PHILIPSBURG:--- Managing Director of the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation Tadzio Bervoets Recently Returned from the prestigious IVLP Program, a three-week International Visitor Leadership Exchange Program cantered on Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Use and Management of Marine Resources. The IVLP program is the United States State Department’s Premier Leadership Program designed to expose international Leaders in their field to the work done by their American Counterparts. Participants cannot apply to the program and Bervoets was nominated by the Consul General of the United States to the Dutch Caribbean the Honourable Margaret Hawthorne based on his work in the region.

The theme of the exchange was centered on the sustainable use and management of Ocean Resources and numerous meetings and information exchanges were held with various Governmental, Non-Governmental, and Industry partners all cantered on Marine Conservation and the Blue Economy. Information Exchanges were held with the United States State Department, the Ocean Conservancy, the Department of the Interior, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the Woods Hole Oceanography Institute, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration, the Hart Research Institute, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and various other organizations and institutions in the United States. “It was truly an honour to have been nominated by the Consul General and to have been accepted by the State Department to exchange and discuss cooperation on Marine Conservation opportunities for Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean Region,” commented Bervoets. “In traveling and meeting with various organizations and institutions in Washington D.C; San Diego, California; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Plymouth and Boston, Massachusetts we are now planning close collaboration and support for various conservation initiatives through the Nature Foundation and by extension the island and the region,” concluded Bervoets.

The various meetings also gave the opportunity to highlight some of the work the Nature Foundation and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance have been doing with regards to marine conservation on the island and in the Dutch Caribbean, including the management of the Marine Park, the solid waste issues of the Philipsburg Landfill, the conservation of sharks, coral restoration initiatives and seagrass and wetland monitoring. Bervoets was the only Caribbean Representative amongst conservation leaders from Japan, Spain, Nigeria, Vietnam, Thailand, Sierra Leone, China, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and the Philippines.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is organizing once again a free Summer Fit Camp for children ages 9-12 years old, which will be held at the Caribbean International Academy (CIA) in Cupecoy from July 10th to 15th 2017.

The goal of the health camp is to promote and educate children on healthy eating habits and encourage physical activity to promote healthy behavior change and combat the increase of obesity on our island.

The children will be divided into groups of five and will have their own group leader appointed to them. The group leader’s role is to supervise and support the children while participating in activities to motivate and encourage participation.

Organized activities are dance, adventure hike, gardening, pool activities, cooking demonstration nutrition sessions and motivational sessions.

The children will learn about healthy meal and snack choices, healthy food portions, and the importance of drinking water rather than juice. They will be exposed to good sportsmanship, team building activities and will also receive knowledge positive self-esteem and confidence.

An orientation meeting will take place 6:30 pm on July 7th, 2017 at the CPS Office. The orientation meeting will provide parents and guardians with information related to the camp such as Camp rules, meals provided, scheduled activities, pick up and drop off location (which is at Raoul Illidge Ports Complex).

If your child does not have any pre-existing health conditions but has an overweight concern, then this camp is the ideal opportunity for your child to participate in healthy activities.

The deadline for registration is July 5th; space is limited. Persons interested in participating in the camp as a group leader can also request for registration.

Forms can be obtained from the Collective Prevention Services office at the Vineyard Park Office Building in Philipsburg.

You can also contact Camp Coordinator Swinda Richardson via phone at 542-3553 or 542-2078 or by email Swinda.richardson@sintmaartengov.org

GREAT BA(DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), has been in contact with family doctors about notifying the CPS surveillance system if they come across cases of conjunctivitis, also known as ‘red eye’ or ‘pink eye.’

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological update after five countries and territories of the Americas have reported outbreaks of conjunctivitis. These are the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, The Bahamas and Brazil.

Outbreaks of conjunctivitis in other countries of the Region are under investigation according to PAHO.

