St. Maarten must fix its ICT issues. Financial Statements are needed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of the CFT headed by Age Bakker told members of the media on Thursday that the Board of financial supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CFT), that is chaired by Age Bakker spoke with the Council of Ministers and members of Parliament about Sint Maarten finances. It should be noted that this is the last meeting Bakker held with the government of St. Maarten and also the media as his term expired.
Bakker said that insight on the current financial state of affairs due to ICT problems in the financial administration is lacking. The annual report for 2016 has yet to be composed which means there is still uncertainty about the expected positive result of ANG 26,4 million. Furthermore, no progress report has been submitted to CFT for 2017 as yet. Immediate action by government is necessary to have comfort that Sint Maarten still meets the requirements of the targeted instruction.

Based on the preliminary fourth quarter report, Sint Maarten expects a budget surplus of ANG 26,4 million for 2016 Bakker said. That surplus would be sufficient to compensate according to plan for deficits accumulated in previous years. The CFT stressed that Sint Maarten should expeditiously compose the annual accounts for 2016 and have them audited by the accountant. The current numbers are preliminary and, due to the ongoing ICT problems, possibly subject to change. The annual accounts should provide more certainty regarding the result of 2016. “It is important that Sint Maarten government takes immediate action to provide the necessary information about the execution of the budget”, Age Bakker stated during the meeting with the Council of Ministers.

In its advice on the 2017 budget, CFT concluded that the budget was in line with the targeted instruction. However, CFT also stressed the importance of closely monitoring the budget since it relies heavily on incidental income. Due to the ICT problems, Sint Maarten was also unable to provide the report over the first quarter of 2017. Without the quarterly reports, Sint Maarten government nor the CFT will be able to adequately monitor whether the budget income has been realized. Therefore, assessing whether the execution of the budget remains in line with the targeted instruction is difficult. This also has effects whether or not a future request for a loan could be approved by CFT.

A request for a ANG 30, 0 million loan for capital investments was received on the 12th of April and was approved by CFT. ANG 21,6 million of the requested amount was already budgeted for, so ANG 8,4 million needs to be formally incorporated in the budget through a budget amendment. Since amending the budget is a lengthy process, Sint Maarten government decided to already request for ANG 21, 6 million through the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The loan will provide an economic impulse for Sint Maarten. CFT discussed with the Minister of Finance plans to modernize and upgrade the tax office. It was agreed that a draft business plan will be presented to CFT shortly in support of a request for a loan. CFT will look at the request in a constructive manner and base its opinion on an expert second opinion.

During its visit, CFT also spoke about the ongoing reform of both the retirement system and healthcare system. On April 13, CFT advised Sint Maarten to establish and implement the necessary legislation for the reforms by the end of 2017. Taking the recent progress into account, this will be possible for the reform of the retirement system. The national ordinance regarding the National Health Insurance, however, will also have to be finalized this year, after which actual implementation will take place.

During the meetings with government, it was emphasized that financial management is far from being up to standard. The government intends to invest in IT solutions which should help modernize financial administration. In addition to the meetings CFT had with the Council of Ministers and Parliament, CFT also met with Governor Holiday, the Sint Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association and APS. A visit was paid to one of the projects partly financed by the pension fund, the Rain Forest Adventure. The project will add to the tourist attraction packages offered in Sint Maarten. Age Bakker thanked all parties for their cooperation these past several years and looked back at a successful last visit to Sint Maarten as chairman of the CFT. “Much has been accomplished in the past years and I am confident that Sint Maarten can combine financial discipline and a healthy economic environment which is attractive for foreign investors.”

