ORLANDO, Florida:--- A team of five staff members of TLC-Aviation from St. Maarten is currently attending the NBAA Annual Convention in Orlando Florida. This Business Aviation conference is attended by 27,000 aviation professionals who have the opportunity to review 1,100 indoor exhibits featuring the latest in business aviation products, technologies and services, and participate in dozens of education and maintenance and operations sessions. An extensive and diverse selection of approximately 100 business aircraft of all sizes are shown to potential buyers on a static display area at Orlando Executive Airport.

"Our networking activities at this unique convention for this affluent market segment does not only benefit our own business, but we are literally the gate openers and greeters to our country giving these visitors the first and best impression of our island. Here in Orlando we make the contacts and create the partnerships that bring guests and investors to St. Maarten," says Steven Kong, Managing Director of TLC-Aviation who leads his team of professionals. "One should realize that every passenger arriving on a private or business aircraft is a potential investor in the island. It is a quality conscious and demanding clientele that doesn't accept mediocrity but is willing and able to honor excellent services."

The NBAA Annual convention is by far the biggest event in the business and private aviation industry worldwide. In the USA, business aviation is essential to local economies and the national interest. It plays a critical role in driving economic growth, jobs and investment across the U.S. The convention in Orlando was opened is opened on Tuesday and runs until Thursday although most attendees and exhibitors extend their schedules for discussions and negotiations before and after the show. For TLC-Aviation the timing of this annual event, approximately six weeks before the season on St. Maarten starts, is just about right.

"The owners and operators of private aircraft are well aware that flying to our region can be challenging in the peak season and that the planning of a firm trip schedule has to be done early," says Sheldon Palm, Operations Manager at TLC-Aviation. "Late requests may only allow for limited choices. We do have limited aircraft parking space at our airport and in some cases passengers may have to be dropped, the aircraft repositioned on one of our neighboring islands and return to pick-up the passengers later. It is inconvenient, impractical and costly to fly the empty aircraft to a different location just to be parked and the crew staying there in hotel. We attend this convention that is held exactly at a time when plans are made and we are there to advise operators and trip schedulers so that we can assist them in the best possible manner when they visit our island."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Methodist Church is finalizing preparation of their popular annual Men's Night of Praise Concert which has been rescheduled for next Saturday November 1sr starting at 7:30pm sharp at the Philipsburg Methodist Chapel.

This concert was originally scheduled for October 25th but was postponed after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.
Ticket holders for the October 25th date can be used on November 1st.

Come out and see the talented men of the Methodist Church singing and praising songs of worship such as Isidore York, Marvin Dollison, Jeffrey Richardson, Michael Ferrier, Don Froston, Denisio Mardenborough, Reverend Williams, The James Brothers, Reverend Brisset, Reverend Hunkins and the Men's Night Praise Band along with many others.

The public's contribution to attend to this dynamic concert is $10 at the door or from any member of the organizing committee and funds raised will aid annual church missions.

PHILPSBURG:--- Alicia's Inn officially opened for operation June 2014. This location was previously operated under the name of Midtown Motel. Under new management, Alicia's Inn completed renovation in March of this year and is now a completely smoke-free property, with refurbished rooms and a total "remake" of the entire property. Our guest rooms are not only characteristically comfortable, but also are charmingly-decorated with warm colours and stately furnishings. Alicia's Inn provides an Inn experience that is second to none.

Perfectly positioned in the center of town, Alicia's Inn is the ideal Inn for those who are on shopping trips and it sits in proximity of the beach, government buildings, carnival village and other areas of note.

At Alicia's Inn, we offer our guests the best carefree and enjoyable experience in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Privacy is also a hallmark of our brand and this is provided in the freedom of an intimate hotel.

The new and improved experience at Alicia's is nothing short of enjoyable, offering a wide range of amenities including colour cable television, private bathroom, hot water in shower, in-room safe, in-room mini refrigerator, daily weekday maid service and turn down service, a one-cup coffee maker and free in-room Wi-Fi.

Are you ready to shop?! Alicia's Inn is offering 3-day, 4-day and 5-day Shopping Getaway Specials. The promotional code is ALPH for online bookings only through www.aliciasinn.com. For people fighting to the island, we have special promo codes from regional airline companies providing discounts on airlines tickets, please email us at info@aliciasinn.com.

