PHILIPSBURG:--- After a successful 5th annual Inter Island Championship on June 27th, at Maho Casino Royale where some 40 top athletes took part in the championship,The Bodybuilding and Fitness Association of Saint Martin wasted no time in organizing it's first Junior competition.
Mr. Francois Carty (president of BFASM) disclosed that it is very important that they start with this Junior program for the survival of the sport, as he already forwarded a request letter to the Central American and Caribbean Federation to adopt a Junior CAC Championship within the caribbean.

"We must be honest with ourselves, we cannot continue doing the same old thing year after year and expect a different result. Our local veteran athletes who have helped paved the way are eventually fading out or becoming stagnant in the sport.” he noted.
To get this program off the ground with the help of BFASM's very own senior Bodybuilders, Men¬’s Physique, Bikini, and Body¬ Fitness athletes, will be adopting 4 Junior candidates and be their personal coach and mentor for the next 4 months. Within these months of preparation, they will learn discipline, sacrifice, proper form, bodyweight exercise, healthy eating, posing, stage presentation and posing techniques.

For that reason Mr. Carty has already jump started their new breed of athletes program since last year. And the successful result was at the 5th annual Inter Island Championship when their young dynamic team successfully dominated the competition against some well seasoned CAC potential pro card athletes. BFASM athletes placed 2nd & 3rd in Bodybuilding Lightweight, 3rd in Middleweight, 2nd in Bikini short class, 2nd & 3rd in bikini tall class and 1st & overall winner in Men's¬Physique tall class.
BFASM’s team is looking forward to compete at the 43rd Central American & Caribbean championship in the Bahamas with their young dynamic team, they are anxious and ready for the chance to secure yet another Pro¬Card to the two they already have.
"I am very excited about this junior competition, it will be something to see when all those 20 anticipating youngsters display their talent, giving our association a pool of quality athletes to pick from for the future.” He concluded.

Oranjestad, Willemstad, PHILIPSBURG:---- The LGBTI (sexually diverse) organizations ALFA (Alternative Life-style Foundation Aruba), FOKO (Curaçao Pride Foundation) and SAFE (St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance for Equality), jointly declare that the only acceptable end result of the struggles for the rights of committed LGBTI (sexually diverse) couples is the granting of full marriage rights to same-sex couples in each of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

We assert that the struggles for equal rights for LGBTI (sexually diverse) citizens and couples in the CAS (Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten) countries are an extension of the struggle against slavery and forced labor, the struggle for equal rights for women, and the struggle for autonomy of the 20th century movements of the people against racism and colonialism. This resolution has been written with the recognition that LGBTI (sexually diverse) rights are human rights, and that marriage equality falls within the scope of human and civil rights.

Based on the advocacy, counseling and educational work of our respective organisations we can emphasize that this declaration is in line with the deepest wishes of the LGBTI (sexually diverse) and allied individuals within our local societies. This is in strong contradiction to the often heard notion and argument that marriage equality in our countries is being imposed by the Netherlands. This resolution disqualifies that notion.

These diverse communities have always existed in significant numbers on each island, contributing to the development of their communities through their work in governmental, private, cultural and other sectors of society, often in leadership positions. They have always fulfilled the imposed legal obligations of our countries, while being unable to benefit from the same legal protections as other people meeting those obligations. These local groups themselves now acknowledge that equality for LGBTI (sexually diverse) people means mainly three things, each as important as the other:

− protection against stigma and discrimination (bullying, homelessness, termination of employment, refusal of housing, etc.)
− LGBTI (sexually diverse) inclusive policies & legislation (inheritance, pension, family-life, etc.)
− marriage and relationship equality

The fulfillment of equal rights for LGBTI (sexually diverse) Dutch Caribbean individuals cannot continue to be postponed due to the belief that society is ‘not ready’. The greatest civil rights moments in the history of the world and our countries did not wait for society to be ready or for society to provide activists with permission to demand their basic rights. What if human rights fighters like Tula, Betico Croes, Rosa Parks and, Martin Luther King, would have decided to pospone their struggle for that reason?We have not undertaken a journey to change

the religious beliefs of our respective societies, nor do we wish to do so. The demand is not that churches be forced to marry LGBTI (sexually diverse) people in their places of worship.

Personal emotions and theologies have no place in this discussion. That's why the religious institution of marriage on one side and secular civil marriage on the other side, are two different things that should remain separate. We urge lawmakers to consider the very notion of having their civil and legal rights removed or limited due to one aspect of their person, be it race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. What is being demanded is that access to the package of legal protections, rights and benefits included in civil marriage be inclusive of all citizens, whether heterosexual or LGBTI (sexually diverse).

The Netherlands and the USA are two countries that our people like to look up to where democracy and civil rights are concerned: The law of the Netherlands that granted marriage rights to LGBTI (sexually diverse) couples defined marriage as an act of commitment and mutual obligation between two people, harboring no objective reason to restrict it on the basis of sexual orientation.

In the United States earlier this year, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy stated in his assenting vote for LGBTI (sexually diverse) marriage: “The nature of injustice is that we may not always see it in our own times... The nature of marriage is that, through its enduring bond, two persons together can find other freedoms, such as expression, intimacy, and spirituality. This is true for all persons, whatever their sexual orientation. ...There is dignity in the bond between two men or two women who seek to marry and in their autonomy to make such profound choices... Marriage responds to the universal fear that a lonely person might call out only to find no one there. It offers the hope of companionship and understanding and assurance that while both still live there will be someone to care for the other.”

The emotion of marriage is something that remains intact within all of our societies; the notion of caring for another, protecting that individual and growing together in life is an ideal that any individual can appreciate. What is missing from this equation for those LGBTI (sexually diverse) citizens of our societies are the legal protections and obligations that come with marriage. It should not be that legal protections are extended to LGBTI (sexually diverse) citizens in some parts of the kingdom (the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands) and continue to be denied to LGBTI (sexually diverse) citizens in other parts; namely Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten.

