PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says a promise made is a promise kept.

Minister Lake took note of a newspaper story on Friday about the paving of Chin Cactus Drive in Sucker Garden which is in a deplorable state after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.

"The project will start soon. It went on tender and the contractor has been selected. The contractor brought in some documents on Thursday and has also been busy acquiring the materials needed to execute the over Naf.484.000 project.

"Since I've been serving as minister for over a year, I have learnt that you have to follow procedures and make sure everything has been done correctly. You have to make sure everything meets the rules and regulations that are in place.

"I will present to the Council of Ministers on Tuesday the project in order for it to move forward. I am a man of my word, but at the same time, I have to make sure that the proper procedures have been followed for the successful execution of the road project," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

Minister Lake added that he did pass through the area after the passing of the hurricane, and also spoke to some of the residents about the situation.

"I also noticed some downed poles that need to be addressed in order to improve safety and security in this particular area. This needs to be looked into by the relevant responsible party.

"I would like to apologize to the residents of Chin Cactus Drive for any inconvenience caused with the delay of executing this project, and seek their understanding as within short we move forward with the execution," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP-SXM), successfully concluded its meetings with the Regulatory entity and -administration in France and the Netherlands, during its visit this week.

BTP-SXM team headed by the Director Mr. Anthony Carty is quoted as saying: "The objectives set by BTP-SXM have been accomplished. The execution of an amendment to the Protocol signed in November 2013 with the French Regulatory entity and -Administration ANFR/ARCEP regarding the coordination of spectrum for the joint use by St. Maarten and Saint Martin, taken into consideration the interest of our neighboring partners the BES, Anguilla and St. Kitts, is a testimony of the continued close cooperation of the regulatory entities in serving the further development of the telecommunications industry."

While the meeting with the French regulatory entity and administration representatives focused on an extensive approach towards spectrum coordination, the meeting with the representatives of the Dutch regulatory agency and administration focused on matters regarding the division of numbers, codes and call names relevant to the telecommunications-, radio broadcasting and maritime industries in St. Maarten.

The documents executed and during this visit provides the basis for a steady and continuous development of the telecommunications industry in St. Maarten in particular the mobile section, as well as for an enhanced collaboration and cooperation between parties. The outlined approaches in the executed document will be shared in the weeks to come with counterparts for review and discussion, so an extensive coordination of spectrum approaches, allocations and use may be ascertained. Through the executed undertaking BTP-SXM is now in a position to commence with the allocation of spectrum for LTE deployment in St. Maarten.

In closing Mr. Carty pointed out that without the contributions of his dedicated team and the desire of the French and Dutch counter parts to collaborate, this result could not be achieved. The Protocol and its amendment are posted on the website of BTP-SXM: www.sxmregulator.sx.

Holds Stakeholder Meeting to Discuss Options to Control Monkey Population

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation has increasingly been receiving complaints and reports of monkeys causing problems for residents in various districts, particularly after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo. Even in districts where the Foundation has not recorded monkeys, such as on Front and Backstreet in Philipsburg, there have been sightings of the animals.

The Nature Foundation has been researching extensively on what can be done to control the population and has met with various stakeholders on some of the options in controlling the population: "With the worrying trend in the increase of the size of the monkey population we have been reaching out both locally and to our conservation colleagues in the region to come up with a plan on what to do to control the population. Of course there are many options such as capture and neuter/ spay or birth control, but one needs to be found which is cost effective and which does not cause pain or suffering to the animals. The issue is that these methods, even the less expensive options, cost tens of thousands of dollars to run effectively. Therefore the research phase of tackling this issue is critical," read a Nature Foundation statement.

Many residents have been contacting the Nature Foundation regarding large groups of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), acting aggressively towards residents and pets, overturning garbage bins in numerous districts, destroying gardens and garden furniture and defecating on people's property. The Monkeys have been known to act aggressively if they feel threatened and can also have a negative effect on our local flora and fauna. Monkeys are not picky eaters and will eat anything from bird eggs to ornamental and fruit plants and trees.

The Nature Foundation urges residents to not approach these animals and to contact the Nature Foundation so that the animals can be recorded. In the coming weeks there will be various exchanges with experts in various locations who are used to dealing with monkeys and other exotic invasive animals in order to come with recommendations to the authorities as to what should be the best way to approach this problem.

If a monkey, raccoon or any other unusual animal is observed contact the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or via info@naturefoundationsxm.org.