We also have a facebook promotion called "Win Big by referring your friends" which is an campaign on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AliciasInnSXM. See contest details and sign up at http://bit.ly/aliciainncontest. Remember the contest ends November 8, 2014.
For any questions or concerns, kindly contact us at +1 721 542 2403 or email us at info@aliciasinn.com.

"Boys & Girls Brigade & Special Olympics of St.Maarten to receive "Special Charity" recognition

PHILIPSBURG:---- President of the St. Maarten Rebels Vets Basketball Association, Claret Connor announced that preparations are in full effect for the 7th Edition of the Curasur Masters Tournament. The tournament games are schedule to take place from November 3rd to November 7th, 2014, at the L.B. Scott Auditorium.

About the Tournament:

The CuraSur Masters Basketball Tournament, which commenced amongst the countries of Suriname and Curacao over 20 years ago as a bi-lateral invitational tournament, is led by an organization who continues to promote the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship amongst veteran basketball teams from various countries in the Caribbean, South America, and the Netherlands.

During each annual tournament, tributes are paid to persons who selflessly volunteered in the area of sports or charitable organizations who require special care or attention. Honorees were selected by the Organizing Committee, which is compiled of members of the host team and others active in the sports industry. Honorees will be recognized during the opening ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 5.45 p.m. sharp. This event will be preceded by a "Parade of Flags" representing each country.

Dedication Award: Rudolf "Rudy" Alfred Hoeve

The Dedication Award has become one of the tournament's most notable highlights throughout the years and given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of sports. 'Rudy" as he is was affectionately known, has dedicated much of his time to the area of community work as well as his skills, expertise and wisdom in the field of sports for over 40 years. Last year's recipient was former Governor of the Netherlands Antilles and avid basketball enthusiast, Mr. Frits de los Santos Goedgedrag.

Charitable Organizations: the Boys & Girls Brigade & the Special Olympics of St. Maarten
Given to a charity, whom is deserving of special care or attention. The selected charities; namely the Boys & Girls Brigade & the Special Olympic of St. Maarten will be the recipient of a monetary donation, which were pooled from the registration fees remitted by participating teams.

Participating Teams:
The participating teams at the 7th Edition of the Curasur Masters Tournament are:

1.  Curaçao All Stars
2.  Faverey Boys (Suriname)
3.  Sporthal Boys (Suriname)
4. .ASCVG (French Guyana)
5. Statia Diamonds (St. Eustatius)
6.  United by Basketball (the Netherlands)
7. Rebels (St. Maarten-Host Team)

"The entire community of St. Maarten especially sports lovers are encourage to come out to attend the games and show support for the participating countries", Connor said. This will be the first time that St. Maarten will be hosting a veterans' basketball tournament of this level promoting experienced players of 38 years and up. Tickets are a mere $3 or ANG 5 per ticket and be purchased at Adolphus Office Supplies on the Pondfill or from any members of the Rebels Vets Basketball Association. There will be chances to win nightly door prizes.

Organizers calls on population to come out to defend their rights

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Peoples United for True Democracy (PUTD) will be holding a march as of 2pm on Sunday October 26th 2014. Organizers of (PUTD) said they were forced to reschedule the march which was supposed to take place last Monday due to the passing of hurricane Gonzalo. The organizers namely, Etienne Tochi Meyers is calling on the entire population including all politicians to come out on Sunday to protest against the unconstitutional measures taken by the Kingdom Government when they issued an instruction to the Governor of St. Maarten on October 17th 2014.
Meyers made clear that the protest march planned for Sunday is not a political march therefore he appealing to everyone residing on St. Maarten to come out and show their discontentment.
Persons taking part in the march will gather at the WIFOL building on the Pondfill and they will begin marching at 2pm sharp to the Government Administration Building.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Reliably information reaching SMN News states that members of the RST visited the House of Parliament on Thursday where they took a statement from Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel regarding the statements he made on the floor of Parliament on Monday during a public meeting. When contacted Emmanuel said that he did get a visit from members of the RST but he said he will not divulge any information as to what transpired in that meeting on Thursday.
SMN News contacted Acting Chief Prosecutor Karola van Nie for a statement on the visit paid by the RST to the Member of Parliament. Van Nie said at this point in time she will neither confirm nor deny. "Right now I will not make any comment on that matter."

On Monday MP Emmanuel stated on the floor of parliament that a certain political party offered him $80,000.00 to run on their slate and in 2014 when he obtained a seat in Parliament he was offered $400.000.00 which climbed to $2M. MP Emmanuel did not say which politician or political parties made him the offers.  He did say that St. Maarten has moved from buying votes to buying seats in Parliament.