SAFE, ALFA and FOKO, strongly call on the parliamentarians, political parties, lawyers and community leaders of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten to, while recognizing religious differences and those based on other convictions and beliefs, accept that LGBTI (sexually diverse) rights are civil rights and as such human rights, and cannot be limited by religious or personal beliefs. We ask that they recognize that the universal principle of equality demands that LGBTI (sexually diverse) people and couples are not excluded from basic rights, nor limited in their access to these rights. This includes the right to marry the one you vow to love and care for.

Lysanne Charles – Arrindell, MSc. President SAFE

RESOLUSHON KONHUNTO RIBA IGUALDAT
MATRIMONIAL DI KARIBE HULANDES 2015
(Papiamentu)

Oranjestad, Willemstad, Philipsburg, 18 yuli, 2015

E organisashonnan seksodiverso (LGBTI) ALFA (Alternative Life-style Foundation Aruba), FOKO (Fundashon Orguyo Kòrsou) i SAFE (St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance for Equality), huntu ta deklará ku e úniko resultado final aseptabel di nos luchanan pa derechi di parehanan komprometé dje mesun sekso, ta ful akseso na matrimonio i derechinan matrimonial den kada un dje paisnan Karibense di Reino Hulandes.

Nos ta deklará ku e lucha pa derechi igual di siudadano i parehanan seksodiverso (LGBTI) den nos paisnan ta djis un ekstenshon di tantu e lucha kontra sklabitut i trabou forsá, komo e lucha pa derechi igual pa hende muhé, i e lucha pa derechi sivil di e movementunan popular kontra rasismo i pa outonomia di siglo 20. Nos a yega na e resolushon akí rekonosiendo ku derechinan seksodiverso (LGBTI) ta derechi humano, i ku komo tal igualdat matrimonial ta kai bou di derechi humano i derechi sivil.

Basá riba e trabounan di abogasia, konseheria i e trabou edukativo di nos organisashonnan nos por enfatisá ku e deklarashon akí ta kuadra ku e deseonan mas profundu di e hendenan seksodiverso (LGBTI) i nan aliadonan heteroseksual den nos komunidatnan lokal. Esaki ta kontradesí fuertemente e noshon i argumento frekuente, ku ta Hulanda lo ta imponiendo igualdat matrimonial den nos paisnan. E resolushon akí ta deskalifiká e noshon ei.

Nos komunidatnan seksodiverso tabat'ei semper na kada un di nos islanan, ku un kantidat di hende signifikante, kontribuyendo na desaroyo di nos komunidatnan, trahando den sektornan gubernamental, privá, kultural i otro sektornan di sosiedat, hopi biaha komo lider. Semper nan a kumpli ku e obligashonnan legal ku nos paisnan ta imponé, sin por gosa dje mesun protekshonnan legal ku otronan ku tambe ta kumpli ku tal obligashonnan. Ta e gruponan lokal akí mes ta realisá awor ku igualdat pa hende seksodiverso (LGBTI) ke men prinsipalmente tres kos, kada un mes importante ku e otro:

− protekson kontra stigma i diskriminashon (pèstermentu, sakamentu fo'i kas, kitamentu for di trabou, ningamentu di bibienda ets.)
− maneho i legislashon ku ta inkluí hende seksodiverso (LGBTI) (herensia, penshun di biudo(a), bida familiar, ets.)
− igualdat matrimonial i relashonal

Kumplimentu ku derechi igual pa siudadanonan Karibeño Hulandes seksodiverso (LGBTI) no por keda posponé kada be, pa motibu dje kerensha ku sosiedat lo no ta kla. E gran momentunan di lucha pa derechi sivil den istoria di mundu i di nos paisnan no a keda warda te ku sosiedat tabata kla of te ku sosiedat ker a duna permit pa aktivista eksigí nan derechinan básiko. Ki lo a pasa si Tula, Betico Croes, Rosa Parks i Martin Luther King, lo a disidí posponé nan lucha pa e motibu ei? E kaminda ku nos a skohe no ta kambia e kerenshanan religioso di kada un di nos sosiedatnan, ni ku nos ke esei. Nos eksigensha no ta pa forsa gruponan religioso kasa parehanan seksodiverso (LGBTI) den nan iglesianan.

Den e diskushon akí no tin lugá pa emoshonnan i teologianan personal. Ta p'esei e instituto religioso di matrimonio na un banda i matrimonio sivil i sekular na otro banda, ta dos kos diferente ku mester keda separá. Nos ke urgi parlamentarionan pa djis konsiderá e noshon ku ta kita o limitá bo derechinan sivil i legal pa motibu di un aspekto di bo persona, sea bo rasa, desendensia étniko o orientashon seksual. Loke nos ta eksigí ta pa akseso na e pakete di prokeshon legal, derechi i benefisionan inkluí den matrimonio sivil ta inkluí tur siudadano, sea heteroseksual o seksodiverso (LGBTI).

Hulanda i Merka ta dos pais ku nos hendenan gusta wak komo ehèmpel pa loke ta demokrasia i derechi sivil. E lei Hulandes ku a habri matrimonio pa pareha dje mesun sekso ta definí matrimonio komo un akto di kompromiso i obligashonnan mutuo entre dos hende, sin ningun motibu ophetivo pa limit'é basá riba orientashon seksual.

