PHILIPSBURG:--- The leadership and members of the United Democrats Party (UD) are deeply saddened by the arrest of our leader MP Theodore Heyliger on February 19, 2019. It goes without saying that the arrest is a major blow to the UD and we consider this a dark day, not only for the party but especially for Theo’s wife and children and St. Maarten in general. Grisha, the boys, and his extended family are in our constant thoughts and prayers.

It is an ordeal we wish no one, but the impact of Theo’s arrest will be felt far and near. In Parliament, we of the UD will have to ensure that the people’s interest will continue to be center stage, despite this serious setback we are facing.

We will carefully follow the developments surrounding MP Heyliger’s arrest and we will uphold the mantra of innocent until proven guilty. We must, also for the benefit of our country, have faith in the justice system and we can only hope that fair justice will prevail, regardless of prejudices, real or perceived.

St. Maarten is at crossroads in so many respects and the arrest of MP Heyliger is surely not helpful in this regard. It is still very early in the process and we implore everyone to not be hasty in jumping to conclusions.

As more details and information become available, the UD will inform its membership and the St. Maarten people in general about the course the party is taking.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Wycliffe Smith extends his congratulations to the GIFTED Foundation on the hosting of their 4th GIFTED Royalty Awards. The foundation is set to host this year’s ceremony on Sunday, February 24th, 2019 at the Belair Community Center. There are 6 local high schools participating in this year’s event. In 2015, this initiative was launched with the “Young Kings Awards”, recognizing five dynamic young men from our local high schools in the areas of Athletics, Arts, Academics, Leadership and Community Service. In 2016, this was expanded to include the recognition of our remarkable young women in the same categories, renaming of the awards to “THE G.I.F.T.E.D. ROYALTY AWARDS”. A total of 161 students have been recognized and celebrated since we started in 2015.
In this year’s celebration of youth excellence, over 40 students have been nominated by their high schools for this prestigious recognition of their hard work, dedication, and exemplary standard in their school and in the community. According to Minister Smith, “This is a good reminder for us at a time when negative news seem to bombard us concerning our young people. However, these nominees for GIFTED Royalty Awards should be shared and celebrated in our community and on social media for their achievements. Congratulations to all the Royalty Awards nominees. You are all Young Kings and Queens!”
The profiles of all nominees have been posted on the GIFTED Foundation’s Facebook page. In making their nominations, the following exemplary students were considered by their high schools.
In Academics, these nominees are noted as excelling consistently in their academics. They are marked by discipline and diligence towards academic excellence. In Expressive Arts, these nominees are considered exceptionally skilled and dedicated to at least one discipline of The Arts. The nominees must be currently active in the expressive arts. His/her character should be marked by discipline and integrity.
In the category of Athletics, these nominees are considered exceptionally skilled and dedicated to at least one sport. The nominees are currently active in an individual or team sport. Their character is marked by discipline and sportsmanship. For Community Service, these nominees are known by their peers and teachers for giving themselves to volunteerism in school and the wider community. Their character is marked by generosity, respect and a willing spirit.
In the area of Leadership, these nominees are considered as consistent in demonstrating leadership among their peers. The nominees are esteemed as dependable and they take initiative to guide and influence his/her peers towards positive behavior. They have earned the respect of their peers as well as teachers and staff. His/her character should be marked by discipline, integrity and influence.

GIFTED Foundation is a not-for-profit organization focused on youth and community development on St. Maarten/St. Martin and the wider region. The organization’s aim is to continue highlighting the positively outstanding youth of Sint Maarten and subsequently inspire the next generation. The initiatives seek to proactively tackle social ills such as youth delinquency, crime, violence, and child-abuse, among others issues by promoting social values such as education, justice, unity, volunteerism and youth dynamism.

 PHILIPSBURG:--- At least 10 vehicles with a number of TBO and RST Officers flocked the home of UD Leader Theodore Heyliger on Tuesday morning in Guana Bay where they conducted house searches and arrested him. Heyliger is one of the suspects in the ongoing LARIMAR investigations. On January 29th and 30th, the investigators searched the business place and homes of George Pelgrim and Ron Elferink, the two men were in pretrial detention for 10 days before they were released.

