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Governor accepts final report from formateur Atacho
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - The Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, mr. F.M.d.l.S. Goedgedrag, received the final report of the formateur, Mr. P.J. Atacho. Mr. Atacho has accepted the commission to form a cabinet that:
· has a majority support in Parliament and a basis on all the islands of the Netherlands Antilles, and
· consists of persons who are prepared and able to execute a transition program in a decisive and well-balanced manner on the basis of the Agreement of Philipsburg, concluded on February 19, 2010
Rollocks, half-brother clash over Belvedere Border Point
The Daily Herald - ~ Talking Drums Foundation speaks of crimes ~
PHILIPSBURG--Emotions flared at the Courthouse Monday afternoon when half-brothers Julian Rollocks and Cimmaron Marlin faced off concerning Talking Drums Foundation in which both are involved.
The non-profit organisation, established in November 1998, can be considered Marlin's life's work. Its objectives are to promote greater awareness of the African heritage and black role models, and to organise charitable activities. One of the most eye-catching activities of the foundation is classes in woodcarving for the youth.
The registration of Haitian Nationals continues over 350 has so far been register
PHILIPSBURG - On Monday March 15, the process has begun where by all undocumented Haitian Nationals that failed to comply with the BTA and those who have never went to register with the BTA accord. The Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba along with the local government of St Maarten has decided that all undocumented Haitian nationals residing on Dutch St Maarten should get a chance to register to avoid deportation when the immigration controls start, reason for this is because of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti last January 12, 2010 that caused massive damage in the capital of Port au Prince, Haiti.[More....]
MPC students learn about government
SXM Island Times - As of March 1st 7 new sectors in government have been adjusted to reflect the 7 ministries of Country St. Maarten. Some of the new sectors have already begun preparations to accept the transfer of tasks from the Central Government.
The seven new sectors are: General Affairs, Justice, Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Management, Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Education, and Finance.
Mr. Friendly's grand arrival, a smiling fact
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - The St. Maarten born brown pelican made his first appearance during the Port De Plasaince annual ChildFest last Sunday, leaving children with a lasting impression and a focus of being friendly to their family, friends and everyone they meet.
Mr. Friendly's promise to bringing back the friendly island proved itself undeniably as thousands of kids lined up to play Mr. Friendly games, including the Mr. Friendly Water Balloon Catch and the MR. Friendly Feeder, where after they publicly announced and signed their Child Certificate Pledges vowing to be friendly.
Four Injured in Vehicular Accident --- Excessive Speed Caused Major Damage to Several Vehicles.
SMNN - Peters:--- The traffic department is busy investigating a multiple car accident, which left at least four persons injured. The accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the entrance of St. John's Estate reported Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.
The police spokesman said several police patrols along with then fire and ambulance responded to the scene when the accident occurred. At least one person Henson said had serious injuries to the face and had to be admitted to the St. Maarten Medical Center for further treatment and observation.
Island Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday on Budget; Central Committee set for Thursday.
SMNN -
GREAT BAY,– A meeting of the Island Council will take place on Wednesday, March 17 at 10.00am in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall. The agenda points for the meeting are Budget 2010 and the consequences for not having a budget in place, followed by the agenda point, the labour situation on the island. The first Island Council meeting related to those agenda points was held on March 11, 2010, however due to the lack of a quorum, the meeting was cancelled 30 minutes after it had begun.[More....]
PCCA scheduled to meet on Thursday regarding latest constitutional developments
SMNN - GREAT BAY,– A meeting of the Permanent Committee of Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) of the Island Council will take place on Thursday, March 18 at 10.00am in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall.
The meeting has been called by its Chairman, Leader of Government Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs William Marlin.
Island Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday on 2010 Budget; Central Committee set for Thursday
PHILIPSBURG - A meeting of the Island Council will take place on Wednesday, March 17 at 10.00am in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall. The agenda points for the meeting are Budget 2010 and the consequences for not having a budget in place, followed by the agenda point, the labour situation on the island. [More....]