Na Merka mas tempran e aña akí hues Anthony Kennedy di Korte Supremo hustifikando su voto pa habri matrimonio pa pareha seksodiverso (LGBTI) a deklará: “Naturalesa di inhustisia ta ku no semper nos ta logra rekonos'é den nos propio tempu istóriko... Naturalesa di matrimonio ta ku, pa medio di su laso duradero, dos persona huntu por haña otro libertatnan, manera ekspreshon, intimidat, i spiritualidat. Esaki ta konta pa tur hende, sin importá nan orientashon seksual... Tin dignidat den e laso entre dos hende hòmber o dos hende muhé ku ke kasa, i den nan akto outónomo pa yega na tal eskoho profundu... Matrimonio ta rospondé e miedu universal di hende solitario ku ora nan yama no tin ningun hende pa kontestá. E ta ofresé e speransa di un kompania, komprondementu i siguransa ku tanten ambos ta na bida tin hende pa kuida e otro”

E emoshon di matrimonio ta algu ku ta intakto den tur nos sosiedatnan; e noshon di kuida otro, protehando e otro i krese huntu den bida ta un ideal ku hopi hende por apresiá. Loke falta dje konhunto akí pa siudadano seksodiverso (LGBTI) di nos sosiedatnan ta e protekshon i obligashonnan legal ku matrimonio ta trese kuné. No mester t'asina ku den sierto partinan di Reino (Hulanda i Karibe Hulandes) siudadanonan seksodiverso por disfrutá dje protekshon legal akí, mientras ta keda ninga nan esei na otro partinan di Reino, esta Kòrsou, Aruba i St. Maarten.

SAFE, ALFA i FOKO ta hasi un yamada fuerte na parlamentarionan, partidonan polítiko, huristanan i lidernan komunal di Kòrsou, Aruba i St. Maarten, pa, rekonosiendo diferenshanan religioso i esnan basá riba otro konvikshon i kerenshanan, aseptá ku derechi di hende seksodiverso (LGBTI) ta derechi sivil i komo tal derechi humano. Nan no por keda limitá pa kerenshanan religioso ni personal. Nos ta pidi nan rekonosé ku e prinsipio universal di igualdat ta rekirí ku hende i pareha seksodiverso (LGBTI) no ta keda ekskluí di derechinan básiko, ni ku ta limitá nan akseso na e derechinan akí. Inkluyendo e derechi pa kasa esun ku bo ta primintí stima i kuida.

Lysanne Charles – Arrindell, MSc. President SAFE

RESOLUCION CONHUNTO RIBA IGUALDAD
MATRIMONIAL DEN CARIBE HULANDES 2015
(Papiamento)

Oranjestad, Willemstad, Philipsburg, 18 juli, 2015

E organisacionnan sexodiverso (LGBTI) ALFA (Alternative Live-style Federation Aruba), FOKO (Fundacion Orguyo Corsow) y SAFE (St Maarten/StMartin Alliance for Equality) hunto ta declará cu e único resultado final di nos luchanan pa derecho di parehanan comprometé di e mesun sexo, ta e ful acceso na matrimonio i derechonan matrimonial den cada un di e paisnan Caribense di Reino Hulandes.

Nos ta declará cu e lucha pa derecho igual di ciudadano i parehanan sexodiverso(LGBTI) den nos paisnan ta djis un extension di tantu e lucha contra sclabitud i trabao forsá den nos historia comun, como lucha pa derecho igual pa hende muhé, i e lucha pa derecho civil di e movementonan popular contra rasismo i pa autonomia di siglo 20. Nos a yega na e resolucion aki reconociendo cu derechonan sexodiverso (LGBTI) ta derechonan humano, i cu como tal igualdad matrimonial ta cay bou di derecho humano y derecho civil.

Basá riba e trabaonan di abogacia, conseheria i e trabao educativo di nos organisacionnan, nos por pone énfasis cu e declaracion aki ta cuadra cu e deseonan mas profundo di e personanan sexodiverso(LGBTI) i nan aliadonan heterosexual den nos comunidadnan local. Esaki ta contradeci fuertemente e nocion y argumento frequente cu ta Hulanda lo ta imponiendo igualdad matrimonial den nos paisnan. E resolucion aki ta descualificá e nocion ei.

Nos comunidad sexodiverso(LGBTI) semper tawat’ei na cada un di nos islanan, cu un cantidad di persona significante, contribuyendo na e desaroyo continuo di nos comunidad, trahando den sectornan gobernamental, privá, cultural, y otro sectornan di sociedad, hopi biaha como lider. Semper nan a cumpli cu e obligacionnan legal cu nos paisnan ta imponé, sin por goza di e mes un proteccionnan legal cu otronan cu tambe ta cumpli cu tal obligacion.
Ta e gruponan local aki mes ta reconoce cu igualdad pa personanan sexodiverso (LGBTI) kier men principalmente tres punto, cada un mes un importante cu e otro:

• Proteccion contra stigma i discriminacion (pestmento, saca for di cas, kita for di trabao, nenga vivienda etc.)
• Maneho i legislacion cu ta inclui persona sexodiverso (herensia, pensioen di viudo(a) y bida familiar
• Igualdad matrimonial y relacional.

Cumplimiento cu derecho igual pa e ciudadanonan Caribense Hulandes sexodiverso (LGBTI) no por keda posponé cada bez, pa motibo di kere cu e sociedad lo no ta cla pa esaki. E gran momentonan di lucha pa derecho civil den historia di mundo y di nos paisnan no a keda warda te cu sociedad tawata cla of cu sociedad kier a duna permit pa activista exigi nan derechonan basico. Kiko lo a pasa si Tula, Betico Croes, Rosa Parks i Martin Luther King, lo a dicidi no sigui lucha pa un motibo? E caminda cu nos a scohe no ta pa cambia e kerensianan religioso di cada uno di nos sociedadnan, ni cu nos kier esei. Nos exigencia no ta pa forsa gruponan religioso pa casa parehanan sexodiverso (LGBTI) den nan iglesianan.