CPS, a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, has followed suit with respect to PAHO’s recommendation: “In light of the increased transmission of conjunctivitis in some countries and territories of the Region, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) encourages Member States to strengthen surveillance and implement control measures to prevent the spread of the disease.”

The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, irrita, ts and allergens. The virus and bacteria are very contagious. In Guadeloupe where laboratory tests were performed on a set of samples from suspected cases, they were positive for enteroviruses. Conjunctivitis bacteria is a leading cause of children being absent from daycare or school.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis can include: pink or red color in the white of the eye(s); swelling of the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid; increased tear production; feeling like a foreign body in the eye (s) or an urge to rub the eye (s); itching; irritation, and/or burning; discharge (pus or mucas); crusting of eyelids or lashes. Conjunctivitis is also one of the symptoms of Zika mosquito-borne disease.

Conjunctivitis can spread easily from person to person. You can greatly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or spreading it to someone else by following some simple good hygiene steps.

If you have conjunctivitis, you can help limit its spread to other people by following these steps: wash your hands often with soap and warm water; wash them especially well before and after cleaning or applying eye drops or ointment to your infected eye; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes; wash pillows, sheets, washcloths, and towels often in hot water and detergent; wash your hands after handling such items.

Do not share personal items, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, eye make-up, or eye glasses; do not use swimming pools.

If you are diagnosed with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (aka Red eye, Pink eye), limit your contact with other individuals until you are better; keep your child home from school or daycare until he/she is no longer contagious.

It’s usually safe to return to school or work when symptoms have been resolved. To minimize the risk of transmission, it is important to practice good hygiene.

If symptoms persist, you should contact your family physician who can then refer you to an eye specialist.

For additional information you can contact CPS at: 542-2078 or 542-3003.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Monday, June 26 marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is also an internationally recognized day in support of Victims of Torture.

According to the UN (United Nations), nearly 200 million people are using illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics worldwide.

In December 1987 the UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The UN was determined to help create an international society free of drug abuse.

This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world. While the UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration to address and fight against this global drug problem, Sint Maarten is paving its way also to address this problem, as part of the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 16, on Peace, Justice and strong Institutions, from a local perspective.

Research against Violence and Abuse was conducted by UNICEF in 2012 entitled, “The Situation of Children and Adolescents in Sint Maarten.”

The report stated that a contributing factor of students dropping out of school not only relates to students with behavioral problems but also those who use drugs and are physically violent with other students.

A child protection system has been set up which includes a six-step protocol for detection and intervention in cases that a child has been abused, neglected, mistreated or if there has been some kind of violence.

Relational violence also referred to as “domestic violence” has to do with physical and/or sexual violence. This violence does not only affect adolescents, but also children, and is generally invisible and not reported.

Besides, women and children, it also affects men, parents and the elderly. In 2010, directives were put in place which identified children as victims when they were witness to relational violence.

As of January 2014, a change came in the Civil Code, BWI article 243 where the Court of Guardianship was appointed as the Central Reporting Center on Child Abuse.

The tasks of the Court of Guardianship entails the following: Registering the abuse; investigating the safety of the child; advise the individuals and or entities by reporting or intervening in the child abuse cases:  

1. Execute the intervention measures. These are either:
(a) Warning
(b) Removing from parental custody. This is done after permission from the Public Prosecutor or Judge.
2. Press charges against the perpetrator. This is done in the event the legal guardian does not do it.

The following figures are related to child abuse over a three-year period. 

Physical abuse        14           13           22

Psychological/

emotional abuse      2            1            5

Sexual abuse          19           8            6

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Residents and motorists are reminded that Hurricane Exercise 2017 (HUREX 2017), the largest exercise to be held on Sint Maarten, will commence on Tuesday, June 27 between 8.00am and 11.00am, in Cay Bay and near the Hospital in Cay Hill.

Residents and motorists will see an increase in emergency response vehicles (with sirens) on the public roads en-route to Cay Bay in response to a major incident.