Government seeking 40 mil via tax audits
~ Roy says the move would be 'maagical' ~ PHILIPSBURG--The Executive Council will reportedly propose to the Island Council to increase the wage tax component of the 2010 draft budget with an additional 40 million in income for the budget year 2010. It is understood that Government expects to collect these additional revenues by way of tax audits done over the years 2005 to 2008 on businesses that may have complied with their wage tax obligation but have not paid the correct amount.[More....]
Food safety infringements found at Sang’s
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--A "follow-up" inspection of food labelling at Sang's Supermarket last week turned into a major bust on lack of compliance with food safety regulations.
Health inspectors spent four days combing through the supermarket and carted off a total of five truckloads of food and meat products that were expired and unfit for human consumption.
Frans returns to island, Executive Council meets
PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner Frans Richardson cut his travels short Tuesday and returned home in time for the Executive Council to meet. Richardson had been scheduled to attend Seatrade Cruise and Shipping Miami on his way back from a tradeshow in Berlin, Germany. Leader of Government William Marlin told The Daily Herald that he, Richardson and Commissioner Hyacith Richardson had met with Executive Council Chairman Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards on a 30-point agenda that covered personnel and other matters.[More....]
Patrick Illidge officially confirmed as minister
The Daily Herald - ~ Governor announces new cabinet ~
WILLEMSTAD--Patrick Illidge of the National Alliance (NA) will be the new Minister of Traffic and Communication. Illidge, who serves as a state secretary for public health, was tipped for NA's second ministerial post in the Emily de Jongh-Elhage II Cabinet, but this was never confirmed by party leader Commissioner William Marlin.
Illidge was among the new cabinet members whose names were announced by Governor of the Netherlands Antilles Fritz Goedgedrag Tuesday afternoon after Formateur Pedro Atacho submitted his report on the new government.
DP requests meeting on housing, ‘to get answers’
PHILIPSBURG--Opposition Democratic Party (DP), keen on getting answers to questions posed in last week's Central Committee (CC) meeting on Government's position on subsidies and investments, has requested another meeting with a slightly adjusted topic. This time, DP has asked Committee Chairman George Pantophlet to convene a meeting on "answers" from Government about subsidies and investments.[More....]
DP: NA/Heyliger govt governing via the press
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--The National Alliance (NA)/Heyliger coalition has taken to the media in running Government. A perfect case is the debacle over the payment of room tax by The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, said Democratic Party leader Sarah Wescot-Williams.
Deputy leader of Government Commissioner Theo Heyliger had stated to the press Wednesday that he wanted the "comfort letters" exempting the two resorts from paying room tax to be honoured.
Commission advises no action against Dollison, Buncamper
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--The commission established by the Executive Council last year to determine whether disciplinary measures against Environmental Development and Property Management ROB Department Director Joseph Dollison and adjunct Director Claudius Buncamper were warranted as a result of the Government Accountants Bureau SOAB report findings on the issuance of building permits, has found no credible grounds for such measures and has advised the council accordingly.
The commission's advice was discussed by the Executive Council recently and, according to sources, Commissioner Theo Heyliger was the sole member willing to follow the commission's advice.
Hurricane season expected to be extreme.
SMNN -
The first prognosis about the 2010 hurricane season is that it will be more active than last year and has the potential to be an "extreme season" similar to 2008. We can all recall Hurricane Omar in mid-October 2008 when it passed less than 50 miles from the island as a major category three causing over US$100 million in damage especially to coastal properties due to storm surge. The early hurricane season forecast has been made by Meteorologist and Hurricane Forecaster Joe Bastardi. In 2008, there were 16 named storms, eight became hurricanes. The forecast for 2010 is 16 to 18 storm systems of which seven will become hurricanes and five of those will become a category three or stronger.[More....]
Judge releases pregnant mother from police cells
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - A pregnant mother of 3 was released Monday March 15, 2010, after spending more than 10 days on the floors of the policecells in Philipsburg.