Den e discussion aki no tin lugar pa emocionnan y teologia personal. Ta p’esei e instituto religioso di matrimonio na un banda y matrimonio civil y secular na otro banda, ta dos cos diferente cu mester keda separa. Nos ta urgi parlamentarionan pa djis considera e nocion cu ta kita o limita bo derechonan civil y legal pa motibo di un aspecto di bo persona, sea bo rasa, decendencia etnico o orientacion sexual. Loke nos ta exigi ta pa e acceso na e pakete di proteccion legal, y derecho i beneficionan inclui den matrimonio civil ta inclui tur ciudadanonan, sea heterosexual o sexodiverso(LGBTI)

Hulanda y Merca ta dos pais cu nos hendenan gusta wak como ehempel pa loke ta democracia y derechonan civil. E ley Hulandes cu ta habri matrimonio pa pareha di mes un sexo ta defini matrimonio como un acto di compromiso i obligacion mutuo entre dos hende, sin ningun motibo obhetivo pa limita e persona aki su derecho basa riba su orientacion sexual.

Na Merca hues Anthony Kennedy di Corte Supremo hustificando su voto pa habri matrimonio pa parehanan sexodiverso(LGBTI) a declara: “Naturalesa di inhusticia ta cu no semper nos ta reconoc'e den nos propio historia... Naturalesa di matrimonio ta cu, pa medio di su laso duradero, dos persona hunto por haya otro libertadnan, manera expresion, intimidad y spiritualidad. Esaki ta conta pa tur hende, sin importa nan orientacion sexual... Tin dignidad den e laso entre dos hende homber o dos hende muher cu ke casa, i den nan acto autonomo pa yega na tal escohencia profundo. Matrimonio ta responde e miedo universal di hende solitario cu ora nan yama no tin ningun hende ta contesta. E ta ofrece e speransa di un compania, comprendemento i siguransa cu tanten ambos ta na bida tin hende pa cuida e otro”

E emocion di matrimonio ta algo cu ta intacto den tur nos sociedadnan. E nocion di cuida otro, proteha otro i crece hunto den bida ta un ideal cu hopi hende por aprecia. Un punto cu falta den esaki ta cu ciudadanonan sexodiverso (LGBTI) di nos sociedadnan, no tin e proteccion, derecho y obligacionnan legal cu matrimonio ta trece cune. No por ta cu na cierto partinan di Reino (Hulanda y Caribe Hulandes) ciudadanonan sexodiverso por disfruta di e proteccion legal aki, mientras ta keda ninga nan esei na otro partinan di Reino, esta Corsow, St Maarten y Aruba.

SAFE, FOKO y ALFA ta hasi un yamada fuerte na parlamentarionan, partidonan politico, huristanan y lidernan comunal di St Maarten, Corsow y Aruba, pa reconociendo diferencianan religioso i esnan basa riba otro conviccion i kerencianan, accepta cu derecho di hende sexodiverso (LGBTI) ta un derecho civil, y como tal un derecho humano. Nan no por keda limita pa kerencianan religioso ni personal. Nos ta pidi nan reconoce cu e principio universal di igualdad ta rekeri cu hende i pareha sexodiverso (LGBTI) no ta keda exclui di derechonan basico, ni cu ta limita nan acceso na e derechonan aki. Incluyendo e derecho pa casa cu esun cu bo ta priminti di stima y cuida.

Lysanne Charles –Arrindell, MSc. President SAFE

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Sarah Wescot Williams said in a press release on behalf of the Democratic Party faction of Parliament that she received a favorable response from the presidium of Parliament ( consisting of the Chairperson and his 2 deputies). “The presidium has favorably decided on my request to have the proposals regarding electoral reform that I submitted in my capacity as Prime Minister in 2014, picked up again by Parliament.”
Given the sentiments of the public and the unanimous motion passed by Parliament in 2013 regarding electoral reform, back then Wescot Williams said she had prepared a discussion paper, which she submitted to Parliament regarding several options as far as electoral reform is concerned.
These proposals ranged from possible amendments to the constitution, amendments to the electoral ordinance and the ordinance on registration and finances of political parties, to changes to the Rules of Order of Parliament.
“After several discussions in Parliament, which as Prime Minister I initiated, this paper was regretfully shelved by Parliament. In June, I -now in my capacity as MP- proposed to Parliament to have the legal advisor of Parliament further advice Parliament on these proposals, after receiving a quotation to do the relevant work.. I have recently been informed that this will take place, which of course I welcome.”
MP Wescot Williams said she is looking forward to the firm decision by Parliament to outsource this project and to the resulting proposals for debate in Parliament.
Electoral reform is one of the priorities of the Democratic Party and we look forward to the support of the other parliamentary factions in moving this matter forward.

PHILIPSBURG:----  United People’s (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake congratulates Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake in her achievement of being the first Sint Maarten-born Cardiologist, adding that she is a role model for the nation’s youth.
MP Lake further added that he would like to see a better plan of action and incentives put in place by Government when it concerns local professionals returning home to work as well as those who are already here working on the island.
“We have a lot of local professionals who work in Government and the private sector who are still waiting to get some type of response or incentives from Government (especially from the Personnel Department) for returning back to the island after their studies to help build up this country.
“I am very concerned of this trend where we focus and give better incentives package for other professionals from abroad, rather than focus on what we can do for our own local professionals who come back home. We are working in reverse order here. That’s why as an MP in Parliament, I am very adamant of getting rid of the Expat Law in the public sector and adjusting it in the private sector.