CFT will not give positive advice for the New General Hospital unless NHI is implemented and a proper business plan is in place to ensure Quality of Care and sustainability.
Bakker also stated that he held meetings with Minister of Health Emil Lee who is trying to secure a loan for the New General Hospital, however, Bakker said that the CFT cannot give a positive advice on this because St. Maarten has to first comply with the instruction one being having the NHI in place by the end of 2017.
Bakker said that having a new building is not a hospital but the NHI and proper business plan has to be submitted to the CFT for them to review before they could give an advice for a loan at low interest rates. He said the Minister of Health is working hard to comply and to be able to build the new hospital and as such he advised the Prime Minister of St. Maarten William Marlin that he and the other Ministers have to get on board to support the Minister of Health in getting things done in the right way in order to provide proper healthcare that is also sustainable.
Bakker said that the only way the Netherlands could only give loans to St. Maarten after receiving an advice from the CFT. Bakker also stated that they have to see if giving a separate loan for the construction of the New General Hospital is feasible since they already approved a loan of NAF30M for St. Maarten. Bakker said the only way the CFT will consider a loan for the New General Hospital is St. Maarten fully comply with the instruction it was given. He said that the CFT cannot judge a business case if they do not know the financial environment of the institution. He made clear that SMMC (New General Hospital) is not only about bricks but also the quality of care that is provided all of which has to be coherent. He said if the Government of St. Maarten wants cheaper financing they would have to request it and also submit all that is needed in order for the CFT to get a second opinion on the business case. He said that as long as the NHI is not in place then the CFT will not be able to judge or take a decision on the loan.
Bakker said that even though the Minister of Health Emil Lee has this setback he is busy working with SZV, APS, and bankers to secure a loan for the construction of the New General Hospital.
Asked if he believes that St. Maarten could sustain the National Health Insurance (NHI) as all stakeholders on St. Maarten is against it due to how it is structured. Bakker said St. Maarten has been working on the NHI for years and that is why they were instructed to have it implemented by the end of 2017. Besides that, the CFT chairman said that the private sector and other stakeholders are against the NHI because they were not properly informed. Bakker said that the current healthcare system is not sustainable its way too expensive thus there must be a reform of the healthcare system. Bakker said St. Maarten chose the NHI and based on his experience the NHI is better and it’s a system that works better while it is also sustainable. He said that the Minister has to include an element “Own Risk” in the NHI would bring some discipline in the system and get the private sector on board. He said when they discussed with the SHTA who still have a number of questions the CFT realized that these questions arise because of a lack of information. He said after their discussions they realized that there is a fear that government employees will be treated better than those in the private sector, something he said is not in the legislation but that fear exists. Bakker said that what to solve this problem and to eliminate that fear then government must include that government and the private sector will pay the exact amount in premiums and all employees whether government or from the private sector that they all have the same healthcare package. He said he does believe that all the hiccups with the NHI can be solved but it is also important that the entire Council of Ministers are on board, he said in their meeting the CFT advised the Prime Minister William Marlin takes the responsibility of getting the NHI implemented.
Asked if SZV should finance the New General Hospital and risk the pension funds, while Bakker was not too comfortable answering the question he did say that this completely up to SZV and APS to take decisions based on their considerations. He said both entities need to use the advice of the investment committees that have to take into account the yield, risks, the public interest but also need to take into consideration the future of the pensioners.
Addressing the ICT issues and if the CFT will use some sort of empathy towards St. Maarten since ICT malware have affected several countries including the Netherlands Bakker said the CFT already showed empathy with St. Maarten but St. Maarten must address the ICT issues, government must get the right ICT professionals to fix the problems because they simply cannot function or govern without proper data. He said while they do not have the financial statements from St. Maarten for the first quarter they are quite comfortable with St. Maarten’s progress since they do have the same income for the first five months of 2017 which is exactly the same amount as 2016 (NAF. 210M). Bakker said that St. Maarten has to comply at all cost because they must submit their financial statements for the first quarter of the year due to the ICT issues. He said the Minister of Finance Richard Gibson Sr. has worked hard and has shown progress with the country’s budget. Bakker said that when he met with the Council of Ministers the Minister of Finance assured them that he is doing everything possible to submit a combined report for the year 2107 by the end of July to early August.

Raw Sewage Entered into Great Salt Pond Before Pumped into Great Bay Due to Heavy Rainfall

Cole Bay –On Thursday, June 29th Nature Foundation received numerous notifications regarding an incident which happened recently at the Philipsburg Landfill where a septic truck was found dumping raw sewage directly on the Philipsburg Landfill. Based on the video recorded of the event it is clear that sewage was being illegally dumped and that the septic truck in question was doing so despite objections from witnesses to the event. “It is very clear what is happening on the video. This is a clear example of rules not being followed at the Philipsburg landfill, despite mention being made of increased security at the site. We are also very concerned by comments apparently coming from managers at the landfill stating that this is allowed and happens on a regular basis, which is most definitely not the case. There are various ordinances and pieces of legislation which speak directly to waste management, in particular, the disposing of sewage,” commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager.