The mother was arrested at the airport on March 4 because it was discovered that her passport and that of her 3 children were false.
Six trainee police officers in SXM for practical experience
PHILIPSBURG - A group of six trainee police officers from Curacao are in St. Maarten preparing to take note of the operations here and will also be around during the carnival season. Police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said the officers will come to work for a month to gather information on the "know-how" of police work in total.[More....]
Transfer of functions began Monday
SXM Island Times - WILLEMSTAD - Roughly 260 civil servants from the Central Government began working for the Island Territory of Curacao on Monday. An agreement for their transfer was signed Sunday in Fort Amsterdam by Prime Minister Emily de Jongh El-Hage and Curacao's Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Zita Jesus Lieto.
In a joint press statement the Prime Minister and the Commissioner called the protocol "important." They're not saying much about the content though.
SXM working on direct flight out of Germany
PHILIPSBURG - St. Maarten might be able to secure a direct flight from Germany to the island, disclosed Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson. He said he and local tourism stakeholders met with Air Berlin recently while away on tourism related business and there is a prospect that the airline could start direct flights into St. Maarten. [More....]
BlueMarine Residences confirms extortion attempt by an inspector
PHILIPSBURG--BlueMarine Residences, owned by Saro Spadaro of the Maho Group, confirmed over the weekend that an unsuccessful attempt was made to extort money from the company in mid-2009 by parties affiliated with Blue Blood Construction, a company owned and operated by an inspector at the Environmental Development and Property Management ROB department. In an invited statement, a representative of the Maho Group confirmed that BlueMarine had been approached by Blue Blood Construction. However, it was made clear that BlueMarine had not conducted any business with Blue Blood Construction, was unaware of any investigations, and would be at the full disposal of authorities, should they require any information. [More....]
Brooks: Inauguration of new plant a triumph for people of St. Maarten
The Daily Herald - CAY BAY--Utilities company GEBE Managing Director William Brooks calls the inauguration of the power plant expansion and the two new 11.3-mega watt engines as a triumph for the power plant's employees and the people of St. Maarten.
Island Council members, GEBE employees, and representatives of generator manufacturer Wärtsilä and the private sector were on hand to witness the inauguration and to hear Brooks say, "In the midst of the turmoil, the men and women at this power plant continued to do everything within their power to keep the lights on."
Only William, Hyacinth here
PHILIPSBURG--Government is squarely in the hands of Leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin and Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson for the coming days, because the other three commissioners are off-island. A minimum of three commissioners is required to make any decision and for a quorum for Executive Council meetings held usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays.[More....]
30.6 per cent increase in RCCL, Celebrity passengers projected
The Daily Herald - MIAMI--News for St. Maarten's cruise industry continues to look better, with a projected 30.6 per cent increase in cruisers arriving here aboard Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) ships for the 2010-2011 season, compared to the previous year.
St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo met with RCCL revenue management, deployment and global itinerary planning officials on Friday. They revealed their projections for the season, based on booking and booking trends. The meeting was a lead-up to Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami, which starts today, Monday.
Student carries out hair raising attack on Career Fair at PSVE
PHILIPSBURG -One student of the Vocational School was arrested on Friday after placing students and faculty of the St. Maarten Academy PSVE School as well as and the police in danger. This happened during the Career Fair at the school on which got off to a successful start with over 20 companies and entities participating. The student seen in the photo, through a bottle at first then a stone over the wall of the PSVE.[More....]
Registration of Haitian nationals in relation to the Brooks Towers (category 3)
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - On Monday March 15th, registration will start of illegal Haitian nationals. Wednesday March 31, 2010 will be the last day to register.
The registration will take place from Monday through Friday from 8 in the morning non stop till 4 in the afternoon at the Conference Center of the Salvation Army on the Union Road #59 in Cole Bay.
