POINT BLANCHE:--- 25 staff members from Port St. Maarten on Sunday were seen in the district of Middle Region helping with the national clean-up effort in connection with the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo on Monday.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Port St. Maarten Mark Mingo is encouraging other government owned companies and private sector businesses to volunteer their time on the weekends to help the people in the districts to remove debris.

Port St. Maarten staff will be out next weekend to continue with their social corporate responsibility to help the people in the districts in cleaning-up hurricane related debris.

"Destination St. Maarten/St. Martin has already bounced back. The cruise ships are back and stay-over visitors are also here. As a society, we need to work and help each other in need. When disaster strikes, we are all our brothers and sisters keeper.

"We have come together in the past to help each other, and now is the time to do so again in order to move our country forward together. If every company pools their staff together and volunteers their time each weekend, we can do wonders and really make a change within the districts. This benefits the neighborhoods and the destination. We will definitely be back next weekend," CEO Mark Mingo said on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The recent instruction from the Dutch Government to Governor Eugene Holiday to carry out an invasive screening of candidate ministers in addition to the mandated security screening has put the governor yet again in a very awkward position where he has to choose between truly representing the people of St. Maarten and the one-sided interest of the Dutch Government, says United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard.

"This instruction goes against a number of fundamental rights and freedom guaranteed to the people of St. Maarten by our Constitution. The instruction seeks to invade the privacy of not only candidate ministers, but that of anyone who had come into contact with them. It goes further than the candidate ministers' family and friends. It pulls in everyone. By virtue of this instruction everyone on St. Maarten will be under investigation as we are a small community," Leonard said.

"Aside from this instruction from the Dutch Government being an insult and disrespect to the people of St. Maarten, it shows that the governor's office is indeed a colonial tool. We as St. Maarteners have one of our own as the de facto head of our country in the form of the governor, but at the whim and will of the Dutch Government which so ever St. Maartener is holding that office has to decide whether to work with their fellow St. Maarteners or brutally against them," Leonard said.

The MP said Governor Holiday as a ranked professional should not be used by the Dutch Government to execute its political witch hunt against the people of St. Maarten and its elected and soon-to-be-appointed representatives.

"What is very important at this juncture in the story of our young democratic country is for all St. Maarteners to band together and face down this insult and not splinter into those who are 'for the Dutch' and those who are for certain political parties. This instruction, the method used and the heavy handed approach of the Dutch Government must be condemned by St. Maarten as a whole," Leonard said.

"We are no longer a colony. We are not a public entity of the Netherlands. We are a free people – a status we fought long and arduously for, first in the salt ponds and then by referenda. Every St. Maartener knows the history of this land we call home. Every St. Maartener knows that value of standing together in times of adversity. This is one of those times. Let us not be divided now by party or any line. Let's stand strong as one St. Maarten," Leonard said.

The boundless and limitless investigation seeks to cast doubt and gather hearsay to use against people who have opted to serve their country in the highest offices of the country. If this investigation is allowed to take root no one will want to take the lead to run for office, not because they lack integrity, but to avoid the invasion of their lives and that of people they hold close, Leonard said.

"Where do we draw the line? We draw it here and now. We cannot allow our laws and Constitution to be trampled on in this colonial witch hunt," Leonard said.

My fellow St. Maarteners,

First I would like to extend deepest sympathies to those who suffered loss during the recent passing of Hurricane Gonzalo, though it may have caused some devastation, we are still blessed to have weathered the storm and come out stronger and united.

Over the last few weeks, there has been no shortage of opinions and criticism expressed publicly regarding my decision to support and join the coalition government which was recently sworn in as the new government of St. Maarten for the next four years.

While speculation abound and some media sources have been trying to exploit and capitalize on the situation by sensationalizing it, I believe it is necessary to publicly explain the reason for my decision and re-emphasize my commitment to the people of St. Maarten and especially to those who have entrusted me with this responsibility with their vote of confidence.

"For me, it has always been about the best interest of this country. I recognize that we are at a crucial juncture in the development of St. Maarten, we are at a point where the people of this country expect their elected representatives to put biases, self and trivial preferences aside and do what is necessary to be the change we all promised to be during the election campaign. And sometimes that means going beyond party lines, and looking at the bigger picture; that is how can we ensure a stable government and a better way of life for the people of this country."

"I am not perfect and I know my recent decision might not have been easy for many people to understand or accept, however, I am confident that this decision to be part of the coalition government will allow me to contribute to making our country better. I believe our passion may hasten our actions, but our purpose always wins the day."
Following the election results of August 29, when it became obvious that a coalition government would once again have to be formed, I knew that as an MP-Elect I had a responsibility to make sure my contribution would be in alignment with a stable governing constellation, as stability is essential for the sustainability and progress of this country.
I would like to assure my fellow St. Maarteners that this decision was not taken lightly or without profound thought. Several governing scenarios were explored with several potential political partners, showing democracy in its truest form. I believe that if we all stay true to our promise to serve with integrity and selflessness, this coalition is the best vehicle to get us to where we need to go as a country.