“We all know that the Philipsburg Landfill is plagued by various issues, one of them is the constant leaching or draining of fluid from the landfill into the Great Salt Pond, which is a problem in and of itself. However, this issue of dumping raw sewage is made much worse by the heavy rainfall experienced on Thursday and the subsequent opening of the floodgates to lower the levels in the pond. This means that that raw sewage has now directly entered into Great Bay, Great Bay Beach, and surrounding areas during a time when two cruise ships are in port. This highlights the statements that we have made over and over again that these types of environmental issues affect our ecosystem, the health of the population and our fragile tourism-based economy,” concluded Bervoets.

The Nature Foundation has sent official letters of protest to the VROMI Ministry, the Ministry of Health VSA and the Prosecutor’s Office regarding the incident and plans to follow-up accordingly. The license plate and business to which the septic truck belongs are clearly visible in the video posted online.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the continued effort of delivering assistance to SMEs, the Department of Economy, Transport, and Telecommunication (ETT) has once again collaborated with the COSME Program in delivering a successful two-day workshop on the importance of Intellectual Property to it stakeholders on June 22 & 23. Other key stakeholders making this workshop a success were the Bureau Intellectual Property (BIP) and the Foundation INFOBIZZ as coordinators.

The aim and objective of this workshop were to gain the knowledge of how to register intellectual property and an understanding of its importance. Additionally, the workshop was centered on understanding the economic benefits of adequately incorporating intellectual property in one’s business. During the workshop, participants were also taught about the valuation of intellectual property, its inclusion on financial statements and advantages of having an IP strategy.
More than 20 entrepreneurs completed this intellectual property workshop and received certificates of participation. At the end of the workshop, a number of participants expressed gratitude to the efforts of the Ministry and its collaboration with the COSME Program towards their capacity building and strengthening.

ETT will like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the participants who made this workshop a success. ETT will like to inform through this medium that given its mandate to spur growth and economic development it will continue on this path in ensuring SMEs competitiveness, growth, and sustainability.

For more information regarding upcoming workshops to be hosted by ETT, the department can be contacted via telephone number 549-0220 or visit its Facebook page: ettsxm.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR), will meet on June 30.

The CKAIR Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 09.00 am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda points to be discussed are:
1. Approval Decision list CKAIR Parliamentary Year 2016-2017, no. 5 dated May 30, 2017.
2. Incoming documents.
3. Debriefing IPKO and Tripartite June 12-16, 2017 in the Hague, the Netherlands.

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 Thursday, June 29th the chairperson of the Council of Advice, Mavis Brooks-Salmon presented Deputy Prime Minister, Rafael Boasman with a copy of the 2016 annual report
At his office in the Government Administration Building on Soualiga Road.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government department under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says due to Thursday’s rainfall, CPS re-enforces its message that all residents and businesses need to take proactive measures to prevent mosquitos from breeding.

Be on the alert for mosquito breeding sites and eliminate them especially after rainfall!

Actively destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns/vase or in pet dishes for more than two days. Throw out the water and turn them over every time it collects water.
Screen off cistern outlets covers and screen septic tanks properly.
An increase in the mosquito population puts residents and visitors at risk.

CPS is calling on the populace as well as visitors to wear light colored clothing at dusk; long sleeve shirts and pants; and use mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten by a mosquito that could possibly be carrying a mosquito-borne disease.

For information about dengue fever, zika and chikungunya prevention measures, you can call CPS 542-2078 or 542-3003 to report mosquito breeding sites or send us an email at surveillance@sintmaartengov.org

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Sint Maarten’s calendar of health observances is to promote particular local or global health issues and encourage the male population to be proactive and consult their physicians before the onset of disease.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on the community to wear blue. This is part of the department’s annual calendar of observances.

CPS would like to see men and boys live longer, happier, and healthier lives, and is calling on all fathers’ and boys to consult their physician to determine their risk factors.

Get educated about your health and your risk of inheriting health condition, and the diseases that can affect you; get screened and tested to be sure you are healthy; make annual visits to the doctor; eat healthier, and be more active and monitor your health.