Legally-sold non-prescription medicine a much bigger threat to public health
Dear Editor, I read your articles (Gambling with life: Buying medication on the black market) and enjoyed them. In our local newspapers the journalist most of the time just reports one side of the story and then the next day the other side reacts. However, this time Ms. Judy Fitzpatrick did a much more professional job by interviewing different parties involved before finishing the articles. This shows different angles of the topic and gives the reader better insight and a good overall view of the topic. I hope to see more of this type of informative reporting in the future.[More....]
St. Maarten has Budget---Media Articles were Emotional with Misconstrued Information---Blackman.
SMNN -
Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of finance Xavier Blackman in reaction to several media reports on the 2010 budget said the information given to the media was emotional and misleading. The commissioner said he believes the aim was to cause fear and deception to the public and taxpayers both of which are irresponsible and unfortunate. He said for as for him the information was politically tainted and does not represent the facts regarding the CFT and the budget of 2010. Blackman used several quotes that were printed in the media such as arrogant, slap in the face that was used in several media articles all of which he said he intended to clarify at his press conference held early Sunday morning. [More....]
Island in Total Blackout for More than Five Hours---Short Circuit and Computer Failures May Have Contributed .
SMNN - Philipsburg:--- Two days after GEBE held its party to celebrate the inauguration of their two new generators that were installed some three months ago, the island residents were thrown into an island wide blackout, which lasted more than five hours on Sunday evening. While GEBE did not say, what was the cause of the blackout until late Sunday night SMN News learnt that a some sort of short circuit was the main cause. Sources say that for some unknown reason the computer system was tripping out the Zagersgut substation, which caused the power company to lose power for more than five hours. Electricity went off just after 5 pm and power was restored after 9 pm. Up to late Sunday night the exact cause of the computer problems were not identified. "The computer was not allowing the engines to start up for one reason or another" one source said.
Homicide in Concordia raises youth death toll
The Daily Herald - MARIGOT--An 18-year-old young man was fatally shot in Concordia by an assailant about 8:30am Saturday, in another act of senseless violence that continues to plague the youth. The incident took place close to the Post Office's new sorting centre.
A passing doctor saw the victim lying on the ground clinging to life and immediately called the Gendarmerie and the ambulance. However, the young man passed away on the way to the hospital.
Island wide power outage caused by short in feeder cable
PHILIPSBURG - A short in one of two feeder cables leading to the Zagersgut Substation triggered a complete blackout on the Dutch side of the island late Sunday afternoon. The emergency protection systems at the Cay Bay Power Plant were triggered completely shutting down the power plant for a number of hours Sunday evening. [More....]
GEBE inaugurates two new engines
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - Commissioner Theo Heyliger and Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklin Richards, joined the celebration on Friday as GEBE inaugurated their two new engines. The ceremony was held on Friday afternoon at the companies Cay bay Power Plant facilities.
18-year old Gunned Down --- Shooter Called Victim to His Death.
SMNN - Marigot: --- The gendarmes are busy investigating the shooting of 18-year old Franck Petion better known as Vebby who was brutally murdered early Saturday morning in the vicinity of the sorting station of La Poste (Centre de Courrier) at Rue Francois Hunt in Concordia.
According to bystanders, the young man was shot and pushed in the nearby bushes next to the La Poste but somehow a doctor that was passing through the main road saw him and summoned the ambulance and gendarmes, the victim was rushed to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital but later succumbed to his wounds. It is not clear if the victim was shot more than once and where exactly he was shot.
Pride raises concerns about Belair beach replenishing
The Daily Herald - BELAIR--St. Maarten Pride Foundation expressed concern Friday that there is a possibility that the sand being used for the ongoing replenishing of the Belair beach might have been contaminated.
The foundation's vice president Rueben Thompson on Friday said apparently the sand being used is the same as that for the ring road project, which was dredged from the Great Bay harbour. He said the Great Bay area was a very busy shipping area and hull cleaning and painting took place in some of the boatyards along the Great Bay shoreline.