St. Maarten contributing, yet not helicopter or Radar for St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- Since St. Maarten became a country on October 10th, 2010 the country's responsibilities increased substantially with little or no monies, and while St. Maarten has to make financial contributions for the entire operations of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guards Office on St. Maarten lacks major equipments.
Both Ministers of Justice that held office on St. Maarten since 2010 have submitted requests to have a helicopter in order for the Coast Guard to make their regular air controls but the Dutch said giving St. Maarten a helicopter will cost them too much money even though St. Maarten is responsible for Saba and St. Eustatius (BES) islands. St. Maarten also submitted a request to have a radar to better monitor the movements of boats and that too was denied as the Dutch said a radar is also too expensive.
While the two other countries within the Kingdom (Curacao and Aruba) have all the necessary equipments, St. Maarten has to make do with what it has yet contribute equally for functioning of the Coast Guards in the three countries.
Minister of Justice of St. Maarten Dennis Richardson confirmed to SMN News that St. Maarten made the requests but each of them were denied and the excuse given is that the equipments St. Maarten wants are too expensive.
Minister Richardson said that since he took office a helicopter comes to St. Maarten either from Curacao or Aruba for a few days every three months and they conduct the necessary patrols. Minister Richardson said that too might stop because they are now saying it's too expensive to send a helicopter from either Curacao or Aruba to St. Maarten.
Just Wednesday evening a Skyway aircraft crashed in St. Maarten's waters and while the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guards are the ones that assisted with the search and rescue mission they had no helicopter on St. Maarten that could have started air patrol immediately, instead a helicopter had to be brought in from Guadeloupe to assist the search and rescue team. It is true that St. Maarten has an agreement in place where the French is responsible for air patrol in natural disasters. However, contributing for the total functioning of the Coast Guards in the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom and not getting the equipment to function optimally is not to the benefit of St. Maarten and its people.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Hon. Maurice Lake of the United People's (UP) Party says he has read media reports about a report drafted by a French Parliamentary Committee chaired by Rene Dosiere.
"I haven't read the report myself, but from media reports, it's very disturbing. There are statements made in that report which are incorrect, and it once again brings forth the lack of knowledge by Dutch and French European politicians when it comes to the situation of North and South St. Martin/Sint Maarten.
"Media reports attributed to Dosiere that the Dutch side enriches itself at the expense of the French side of the island. What nonsense is this, I have to ask? There is free movement of goods and services just like there is within the European Union of 27 countries. And this free movement of goods and services based on the Treaty of Concordia is older than the European Union Treaty that serves the same purpose in many aspects.
"Other comments attributed to Dosiere, is, if nothing is done to rectify what he perceives as Sint Maarten living off St. Martin, he suggest the termination of the Treaty of Concordia and the establishment of real borders and visa requirements for entering French territory. You have to wonder at times the comments that some people make and what their agenda is.
"The local politicians from North and South have been working together over the years and the level of cooperation is at a technical level where you have civil servants working on joint areas together. We are on the right track and we should continue to work closely together in areas of mutual interests," MP Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.
MP Lake added that the comments by the French official come on the heels of St. Maarten's Day celebration between the North and South sides of the island.

MP Lake is of the opinion that Parliament should request a copy of this report and have a debate about its content and take a position. MP Lake also proposes for the Parliament on the South side to meet the Territorial Council of the North to discuss the report in a historic session of both legislative branches of government.

"We need to get away from the lovely speeches and start showing more unity and solidarity as people of Sint Maarten/St. Martin. Both Governments have to take a stand against this injustice by the Netherlands and France to take away our uniqueness as an island. They need to respect the Treaty of Concordia between our local governments and our people.

"I thank God for Sint Maarten/St. Martin as being as one. I was born on the North side of the island and grew up on the South side. My mom is from the North side and my father from the South side. I also have a lot of family on the North side where we can go back and forth as one. Imagine if we let France take away that uniqueness from us as a people.

"As Governments, we need to unite and come together with a plan on how we move forward as one island based on this report that was drafted by this French parliamentary committee. The buzz word has been cooperation, but we should focus more on uniting and working together as one people instead of letting France and Holland direct our destiny for the future.

"The only way to move forward is for both Governments to make firm decisions in the best interest of our people and keep the uniqueness and history that our forefathers have fought hard for.
Our people both North and South, are a free people, and we are very unique in the Caribbean and in the world. Let's keep our uniqueness as one people," MP Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