CPS encourages Sint Maarten men and boys to make healthy choices and to live a healthy lifestyle.

Once you feel or notice a change in your body’s usual pattern, you should consult your physician, CPS advises. Men, who live healthily, routinely exercise, consume nutritional and sizeable meals and adhere to safe preventive tips.

GREAT BAY:--- Presentation copies of the new book Pen on Paper: St. Martin 1970 – 2001 by Joseph H. Lake, Jr. was recently purchased by NAGICO, said Nzinga Lake, the book’s publicist.
NAGICO’s CEO Imran Mcsood Amjad was also presented with an autographed copy of Pen on Paper by Author Lake, Jr. The island’s major insurance company is “well known for promoting academic and cultural works on the island,” said Lake, Jr.
“The contributions of Imran Mcsood  Amjad and the group of companies for which he is chairman of the board help to ensure that academic and cultural works reach the St. Martin population in general and the youth and student populations in particular,” said the author while thanking Mcsood Amjad  for the generous contributions over the years.
Pen on Paper is a collection of newspaper commentaries, articles, and editorials by Lake, Jr. about combatting press freedom abuses on the island; how the pond fill dump got started; education and lack of job opportunities on Front Street; crime; elections on both parts of the island; tourism; and political advocacy for women.
The articles in the 152-page book appeared in media for which Lake, Jr. was a columnist, the associate editor or publisher and editor: Windward Islands Opinion, Shaka, Windward Islands Newsday, St. Maarten/St. Martin Newsday, St. Martin Newsday, Newsday, and St. Martin Republic.
The pictorial section of Pen on Paper includes photos of media professionals that started out in St. Martin’s print, broadcast, and Internet fields during the last 30 years of the 20th century, said Lake, Jr.
Lake is a leading St. Martin political scientist and Pen on Paper: St. Martin 1970 – 2017 is his fourth book.

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Tamara Leonard claims that in the absence of an official Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs at the time, several questions were posed to the Minister of Justice, Mr. Rafael Boasman who also functioned as acting Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs.

An attempt to answer these questions took place in the meeting regarding the affairs of the Princess Juliana International Airport, by Minister Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on June 28th, 2017.

Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard requested the answers from the minister in written form during the adjournment which was not given before the meeting resumed. The MP stated that she needed to see the answers as she felt some of her questions were not answered or sufficiently so. MP Leonard explained she wanted to compare the questions and answers to see which were and weren't addressed. Since she did not receive them, she then requested to suspend the meeting until she was able to get the answers posed.

MP Leonard decided not to resend her old questions in writing since after the meeting she realized that the majority of the questions were indeed handled, between herself and MP Theo Heyliger, but not sufficiently answered.
Below are the follow-up and new questions from MP Tamara as she mentioned she would send at the beginning of the second round.

These questions were also sent to the Chairlady of Parliament 2 pm on Thursday afternoon, to be sent to the Minister in order to have the answers ready for Friday's continuation of the meeting, on the affairs concerning the airport.

Minister Arrindell-Doncher, stated that the 2015 reports are on the website, according to me this is untrue if they are, when were they posted?

Were the new board members for both boards at the airport approved by the Good Corporate Governance Counsel?

Were the new board members vetted?

Is there a vetting process for new board members?

Who is the CEO at interim?

Who are the COO and CFO?

Is it true that Mr. Larry Donker resigned from the caretaker position?

Is it true that Mr. Donker was subsequently contracted as a consultant for the same function?

If not fact, then what is the contracted function of Mr. Donker?

Can the Minister seek truth or the contrary to, confirm that certain board members are very active in the operations of the airport and sits in the office of the caretaker on a daily basis?

Is it true that a proposal to clean the air conditioner ducks at the airport for an amount of approximately TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($200k) was submitted by board member Alex Dijkhoffz before being appointed on the board?

Subsequently, is it true that this proposal is now being pushed to be signed off?

What is, and can I have a copy of the procurement process of the airport?

What are the conditions for deviating from this process?

Is it true that the purchase order process is recently often skipped and invoices for services and purchases are being signed off without following procedures?

Where does the airport purchase their cleaning supplies for private offices now?
What is the average cost of cleaning supplies for the airport private offices on an annual basis?

Is there a company contracted to purchase these cleaning supplies from?

