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Pride Foundation Celebrated 10 years --- Frans Said he did not forget his pledge to the Environment.
SMNN - Guana Bay:--- The St. Maarten Pride Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary at a cocktail party on Saturday. Pride President Jadira Veen distributed four awards to different groups namely, St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, Pearl FM Radio, Belvedere Home Owners and Tenants Association, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA). Veen in her address said the awards are just a symbol of appreciation to the persons who worked or either assisted the foundation in maintaining the environment.
Mud: Asking for Merx review not a ‘witch hunt’
PHILIPSBURG--The Prosecutor's Office has denied claims that its requesting a review of Cor Merx's appointment to the local bar is a witch hunt against the former chief prosecutor. Solicitor General A.C. van der Schans (not Hans van der Schans) suggested in an appointment hearing some months ago that the Court weigh allegations of legal malpractice against Merx before the appointment. A response from the Court is expected soon. [More....]
St. Maarten scores high again on TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards---Ranked 4th in the Caribbean & Mexico ahead of Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica.
SMNN -
Great Bay,– St. Maarten/St. Martin is ranked fourth in the latest TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Top 25 Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, one spot ahead of Aruba, and just below Havana, Cuba. The first two places went to Chichen Itza, Mexico and The Bahamas respectively. "Get the experience of visiting two island colonies in the same 37 square miles. Saint Maarten/Saint Martin's spicy marriage of Caribbean, French and Dutch cultures matches its physical diversity: the island is both urban and untamed, with rain forest-like landscapes, white beaches, and amazing caves and wildlife," TripAdvisor wrote about the island.[More....]
WINAIR confirms robbery…investigation underway.
SMNN - (Airport Road, St Maarten) Winair's ticket office was robbed earlier this morning by three gun touting youths. Managing Director of Winair, Edwin Hodge pointed out that the three young men posed as customers and held up the two female employees in the ticket office at the company's headquarters. He disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred around 11.05 am earlier today and has left employees within the company traumatized.
"It is a very unfortunate incident that occurred today, however we are satisfied with the security systems that we have in place in detecting those responsible for this incident," Hodge said. Hodge pointed out that a small amount of cash, keys, and personal belongings of the two employees were stolen while stressing that fortunately no one was injured in the three minute ordeal.
Councilman Roy Marlin Says he is Flabbergasted with Leader of Government Statements.
SMNN -
Philipsburg:----Flabbergasted was the reaction of Island Councilman Roy Marlin on the statement made by the leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin on the matter of the Democratic Party faction in the Island Council asking questions. The Commissioner when in opposition lived by the motto the people have a right to know. Or do the people only have a right to know when the National Alliance is in opposition and when they are in government then the people have no rights. On the matter of the cooperation kingdom law that was discussed in the central committee meeting of Thursday, several administrative areas will require a plan of approach after 10/10/10. [More....]
Electricity ordinance approved, GEBE concession should follow
PHILIPSBURG--The Governor of the Netherlands Antilles has approved the Island Ordinance on Electricity, paving the way for GEBE to obtain its concession from the Island Government. GEBE's annual concession will be set at NAf. 5 million. Commissioner in charge of public utilities Theo Heyliger confirmed the approval Thursday and said the ordinance should be on the agenda of the next meeting of the Central Committee, hopefully next week. Once the ordinance is approved, he said, the concession should follow fairly quickly.[More....]
Amount projected from back taxes not collectable
The Daily Herald - ~ Exco reportedly had faulty figures ~
PHILIPSBURG--The NAf. 24.3 million projected by the Executive Council to fill the deficit in the 2010 budget through the collection of back taxes is not collectable.
The Daily Herald has learned that Commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman has reports indicating that only NAf. 2.5 million can be collected for the period 2004-2007. The Commissioner had indicated that NAf. 14.4 million could be collected this year. Also, only NAf. 90,000 can be collected from 2008, not NAf. 4 million as was mentioned by the commissioner.
University board plans to address issues of concern
~ Johnson had resigned, but board wanted her to stay on ~ PHILIPSBURG--The supervisory board of directors of University of St. Martin (USM) will be calling a press conference in about two weeks to shed light on recent developments at the institution and the challenges it faces. The board will also uncork its plans to keep USM on stream. The press conference will be called when member of the board Danny Ramchandani returns to St. Maarten.[More....]