SMN News was reliably informed that even though the team of officers went to the UD Leader’s home before 7 am they left his residence after midday with the suspect as they were searching his residence for potential evidence.
Last year the TBO team also arrested Jan Henrick Boekar and searched the Windward Road Office as they began the LARIMAR investigation. Also arrested in this case was Ronald Masdaam a key person that linked several politicians in a corruption investigation.

The spokesman for the TBO Roderick Gouverneur confirmed the arrest. He said no further details until later today.

Suspect arrested in Larimar investigation (update)

In connection to an ongoing criminal investigation, suspect T.H. (48) was arrested on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Additionally, the suspect's home was searched. The arrest derives from the investigation "Larimar", which delves into corruption, money laundering and the acceptance and payment of bribes in the construction sector on Sint Maarten. Several arrests and house searches have been conducted in the interest of this investigation. The investigation is still ongoing. The Court of First Instance has to give permission to prosecute the suspect.

Prosecutor's Office Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG: --- 25 years and 4 months after the arrest of St. Maarten’s pioneer the late Dr. Claude Wathey who was arrested on October 29th, 1993 authorities arrested his grandson leader of the United Democrats Theodore Heyliger.
Back in 1993 the Attorney General's office subsequently filed charges of fraud, purgery and conspiracy to commit a crime against Dr. Claude Wathey, Airport Managing Director Frank Arnell, former St. Martin Lt. Gov. Ralph Richardson and former Airport Board Chairman Al Wathey. Dr. Claude Wathey was the Leader of the St. Martin Democratic Party.
The arrest of late Dr. Claude Wathey sparked a protest at the Government Administration Building and they also protested on the tarmac of the Airport as the Dutch investigators took him to Curacao to conduct their investigations.
History has repeated itself on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 when a team of Dutch investigators swarmed the home of his grandson Theodore Heyliger the leader of the United Democrats. Heyliger is also suspect in a corruption investigation, including the bribing of former MP Romaine LaVille.
Heyliger’s arrest did not come as a surprise to him or the St. Maarten community as they all know that the investigators were on to Heyliger when they began several investigations relating to corruption and bribery. Heyliger’s and his family including party supporters participated in a march on August 29, 2018, when Prosecutor’s Office requested permission from the Appeals Court to prosecute the UD Leader.
However, on Tuesday when Heyliger was officially arrested everyone stayed calm. Several persons within the community said that justice has to take its course especially since several politicians were arrested and there was no march or protest against the justice system.

At the moment the Airport renovation project post-Irma is a hot topic for politicians at this moment. Dr. Claude Wathey and others were arrested in suspected corruption of project at PJIAE while in recent months PJIAE is top discussion within the political arena.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Justice Committee of Parliament will meet in a session on February 20, 2019.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be present for this meeting.

The agenda point is:
Update on the state of affairs of the Bureau Unusual Financial Transactions (MOT)
(IS/296/2018-2019 dated November 05, 2018)

(This meeting was requested by MP F.A. Meyers, MP R. Brison and MP S.M. Bijlani)

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 115, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and Parliament’s Facebook page: Parliament of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.
The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for 14.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be present.

The agenda point is:
Discussion regarding UTS
(IS/550/2018-2019 dated January 31, 2019)

(This meeting was requested by the Minister of Justice, shareholder representative of UTS)