Response to the major incident will include military and civil authorities such as Police, Ambulance, Fire, Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten and other emergency response services, as well as NV GEBE, SMMC and SOL fuel supplier.

The public and motorists do not need to be concerned with respect to the heightened emergency response activities, as this is part of the training exercise.

The exercise takes place under the banner of the Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management.

The Office of Disaster Management falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.

Willemstad:--- The Council of Ministers of the Kingdom appointed drs. Herbert F. Domacassé on June 23rd as a member on behalf of the public entities Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba as per July 1st, 2017. He hereby succeeds Mr. Hyden Gittens, who has recently submitted his resignation to the Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations.
Mr. Domacassé has fulfilled a number of functions within the banking industry in Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba. He has been Minister of Traffic and Transport for the Netherlands Antilles and Lieutenant Governor for Bonaire. Currently, he is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Caribbean Netherlands Pension Fund. He succeeds Mr. Gittens as a member of the Board of financial supervision for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Mr. Gittens was granted an honorable resignation by Royal Decree. Just before the termination of his three-year appointment term, Mr. Gittens offered his resignation to the Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations in connection with his acceptance of a contract for the public entity Sint Eustatius. This way there will be no blending of the supervisory function from the Cft Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba, and his advisory work performed via his consultancy company.
Chairman prof. dr. A.F.P. Bakker thanks Mr. Gittens for the enjoyable cooperation, thereby speaking for all members of the Cft. Mr. Bakker is pleased that Mr. Gittens will uninterruptedly continue to use his knowledge and expertise to the benefit of the Caribbean Netherlands. The new Cft chairman, prof. dr. R.H.J.M. Gradus looks forward to working with Mr. Domacassé.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle has teamed up once again with Scotiabank to host the 7th Annual Scotiabank Rotary/Rotaract Spelling Bee Competition for elementary school students aged 9-10 years old.
The objective of this Spelling Bee is to improve literacy and enhance the students’ educational experience. With Scotiabank’s commitment, Mid Isle Club is confident that this year’s Spelling Bee will be successful once again.
For the second year, Mid Isle will be offering tutorial sessions to the students who will be participating. The schools will be able to sign up with Mid Isle members for the students to be assisted by Rotarians and Rotaractors to learn the words which will give them a better chance to advance to the second and third rounds.
The Scotiabank Rotary/Rotaract Spelling Bee will take place at the Belair Community Center on the Sundays, October 15th, 22nd, and 29th. The Spelling Bee is a fun, competitive way of teaching the students and improving their vocabulary.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesday at 7 pm at Mary’s Boone in Simpson Bay. For more information please contactrotarysxm.mi@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page, Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle

GREAT BAY:---- The Right Honorable Denzil L. Douglas will deliver the Emancipation Day Lecture at the University of St. Martin (USM) on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at 8 PM, according to the Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF).
Dr. Douglas will focus on “The Realities of Independence,” the title and theme of the third annual address organized by ISMF. Dr. Douglas served as the Prime Minister of the Federation St. Kitts and Nevis from 1995 to 2015 and remains one of his country’s noted political leaders.
Dr. Douglas is also a medical doctor and his book Coming of Age: Speeches by Hon Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis was published in 2009.
“It is an honor to have the former PM of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis accept our invitation and to share with the people of St. Martin the critical, behind the scenes, first hand, and collective experiences of the most recent nation in the Caribbean to gain political independence,” said Joseph H. Lake, Jr., ISMF president.
“Admission is free to the Emancipation Day Lecture at USM. We’re inviting all of the St. Martin people to attend. There will be a question-answer period with Dr. Douglas and a reception for the people to meet and talk with our keynote speaker,” said Lake following his appearance on the Culture Time radio program on Sunday. Lake is also a political scientist and author.
In addition to the ISMF lecture, the St. Martin Emancipation Day schedule of Saturday, July 1 is packed with family, official, church, and cultural foundation activities — observing and celebrating the island-wide Emancipation of St. Martin people from the evil institution of Slavery as of 1848, said Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, author of Language, Culture and Identity in St. Martin.
The official wreath laying at the Freedom statue roundabout — WJA Nisbeth Road/Sucker Garden Road — takes place in the early morning of July 1.
The annual Emancipation family picnic at Emilio Wilson Park will start at 1 PM, also on Saturday. The program includes dance, song and music performances by popular artists, poetry, traditional food and drink, and a fashion show of clothing from St. Martin’s “Traditional Period” (1848-1963), said organizer Nkosazana Illis, head of the VOICES foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Plenipotentiary Doran-York recently met with Honorable Vice Chair of the Council of Advice, Mrs. Mavis Brooks Salmon at the Sint Maarten House in The Hague.