Govt to seek Dutch help to set up Audit Chamber
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--The General Audit Chamber is one of the key institutions that have to be in place for country St. Maarten, scheduled to be born on October 10.
The National Alliance (NA)-led government continues to seek support from the Dutch with setting up some vital institutions. Government has maintained since taking office in June 2009 that, unlike Curaçao, St. Maarten will need all the help it can get. Curaçao will inherit much of the Central Government framework and infrastructure, while St. Maarten has to build its own from scratch.
St. Martiners aspiring to become Gendarmes
MARIGOT--Four final year Lycée students are currently following a training course initiated by the Gendarmerie, the first stage of a lengthy programme to be undertaken in French St. Martin and France that will see them in the future become full-fledged Gendarmes. The project called "Partenaires pour l'Avenir" is supported by the State and the Collectivité and was presented to the press Wednesday by Commandant Stéphane Brunet and the Brigade for Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency BPDJ. It is the first time such a training programme has been offered by the Gendarmerie.[More....]
Oil slick origin still a mystery
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--The Island Government has not been able to determine the source of the waste oil that spilled or was dumped in the Great Salt Pond in the vicinity of the A.Th. Illidge Road roundabout.
Commissioner of Public Works Theo Heyliger had the area cleaned last week, but officials from his office said yesterday that investigations into the source had proven futile.
Monitoring committee to oversee tasks, plan
PHILIPSBURG--A committee that will include a St. Maarten Government minister and the Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations (currently Ank Bijleveld-Schouten) will monitor tasks St. Maarten cannot perform fully when it becomes a country. This committee will also ensure that plans of approach formulated by St. Maarten to improve areas such as Justice and Finance are carried out. The monitoring committee will be in place for two years, with an extension of two more years if this becomes necessary.[More....]
Hotel occupancy ticks upward from rough ’09
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--Hotel occupancy figures from January to March 2010 are mixed, but do not paint an overly negative picture compared to the same period in 2009.
Hotel occupancy was down slightly at 68.5 per cent in January 2010, compared to 69.5 per cent the prior January.
Figures leaped significantly in February 2010 to 74.8 per cent, compared to 64.6 per cent in February 2009. As the high season began to tail off in March 2010, so did occupancy, but not as badly as in 2009. March showed a 59.9 per cent occupancy level, compared to 52.3 per cent in the same period last year.
Academy is struggling with space constraints
The Daily Herald - ~ To undergo needed repairs in summer ~
EBENEZER--The odour problem in the business section at the Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education (PSVE) section of St. Maarten Academy has resulted in space constraints as some teachers and students refuse to use the section.
Some displaced teachers have reportedly resorted to conducting their lessons outdoors, though Chairperson of the Board Josianne Fleming-Artsen said a schedule was being used to accommodate all classes.
New French law calls for vehicle registration
SXM Island Times - MARIGOT - Motorists on French St. Martin are now being advised that they will have to comply with new registration rules that will go into effect on the 1st of June 2010.
The Government of St. Martin announced that they will be implementing a new system of registration for motor vehicles (car and motorcycle), for the territory of St. Martin.
Qualifying motorist will be given a new registration number and a new certificate (ex-logbook) that will go into effect from 1st June 2010. The new certificates will be issued gratuitously a government release stated.
St. Maarten; so long Sir Ian Valz
PHILIPSBURG - On Friday afternoon the island of St. Maarten said their final good bye to an acclaimed stalwart of the arts, Sir. Ian Valz. Valz who lost his battle with cancer on April 30th at the age of 52, was laid to rest on Friday afternoon at the Victory Temple Church of God of Prophecy in Ebenezer, after a memorial service earlier in the day at the Emerald Funeral Home. . More here: Caribbean Icon Sir Ian Valz Laid to Rest. [More....]
Detectives on Go Slow --- Offers No Service to Community.
SMNN - Philipsburg:--- Members of the Police Department namely detective, forensic, the armed robbery team and the special team investigating the murder cases on St. Maarten are on go-slow. Several persons informed SMN News that they have been trying to get assistance from the police force on Wednesday but no one is helping them. Already the prosecutor's office it is understood ordered the forensic department not to take evidence from homes or businesses that were robbed because the department is grossly understaffed. SMN News further learnt that the forensic department only has one person working in it and that person was told they should only process murder scenes.