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 115, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and Parliament’s Facebook page: Parliament of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A routine motorbike control in the Dutch Quarter area could have ended badly, on February Sunday 17th between the of 4:00 pm -9:00 pm; when for unknown reasons a passerby threw an unknown object at a police vehicle, breaking the rear back glass of the police patrol vehicle.
The patrol team had just pulled over a scooter for a routine control when an unknown object, which was turned out to be a rock, was thrown in the direction of the officers, hitting the glass of the patrol car causing it to break. Luckily no officers were injured on the scene.
The Sint Maarten Police Force would like to inform the community that this type of behavior will not be accepted and will not be taken lightly; this incident is currently under investigation in hopes to lead to the arrest of the person(s) involved. This person(s) will be prosecuted for this blatant disregard and disrespect for law enforcement.
During this particular control, 10 scooters were confiscated, 2 arrests were made and 7 persons received fines for various traffic violations. The Sint Maarten Police Force will continue to carry out these controls in order to ensure all drivers are following the laws of the roadways. We will not shy away from our scheduled controls based on this incident. The incident shows there is a need for the police force to increase the amount of controls done in order to ensure our communities remain safe.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, February 18th, 2019, the Sint Maarten Police Force arrested a suspect with initials G.R. (53) in the area of Simpson Bay, on the Welfare road. The Emergency Dispatch Center received a call about a man who was suspected to be in possession of several stolen items. When the patrols arrived on the scene the suspect was questioned and it was clear that he was indeed in the possession of items he could not provide proof of ownership for. All items were confiscated; the suspect was placed under arrest and brought to the Police Station for questioning.
The suspect is well known to the Police, for committing burglaries in the Simpson Bay/ Pelican Area in the past. The investigation is currently ongoing. The detectives are asking all residents, specifically those in the Simpson Bay /Pelican area, who may have been a victim of burglary within the past two weeks to report it to your Community police officer or the Detective Department. All persons that may have been witness to burglary are also asked to contact the police department TIP Line at 9300 or come into the Philipsburg station.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As of March 1, 2019, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) appointed Mrs. Raquel Lo Fo Wong as Director of the CBCS office in Sint Maarten, after having
successfully completed an assessment process.

The Board of Directors decided to expand the Sint Maarten office to better support the financial sector in Sint Maarten and, consequently, appointed an office director. Until
now, the office was managed from Curaçao. The new director will be responsible for the
daily operations and will report directly to the Board of Directors.

The CBCS welcomes Mrs. Lo Fo Wong and wishes her success in her new position.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Early Bird ticket season for Saint Martin / Sint Maarten Annual Trade Show (SMART) 2019 edition (May 21st – May 23d) has officially started as of today. This was announced by the event’s key organizers Office du Tourisme de Saint Martin, Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau, L’Association des Hoteliers de Saint Martin (AHSM) and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA).

Early Bird Season will run until the month of April and allows foreign tour operators, local tourism and non-tourism businesses alike to purchase access passes to what is traditionally the largest tradeshow of the Northeastern Caribbean. Amongst others, this year’s event will include more innovation, experiences, local businesses, added training, a new topic of “mystery dinners” and a vendor street.

SMART’s 15th edition has been in the making for quite some time. Key partners abroad and domestic have been notified that this jubilee edition is to take place. All four partners are committed to show the destination is back in business after the effects of the 2017 hurricane season.

For its comeback edition, organizers chose a new logo, look, and approach befitting the renewed mission of the event – providing insights in hospitality and business innovations available, in addition to the traditional business meetings taking place. Its ambition is to involve even more Saint Martin / Sint Maarten local businesses, both tourism, and non-tourism than it did in its previous 14 editions.

The largest SMART thus far will consist of 3 days of inspiring innovative masterclasses, workshops, activities, festivities, and business to business appointments. The event will kick off on Tuesday 21st May 2019 with a unique opening ceremony. After two days of conferences including a “mystery dinner tour” in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, a spectacular farewell event will end SMART’s 15th edition.

The organizing partners are expecting numerous Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Travel Writers and Event Planners from the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean to attend this important event.

In previous years, SMART featured regional businesses from Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barthelemy, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Maarten-St. Martin.

Registration for Early Birds can be done at events@shta.com. Event information will be continuously updated at SHTA.com/SMART. For reservations or questions, please call +1-721-542-0108.

~ Brandon currently off island.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The anti-corruption team (TBO) is currently searching the home of Attorney at Law Peggy Ann Brandon. SMN News learned that Brandon is currently off island while investigators are busy ransacking her home.
The search it is understood is related to the case that relates to BTP and Taliesin Construction Company and its owner Carl Critchlow. The TBO team already searched the home of Judith De Weever, the office of Duncan & Brandon Law Firm and the home and office of Carl Critchlow.
As soon as more information becomes available this article will be updated.

PHILIPS BURG:---The Committee of Civil Servants Unions (CCSU), formerly known as the GOA held a consultative meeting with the honorable Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever on Friday, January 11, 2019. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the additional function descriptions and evaluations that will become part of the new police function book.