Vice Chair, Mrs. Brooks-Salmon, who also served as Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary during the time of the Netherlands Antilles, is also no stranger to Minister Doran-York, who “deemed it an honor to welcome and meet with the Vice Chair, for the first time in an official capacity, since her tenure as Minster Plenipotentiary”.

The main discussion point was the working relationship between the Cabinet and the Council of Advice, especially where it pertains to proposals for Kingdom Laws and Decrees of General order.

Minister Doran-York also explained how her core task of representing Sint Maarten during the Kingdom Council of Ministers meetings, and other official meetings, has been thus far and gave an update as to the current status of the Cabinet, what has been achieved over the past year, as well as what the upcoming plans were.

In closing, it was agreed by both parties, to continue the great working relationship that already exists between the two entities, as they strive to do all in their power to take Sint Maarten to the next level.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Central Committee will meet in a session on June 27, 2017.

This Central Committee meeting is a continuation of the meeting which started on March 9, 2017, with a continuation on June 1, 2017. The continuation meeting has been set for Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 11.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:
Draft Code of Conduct Members of Parliament.

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.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.

Continuation Central Committee meeting regarding the current state of affairs of NV GEBE on Monday

The Central Committee will meet in a session on June 26, 2017. The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, who is the Shareholder Representative of GEBE, as well as the Management Board of NV GEBE will be present.
The Central Committee meeting was requested by Members of Parliament, F.A. Meyers, T.E. Heyliger, S.M. Bijlani, T.E. Leonard, and C.M.M. Connor. This is a continuation of the meeting which started on May 15, 2017 with a continuation on, May 24, 2017, and June 1, 2017.
This continuation meeting has been set for Monday, June 26, 2017, at 11.00 hrs in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:
Deliberation on the current state of affairs of GEBE.

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.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.

Central Committee meeting about Approval delegation to participate in Curaçao Flag day on Monday

The Central Committee will meet in a session on June 26, 2017.
The Central Committee meeting has been set for Monday, June 26, 2017, at 14.00 hrs in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:
Approval composition delegation and provisions Members of Parliament to participate in Flag Day Curaçao on July 2, 2017.

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.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.

Central Committee meeting about National Ordinance amending the Civil Code on Tuesday

 The Central Committee will meet in a session on June 27, 2017. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor will be present.
The Central Committee meeting has been set for Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 14.00 hrs in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:
Ontwerp van Landsverordening tot wijziging van het Burgerlijk Wetboek en enkele andere landsverordeningen in verband met de vervanging van de zevende titel A van Boek 7A door een nieuwe titel 10 van Boek 7 regelende voorschriften voor arbeidsovereenkomsten (Draft National Ordinance amending the Civil Code and some other national regulations relating to the replacement of Seventh Title A of Book 7A by a new Title 10 of Book 7 Regulatory Arrangements for Employment Contracts)

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.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 20th, representatives of the Corporate Governance Council met with Prime Minister the Honorable William Marlin at his office to deliver the Year Report 2016.