GREAT BAY:--- "All poets and spoken word artists from Anguilla, including those studying or living abroad" are invited "to submit up to five poems" for a new poetry book to be published here by the House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
"Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla" is the working name for the planned anthology. A wide range of subjects and writings styles are encouraged, said HNP president Jacqueline Sample. The submission deadline is December 22, 2014.
HNP recently issued the "Call for Poetry" online, outlining the guidelines of how Anguillan poets and aspiring poets could get their poems in the new book, at: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152495554957399&set=a.  The guidelines can also be requested from houseofnehesipublish@gmail.com. Information about the poetry book will also be available at the mid-November
"Poetry Evening" hosted by the department of Library in Anguilla, said Sample. "HNP is in contact with organizers and supporters of literary activities in Anguilla and is widening the outreach to realize a unique literary volume," said Sample. The publisher hopes that young and old writers of poems will see the book project as an exciting proposition from a press that has published literary giants like Kamau Brathwaite (Barbados) and Amiri Baraka (USA), Harvard scholar Marion Bethel (The Bahamas), outstanding Palestinian poet Nidaa Khoury, and the late St. Martin bard
Charles Borromeo Hodge. "Rita Celestine-Carty and Lexus Ryan are two of the poets with serious material from Anguilla that we're learning about," said Lasana M. Sekou, HNP's projects director and editor of Where I See The Sun - Contemporary Poetry in St. Martin (2013).
"Early cultural forums organized by Ijahnya Christian; visiting author readings linked to Stephanie Stokes Oliver; the Anguilla Lit Fest over the last three years; book club activities involving Coral Reef Bookstore; and poetry readings facilitated by Josveek Huliger, are among a number of internal activities flinging the doors wide open for contemporary writers, especially poets and spoken word artists to write about their Caribbean nation, to be heard, and to become known at home and abroad," said Sekou. "All of the poems submitted for the anthology will go through a rigorous selection
process by a confidential editorial board. I hope that the idea and challenge of the anthology will inspire poets and aspiring poets from Anguilla to take a chance at getting published in the new book," said Sample.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten needs a Government of integrity.
In Bible times when prophets and kings were at a crossroad in the nation and when Israel was faced with serious threats and obstacles they sought their God by means of prayer and fasting. The prophet Joel declared a fast saying: "summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD" (Joel 1:14). King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah and the people "gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord..." (2 Chron. 20:4). And Queen Ester called for a fast among the Jews in the kingdom. (Esther 4:15).
In view of the fact that Sint Maarten is presently at a crossroad constitutionally and as far as putting a new government in place is concerned, the Church is calling on the nation to observe a national day of prayer and fasting on Sunday, November 9th 2014.
Why call for a national day to pray and fast? The formation of a new government for Sint Maarten reached an impasse when the Dutch Government, on October 17th, instructed the Governor not to ratify the national decrees appointing candidate ministers and the Prime Minister until, in addition to the existing vetting criteria, further screening is done to ascertain the eligibility of the proposed ministers and prime minister for their posts. This measure has been taken due to the fact that there are serious concerns regarding the integrity of the Government of country Sint Maarten. Three reports, all published this year, have pointed to minor as well as serious breaches of integrity at all levels of government. And a fourth report is still due in December 2014. The instruction given to the Governor has caused the formation of the new government i.e. the appointment of ministers and the prime minister to come to a halt. This situation is not good at all for Sint Maarten because it brings with it insecurity and instability and creates a negative image in the eyes of ourselves as a people, as well as in towards investors and the outside world.
One cannot open a newspaper or listen to a talk show on radio without hearing or coming across the words corruption, bribery, favors, dishonesty, greed, vote and seat buying, ship jumping, etc. as people make reference to parliamentarians, ministers and civil servants. In other words, there is a serious lack of integrity in government. In the constellation of the former Netherlands Antilles when a government leader's integrity was questioned, even though he/she was not yet proven guilty, we would hear of that leader "doing the honorable thing". During the past four years St. Maarten's government leaders broke with that ethical and moral custom and whether accused or guilty they maintained their positions in Government. They might have acted legally, but they certainly broke all moral laws and acted without any sense of ethics and integrity. Indeed, some decisions, actions and behaviors may be legal but they are certainly not moral or ethical. Take for example the so called "ship jumping". It may be perfectly legal, but is it moral or ethical? And what message does it send to our people, especially our youngsters. Formerly your "word was your bond". Nowadays, the example given to our young people is that one's word has no value whatsoever.
Indeed, Sint Maarten is suffering from an integrity crisis. The three integrity reports confirm this. The outgoing government also acknowledged it and consequently requested the Dutch Government for assistance in this area. Besides, the incoming 10-seat coalition government also recognized the integrity deficit in our country and has, by mouth of its leader, promised to execute the recommendations mentioned in the various integrity reports. Is this call for help and the promise to implement the integrity recommendations enough to get on with the business of forming the government? Well, we must realize that four years of integrity violations have led up to this impasse; and promises as well as requests for help are seemingly not sufficient guarantees at this time to assure the Dutch government that integrity will be restored in the local government; hence, the unprecedented instruction to the Governor. The integrity buck lies now on his desk and we believe that he should do whatever is necessary to restore trust and integrity in our government and consequently in our country.
To bridge the gap between the past government, riddled with integrity issues, and the promise of the incoming government to implement the integrity recommendations found in the various reports, the Governor and parliament should consider forming a "Zakenkabinet" that would lay the foundation for the incoming government. This interim cabinet would be comprised of professionals and persons from the business sector who have passed the stringent screening and whose integrity is above reproach. They would govern the country for a definite period of time according to an agreed upon governing accord. The main focus of this accord however, would be to deal with, among other things, the establishing, implementation and monitoring of integrity codes and standards. Once the period of time is completed the interim cabinet yields to the new government who is expected to continue to govern the country according to the acceptable integrity standards and codes.
We must remember that integrity is, in the first place, a personal issue. It has to do with our own personal choices regarding our values, norms, morals and principles. According to C.S. Lewis, "integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching". Having a fear and understanding of God will cause us to realize that even when we think that no one is watching God sees and knows every action we take and that there are consequences to everything we do. We pray that our leaders and government officials would keep in mind the moral and spiritual values they were raised with and apply these in their daily work environment. One way of keeping those values before them would be their faithful attendance at the five public ecumenical services held during the year. We applaud the fact that Government, in coordination with the Church, supports these national services. Yet it is regrettable to note that most government leaders and civil servants are blatantly absent which is really not a good example to the rest of the citizenry.
Besides praying for Government, the Church would like for parliament to consider including prayer at the opening and closing of the parliamentary year. The official moment of silence whereby everyone should pray in his/her own way is no different from the moment of silence that is observed to respect the memory of someone who has passed away. The late Island Councilman, Edgar Lynch, did his best to get the then Island Council to begin the government year with prayer. Unfortunately, this was rejected because St. Maarten, on its own, could not amend the laws of the Netherlands Antilles. Now, that Sint Maarten is an autonomous country it therefore can decide to change the law to enable prayer to be said audibly at the opening of the parliamentary year. Nowhere in the Bible does God ask us to speak to him in silence. On the contrary He says "call on me and I will answer!" The Church will soon be submitting a proposal to parliament to institute prayer at the beginning and at the closing of the parliamentary year.
Another thing that can be done to promote integrity in government is for parliament and government to have an official chaplain, similar to the chaplaincy in the US Senate and House of Representatives. In November 2010 the Sint Maarten Council of Churches requested parliament to establish a chaplaincy. Now more than ever there is a need for prayer and spiritual guidance in the chambers of parliament and in the cabinet. The Church will also be submitting a request and proposal to Parliament regarding the establishing of a chaplaincy.
The Church's God given responsibility is to pray for government. The apostle Paul urges us to make petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Therefore, we should pray for our leaders, that God would grant them wisdom, understanding and skill to lead and make the right decisions. Hence, in view of the current impasse on Sint Maarten, the Church is calling for an island wide day of prayer and fasting to gather together to pray and cry out to the Lord to have mercy on our island. What better time to do this than on Sunday, November 9th, which is 2 days leading up to Sint Maarten's Day, when the entire island would be celebrating its common heritage and cultural unity.
All churches on the island are herewith requested to set aside some time during their services or masses on Sunday, November 9th 2014 to pray for God will the Government that it needs at this time in history. People can also pray during their personal and individual daily prayer times. Even if you also decide to fast from eating one meal that is better than not fasting at all. Let us cry out to the Lord our God for a God fearing-government that will uphold integrity, transparency, uprightness, honesty and people above self. Further information about the National Day of Prayer and Fasting will be given during the week. Let us as a people untie and come together for peace and common good of Sint Maarten. May God bless Sint Maarten!