This is not the first time Members of Parliament claimed they were offered huge sums of monies (bribery) by politicians. Former Member of Parliament Romain Laville even filed a complaint against the leader of the United Peoples Party in 2013.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--– The President of the Dutch First Chamber, Mrs. Ankie Broekers-Knol and the President of the Dutch Second Chamber, Ms. Anouchka van Miltenburg, paid a courtesy visit to the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.
The courtesy visit was the first visit of both Presidents to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. In the meeting they were accompanied by Secretary General of the First Chamber Mr. Geert Jan Hamilton, Secretary General of the Second Chamber Mrs. Jacqueline Biesheuvel-Vermeijden, former St. Maarten resident Acting Secretary General of the Second Chamber Mr. Tim de Lange who is also 'Griffier vaste Tweede Kamercommissie koninkrijks relaties', Ms. Marloes Konings who is the Communication Officer and First Chamber staff member Mr. Floris Wolf.
On behalf of the delegation, Mrs. Ankie Broekers-Knol expressed her compassion seeing the consequences of Hurricane Gonzalo, and stated that they "commiserate with this unfortunate situation". Ms. Anouchka van Miltenburg was impressed by the manner the people cleaned up the island. Nevertheless, both chairladies were very pleased for the opportunity to visit the island in person in order to experience the island for themselves.
They further inquired about the economy, health and education in the country. In closing, the Council made an appeal to the delegation to ensure that St. Maarten is given the opportunity to develop and to make its own decisions thereto.

POINT BLANCHE:---- Port St. Maarten – A delegation from Port St. Maarten recently attended the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Conference & Exhibition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort.

The CSA AGM was done in collaboration with the Asociacion de Navieros de la Republica Dominicana (Shipping Association of the Dominican Republic) and brought together owners, shipping executives, industry leaders and renowned speakers from October 13 to the 15.

The topics discussed were the Nicaragua Shipping Canal Project, the evolution of shipping and its expectations for the next 50-years; Economic Prospects for the Caribbean, Governor's perspective; Corruption in Customs Caribbean wide and the Asycuda System; Cruise; Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG); Drug Trafficking in the Caribbean; and presentations from four Ports in the Dominican Republic.

Exhibitors showcased equipment and products that are of interest to companies operating within the maritime sector.

Michael Rohan of M.F. Ronan Consulting also shared his insights of present and future of the cruise industry in the Caribbean.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Port St. Maarten Mark Mingo says Port St. Maarten's attendance to the CSA conference allows the port to keep abreast of trends and developments in the maritime sector which is essential to the continued long-term development of St. Maarten's port.

Humphrey Mezas, Chairman of Port St. Maarten Supervisory Board of Directors, took the opportunity together with other Port St. Maarten officials to present a plaque of appreciation to Philip Gray, Managing Director of Seatrade for being a main sponsor during the recently concluded 21st Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference & Trade Show in St. Maarten.

Port St. Maarten delegation comprised of Humphrey Mezas, Renald Williams, supervisory board member, Roger Lawrence, Manager Terminal and Cargo Operations, and Phil Laplace, St. Maarten Harbour Shipping Consultant.

CSA mission is to promote and foster the highest quality service to the maritime industry through training development; working with all agencies, groups and other associations for the benefit and development of its members and the peoples of the Caribbean region.

Ebenezer,:---- The new gym materials and equipment were unveiled during a short presentation at the school to its students, staff, representatives of the Division of Educational Innovation (DEI) and Usona.
The Academy PSVE gym was built in 2009 via the Education and Youth Program funded by Usona. As the school was in need of new equipment, DEI was able to purchase gym materials and equipment via Dutch development funds. The school received new sports balls, netball equipment, floor mats, tennis racquets, table tennis equipment, hockey equipment, indoor soccer equipment, trampoline and spring board. The students and staff were very appreciative for the new equipment and the school now has the opportunity to enhance its physical education program and expose its students to more various types of sports.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- 18 October was observed as Human Trafficking Day within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Human trafficking is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them, and the Sint Maarten National Reporting Bureau on Human Trafficking (NRB) which falls under the Ministry of Justice continues to work to prevent the aforementioned from taking place on Sint Maarten.
The NRB has received several reports of possible cases of Human Trafficking. Those reports were all alleged cases of labor exploitation. None of those victims requested or was in need for shelter or special care. The NRB referred the cases to the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Services & Labor and the Labor Department for the necessary investigations and possible actions.