I believe my decision which has left me ousted by the US Party, shows political maturity and will prove my mantra 'if it is good for the country then I will give my support to that cause despite my political affiliation, color or creed.' After all our commitment and overall obligation is to do what is in the best interest of the people of Sint Maarten.
The decision by the USp to expel me from the party has left me with no choice but to declare myself an Independent Member of Parliament. This will not deter me from staying focused on the tasks at hand and fulfilling the responsibilities that I was elected to accomplish. I am therefore asking for your support, patience and understanding and to let my performance in Parliament determine if I'm a worthy representative.
I gave my word on the campaign trail to give proper representation and my intentions remain the same. In closing I would like to once again thank the people of St. Maarten for giving me the privilege of representing you. I will continue to listen to your wishes and display the courage to stand up and speak for these aspirations and to make good on my plans to work tirelessly on your behalf.

May God Bless Us All

PHILIPSBURG:--- FC Soualiga Women's Soccer Team, was established in April 2013 and is, as of August 2014, officially established as the Soualiga Soccer Association. FC Soualiga hosted its first very successful International Women's Soccer Tournament on October 19th and 20th, 2013. During this tournament, teams from the likes of St. Barths, Curaçao and Trinidad participated. This tournament was of a small scale with 6-a side games at the Johan Cruyff Court in Belvedere. This time around, considering the previous great success, and with the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex being of availability and a prime location for such an event, the opportunity for an official tournament with 11-a side games arose. FC Soualiga will therefore be hosting its Second Annual International Women's Soccer Tournament during the weekend of October 25th and 26th, 2014, at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex in Cay Hill. Teams from around the region will be participating, with an opening match on Saturday night starting at 6pm, Sunday morning the following matches will proceed at 10 am and at 6pm with a closing ceremony at 9pm.
FC Soualiga has been honoured to have been supported in this endeavour by the local community, as businesses such as their corporate sponsor Princess Juliana International Airport, and businesses such as Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Sint Maarten Building Supplies, Travel Planners, The Windward Islands Bank, The Holland House Beach Hotel, Heavenly Waters, and Majula Corp have on this occasion and on previous occasions provided the team with much needed help. Without their generous donations, the many activities and accomplishments FC Soualiga has thus far achieved could not have come to fruition.
The Soualiga Soccer Association hereby calls out on all sports lovers to come out in full force to support Sint Maarten's very own FC Soualiga battling against other regional teams this coming weekend. It will be a fun weekend activity for all. More information about the event will be posted on Facebook page: FC Soualiga.

This week Thursday on October 23, 2014 the Sint Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SMSPA) will be having a one day seminar for their members on the rights of older persons. The event will be in the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill (opposite of the Medical Center) and strats at 10 am in the morning until 4 pm in the afternoon.

Since the first of October the International Day of Older Persons quite a lot of commemorations and celebrations have been organized this month for the elderly. The SMSPA seminar will be an educative and action oriented event for the over 200 members of the organization. The seminar is being made possible with support from some corporate sponsors coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Sint Maarten, as a way to give back to the seniors for their contribution made to the development of Sint Maarten.

The topics that will be addressed during this one day seminar are:

• Which are the rights of the elderly that have been realized in Sint Maarten and which rights have not been realized as yet ?
• which actions have been realized in Sint Maarten since the Madrid International Action Plan on Aging of 2002?
• what is the status of the implementation in SInt Maarten of the San Jose Charter on the Rights of Older Persons of 2012?
• which rights of the seniors targeted by the Millennium Development Goals will be realized in Sint Maarten before the target year of 2015?
• do seniors have the right to development and how this right will be realized in the National Development Plan for Sint Maarten?
• what did the politicians do for the seniors of Sint Maarten since 10-10-10?
• what has been achieved for the seniors in Sint Maarten since the first seminar of the SMSPA in January 2011 and the struggle of the SMSPA?
• what should be the demands of the Seniors in Sint Maarten for the second governing period from 2014-2018?
• what should be the plan of action of the Seniors until the 2015 evaluation of the constitutional reform in the Kingdom and what should be the future of Country Sint Maarten after being in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for over 200 years?

The input of the members of the seniors association in this seminar will be vital. It will serve as input for the actions of the Seniors and Pensioners Association ISMSPA) in the upcoming governing period as well as in next year's Dutch Caribbean evaluation and the Latin American and Caribbean evaluation of the implementation of the San Jose Charter on the Rights of Older Persons.

All members of the seniors association are invited to participate in the SMSPA seminar of Thursday coming starting at 10 am in the Belair Community Center. During lunch break the participants do not have to leave as they will be offered a lunch and a special entertainment. Members are encouraged to pre-confirm their participation and do not have to pay the registration fee.

Non-members will be admitted if there are still open seats available. Non-members though will have to pay a registration fee of US$ 20.

SMSPA Press Release

This report outlines the second series of activities of the Nature Foundation post hurricane Gonzalo. Hurricane Gonzalo struck St. Maarten on the 14th of October 2014 as a Category one storm. The following report outlines the assessments carried out by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation.

Surveys Man of War Shoal Marine Park:

On Friday and Saturday October 17th and 18th the Nature Foundation carried out assessments of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area. Although surveys found that visibility was still significantly reduced there was no major damage to coral or other substrate within the Marine Park. All moorings were intact with the exception of the Fishbowl mooring which will be replaced shortly.

Seagrass beds:

Similarly on Friday and Saturday October 17th and 18th the Nature Foundation surveyed the seagrass beds surrounding St. Maarten, particularly in the Simpson Bay area. There was found to be no significant damage to seagrass beds in the surveyed areas.