SMUMF Press Release

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- The Ms. Modest Academy Mentorship Program is back by popular demand after two successful programs that saw an overwhelming response from young women from both the French and Dutch Sides of the island.

The third in a series of 4 week training sessions targeting teenage girls to unlock their leadership potential and focus on character development is set to take place on Saturday November 8 from 2:00 pm at the Lord's Chamber Ministries Conference Room, Marigot.

Ms. Modest Academy falls under the umbrella organization The Youth Development Centre (YDC) Foundation and is located 127 Rue de Hollande Saint James, Marigot. It caters to girls from age 10 to 21 years old.

According to YDC founder Emalie Questel, herself and co-founder Bernesha Albert-Tavanier took up a herculean task to meet the changing and challenging needs of young women in the society.

"American writer and activist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that to help the young soul one need's to "add energy, inspire hope and blow the coals into a useful flame....by firm action, that is not easy, that is the work of divine men."

We have a burden to see young women maximize their full potential. There are just too many ideas out there and not enough effort placed into turning those ideas into action. This is why we have embraced the mandate," Questel stated.

"This is a dynamic, inspirational and life changing program," Albert-Tavanier boasted. She added that a similar pilot project had changed the direction of her life a few years ago and has now made her a valuable and influential participant of this generation.

"In the past church youth groups responded, schools sent their students, youth foundations registered in our early bird promotion and parents signed up their children. We do not expect it to be any different this time around," Albert-Tavanier explained.

Some of the topics to be covered in the Mentorship Program include understanding one's Purpose, love, dating, relationships and sex, the definition of a leader, health, nutrition and hygiene, modesty and self esteem.

Participants will also be taught goal setting, mission statement drafting and complete organic assignments and projects before a final exam and graduation ceremony.

This is the program that "Blossoms Radiant Flowers", the program that restores morals and values to our society, the program that develops world changers. An invitation is therefore extended to the general public to ensure that as many young women as possible learn from this opportunity.

A participation fee of € / $45.00, inclusive of all training aids, refreshments and graduation materials is being charged. For registration or additional information, persons are asked to call Tel: +1590 690. 26.93.66 / + 1721 580 67 96 or E-mail: YDC.SXM@GMAIL.COM

PHILIPSBURG:--- Detainee U.W. from the Point Blanche prison was transferred on Sunday November 2nd, 2014 to a prison in the Netherlands. The transfer is related to the recent incidents in the prison in Philipsburg. The transfer is intended to ensure the safety of inmates and the facility.

Press Release from the Public Prosecutors Office

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd Insurance Department through its partnership with Maduro & Curiel's Bank Insurance Services (MCIS) introduced BSURE as a new easier, faster, competitively priced-online insurance for the community. The fun of this insurance product started with a BSURE motorcade in the Philipsburg area throughout Philipsburg ending at the WIB's Main office building to introduce its newest insurance product followed by a social event with Control Band. The Motorcade included the Caribbean Eagle Bikers, Car dealers (F.W. Vlaun & Sons, Caribbean Auto, Motorworld, St. Martin Cars and the ROOSTER double decker bus). BSURE promo girls were seen by various pedestrians and merchants where they were given BSURE thunderstix and car freshener's .WIB once more has demonstrated that even in the insurance field WIB will always be your partners in progress.