Tributyltin-based (TBT) anti-fouling paints often used for hull painting in Great Bay are a great reason for concern, Thompson said. "The sand may, therefore, be contaminated with suspended particulate material associated with chemical hull-cleaning and painting contaminants copper and lead."
Health Insurance Scheme must be viable and payable
Dear Editor, Development of a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is very important to the people of St. Maarten, and the scheme will need to be studied, discussed and developed with all entities involved in the medical, insurance, economic, tourism, labour, financial, private and public sectors. The situation on St. Maarten is unique to any existing systems available today. Therefore using calculation of premiums derived from existing systems will jeopardise the viability of an NHIS for St. Maarten.[More....]
Love us or leave us
The Daily Herald - Dear Editor,
Please allow me to tackle the issue of immigration.
Now that Justice Minister Magali Jacoba is cleaning up the Netherlands Antilles, most of the business people here on St. Maarten are murmuring. I have heard that some of them have said illegal people have kept the country afloat economically. In my line of work I have realised that, too. However, I have never subscribed to the theory that hiring illegal people is better than hiring Antilleans. As brother Christopher would say, "that cannot fly with me."
I have no qualms about hiring non-nationals, but they should be documented. And we have a right to reject any other nationals who did not meet the Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) requirement.
Love us or leave us
The Daily Herald - Dear Editor,
Please allow me to tackle the issue of immigration.
Now that Justice Minister Magali Jacoba is cleaning up the Netherlands Antilles, most of the business people here on St. Maarten are murmuring. I have heard that some of them have said illegal people have kept the country afloat economically. In my line of work I have realised that, too. However, I have never subscribed to the theory that hiring illegal people is better than hiring Antilleans. As brother Christopher would say, "that cannot fly with me."
I have no qualms about hiring non-nationals, but they should be documented. And we have a right to reject any other nationals who did not meet the Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) requirement.
Proud of you Super-intendant, Seaton of the Methodist Church.
SMNN - Dear Super intendant Charles Seaton,
You have proven to be a wise 'father-figure' in coming to a very difficult, but ultimately wise decision in rejecting the offer by Government to build a church for your Methodist congregation.
With that decision you have set a great example for others to follow and to learn from and for that you deserve maximum praise.
History and education in general teaches us that there are certain 'genies', which need not to be tampered with in the best interest of humanity.
Legal Affairs Investigating ROB Inspector and Blue Blood---Seen at Questionable House in Cul de Sac.
SMNN - Philipsburg: --- The island government and the department of Legal Affairs are currently investigating an inspector of ROB (Public Works) who allegedly tried to extort monies from Blue Marine. According to reliable sources, the ROB inspector and his girl friend are owners of Blue Blood Construction tried to extort $42,000 from Blue Marine, a company that belongs to Saro Spadaro. SMN News learnt that the inspector committed his act since July 2009 and to date no actions has been taken.
The source said the inspector sent his girlfriend (another civil servant) with an invoice in the name of Blue Blood to Blue Marine for $42, 000 even though Blue Blood did not conduct any work for Blue Marine. It is further understood that when Blue Marine questioned the invoice they were told that they should pay the invoice if they wanted to get their inspection approved on the buildings that were constructed at Pointe Pirouette.
Blackman Escapes Vote of No Confidence for Lack Quorum--- Budget Issues Still Pending
SMNN - Philipsburg: --- Commissioner Xavier Blackman narrowly escaped a motion of no confidence which was to be presented by Island Councilman Petrus Leroy De Weever had the island council meeting convened on Thursday.
The Democratic Party Faction of the island council called an island council meeting on Thursday to discuss the pending 2010 budget and labor related matters, however the meeting could not be convened because the Democratic Party did not have a quorum even though Commissioner Theo Heyliger signed in for the meeting giving them five of the eleven signatures.
Blackman recruits in the Netherlands
AMSTERDAM--Finance and Personnel Affairs Commissioner Xavier Blackman left Sunday afternoon on a recruitment trip to the Netherlands. His primary aim is to meet with St. Maarten and Antillean students who have completed or are close to completing their studies. Blackman was originally scheduled to travel to the Netherlands last week, but this trip was postponed because of issues with the draft 2010 budget. The Island Council will handle the budget on Monday, March 22.[More....]
