PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week, yet another annual report was added to the long list of reports that Parliament has in its possession. The General Audit Chamber, one of the High Councils of State, submitted for the seventh time, its annual report in both the Dutch and English languages. Hence, Members of Parliament, who are not versed in the Dutch language have no excuse about not being able to read or understand the Chamber’s annual report. I would like to commend the Chamber for producing a very good report. It’s critical, yet objective and minces no words as it lets the governor and parliament know what is going on in government as far as the areas of responsibility of the Chamber are concerned. Since the annual report is a public document, the Chamber may want to consider a more friendly layout.

If Parliament is serious about executing its supervisory task then the Chamber has supplied Members of Parliament again with an excellent instrument to do such. Unfortunately, the previous annual reports have been blatantly ignored by parliament. SMCP truly hopes that Parliament will do something about this report. Our government and even our parliament have grave objections to the establishment of an Integrity Chamber because they believe that integrity assessments can be carried out by our High Councils of State. Yet all the annual reports of the High Councils of State thus far have been totally ignored which is an indication of great disrespect for the Councils as institutions as well as for the research and hard work carried out by the personnel of these Councils.

In the 2016 annual report, the Chamber points out many instances where the government and specifically ministers have failed to do their jobs. The report states that when government is made aware of weaknesses and deficiencies in the organization and even draft plans to deal with these, “the implementation is found wanting”. The Chamber also reports that several ministers and ministries did not cooperate in providing the requested information, which impacted the audits that were carried out in 2016. The Chamber even wonders if lack of cooperation and failure to provide information are “becoming the standard practice in government”. If ministers and ministries are unable or unwilling to provide information to the General Audit Chamber which has the legal authority to request such, can you imagine the refusal and resistance that the High Councils of State will encounter if they are charged with integrity investigations?

The Chamber also pointed out serious shortcomings in the way government manages its finances. Government spent money that was not available, particularly in the area of hiring personnel. This was pointed out in the previous annual reports as well but has been totally ignored by government. In addition, appointments by government-owned companies lack all form of transparency. Furthermore, according to the National Ordinance Promotion of integrity of ministers, the government must seek the advice of the General Audit Chamber when appointing new ministers. It appears that for the screening of all of the ministers in the current cabinet no advice from the Chamber was sought.

During 2016, the Ministries of Justice, Finance, and General Affairs were guilty of not cooperating and not providing the requested information to the General Audit Chamber. Even though the ministers charged with these ministries were notified of such the Chamber never received any reaction to their notification.

The above are just some of the problems listed in the General Audit Chamber’s 2016 Annual Report concerning the functioning of government. Since the reports of the High Councils of State are meant to help Parliament carry out its supervisory task, the report at hand contains enough material to enable parliament to call out government and ministers on a number issues such as: a lack of transparency regarding appointments, hiring personnel when there is no money allocated for such, the inability to present a solid and auditable financial statement, providing proper insight about how public funds are used, etc. Parliament, there is a lot of work to be done!

I must say something here about the blatant disrespect on the part of parliament for the General Audit Chamber. During 2016, a delegation of the Dutch Parliament and a delegation from the Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Affairs visited the General Audit Chamber. Yet our own parliament did not see the need to even meet with the Chamber to discuss its 2015 annual report.

Unfortunately, our parliament also shows a similar disregard for the other High Councils of State as well. The Advisory Council, as well as the Ombudsman, have, over the years, diligently submitted their annual reports but Parliament has yet to discuss these and additional interim reports in a Central Committee and follow up on these reports by calling government and ministers to parliament to give an account for the problems and failures listed in these reports. To date, Parliament has received sixteen annual reports from the three High Councils of State but they have never yet been discussed in Parliament. How or when does Parliament plan to tackle all of these reports?