The CCSU seeks to ensure proper representation of the whole civil servants’ corps and therefore invited the NAPB and the ABVO to take part in the meeting in the capacity of observers as both unions represent the majority of unionized members within the Justice Ministry and are currently not represented in the CCSU due to the legal requirements for membership not being fulfilled.

The members and observers were all given the opportunity to ask the Minister questions and make statements. The WITU cautioned the Minister that any changes that he would like to implement should be in the ultimate benefit of the police force. Before the meeting was adjourned the Minister of Justice ensured the CCSU that a complete function book for the police will be submitted as soon as possible for review.

Based on article 112g of the LMA, the CCSU has a 6 weeks period to provide feedback on matters related to the function book once all relevant documents have been submitted.

The Members of the Committee of Civil Servants Unions are appointed every 2 years based on their official membership count. The CCSU consists for the 2018-2020 term of one member of the WICSU-PSU Mr. Riegnald Arrindell and his replacement member Mr. Franklin Mariana along with one member of the WITU Mrs. Claire Elshot-Aventurin and her replacement member Mr. Robert Rawlins. The CCSU is supported by a Secretariat consisting of 3 persons, the Chairlady Ms. Jessica Weeks, the General Secretary Mrs. Suenah Laville-Martis and the Deputy General Secretary Mr. Travis McQuilkin.

SANTO DOMINGO:--- – MADRID Ink Aviation and Ava Airways today announced that Ava Airways, a new airline expected to offer service to countries within the Caribbean, South Americ, and North America, has chosen Ink Aviation’s departure control system (DCS) technology to provide the regional airline start-up with industry-leading ground handling services at its main hub based in Santo Domingo.
Ink Aviation is the most efficient and flexible DCS technology currently available to drive high performance in travel operations. More than 100 Airline handled flights on our system in the past year and ground handling companies, at more than 100 airports worldwide, have chosen Ink Aviation DCS . Ava Airways will use Ink Aviation DCS, load control, internet check-in, and ink turns capabilities to increase efficiencies and support the airline’s ancillary sales policy at its Hub Location of Santo Domingo.
“Ink Aviation provide Ava Airways with a modern technology with automation and integration of the vital on-ground services needed to provide customers with a trouble-free travel experience,” said Rene Fraza, Ava Airways Director of Airport operation.
“As a new airline, we recognized it was critical for our short- and long-term success to find the industry’s most robust and easiest to operate DCS technology for our Hub base location off Santo Domingo. Based on these criteria, Ink Aviation was the obvious choice for us,” said Olivier Arrindell, Chairman of Ava Airways.
Developed in collaboration with airline airport handling and hotels, Ink Aviation, DCS is a web-based application which delivers commercial and operational advantages to both airlines and ground handlers by streamlining departure operations, centralizing load control, and improving the traveler experience at or from the airport location.
Compatible with any passenger service system (PSS), Ink Aviation DCS not only streamlines IT processes for airlines, but also provides passengers with a convenient self-serve check-in process through all channels, on-site and online.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The mini RYLA was organized on February 16, 2019, by an organizing committee that comprised of Rotarian Jon Hart (chairperson) Rotaractor Micaela Hart, and Assistant Governor, Marcellia Henry, exceeded all expectations.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. The program is designed to shape leadership skills in young people who already possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics in their high school and community. The participants are exposed to the many phases of leadership by learning from individuals who are already leaders in their community and businesses.
The RYLA held at the University of St. Martin was attended by 55 Interactors from Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Martin, Sundial, Milton Peters College, Learning Unlimited, Caribbean International Academy, Charlotte Brookson Academy, St. Maarten Academy and St. Dominic High School.
Assistant Governor, Marcellia Henry gave the welcome remarks and introduction. The first session of the day allowed the Interactors from the different islands to share some of the projects they execute on their islands, and how they contribute to their community and schools. Youth representatives of Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Dominic High and Milton Peters College gave presentations.
The whole group and breakout sessions for the event that started at 9:30 am and ended at 3:30 pm were as follows: Fundamentals of leadership and ethics of positive leadership presented by Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen, and Leadership and Customer Service Skills by Ms. Dimple Sagre. Ms. Chevonne Dasouza presented the importance of communication skills in effective leadership. Building self-confidence and self-esteem were presented by Ms. Georgette Rampersad and a second session was given by Ms. Kimberley Duzong. Mr. Lenworth Wilson’s presentation was on Problem Solving and conflict management.
For the French-speaking participants from St. Martin and St. Barths, the same sessions were offered but were delivered in the French language by Rotarians and Rotaractors from the northern side of the island and St. Barths namely: Ms. Jasmine Sally, Ms. Abigail Leese, and Ms. Dahlia Francois.
An award presentation for all participants was held at the ending of the day’s event.
The organizing committee would like to thank the sponsors from University of St. Martin, Office world, Dazzling Gems, Jewelry Avenue, Sint Maarten, NATCOM UNESCO, Uncle Bob, Carl’s and Sons, Mr. Russell Bell, and the Rotary Clubs of Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Maarten, and St. Martin.
It is the intention to organize another RYLA during the next Rotary year 2019-2020 to shape leadership skills in students who already possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics in their high school and community.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Nature Foundation St Maarten outplanted mangroves in Mullet Pond with the help of students from Milton Peters College and Jorakhae Freediving School last Friday. The entire day the students and volunteers worked intensively to enhance St Maarten’s environment and to assist nature in recovering from Hurricane Irma. The mangroves in Mullet Pond experienced and additional impact due to the large amount of boats illegally tied to their roots during the hurricane, hence restoring the mangroves was much needed at this location. The Nature Foundation advocates for a large scale mangroves restoration in Mullet Pond and Simpson Bay in order to restore and enhance St Maarten’s wetlands, as they are much needed for the island’s survival and protection.
“About 200 red mangroves were planted at the denuded mangroves forests in the conservation zone at Mullet Pond, which was definitely desired since about 50% of our mangroves did not recover yet since Hurricane Irma. We have been growing mangrove seeds behind our warehouse for over five months. Last week the juvenile mangroves were ready to be out planted, hopefully, one day these little mangroves will be as large as the mangroves used to be in Mullet Pond before Irma” stated Nature Foundation’s Project Officer Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern.