Is it true that there are discussions regarding a proposal or a contract of 10 years for the purchasing of cleaning supplies for the private offices of the airport, being sought after by the very same board member, or a company that he is affiliated with?

Is it true that there are discussions to remove the purchasing of cleaning supplies from the contractors that handle the general cleaning of the airport, so that these can also be purchased by the company seeking a 10 year agreement?

Is it true that threats were made to employees in management namely Mirto Bril, Deniscio Boasman, and Justin Joe, who all apparently refused to cooperate, give positive advice on, or signing off on what they believe lacks integrity or what they consider unethical functioning in the departments they are responsible for, by this very same board member?

Does either of the boards have intentions of changing the organizational structure of the airport?

Are there any special agreements in place for employees of the airport to conduct personal business on the airport, be it for the airport or any of the airport business tenants of the airport?

Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard reminded the Minister that the Government of Sint Maarten has a responsibility as a shareholder to ensure that the airport is functioning in a transparent manner as this is essential for its development.

Press Release MP Tamara Leonard.

MARIGOT:--- The people of St. Maarten was thrown into mourning late Thursday night when former President Aline Hanson passed away at her Pic Pardis home. Close relatives of the former president confirmed to SMN News that Aline Hanson who was ailing for some time now succumbed to her illness.
During the March COM elections, it was evident that the then President was ailing yet she went against the advice of her doctors to perform her civic duty to oversee the first round of the Territorial Elections. But by the second round the then President had to travel overseas for medical treatment.
Former President Aline Hanson was no stranger to politics she began her political life under the leadership of former Mayor Albert Fleming about 30 years ago, she served her country as a council member, territorial councilor, and President. Besides being a politician the former President was a teacher and also the Principal of the Sandy Ground Primary School. SMN News team extends its deepest condolences to the children, siblings and other relatives of the late Aline Hanson.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Council of Ministers of the Kingdom has appointed Roger Bos today, Friday, June 30th, 2017, as the new Attorney-general for Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius (BES-islands).

Mr. Bos is Chief Prosecutor for the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the province of Limburg. Since 1999 he has been in charge at different managerial levels at the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands. He has extensive experience within the OM and is very focused on internal and external cooperation. His broad knowledge and experience will fit in perfectly in the PG's position.

Mr. Bos will start on September 1st, 2017 as the new Attorney-general of Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the BES-islands.

Attorney General Press Release

Pond Island:---- TelEm Group recently donated 10 copies of Pen on Paper, a collection of articles covering politics, business, and life on St. Maarten/St. Martin, by noted writer and political commentator, Jose Lake Jr, to the University of St. Martin for its ongoing education program.

The books were donated by TelEm Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kendall Dupersoy to Dean of Academics, Mrs. Geneve Phillip-Durham, MSc, who indicated it would find pride of place in the institution's library of books.

According to Mr. Dupersoy, the donation serves as a useful reminder, on the eve of Emancipation Day celebrations on St. Maarten, to reflect on much of the work that has been chronicled about events of the past in various media articles.
“Scanning through the pages I am reminded of some of the events that have taken place and the background surrounding them. It makes very interesting reading, featuring some well know writers and media personnel at the time,” said Mr. Dupersoy.
Meantime TelEm Group has announced that its offices (with the exception of the Harbour Group location) will be closed Saturday in accordance with Emancipation Day celebrations.
Personnel and members of the public are asked to take note and to have a safe and enjoyable day of reflection.

Oranjestad:--- The submission of various financial reports to the Cft is still not up to standard. The chairman of the Board of supervision of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft) reached this conclusion during talks with both the Executive Council and the Island Council. “An approved budget and accountability for its execution are essential instruments for the management of Sint Eustatius.” It is therefore of great importance that the financial statements 2015, the 2017 budget and the progress report for the first quarter of 2017, which are in an advanced draft stage, will be finalized. In addition, priority should be given to the 2016 financial statements. It is expected that the latter will not be completed by the legal deadline of July 15, 2017.