Buying or Building Your Own Water Fountain
EcoCarib - Things to Consider
A great deal about fountains has changed over the last decade. Now there are really high class ones made of copper, bronze, concrete, and stone, and some fairly nice ones made of resin and fiberglass. There are several things to consider, though. As a pump wholesaler, I speak with fountain owners all the time and also look at lots of samples of fountains at trade shows and in magazines. Before purchasing a fountain, there are quite a few questions to ask. What looks good in a store might not look good at your home or business. Or it might look good for the first month or year but then you'll get tired of it. Fountains are usually around for a long time; in fact, concrete and stone ones last centuries and are hard to remove once they're installed. Here are things to consider.
Bronze Fountains
These are at the high end of fountains, and can retail for ten to twenty thousand dollars. They are plain classy. But will one of these fit in where you want to put it? Do you have the right yard or business or location for such a classic kind of display? Also, do you like the aging process (the verdigris patina) that bronze undergoes. Can you afford one of these? If you answered yes to these questions, a bronze fountain might be right for you. It will last your lifetime, your kids' lifetimes, their kids' lifetimes, etc. And they are durable enough to be moved from house to house.
Copper Fountains
Like bronze fountains, these too tend to be classy, especially the name brand ones like Water Wonders, which mix copper with glass and slate. These make especially nice wall fountains. We have been selling Water Wonders fountains for several years at Fountain Mountain. There are certain things to think about, though. Are you locating the fountain in a room with good acoustics? Some rooms make the pump noise really echo, especially small rooms with walls that are close together. Do you know someone or can you hire an electrician to hide the cord in the wall? These fountains are a bit too expensive to buy if you're going to let the cord run outside the wall for everyone to see. Finally, it is a good idea to go listen to them run at a store before purchasing. Some of them make little water noise and some make a lot. To increase architectural water features sound you might have to turn up the pump to the point of there being slight splash. But if you are careful and go to a store with Water Wonders or other copper fountains on display before purchasing, and are happy with what you see and hear, these are great fountains.
Concrete Fountains
These still provide the most bang for the buck, primarily because concrete is so inexpensive. In fact, a huge part of the cost of concrete fountains is in transporting them to stores for sale and in the labor of painting them. The concrete itself is the least expensive part of the fountains' manufacture. There are some differences in how they are made, though. Some companies, like Brandelli's, use a "light" mix: their fountains are not nearly as heavy as those produced by, say, Avila's. Also, some companies like Brandelli's, use a stain over concrete, whereas others, like Avila's or Lomelli's, use paints (usually more than one at a time) or stains. Also, most concrete companies (though not all) reinforce their fountains with steel. This makes them strong but also means the concrete must be sealed. If not painted (as most fountains from Mexico are not), then they do need to have a clear sealant put on them. Otherwise the water will seep through to the steel, which will rust. Eventually, the fountain is likely to crack. One final word of advice on concrete, beware of "cute." Cute fountains (mama dogs with baby dogs, boys peeing) sometimes don't look so cute over time. Ask yourself if you'll still think the fountain is cute years later. Remember, concrete fountains can last hundreds of years. And they are difficult to move so pick something that will stay put. The traditional Italian 3-tier fountain is always a safe bet.
Resin and Fiberglass Fountains
The quality of these has gotten a lot better, and they have the clear advantage of being more easily handled than concrete ones. Some do look like concrete and stone, though they tend to look much more realistic at first glance than they do after a week has passed. Then it is pretty clear that they are faux. These are also a lot easier on employees who work in tores, as they don't have to worry as much about their backs. We would sell these at our store but just don't like their looks as well as the real thing.
Stone Fountains
These look incredibly good or mediocre. The handcrafted stone fountains out of Mexico and many of the large ones out of China are beautiful. But there are also mass-produced stone fountains, which use crushed stone mixed with resin. These just don't look like real stone to us even though they are.
Making Your Own Water Fountain
There are lots of ways to make your own fountains. The easiest way, perhaps, is to place a pump in a small tub or on some liner. Then place a wire or plastic grate on top of the tub or the liner, and layer pebbles, rocks, etc. over the wire or plastic grate. Your pump and plumbing will be hidden! No one will no where your water is coming from. You can then connect black PVC piping to the pump (black sprinkler pipe is incredibly inexpensive yet professional looking) and let the water rise up seemingly out of rocks in your yard. You won't have to worry much about pets as the water source is covered with stones. Likewise, you won't have to worry about kids drowning. You can also build a little waterfall over such a pit if you want, just throwing in boulders to hide your electric and tubing, etc. Some people use bamboo for spouts. You can also drill holes through slate (we've found it's really easy if you soak the slate for a day first). Slate is so porous, however, you ought to seal it once you're done drilling. You can also find rocks in nature that already have holes in them.