Wycliffe Smith
Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party

POINTE BLANCHE:---- Port St. Maarten has a representative at the 20th Annual General Meeting of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) which is taking place in the Cayman Islands from June 21-23.
On Wednesday, the PMAC opened with an Executive Committee Meeting followed by a Strategic Session and Welcome Reception in the evening. On Thursday, opening remarks will be delivered by the chairman followed by internal organizational business matters. On Friday, there will be a number of technical sessions for the delegates attending the 20th Annual PMAC meeting.
Port Management Association of the Caribbean delegates will be reviewing the Strategic Plan 2013-2017 and creating an upcoming plan as it relates to 21st century continuous and sustainable growth for member ports in collaboration with cargo carriers with respect to better insight into growth perspectives. More emphasis will be placed on discussions related to ‘big data’ for better, decisive and efficient decision-making.
Presentations will be given on the following subjects: Yacht Market Outlook; Correct planning, equipment, and the practice of safety protocols for mitigating the risks to life in ports.
Oil spills in ports – How to plan, prepare, mitigate, and react; From Vessel Traffic Service to Ship Traffic Control. Natural evolution of modern solutions; Improving warehouse operations through automation; Discussion on current trends in ferry service and blue sky vision for Caribbean routes; Dredging and Towing Service at Degrad Des Cannes.
The three-day annual general meeting will conclude with an awards dinner on Friday evening.
Port St. Maarten is looking forward to meeting with port executives and managers across the Caribbean to engage in topics of mutual interests that range from challenges faced by small ports in the Caribbean to best practices that can enhance the Ports operational efficiency and in turn increase growth potential, Port Management said on Wednesday.
“Port St. Maarten is busy preparing to roll out the port community system interconnecting all stakeholders using the already in-house terminal operating system GLS which is provided by IT Partners BV.
“Port St. Maarten has implemented since 2010 the IT Partner GLS system for its Cruise and Cargo activities. The Port has an extensive real-time database which is nowadays referred to as ‘big data’. Utilization of the port community system will enhance business intelligence and strategic business decisions,” Port St. Maarten Management pointed out.
PMAC conducted its inaugural meeting in Antigua on 26 June 1998, having succeeded the Port Management Association of the Eastern Caribbean established on 16 May 1988.
The main objective of PMAC is to improve the proficiency of member ports and the quality of services offered to their users, specifically through the facilitation of relevant training designed to maximize human resources, and effectively meet the ever-increasing challenges of the global environment.
Moreover, amidst developments within the maritime industry, the Association strives to remain relevant by providing critical services to members, which entail the sharing of experience, information, and ideas, as well as advocacy and representation at multilateral levels.
PMAC’s mission is to foster operational and financial efficiency, and to enhance the level of service to the mutual benefit of Caribbean Ports and their stakeholders, through the sharing of experience, training, information and ideas.
Current membership includes port organizations from the following islands, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, French Guyane, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, Cayman Islands, Sint Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Turks and Caicos Islands. There are also a number of associate members.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season kicked off on June 1st, and two named storm systems formed this week, namely Bret and Cindy.

This is a stark reminder that residents and business owners should be prepared for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season which according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, will be a busy season – above-normal.

Tropical Storm Cindy is currently in the Gulf of Mexico off the U.S. northern gulf coast and forecasted to make landfall on Thursday.

Tropical Storm Bret dissipated off the coast of Venezuela on Tues y, and was the first Central Atlantic storm to form east of the Lesser Antilles for the season.

NOAA forecasts between 11 to 17 named storms, of which five to nine could become hurricanes, including two to four major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5.

An average season produces 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Fire Chief and Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is calling on the community to use the time now to re-check storm preparations and to be prepared this hurricane season. Remember, it only takes one to make it a bad season.

The remaining storm names for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season are: Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irma, Jose, Katia, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is urging residents to check hurricane shutters and the roof of your home or business, and to make sure windows and shutters close securely.

Persons living along coastal areas as well as those in flood prone areas should start looking at what measures they would take in the event of a hurricane which could cause flood challenges.

Mariners who are seeking shelter in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond should also make plans to stay with friends or at a hotel once they have secured their vessel in a timely manner rather than staying on-board the vessel to ride out the passing of a storm.

The 2017 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.

The list of hurricane shelters for the season are: New Testament Baptist Church (Philipsburg), Sr. Marie Laurence School (Middle Region), Milton Peters College (South Reward), Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Center (St. Peters), Sint Maarten Academy (Cul de Sac), National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA, Cay Hill), Leonard Connor School (Cay Bay), Christian Fellowship Church (Cole Bay), Allan C. Halley Community Centre (Simpson Bay).

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), will be accepting applications from eligible entities that are interested in registering as a hurricane aftermath clean-up company.

Registration will be open from June 26th, 2017 through July 14th, 2017 at the Ministry of VROMI located at #16 Tamarinde Steeg (Yellow Building) on the Pondfill.

Applicable companies must present their company profile including a synopsis of their equipment and/or services, along with their proof of registration at the chamber of commerce, crib number and all relevant insurances such as equipment and liabilities.

All registrations must be addressed to VROMI Operations Manager, Edelmiro Jansen and can be submitted at the VROMI Office or can be emailed to Edelmiro.jansen@sintmaartengov.org.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB) is calling on local Graphic Artists and Designers to participate in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Awards Logo Design Competition.

CTO created the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards aimed at identifying and showcasing Sustainable Tourism Good Practices in the Caribbean.