WIB Insurance Service has made insurance easier, understanding, and fun for one and all, with the introduction of the new insurance: BSURE. In a nice atmosphere along with management, colleagues, invited guests, public and the press, WIB has introduced a different type of insurance that offers travel, home, content and car.
Ms. Elaine Patrick Manager at WIB Insurance Services gave words of congratulating and a short speech about BSURE product, and introduced Mr. Eric Erkelens, manager of MCIS gave a complete presentation of BSURE that included print advertisements and TV commercials. .

Benefits:
BSURE is an insurance that WIB clients can purchase easy online via www.bsurestmaarten.com or at any preferred WIB branch. This makes the application for BSURE much easier and faster for clients. BSURE gives the possibility to calculate the premium on line before closing the insurance. Another unique benefit that BSURE offers clients the possibility to make monthly payments. BSURE is a very new product because the policy is online via email to the client that insure instantly. For car insurance BSURE has a special card that avoids too much paper in the car. This card fits right in your pocket book which is a proof of insurance.

BSURE
Most of the time when we speak of insurance we ask ourselves "What do you know about that?" That's the reason why the experts at WIB Insurance Services has come up with an easy solution which is BSURE. Something that was complicated has become super easy. For instance the name speaks for itself, clients of BSURE can rest assure that they are always very well insured. The fact that BSURE offers home, travel, content and car makes it easier to be insured in one place and at a very convenient rate. For more information regarding BSURE, please call +1 (721) 542-0000 or visit our website of BSURE @ www.bsurestmaarten.com.
For faster insurance, easier and simpler..............the place to be is at your partners in progress, WIB.

WIB Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- FC Soualiga Women's Soccer Team hosted its 2nd PJIA International Women's Soccer Tournament during the weekend of October 25th and 26th, with the hosting team FC Soualiga winning both of the matches it competed in (5-2 and 7-3). This time around it proved a little bit more difficult to get teams over to the island as opposed to 2013's tournament with 6- a side games where St. Barths, Curacao and Trinidad participated along two FC Soualiga teams. This year Raoul Illidge allowed for official 11- a side games. This however proved difficult for other regional teams as airfare for regional flights are quite expensive, especially when an entire team, including coaches, need to travel. The fact that chikungunya has been circulating in the region has also made matters worse, as team Trinidad had to cancel a day before the opening match due to contracting the virus.
Considering that FIFA has deemed this year 'the year of women in soccer', world-wide more investment should be made in having women participate in the sport, it is regrettable that many teams, some affiliated with FIFA, have not yet been able to represent themselves internationally. However, FC Soualiga was still very pleased with the outcome of this year's PJIA International Women's Soccer Tournament. They were applauded for their professionalism and great organizational skills, as well as everyone being impressed by the improvement the team has shown in such a short time span. The team, only being in existence since April 2013, has proven it is a force to be reckoned with. FC Soualiga walked away with the first place prize, while their main competitor, 'Association Sportive de Gustavia' from St. Barth's came in second. Other personal prizes such as the best defender prize went to Cindy Havinga, Daphne Wittenberg was named best goalie and the most valuable player prize went to Kandice Franklyn, as well as winning the prize for most goals scored.
FC Soualiga would like to thank all their amazing sponsors for making this year's tournament another success. FC Soualiga would especially like to acknowledge its corporate sponsor Princess Juliana International Airport, and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort for always supporting the team. Without them and the sponsors Windward Islands Bank, GEBE, Sint Maarten Building Supplies, Majula Corp., Travel Planners, Holland House Beach Hotel, and Heavenly Water, the tournament would not have been as successful as it was. Special thanks also goes out to Coach David Forsythe, Rita Aikman and Ruthlyn Hooi from the St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation, the Red Cross Foundation, Robenson Gassant for his graphic design expertise, Mr. York from Ocean Island NV, and the Foundation Upkeep Sports Facilities for always supporting FC Soualiga in all its endeavors.

FC Soualiga Press Release

Attendees can win two-night stay in new Sonesta Ocean Point Resort

MAHO:--- Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino will again be the host of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association's (SHTA) annual Crystal Pineapple Awards on Friday, November 21. The resort continues to be the picture perfect setting for the annual gala event during which SHTA recognizes excellence in service and outstanding performance at the various levels and throughout the different sectors of the tourism industry.

"Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is always delighted to host the Crystal Pineapple Awards. The gala event brings together people from throughout the hospitality and trade world to our resort where excellence is an everyday concept. The event also exposes our staff - those who are nominated and those who are working the event - to the rewards of dedication and commitment," says Jurgen Bailom, Vice President Operations, Maho Group.

Sonesta Maho is happy to once again be chosen by SHTA as the venue for this prestigious gala event and looks forward to welcoming all attendees in the resort's newly renovated space. The gala evening includes a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle and much more. Several Maho Group's employees have been nominated for Crystal Pineapples. The Maho Group wishes them much success come the night of November 21.

"All of our employees are outstanding. The return of the gala dinner to our resort is testimony to their commitment to excellence," says Bailom.