The Minister of Justice recently approved and signed the "Temporary Residency" policy guideline. This policy guideline has been published in the National Gazette. The policy guideline establishes the conditions in which victims and witnesses of human trafficking can receive a temporary residency permit. This is one of the policy instruments implemented according to the action plan Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2014. Through the "Temporary residency" regulation victims are given the opportunity, and are being encouraged to assist in the investigation and prosecution of the offenders of human trafficking.

Currently the NRB is preparing for another public awareness campaign, and also periodically organizes information sessions for the representatives of immigrants, the business community and the tourism sector.
On a quarterly basis, the NRB visits all brothels and dance clubs throughout the country. Information is provided about the NRB and how it can be reached should there be an issue of human trafficking. A separate meeting is also held with the establishment owner.
Twice a week, the Mobile Control Unit of the immigration and Border Protection forms part of the Interdisciplinary Control Team, which carries out inspections of special selected establishments in the country.
The type of establishments that fall under this control are: Clubs, Hotels, Security companies, Daycare centers, Construction companies, Beauty salons, Car rental companies, Laundry cleaning companies and Restaurants.
The goals of these controls are: to enforce the labor and health regulations by the employers (working hours, safety measurements, overtime payment); to enforce that the Employers pay the social & health insurance of the employees; to enforce the national ordinance of admission & expulsion; to enforce fire safety measures and building codes; to enforce economic regulations (operational licenses, business licenses); and to establish whether the guidelines and rules against human trafficking are adhered to.
The NRB also works closely with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Organization as well as Safe Haven and will meet twice yearly with family doctors, St. Maarten Medical Center, Community Police, Ambulance Services, and the Border Control/Mobile Unit with respect to information update/indicators regarding human trafficking.
The Ministry of Justice has been working with Kingdom partners based on a Memorandum of Understanding which was updated in June 2011 and signed by the Ministers of Justice within the Kingdom.
In August, 2013, the Minister of Justice adopted a Plan of Approach from the National Coordinator for Human Trafficking for the executing of the agreements made in the MOU of the partners within the Kingdom, and also for the execution of the recommendations of the TIP Report 2013.
In September, 2013, the National Coordinator established the NRB as the executing agency for prevention and protection on Human Trafficking.
Smuggling of migrants involves the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident.
Virtually every country in the world is affected by these crimes. The challenge for all countries, rich and poor, is to target the criminals who exploit desperate people and to protect and assist victims of trafficking and smuggled migrants, many of whom endure unimaginable hardships in their bid for a better life.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake was updated Thursday afternoon by NV GEBE with respect to a small number of homes that are still without electricity in different districts since the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.

The small number of remaining homes in the districts of St. Peters, South Reward should receive electricity Thursday night. For those in Madame Estate, on Friday; for Mount William Hill, will be Saturday.

For Sucker Garden, Point Blanche, those still without electricity should see services resume on Sunday and for Oyster Pond on Monday.

It's a small number of homes in each district that still had to have electricity service restored. Most homes in all districts already have electricity a day after the hurricane.

The high tension cables came down and had to be completely restored. The low tension cables also had to be restored in each case and reconnected to the house.

NV GEBE crews have been working diligently throughout the country since the passing of hurricane Gonzalo to restore services to customers.

"I would like to apologize to the customers who have been without electricity to date. The damage caused by the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo was extensive with respect to overhead cables, high tension and low tension which still remain above ground.

"I will be sitting down with NV GEBE and requesting them to give priority to have above ground cables placed underground before the next hurricane season. We need to be prepared.

"Other priority areas that I have asked NV GEBE to look into is how to deal with seaweed that collects out into the bay and causes challenges with respect to the cooling systems. Another priority is the relocation of a transformer house which is on the seaside near the plant; and a review and update of the company's communication and emergency plans," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