“If the private sector wants an expat professional let them pay the price and other incentives for them. I am looking forward to receiving an upgraded draft of the “instroombeleid”, incentive policy, from our Prime Minister, and would hope that all outstanding requests are dealt with expediently by our HR Department.
“We need to look into these outstanding requests from our returning professionals, and to offer more attractive incentives other than a year of 10-15% toelage on your salary, transportation cost, and a one way ticket back to St. Maarten. We need a structural return home policy. Otherwise it is Government itself who is contributing to the “brain drain” phenomena here on our beautiful island.
“An expat professional gets a high salary, transportation cost, house rent, and hardly pays any wage taxes. We need to change this trend and start focusing on our own local professionals by offering better incentives instead of just congratulating them. As an MP, I went through this experience of coming back home with three Master's Degrees, often being labelled overqualified, walking in the hot sun for a year, working odd jobs to help my mom and living back home and having to pay my own transportation cost back home to contribute to developing my Country.
“Only by the grace of God and a strong family back bone, hard work and some local professionals and Leaders such as the late Vance James Jr. and MP Heyliger, was I given the opportunity to serve and give back to my Country. That's why I have a passion to see to it that others don't go through what I went through in life. I just would like for Government to upgrade their incentive policy which was never done before for our local professionals as well as building affordable housing for them as well.
“The Public and Private sector have set back a lot of our local professionals when they applied for certain positions in Sint Maarten. It seems we love to setback our local professionals. It's a Country shame on how we treat some of our top local professionals in the different fields and discourage them and then they have to turn to find work in other Countries.
“We have local professionals who returned back home and are still at home without work or on the waiting list of Government to get a deduction on their scholarship payments for returning back home to work to contribute towards the national development of Sint Maarten.
“Government doesn't have money for them to get a deduction on their scholarship but can easily entertain payments for the expat professionals.
“Imagine Government is requesting for certain jobs that the person must have over 10 to 15 years’ experience in which we know our local professionals don’t have that type of experience. The expert in anything was once a beginner.
“I am just highlighting some of the setbacks that our local professionals are facing in Sint Maarten. They have come to me asking how and where Parliament can assist so others don’t have to go through the same thing. That’s why we need to invest in our local people through training, education and the recognition of best practices and individual achievements according to our Governing program. I am looking forward to the Minister of General Affairs and the Minister of Education to make this change based on our Governing program.
“We need to lead by example and offer a better incentive package for them to return back home and we need to start now,” UP MP Maurice Lake pointed out.
The MP added: “We also have to stop demeaning our own local professionals such as in the case of Denicio Richardson and other local professionals. I don't understand why his court case has not been finalized as yet, but yet in the meantime other cases are being entertained. We need to raise the bar and take this Country to another level,” MP Lake concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams said she considers the conflict between the Supervisory Board of Directors and the MD/CEO of NV GEBE more of a labor issue or a conflict between employer and employee, the relationship between the Shareholder (the government of St. Maarten) and its company's supervisory board deserves closer scrutiny and should be a concern ti everyone on St. Maarten. "This even more so, if we observe government's behavior towards its companies in general.The su pervisory boards of these companies represent the shareholder, the government.
The government "owns" and directs these companies on behalf of the people of St. Maarten. The supervisory boards and their managements need to protect the corporate operations of these government-owned companies as best as they can. No difference there between these companies and any other "private" company.'
What is baffling, is when issues between the government as shareholder and its supervisory boards play out in public. Granted, this is often difficult to control, but then it behooves government to also publicly set the record straight. MP Wescot Williams said in a press statement on Sunday.
"What we see happening now with government-owned companies or even government (related) foundations is undermining the credibility of these institutions and that of the government in general. By their very nature, these companies a/o foundations are all important to St. Maarten. The question can rightfully be asked: "Who is steering this country and where to?" All hope was pinned on the governing program for an answer to this question. Sad to conclude, this document has not done so in the least, MP Wescot Williams further stated
"A governing program presented TO the government by the coalition partners???
Usually these programs come FROM government, regardless of how the drafting takes place or with whose input.
What we witnessed, is the process in reverse and tells us a whole lot about the modus operandi of the governing partners on St. Maarten."

PHILIPSBURG:--- Five time pageant winner Ms Dshnay Mathew York is preparing to clinch her sixth title at Ms Dutch Caribbean Islands pageant in Saba on Thursday July 30th
York is no stranger to pageantry having won five pageants so far in her life
Miss baby swimsuit model 1999
Ms Pichounette 2008
Ms Junior Carnival Queen 2006
Ms Teen Carnival Queen 2014
Ms Haynes Smith Caribbean Teen 2014
She is very excited to represent St Maarten as an ambassador in the caribbean islands pageant.She said when she takes the stage she will be representing the many people living on the island.She is thankful for the support she has been getting from the community.

Six young ladies of the Dutch caribbean islands will vie for the title.The pageant will be held at festival village in the bottom at 8 pm sharp.All contestants have been crowned at least once in their pageant experience so this show is expected to be on a high calibre,which will make the show very exciting

The contestants will travel to Saba on July 28th and will engage in various activities to become familiar with Saba and get prepared for the pageant

Ms York is being groomed by her Model coach Francis Mathew a three time award winning best model coach in the UK.
York sees this pageant as another way to showcase her beloved St Maarten.She enjoys singing dancing and modelling in her spare time

Tickets for the show cost $15 per person.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Inglot’s Store Manager Miranda Mathews presented the Funtopia Staff with a donation to support the group in their quest in raising funds for them to travel to Las Vegas. Present at the presentation was Owner and Manager of Funtopia Lucinda Audain, and her team of diverse young entertainers Crystal Blackett, Celina Monsanto, Lidie Schoop and Rijkman Hodge. The group is a part of the team of 14 local entertainers that are members of the Funtopia Youth Initiative (FYI) that are gearing up to make their dream trip possible to experience La Vegas shows and productions.
Las Vegas is the mecca for spectacular productions from the Cirque du Soleil which captivates surrealism and theatrical romance in their timeless productions. The international cast of world-class acrobats, dancers, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters perform in, on and above water to create a breathtaking experience in a magnificent theatre. The group is enthusiastic in also seeing the riveting production by the famous Jabbawakkeez from American best dance crew. Hip hop mimes with ultra-funky moves is an amazing show that combines high energy routines with state of the art theatrical effects.