All attendees of the Crystal Pineapple Gala will have the chance to win a two-night stay at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, the newest addition to The Maho Group. To enter the contest, attendees must "like" the Maho Beach Resort Facebook page and upload from the gala directly to the page and "check-in" at Maho Beach Resort. These steps will ensure the photo shows up on Maho Beach Resort's timeline.

Maho Beach Resort will share uploaded photos then people who post will need to tell others on Facebook to go to Maho Beach Resort's Facebook Page to find their photo to like, comment or share the photo. The photo with the most "likes," comments and shares will be chosen as the contest winner.

The Crystal Pineapple Award Gala is the only event on the island that recognizes Hospitality & Trade personnel, organizations and associations for their contribution towards the tourism industry. Individuals who are employed in the Hospitality and Trade industry can receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Restaurants, and Trade as well the category Outstanding Community Service Achievement.

Tickets for the event are on sale at the SHTA office and can be reserved any time during office hours.
SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail info@shta.com or visit our website www.shta.com.

SHTA Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary public session on November 05th.

The plenary session is set for Wednesday at 3:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is the draft National Ordinance regarding the Bureau of Intellectual Property.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, and Transportation & Telecommunications will be present for the House session.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

CAY HILL:--- Representatives from the Ebola Virus Disease Incidence Management Team VSA(EVD-IMT) met with representatives from St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to discuss St. Maarten's Ebola Preparedness Plan. The meeting was held to share ideas and discuss a coordinated response. ""The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) along with all key stakeholders have taken a rigorous pro-active approach in order to ensure that St. Maarten will be prepared to respond in the event a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient surfaces in the area", said Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever

At the meeting SMMC gave an extensive overview on the protective equipment they currently have in-house and what is still needed to be acquired. An update was also given as to the area within the hospital designated as the isolation unit and the necessary upgrades needed to further prepare that isolation unit.

"God forbid Ebola were to reach St. Maarten, the Ministry of VSA is working together with all key stakeholders to ensure that St. Maarten is able to respond in a professional manner", said Dr. Virginia Asin, Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Department Head.

Under the supervision of the Infection Control Practitioner, Nurse Glenda Severin, Nurse Damali Bryson and Nurse Shanna Holaman gave a live demonstration on how the health care workers at the hospital are being trained to handle patients admitted with highly contagious diseases, particularly in this case for Ebola. CDC guidelines and International Health Regulations are being used to establish the necessary protocols that will be used to guide the isolation, care and treatment procedures.

In the case of several Ebola patients on island, SMMC is looking into how the isolation unit can be expanded or what would be the contingency plan. Future meeting with the French side and Social & Health Insurance (SZV) will provide more answers to this challenge.

A key preventative measure that came out of the meeting was the request for the public at large to be aware of procedures in case they think that they may have contracted Ebola. SMMC and Government are requesting that all persons who suspect that they may have Ebola should first call SMMC to notify them that you will be coming. This will allow the hospital to prepare for your arrival and ensure proper care and treatment as well as protect others, particularly the health care workers who are most vulnerable for transmission from an Ebola patient.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday November 8, Step Out Promotions will host the second Conflict Resolution workshop themed Conflict Resolution: From Theory to Practical.
The workshop is a follow up to an elementary session that was held in September. It will feature conflict scenarios, role playing and breakout sessions.
Distinguished Toastmaster Rolande Tobias will return in his role as facilitator of the session.
The general public is asked to register early for the three hour workshop since space is limited. A participant fee of $35 (Fls. 63) is being charged, inclusive of refreshments and workshop materials.
For more information the general public is asked to call telephone numbers 523-0901 or 523-9553 or email: stepoutpromotionssxm@gmail.com
The organizers say that due to the positive feedback received at the first workshop, they decided to host another session to take the ideal of conflict resolution from a classroom setting to practical application using real life scenarios in marriage, ministry and work relations.

Step Out Promotions Press Release

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire:--- On November 3rd, 2014 the two-year training for police officer on Bonaire will start with an orientation week. The process for recruiting and selecting employees, which took place over the past few months, has been completed. The training is a joint venture between the police, the Coast Guard and Koninklijke Marechaussee; hereinafter KMar).
The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland; hereinafter KPCN) engaged 9 police officer candidates and 3 employees for the Intake department. KMar will train 6 employees and the Coast Guard will train 8 people. These 26 young individuals will receive full or partial training, depending on the position for which they have been hired.

After the first orientation week on the island, the Superintendant of KPCN will officially launch the training in the presence of the Director of the Coast Guard and the Head of Operations of KMar in the Caribbean region. Under the responsibility of the Dutch Police Academy, the trainers of the three organisations and local teachers will organize the education.

The students will acquire knowledge about policing, tracing crimes and rendering emergency assistance in several modules. The training will take place at school and on the job. Because of the collaboration this can be very diverse, varying from different locations on Bonaire to even boats of the Coast Guard. Each module is completed with an exam.
After two years all candidates will hold a certificate at level 3 of intermediate vocational education (MBO-3) and the participants of the police department and KMar can be put fully into service on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba as general criminal investigation officers. The participants of the Coast Guard can also be deployed at the Coast Guard of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, apart from the aforementioned islands, after graduating.