How Big of a Pump do I need?
Basically, if you buy a fountain at a store you should have instructions on the best size pump for that particular piece of garden art. If you are making your own fountain, here is a rule of thumb: for every inch of width you need to pump 100 gallons per hour. But note that a100 gallon per hour pump is not pumping the same volume at one foot head (elevation above the pump), two feet head, three feet, and so forth. If you are making your own fountain, it is likely you will have to guess which size to buy, and you might be wrong the first time you build one. Most pumps are adjustable but often can be adjusted down only a bit. However, magnetic-driven pumps, the most common kind, are inexpensive and durable. You can find them online at many wholesale pumps outlets.
St. Maarten’s environmental challenges symptomatic of a larger problem
The Daily Herald - Dear Editor,
Please allow me to review the state of St. Maarten's environment on behalf of EPIC, St. Maarten Pride Foundation and the Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation on this 22nd day of April, 2010 – the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which coincides with St. Maarten Pride Foundation's 10th anniversary.
Our National Anthem describes St. Maarten as being "So bright by beach and strand" and "Where the chains of mountains green, variously in sunlight sheen" yet the reality of today's St. Maarten is somewhat different:
Sewage, leakage from septic tanks and urban run-off flood the streets of many of St. Maarten's neighbourhoods and flow towards the island's natural treasure chests and economic products: ponds, lagoons, beaches and coral reefs. These same sewage-covered streets are more often than not adorned with solid waste, ranging from car wrecks to a multitude of bottles, plastic bags and other domestic garbage.
MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT FUTURE OIL SPILLS.
SMNN -
CAY BAY— GEBE is taking the necessary measures to prevent future oil spills. MH-Maintenance has been contracted and is currently executing the laying of boulders for an oil boom fixation as well as containment walls. These infrastructural works should be completed by the end of April, including the deployment of the oil containment boom. Two isolating valves for clean water discharges are being installed which would allow for the immediate closure of the drains in the event of overloading of the waste management system. The installation is also expected to be completed by the end of April. Both of the aforementioned measures were already planned prior to the first oil spill that took place a few months ago.[More....]
Laviest Blast Government for Lack of Democracy--- IC Meetings Must be Televised
SMNN - Philipsburg: --- Independent island council member Louie Laveist fired up on Wednesday when he realized the island council meeting was not broadcasting live on cable Television channel 15 or 20.
Laveist had sent in a notification to the island secretariat stating that he would not be attending the meeting but showed up after he was not able to follow the proceeding on television. Laveist made clear that he was not pointing fingers at anyone for the technical difficulties encountered but cautioned that democracy must be upheld and the people has every right to know what is taking place in government during these critical days when country status is being finalized.
No Conclusive Cause of Deaths Established --- Toxicology Tests Needed.
SMNN -
Philipsburg: --- The pathologist that examined the bodies of Bart Pasman and Simone Santos Montilla could not come up with a conclusive cause of death of both victims said Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos. Mos said toxicology tests have to be conducted and the results should be back on St. Maarten within six weeks. Pasman's body was found at his home early Saturday morning; the doctor that pronounced him dead said he died of natural causes.[More....]
Second Motion of Non Confidence Filed Against Blackman--- Constantly Traveling—Has Priorities Set Wrong ---Says Leroy.
SMNN - Philipsburg: --- Island Council member Petrus Leroy De Weever tabled a second motion of non-confidence against finance commissioner Xavier Blackman on Wednesday during the island council meeting called by the Democratic Party.
De Weever said leader of government William Marlin has given Blackman a motion of no confidence when he publicly announced on Tuesday that he had to seek assistance from outside with the 2010 budget so that it could be approved by the CFT. De Weever said St. Maarten is confronted with a level of incompetence in Blackman who is constantly traveling overseas. He said Blackman needs to assume his responsibilities and not look for scapegoats or people to blame for his failure. He felt with the motion of non-confidence against Blackman would end the blame game against the civil servants especially those in the finance department.
