT) payments between 2005 and 2009.

The Democratic Party (DP) on Monday submitted a request for an Island Council meeting to discuss the missing millions. The meeting has to be called within seven days of the receipt by Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt.

Blackman, who is on a working visit to the Netherlands, is expected to return on Sunday.

Marlin logged in the letter, which was signed by all four DP Island Council members. He told the press Blackman needs to explain how the missing money was uncovered. He anticipates the Island Council, when called, will be a "very short one" if the information requested by the party is delivered prior to the start.

"Then the commissioner just has to come and give an elucidation and we can all go home and have a nice day."

In the letter, DP has requested that Groeneveldt ensures the Island Council is provided, in advance, with the letter the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition sent to Finance Minister Ersilia de Lannooy requesting clarification on the missing millions.

The party also requested the Island Council be provided with the report from finance and other departments based on which the missing money was uncovered.

Marlin said he solemnly hopes that Blackman will not say the report was an "internal" one and can't be provided to the Island Council as had been done in March during the budget 2010 debate with the reports on additional collectable taxes.

The report related to the extra taxes has been "abandoned or perhaps never existed," said Marlin who hopes the missing millions report is not more of the same.

Marlin said the Island Council meeting, when called, would not be adjourned indefinitely like several others because the government feels pressured.

Commissioner Blackman, in a July 8 press conference, had said the missing millions should have come to St. Maarten during the four-year period based on outstanding ToT payments.

St. Maarten receives one third of the three per cent ToT collected. The Central Government deposits an estimated monthly amount into the local government's coffer.

When the actual ToT amount collected for the year was tallied, the outstanding amounts to St. Maarten should have been forwarded to the Island Government to balance the accounts. However, this had not been done.

Finance Minister de Lannooy, in an interview with The Daily Herald, said missing millions was "strange" because the Central Government's annual reports for those years had been completed, found in good order, and approved by the General Audit Chamber. She, however, promised to look into the matter when the letter makes its way to her.

DP leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said the government could have simply called the finance minister to ask for an explanation about the missing millions instead of writing a letter, all formal, like if they were dealing with a foreign government.

She added these are just "diversion tactics" by the government to deflect from other issues of importance in the community that it is incapable of dealing with in the interest of the people.

Meanwhile, Wescot-Williams said her party had also taken note of Groeneveldt's recent comments on the effective use of the Island Council for matters of interest to the community.

She asked that Groeneveldt also get the Executive Council, which he chairs, to answer questions posed because by not answering, the people's representative "does not serve democracy" and it is not the mature way to move to country status.

PHILIPSBURG--Two female employees of Queen's Fine Jewellery were pepper-sprayed when four men raided the Front Street jewellery store Monday just before 10:00am, getting away with an undisclosed amount of jewellery.

With one of the culprits on the lookout outside the store, the other three distracted the employees, squirting pepper-spray into their eyes, and then broke a glass display case and grabbed some jewellery before heading up-town on foot.

According to police spokesman Chief Inspector Humphrey Giterson, the suspects were clearly recognised through the store's video surveillance camera. All four were of approximately the same height and wore long-sleeved shirts.

Two of the suspects had covered their faces with T-shirts that had holes in the area of their eyes, and the other two wore masks. Their race could not be determined because of their full body attire.

Giterson noted that one of the suspects had cut his hand and/or the lower section of his arm while manoeuvring through the loose glass of the broken jewellery case. The Police Forensic Department intends to use the blood blotches to identify at least one of the perpetrators by his DNA.

Ambulance personnel were called to the scene and tended to the employees, victims of this crime, while police immediately began a search for the suspects. In the process they ran into P.V. (23) of St. Maarten, for whom the Prosecutor's Office had issued an arrest warrant in connection with an unrelated case. P.V., suspected of involvement in theft, was taken into police custody immediately.

In connection with the Queen's Fine Jewellery's raid, Chief Inspector Giterson is encouraging anyone with information on any of the four suspects to contact the police on phone numbers 542-2222 or 911, extensions 214/312.

PHILIPSBURG--Tax attorney Max Pandt said he had no idea where government was going with its intention to shift to indirect taxes, but added that the arguments thus far from government were the most "idiotic" thing he had ever heard. He added that without the proper guidance, government would be committing "fiscal suicide" without even knowing it.

In an invited comment, Pandt says he does not believe in the shift for several reasons, including government's irresponsible mentioning of the shift without truly studying St. Maarten's situation. He says that government should have a proper report on taxation complied by a reputable international agency.

"We don't know what they are driving at; nothing is clear. But from what I've seen thus far, it shows a total ignorance of tax laws," Pandt said, adding that, for example, the abolition of or tinkering with the income tax means that "automatically the wage tax will be affected or have to be abolished as well. It's an integrated part of the income tax code."

Furthermore, he added, doubling the turn-over tax for businesses will only place extra burden on the businesses which would subsequently lead to higher prices and higher cost of living for the consumer. A large portion of the population, he explained, consists of lower wage earners and as such does not pay wage tax. So cutting it does not benefit this portion of the society.