KPCN Press Release

SUCKER GARDEN:--- The WBA & Motorworld and Jeep Presents Ladies Basketball Championship games continued last weekend with the first game of the weekend on Saturday between Thunderz and Bush Tea Remedy. The game was close in the first quarter and the Thunderz lead 10-8 and it was looking as if Bush Tea Remedy could win this game and give the Thunderz their first loss. In the second quarter the Thunderz outscored Bush Tea Remedy 19-7 and blew open a close game to lead 29-15 at the half. They continued to dominate in the third quarter to then win the game 50-25. Tiana lead her Thunderz to a big game by scoring 23 points straight for her team spanning the second and third quarters to become Motorworld Player of The Game with 25 Points, 12 Rebounds, 1 Assist and 5 Steals. Top scorer for Bush Tea Remedy was Cardillia Nicholas with 10 Points and 6 rebounds.

Games continued on Sunday at Melford Hazel with Claudia Fleming having another exciting game as she led her team Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls to 71-48 victory over the Learning Unlimited. Fleming had 30 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. She was supported by Wendy Jack with 10 points, 8 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls started off strong and lead 16-6 after the first quarter and built on that lead and lead 37-24 at the half. Learning Unlimited fought hard in the third and got the lead down to 8 at 37-29 but Claudia and Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls recovered their composure to then increase their lead to 20 after the third quarter 54-34. They won the game 71 to 48.

Leading Learning Unlimited was Jakisha Brooks. Brooks who had 29 points, 15 rebounds, 6 steals and 1 assist. Alongside her was Daricia Arrindell with 13 points, 4 assist and 1 steal. Claudia Fleming and Jakisha Brooks were named Motorworld Players of the game for their outstanding individual performances.

Lightning played the second game on Sunday against Bush Tea Remedy and finally got their first win for the season by 47-40. Bush Tea Remedy lead 23-14 at the half but the game turned around and Lightning turned up the defense in the third quarter and lead 33-27 after the third. Lightning had a balanced attack of three players in double digits which were Jamaiah Newton—Herbert with 15 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal, Tsjaquilla Jeffrey had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and Micaela Galva with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and 4 steals. Newton—Herbert was named player of the game for impacting the game by scoring, finding her teammates and rebounding the ball.

Action continues Saturday November 8th at 6:00 pm as the two leading teams Thunderz and Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls who are both 3-0 on the season and face each other for the first time in the young season. Sunday at 3:00 pm Learning Unlimited tip off against Bush Tea Remedy and at 5:00 pm Lighting meets up with Lava Girls and look to avenge their first loss of the season to Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls. Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page 'Ladies Basketball Championship'. Highlights and full games can be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball.