Chairman of the CGC Mr. Perry Wilson handed over the report, which summarized the activities of Corporate Governance Council for the year 2016. Also present in the meeting were Vice Chairman Charles Smith and Board Member Madelon Dijkhoffz

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) points out that media reports on the Emerald-investigation, that port companies are subject to investigation, are not correct.
As stated in our press release of June 8th, 2017, the port, its holding and its subsidiaries are not suspect in the investigation.

Prosecutor's Office Press Release

The prosecutor's office made the above statements after one media outlet published an article on Monday stating that companies that did business with the Harbor are part of the investigation. The report came out after the Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the CEO of the Harbor Mark Mingo remains in pretrial detention for the next eigh days.

Pond Islan:--- TelCell’s 2016 Breakthrough Talent Search winners received a thundering round of applause during a preview showing of their brand new music video “Trust and Time” in the TelEm Group Conference Room, Pond Island, on Monday.

The R&B Hip-Hop ballad is all the work of the six winners of last year’s top-rated youth talent search contest, namely: George Woodley, Aesha Gibson, Keeshaun Hodge, Kevin Lambert, Diandra Marlin and Leo Alexander. It is the fourth Breakthrough music video to be produced by Xtratight Entertainment’s Bertaux “Mr. Rude” Fleming, and this year showcases the incredible video work of director, Joel Ayuk of CANI TV.

The highly professional production and quality sound are expected to be a big hit locally with high hopes for a strong regional and overseas following if it receives the airplay expected.

The talented youths were themselves caught by surprise after viewing the result of many weeks of hard work and seeing it all come together as a finished music video for the first time.

They said the constant takes and retakes to get just the right light or just the right facial expressions and sounds caused the making of the music video to be very challenging and frustrating at times, however, they have learned much from the experience.

Each of the artists took it, in turn, to express how the experience of being a TelCell Breakthrough winner had changed their lives during the past year, and as that year is quickly coming to an end with the search for a brand new group of winners soon to begin, they are each grateful to the organizers for affording them the opportunity to showcase their talents and show their peers what they also can do if they have confidence in themselves and are willing to take a chance – even if it’s a second chance.

The stories from the youth were very well received by TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a strong advocate of the event from the outset and also from TelEm Group Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, who went so far as assuring the youngsters that the lessons they have learned from the past year are not only lessons on how to win a contest and get over their shyness, but also about lessons in life.

“Most important is these stories that we have heard today - More important than anything anyone else said - About getting a second chance; crying for the first time that one person did not succeed but they came back and tried again, One didn’t have the full amount of confidence and his mother was the one who encouraged him, one who didn’t want to put too much pressure on herself to win....all things that are very important when you are participating in life,” said Mr. Dupersoy.

He praised the TelCell Breakthrough organizing team for giving the youth an insight into life that they will be well able to pass on to their peers.

The CEO congratulated the youths for the positive messages they help bring to these same peers and encouraged them to use what they have experienced to move on in life and chase their dreams.

CFO Mrs. Entel said she continues to be amazed by the quality of the performers and the end result of their work which is always of a high professional standard.

Pointing to the young faces in front of her, compared the mature stars she can see on the music video, Mrs. Etnel sees this transformation as visual evidence of the multi-talented youth in the St. Maarten community just waiting to be discovered.

“You are all an example, you are the future and I am very proud that you are a part of our TelCell brand,” said Mrs. Etnel in recognition of the many TelCell promotions that the youths have appeared in during the past months. Mrs. Etnel also went on to give special thanks to the team of TelEm Group personnel who each year dedicate many months of their time to staging various sections of the event leading up to the popular sold-out finals in search of the winning talent.

TelCell Breakthrough co-organizer, Angel Richardson, said there were many challenges in coming to the stage of Monday’s music video launch, including the lack of a recording studio to do the recordings.

“The studio we would have used before was being renovated so we found a room in the TelEm Building and improvised with a makeshift studio that has produced something that is just amazing, thanks to the professional work of Mr. Rude, my co-organizer,” said Angel.