Minister Lake will be calling for a meeting next week with board and management of NV GEBE to discuss the way forward after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday October 18, 2014, the Mental Health Foundation organized a Reception which this year focused on the Foundation's very loyal stakeholders and generous sponsors. The event was organized to honor and thank those who provide the Mental Health Foundation with continuous support and who are part of the reason why the MHF is where it is today. The Cocktail party was honored by the presence of the Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Cornelius de Weever, by representatives of various stakeholders and sponsors such as SZV, Ennia, Ministry of Public Health, White and Yellow Cross Foundation, Nagico, General Practitioners, Ministry of Justice, SMMC, Samenwerkende Fondsen, Social Services, Health Inspectorate, WIEMS, SJIB, Court of Guardianship, Rotary Clubs of St. Maarten, Safe Haven, Mental Health Caregivers and Patients Association, Ambulance Department, and of course the members of the MHF board and staff
The Cocktail Party took place at Golden Rock Estate which provided for the perfect ambience, made possible by Mr. Henri Brookson. Mr. Rene Florijn of Florijn party rentals in combination with Annemiek Meussen of Kaya Events supported MHF incredibly for this evening, and together made this event possible. The very talented Saxophonist Mr. Connis Vanterpool and Singer Betty V were the entertainers which made this evening truly unforgettable.
MHF President Dr. Felix Holiday and MHF Director Eileen Healy personally thanked all stakeholders and sponsors for all of their much appreciated efforts, help and assistance.

The highlights of the Cocktail Party were the preview of a new anti-stigma spot for the St. Maarten radio, TV, media and blogs, the launching of the results booklet of the Transforming Care Congress which took place in September 2013, attended by 200 international, regional and local participants. Mr. Reginald Willemsberg of SZV thanked MHF for the production of the results of the Congress transforming care, which provides the necessary figures and stakeholders of MHF.
And last but not least, the launching of brand new Mental Health Foundation brochures describing the care products MHF is offering.

Board, management and staff of MHF express their sincere gratitude to all who supported the work of the Foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake was updated Thursday afternoon by NV GEBE with respect to a small number of homes that are still without electricity in different districts since the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.

The small number of remaining homes in the districts of St. Peters, South Reward should receive electricity Thursday night. For those in Madame Estate, on Friday; for Mount William Hill, will be Saturday.

For Sucker Garden, Point Blanche, those still without electricity should see services resume on Sunday and for Oyster Pond on Monday.

It's a small number of homes in each district that still had to have electricity service restored. Most homes in all districts already have electricity a day after the hurricane.

The high tension cables came down and had to be completely restored. The low tension cables also had to be restored in each case and reconnected to the house.

NV GEBE crews have been working diligently throughout the country since the passing of hurricane Gonzalo to restore services to customers.

"I would like to apologize to the customers who have been without electricity to date. The damage caused by the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo was extensive with respect to overhead cables, high tension and low tension which still remain above ground.

"I will be sitting down with NV GEBE and requesting them to give priority to have above ground cables placed underground before the next hurricane season. We need to be prepared.

"Other priority areas that I have asked NV GEBE to look into is how to deal with seaweed that collects out into the bay and causes challenges with respect to the cooling systems. Another priority is the relocation of a transformer house which is on the seaside near the plant; and a review and update of the company's communication and emergency plans," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

Minister Lake will be calling for a meeting next week with board and management of NV GEBE to discuss the way forward after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, hereby informs that the mosquito fogging throughout the country will start on Tuesday, October 28 instead of November 1.

Residents must bear in mind that fogging is not a total solution to eliminate mosquitos. Fogging activity is kept to a minimum in order to prevent the mosquito population from developing immunity to the chemicals that are deployed.

Fogging is one intervention of several, and the main measure is for every household and business to take action by removing potential mosquito breeding spots in and around their premises on a daily basis.

Residents must bear in mind that rain events can disrupt mosquito fogging activities, therefore the district schedule will be adjusted accordingly and this will be communicated to the community in a timely manner.

Homeowners during the time of the spraying should open all doors and windows. Dishes, bowls, pots and pans, fish tanks and bird cages should be covered. Stay away from open windows and doors during the spraying.

Here is the schedule for October 28 and October 29. For the remaining days in the week, check the Government Information Page (GIP) in both daily papers:

October 28th 5:00 a.m. – 7:00a.m. Cupe Coy, Maho,

1. Maho, Blue Mall, Sapphire,
2. Low Lands, Beacon Hill Airport
3. Road,
4. 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Simpsonbay, Pelican Keys
5. Simpson Yacht Club Bay,
6. Simpson Bay Bridge,
7. Welfare Road,
8. October 29th 5:00 a.m. -7:00 a.m. The Border, Cole Bay
9. Union Road, Cole Bay to the
10. Cole bay Villas Round about
11. Cole Bay, Harold Jack
12. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Welfare Road, Windsor, Road,
13. Cole Bay, Cape Bay west of
14. the Cemetery Cole Bay
15. Lagoon, Orange Grove,

Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or email surveillance@sintmaartengov.org

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is calling on residents, community councils and civic organizations to come together this weekend to help clean-up the districts.