Wetlands are vital for human survival and the world’s most productive environment, wetlands are protecting coastlines as they reduce storm wave power and protect us against extreme droughts and floodings. Wetlands and their mangroves are a habitat for many wildlife species, marine life species and birds call it home or rest in wetlands during migrations, besides mangroves improve water quality due to filtration of the water.

Mullet pond is listed and protected as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Treaty. Mullet Pond is the last intact mangrove forest within the Simpson Bay Lagoon, 70% of all mangroves in the Simpson Bay lagoon are located in Mullet Pond. Simpson Bay has lost large parts of their mangrove forests due to development and worldwide we already lost about 2/3 of our wetlands. Mangrove restoration is much required, especially on St Maarten, in order to protect us and our coast from storms and flooding.

The mangroves were funded by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance as part of their environmental emergency support to the Nature Foundation after the 2017 Hurricanes. The Mullet Bay Towers graciously allowed access to their property in order to facilitate the planting.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The four new high-speed Metal Sharks for the SXM Coast Guard arrived yesterday. With this delivery, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) completed the 12-boat order announced last year. The 38’ Defiant patrol boats are the result of a multi-year effort by the DCCG to deliver a replacement for the fleet of SuperRibs. The new boats will serve as the DCCG’s main interceptors, patrolling the territorial waters of St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba.
The personnel of the DCCG will start their Metal Sharks training to get acquainted with the boats. After the training, they will officially start operating the patrol boats in the SXM waters. The patrol boats will be operating during all Coast Guard operations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The community of St. Maarten responded positively with record-breaking attendance at the launch of the “Driven to OWN” financial planning and mortgage seminar held at Motorworld on Wednesday, February 13th in Collaboration with CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

“We were extremely pleased to see over two hundred persons - individuals driven for financial success and ownership - join us at our first ‘Driven to Own’ series event. We look forward to working with Motorworld and other partners in offering residents more financial freedom and ownership possibilities. CIBC FirstCaribbean is here to offer you more than just banking services, we are committed to helping you grow and to your financial future” stated Whitfield Vlaun, Loan & Mortgage Manager, at CIBC FirstCaribbean.

The “Driven to OWN” Financial Planning & Mortgage Seminar was an unprecedented mortgage and financial planning series launched to educate and empower individuals with essential tools. Participants responded positively with sincere interest, pointed questions and discussions, as well as the pledge to continue on the journey towards home and/or property ownership.