Supervisory Board submitted three names to Shareholder for the position.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The shareholder representative of government owned company GEBE will soon re-appoint William Brooks as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.
SMN News learnt that the Supervisory Board of Directors of GEBE submitted three names to the shareholder representatives on June 18th 2015.
Those persons are William Brooks, a former CEO of GEBE who was terminated in December 2011. Brooks was sent home by GEBE former chairman of the board the late Julius Lambert but it is highly possible that he will be reappointed to the position he once held.
The other two persons that were submitted to the shareholder (government) are Mr. Kwartel a Dutch national and Ms. Madeline Muys from Curacao.
According to information provided to SMN News is that the government of St. Maarten chose to re-appoint Brooks to the position he once held in the government owned company.
It is not clear how soon will the shareholder representative inform the Supervisory Board of Directors on the decision they have taken and how soon Brooks will be appointed. When Brooks was terminated from GEBE he went to St. Kitts where he was given the position as CEO of St. Kitts Electrical Company.
SMN News contacted a member of the Supervisory Board who confirmed that they made the nominations on June 18th 2015 and are awaiting a response from the government of St. Maarten. The supervisory board member made clear that Mr. William Brooks is from St. Maarten and he has to live just like everyone else, further to that the board member said that government had sent home the late Julius Lambert but they also re-appointed him sometime after. “Right now there is a strict Supervisory Board of Directors at GEBE and management of the company has to follow the rules and regulations that are set down and William Brooks will be no exception if government chose him as the candidate to fill the vacant position.

Taxi Driver cooperated and settle for less than cost of damages.

Cay Hill:--- A female passenger from Liberty Cruise line that was at the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) to experience the jet blast from departing aircraft ended up hitting a taxi and broke its front lights. The passenger also suffered injuries to her forehead that had to be stitched while she also suffered with a broken collar bone.
The incident took place sometime on Monday. SMN News contacted Acting Police Spokesman Steven Carty who confirmed that the female tourist was hanging on PJIAE fence that is almost on Beacon Hill road. Carty said when the jet blast hit the passenger the hat she was wearing blew off and she turned around to get the hat and in doing so she landed on the taxi that was passing at the time. Carty said the taxi driver was very cooperative with the family and took less money from them for the damages to his vehicle since he knew the incident was not done on purpose. The acting police spokesman further explained that PJIAE took extra precautions and extended their fence way up to the Beacon Hill road while they placed several signs there hoping it would deter people from hanging on to the fence for the jet blast experience.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As the uproar continues within the United Peoples Party (UPP) since most Members of Parliament from the UPP faction are in disagreement with their leader Theodore Heyliger, at least two Members of Parliament from the UPP faction and two of their coalition partners have decided to take the bull by its horns to do the work of the people.
SMN News understands that some of the UPP MP’s are saying that their leader is not leading the country instead he is always off island making his business deals which is causing serious problems within the party.
Therefore MP Franklin Meyers who is the deputy leader of the UPP and faction leader took the bull by its horns and decided along with MP Tamara Leonard, coalition partners Independent Members of Parliament Leona Marlin Romeo and Cornelius de Weever and presented their governing program to Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs in the presence of Minister Claret Connor on July 16th 2015. A well-placed source within the UPP said that the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger had the biggest surprise Friday morning when he saw the outline of the Governing program in one of the local newspapers.
SMN News made several phone calls to MP Heyliger for a comment on what is happening within his party but he could not be reached.

PHILIPSBURG:-----  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, spoke at the opening of the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA) at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.
The IACA is being hosted by St. Maarten from July 19-25. The IACA Congress is the largest gathering of professional archaeologists specializing in Caribbean studies in the world, with representatives from over 23 countries and over 300 delegates; it is the place to be for cutting-edge research information about heritage in the Caribbean.
Minister Connor during his address stated: “It is remarkable to observe that 26 years ago to be exact was the last time since this Congress was held on Dutch soil, and today you are here on St. Maarten (on another Dutch soil) for the 26th Edition of the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology. So as we would say it in the Dutch language “Welkom Op St. Maarten”.
“I can stand here as Minister of Tourism and Economics Affairs and say thank you for choosing St. Maarten for the venue of this event, because of the economic benefits that it will provide for our country. We are indeed honored to host over 200 delegates on our soil, however more important for me is that this congress comes at the heel of a very important process for St. Maarten. As a government we have established vital dialogues with all stakeholders; public, private and grassroots, whom are meticulously playing their role in sculpting and etching our “National Development Plan”.
“To complement the aforementioned process, my ministry recently organized an Economic Summit during which time the nucleus was placed on St. Maarten's comparative advantages and how these were central to developing its future. As a country in development, we must clearly identify these advantages and find ways to build upon them while adding to our existing products. For example our niche tourism, marine activities, agriculture, financial services and logistics are all areas identified in our National Economic Framework as viable options for St. Maarten.
“But imagine for a moment how irrelevant all of this work would be without aligning ourselves with the work that you do. The information that you share lays the linkages between cultural and national heritage and its importance to the community and development of a country.
“Imagine what our very existence would be like without the discipline of archaeology? Imagine not knowing about our past in order to cultivate our future. Imagine not knowing how a society adapts to cultural change. Imagine in absence of archaeology we would not know why so many visitors are attracted to our island.
“In the UK the (Charted Institute for Archaeology) or CIFA for example emphasizes moreover that planning policies should be on sustainable development that benefits the economy, society and the environment and requires, among other things, the protection and enhancement of the historic environment. For projects in the developing world, banks and development agencies increasingly require cultural assets to be looked after and to be incorporated into new development”. In other words, there is an immense correlation between archaeology and heritage, the environment, the economy and society as a whole that should not be underestimated by government.
“(The term re purpose-Reuse or Upcycle... comes to mind in looking again at our much talked about and treasured historical monuments and sights etc.)
“I want to therefore commend all of you present, whom during the next couple of days will be either networking with fellow colleagues or discoursing about future anthropological interpretations, new paths to be unraveled.....or pioneering new research and advancement in the discipline of heritage. I wish you continued success in your work collectively as an organization,” Minister Hon. Claret Connor said on Monday to the conference attendees.
The local host organization for the IACA Congress is the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), with St. Maarten archaeologist, Dr. Jay Haviser as Chairperson, along with cooperation from French Saint Martin and Anguilla.
Minister Connor commended the organizing committee under the auspices of Dr. Jay Haviser, the Simarc Secretariat, the St. Maarten Museum, and many public and private organizations (locally and abroad) who for the last two years have employed a lot of hard work to ensure that the congress emerges a success. “Each of these organizations has contributed in one way or the other to host this auspicious event,” Minister Connor pointed out.
Minister Connor extended, “...a very fruitful and productive congress to all delegates and their families. Do take some time to enjoy our island’s hospitality and diverse cuisine. May this assembly and visit to St. Maarten be an enjoyable one and I hope to see you back soon,” Minister Hon. Claret Connor concluded.
During the conference, there will be daily research paper sessions, guest lectures, field trips on island as well as to Anguilla, and cultural reception nights, throughout the week-long event.