All residents are being urged to use the weekend to clean-up their yard and put out their hurricane related debris outside their yard or alongside the road. Household garbage is not hurricane related debris.

Ministry VROMI will resume the pick-up of hurricane related debris on Monday, October 27.

Hurricane Gonzalo left in its wake a lot of downed trees in the various districts, and Minister Lake would like to see the communities coming together to help with the clean-up this Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26.

"The more hands we have on deck the better. We will get more accomplished within a shorter period of time. Every household and business has a personal responsibility to clean-up their surroundings. You cannot rely on government for everything, there is an individual responsibility involved,

"I was informed that the Student Government Association of the University of St. Martin has taken the initiative to clean-up the St. Maarten Zoo. This is where we need to come together as a community to get things done.

"At the same time, the clean-up of yards and around businesses prevents mosquito breeding and rodents. This protects public health, the general welfare and interests of the people, and in the end the quality of life of our people improves, and this is also a personal responsibility. Everybody has to contribute and clean-up their surroundings," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

Minister Lake also commends the Fire Department, Ministry VROMI staff, the different Emergency Support Functions that make-up the Emergency Operations Center, and other entities that have played a role in the post-Hurricane Gonzalo period in getting the country back on track and moving forward.

"I would like to commend the Nature Foundation for their outstanding work and assessments that have been carried out with respect to the environment and in identifying the challenges that exist," Minister Lake said on Friday.

The Minister is expecting to receive from Ministry VROMI next week an update assessment with respect to clean-up efforts within the districts along with the costs to the public treasury.

Philipsburg (DCOMM):---- On Monday, October 27, the Public Works Department plans to start a coordinated island-wide cleanup to pick up the remaining debris left over from Hurricane Gonzalo.

Over this upcoming weekend, residents are requested to put out their debris roadside so that the Department personnel can take the debris and rubble away.

The residents are also requested to separate the normal garbage of the household with that of the hurricane debris.

"I am requesting of the community to not mix up the everyday garbage with the hurricane debris," Head of Public Works, Claudius Buncamper said.

"This complicates our job because 1) it creates a unhygienic situation, 2) companies (garbage collectors) are already hired to pick up garbage from the bins, 3) it slows down the process by not focusing just on the debris and there is much work to be done.

With the cost of cleanup after Hurricane Gonzalo escalating, especially in a limited budget, it is essential that we try to control cost and work as efficient and effective as possible, Buncamper said.

So it is critical that all debris is put to side of the road and for everyone to contribute and/or help out neighbors and elderly to put out the hurricane debris.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday October 24th at 7.30 a.m. the Community Police Officer for the Sint Peters and Reward area Inspector Felix Richards and the Police Public Relation officer Inspector Ricardo Henson visited the Sint Maarten Academy PSVE- secondary school in Ebenezer Estate to give a small presentation. The presentation was order to continue promoting the "Stop, Drop and Go" project which is presently ongoing. This joint project, organized between the French and Dutch justice departments, encourages persons on both side of the island to voluntarily surrender their illegal fire-arm without fear of being prosecuted. The project started officially on October 15th 2014 and will end on October 31st 2014. The project is designed to rid as much illegal fire-arms as possible from the streets and this is mainly due to the large amount and the increase in the amount of violent criminal activity involving fire-arms. By bringing this message to all schools and mainly the secondary schools, we believe that this message will quickly be spread among the youth which is also the main target group. The project so far has been quite successful because of the constant flow of illegal fire-arms being turned in at the Attorney Generals office located on the third floor of the Puerta Del Sol Plaza on Welfare road.
During the presentation at the school the students listened attentively to the information which officer Richards shared with them regarding the dangers of guns and the consequence it may have when they are used against each other. The students were also quite impressed with the very positive gingle promoting the "Stop, Drop and Go" project which was written, composed and sang by a local youngster by the name of Rumari Rogers. This gingle can be heard daily on several local radio stations which so far have been well accepted by radio listeners.
The presentation ended with officer Richards handing out promotional and information flyers. Promotional red white and blue rubber wristbands engraved with black letters "Stop, Drop & Go" were given to the students and teachers who attended the presentation. The intention is to visit all secondary schools to give this presentation and share all information with the students.