Oilspill Cay Bay:

On Monday the Nature Foundation received reports that there was an oilspill in the Cay Bay area. The Nature Foundation responded with the Coastguard and found that the spill was mistaken for patches of floating Sargasso seaweed.

Water Quality Testing:

On Monday October 20th the Nature Foundation did follow-up testing of the Great Bay and Little Bay areas. Water quality has drastically improved and conditions are now within the parameters to allow for swimming.

St. Maarten needs to fix its own house before trying to cross the ocean

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel unleashed an unexpected bomb on the floor of Parliament on Monday afternoon during the urgent meeting of Parliament that was called to discuss the instruction given to Governor Eugene Holiday. MP Emmanuel said that persons from the UP party offered him as much as two million dollars to jump ship and form the government with them. "I was offered $80,000.00, then it moved to $400,000.00 and finally to two million dollars. St. Maarten has moved from buying votes to buying seats now and there is an integrity problem in the country that needs to be addressed." MP Emmanuel further stated that his colleague described the PWC report as 'the melee report" yet the Government of St. Maarten dispatched a letter to the Netherlands stating that they will try to adhere to the recommendations in the PricewaterhouseCoopers report. MP Emmanuel said that the letter that was sent to the Kingdom Council of Ministers was signed by the current Prime Minister/Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams and Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson. In that letter St. Maarten clearly stated that the country does not have the means and finances to expedite the recommendations and if support can be obtained anywhere in the Kingdom the country is ready to accept it. The National Alliance MP said that while the UP/DP/Marlin coalition is saying that the Dutch is coming he wants them to know that the Dutch is already on the island, they were invited to St. Maarten. He further stated that St. Maarten created the problem they are having now. MP Emmanuel said that UPP candidate Julian Rollocks once said that the UPP leader Theodore Heyliger was a mafia because he was trying to swindle away a crane from them. He said he will not go into the statements made by former chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell and others about Heyliger. "The Harbor Group of Companies is being run like a cartel." Emmanuel said that its a government owned company (PJIAE) that bought three pelicans for $350,000.00. "This is a semblance of corruption."
The new MP and long-time radio and internet host said that St. Maarten creates its own problem and that it's the politicians on St. Maarten that have neglected the people of St. Maarten for years, especially those that submit requests for bus, taxi and other business licenses. He said that St. Maarten is a country within the Kingdom and the Kingdom is still responsible for good governance. He told the members of the coalition that if they do not like what is taking place then they need to get out. "If you cannot deal with the rules of the house then get out of the house, meaning if you can't deal with what the Dutch MPs are saying then St. Maarten should be ready to go independent. At least two members of the coalition said they will be presenting a motion in the second round, Emmanuel said when that motion is presented he hopes it has something to do with independence if not the MPs that are against the instruction should either stay in the house and abide by the rules or get out.
MP Frans Richardson shared the same sentiments when he said that the problem St. Maarten is having today was created by the people of St. Maarten and politicians, he looked at the Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams and told her that it is not possible for politicians to defame other politicians on the campaign trail and then after elections team up with them. MP Richardson said Parliament was discussing a very serious issue but he wants the people of St. Maarten to know that the problem created today was created by St. Maarten and its people. "We are our own enemies, year in and year out, we continued with the same thing and nowadays the Kingdom gets information with a click of a button due to technology." MP Richardson said he feels the pain the UPP members especially its leader is facing, however he made clear that St. Maarten and its people are their own enemies. Richardson went as far as saying that the politicians need to either shape up or ship out because what they are doing is defaming other people and the country with the things they say. "I am telling you we are our worst enemies, we need to change our attitude."
MP Richardson said that several of the Members of Parliament made numerous promises while on the campaign trail and he welcomed the new Members of Parliament to the "house of pain" since they work and pass motions in that legislative branch and after that nothing is done with them. MP Richardson said one of the things St. Maarten has to deal with before trying to tackle the Dutch is the current situation they have on their hands. "Our major problem today is that our system is broken and that has to be fixed before the country can function properly."
He said out of the 15 Members of Parliament, three of them are Ministers, namely the Prime Minister who is also the chairlady of Parliament, Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever and Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake. "People this is no joke this is serious business and there is a separation of power, Ministers and Members of Parliament cannot be holding both positions. Suppose Parliament wants to call the Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake to Parliament for him to update Parliament on the passing of hurricane Gonzalo, tell us what would happen, would the Minister sit up there for one moment and then here another moment. People this is no joke so before you try deal with the Kingdom start fixing this house first." MP Richardson further explained that they do not have to worry about the Governor, because he accepted the job when he was called upon to serve St. Maarten as Governor and now he has to execute his task whether it's good or bad for St. Maarten.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin in his presentation said that Parliament should be discussing two issues. Marlin said it's easy to say that what goes on St. Maarten does not concern the Dutch but he wants to know if the politicians on St. Maarten are ready to fix the problem. He asked if the instruction on the screening process is a motion of non-confidence towards the Governor of St. Maarten because according to him the screening process worked well in 2010, 2012 and 2013. "I would like to know if the Dutch politicians have information that St. Maarten does not have giving them reasons to issue such an instruction in 2014." Marlin then explained that St. Maarten and its people have to know where this kind of thing started, he showed two newspapers articles that were written in a newspaper in Curacao, in the Netherlands and locally where the former Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan called on the Dutch to investigate the leader of UPP for massive vote buying. Marlin said but soon after Duncan was appointed Minister of Justice by the UPP/DP/Illidge coalition so he forgot about the vote buying he spoke of back then. Another issue Marlin raised is the decision rendered by the Court of First Instance in the Masbangu case where the judge accused the prosecution of class justice, he said the prosecution was given a motion of non-confidence by a sitting judge and these are serious issues.

Leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger said when he was 21 years old this is how the Dutch came after his grandfather who was later arrested and tried. Heyliger made clear that his government will look at the recommendations made in the PWC report and they will try to execute them. He said while St. Maarten is being called all sorts of names this is the first country to establish laws that other parts of the Kingdom do not have. As for the screening process, Heyliger said he is not afraid of the screening because his dream was never to be Prime Minister or even Minister, however, what the Dutch wants to do now will infringe on the Constitution of St. Maarten especially the rights and privacy of persons information. Heyliger said that while this instruction is given there is no limit as to how far they will go, the screening he said includes spouses, children, parents, business partners or even people that one came into contact with. "Basically anybody can give whatever information they want on a candidate. This instruction he said even violates the criminal codes and for him this is a total abuse of power when the Kingdom Council wants to use 'carte blanche' to screen people." Heyliger said St. Maarten is accustomed to creating a new novella everyday but one has to understand that it's the island's culture but the Dutch politicians cannot use rumors to push what they want down peoples throats. Heyliger further stated that he obtained 1945 votes and his party won seven seats and for him what the Dutch wants to do is the greatest insult to the voters who went to the polls and elected the government they want. Heyliger said that while he is called a mafia, he wants to make clear that he was never questioned in any mafia related case and if he is guilty by association then the Dutch can keep the positions in the executive branch because St. Maarten is a small country and he will not stop speaking or associating with his people for no one.
Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers said that the Dutch politicians want people to believe they are holier than thou. He said he personally does not have anything to hide and has no problem with the screening process but the problem that this will create if St. Maarten allows it to happen is that it will infringe on the rights of everyone and that is totally against the law and the Constitution of St. Maarten. He said hours after the election results on August 30th, 2014 three political parties formed a government and the very next day the Dutch extended congratulatory messages to the politicians that came together to form that coalition. MP Meyers said it took the UPP 24 days before they signed an agreement with MP De Weever and the very next day Dutch politicians namely Andre Bosman and Ronald van Raak said that the UPP bought De Weever. MP Meyers said that the people of St. Maarten are too complacent and refused to ruffle the feathers of the Dutch and instead go along with everything they imposed on the islands. He said in 1987 when the late Claude Wathey announced that he was going to lobby the people of St. Maarten to go independent the Dutch "cooked" up something against him and got him arrested and it's the same thing they are doing to the late Claude Wathey's grandson MP Theodore Heyliger. Meyers gave another example he said that some years ago the Dutch approached the former Chief of Police Derrick Holiday and they told him they were going to move him from his position and place him at the helm of the Coast Guard and when Holiday refused they cooked up a story, prosecuted him and got rid of him. This he said is the modus oprandi of the Dutch, and what they have done to Africa and Indonesia they are trying to do it to St. Maarten by decolonization. "I want everyone to know that the beast does not change and right now they are prepared to take down St. Maarten. As an elected official I am prepared to go to jail or in the Cul de Sac cemetery if necessary to defend my people and country. As Members of Parliament we need to show the Dutch that despite our political differences we are united as country."
Member of Parliament Johan Janchi Leonard went after the Dutch whom he said is in charge of justice, Leonard said that the Dutch are the ones that select and appoint the Prosecutors on St. Maarten, they are the ones in charge of the entire justice system. The Minister of Justice on St. Maarten has no say on who they select and appoint. He said the Public Prosecutors Office has their own budget so they cannot accuse the Minister for interference. MP Leonard said when a country wants peace the people have to be prepared for war. "Right now the country is under siege, today it's me tomorrow it will be you." Leonard said while being an officer of KPSM the police back then and even today does not get credit for the work they do. The Prosecutors Office always used up millions of guilders claiming they are bringing in reinforcement yet in the end the cases are cracked by the local police and they never got the credit. "The Dutch does not trust our local police force and this is the main reason they spend thousands on traveling expenses to bring in their so called experts who do nothing but enjoy the sea, sun and sand on St. Maarten." He said the Prosecutors Office brought in all sorts of people to solve the Vesuvius case yet the case was solved by the officers of KPSM and they got no credit for their work. MP Leonard said the justice system is wasting the taxpayers monies and most of the cases they take to court they lose them.
He said right now the judges and the prosecutors are in a battle and some judges choose to leave while those that stay have their own agenda.
MP Leona Marlin said the instruction given to the governor is in direct conflict with the constitution. She said the country is unjustly oppressed and the instructions issued by the Kingdom Council to the Governor of St. Maarten is not in the law, it is unconstitutional it also infringes on the preamble of the constitution, it degrades parliament and also VDSM the security services of St. Maarten.
The second round of the meeting will continue on Wednesday morning at 10 am where members supporting the coalition will present at least two motions.

{saudioplayer}parliamentmeetingoninstructiongiventoeholiday20102014.mp3{/saudioplayer}

POINT BLANCHE:--- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of Port St. Maarten will be traveling on Wednesday to meet with representatives of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in connection with the cruise industry's Ebola screening measures.