Designers and graphic artists aged 18 and over can make their mark on the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards. This is your chance to design the Awards Logo in support of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Work Programme and is an opportunity to win bragging rights in an initiative that celebrates sustainability champions in tourism – the most important industry in our region.

The Awards recognize individuals, groups, organizations or companies in any CTO Member Country which have developed responsible and unique tourism products or are engaged in implementing tourism-related initiatives which embrace sustainability principles and core values.

Without question, recognized initiatives also help to enhance national tourism product offerings and advance sustainable and responsible tourism in the Caribbean, CTO points out.

There are currently seven (7) Sustainable Tourism Award Categories namely: Excellence in Sustainable Tourism; Destination Stewardship; Sustainable Accommodation; Community Benefit; Heritage Protection; Biodiversity Conservation; and Agro-Tourism.

This Logo Design Competition is open to nationals of CTO member countries, aged 18 years or older. Submissions are due by 5PM (AST) on Friday 30th June 2017, and a final selection will be announced by Monday 17th July 2017.

For competition guidelines, technical requirements, submission guidelines etc., go to the following link on the CTO website (www.onecaribbean.org) http://www.onecaribbean.org/st-awards-logo-design-competition/

PHILIPSBURG:--- From June 14-16, 2017 delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten met in The Hague, Netherlands for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO).
Topics such as climate change and energy, youth, education, economic opportunities within the Kingdom, health care, discrimination, and integrity were discussed and information was exchanged on these topics by the four parliamentary delegations. Furthermore, the delegations informed one another about the state of affairs of the execution of the Paris Agreement and the latest developments surrounding the fast ferry connections between the islands. The delegations also agreed that they would request their Governments to organize a conference on Education similar to the Health Care Conference organized in 2015 and 2017 in Aruba to discuss several issues in the educational systems of the countries within the Kingdom.
The delegations expressed their concerns about the situation in Venezuela and the tangible consequences that are already being felt in especially Aruba and Curaçao but also Bonaire in the form of the increase in migration flow, crime, and prostitution. The delegations agreed to keep a close eye on the situation and to request an update from the Governments and Kingdom Government.
The Dispute regulation was also on the agenda of the IPKO. It is expected that the Kingdom Council of State will give its advice soon on the draft Dispute regulation as submitted by the Kingdom Government. Once the Kingdom Government officially submits the draft to the Second Chamber, the Parliaments of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom will have the opportunity to give their input on the draft by making use of the rights as provided by the Kingdom Charter.
The topic the Ideal Kingdom 2040 is a relatively new topic on the IPKO agenda. It was first introduced in January 2017 and was further elaborated on in this last IPKO. The delegations concluded that there are strengths such as rule of law, joint history, mutual cooperation and Kingdom Charter but also weakness such as the difference in size, cultural differences, and insufficient mutual understanding, within the Kingdom. The delegations identified threats such as disintegration and Kingdom structure as well as opportunities such as mutual cooperation and exchange of expertise, within the Kingdom.
The program included a meeting with representatives of the BES islands (Bonaire, Statia, and Saba) on the matter of embedding these islands in the Dutch Constitution amongst others as well as several work visits.
The Interparliamentary consultations concluded on Friday, June 16, 2017, with the adoption and signing of the Agreement List and a joint press conference of the four delegations.
Prior to the start of the Interparliamentary consultations, on June 12, 2017, the delegation of Sint Maarten participated in the Tripartite meeting along with delegations from sister islands of Curaçao and Aruba. Among the topics that were discussed were Integrity Chamber, Academy for Legislation, Security, Ministerial Cooperation as well as several IPKO topics.
The goal of the meeting was to prepare for the Interparliamentary consultation as well as discuss topics of mutual interest.
The Sint Maarten delegation that took part in the IPKO and Tripartite meetings consisted of the following members:

Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament and delegation leader;
Mr. drs. Rodolphe E. Samuel, Chairman Committee Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations;
Mr. Frans G. Richardson;
MP Perry F.M. Geerlings;
Mrs. Nancy R. Guishard-Joubert, LL.M., Secretary General;
Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, LL.M., 2nd Acting Secretary General;
Mr. mr Ralph R.H. Richardson, Advisor.

PHILIPSBURG:---During the summer the Philipsburg Jubilee Library would like to notify the general public of its grace period and our opening hours,
The Grace period commences as of Tuesday, June 27th until Saturday, July 8th, 2017. Patrons have the opportunity to bring in all their overdue and/or lost books at no cost to them.
Please note, on the 1st of July, in the context of Emancipation Day, the library will be closed.
The opening schedule for the remainder of the summer is as follows; Mondays we are closed to the public, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, we will be open from 9 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm until 6 pm. Thursdays we will open from 2 pm to 8 pm. Fridays from 9 am to 12.30pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. The library will resume regular opening hours on August 22nd, 2017.
Additionally, the library will be hosting their annual summer programs for the kids and teens for ages 7 to 12 and 14 to 17. Registration for both summer programs will commence as of Tuesday, 7th of June, until Friday, 30th June 2017. We would like to encourage our parents to continue assisting our children to become avid and lifelong lovers of reading books. The reading of books assists the entire community which strengthens us all.
The library appreciates the patronage of its members and wishes everyone a happy, safe and readable summer.