 Coalition dispute ongoing

PHILIPSBURG:--- Well placed sources have informed SMN News that a prominent lawyer on St. Maarten has failed the screening process to become a Minister in the UP/DP/ Marlin coalition. SMN News learnt that the candidate is allegedly under investigation for molesting a teenager. According to the information SMN News received a relative of the victim filed charges against the prominent citizen and lawyer on St. Maarten about two months ago. The Public Prosecutors Office refused to comment when they were contacted by SMN News to verify whether or not the person in question is under investigation. The formateur for the UPP/DP/Marlin coalition was given up until October 20th, 2014 to submit the names of his candidates to the governor.
The outcome of the screening of the other candidates is not yet known. Those are Marcel Gumbs (Prime Minister) Peggy Ann Dros Richardson (Health, Labor and Social Affairs) Peggy Ann Brandon (VROMI) Rita Gumbs (Education, Youth and Sports).
In the meantime Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson will remain in office and Minister of Finance Martin Hassink will also remain in office under the current coalition government.
Based on the names submitted for the Ministerial positions it is clear that the leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger has pulled his name from becoming the Prime Minister of St. Maarten and he will remain as a Member of Parliament for the governing period 2014- 2018. Heyliger said on national television some weeks ago that he will be the next Prime Minister of St. Maarten, but that did not materialize since the Kingdom Council of Ministers issued an instruction to the  Governor of St. Maarten on how to screen candidates for Ministerial positions.
SMN News further understands that the current coalition government is having severe issues which they are trying to iron out. A source within the UP political party said that the Leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger is at odds with the Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams whom he did not sign any coalition agreement with. The UPP insider said that Heyliger is maintaining his first position and agreement he signed with MP Cornelius de Weever. However, since the leader of the DP signed on October 9th, 2014 to be part of the UPP/De Weever coalition she is making demands on behalf of the Democratic Party. At a press conference held last week the Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party confirmed to reporters that the agreement she signed with the UPP Leader is on behalf of the Democratic Party and not herself. She said the current coalition government is the UPP/DP/Marlin coalition since MP Cornelius de Weever is a member of the Democratic Party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A resident and worker for a businessman who owns a number of stores on Back Street and other neighboring islands allegedly has a special relationship with a detective who did what he wanted him to do instead of following the law one of his workers told SMN News on Tuesday in an exclusive interview.
According to the long time worker, the businessman caught three of his workers that are residing and working on the island illegally stealing his merchandize. The worker told SMN News that the  workers were working at the businessman's warehouse in Cole Bay and they were caught stealing goods that they packed in pallets and took to the harbor to be shipped off island. The worker said that the  workers were even caught on tape taking the extra goods off the pallets and those goods were left at the harbor because the workers could not produce documents for them. According the information SMN News received, the businessman then went to the harbor with one of the workers and picked up the goods, afterwards he contacted his detective friend at KPSM who gave him permission to fire the  workers instead of handing the case over to the Public Prosecutors Office for them to decide on how to proceed. "The workers admitted to stealing the goods and they were fired and not prosecuted. Further, the detective in question did not turn over the men that are residing on the island illegally instead he allowed them to go out there to find work elsewhere because handing the culprits over to immigration would land his friend (businessman) in trouble because he could be fined up to Naf. 10,000.00 for each undocumented worker he hired."
SMN News spoke to one of the workers that has been working for the businessman for 13 years. The worker said ever since he began working for the businessman that has at least three stores on Back Street; he has been working in Philipsburg. He said that one day his employer called him and told him to meet him at the police station and upon arriving there he met with the detective and his boss who began insulting him and trying to force him to admit that he knew what was taking place at the Cole Bay warehouse. The worker said the detective told him if he did not admit, he will kick him behind bars or call the prosecutor on him and he in turn told both the detective and his boss to do both because he simply does not know what was taking place at his Cole Bay warehouse. The worker said that the detective and his boss went out of the room and his boss and the detective decided that they will fire him for theft. "Ever since October 3rd, 2014 this incident happened, I contacted the labor department and I also told the person at the labor department that I was leaving the island for a short period of time. The labor officer told me that she will contact my boss and have him bring in the dismissal letter and a statement from the police department to say that he is under investigation or charged with theft. When I came back to the island this past weekend I checked with the labor department and the agent told me she did not get the documents she requested from my boss and she also told me when she spoke to him he claimed he was off island." The worker said that he also contacted another detective to file a complaint because he did nothing wrong and that other detective told him that he will check with his colleague on the case but also advised him to get a lawyer and take his employer to court.
The worker said that his boss fired two other persons from the store and one of the workers already took him to court, that case will be heard on Wednesday. When asked by SMN News if he has working documents for St. Maarten the worker said that he paid his boss $4,000.00 to file for his working document. "Even though I am working for this Indian merchant he demanded $4,000.00 to file for my documents. I paid that money because I have a family to support and most of all I want to reside on St. Maarten legally. Apart from that my nephew was also working with my boss and he too paid $4,000.00 for his documents to be filed and his boss never filed for his documents instead he kept my nephew monies and my nephew got disgusted and left the island." The dismissed worker said that a number of persons working at the Cole Bay warehouse are working illegally, he said one of the workers left his job on November 1st, 2014 and went to work for another company after working for this Indian Merchant  for five years and he refused to file for his working documents.
SMN News contacted the Head of the Labor and Social Affairs Department Peggy Ann Dros Richardson who said they are not allowed to release any information on cases or complaints filed at the department. Dros Richardson said if the person wants his information released then he would have to authorize the department in writing to do so.
SMN News also contacted the press prosecutor Tineke Kamps to find out whether or not she was aware of the case and Kamps said that the Public Prosecutors Office was not informed of this case. SMN News also contacted the businessman by email about the allegations and he said he will not comment instead SMN News should contact his lawyer, whose name he did not provide.
SMN News went further and tried several times to reach the head of the detective department Denise Jacob for an explanation. Jacobs sent an email to SMN News stating that she discussed the case with Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who eventually made a statement in reaction to the questions posed to him. Henson said that the detective that handled the case was on vacation and he could not be questoned on Tuesday about his role in the investigation. The Police Spokesman confirmed that three persons were arrested in connection with an investigation involving LUCKY's Store, furthermore,the investigation is not yet completed even though the arrests took place early October 2014. He said that that KPSM will be conducting an internal investigation to determine it its detective did anything outside of of his duties and if that is proven then management of KPSM will take the necessary measures including disciplinary actions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) will be hosting a presentation on the book "Six 4 Nine" written by Mr. Joseph Lake Jr. followed by a panel discussion. Six 4 Nine is about the people of St. Martin, it argues that the Country and Collectivité are colonies that are not in the interest of the people of St. Martin. The book champions independence as the main solution to the problems on the island.
A patriotic book is a cry, a critique, and a challenge; it tries in these three tonalities to convey the author's prophetic opinion on the current state of his society. Mr. Lake's book, on the fate of Sint Maarten & Saint Martin after the constitutional changes can be judged thus, stated Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, USM's Interim President and Dean of Academics.
As is the case with all judgments in democratic societies it needs to be debated and discussed by a panel of experts and the wider public, USM has therefore invited Mr. Reynold Groeneveldt, Ms. Daniella Jeffry, Mr. Miguel De Weever and Mrs. Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet to give their views on the publication and in their opinion what is the fate of Country Sint Maarten and Collectivité Saint Martin. The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Wim de Visser.
USM continues to contribute to educating the community as the island proceed with sustainable development and nation building, by hosting informative lectures open to the general public and its student body.
This event is scheduled for Thursday November 6th, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the USM Lecture Hall. USM welcomes the general public to participate in this discussion.

USM Press Release