St. Martiners on to something BIG
Although there were many skeptics and 'obstructionists' who consistently tried to undermine the message of the St. Martin grass root nation building & unification movement, there is an unmistakably rising tide of ancestral pride and confidence among the natives of this island. Finally, the tireless work of this movement is starting to have its effect on the awareness of the natives of this island, whose very existence has come to the 'brink of their existence' largely through neglect, betrayal, lack of vision and courage on the part of their political leaders.[More....]
Atacho confident that Dutch Chamber will approve Consensus Kingdom Laws
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - Today, the Dutch Second Chamber will begin debating the Consensus Kingdom Laws in the presence of a special committee comprising members of the Netherlands Antilles parliament, the commissioners of constitutional affairs of the various islands and a group from Aruba.
Head of the Antillean delegation and president of parliament, Pedro Atacho commended the special delegation of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba for doing a good job in the preparatory meetings leading up to Monday's session of questioning in the Chamber.
EXCO APPROVES TRANSITION APPROACH FOR NEW MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ECONOMY, TRAFFIC AND COMMUNICATIONS
SMNN -
GREAT BAY:--- St. Maarten's Executive Council on Tuesday approved proposals for the transition approach regarding tasks for the new ministry of tourism, economic affairs, traffic and telecommunications for country St. Maarten. The Executive Council also approved an overview provided of the transfer of legislation by the Netherlands Antilles to the new ministry as well as the terms of the required legislation, Central Government tasks, policy, work instructions and procedures per department of the new ministry.[More....]
SMITH Board Members Did Not Execute EXCO Decision --- Reliable Sources.
SMNN - Philipsburg:--- SMN News has been reliably informed that civil Servants from the education department who were also members of the SMITH board did not follow through on the decisions taken by the executive council since 2006.
The source said the executive council took a decision in 2006 to appoint a director and a team to assist with getting the SMITH program accredited, and to make the SMITH a foundation but the board members and the education department who is responsible for executing the decisions of the executive council did not follow through with their task. The source further said while they believe politics may be the motive to end the SMITH program the former commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams also did not follow up with the decisions taken by her council in 2006.
Governor Should Step Up and Answer Questions Related to Crime Says Maria.
SMNN -
Philipsburg:--- Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus is calling on the chairman of the island council and chief of police Franklyn Richards to answer the questions she submitted to him relating to crime. Buncamper Molanus told members of the media on Tuesday that while she received a receipt from the governor's cabinet acknowledging they received her letter to date the answers to her questions on crime was not answered. She said the behavior of the governor and failing to respond to the island council members are far from good governance. Buncamper Molanus said elected officials are the people's voice and when they speak out they are speaking on behalf of the people who elected them to office.[More....]
St. Maarten to Get Help to Deal With Budget Issues.
SMNN - Amsterdam/ St. Maarten:---The Island Government of St. Maarten on Monday received a response from the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT on its budget 2010 says leader of government William Marlin.
In its response, the CFT has requested that certain information be provided and certain adjustments be made to the budget within 14 days. The Island Government is currently working diligently to provide the necessary information and make the necessary adjustments.
Executive Council Lacks Vision Says Maria ---Government Wants Blood out of Stone --- Sarah.
SMNN -
Philipsburg:--- Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus said the National Alliance/ Heyliger and Laveist executive council lacks vision and simply does not know how to handle the people's business. The island council lady said the former executive council headed by the Democratic Party had all the necessary paper work in the pipeline for the National Health Insurance take over. She said a complete policy was prepared and St. Maarten was ready for the changes prior to them leaving office but today all of this was put on hold and the current executive council is busy signing off on Service Level Agreements (SLA).
Executive Council Did Not Prepare for Netherlands Trip—No PCCA Meeting Held Prior to Trip ---Sarah.
SMNN - Philipsburg:--- Members of the Democratic Party told members of the media on Tuesday that while the trip to the Netherlands has been dubbed as being very important there was no preparation meeting on St. Maarten. The opposition island council members said that St. Maarten did not even send a delegation to Holland since the commissioner of constitutional affairs William Marlin went as an invited guest of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.
Former commissioner of constitutional affairs commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams said the other members of the National Alliance who are currently on the trip is not representing St. Maarten instead they are there as parliamentarians. She further explained that she was not invited neither was she informed about the trip. "The only thing I got was an e-ticket and spending monies on my desk.
Update on projects of public works
PHILIPSBURG - The Department of New Works and Infrastructural Management has a number of projects that are ongoing, from the L.B. Scot road resurfacing to the ongoing infrastructure maintenance of public areas. The department of the Government Information Service recently spoke to project manager Benjamin Ortega, who pointed out the main tasks of the New Works and Infrastructural Management department and provided an update on the latest developments.[More....]