The U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), submitted a multi-year Caribbean strategy to Congress on June 19 that establishes a framework for enhancing the security and prosperity of the United States and its Caribbean partners. Considered the “third border” of the United States, the Caribbean is a vital part of our efforts to counter organized crime and illicit trafficking, support democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere, strengthen energy security, and create jobs through increased trade and investment.

A secure and stable Caribbean contributes to a safer and more prosperous United States by securing the U.S. border, protecting U.S. citizens abroad, and increasing opportunities for U.S. exports. The United States will continue to work with the Caribbean region to support commitments in the multi-year strategy; encourage private sector-led growth and job creation; reduce energy costs through diversification, regulatory reform, and public-private partnerships; and maximize partnerships in health and education for more sustainable growth and development in the Western Hemisphere.

Congress mandated this Caribbean strategy through the United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016 (H.R. 4939), which underscores U.S. interest in enhanced relations with the governments of the Caribbean, the Caribbean Diaspora, the private sector, and civil society.

To view the Caribbean strategy, visit our web page at https://www.state.gov/p/wha/rt/caribbeanstrategy/index.htm

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VROMI has launched a new mobile app to keep the people of Sint Maarten more informed about the happenings within the Ministry.
The Ministry of VROMI app is the one place that you can be connected to all media platforms the Ministry is associated with, such as: The Ministry of VROMI Facebook page, the Government of Sint Maarten Facebook page as well as The Official Government of Sint Maarten website.

The Ministry of VROMI app was made in such a way that it is user-friendly to everyone with a smartphone or tablet,

The Ministry of VROMI app user will be able to keep up to date with all press releases and news feeds from the Ministry of VROMI Facebook page. The user will also get notifications of urgent happenings in the Ministry, such as road closures and updates on new projects. The app provides easy access to all the services the Ministry provides. One can also submit a complaint by sending short messages with a complaint and get in contact with the Ministry of VROMI directly.

The Ministry of VROMI app is available on Google play and the I store.
Honorable Minister Christopher Emmanuel has expressed his excitement about the app. He is dedicated to serving the people of Sint Maarten and this app is just another tool to help accomplish this goal.

 Pond Island:--- Preparations are well under way, for The 1st International Conference on the Small Island States (SIS) and Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs) co-hosted by the University of St. Martin, March 11-14th, 2018. USM is happy to announce the first of four (4) keynote speakers for the four-day Conference, which is the Honourable Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands. Bahamian-born Cartwright Robinson, who is an attorney at law, assumed office as the first female premier of the British Overseas Territory, on 20 December 2016.

USM’s Dean of Academics, Mrs. Genève Phillip-Durham described the Premier’s addition to the slate of keynote speakers as “symbolic and consistent with the aim of the conference, to highlight not only small island territories that are independent but to also bring to the forefront, the dynamics and jurisdictional capacity of non-independent small island territories”. As we approach the deadline for the call for papers on October 1st, we intend to announce one keynote speaker per month, beginning in June and ending in September.

The call for papers for the Conference is now in circulation and paper, panel and poster submissions which engage critically with multiple levels of island living can be submitted for consideration by October 1st, via the conference website http://projects.upei.ca/unescochair/call-for-papers/ The co-chairs of the local organizing committee can be contacted by email at Geneve.phillip@usm.sx or Arjen.alberts.sxm@gmail.com for consultation on abstract submission and preparation.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The St. Maarten Lions Club Bingo which was held at the Port St. Maarten Home Porting Terminal last Saturday was a grand success with over 700 persons playing 35 games that started at 8pm sharp. The prizes that bingo winners won ranged from home appliances, restaurant vouchers, various electronics items, hotel stays and airline tickets. The grand prize winner with a full bingo card of a round trip ticket to Amsterdam on Air France was Mr. Frederick Williams.

The Lions Club would like to thank the Management and employees of Port St. Maarten for accommodating the Lions Bingo at their facility and also the St. Maarten business community for supporting the bingo with their generous donation of prizes. Proceeds for the bingo will go towards community projects that the St. Maarten Lions Club will do over 2017-2018 under its incoming President Lion Alison Busby.