“In keeping with our corporate responsibility, we were pleased to kick-off this ‘Driven to OWN’ series with participants who were enthusiastic and genuinely interested in the information and tools provided towards home and/or property ownership,” says Jacqueline Louis, Marketing Management Consultant, Motorworld Group of Companies.

This insightful and interactive seminar was moderated by Ife Badejo, CEO of the Produce Wealth Revolution (PWR) Agency who shared: “Driven to Own was amazing. It was impressive to see how many people came and participated. I would like to thank the entire community for making this such a success. I look forward to seeing more financially independent people and, economically resilient island. To make that happen we need to own more. Hopefully this inspires people to do just that."

Informational presentations were conducted by Debby Richardson (CIBC FirstCaribbean), representatives of Island Real Estate, and Motorworld’s CFO
Jagdesh Haripersaud, sharing tips and tricks on the importance of saving towards owning that dream car and/or home. Together, these partners remain committed to help individuals build their financial portfolios, and remain “Driven to OWN”, a piece of our beloved island paradise.

The follow-up session is being planned for June, with the ultimate goal to encourage success stories for those individuals who dare to dream and, thereby,
activate a movement of residents who are “Driven to Own” property, home, and/or automobiles through financial empowerment.

Please contact Motorworld at (721) 544-5294 and/or stay tuned to Motorworld St. Maarten/ St. Martin’s Facebook page for ongoing updates.

For further information on the financial and mortgage products available at CIBC FirstCaribbean, please contact Debby Richardson at (721) 544-3745 ext 6271 or via e-mail at: Debbie.Richardson@cibcfcib.com.

WILLEMSTAD:--- On March 7 and 8, 2019, the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) will hold its annual board meeting in Willemstad, Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean), which will be followed by an open workshop for all members. This international event will take place in the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino.

AICESIS, whose primary objective is to encourage and promote dialogue and exchange of views and good practices among its members and, at a wider level, to encourage dialogue between economic and social partners around the world currently unifies 72 Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (‘ECS’s-SI’s) from African, Latin American, Asian and European countries.

The Economic and Social Council of Curaçao (‘SER’) is since 2017 member of the board of AICESIS, representing the Latin American region.

The SER feels much honored to have been offered the responsibility to host this great event this year, which will bring delegates from ECS’s-SI’s from all over the world to our colorful and vibrant island.

The SER sees this as a unique opportunity for AICESIS-members to meet and greet each other and to exchange ideas and best practices in a distinctive Caribbean environment, known for its European style, rich cultural and architectural heritage with a blend of more than 55 nationalities.

Official Opening

The Prime Minister of Curaçao, His Excellency Mr. Eugène Rhuggenaath, will address the international audience during the official opening ceremony of the sessions on March 7, 2019.

After the official opening address given by the Prime Minister, the acting President of the SER, the Honorable Mr. John Jacobs, LL.M., will give a welcome speech. In addition, the President of AICESIS, the Honorable Mr. Iacob Baciu from Romania, will open the board meeting of AICESIS.

Board Meeting

The board meeting is a closed session, accessible only to the board members, which are ECS’s-SI’s from the following countries: Benin, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, the Dominican Republic, the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Spain, France, Greece, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Romania, and of course Curaçao.

AICESIS uses the following languages at its meetings: English, French, and Romanian. 

In the evening hours, there will be a gala dinner for the foreign delegates, local dignitaries, consuls-general and honorary consuls of the visiting countries and other special guests.

Open workshop

On March 8, 2019, there will be an open workshop for all members of AICESIS. The workshop will also be attended by international observers, regional and local institutions that have received a special invitation.

The workshop will focus on the theme The Digital Revolution and Its Impact on the Future of Mankind, which has been chosen by the current President of AICESIS, Mr. Baciu, as the main working theme of AICESIS during his term as President of the association.

Context

Humanity continues to embark on a period of unparalleled technological advancement. The next 5, 10 and 20 years will present both significant challenges and opportunities. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres across all sectors. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, quantum computing, synthetic biology, and robotics will all drastically supersede any digital progress made in the past 60 years and create realities that we previously thought to be unthinkable. Such profound realities will disrupt and change the business model of each and every industry and the social economic model of each and every country. Private sectors, governments, academics, labor unions, and entrepreneurs are all seeking the roadmap for navigating these profound changes in the world of work. Such a road map must be created collaboratively by all stakeholders.