Pandt says he suspects that government looked at the tax proposal of the BES islands, picked out a few items and thought they would work on St. Maarten. From what Commissioner Blackman described, I analyse that he has read these reports and decided that if Saba and Statia can do it, we can do it too.

He continued: "The big difference here is St. Maarten is going to be a country and is required to have a budget to support its administration. The Dutch will pick up the tab on Statia and Saba for health costs and education. That's 70 per cent of anybody's budget. So when Holland picks that up, what's left over can be covered by less stringent taxation on those two islands. St. Maarten is forgetting that it has to come up with everything itself. It's rubbish to assume that because the BES islands have one thing, that you have to do the same."

He also dismisses talk of the tax system on BES islands causing significant competition for St. Maarten.

"That's utter nonsense. Anguilla doesn't have income or business taxes whatsoever and I don't see people or businesses moving there because of the social component. There is no market. What I can foresee is an increase in turn-over-tax, forcing businesses to the French side for example, while the business owner lives on the Dutch side. That can happen and that's why this issue requires significant public debate and a study by international agencies that can look at what is best for St. Maarten, submit it to government and then we go from there," he concluded.

Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman announced at a press conference last Wednesday that government would be working towards increasing purchasing power of residents by making a move from direct taxation – wage and profit tax – to indirect taxation – Turnover Tax (ToT) and other consumer-driven taxes – as of 10-10-10, the date of country status.

Blackman said several scenario models had been prepared to see what effects this would have on government's finances. So far it seemed promising for government, businesses and residents.

PHILIPSBURG--Normal life came to a virtual standstill in St. Maarten Sunday afternoon during the final of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Dutch and Spanish soccer fans gathered around wide screens and televisions all around the island to watch every second of the nail-biting match.

Even the TV screens in the arrival hall at Princess Juliana International Airport were being watched with more-than-average interest by persons waiting for passengers arriving on the delayed Air France flight and other passengers.

Despite the name of the establishment – "La Bamba" – and the Spaniards winning the World Cup, the majority of spectators at this Kim Sha beach bar were supporters of the "orange machine."

Sheer disappointment covered the faces of the many "Hup Holland Hup" fans, who were decked in orange shirts, waving flags and blowing world cup signature horns, the "vuvuzela." Celebrating, yet sympathising with the Dutch fans, the supporters of Spain enthusiastically paraded around with their banner reading "España" when Spain scored in the final minutes of the game.

Commentary throughout the game was "Holland, Holland, Holland," with the Spanish supporters more low-key, yet covered with face-painted Spain flags.

While the Dutch fans opted for home at the end of the game, many of the Spain backers proceeded on a motorcade of merriment. The epicentre of the Spanish aficionados seemed to be Taco Macho in Simpson Bay, where Spanish fans took to the roadside with flags and good cheer, greeting every passer-by, Dutch and non-Dutch, with equally great enthusiasm.

Sunset Bar and Grill was the place to be and watch the game for residents and tourists alike in the Beacon Hill and Maho areas. Sun, sand, and Spain proved to be the unbeatable combination at this renowned watering hole at the end of the airport runway.

A predominantly Dutch crowd had gathered there, attentively watching the game in good cheer, singing "Olé, Olé, Olé, We are the Champions," alongside a not-as-exuberant Spain-supporting contingent who, however, made themselves clearly known as they loudly cheered Andrés Iniesta's winning goal in the dying minutes of the game.

After the match, Dutch and Spanish supporters took to the roads and made their way home in equally good cheer, waving flags and blowing their car horns.

PHILIPSBURG--Three St. Maarten study-financing recipients recently won a number of accolades for outstanding performance at College of Professional Intermediate Education EIP in Aruba.

Bako Ato Maynard, who graduated with an Associate's degree in Architecture and Construction in EPI's Technology and Science Unit, was named Student of the Year for this unit. Maynard was also named best student in Architecture and Construction 2006-2010 and highest ranking student in the Architecture class of 2010.

Edel Jansen, who graduated with an Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, was the best student in Electrical Engineering for the period 2006-2010 and received the highest ranking student award in the Electrical Engineering class of 2010.

Maybeline Whitter, who graduated with an Associate's of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, was also the highest ranking student in the Culinary Arts-Hospitality and Tourism Management unit and received the Friendliness Award for the class of 2010.

St. Maarten Study Financing student representative in Aruba Sarah Morgan said parents, relatives and friends had travelled from St. Maarten to Aruba to celebrate with the graduates.

Morgan said the EPI Hospitality and Tourism Unit was a fully government-accredited institution of higher learning, granting an Associate's of Science degree in Hospitality Management and an Associate's of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts.