Nassau, Bahamas:--- The 42nd Annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) Annual Conference themed “Culture and Knowledge Economies: The Future of Caribbean Development?” was held at the Meliã Nassau Beach Resort in Nassau, Bahamas on June 5-10, 2017. Department of Culture Policy Officer Sharine Allamby was amongst the 300 attendees and other St. Maarten representatives including Mrs. Okama Brook, Program Chair of the CSA’s Executive Council and academics Dr. Francio Guadeloupe and Dean Geneve Philips of the University of St. Martin (USM). The main aim of this annual conference was for key players to examine opportunities and challenges facing the Caribbean, regionally and globally. Multi-disciplinary work was shared through plenary sessions and panel discussions, presentations, published journals, books, thesis papers, and dissertations.
Informative sessions included “Building a Nation: Institutional Practices in the Dutch Caribbean” and a presentation was given on ‘Restricted Media Landscapes of Curaçao and St. Maarten’, by Ph.D. Candidate Sanne Rotmeijer of Leiden University. Geneve Philips-Durham presented on ‘Approaches to Governance in St. Maarten, Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago.’ Other sessions highlighted ‘Creative and Cultural Industries: Challenges and Opportunities’, ‘Culture and Development Policy: Regional Perspectives’, ‘Constitutional Reform in the Contemporary Caribbean’, ‘Caribbean in/securities and the creative imagination and ‘The Politics of Development and Challenges in Participatory Public Policy Making’. During the opening ceremony, the Bahamas Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Honorable Michael Pintard gave a superb keynote address and a local ‘Junkanoo’ performance took place. In addition, participants were treated to a myriad of cultural activities including a tribute to the late Caribbean Poet and Nobel laureate Derek Walcott and a stage play ‘Honorable Member’ by Bahamian Playwright Ian Strachan. Bahamian heritage and culture tours were arranged throughout the week and the closing banquet and award ceremony recognized executives and members’ achievements and contributions. “CSA enables the most esteemed cultural/creative professionals and scholars throughout the Caribbean and within the Diaspora to interact, exchange and acquire ideas, information and research. Overall, this was a knowledge enhancing experience and more policymakers from across the Caribbean Region should take advantage of this conference and provide public policy paradigms and perspectives from our respective countries” Allamby stated.
CSA’s President Dr. Woolward cited “the continuing absence of both national and regional policy frameworks where culture, heritage, and creative industries are acknowledged as critical enablers and drivers of sustainable development.” The Department of Culture recognizes this trend and is actively seeking ways to increase capacity-building, perform more in- depth policy research and analysis and develop viable models that target the cultural sector and creative economy of St. Maarten. As the Honorable Minister of ECYS Silveria Jacobs continues to support the Department of Culture, we will launch a cultural portal website, pursue the Cultural Mapping of St. Maarten Project, produce a National ICH Inventory and participate in the upcoming International Conference on Small Island States (SIS) and Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (SNIJ’s) hosted by the USM and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). For further information on the CSA Conference kindly contact us via culturedepartmentofsxm@gmail.com.

Middle Region, Defiance, Sucker Garden, Guana Bay.

Pond Island:--- TelEm Group’s mobile voice and data provider, TelCell, this week announced major upgrades of key cell sites in the areas of Middle Region, Defiance, Sucker Garden and parts of Guana Bay and Dawn Beach.
As of Friday, June 16, cell sites in the above areas were connected to the company’s fibre optic network and will no longer be connected via Microwave links.
The immediate result will be better mobile voice and data connections for TelCell mobile voice and data customers in these areas, especially during inclement weather.

According to TelEm Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, plans have been in the making for many months to have all cell sites connected via the more efficient fibre optic cables, however several factors, including problems with trenching works caused a great deal of delay.
“Things came to a head during the recent bad weather, when again mobile communication in these areas was very poor because of the weather conditions, leading to complaints from subscribers,” continued Mr. Dupersoy.
He said instructions were given to make the fibre connections to the cell sites a priority, especially since we are currently in the hurricane season.
“I was very pleased to learn at the weekend that Zone 1 and Zone 3 had completed their tasks of delivering the fibre cables to these cell sites, using in some cases some very ingenious means, so that the Network Core team could make the necessary connections,” said Mr. Dupersoy. He said the days of poor weather also meaning poor service should be a thing of the past, and he praised all those involved in completing this very important project.
Zone 3 Team Leader, Steve Simmons, said his team had to sub-duct fibre from the TelEm Group Sub-station in Belvedere to Middle Region and Defiance and also from Guana Bay to Sucker Garden Road.
“We had a lot of issues with trenching and getting permission to trench to get the cables where we wanted them, but in the end we were able to use some ducts owned by St. Maarten Cable TV, and with the assistance of Cable TV staff we were able to finish the cabling part of this project very quickly,” said Mr. Simmons, who also thanked his Cable TV colleagues for their help.
Zone 1 Team Leader, Elroy Hughes, also indicated that the routing of fibre cables from the company’s Earth Station on Pond Island to the TelCell cell site in Umbrella Road, Sucker Garden, was no walk in the park either – even with the assistance of a sub-contractor.
“The same as Zone 3, we were responsible for subducting, blowing, splicing and generally having the cable delivered to the site for connection,” said Mr. Hughes.