During the visit of the Cft, the need for a sound budgeting and accountability process was discussed. In that context, on of the subjects was the Finance department. An external office is working on addressing the capacity problems. The Cft, therefore, assumes that the backlog in the financial reports in the short term will be reduced. Based on the latest figures, Sint Eustatius expects to realize a surplus of approximately USD 0.5 million in 2016, fully compensating for the deficit in 2014. This represents significant progress compared to 2015, which is expected to close off with a deficit of USD 0.6 million. Compensation of that deficit is scheduled for 2017. The Cft notices that payments are made that are not in line with the rules of the preceding supervision as performed by the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations.

It is necessary that Sint Eustatius soon arranges for an approved budget in 2017. It is important that the process of reaching a modified agreement with NuStar is completed in the short term. This will result in a sharp increase in the income of the island which will make the finances of the public entity more sustainable. The Cft has expressed its appreciation for this. The Cft has emphasized that there are still some risks with regard to the finances on which St. Eustatius still has to focus. One example is the flaws related to the salary administration.

The Board als discussed the BES pension legislation for (former) political officials with the Executive Council. This pension legislation requires the establishment of a pension provision. Due to various causes, this provision has not yet been calculated and incorporated in the financial statements of Sint Eustatius. It is agreed that the Cft, together with the public entities, will analyze the financial aspects of the relevant pension legislation more closely.

This visit of the Board to Sint Eustatius was also to bid farewell to the current chairman Age Bakker, who is departing as of July 1, 2017. Cft, together with the members of the Island Council and the Executive Council, looked back on the collaboration. During the visit, Mr. Herbert F. Domacassé was also already introduced. He was appointed as the new Cft member on behalf of the public entities Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, as per July 1st, 2017. Starting July 1st, 2017 Cft Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will consist of Raymond Gradus (Chairman), Sybilla Dekker and Herbert Domacassé.

An unqualified accountant’s opinion for the third time in a row.

The Bottom:--- The Board of financial supervision of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft) concluded on June 28 that Saba still has its public finances in order. Even though 2016 was characterized by a number of financial setbacks plus the absence of some key staff members of the finance department, the 2016 financial statements show a surplus. Also, the auditing accountant has indicated that an unqualified audit statement will be provided. The Executive Council received compliments for this achievement. “Saba has once again proved to have its affairs well in order,” Cft Chairman Age Bakker stated.
During the Cft visit on June 28, the Executive Council discussed the financial situation of the public entity, the financial downturns during 2016 and the budget execution in 2017. The year 2016 ended with a positive result of USD 69,063. This is shown in the 2016 financial statements, which will receive for the third year in a row an unqualified opinion from the accountant. The 2017 budget execution is going according to plan, as can be seen in the first quarter progress report. The Cft further submitted a positive advice on the first budget amendment, as submitted in 2017. The Executive Council expressed its concern about the incidental funding of projects, which leads to structural burdens for the public entity, as is the case with the recycling plant.

Cft also discussed with the Executive Council the BES pension legislation for (former) political officials. Due to various causes, this pension legislation has led to unexpectedly high costs in both 2015 and 2016. It has been agreed that the Cft together with the public entities will analyze the financial aspects of the relevant pension legislation more closely.

This visit of the Board to Saba was also to bid farewell to the current chairman Age Bakker, who is departing as of July 1, 2017. Cft, together with the members of the Executive Council, looked back on a successful collaboration. The Cft chairman expressed his appreciation for the enormous steps taken by the public entity over the past six years. During the vi, it Mr. Herbert F. Domacassé was also introduced. He was appointed as the new Cft member on behalf of the public entities Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, as per July 1st, 2017. Starting July 1st, 2017 Cft Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba will consist of Raymond Gradus (Chairman), Sybilla Dekker and Herbert Domacassé.

Flags to be flown at half mass until July 5th.