Cft, DP Continue Questioning Budget 2010
SXM Island Times - PHILIPSBURG - The College Of Financial Supervision remains critical of the Budget 2010 for the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
In an April 6th letter, the Council says it is unable to know how the Government intends to collect outstanding taxes.
A2013 Development Contract to be initiated this summer
The Daily Herald - ~ Cooperation a major theme of Minister's visit ~
MARIGOT--French St. Martin's long-term development plan based on the Contrat de Développement between the Collectivité and the State up until 2013 will be launched this summer when the Préfet Délégué receives a formal mandate to negotiate on behalf of the Collectivité and subsequently sign an agreement outlining the State's precise involvement and annual budget.
Antillean delegation objects to proposed police law amendment
THE HAGUE--The Netherlands Antilles objected Friday to the proposed amendment of the Kingdom Consensus Police Law to hold off on the Joint Police Facility in favour of a more permanent role for the Kingdom Detective Cooperation Team RST. The proposed amendment has the support of the vast majority in the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber. Curaçao Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Zita Jesus-Leito, part of the Antillean Parliamentary delegation, strongly advised against the amendment proposed by Members of the Dutch Parliament Johan Remkes of the conservative VVD party, John Leerdam of the Labour Party PvdA and Bas Jan van Bochove of the Christian Democratic Party CDA.[More....]
Sarah makes last-minute bid to join delegation in Holland
The Daily Herald - ~ Then declines to travel a second time ~
PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Sarah Wescot-Williams, who had cancelled her confirmed seat to travel with the St. Maarten delegation to the Netherlands for the consideration of the Consensus Kingdom Laws by the Dutch Parliament, reportedly made a last-minute attempt to join the team.
However, according to reliable information reaching The Daily Herald, her last-minute attempt was made even though it had been clear that there were no available seats between April 4 – the date of her original flight – and the start of the sessions in The Hague.
Island Council to meet Wednesday
PHILIPSBURG--A Democratic Party (DP)-requested Island Council meeting to learn Government's position on a number of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) has been convened by Council Chairman Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards for Wednesday at 10:00am. The meeting was requested by the opposition party after new National Alliance (NA) Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication Patrick Illidge said in a press conference last week Tuesday that these agreements would be very much needed to fill the gap for services St. Maarten does not have the expertise or infrastructure to perform when it becomes a country within the Kingdom on October 10.[More....]
Motion to continue financial supervision in lighter form
THE HAGUE--Three parties in the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber will submit a motion today, Monday, to give the temporary financial supervision of Countries Curaçao and St. Maarten a more structural character and to continue this supervision after five years, albeit a lighter version. Labour Party PvdA, Christian Democrat Party CDA and green left party GroenLinks, together forming a majority in Parliament with 81 seats, intend to submit the motion during the second day of the handling of 10 Kingdom Consensus Laws. One of the laws deals with financial supervision for the two future countries.[More....]
Frans: Taxis need not worry about Changing Lanes project
The Daily Herald - PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner of Public Transportation Frans Richardson says taxi drivers need not worry about the implementation of the Changing Lanes project, as it will not affect them directly.
Changing Lanes specifically refers to regulating congestion in Philipsburg caused by the unregulated bus service. Richardson said Front and Back Streets being closed off would only affect buses. Taxi drivers will be allowed to transport the island's visitors.
Central Committee satisfied with answers from GEBE
SMNN - PHILIPSBURG - The Central Committee of the Island Council met with GEBE officials last week to discuss the problems and challenges the company has in providing good service to the community.
Chairman of the Central Committee George Pantophlet said the meeting was very informative as they heard from William Brooks, GEBE Managing Director on the state of the company.
BES islands to participate in municipalities workshop
PHILIPSBURG - Municipalities in Holland have invited all five islands of the Netherlands Antilles to Holland have invited all five islands of the Netherlands Antilles to participate in workshops for a week. The workshop is from April 22 to the 27th. Councilman Julian Woodley of St. Eustatius said the workshops involve various municipalities that teach the islands governmental administration such as how dualism works. [More....]
French Minister meets with Lt. Governor Richards
SMNN - PHILIPSBURG - High level talks about the land demarcation in Oyster Pond were held this past weekend between representatives of St. Maarten led by Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and the French Minister of Overseas Departments & Territories Marie Luce Penchard. This is the Minister's first trip to the island.