He said his part of the project began in earnest in January this year and was only recently completed, noting that since the connection to the fibre cable was made last Friday, mobile subscribers in and around the areas of Arch Road, Pond Island, Becky Hill, Sucker Garden and a part of Guana Bay Road, should be experiencing much better mobile voice and data service.

The Leads of Zone 1 and Zone 3 credited the Network core team and team leader, Ralph Boirard, with making the final connections of the fibre cable to the cell sites - at the same time disconnecting the microwave links.
According to Ralph, his task and the task of his team was the easy part, judging by the many issues the Zones had to resolve before the new fibre cables were delivered to their sites.
He said now that these cells sites are connected to the Fibre network they will operate a lot more efficiently and will be easier to maintain and repair. They will also make the service less vulnerable to lightning strikes than the microwave equipment was.
The TelEm Group Departments overseeing the completing of the fibre to the cell sites project is Network Core and Outside Plant, headed by Managers, Elvis Lacroes and Marco London, both of whom expressed much satisfaction in having a hand in improving the mobile voice and data experience for TelCell subscribers.

POINTE BLANCHE:---  The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and cruise stakeholders showed interest in increasing cruise calls to destination St. Maarten in the coming seasons as the vessels are getting larger with limited Ports in the region that can accommodate these vessels.
The Port St. Maarten delegation who recently returned from Aruba was informed of the aforementioned while attending the FCCA PAMAC (Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council) Conference.
There are immense opportunities for the Caribbean, but destinations must increase their marque value and appeal, Port St. Maarten reps were informed. The strength in regional development also ties in with the satisfaction of various destinations in the itinerary chain. If a key destination lags behind industry development, it can also be a threat to destination St. Maarten. The Caribbean must step up their game to better compete against other emerging markets such as Asia, said Port St. Maarten reps on Thursday.
PAMAC brought together over 200 Platinum Members of the FCCA and key cruise tourism stakeholders who met with 20 senior executives from the FCCA Member Line as part of a relationship and business building process.
Cruise executives presented industry developments and reiterated the importance of having a strong social media presence as a destination.
The port delegation that traveled to Aruba had a series of meetings with cruise stakeholders.

MSC Cruises announced that they will be penetrating the Caribbean market and St. Maarten is one of the destinations that they showed interest in. MSC Cruises will have its inaugural call for their first Seaside class vessel in St. Maarten later this year.

The seaside class vessels is considered as game changers and are making further investments for Future Larger Vessels (FLV). Their FLV vessels announced earlier this month is slated to have more passenger’s occupancy of Oasis of the Seas totaling 6850 passengers.
President of the FCCA Michele Paige in an invited comment stated: "The Caribbean continues to impress cruise lines and passengers, which has led to the industry’s planned capacity share increase next season. Destinations like St. Maarten have helped this boost through attention to products, service, and infrastructure, but though more passengers and bigger ships bring immense opportunities, they also bring new challenges. So it is crucial for the overall region and individual destinations to maintain their focus on constant improvement in order to take advantage of this industry’s bright future.”

Port management said that they are actively engaging with the stakeholders to assure that the Port and destination is prepared for this new wave of vessels. Port management also agreed to participate in the upcoming BREA (Business Research Economic Advisors) survey cycle for 2018 which compares more than 30 destinations worldwide based on passenger and crew spending and economic contributions.

Port St. Maarten uses the BREA report as an analytical tool to better understand the cruise industry movement and product development. BREA is a public document that can be retrieved on the FCCA website, and Port St. Maarten encourages local tour operators and retailers to study the aforementioned in order to better understand the customer, demands, and ratings.

Port management said that they are continuing to develop the country’s product in order to main the destinations competitive edge in the Caribbean. St. Maarten is still one of the top-rated destinations which is frequently benchmarked by other Ports.

Business intelligence shows that the cruise industry is still in the infancy stage and more than 40 new build ocean going vessels are slated to be delivered between 2017 and 2023.

The evolving cruise industry estimates that nearly 26 million passengers will cruise globally in 2017. The Caribbean basin still accounts for the largest market share at 34% followed by the Mediterranean at 19%.