Some cruise lines already have a stated policy of denying entry to any passengers or crew who has visited Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea within 21 days of a cruise departure date.

Due to the cruise ship scare involving Carnival Magic, cruise lines have now heightened their screening of cruise passengers and crew in connection with Ebola.

The increased screening measures are related to the Carnival Magic cruise vessel that was on a Western Caribbean itinerary when it was discovered that a Texas lab technician assistant who worked at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital where the first Ebola patient in the United States was detected and died.

The lab technician was placed in quarantine onboard the vessel until its return to Galveston, Texas on Sunday.

Under the earlier screening protocol, the Dallas lab technician would not have received the extra screening because she had not been to one of the countries that have the epidemic.

The contact screening protocol is in addition to travel history screening, and denial of boarding for anyone who had physical contact with, or helped care for, a person with Ebola within the 21 days of embarkation, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Port St. Maarten is a member of CLIA. CEO Mingo said Port St. Maarten will take the necessary measures needed in collaboration with cruise line partners and stakeholders.

The following cruise lines are already screening guests prior to boarding to ensure that they have not recently visited one of the countries where Ebola is an epidemic: Carnival, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

COLE BAY:--- Ms. Agnes Monte, treasurer of The Walichi Basketball Association (WBA) recently received a check from Mr. Lorenzo Gomez, marketing officer of Motorworld in support of the Ladies Basketball Championship which will run from October 5th until March 2015 at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex in Sucker Garden. Motorworld and Jeep has come on as the main sponsor of the championship and have shown keen interest in the endeavor and are glad to be able to give back for such a great cause of females in sports and specifically an all female tournament. Being the main sponsor, the tournament will me named "WBA & Motorworld and Jeep presents the Ladies Basketball Championship". The board of Walichi Basketball Association would like to extend a great thank you to Motorworld and Jeep for believing in our vision for the youth and females to bring about growth in the sport of basketball on the island. The Ladies Basketball Championship would not be possible without the business community support, including Motorworld and Jeep.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Public Prosecutor Tineke Kamps said that the "Stop, Drop and Go Project" that was launched last week by the Police and Prosecutors Office is moving forward successfully. Kamps said on Tuesday some 11 firearms were turned in by 4pm, so far since the project was launched some 17 firearms were handed over to the Attorney General's Office on Welfare Road Simpson Bay. Among the firearms that were turned in were various revolvers and pistols of various calibers. This means the total of the handed firearms is 17 thus far. Kamps said the Public Prosecution Service and KPSM are very satisfied with the cooperation of the people of St. Maarten. Anyone who wants to surrender a firearm can do so every day from 8:30am to 4.30pm at the Attorney General’s office, Wellfare Road #68 in Simpson Bay. Stop, Drop and Go runs until October 31, 2014. The Public Prosecutor said that as a precautionary measure persons that are submitting firearms should not walk with the firearm in their hands on the street. Weapons that are meant for turning in should be placed in a brown paper bag and transported in a plastic bag. When transporting the weapon all bullets must be removed from the chamber of the weapon.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Local travel agency, Let's Travel, has launched a brand new website online at www.lets-travel.com, which will not only cater to locals looking to request or book flights online, but also target the inbound travel market, allowing tourists to book flights, tours and activities via the website as well.

Owner of Let's Travel, Terrance Rey, said that the website took a long time for him to complete but he felt that after the passing of hurricane Gonzalo last week, it was imperative to boost St. Maarten's travel offerings online so that the island as a tourist destination can get more visibility as the Caribbean islands will certainly be ramping up the competition to promote and sell their respective destinations.

"A comprehensive website like that of Lets-Travel.com offering many travel products and tour services for inbound travellers to St. Maarten is a welcome addition to the marketing arsenal of the island's tourism sales infrastructure." says Terrance Rey.

The website will also serve as a webportal to AirStMaarten's commercial charter flights with specials to Guyana, Jamaica, Miami, Aruba, Colombia and later on Brazil as that South American market opens up once St. Maarten and Brazil conclude an open skies treaty.

"For the past eight years AirStMaarten has been organizing both private and shared charters to the surrounding islands of St. Barths, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Tortola and Antigua & Barbuda for passengers transitting through St. Maarten, but the time is right with the launch of Lets-Travel.com to promote inbound travel to St. Maarten itself with services that will attract clients of AirStMaarten to actually visit and stay on the island itself," explains Rey.

"Our group of travel companies, partners and affiliates will use the platform of the new Let's Travel website as a portal to all the different travel products and services that are on offer. We look forward to helping put St. Maarten back on the map as the prime vacation destination in the Northeastern Caribbean region," concludes Terrance Rey.

For more information, call +1-721-542-2381, email info@lets-travel.com or visit www.lets-travel.com.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) continues to monitor developments in West Africa with respect to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak which has infected 8997 persons of which 4493 have died, according to the Center for Disease Control stats as of 15 October.

Persons traveling or who have recently visited Africa especially West Africa, should be cautious and take measures to protect their health. Persons should refrain from traveling to areas where EVD is prevalent in countries that are infected.

If a traveller becomes unwell with sudden onset of high fever, stomach pains, diarrhoea, rash or bleeding within three (3) weeks of being in any of the infected or affected areas (Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone), or have had contact with in infected person, you need to make contact by phone to your doctor right away. You must also inform the doctor about your travel history prior to going to your physician. Limit your contact with others to avoid putting other persons at risk.