PHILIPSBURG:---- During the last visit of the Board of Financial Supervision (Cft) in February, the government of Sint Maarten agreed to settle its payment arrears with APS and SZV before the end of May. The Cft regrets that government has missed the deadline and as a consequence, has discussed with the government of Sint Maarten how this issue can be resolved.

On June 24th and 25th, the Cft held meetings with the Governor, the Prime Minister, the minister of Finance, the Council of Ministers and the Financial Committee of Parliament. The main topics of discussion were settlement of the payment arrears, the compensation of the accumulated deficits in 2010-2014, the income ceiling for 2015, as well as the need to reform the public pension scheme and healthcare system.

2015 budget
The 2015 budget was provisionally approved by the end of March 2015 after substantial delays. At the same time the Cft requested the Kingdom Council to approve a multiannual compensation of the deficits accumulated in 2012-2014 (approximately ANG 60 million). On May 13th, the Kingdom Council decided that these deficits may be compensated in three years, up to the budget of 2018. Sint Maarten will now have to prepare a multiannual budget amendment to take this into account.

Actual revenue data up to April suggest that an income level of ANG 445 million may be just feasible. At the same time, the Cft notes that seasonal revenue patterns suggest that shortfalls may occur later in the year. Consequently, it has asked the government to stand ready to take remedial action if needed.

Payment arrears
The government of Sint Maarten also accepted to come up with a final settlement of the payment arrears to SZV and APS by the end of May. The Cft suggested using a combination of selling government property, using the proceeds of the ‘vereffening’ and budgetary amendments. It was clarified that payment arrears cannot be settled by taking up long-term loans, since this would undermine any budgetary discipline, apart from the fact that the Kingdom law does not allow such loans. Likewise the Cft requested the government to focus on the completeness of the budget, with regard to pension and healthcare related expenses, in order to avoid unforeseen new demands on the budget. Progress has been made in agreeing on the exact magnitude of the arrears to be settled, but the financial means to settle the arrears have not yet been properly identified by the government. The Cft regrets that this long-standing issue – which is of paramount importance for the viability of the social security for the people of Sint Maarten - has not been resolved. The Cft will have to inform the Kingdom Council of Ministers by early July and will possibly advise to give Sint Maarten a targeted instruction to address the specific issues outstanding.

Pension and healthcare reforms needed
An analysis of the payment arrears with SZV and APS shows that both the healthcare and pension system need urgent reforms to attain financially viable funds for the near future. Although several plans have been proposed by the council of ministers to restructure both systems, the attendant legislation still needs to be adopted by Parliament. The government plan to increase the pension age needs to be implemented, and the final-pay pension scheme needs to be substituted by an average-pay scheme, as is best practice elsewhere. Premiums are already at a high level and further increases would be needed to make the current pension scheme sustainable, which is clearly unrealistic and would undermine Sint Maarten’s competitive position by adding to labor costs. Healthcare expenses have been increasing rapidly, causing the SZV funds to dwindle its reserves to cover the deficits. Cost cutting measures such as excluding over the counter medicines, applying a 10% deductable and increasing the salary threshold are just a few examples that were included in the 2015 budget, but have not been executed. The Cft advises the government to take swift action to restructure the pension and healthcare system to enable them to attain long term financial sustainability.

Medium-term strategy
The Cft supports the government’s plans to structurally strengthen the Sint Maarten economy and lay the foundations for sustainable public finances. The government’s Strategy for Growth program can help to strengthen the tax base and so provide the necessary financial means to provide an adequate level of public services. Improved financial management, strengthening of the tax authority and improving tax compliance should underpin this strategy.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Saturday July 18, 2015, the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Foundation hosted a Bonfire & BBQ Fundraiser which was a great success. The event started at 6:00 pm sharp with the lighting of the tiki lamps and the igniting of the bonfire which was placed in the common area of the zoo.

The atmosphere was as promised, warm and relaxed, families came dressed in the T’s and jeans. The children were entertained by Funtophia. They received individually designed balloons and they also played childlike games and made full use of the playground facilities. The children also took part in a dance off competition which gave one child the opportunity to receive a raffle ticket for their parents for a “Weekend Getaway” at Royal Islander Club LaTerrasse Resort. The three finalists were Camicko, Jayden and Ceth.

Besides the relaxed atmosphere, music was provided by Genesis Music Group, which gave everyone the opportunity to dance the night away. Food and drinks were also on sale which was provided by Captain D’s.

On behalf of the board of the St. Maarten Zoological & Botanical Garden Foundation we would like to thank the persons and companies who contributed to making the event a success, and we look forward to your continued support in keeping our gates open for all to enjoy, the board concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle continued its effort to give back to the community by donating food to the children and volunteers attending a 3-day Foster Care workshop at the John Larmonie Center on two consecutive days. On day one, pizzas and drinks were delivered for all to enjoy while on the second day the participants were able to partake of a healthier lunch as they were given veggie pasta, baked chicken legs and garden salads from Mark’s Place.