MARIGOT:--- The Collectivity of St. Martin will open a condolence book at the Collectivity Book as of Monday, July 3rd, 2017 for the general public in honor former President Mrs. Aline Hanson.
President of the Collectivity of St. Martin said in a press release that flags at the Collectivity will be flown at half mass as of Friday June 30th to July 5th 2017.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The All New 2018 Mazda CX-5 Crossover SUV, revealed late last year at the Los Angeles Motor Show in the U.S., is finally here in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin all the way from Hiroshima Japan, thanks to the efforts of the management and owners of Caribbean Auto, located in Cole Bay. The Mazda CX-5 has become an instant SXM hot ticket item, with its beautiful looks that are loaded with tons of features. Mazda is known for its 'Zoom Zoom' driving philosophy, creating vehicles that are fun to drive. The All-New CX-5 not only embodies this driver first mentality but now has dramatically reduced road noise for an incredibly premium and quiet cabin.
Since its introduction in 2012, the CX-5 has become one of Mazda’s best-selling global models and has been a vehicle for the brand’s “SkyActiv” engine technology. Mazda has confirmed that the engine options all new CX-5 Crossover have been tweaked for more performance and greater fuel efficiency.
It looks like a clear evolution of the car it replaces rather than a radical overhaul, but there are some important design changes. At the front, it gets slimmer headlights and a slightly larger grille, joined by re-profiled tail lights and a tweaked tailgate at the back.
The subtle alterations hide front and rear tracks widened by 10mm, and the A-pillars sit 35mm further back than on the existing model. It sits on a modified version of the existing platform, and while the wheelbase remains the same, it’s a longer car by 10mm and sits 15mm lower.

Inside, the all-new CX-5 Crossover gets the latest evolution of Mazda’s infotainment system. Its seven-inch display is crisper than before, thanks to a new process that uses optical bonding to join the LCD screen to the touch panel, and the unit now sits high up on top of the fascia.
Other changes up front include a higher-resolution TFT (thin-film-transistor) display in the instrument panel and the option of a head-up display that can project navigation instructions onto the inside of the windscreen.
Further, passengers in the back seats get a slightly lower hip point and the option of rear cabin climate control vents and rear USB ports.
Under the skin, Mazda has tweaked the 2.0L/2.5L Skyactiv petrol engines. Modifications to the chassis have increased torsional rigidity by 15.5 per cent and helped to reduce low-frequency road noise to make conversations about 10 per cent clearer at 60mph.
Other changes include a deeper, richer version of Mazda’s popular Soul Red paint scheme – now called Soul Red Crystal. All St. Maarten CX5s come standard with gorgeous two-tone 19" Alloy wheels, LED headlights, auto rain wiping sensors, rear USB ports, Push Button Start, Electronic Parking Brake and a 7" Touchscreen with Rear View Camera. Top Trim Grand Touring models add premium leather powered memory seats, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, full-color digital 'HUD' heads up display projected on the windshield, LED daytime running lights, power liftgate and a 10 speaker Bose Sound System. For the first time in St. Maarten for any manufacturer, the Grand Touring CX-5 will come iActivsense safety features such as Lane Keep Assist, Pedestrian Detection, and 'SCBS' Smart City Brake Support. With SCBS, the CX-5 will automatically detect pedestrians or vehicles in front of you with a potential collision, and brake automatically for you which either completely avoids an accident, or dramatically reduces impact depending on the speed you're traveling.

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:---- It is with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of the passing of Aline Hanson, the first female president of the Territorial Collectivity of St. Martin. I have had the privilege of knowing her personally for many years. We both shared the same passion for education and politics. Her belief in and love for the whole island was unshakable. Madame President as she was fondly called represented the very best in St. Martin womanhood. She was strong, courageous, determined, loving and caring. For her politics and friendship were two different things. She could be on opposing sides with you politically but still remained very good friends with you. That is part of the St. Maarten character which has made this island so unique. As we mourn her loss, I pray that we would always remember not to allow politics or any other forces to divide us. On behalf of the government and people of St. Maarten (south) and on behalf of my family and myself, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the Territorial Council and our brothers and sisters in the North, and in particular, to the Hanson family and all the relatives and friends she left behind. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Today we remember, and by remembering - we honor, our ancestors who lived through one of the most horrific events ever recorded in history.
A period of hundreds of years in which colonial powers ruled the waves, enriching themselves on the backs of persons whom they enslaved.
This period of history is often glossed over and whispered about in order not to cast blame and embarrassment on the descendants of enslavers nor to remind the descendants of the enslaved to spare them shame and pain... and though today we commemorate this day with dignified services, speeches, cultural manifestations and festivities.... The silence continues!!!

The discomfort and underlying fear of our civilized society endure in this silence and is another form of enslavement which is perpetuated by us all... one of the Enslavement of the Mind.
The old adage “She who rocks the cradle, shapes the world” has been used interchangeably with “He who pays, decides!” – “Wie betaalt, bepaalt!”
So even while physically freed from slavery, we were bound to an education system, a governmental system, a societal system grounded in colonial norms and values – the same ones that were used to enslave.