Ebola, formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. This EVD outbreak has a fatality rate of 54%. Early intervention is having a positive result on mortality as it used to be 90%.

Even though there are no WHO travel advisories, persons should also consider postponing travel to affected areas if it is non-essential.

Those who still decide to travel are advised to adopt the following necessary precautions: practice frequent hand washing (e.g. after going to the toilet, or when hands are soiled); avoid direct contact with blood, secretions or other body fluids of infected living or dead persons or animals, as well as environments that have become contaminated with these infectious fluids such as soiled clothing, bed linen, or used needles.

If you have to travel, stay on the alert as it relates to your traveling contacts and avoid putting yourself and family at risk.

Avoid participating in burial ceremonies which require direct contact with the body of a deceased infected person; avoid contact with wild animals, including bats, monkeys, apes, chimpanzee and gorillas, whether alive or dead, including their raw or undercooked meat.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, namely the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), in collaboration with all stakeholders started informing the community on Ebola and are working on a Sint Maarten Preparedness Plan. All sectors are called to be alert as it related to their respective response to Ebola.

For further information you should consult with your family physician or call CPS at telephone number: 542-3553, 542-2078.

MARIGOT:--- A manager of Goldfinger store in Marigot was held hostage on Wednesday morning during a broad daylight robbery. Information reaching SMN News states that the store was robbed of an unknown amount of jewelry and watches. According to persons on the scene the manager was held hostage but was later released, the persons on the scene also reported that a number of gunshots were fired during the robbery. According information reaching SMN News, three Columbian nationals (Spanish speaking persons) went into the store and held up the manager at gun point. An eyewitness said that two of the three gunmen/robbers walked out of the store with a gun held to the manager's throat when they saw the entire area was covered with gendarmes. It is also understood that two of the three robbers were captured while the third one escaped by running up the Fort Hill.

Business owners in Marigot said that the Gendarmes sealed off the area especially the areas leading to the Fort Hill as they searched for the third suspect.
Commandant of the Gendarmerie Paul Betaille told SMN News that while the robbers were inside the store committing their acts they fired shots at the Gendarmes three times. Betaille said at one point the robbers came out of the store holding the manager hostage and they then attacked someone who was in their vehicle in the immediate area and again they fired three more shots at the gendarmes. 

After that they proceeded towards a vehicle which they took away in a bid to escape. "They abused the owner of the vehicle before taking the vehicle away in a bid to escape. However, as the robbers tried to escape they were confronted by a host of gendarmes in the vicinity of Marina Fort Louis. At that point the robbers fired three more shots at the gendarmes. Betaille said at that point the gendarmes responded by firing back at the robbers. "There was an exchange of gunshots because the gendarmes fired five shots at the robbers." He said two of the culprits were arrested and the gendarmes managed to recover all the stolen items which he said are jewelry and watches. However, the third suspect managed to escape.
Betaille said despite the exchange of gunshots no one was injured. He also said that the suspects are not Colombians, they are foreigners but refused to release the robbers nationality.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The acting Chief Prosecutor Karola van Nie, along with Prosecutor Ludwina Hodge accompanied by Community Police Officer Daryl Chandler went to the Cape Bay community on Tuesday night where they distributed flyers wristbands and spoke with residents of the area as they continue to promote the Stop, Drop and Go firearm project.
Press prosecutor Tineke Kamps said in a press release that the efforts made by the Public Prosecutors Office went uninterrupted and the residents of that community responded positively. Both the Prosecutor service and KPSM hope to create more awareness on "Stop, Drop and Go" project which will end on October 31st, 2014.
During this period, anyone can submit a firearm without being prosecuted for the possession of the firearm. Anyone who wants to surrender a firearm can do this every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm at the Attorney General's Office, Welfare Road #68 in Simpson Bay. For more information call the free phone number + 1 721 808 5444.

SIMPSON BAY:--- Residents of Simpson Bay marched into the house of Parliament on Wednesday to silently protest against what they term as abuse of power and injustice.
One of the residents told SMN News that a parcel of succession land that is occupied by one Marlon Harley for some 28 years operating a mini boat yard. The resident of Simpson Bay said that Halley has legal authorization from one of the nine heirs that inherited the property from Melford Lejuez. The resident said of the nine heirs only one of them is living on St. Maarten and that heir gave Halley legal authorization to use the property, further the plot of land was destroyed twice by hurricanes and Halley invested his monies and refill the property since most of the heirs are living outside of St. Maarten.
The resident said that in the year 2011 Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger approached the Kadaster office to obtain information about the property and he eventually took one of the heirs who lives in Aruba. That heir was identified as Kelly Lejuez whose legal representative was another heir identified also as a Lejuez. The Simpson Bay resident said that court case was halted because none of the other heirs including the one on St. Maarten were notified and the one that appeared in court claimed that Halley was operating on the land illegally. However, shortly after that a famous businessman "Gioa" paid Kelly Lejuez some $550,000.00 for the property while the other heirs were left out.
The residents said that in June 2014 Minister of VROMI and Member of Parliament Maurice Lake issued a MB to the Gioa family stating that they are the owners of the parcel of land while a publication was made in one of the local newspapers to have Halley remove his boats and other equipment from the property. The Simpson Bay resident said that Simpson Bay is a residential area and the MB that was issued by Minister Lake states it's a commercial area. "This is part of the Simpson Bay development plan that Theo Heyliger and Maurice Lake wants to execute, the residents of Simpson already objected to having the area turned into a commercial area since they will not accept for a cruise/deep water pier to be built in their area, while they will also not allow any Minister or Member of Parliament to abuse their power for their own benefit. The Simpson Bay community already signed a petition and have held several meetings objecting to Heyliger and Lake's plan yet the Minister of VROMI saw it fit to issue an MB stating that Simpson Bay is a commercial area. The resident further explained that what they cannot understand is that the lawyer that represented government in this particular case was Jerone Veen whose name came up to be the Minister of Justice some weeks ago. The Simpson Bay resident said that the Parliament of St. Maarten is busy discussing the instruction given to the Governor regarding the appointment of Ministers and every MP that make up the coalition is talking about the constitution and justice and the Kingdom breaking the law, but they want to know who is to be blamed for the actions of the Kingdom.