Angel, along with Mrs. Etnel and Mr. Dupersoy at various times in the afternoon paid tribute to other members of the organizing team including Suraj Ramdas, Cheryl Rismay, David Evans and members of the Sales & Marketing team for their full support and other TelEm Group volunteers.

According to Angel the Trust and Time music video will now be posted as a Youtube video and to various social media sites.

“This is the fourth music video I have produced in the last four years and each one has been different and of great quality, which proves to me that the wealth of talent and artistic skill we have in this St. Maarten community runs really deep,” said the producer Mr. Rude.

He says his job now is to take the music video to a higher level by getting some exposure for the group locally, regionally through his contacts with regional Cable TV Channel, TEMPO, and wider afield with the Youtube and social media exposure.

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten: NV GEBE staff take center stage as their Managing Board introduces the “POWER TO SERVE Toastmasters Club” as a means to assist its workers in their personal and professional development.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in hands-on communication and leadership training since 1924 and is used by Industry giants such as Apple, AT&T, Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company, Exxon Mobil, Google, Microsoft and The Walt Disney Company, who have found the program to be an effective staff development tool that benefits their organization in a meaningful way.
The Toastmasters program helps members to develop better listening, thinking and speaking skills by practicing prepared and impromptu speeches as well as receiving and giving constructive evaluations and feedback. Members are also challenged to accept leadership roles in order to develop their leadership skills.
CEO of NV GEBE, Mr. Kenrick Chittick expressed the Managing Board’s commitment to achieving excellence through improved internal communication and greater customer satisfaction.
THE POWER TO SERVE Toastmasters Club was initiated by Mr. Georges Richardson, incoming President of the club, with the assistance and guidance of District 81’s Division E Director, Kathia Magdeleine. Mr. Richardson voiced his pleasure at finally seeing the birthing of this new club and applauds GEBE for granting its workers such a great opportunity through its sponsorship.
The enthusiasm of employees did not go unnoticed during a very well-attended demonstration meeting as they rose to the challenge and participated with vigor. Many expressed their excitement as they look forward to beginning their journey by taking the first step, which is acceptance of the program.
The introduction of THE POWER TO SERVE Toastmasters Club is multifaceted as it will help improve employee performance leading to the fulfillment of the organization’s objective to achieve excellence.
District 81 Director (over the entire Caribbean region), Ms. Sherry-Ann Batson is slated to install members and Club Executives during a ceremony on Wednesday, June 28th, 2017.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ambulance Department of Ministry Public Health, Social Development & Labor received a new Zumro 600 rapid mobile emergency shelter just in time for HUREX 2017 drill.
The ZUMRO shelters are used by numerous Disaster Management Teams across the USA including Europe for Urban Search & Rescue Task Force.
This multi-purpose usage system is an ideal rapid mobile shelter that provides rapid deployment that would create an environment in times of disasters that is conducive to advance medical treatment in the field of Emergency Medical Services. Minister Emil Lee was present to get a first-hand demonstration of the capabilities of this shelter and how quickly this shelter can be deployed from Hazmed representative who presents.

The ZUMRO frame design can be deployed from one inflation point by one person, if necessary and the shelter deployment is rapid, virtually automatic and hands-free. It can be deployed at a rate of 100 square feet per minute or faster, depending upon which inflation method is used. “It’s amazing to see how quickly this shelter can be erected within a timeframe of approximately 4 minutes. It is truly an added asset to the Ambulance Department in the area of Disaster Management given the department’s key role in the initiation of emergency medical response in disaster situations”, said Minister Lee.
Ambulance Department Head Mr. Cylred Richardson says that this project has been long in the making and that he is pleased that we were able to reach this goal.
Furthermore, besides proper preparedness to provide adequate emergency response and management at a disaster scene and post natural disaster e.g. following hurricanes this mobile shelter system can also be used at various small & large scale events on the island as a medical command post. This is yet another positive achievement in the further professionalizing of the Ambulance Department on St. Maarten.
HAZMED representative Hay Geurts says that this emergency shelter can resist strong force winds. The material is made of special heat reflecting fiber. Most importantly, is that the tent can be erected in 4 to 5 minutes by one person. It is easily inflated by an air blower unit or air bottle from the Fire Department.