She said persons who wanted to pursue a Bachelor's degree should have no trouble getting into schools in the United States, such as Florida International University (FIU), University of Nevada (UNLV), University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida Institute of Technology, Webber International University, New York Institute of Technology, Cornell University, University of New Orleans, Northern Arizona University (NAU), or schools in other countries such as Hotel Management School Leeuwarden in the Netherlands and University of Aruba.

"In almost all cases, as many as 68 credits are accepted for transfer, placing the student in the junior year towards graduation with the Bachelor's degree," she said, adding that EPI Hospitality and Tourism had established a working relationship with the institutions mentioned above.

Formal matriculation agreements for transfer exist with FIU, NAU, UNLV, UCF, Hotel Management School Leeuwarden and University of Aruba.

She said EPI Hospitality and Tourism was not a vocational school, nor an upper-level high school, but rather offered a full-fledged, two- to three-year college education comparable to the first two years of US colleges.

PHILIPSBURG--Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt sees some tolerance, but not legislation, at least not yet, for same-sex unions, abortion and euthanasia on St. Maarten.

Groeneveldt told The Daily Herald that, based on community sentiment, he didn't see these issues being legislated anytime in the near future by the still-to-be-elected Parliament of Country St. Maarten.

Laws made by that parliament will and should reflect the norms and changes in the St. Maarten society. If ever same-sex union, abortion and euthanasia become acceptable in the community, then legislation will inevitably follow, he stated.

"Laws are based on culture. When our culture has changed to that extent, if it ever does, and the people feel 'Yes, we should allow same-sex marriage, yes, we should allow abortion, yes, we should allow euthanasia,' then the parliament of the country will have to deal with that issue. If there is broad enough support for it, then it will be made into law.

"Parliament represents the people and has to interpret the feelings of the people, and right now our structure – parliament and Island Council – and our people do not accept those kinds of things to be the norm or common. They will tolerate it – that's my personal feeling too – who want to do that should be allowed to do it, but it should not be legislated as that is what is common or accepted in our country," Groeneveldt explained.

While Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES islands) will have laws governing same-sex unions, abortion and euthanasia after they have become Dutch public entities, Country St. Maarten cannot be forced by the Dutch government to implement these laws. Many people on religious St. Maarten don't care for the Dutch, liberal lifestyle and have spoken out against these issues.

Groeneveldt strongly believes that these three topics should not be forced on the BES islands, because there is so much more that needs to be corrected and infrastructure that needs to be built in the islands. "It's a pity. I personally believe they should put those laws on hold and deal with other matters first."

Constitutional Affairs Minister Roland Duncan believes the community should start a frank and open discussion on same-sex unions, abortion and euthanasia and how these factor into the St. Maarten society, and not have a debate with the Netherlands and the choices that country makes.

Duncan had pointed out at a University of St. Martin (USM) lecture in June that abortions, for example, are performed and are a part of life here. Therefore it would be better to regulate them than to allow them to go on unchecked.

St. Maarten rep says entire event was a 'major disaster'

PHILIPSBURG--More than twenty models from around the world were left stunned and disappointed when Uprising Star Promotions abruptly cancelled Saturday night's Miss Model International Competition, which was marred by what one contestant described as the unprofessionalism of the organisers.

Efforts to reach coordinators Veronica and Kelly Joseph over the weekend proved futile. Both telephone numbers The Daily Herald used to contact them prior to the show were not answered.

This newspaper understands that Celebration Palace, the venue to which the show had been switched late Saturday, had not been paid the required deposit.

Contestants, who were surprised by the last-minute venue change on Saturday, were getting ready for the competition when they were told by a third party that "there would be no show."

Some, who said they had spent a lot of money to prepare for the competition, wept openly. The coordinators reportedly did not have the decency to announce the show's cancellation in person. It was announced in Spanish by an interpreter of one of the delegates.

"We were told that the show was cancelled and to pack up our stuff and leave," St. Maarten delegate Angelique Dollison explained Sunday.

Dollison said she had been utterly embarrassed by the unprofessional sequence of events leading up to the show, adding that some contestants and their entourages planned to lambast the coordinators in the media when they returned to their respective countries.

This newspaper had learnt last week that no permit had been issued by police up to Friday, the day before the show, and no agreement had been made with Festival Village officials for the show to be held there, although coordinators had advertised this location as the venue.

When contacted on this issue late Friday, Veronica Joseph turned her phone over to Kelly Joseph, who told this newspaper the permit and venue issues had been sorted out and the show would be held as scheduled. Asked why these matters had not been dealt with earlier, Joseph said coordinators had encountered some challenges during the entire event.

Dishonesty

The St. Maarten representative said Veronica Joseph had been nice to her before she signed up, but that had changed as the show date grew closer, and she had not been treated with respect. She said she had realised there were problems after promises made in the initial stages were never fulfilled.

One such promise was that Dollison would receive assistance to connect with sponsors. She was also promised she would be sent abroad for extra training with Travis Winkey, who also flew to St. Maarten to choreograph the show. None of these promises materialised, said Dollison, adding that whenever she had brought up the issue with Veronica Joseph, she had been told "later."