Belvedere receiving its first ever face-lift
The Daily Herald - BELVEDERE--Their complaints were mounting. Their hands were tied. They are aware that their district is sometimes called unkempt and "ghetto-like." Some do their best to properly maintain their immediate area. Others can do better.
So it was no surprise that the residents of Belvedere hurled statements like, "It's about time" towards St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) when it kicked off its first ever general maintenance and repair programme in late 2009.
Seven gynaecologists to work at SMMC on rotational basis
~Recruitment stepped up for midwives ~ PHILIPSBURG--Seven "experienced" obstetrician/gynaecologists from the Netherlands will be working on a rotational basis at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for the remainder of the year to guarantee the delivery of quality women's health care.[More....]
Franscisca leaves early, paves way for new head of Judicial Affairs
The Daily Herald - ~ It was logical, says Chief Inspector ~
PHILIPSBURG--Police Chief Inspector Dafnis Franscisca took vacation about two months early to allow the Central Government to appoint a new head of Judicial Affairs for the Windward Island Police Force KPSSS.
Franscisca, who headed KPSSS in Acting Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran's absence, said leaving was the "logical" thing to do. He was scheduled to retire after June. "I never had it in my head to stay on," Fransisca told The Daily Herald.
Pride raises concerns about Belair beach replenishing
BELAIR--St. Maarten Pride Foundation expressed concern Friday that there is a possibility that the sand being used for the ongoing replenishing of the Belair beach might have been contaminated. The foundation's vice president Rueben Thompson on Friday said apparently the sand being used is the same as that for the ring road project, which was dredged from the Great Bay harbour. He said the Great Bay area was a very busy shipping area and hull cleaning and painting took place in some of the boatyards along the Great Bay shoreline.[More....]
Health Commissioner and SMMC Medical Director Announces Two New Gynecologists
SMNN -
GREAT BAY (GIS)— Commissioner of Health Hyacinth Richardson and the medical director of St. Maarten medical center announced on Friday the arrival of two new gynecologists who would begin working at the St. Maarten Medical Center as early as Monday. Commissioner Richardson, said that he has had many deliberations with stakeholders to ensure optimal gynecology and obstetrics care on St. Maarten thus enabling his staff to secure the additional specialists. Richardson said the first of the two much needed specialists will begin working as of Monday March 15. The commissioner said he is aware that the medical institution would need more specialists and they are continuing to work towards finding a permanent solution for the island people to achieve better medical care.[More....]
STAR CLIPPER TO BEGIN ST. MAARTEN HOME PORTING IN DECEMBER.
SMNN - GREAT BAY,– The island of St. Maarten will begin serving as home port for the cruise vessel Star Clipper, as of December 20.
That is according to tourism commissioner Frans Richardson, who has been attending the 2010 ITB Berlin trade show in Germany.
In making the announcement on Friday, Commissioner Richardson said that he is very encouraged by the news and that he wholeheartedly welcomes the decision taken by Star Clipper.
Heyliger says he wants Westin, Maho comfort letters honoured
PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner and United People's (UP) party leader Theo Heyliger wants the Island Government to honour agreements made with The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, regarding the properties receiving exemption from paying room tax. Both resorts have "letters of comfort" from Government, outlining Government's intention to amend the Room Tax Island Ordinance in such a manner that a waiver of room taxes can be granted for brand name resort developments for a period of time. (See also DH Editorial - Keeping one’s word.) [More....]
Commissioner Heyliger signs USONA agreement for school information system.
SMNN -
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Thursday, Commissioner Theo Heyliger signed an agreement with USONA for the financing of an Education Management Information System. Present were Lars Walrave, Dutch Representative on St. Maarten, Reginald Isenia, Director of USONA(St. Maarten), and Bart Pasman also of USONA.[More....]