So when the conversation started a few weeks ago about decolonizing our Education System, I felt pressed to say, we can’t just start there, we must evaluate all our Systems and systematically decide what we find useful for us at this time and space in our lives in preparation for our destiny.
We have to decide, not what will be easier to execute, but what is best for our people, our self-esteem, and our vision for this land.
What Silences continue to enslave our minds, our thoughts, our words, our actions, our attitudes, our values, our destiny?
What truths are being suppressed due to “Who pays!” or “Who gains!”

While today in 2017, We have become more accepting of our own shades, hues, personality traits, ways of dress and styles of hair, judgment continues to be rendered on these same aspects in our daily lives robbing many of their human rights – Break the Silence!

Before we can truly become free (independent) we must rid ourselves of the colonial ways, thinking, and habits that stifle us. We must decolonize our classrooms and educational systems and the material that is taught. This ties into honoring Family Legacy as we have started to teach our children about Joseph Lake Sr. and Jr., Lasana Sekou, Ruby Bute, Camille Baly, Roberto Celestino Arrindell, Roland Richardson, Chester, Isidore York and Neville York, Clara Reyes, Nicole de Weever, Charles Borromeo Hodge, Calypso Kings Bobo and Brat and so many other local cultural icons whom have helped to shape our country and its people.

Every single day history is being made, new icons are growing, art is being made, recorded, painted, sung, performed... and records are being broken. Literature is coming forth from our young and seasoned and their voices must be heard. In this way, we are promoting the “Breaking of the Silence” of a community which was taught to have manners, to be seen and not heard, and where Respect meant - To Agree!!!

We must break the silence on the taboos of our community; Break the silence and rid ourselves of the preconceived notions we’ve been taught. Agree to disagree when necessary, but honestly, debate the issues that continue to haunt and stagnate us and definitively decide our way forward.

Our former colonizers, masquerade as equal partners and are still invading our minds and habits, through our thinking, the clothes we wear, the manner in which our hair is considered ‘presentable’, the materials taught within our classrooms, and the policies executed daily.
Not only do we have to ensure that we are free from enslavement, but like our good brother Bob Marley once said we must “free yourself from mental slavery”. Mental slavery and fear of free speech hamper the possibilities of living our truth. Our ancestors were enslaved, but their minds were free to envision themselves living in a free world.

Today, July 1st, 2017, as we celebrate this 154th Emancipation Day, let us remember the atrocities faced by our ancestors and honor their bravery, while utilizing their living and dying examples to also decolonize our thinking, our systems, and Break the Silence! Break the silence on our skin, our hair, our language, our perception of ourselves and others. Break the Silence in education, in society about our identity, our nationality, our culture, our economy, our lack of care for the environment, the stigma of abuse, mental health and sexuality and so much more.

GREAT BAY:--- Dr. Denzil L. Douglas arrived here on Friday to deliver the Emancipation Day Lecture at the University of St. Martin (USM) on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at 8 PM, said the Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF).
The Right Honorable Dr. Douglas, a former Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, will focus on “The Realities of Independence,” the title and theme of the lecture. The culture and youth of St. Martin are also part of the third annual Emancipation lecture program organized by ISMF.
“The moving song ‘St. Martin is My Home’ by Lino, will be played on Pan by Mighty Dow, one of the nation’s premier musicians,” said Dr. Rhoda Arrindell of the ISMF. “Poems will be recited by Dennisio Duzong and high school student Atlantha Courtar,” said Dr. Arrindell.
“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 ISMF president Joseph H. Lake, Jr. earlier this week.
Dr. Douglas, who profiled the twin-island federation prominently in the region during his consecutive terms in office (1995 to 2015), is scheduled to visit the historic Emilio Wilson Park for the Emancipation Day family and heritage picnic on Saturday afternoon. The increasingly popular Emancipation Day picnic is organized by VOICES foundation, said Dr. Arrindell.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:--- St. Maarten was among Caribbean countries represented at Caribbean Action 2030, an important regional conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, June 28- 30, 2017. It brought together the 18 countries, which are signatories of the United Nations Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (UNMSDF) for the Caribbean region.