 During the workshop, there will be panel discussions where AICESIS-members will present their findings and reports regarding the main theme of the Romanian Presidency. Furthermore, there will be an exchange of ideas and best practices concerning the actions, that are being prepared or have already been taken by the social partners of the various member states to further promote the transition to the digital economy, in a socially balanced manner.

During the workshop, there will also be an interchange of ideas and information regarding specific aspects related to the main theme, like e.g. robotization, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) and the way these developments affect the economy in terms of employment arrangements and working conditions.

Debates will be held on the way public policies should be formulated and implemented to effectively regulate the effects of the digital economy and the role social partners should play in this regard. Proper attention will be given to related issues like reform of education and training systems, changes in labor legislation, the reconciliation of personal and work life and the protection of privacy in the new economic and social environment.

Additionally, there will be some review of labor and social aspects of the digital economy, like e.g. changes in work (the example of digital platforms) and opportunities to promote women’s work and equality.

The Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao, His Excellency Mr. Steven Martina, PhD, will open the workshop and will elaborate on the topic of ‘Digital Government Transformation towards a Smart Nation’.

Attendees

So far delegates from ECS’s-SI’s of the following countries, along with the SER of Curaçao, have enlisted for the sessions in Willemstad, Curaçao:

Argentina                                       Consejo Económico y Social de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Aruba                                               Sociaal-Economische Raad van Aruba Bénin                                                         Conseil Économique et Social Du Bénin Cameroun                                         Conseil Économique et Social Du Cameroun China                                                China Economic and Social Council

Côte d’Ivoire                         Conseil Économique, Social, Environnemental et Culturel de la République de Côte d’Ivoire

Dominican                                         Consejo Económico y Social de la República Dominicana

Republic

France                                 Conseil Économique, Social et Environnemental de la Republique

Française

Greece                                Economic and Social Council of Greece (OKE)

Luxembourg                       Conseil Économique et Social Du Gran-Duché de Luxembourg

Monaco                   Conseil Économique et Social Du Principauté de Monaco

The Netherlands           Sociaal-Economische Raad van Nederland

Romania           Economic and Social Council of Romania / Consiliul Economic Şi

Social

Russia               Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation

Sint Maarten                      Social Economic Council of Sint Maarten

Spain                     Consejo Económico y Social de España

Uruguay               Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de la República Oriental del Uruguay

The last date of registration was February 20, 2019. On the basis of experience it can be stated that more countries will register after the closing date.

The International and regional organizations who will be attending the workshop as observers are (till now):

The International Labour Organization                         

l’Internationale francophone du Dialogue social        

Alternativa Democrática Sindical de las Américas       

For more information you can visit the following websites:

www.ser.cw

www.aicesis.org

Up till March 6th, the government of Curaçao has the time present solutions to the budget for 127 million guilders

Willemstad:---  The government of Curaçao has been given until coming March 6th to present solutions for a minimum amount of 127 million guilders with which the 2019 budget can be balanced. Just like it was the case the previous two years, this year again a budget deficit seems imminent, based on which the standards laid down in the Kingdom Act on Financial Supervision cannot be met. Therefore, substantial and urgent measures are needed to balance the Curaçao budget. The measures will need to have an effect that lasts for several years because also on the long term a considerable shortage is foreseeable.

Minister Gijsbertha has already indicated that, considering the fact that the tax revenues did not meet the forecast, he will decrease the initial estimated revenues in the 2019 budget with 92 million guilders. In addition, a downward adjustment of other revenues of at least 35 million guilders must also be taken into account. In total, the government must, therefore, present at least 127 million guilders in real revenue-increasing and/or cost-reducing measures in 2019. As a result of the rising health costs and the costs of the old age fund (AOV), multi-year deficits in social funds can also be anticipated. These rise to 1.25 billion guilders in 2028. Chairman Raymond Gradus declares: "In order to guarantee these facilities for later generations, reforms will be needed in order to make the multi-annual budget realistic and sustainable."