Dollison was considering pulling out of the event, but was encouraged to stay on and fulfil her commitment. With the help of her mother, Dollison said, a few sponsors helped her financially to obtain her outfits for the competition. She is very thankful to her sponsors and regrets that she did not have the opportunity to represent St. Maarten.

Disorganised

Dollison said the event had been disorganised from the inception. One of the irritating issues delegates had encountered was that no schedule of activities in which they had to participate had been available. They were always called only about half an hour in advance and told to get ready for functions.

Many of the delegates and their entourages had numerous complaints about coordination, she continued. In one case, a representative of one of the delegates said funds had been transferred to the committee to make reservations for the person's accommodation at Pelican Resort and Casino, where delegates stayed. However, when the individual arrived, it was learned that no reservations had been made and the person had to stay at The Atrium Resort in Simpson Bay.

Also, contestants had never been informed what the prizes for winners would be. As for judges, this newspaper was told that several "random" guests staying at Pelican Resort, including a representative of one of the delegates, had been selected as judges.

Dollison said she had been unable to reach Veronica Joseph on her mobile phone during the days leading up to the show and, in some cases, information on such matters as rehearsals had not been passed on to her.

She said she had first learnt on Friday that there were issues with the venue, when she and her mother bumped into Veronica Joseph in Philipsburg. At that time, she was told that an individual (name provided) at the Festival Village was being difficult. However, Festival Village officials informed this newspaper on Friday that no funds had been paid to secure the venue.

Dollison said she had been waiting at the Festival Village for rehearsals on Saturday, and after some time, when no one showed up, she decided around 4:00pm to visit Pelican Resort, where the contestants and choreographer were staying. While en route there, she happened to see the delegation at Celebration Palace, and on enquiring learnt of the venue change.

After a brief rundown on the choreography, contestants started getting ready for the show. Some delegates already had their makeup on and some were having their makeup applied when, around 8:15pm, 15 minutes after the show was scheduled to start, they were told that it had been cancelled.

Dollison said patrons had started to arrive when contestants had packed up and were leaving the venue, but had to be given the bad news.

"This was a very stressful and embarrassing experience for me," she said, adding that the entire event had left a bitter taste in her mouth, as well as in those of other delegates. "I wasn't treated the way I should have been treated. When you work with professionals, you expect professional treatment, but this was disorganised from the start."

She said she had planned to represent St. Maarten to the best of her ability. Her evening gown was a charming off-the-shoulder body-hugging purple-pink fish-tailed gown. Her creative wear design was donated.

In the meantime, patrons who bought tickets would like their money back and would like organisers to say post-haste what arrangements are being made for them to be reimbursed.

Although the Josephs had advertised that more than 50 delegates would compete in the show, only about 20 came to St. Maarten to participate. They included delegates from Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, France, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Japan, Latvia, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Wales.

PHILIPSBURG--Worker's Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) and the management of Pelican Resort and Casino recently held what the union says were "fruitful talks."

In a brief press release Sunday, WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson said he had met with Royal Resort's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Coorso in an attempt to ease tension between the resort's management and its permanent employees over the outsourcing of work in the housekeeping department.

Management's decision, which would have resulted in the shortening of the permanent employees' work-week, had led to workers assembling on the company's premises with a view to staging a strike on Saturday, June 26. However, such industrial action was averted when management invited the union to sit at the table and discuss the workers' grievances.

In his press release Sunday, Thompson said, "The talks were fruitful and resulted in management not issuing warning letters to employees and deducting pay from those who took part in last week's protest action."

He said the CEO, who left the island following

PHILIPSBURG--Due to maintenance work that needs to be carried out, parts of L.B. Scott Road will be closed to vehicular traffic as of today, Monday, July 12, according to the Department of New Projects Development and Planning.

Directional signs will be erected to indicate how the diverted traffic will flow and motorists are asked to pay attention and drive carefully.

Traffic will be disrupted at the junction of L.B. Scott Road and Boulanger Road from Monday, July 12, at 7:00am, until Wednesday, July 14, when the road will be re-opened to vehicular traffic.

L.B. Scott Road will be closed between St. Peters Road and Messapple Road from Tuesday, July 13, at 7:00am, until Thursday, July 15, when the road will be re-opened.

Execution and completion of the maintenance work will depend on weather conditions. The Department of New Projects Development and Planning apologises to the public for any inconvenience these necessary activities will cause.

PHIILPSBURG--Building Country St. Maarten, increasing pride in it as a nation and instilling love in present and future generations can only be accomplished with the inclusion of everyone living on this island, and not by excluding anyone, said Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt.

Groeneveldt, who has been in office for more than a month now, has been involved in the quest for country-within-the-Dutch-Kingdom status from its infancy. He has also had a hand in drafting the constitution now under review in the Central Committee of the Island Council.

St. Maarten must embark on a nation-building process, he told The Daily Herald in an interview.