Port St. Maarten is following global cruise trends in order to better cater to their business to business and business to consumer customers focusing on customer centricity and operational excellence.

Representing the Port were Bertrand Peters, General and Government Affairs, and Ichel Moeslikan, Sales and Marketing, and Alexander Gumbs, Business Development Officer as well as a representative from the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Cherinah Franken, Product Development Officer.

The PAMAC event is one of many that the FCCA coordinates for its Platinum Members and Member Lines to stay at the forefront of information about both the industry and destinations while finding ways to maximize the benefits for all.

The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 19 Member Lines operating over 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters. Created in 1972, the FCCA’s mandate is to provide a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue and to develop bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors.

By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew, and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors.

The PAMAC conference took place in Aruba at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of Appeal has rejected today the release of Fransesco Corallo
He remains in custody for his extradition (uitleveringsdetentie).
Corallo submitted an appeal last week Wednesday after the Appeal Courts ruled in favor of Italy to have Corallo extradited to that country to answer to several charges including tax evasion.
The other option the businessman has is to now file an appeal with the Supreme Court of the Netherlands.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the A. C Wathey Cruise Facilities Mark Mingo who was arrested on June 7th, 2017 at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) has to spend another eight days behind bars as the Judge of Instruction agreed with the Prosecutor’s Office to extend the pretrial detention of Mingo for another eight days. The judge gave its decision on Friday afternoon.
Mingo was arrested by the TBO and RST in the Emerald Investigation, the detectives also searched the home of Mingo. A press release from the Prosecutor’s Office on June 7th, 2017 stated that the Emerald-investigation began in April 2016. The investigation started when the owner of a security company on Sint Maarten was suspected of falsity in writing, money laundering, and tax evasion. In November 2016 O.A. has arrested already in this case and property of him was seized.
The investigation is part of a larger investigation into fraud and corruption, also called undermining. This is a serious threat to the security and economy of the countries of the Dutch Carribean. TBO, RST, the national detectives of Curacao and Sint Maarten and the Public Prosecutors Office are all partners in the combating of undermining.

Oranjestad:--- The first progress report of this year shows that the deficit in the collective sector on Aruba in the first quarter amounts to 1.1% of GDP, which is higher than the 0.5% GDP deficit standard for the full year. Both the tax revenues over the first quarter and the revenues resulting from the reorganization measures are insufficient, while the expected effects of the re-opening of the refinery are also lagging behind due to delay. Aruba faces the challenge to comply with the legal deficit standard this year as well. The Board of financial supervision Aruba (CAft) proposes to consider announcing in this stage already an overall commitment stop and vacancy stop.

Unsatisfactory results over the first quarter
The CAft indicates that, in particular, the wage tax and corporate turnover tax (BBO) revenues are below budget. The measures implemented by the government at the tax authorities in order to increase tax compliance have not resulted in the intended effect. In addition, because of the delay in the work activities with regard to the oil refinery, a great deal of the investments will have their effect only later in this year, slowing down the income from tax revenues. At the expense side the government's reorganization measures that are necessary for sustainable public finances seem to be withering. The Board emphasizes how important it is that the budgeted income of AWG 67 million, comprising the settlement sum of Valero (AWG 27 million) and the sale of Fuels Marketing & Supply Aruba (AWG 40 million), be realized this year.

Work to be done
The financial results over the first quarter are at such level that the Board advises to implement a vacancy stop and a commitment stop. The CAft chairman: "Personnel costs amount to about one-third of the total government spending this year and this amount should be reduced. There is work to be done." At the beginning of this year, more people have entered public service, which is not in line with government's intention to save 5% on government staff annually. In order to further reduce public spending, the frequency and level of fees for predictable over time should be better anticipated in the budgetary process. In addition, the establishment of a functioning house for government officials can help to counter the autonomous growth in staff expenditure. As far as taxes are concerned, further tax reform is needed and the country's liquidity position has to be structurally strengthened. The Minister of Finance, together with other government departments, takes the necessary steps to obtain an auditor’s report. The next step in this process is to formulate a concrete and realistic time path to that end.

Last visit current chairman
In addition to discussing the results for the first quarter, this visit was also related to the forthcoming farewell by the current chairman, Age Bakker, as of July 1, 2017, and making acquaintance with the upcoming chairman Raymond Gravus. The departing chairman looks back with a satisfied feeling of a fruitful cooperation with Aruba. Age Bakker on his period at the CAft: "It was not always easy, but together, each working on his own role, we contributed to the fact that Aruba has met the legal deficit standard over the past two years. With this achievement, important steps have been taken to reduce the untenable debt position". As usual, during the visits of the Board to Aruba, meetings were held with the Governor, the Minister of Finance, the Council of Ministers, and the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Economic Affairs, and Government Organization. The CAft also visited the Central Bank of Aruba. The conversation included amongst others the delayed work activities of the refinery.