The government of Curaçao has already presented a number of measures, such as a commitment stop, no hiring of new personnel and the postponement of decision-making on the indexation of government personnel. However, the Cft has asked for a full bundle of measures that for the year 2019 will add to at least 127 million guilders whilst balancing the budget on a long-term basis as well. Moreover, the Cft has requested that the other risks for the budget, such as the education covenant, the additional charges for HNO, the residual debts of Sehos and the operating deficit of C-Post be registered and covered. The Cft has given the government the time to do so until March 6th at the latest, so the budget can be audited by a committee that was set up for that specific purpose. This should lead to a budget amendment that will be submitted to Parliament before April 1st.

During its visit to Curaçao, the Cft spoke with the Governor, the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Finance, the financial committee of Parliament and the management of both Sehos and the SVB. Also, a meeting was held with the Minister of Finance, the SOAB, the National Audit Office Curaçao and the Cft, during which the roadmap towards an unqualified audit report on the 2021 financial statements was discussed. The Cft consists of the following members: Raymond Gradus (chairman), Gregory Damoen (member on behalf of Curaçao), Henk Kamp (member on behalf of the Netherlands) and Russell Voges (member on behalf of Sint Maarten).

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, February 19th, Princess Juliana International Airport CEO Brian Mingo presented the airport’s progress, outlooks and challenges at a meeting with one of its key stakeholders, the Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA).
During the meeting, Mingo outlined the key challenges the airport has faced and continues to face in its recovery process – in addition to liquidity and insurance challenges; that most business owners can sympathize with in this post-Irma environment; debt service ratios, cost-cutting without impacting personnel; and the step by step approach towards full recovery and maximizing utilization during that process were discussed. It is expected that the airport will be back to full capacity and functionality by December 2020 if no further challenges arise.
Recovery of the airport has been one of the key priorities for the association. In its Vision presented in May 2018 to Prime Minister Romeo-Marlin and Dutch Government representative Hans Leijtens (SHTA.com/Vision-2025), the SHTA ranked recovery of the airport as one of the top 10 urgent priorities for the recovery of Sint Maarten. This association has been pushing through all available channels, including the monthly stakeholder meetings of the airport; the urgent need to solve the financing and other hindrances the airport faces post haste.
The association’s representatives showed support of the austere, but pragmatic recovery strategy proposed by Mingo; and recognized that accepting the proposal of the World Bank and European Investment Bank Soft loan seems like the most expeditious and responsible way forward, as it is improbable that a better financing solution will be made available in the immediate especially given current constraints with debt service and existing lender agreements. The association noted that it is also unrealistic to expect any entity to provide you with $100 Million in financing without insisting on conditions of usage or oversight. Given the reputation of Schiphol as a premier international airport, it was widely agreed that integrating their expertise alongside our local expertise would indeed prove advantageous to PJIA; not only in recovery efforts but also in many other areas, to improve synergies, and better leverage economies of scale by being able to more rapidly absorb best practices not already engaged. Given the vast experience of the Schiphol Group in managing several airports and even a terminal of John F Kennedy Airport in New York, the association sees this as an opportunity.
SHTA underlined the importance of continuing to improve the customer experience as the recovery efforts move forward and to continue to tackle first impressions for our arriving guests. It was important for the SHTA to learn that the process of reconstruction will allow more areas to come online over time and that there is not just one step from today’s operations to December 2020; and that the Jetways and check-in areas have top priority for returning to use. It was stressed to view passenger arrival and departure areas to make sure that these areas were upgraded and maintained.
US Pre-clearance was also discussed, the importance of it for Sint Maarten and how there are limited resources to have it included in the initial phase, which, now 17 months after Irma, has not started yet. The Association stressed ensuring the ROI for US pre-clearance for the airport as well as the island as a whole; as it is an expensive addition to the service offering, which may or may not increase the Sint Maarten visitor satisfaction level sufficiently for the annually recurring cost. The Association believes that our airport should be our gateway and that it is not necessarily in the island’s best interest to move visitor’s on and off of it as quickly as possible but to facilitate long and enjoyable visits.
The SHTA appreciated the open dialogue and clarifications on PJIA policy and strategy and thanked CEO Mingo for taking the time to make his presentation to the Board.