"We have to include all persons living on St. Maarten and who have the well-being of St. Maarten at heart – people who have lived here, worked and sacrificed to build St. Maarten to what it is. They should be given an opportunity to be included and they also should be able to feel at home," said the Acting Lt. Governor.

People opting for Dutch nationality, he warned, should not pursue this for their convenience and self-serving benefit. "They have to realise that they are becoming part of a new country and they have to show that they love this country and they appreciate what this country has done for them."

Showing love for St. Maarten by all who reside here can come in many forms; chief among these is helping the country to grow and progress, said Groeneveldt.

The issue of defining "St. Maartener" still needs an open and frank, public debate. However, until St. Maarten becomes independent, Groeneveldt pointed out, it must be realised that there can be a cultural or social definition of a St. Maartener, but not a legal one.

Groeneveldt has a simple way of viewing where people are from. "I was born on Aruba, but I consider myself a St. Maartener because my parents were from St. Maarten. I say, if you take a mango tree and put it in the United States or in Europe, you're still going to get mangoes.

"The definition of a St. Maartener legally is difficult ... it can be done culturally or socially, but we have to be careful not to exclude anyone. You will have to set several different criteria and make sure that you include all those people who feel themselves St. Maarteners, who are attached to St. Maarten, and who act and think like a St. Maartener."

How exactly a St. Maartener acts and thinks will be part of the vital public debate that must take place on the island, whether in the month leading up to country status on 10-10-10 or in the months after, he said.

"My personal opinion is that we must conduct that debate. When the time comes and we are going to become independent, then would be the time to have those things defined. Then you can make a legal definition for who is considered to be a St. Maartener," Groeneveldt said.

In the talks about building a nation and who has the right to be called a St. Maartener, it was noted that a major element to strengthen and keep the community strong is in crisis: the youth.

Groeneveldt said, if caring for the youngsters of the island territory was not taken into consideration now, "we will lose a couple of generations."

Youth violence is constant; problems in schools and the lack of family structure all intertwine. Education plays a major role in saving the most important assets, the young people, of the new Country St. Maarten, as do parental involvement and a proper social structure, said the former teacher.

Everything from the labour situation to the high cost of living on St. Maarten forces parents to have two or three jobs to try to make ends meet, much to the neglect of their children. These children without a sturdy social structure will "get into wrong things."

Groeneveldt concluded that, to save the young people and secure the future of Country St. Maarten, the ills must be tackled from every angle: school, government, families, churches and social groups. "The better the economy is, the more jobs will be created."

By Alita Singh

PHILIPSBURG--"Be concise and don't lose the message and the attention of the people, who must be properly represented, by being long-winded," is the advice of Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt to Island Council members.

He hopes they will heed his call now, as only a few months remain before country-within-the-Dutch-Kingdom status is attained on 10-10-10.

He plans to call in the faction leaders in the Island Council to talk about the way forward in the time crunch to country status, as several debates are still pending on matter ranging from the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten to the Organic Laws to regulate how government will operate.

Groeneveldt spoke to The Daily Herald this week about what he would like to see from Island Council members, and cautioned them to stay on target in debates. As a former teacher, he knows that the attention spans of children and adults are limited and that lengthy speeches serve no purpose other than to do a disservice to the community.

Asked why he hadn't followed this position during the 2010 budget amendment debate in June that dragged on until 1:30am the day after it started, Groeneveldt said the budget covered everything and council members were allowed to talk on numerous areas in budget debates.

Having been sworn in recently at that time, the Groeneveldt said he had been trying to learn the ropes and follow the Rules of Order that require council members to be able to make their points uninterrupted.

He intends to continue consultations with all parties in the council to plan meetings, adjournments and the way forward for the effective functioning of the council so that the people are the greatest beneficiaries. This approach has already earned him the commendation of opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Sarah Wescot-Williams, who referred to it during the budget amendment debate.

Consultations have gone "very well so far," but they need to be continued and parties need to come together to build St. Maarten as a country within the Kingdom even more now that the Dutch Parliament's First Chamber or Senate has approved the Consensus Kingdom Laws.

Groeneveldt sees both National Alliance (NA) and DP as working in the interest of the people and their wellbeing. Politics is a slippery slope, but he remains focused on what is best for the people. "I don't have to take sides with anyone, but I think both parties are generally after the wellbeing and the best interests of the people."

He said he had received "very, very good cooperation" from both parties to date. "I think we are moving forward and I hope to get the total focus of both parties only on the process to become a country. Of course, they have to have enough room to do their politics; I will not interfere in that. My concern and interest is the general good of the island."

Groeneveldt said he was seeing both parties shift their focus from party politics to more about country status. "Instead of the normal political debate, I am seeing and feeling that it is going to become less and less as we get closer to 10-10-10. Both parties will realise that, regardless of what, we have to put our heads together; we have to work together."

The only way this can be achieved, he noted, is by parties looking at the common interest of the people, putting that first, and leaving the party politics for later.