PHILIPSBURG:----  Compass Insurances agent for Sagicor Life, Nagico and Guardian recently held its second annual free Life Insurance seminar at the University of St. Martin with the theme “Building a Legacy through Life Insurance”.

“The objective of the seminar was to inform participants and create awareness regarding the various ways individuals and businesses could benefit from life insurance,” said agency manager Barbara Pompier-Halley. “The seminar was a great success with over 150 persons in attendance which proves the need for information on this topic.

The event featured two guest speakers. Notary Meredith Boekhoudt talked about the importance of estate planning including the marriage law, inheritance law and types of wills.

Tax Advisor at Baker Tilly, Maarten Tervoort discussed the effects of income tax on insurance/ annuity premiums and their proceeds. Other topics discussed during this year’s seminar ranged from the Importance of leaving a legacy, the significance of life insurance in creating a legacy for your family as well as your business

Following the presentations guests in attendance actively participated in the question and answer session where numerous questions were posed to the panel of four speakers to receive more clarity and advice on various situations. The event was filled with valuable information enabling participants to feel equipped and motivated to make appropriate adjustments in how to build
their legacy.

Barbara Pompier-Halley confirmed that “Compass Insurances will continue to organize these information sessions annually to help increase awareness in our community about the obligations and benefits of having life insurance. “We believe that a nation with the right information combined with action is better prepared for the future”.

Compass Insurance also thanks all participants and persons who contributed in helping to make the event a success.

Compass Insurance Agency is located on the Walter Nisbeth Road Tel: 721 542-2070 – www.Facebook.com/CompassInsurances.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Fifty young persons will be honored at the third annual GIFTED Royalty Awards Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, July 5th, 2017 at the Belair Community Centre. Nominations for the awards were received from seven high schools for the students they wished to recognize for their outstanding performance in each of five categories. The participating high schools are: St. Dominic High School, Milton Peters College, St. Maarten Academy PSVE, MAC Comprehensive Secondary, St. Maarten Academy – Academic Section, Sundial School and Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performance Arts.
The GIFTED Royalty Awards are aimed at turning the spotlight on the positive things that the youth in our community are doing. The categories for awards are: Academics, Athletics, Community Service, Expressive Arts, and Leadership. This year’s nominees have been selected by their respective high schools as someone between the ages of 13 and 20 who has been making a positive impact in that sphere of expertise. GIFTED’s WorldChangers slogan is “Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever you do, you change the world.”
The Worldchangers being recognized this summer are as follows per category. For Young King of Academics are Radjeev Rampersad, David Beek, Senlly Samuel, Esner Ilceus, Jaevy Beggs, and Kai Piscione. The nominees for Young Queen of Academics are Flor Carty, Melanie Felix-Polanco, Naomi Jankee, Amarykecia Busby, Jhohana Richardson, and Chanel A. Almonte de los Santos.
In the category of Young King of Athletics are Rayouri Fleming, Adonijah Romney, Darvin Valerie, Vern T. Graham, and Michele Palella. Their counterparts nominated for Young Queen of Athletics are Aichell Peters, Angelina Percy, Whitney Walsh, and Princess Z. Priest. The nominees for Young King of Community Service are Chris Sargeant, James Brooks, Brian Kook, Kyron Mussen, and Shawn Peterson. The Young Queen of Community Service nominees are Jahnilla Priest, Gabrielle Andre, Karly Jacob, Sheena Generlette, Loudahlia T. K. Brill, and Karina Wadhwani.
In the category of Expressive Arts are for Young Kings - Densley Arrindell, Miguel Morgan, Manukiell Edwards, Shamar Luckson, and Ray-Angel C. A. Simon. The Young Queen of Expressive Arts nominees are Nuriska Edward, Naomi Warsop, Dorothy James, Xochiquetzal Gonzalez-Toro, and Daniella Simmons. In the category of Leadership, the nominees for Young King are James Samuel, Jean Philip Pierre Louis, Caleb Carter, and Elston Harregan. The nominees for Young Queen are Genora Jankee, Jodian McDonald, Sianta Maria, and Georgia Nelson. The foundation has published photos and profile descriptions of the nominees on their Facebook page for the public’s viewing and support.
Last year, G.I.F.T.E.D. celebrated fifty-two young persons across the five categories. Five Young Kings and five Young Queens were awarded with additional prizes and due recognition. G.I.F.T.E.D. means “Going In. Finding Truth. Enlightening Darkness.” The foundation seeks to impact the youth of St. Maarten and the region through providing positive influential social enhancement through music and other platforms by networking with local, regional and international partners. For more information, visit and like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GIFTEDLIGHT.