Present from Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle were Assistant District Governor Louis Wever, President David Antrobus, Immediate Past President Wayne Wilkie, And New Generations Chair Jon Hart.

Mrs. Antonia Hodge of the Hope Outreach Foundation for foster care was very appreciative of the gesture.

Rotary club of St. Maarten Mid Isle hopes to continue to assist with projects in the community that will improve the quality of life of all citizens in particular our youth.

SIMPSON BAY:---The Managing Director of the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, Ms. Regina LaBega has been invited to participate as a panelist at the CEO forum of the Airports Conference of the Americas, which will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from August 10 - 12, 2015.
Dubbed “Leadership Focus: Airline and Airport Executive Forum,” the session which will be held on August 12, 2015 will feature three other speakers, including Thomas Bosco, Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Mr. Mario Diaz, Director of the Houston Airport System, will be the moderator.
“I am honored for the invitation and see this as a recognition of what we have been doing at SXM Airport to enhance the passenger experience,” LaBega said.
The conference is organized by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the South Central Chapter AAAE, and the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE), in collaboration with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Topics to be discussed include runway safety, infrastructure planning and funding, commercial air service development, wildlife management, new concession trends, and security.
“This is the best forum for US airport, government and industry suppliers to network with representatives from the Caribbean and Latin America and to discuss the challenges associated with managing an international airport in today’s fast-moving environment,” the organizers stated on their website.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rosie Gumbs also known as Nurse Rosie celebrated 25 years in her nursing career yesterday. She has been working at the St. Maarten Home in St.John for the last 25 years. The celebration took the form of a short service, with a blessing done by Evangelist Salt, some words of congratulations from colleagues and friends, followed by some snacks. Rosie was generally described as a person who takes her job very seriously.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Front street will be closed from July 21 through July 28 from 8 PM through 5AM nightly
Demolishing works will be carried out for approximately 7 days at Building site #114 Front Street. Debris will be transported to the landfill from the demolishing site through Front Street along Diamond Casino to the Sanitary landfill.
Motorists will be restricted access and pedestrians should take note of the closure and use alternative access through backstreet.
VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences caused.

PHILIPSBURG:----  The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament will meet in session on July 23.

The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations meeting is set for Thursday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is a discussion on a draft letter to the Chairpersons of the Dutch First and Second Chambers of Parliament pertaining to the position of the Dutch Parliament on the decisions of the Kingdom Conference that was held on June 16, 2015.

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 parliament’s website www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Monday the 20th of July approximately 3:30pma police patrol was dispatched to Calabas Drive in Almond Grove where a 65 year old male was robbed and beaten in his home when he was confronted by a masked intruder. After severely injuring the victim, the assailant managed to still search the victims’ home and left with undisclosed amount of items from the home. Patrols responded quickly, but the assailant managed to evade capture. Members of the forensic department were on the scene and detectives are conducting an investigation. The victim was transported to the French side to seek medical attention for his injuries. Contact was made with the victim who is still in hospital. He will be flown to Guadeloupe for further medical attention.

KPSM Police Report.

WILLEMSTAD:---- Curaçao recorded another success in managing to take away funds from criminals. This yet even before the " Afpakteam Curacao” is operational. Authorities on Curaçao assisted the United States (USA) in a matter involving a Venezuelan drug trafficker who laundering proceeds through Puerto Rico. He was arrested in Colombia and extradited in 2010 to the United States. As a result, the United States is prepared to share $873,127.57 with Curaçao. This in accordance with the “asset sharing treaty” which exists between Curaçao and the USA.
The funds at the “Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section” (AFMLS) will be allocated on the
account of the Fund for Combatting Crime which is administered by the Ministry of Justice of
Curaçao.

VS deelt fondsen met Curaçao

Curaçao boekt wederom een succes in het kader van het “afpakken” van gelden van criminelen. Dit nog zelfs voordat het “Afpakteam Curaçao” operationeel is. In dit geval hebben de autoriteiten van Curaçao de Verenigde Staten (VS) geholpen in een onderzoek waarbij een Venezolaanse drugshandelaar is aangehouden en veroordeeld is voor witwassen. Opbrengsten werden door de verdachte via Puerto Rico gesluisd. De man werd gearresteerd in Colombia en is in 2010 uitgeleverd aan de Verenigde Staten. Dientengevolge is de Verenigde Staten nu bereid het bedrag van $
873,127.57 te delen met Curaçao. Dit conform het “asset sharing” verdrag tussen Curaçao en de VS. De fondsen ondergebracht bij de Amerikaanse “Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section” (AFMLS) wordt gestort op de rekening van het Criminaliteitsbestrijdingsfonds van Curaçao, deze wordt beheerd door het Ministerie van Justitie van Curaçao.

Merka ta kompartí fondonan ku Kòrsou

Korsou a bolbe logra un éksito den kuadro di kitamentu di fondonan di kriminal. Tur esaki asta promé ku “Afpakteam Kòrsou” a bira un realidat. Den e kaso aki ta outoridatnan di Kòrsou ku a yuda Estádos Unídos den pasado resien ku un kaso ku ta envolví un tráfikadó di droga Venezolano ku tabata laba plaka via Puerto Rico. El a keda detené na Colombia i despues ekstraditá pa Estádos Unídos na 2010. Komo resultado di e kaso Merka ta dispuesto awor pa kompartí e montante di
$873,127.57 ku Kòrsou. Esaki konforme un areglo ku tin entre Korsou i Estádos Unídos, formulá den
e asina yamá “asset sharing treaty”.
E fondonan aloká serka e departamentu Merikano, “Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section” (AFMLS), ta keda depositá na Korsou riba e Fondo di Kriminalidat (Criminaliteitsbestrijdingsfonds) ku ta ser manehá pa Ministerio di Hustisia di Kòrsou.