Draft constitution

Groeneveldt is serving at a unique time in St. Maarten history, a fact that is not lost on him. He has been involved with the drafting of the constitution for Country St. Maarten and now has the role of chairing the Island Council meeting for its approval. It is a "good feeling" to have been present for the birth of the draft constitution.

He does not subscribe to the belief that there has not been enough debate on the draft constitution and that much has been changed since January 2009.

With regard to content, there have only been technical changes, so the debate is "not quite accurate." He thinks a "more intense" information campaign would have been warranted so that the public could have been more informed and involved on a continuous basis. However, he does not consider this as an opportunity lost in nation-building.

Serving the community as Acting Lt. Governor is a great honour for Groeneveldt, who characterised his first month as the Queen's Representative as "very, very hectic, but exciting and very, very, challenging." It is an opportunity to learn new things, he said, and it is a chance to apply knowledge he gathered as an attorney and a civil servant.

Building a nation

Building capacity where it is lacking after many years of neglect by the Central Government should be a key focus for all parties. He said that by working together, the island territory would become stronger to stand on its own, once the Plans of Approach in several areas had been executed.

St. Maarten is at a disadvantage in building up its country due to the neglect it has faced over the years, while Curaçao will benefit from the infrastructure of the soon-to-be-dismantled Netherlands Antilles, and the BES islands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will have the assistance of the Dutch Government.

The Police Force, for example, and its ability to properly secure the island territory and combat crime have been matters of concern locally and to the Dutch Government, resulting in this area being placed under a Plan of Approach.

"Security is one of the basic necessities in any community. Once that is regulated, people can go on with their lives. If not, your whole economic development will be jeopardised by the lack of security," he stated.

In spite of these setbacks, Groeneveldt is "confident" that St. Maarten as a country within the Kingdom will be even more prosperous than it has been as a part of the Antilles. People have been flocking here for a better life from all over the world and this will only increase when the island territory is in charge of its own affairs, he noted.

"We have a little paradise," Groeneveldt said. "A well-functioning government is cardinal. Once that is in place, I think the sky is the limit. On 10-10-10, I envision that the government will be able and better equipped to deal with a lot of past social ills and lacks that we have had. I envision St. Maarten is going to be a very, very attractive place to live."

PHILIPSBURG--Justice Minister Magali Jacoba is expected to make an announcement soon on the renewal process for Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) permits.

This is according to St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) whose representatives met with the government on labour and other concerns on Thursday.

SHTA said the regular employment permit process which is handled via the Labour Department will be synchronised with BTA permits so many of the issues and concerns regarding BTA permits will be resolved.

The role of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty in the permit application process was also raised at the meeting with the Executive Council.

"This treaty can only be considered on St. Maarten after 10-10-10, as treaties are only applicable to countries," SHTA said in a press release after the meeting. "Furthermore, the treaty does not automatically mean that Americans do not need employment permits. It can however, be used to substantiate appeals if permits have been denied. Regarding the recent ruling based on the treaty, it is being appealed because the treaty states that Americans will be treated fairly but, the national laws still apply, which was the case."

SHTA said The Hague will be in discussions with the United States Foreign Affairs to clarify the treaty.

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association received an update on several tourism-related matters from Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson during its meeting with the Executive Council on Thursday.

One of the first topics discussed was the status of the tourism authority and, by extension, in which direction the government will take the tourism department. The two options mentioned were privatising the department or embracing the status quo.

The commissioner said discussions are being held with Curaçao to ascertain how the tourism department of that island made the transition from a public to a private entity.

SHTA said its position has not changed after 10 years of trying to attain a national tourism organisation and is 100 per cent behind the public-private model. According to SHTA, the commissioner is also leaning towards this type of model and it expects a decision to be made soon.

In light of recent budget cuts, the state of the marketing funds was also raised in the meeting. As previously reported, the commissioner said the budget cut had not affected the marketing plans, but rather the familiarisation trips for foreign press and tour operators.

He said the Food and Wine Festival is one of the activities being planned to attract visitors. Preparations are in preliminary stages and details are still sketchy. It will be planned for the end of October 2010.

SHTA representative of the marine sector requested more marketing funds, since the sector represents 16 per cent of the economy. "SHTA learned that the Tourist Office has appointed someone in its office to focus more on that sector," the association said.

As for the status of ASIS (Airport Statistical Information System), ASIS project leader Peter Mazereeuw gave an overview and said the system is being renamed to TSIS (Tourism Statistical Information System).

His execution of the project started five weeks ago and it is still in the research phase. A meeting with SHTA will be scheduled in the coming weeks. TSIS is expected to be operational by Carnival 2011.

Hopes businesses arrive at common position

PHILIPSBURG--In an effort to come up with one common position on the simplification of the tax system, the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising a session with the business community.

The session will be held during the week of July 19. A cross-section of the private sector and private-sector organisations will be invited, namely representatives of St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the marine industry, local businesses, Foundation Tax Committee and Indian Merchants Association, among others.