COLE BAY:--- Sityodtong St Maarten Foundation head Sensei Marco London will be traveling to Aruba with two of St Maarten's best Muay Thai Kickboxing fighters, Akeem Lewis and Charlie "Ohmz" Marsham.
Both fighters will compete in pro (A-class) bouts sanctioned under the WKA (World Kickboxing Association) for the SCKBS Federation. The fights will take place at Centro Deportivo Betico Croes in Aruba on Saturday, July 1st, 2017. Akeem Lewis will face Oscar Sosa at 85 kg and Ohmz Marsham will face Joshua Krasters at 83 kg.
Marco London is a veteran fighter and coach who has been teaching Muay Thai Kickboxing in St Maarten for two decades. He was recognized by the Sports Department Brown Pelican Awards as 'Sports Icon' of 2016. Fighter Akeem Lewis is the head Muay Thai Instructor at Renzo Gracie St Maarten (SXM BJJ) in Cole Bay. For more information on kids, teens and adults Muay Thai Kickboxing program in Cole Bay contact info@sxmbjj.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The stakeholders, represented on the board of The Advancement for Vocational Education (AVE) Foundation, namely SVOBE, FAVE, Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions, St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of VSA (absent) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport met with the board of directors of The AVE Foundation on June 16th 2017.

Stakeholders were given the opportunity to address published reports and therein outlined supposed issues at NIPA. Candid discussions were undertaken, detailed and well-substantiated responses were provided on questions posted by the stakeholders. Full clarity was obtained by the Stakeholders and with a proper understanding of matters the portrayed issues in published reports could be placed in proper context and verified on validity.

In addition, thereto the AVE board provided full and unfiltered insight into the realities, the strengths and the weaknesses which the NIPA faces as a learning institution. The AVE Board in a well-structured manner outlined the way forward as they continue to put first the study opportunities for students and means for students to obtain excellence.

Planned and impending initiatives, including:
1] an extensive marketing campaign to be launched within short, through which the general public, future students -locally and internationally-, will be provided with more information on the type of institution NIPA is, the current programs offered, as well as future programs to be offered at the institution);
2] NIPA partnering with other internationally known institutions, to offer students an opportunity to pursue their studies at higher levels in their field of study;
3] Collaborations with Secondary school boards FAVE and SVOBE as NIPA offers further programs for graduates from schools presided over by these entities;

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs, who requested the Inspectorate to investigate the issues published in reports, received from the Inspectorate a report with recommendations, which recommendations have immediately been adopted and included in the action plans of the AVE board.

The Stakeholders, having verified that principles of good governance are being applied, and tasks are executed in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation of the AVE Foundation, are content with the functioning of the current board of directors.
Stakeholders, being kept abreast of their representatives of the strives made and the developments at the NIPA Institute, are pleased and satisfy with their representation
on the board and have pledged their continued support to the Institute. Stakeholders, Boards of FAVE-SVOBE and COCI have confirmed that incorporate actions within their respective planning to attain and safeguard study and career opportunities for NIPA graduates.

The Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions expressed its satisfaction with the functioning of the AVE board, having a full understanding and a complete picture of the institution and the undertakings of the AVE board.

As stakeholders, with the board of AVE Foundation, management and staff of NIPA one joint goal is served and that is the continued development of the institution and its offerings to students including adults attending the evening programs; all with the ultimate aim to offer to the workforce in St. Maarten well-rounded, knowledgeable, practically trained and experienced workers.

The Stakeholders collectively reaffirmed their support of the AVE Board and pledged to move forward, to ensure that current- and future programs will continue to be offered at the institution, so its students may attain excellence in study and career, and in doing so fundamentally contribute towards the further socio-economic development of our people and country.

COCI Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, June 23rd author Joseph Lake Jr presented Minister of Justice Rafael Boasman with his recently launched book: Pen on Paper (St. Martin 1970 to 2001) along with his other book "Six 4 Nine".
Mr. Lake said that the presentation is well in place as the Minister has long been involved in labor and is well aware of the labor struggles and developments of the island.
Pen on Paper serves as the highlights of journalism on St. Maarten during the 21st century.
It contains a wealth of documented information in regards to the challenges journalists faced and endured from the 1970's to 2001.
The information is backed up by articles, photos, and other literature. The book serves as a great tool to pass on St. Maarten's history in regards to journalism.
The minister thanked Mr. Lake for the contribution, which he said will surely be placed among his "next to read" literature.