Click here to view the documents including the MB issued by Minister Maurice Lake.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Leona Marlin Romeo withdrew the motion she submitted on Wednesday after several discussions were held (caucusing) with the members of parliament sitting on the opposition benches so that the parliament of St. Maarten could form a consensus in dealing with what they describe as a posterity issue. The motion submitted by MP Lloyd Richardson was completely amended based on article 58. Members from the current coalition that formed the majority presented two motions, the first was presented by MP Leona Marlin Romeo which she subsequently withdrew while the second motion was presented by UPP Member of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson.
The chairlady of parliament Sarah Wescot Williams had to call for several adjournments in order for the opposition to see and assist in drafting a motion that will address the instruction given to the Governor of St. Maarten on October 17th, 2014 by the Minister of Interior and Overseas Affairs Ronald Plasterk (Kingdom Council). The instruction sent to Governor Holiday basically ordered him not to sign any LB to appoint any Ministers by the current coalition unless they are screened by the Dutch themselves. On Monday several MPs denounced the instruction claiming that it is unconstitutional and it also infrinnges on peoples right to privacy and their information. Monday's meeting was adjourned to Wednesday where the two motions were presented.
During Wednesday's debate the chairlady announced that a third motion was submitted and asked if the MPs that submitted their motions were willing to withdraw their motion. Dr. Lloyd Richardson during his speaker's time asked for an adjournment to caucus with all factions in Parliament in order to get the support of the opposition. After several discussions among the MPs the motion submitted by MP Lloyd Richardson got the full support of the Parliament of St. Maarten. That motion was amended based on article 58 of the rules of order.
That motion states that the Parliament of St. Maarten is not in agreement with the instruction given to Governor Holiday on October 17th 2014, simply because the screening process in St. Maarten has worked thus far in the formation of all the governments that took office since St. Maarten became a country in 2010 the motion further stated that there must be an establishment of a committee to study the reports from the General Audit Chamber, the Do it Right Report better known as the "Bob Wit report" and the PWC report. Said committee must have a budget and timeline to come up with an action plan as to how the recommendations in the various reports will be implemented to enhance and strenghten integrity on St. Maarten since the outgoing government agreed to implement the recommendations in those reports, therefore the incoming government must apply the decisions taken by the outgoing government.
Prior to the passing of the motion Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel showed parliament where he was attacked on the Facebook page of the UPP party for statements he made on the floor of Parliament on Monday. Emmanuel even went further and said that the former chairlady of parliament who ran as the number two candidate on the UPP slate said that the leader of the UPP was using the harbor monies as his piggy bank for his pet projects and purchasing of palms trees. Emmanuel said that the number 2 candidate even threatened to take the UPP leader to court for the Back Street project which she claimed was done illegally.
He said Julian Rollocks also a candidate on the UPP 2014 slate was taken to court in 2003 by the leader of the UPP when he published a letter he wrote to the governor stating that there was a mafia type business at the harbor. Emmanuel said Rollocks won that court case and even the judge mentioned that based on the evidence presented to him it really does look like mafia business but cautioned Rollocks not to call anyone a mafia again. Emmanuel said that while he was being attacked by people who wants his support he is not the one that made the statements he mentioned on the floor of parliament on Monday. On Monday Emmanuel said in 2010 he was offered $80,000 to run on the UPP slate and in 2014 when he won a seat in Parliament he was offered $400,000.00 and it eventually climbed to $2M. Emmanuel said on Monday that St. Maarten has gone from buying votes to buying seats. His comments on the floor of parliament created an uproar on the island for the past two days and a heated argument in Parliament on Tuesday between him and MP Johan Janchi Leonard. He also said MP De Weever cautioned persons on Monday to not look at the splinters in other people's eyes and not seeing the plywood in theirs. Emmanuel told MP De Weever before closing his statements that he is trying to take out the splinter in his eyes while not focusing on the 2x4 in his own eyes. Wednesday's meeting was not as argumentative but several Members of Parliament made it clear that while politicians on St. Maarten does not agree on everything whenever the island is under attack politicians do put their differences aside and come together in the interest of their country and people.

It was clear during the constant adjournments that the majority in parliament wanted to get the support of all the MPs in St. Maarten's Parliament therefore they bent over backwards and allowed the Leader of the National Alliance Faction William Marlin change the entire motion before his faction approved it. That motion was passed unanimously without a roll call and it is actually the third motion that was submitted to parliament for approval and not amended motion as stated by MP Lloyd Richardson.