At the meeting, the Chamber will present for discussion a simplification of the tax system that it had compiled and presented to government and Foundation Tax Committee in 2006. Chamber Acting Director Ludwig Ouenniche said the system was based on the Hong Kong model and tweaked to St. Maarten's situation. "We did not invent anything. We looked at the Hong Kong model and changed it and made a proposal to government [in 2006] about a simplified tax system," he explained.

He added that Foundation Tax Committee had said it was in favour of the model presented at that time. The Chamber had also presented its model at a session in Aruba. "This is the model that we believe as a Chamber can make the playing field level for everyone."

The decisions taken at the meeting will be presented to the public and government.

Chamber President Glen Carty, who on Thursday endorsed government's shift in approach from direct to indirect taxation, said Friday that it was imperative that the tax system was revamped and that the current tax system "is not working because not everyone pays." He had said on Thursday that the Chamber supported a reduction in wage taxes and in increase in the Turnover Tax (ToT) from the current three per cent to about six per cent, for example.

Ouenniche noted that the ToT had a "tremendous multiplier effect" and should not be the main indirect tax, as this "can be dangerous to the economy." He said the meeting would serve to provide a forum for businesses to discuss the model and come up with a comprehensive proposal that would benefit everyone.

Carty said it would not be possible to please everyone completely on this issue, but that there would have to be compromise.

"We have to reach a compromise and come up with one position in the interest of all," he said. "Right now, the system as it is, is not working, and this is not in the interest of the island."

Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman, a former Chamber member, announced at a press conference on Wednesday that government would be working towards increasing purchasing power of residents by shifting emphasis from direct taxation – wage and profit tax – to indirect taxation – ToT and other consumer-driven taxes.

Blackman said several scenario models had been prepared to see what effects this would have on government's finances. So far it seems promising for government, businesses and residents.

Members can discuss specific concerns with Labour Unit 

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) has suggested that a labour workshop be held so that its members can raise specific concerns with representatives of the Labour Unit of the Future Ministry of Health Labour and Social Affairs VSA.

This suggestion was made during a meeting with the Executive Council on Thursday that had been called to discuss several issues of concern regarding labour and other issues.

In a press release on Friday, SHTA said it had been advised to submit its suggestion in writing to the Labour Department.

SHTA is concerned with the processing time for employment permits. It said the business sector "is not performing well at the moment," as many businesses were operating with core staff only.

From businesses that are heavily reliant on foreign labour, SHTA has received complaints that the application process is more cumbersome of late, thus impeding business operations.

SHTA had been informed that the Labour Department was going through some structural changes as it was transitioning into a Ministry. However, SHTA was told that this had not affected the processing time for permits, which is six weeks.

SHTA also sought clarification on what employment permit policy was being used, as there was some confusion. The National Alliance/Heyliger coalition Government policy that went into effect in December 2009 is still being used and copies are available at the Labour Department. The policy is meant to be reviewed with stakeholders, after which amendments may be introduced.

SHTA also brought up examples of renewals for long-time employees (10 plus years) that had been rejected. Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson requested that such incidents be brought to his attention immediately.

The objective of the private sector is to hire local labour, as long as the person has the appropriate qualifications. Employment permits are only sought when it has been determined that qualified locals are not available.

SHTA had been advised to forward its complaints to the Labour Department, so that this department could have a better understanding of the problems.

SHTA had been informed that the Executive Council had requested an advice on how the Tri-partite Committee should be restructured. The advice is not yet finalised. However, with the approval of the Social Economic Council SER, there may not be a need for the labour Tri-partite Committee, as discussions could be held in SER setting.

Nilda Lynch-Arduin was sworn in as Second Acting Lt. Governor in the
presence of Governor of the Netherlands Antilles Frits Goedgedrag in Dr.
A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall Thursday. The ceremony was attended by First
Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt, Leader of Government Commissioner
William Marlin, Commissioners Frans Richardson and Xavier Blackman, and a
few of Dr. Lynch-Arduin's family members and friends, including husband
Edgar Lynch, among others. Lynch-Arduin is flanked here by Governor
Goedgedrag (left) and Groeneveldt.

THE HAGUE--Emotions ran high at times among Antilleans living in the Netherlands during an information session on the constitutional process Wednesday evening.

Initially, the some 100 attendees at the session held at the Antillean House listened intently to the presentations by Antillean Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs Roland Duncan and Curaçao's Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Zita Jesus-Leito.

Minister Duncan spoke about the right of self-determination, the new constitutional statuses, the amendment to the Charter, the different trajectories to realise the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles and the construction of the new entities, maintenance of law and order, public finances, personnel and the archives.

Duncan explained that the Antillean Parliament needed to adopt the amended Charter within one month and the Island Councils of Curaçao and St. Maarten had to approve their respective Constitutions. Furthermore, an agreement needs to be reached with the labour unions about the positions of the Central Government civil servants under the new constitutional arrangements.