Cay Hill:--- The much talked about Welgelegen Homes project is steadily moving one step closer to becoming reality. Becoming more visible on the site has been how the first structure is being constructed, in the wake of the recent pouring of cement for the construction works at the project site.
The housing project is being developed by St. Maarten’s general pension fund, APS, with designs by IXI Design N.V. and Cicca N.V. For this initial phase of the project, Gemini Construction has been chosen as the contractor while the engineering consulting firm, ICE N.V., has been charged with engineering and quality assurance for the project.
The latest developments signal the beginning of actual construction of some 61 townhouses and apartment units on land made available by the government, in a long lease agreement to the fund. The necessary authorization process is already underway with VROMI authorities.
The units would range from one to three bedrooms in size, measuring about 70 to 100 square meters per unit.
APS launched the project in 2016, as an investment opportunity for the pension fund. The fund expects to benefit, particularly young professionals who are participants in the fund seeking their own home in St. Maarten.
The idea is to offer the majority of the units below the maximum sales price of 250 thousand U.S. dollars as stipulated in a long lease resolution granted by government to APS in late 2015. ”There is a need for reasonably priced homes on Sint Maarten – particularly in the price segments around 200 thousand U.S. dollars, says APS chairman of the board Franklyn Richards.
Over 100 persons have already contacted APS, indicating their interest in one of the units.
APS has been registering persons and passing on their information to the agent contracted by APS to provide information on the units, take care of collecting the necessary personal information from interested buyers while processing the screening of potential buyers. In addition, the pension fund has been assisting interested persons with a financing request, if needed.
To facilitate the process even further, APS is committed to working closely with a local bank, to offer financing to potential homebuyers.
Persons interested can E-mail their name and contact details, such as telephone number and E-mail address to info@apsxm.org

PHILIPSBURG - Prime Minister and Minister General Affairs the Honorable William Marlin following a briefing on recent activities of St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) was presented the annual report and audited financial statements 2016 for the Foundation. SMDF reports five times annually which includes four quarterly reports and an annual report. Presenting the update and report were from left to right, Program & Development Manager, Makhicia Brooks and Managing Director Keith Franca.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd (WIB) assisted young aspiring St. Maarten Triathlete who is preparing to represent St. Maarten in the following competitions; “ 70.3 Ironman World Championship, Caribbean American games in Columbia, Pan American Games in Lima Peru and is a potential for the 2020 Olympics in Japan. Sponsoring promotes both local, national visibility and helps to defer cost associated with travel, accommodations, race entry fees and gear needed to compete.

To see Nicole’s portfolio of past and upcoming races visit; www.nicoletrisxm.com

Nicole has also created a foundation “Nicole Tri SXM” with aim to give back to our community. WIB your Partners in Progress urges our business community to assist our very own triathlete ambassador.