The amended motion was signed by MP Lloyd Richardson, MP Cornelius de Weever and MP Leona Marlin Romeo.

{saudioplayer}parliamentmeetingondutchscreeninginstruction22102014.mp3{/saudioplayer}

Click here to view the motion passed in the Parliament of St. Maarten on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A delegation of professionals who care for the St. Maarten youth population participated in a meeting at the conference room of the Philipsburg Police Station today.
During this meeting a historic agreement was signed by the honorable Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and one of the directors of the Dutch 'Stichting Horizon Jeugdzorg en Onderwijs', Krijnie Schotel. In the agreement both parties promised to cooperate in the implementation of the new Youth Rehabilitation Center for St. Maarten which will be named 'Miss Lalie Center'.
In a brief introduction Mrs. Karola van Nie, youth prosecutor, stated that various big steps have been taken by the partners in this project. Those partners are: Richelda Emanuel (director of the court of guardianship Sint Maarten), Cynthia van Samson-Filemon (director of the Probation Department Sint Maarten), Ron Verhaar (advisor Department of Justice), Sandra Voorneman (projectmanager 'Miss Lalie Center') en Van Nie herself. "It's very important to connect with the Dutch in this project, because their expertise is more than welcome." Van Nie also stated that this 'Miss Lalie Center' is a very ambitious project for St. Maarten and it's unique for the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom.
Minister Richardson confirmed these words and added that the building of this Rehabilitation Center is the latest milestone in which St. Maarten shows to truly care for the youth on this island. "The fact that partners in the Justice chain like the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Court of Guardianship and the Probation Department put hands together to develop a unique Rehabilitation Center like the 'Miss Lalie Center' is an example for the entire Caribbean region. The support and cooperation of the Dutch 'Stichting Horizon' is a perfect example for the manner in which Kingdom partners could work together."
The director of 'Stichting Horizon', Mrs. Krijnie Schotel, extended much gratitude to both entities for their inspiring words and expressed how valuable and meaningful this project is to her organization. "It perfectly subscribes the ambitions of the company in the Netherlands, because the organization works with similar youth groups as the ones in St. Maarten." She highlighted that employees of 'Stichting Horizon' hope to not only bring their knowledge to our island, but they tend to take back a lot of knowledge to the Netherlands. 'Stichting Horizon's' working ways are based on the vision that youth's own strength and own responsibility are the key in the process of rehabilitation. They work in a very intense manner with the youngsters to let them make a better future for themselves and teach them to take responsibility for their own life and the choices they make in that life. This should be similar to the way the St. Maarten 'Miss Lalie Center' will work.
To check on the intense learning and working processes of the 'Stichting Horizon', eight local employees of the St. Maarten Rehabilitation Center, that were recently appointed, will travel to the Netherlands next Friday. They will participate in a two weeks internship in one of the juvenile institutions of the 'Stichting Horizon'. After that period employees of 'Horizon' will come to our island and visit the 'Miss Lalie Center' to share their knowledge. By signing this agreement, the Minister officially ratified this intense and firm cooperation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at approximately 2:45a.m. police patrols were sent to "High Up" night club in connection with the playing of loud music. On the scene the officers spoke to management about the situation and stayed at the location to control what was going on. Shortly after the officers noticed that a fight had broken out between two unknown men. During the commotion many customers ran out of the establishment. At the same time an off duty police officer approached the other officers telling them he was stabbed by a man who was also in the night club. The off-duty officer, pointed out the suspect who at the time, was running out of the club. The suspect was chased by an officer on foot and in the vicinity of Carousel where he was arrested. The suspect was still in possession of the knife he used to stab the victim. The knife was confiscated for further investigation. The off-duty officer who was stabbed in the left side of his chest was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment where he remained for observation. The suspect with the initials C.A.I. (32) was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where he remains in custody for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Fire Department will be kicking off Fire Prevention Week 2014 on Monday, October 27 until November 1.

The awareness week is being organized by the Section Fire Prevention and Friends of the Island Government Fire Fighters.

The objective during the week is to raise fire safety awareness throughout the community. The theme for this year's week is: "Preventing and Acting in event of a Fire."

Lectures are part of the schedule within the various districts. Residents are asked to come out and learn about fire prevention measures which could save a life of a love one and also protect your property.

Awareness activities will also take place in the elementary schools. The week will conclude with an open house at the Clem Labega Square. This will include firefighting demonstrations. Other stakeholders will also be at the open house showcasing their products and services which are related to fire safety in some fashion or form such as extinguishers, fire alarms and fire insurance.

Residents are also encouraged to come out to the district information sessions about fire prevention.

The dates and times of the sessions are as follows: Monday, October 27 at the St. Peters Community Center 7:30pm to 9:00pm; Tuesday, October 28 at the Dutch Quarter Community Center, same time as noted before; Wednesday, October 29 at the John Hodge Hall Cole Bay Methodist Building; Thursday, October 30 at the School in Middle Region; Friday, October 31 at the Lion's Building in Sucker Garden.

The Open House will be on Saturday, November 1 and the general public is invited. The open house will take place at the Clem Labega Square in Philipsburg from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

The awareness campaign also includes various radio interview programs.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Wednesday representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) met with key members of the Council of Ministers to brief them about the national preparations for Ebola.