United Task Force Against Crime meets with Lt. Governor.
SMNN -
Philipsburg:--- On Friday morning the United Task Force Against Crime met with Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. The meeting was requested by the UTFAC in a letter dated February 17th. 2010. The United Task Force Against Crime represents all Community Councils on the island and is tasked with brain storming solutions to the crime situation in the various community districts on the island. The UTFAC has held several meetings in the various districts and with members of community councils in order to identify problems and challenges and to hear directly from the district leaders what the problems and challenges are in their district as it relates to crime and illegal activities.[More....]
Front Street Jewelry Store Robbed.
SMNN - Philipsburg: ---On Saturday, April 10 at approximately 03.15 p.m a Philipsburg Police patrol was sent to a popular Jewelry Store Front street for an armed robbery. On the scene, the patrol spoke to the manager of the store identified as R.N. who told police that shortly before his store was robbed by two young men.
The bandits were both armed with firearms and had the their faces partially covered. The culprits entered the store and threatened everyone with their weapons.
Two Well Known Citizens Found Dead---Deaths are Suspicious.(UPDATED)
SMNN -
Philipsburg: ---The prosecutor's office has confiscated the body of Barth Pasman pending an autopsy confirmed Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos. Pasman was found dead at his home early Saturday morning which prompted an investigation even though the doctor who pronounced him dead said he died of natural causes. The two sudden deaths has sent a shock wave thoughout the community of St. Maarten since both citizens are well known and they both died at their separate homes on Saturday April 10. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police were directed to the home of USONA director Bart Pasman whose lifeless body was found in his bed around 8 am on Saturday April 10. USONA Rep. found dead at home Belevedere resident found dead [More....]
Dutch debt relief at 962 million to date
The Daily Herald - WILLEMSTAD--The Netherlands has paid NAf. 962.1 million since the beginning of the debt restructuring for the Antilles. This consisted of NAf. 732.8 million in loan payments (both Central Government and Curaçao at 366.4 million each) and 70 per cent of the interest: NAf. 229.3 million (Central Government 124.1 million and Curaçao 105.2 million).
The Netherlands Antilles and Curaçao have debt titles, while the other islands including St. Maarten and other entities only have payment arrears. The debt restructuring for the Central Government began January 1, 2009, and for Curaçao, April 1 of last year.
Businessman attacked in Front Street office
PHILIPSBURG--A businessman was hospitalised for hours Friday after a midday attack at his Philipsburg office. A masked gunman opened the businessman's door about 11:30am and hit him on the head with a gun-butt. The businessman wrestled with the unidentified attacker before he realised that the man held a gun. The gunman had locked the door behind him before the businessman confronted him.[More....]
Don’t punish us for the level of our Police Force, says Marlin
The Daily Herald - THE HAGUE--The Police Force may not be up to par by October 10, 2010, but that shouldn't lead to the conclusion that St. Maarten can't become a country, Commissioner William Marlin told the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber on Friday.
"We don't believe it is fair to tell the people of St. Maarten, who used the right of self-determination to opt for country status, that their island can't become a country for now because the Police Force in St. Maarten is not at a level that is approved of by others," stated Marlin in a meeting of the Parliaments of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
Court Rejects Rollocks Claim Against Talking Drum --- One week to turn over documents
SMNN -
Philipsburg: --- The court of first instance has rejected the claim filed against Talking Drum Foundation by Julian Rollocks. The court also prohibited Rollocks from acting as a representative to the Foundation in its April 9 ruling while giving Julian Rollocks one week to turn over all documents, contracts as well as sub-contracts for the Border Point to his half brother Cimmeran Marlin. The judge in his ruling said while he would not give a direct decision on how the foundation and Rollocks should settle their dispute regarding Rollocks so called investment in the foundation. [More....]
Angry Ex-boyfriend causes serious damage
SMNN - Philipsburg: ----On Friday April 9 at approximately 04.25 a.m. a police, patrol from the Simpson Bay district was sent to Texaco Starmart on the Welfare Road for a traffic accident.
On the scene, the patrol noticed that the incident in question was not traffic related, but was the result of angry and jealous boyfriend causing serious damage. The lady with the initials K.M. stated to the patrol that while driving with a male friend in her car, she was followed by her ex-boyfriend with the initials D.B. in a blue Mitsubishi SUV.