Duncan said that with the approval of the Kingdom Consensus Laws by the Dutch Parliament's First Chamber on Tuesday, he was 99.9-per-cent sure that the target date of October 10 would be met. After that date, the real work will start, he said.

Jesus-Leito said that Curaçao was working diligently to realise its new status as Country Curaçao. "We are eager to get things done. Ninety-five days remain, in which there is still a lot to do," she said. She called the situation in Curaçao a "big risk," in that new elections must be held on August 27 so the Constitution can be approved. "If we fail to approve this crucial law, we will be in big trouble."

After the presentations by Duncan and Jesus-Leito, Central Government advisors Etienne Ys and Susy Camelia-Römer joined the panel, and the public had the opportunity to pose questions. There were many questions, mostly on the situation of the BES islands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, which will become part of the Netherlands as "public entities."

At that point, the gathering got a bit unruly. People were eager to pose questions, and some members of the public were unwilling to wait for their turn. A woman from Bonaire loudly protested that the people of her island hadn't had a chance to speak on the relationship with the Netherlands. She said Bonaire was being re-colonised with the Dutch taking over the island.

Camelia-Römer tried to calmly explain that the referendum in Bonaire on September 3 would not deal with the issue of becoming part of the Netherlands, but rather would concern the division of tasks.

"The referendum doesn't have any effect on Bonaire's new status. The outcome is only important for the division of tasks – which tasks will be done by the Netherlands and which will remain Bonaire's authority," she said.

Camelia-Römer was interrupted several times by a few members of the public. One woman said the politicians would be "surprised" by the outcome of Bonaire's referendum. Duncan added fuel to the fire by saying that those who didn't like the outcome of the process were free to leave. This led to more murmurs by the public.

Jesus-Leito threw the ball back in the public's court. "We are not pretending it to be nicer than it is. After 10-10-10, we will start the building of Country Curaçao with better education and better health care. I am asking everyone who has a nice life here in the Netherlands and knows everything better to return to Curaçao and to help build a better future. What we need now is unity," she said.

Criticism by members of the public about the lack of information and communication with the people were met with loud applause. Some attendees kept interrupting the panel members, causing Antillean Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague Marcel van der Plank to intervene. He asked people to remain calm and to await their turn to pose a question. He promised that there would be more information sessions in the near future.

MARIGOT--The Executive Council at its recent meeting, presided over by President Frantz Gumbs, voted to allocate 500,000 euros to assist students with professional training in four areas.

These areas are: assisting twelve students obtain their State Diploma as a Medical/Psychologist aide, a subvention to assist in training to be a tutor, aid for twenty students studying at the GRETA Institute to be special educators, and aid for students training to be educators of children.

It was noted that there is a need for specialised persons to help teenagers and children suffering from family problems.

The Executive Council also voted to assist Lycée students to buy school materials, books, etc. for the start of the new school year in September by allocating 100 euros to each student.

Local Gastronomic Week taking place at the Marigot market July 5 through 11 will also benefit from a subvention.

With regard to Revenu de Solidarité Active (RSA) the Council voted to propose modifications to the social code of families to better adapt to the Social Security Code of St. Martin.

With regard to agriculture, the Council voted favourably for the Collectivité to be affiliated to Caribbean Food and Crops Society which unites some ten Caribbean countries on this subject.

Unions meet Govt today 

PHILIPSBURG--Unions representing Central and Island Governments workers are expected to meet with Labour Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson today, Thursday, to continue talks to finalise the social charter which safeguards the rights of workers in Country St. Maarten.

A number of trade unions such as the Curaçao-based ABVO union, WICSU/PSU, and the police union, among other unions, are expected to attend today's meeting.

Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union President William Reed said WICSU/PSU had already agreed to the terms of the charter, but later realised that it had issues with some aspects of it. The unions later asked government to revisit some clauses.

Reed told reporters at a joint press conference with the ABVO Council of Pensioners and the Windward Islands Teachers (WITU) on Tuesday that a number of changes had been recommended for the charter.

These include giving workers up to five years to make a decision about their post after the birth of new Countries St. Maarten and Curaçao on 10-10-10. As is, the charter gives workers up to a year to make decisions about their positions.

The union is also hoping to push through an amendment that allows for a negotiation policy for collective bargaining and giving the union a say in negotiations on issues such as salaries for its members in the future. The charter will also ensure that there is no discrepancy in salaries for workers from the two levels of government performing the same function.

Reed said unions have been negotiating the terms of the charter for the past two years. He did not specify when unions had signed off on it before. He said, however, that recently government has been cooperative in the union's request for proposed amendments.

Reed said the charter safeguards the rights of workers as well as secures their benefits, such as their salaries and legal status when moving from Island Territory to Country St. Maarten as of 10-10-10.

"We are getting the cooperation from government," Reed said about the process. He said government is "seeing that we are entering into a new order" and parties are "trying to meet each" in an effort to finalise the process.