KPSM Police Report

POINT BLANCHE:---- Port St. Maarten – On Tuesday, Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA) officials met with the management team of Port St. Maarten regarding the ports preparations for Ebola.

Ministry VSA informed Port management about the national preparations that are taking place and the various meetings with stakeholders and others that are planned.

Country Sint Maarten has to comply with International Health Regulations (IHR) where public health is concerned. Since Ebola has been declared a global health threat, all countries have to take preventive measures to prevent its spread.

Information presented concerned Ebola symptoms, transmission mode, preventive measures, current global Ebola developments and measures taken to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Port St. Maarten is the first institution that has received the informative presentation from the Ministry. Port management stated that a program of increased sanitization of the port facility will be implemented and port tenants will also be asked to work along these lines as well.

Port management informed Ministry VSA that a delegation left on Wednesday to meet with representatives of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in connection with the cruise industry's Ebola screening measures.

Port St. Maarten and Ministry VSA already have a working relationship with respect to a health pre-clearance protocol related to cruise ships. A cruise vessel has to report 48 and 24 hours timeframes ahead if there are any cases of the norovirus which is very contagious.

Port St. Maarten will share its findings with Ministry VSA with respect to the cruise line protocols which are in place when passengers board the ships out of Miami, and will further collaborate to make sure that the country's sea border is secure from a public health perspective.

Representing Ministry VSA was Dr. Viginia Asin, Fenna Arnell, Dr. Earl Best, Maria Henry and Margje Troost.

 Gayman Islands"---- Cayman's position as the world's top specialised financial centre was reconfirmed again this week with the news that this jurisdiction has come first in a leading international survey, topping the specialised financial centres ranking, as compiled by The Banker magazine. This is the sixth consecutive year that the Cayman Islands has led the field in this highly-regarded, global survey.
Cayman Finance CEO Gonzalo Jalles Cayman said this is one survey of which Cayman's financial services industry takes serious note.
"While there are many surveys carried out on financial centres periodically, The Banker, as part of The Financial Times Group, always speaks with authority and as a result, its survey is one of the most highly respected and one which we anticipate with interest annually. In this way the fact that the Cayman Islands has retained its top spot for six years running as the world's top specialised financial centre has far greater validity and importance for the industry as a whole, not just locally, but globally as well," he said.
The Banker magazine is part of the Financial Times Group, a globally recognised and respected finance publication and its IFC rankings are based on data ranging from financial markets indicators to economic potential to business environment factors. The ranking focuses on the level of international business and the value for institutions seeking to expand their international operations.
Wayne Panton, Minister of Financial Services, Commerce & Environment, thanked Cayman Finance for coordinating the submission to the publication and said that the accolade is another testament to the strength of Cayman's professional infrastructure and the quality of service provided: "The Cayman Islands financial service industry prides itself on its ability to service its clients with the highest level of professionalism," he said. "The industry, working in partnership with the Cayman Islands Government, is nimble in its ability to service market needs, and this collaborative approach, coupled with service excellence, has fared the jurisdiction extremely well over the years," he added.
Mr Panton noted specifically that one of the criteria in compiling the data is the economic potential of the jurisdiction.
"Retrospectively, the honour of coming first in this survey in itself underscores the value the Cayman Islands financial services industry has for the global economy as a whole; but, even more importantly, the survey highlights the fact that this industry has even greater potential to continue to add value to this jurisdiction in the years to come," Minister Panton confirmed.
Of the specialised financial centres, the Cayman Islands retains its lead, followed by Jersey, Guernsey and the Bahamas. Mauritius climbed one place to fifth.

THE BOTTOM:--- In September 2014 Community Officer, Paula Klomp, gave an introduction lesson to the children of the groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Sacred Heart School.
During these lessons were topics such as bullying, respect and manners discussed.
In October 2014, it was the turn for the children of the Sacred Heart School to visit the new police station in The Bottom. The children have learned about the work of the police and have been given a tour in the new police station.

The cells made the most impression on the children. The children got the opportunity to view the inside of a cell and came to the conclusion that a cell is not a nice place to stay. One of the children said: "the cell looks very boring and it is very hot here, I never want to stay in this cell".
The tour ended with the viewing of a police car and some children even got the opportunity to go on a short patrol in a striking police car with senior police officer W.E.H. Baker. It was a successful day and a nice informative way to introduce the police on Saba to the children.