Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands:--- April 8, 2019. CCRIF SPC is pleased to announce that for a fifth year in a row it will provide funding of over US$220,000 to Caribbean nationals in support of scholarships and internships. This initiative is aimed at building a cadre of persons who can effectively provide support for comprehensive disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation in the region.

The initiative is part of CCRIF’s Technical Assistance (TA) Programme which was launched in 2010. This programme has three main components – scholarships and professional development; support for local disaster risk management initiatives undertaken by non-governmental organizations; and regional knowledge building, which involves the development of MOUs with regional organizations towards implementation of strategic regional projects in support of DRM and climate change adaptation. Since the inception of the programme in 2010, CCRIF has invested over US$3 million. CCRIF operates as a not-for-profit organization and the resources made available for the TA Programme are derived from earned investment income.

With respect to scholarships, over the period 2010-2018, CCRIF has awarded 24 postgraduate and 29 undergraduate scholarships totalling US$445,250 to students from 8 countries for study at The University of the West Indies and US$545,561 to 16 students from 8 countries in the region for study in the USA and UK.

In 2019, through the CCRIF-UWI Scholarship Programme, CCRIF will provide scholarships to postgraduate and undergraduate students who are pursuing study at The University in areas related to disaster management at all three of its residential campuses (Mona, Jamaica; Cave Hill, Barbados and St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago). Eligible programmes of study include Geography/Geology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, Insurance and Risk Management, Natural Resource Management, Land Management and Building and Construction Management. The undergraduate scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a qualifying BSc or BA programme to cover their second and third (final) years of study. The value of each postgraduate scholarship is US$11,000 and each undergraduate scholarship US$8,000 (US$4,000 per year for the two years). The deadline for 2019 applications is June 2 2019. For further details:
http://www.ccrif.org/content/programmes/ccrif-uwi-scholarship
CCRIF also will provide up to four scholarships this year for study in master’s programmes in areas related to disaster risk management at universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada as well as at local universities (other than UWI) in Caribbean countries. Eligible areas of study under the CCRIF Scholarship Programme include: Catastrophe/Disaster Risk Management; Property/Casualty Insurance; Meteorology; other hazard/disaster-related disciplines and MBAs with a major in Risk Management and/or Insurance or a related field. Scholarships are valued up to a maximum of US$40,000 (for extra-regional universities) or US$20,000 (for Caribbean institutions) and are awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, are involved in, or work in the field of risk/disaster management or sustainable development in the Caribbean and have a record of broader community involvement. The deadline for 2019 applications is June 2 2019. For further details:
http://www.ccrif.org/content/scholarship

CCRIF’s flagship professional development programme is its Regional Internship Programme, which was launched in 2015. It is designed to provide opportunities for students who have specialized in the areas of disaster risk management, environmental management, actuarial science, geography, climate studies and other similar areas to be assigned to national and regional organizations where their educational experience can be enhanced through practical work assignments. In this initiative, CCRIF is partnering with a range of organizations who act as host organizations. These include national disaster management and meteorology agencies as well as: the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA); Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC); CARICOM Secretariat; Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and various departments of the campuses of the University of the West Indies (UWI), among others. Since 2015, CCRIF has placed 85 interns in 27 host organizations with an investment of almost US$270,000.

The programme is open to citizens of CARICOM and/or CCRIF Caribbean member countries who are graduates of a recognized university. The interns should have completed a course of study in any one of the following key areas: disaster risk management, environmental management, meteorology, climate studies, civil engineering, management studies with a focus on risk management, environmental economics, geography, geology, civil engineering, risk management and actuarial science. The deadline for 2019 applications is June 2 2019. For further details:
http://www.ccrif.org/content/regional-internship-programme

CCRIF is the world’s first multi-country risk pool in the world, providing parametric insurance for tropical cyclones, earthquakes and excess rainfall to 19 Caribbean governments and 2 Central American governments. To date, CCRIF has made payouts totalling US$139 million to 13 member governments – all made within 14 days of the event. Data from member countries show that over 2.5 million persons in the Caribbean have benefitted from these payouts.

Through its insurance products and Technical Assistance Programme, CCRIF is committed to supporting Caribbean countries towards reducing vulnerabilities and building resilience within the context of advancing sustainable prosperity of the small island and coastal states of the region.

French Quarter:--- A scooter rider identified as Christopher Glascow aka (Tuffhead) of French Quarter
has died due to the injuries he sustained in a road accident around midday on Tuesday in the vicinity of the Chinese Supermarket on Chamba Hill. Colonel of the Gendarmerie Sebastien Manzoni confirmed that the victim died on the spot.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Nature Foundation St Maarten Reduce and Reuse intern Chantal Mondelice conducted a research-based questionnaire among businesses and citizens in Philipsburg about their single-use plastic usage and thoughts on the issue. Most citizens and businesses stressed the importance of having laws put in place to prevent situations such as unnecessary littering from happening.

The solution offered by many, was to get the government to ban single-use plastics; to introduce alternatives to single-use plastics to businesses and citizens such as paper bags or reusable bags; to introduce laws against those who are littering or who are not recycling the right way; and to use other countries which have banned single-use plastics as an example and motivation for enacting the same policies and legislation here.

On Monday the 11th and 12thof March 2019, Nature Foundation Reduce and Reuse Intern Chantal Mondelice conducted an in the field research amongst the businesses and citizens of St. Maarten. Questionnaires were distributed to different businesses on St. Maarten to find out their thoughts of plastic usage on the island, and what would be the best solution to making the island a single-use plastic free environment.

A total of 10 business owners, three employees, and one normal citizen were interviewed. Most of the business owners ignored their use of plastic bottles while three employees from other business responded that more than 45 to 100 bottles are being sold per month at their establishment. “The answers which were being given seemed like an understatement and many respondents said that nothing is currently being done about single-use plastics. Thirteen out of Fourteen people responded that St. Maarten is not being educated enough about the environment.
The majority of interviewed people heard already about other islands such as Haiti, Jamaican and Dominica which have already banned single-use plastics and they are wondering what is taking St. Maarten so long to join the movement!

The research concludes that the citizens and business are aware of the situation on St. Maarten but many of them choose to still use single-use plastics as the costs are lower than using biodegradable alternatives. Most businesses do not feel accountable for the impacts of using single-use plastics, as the usage is legal, and are not willing to change by themselves. Some businesses gave great responses and solutions regarding lowering single-use plastics but are still not willing to take the responsibility of making the change until the government officially bans single-use plastics.

Remember “Nature is our Future”.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the last four months of 2019, the Police Fraud department, as well as the General Criminal Investigation Department, has received numerous reports regarding fraud. Based on the reports many citizens hire persons or contractor to carry out construction work. After receiving a part of the budgeted amount for the construction, these persons or contractor no longer appear to do the work or complete the work he is supposed to. In most cases, they are foreigners and use bogus companies that are not registered on Sint-Maarten.
After the hurricane in 2017, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) posted a message that citizens should be vigilant and cautious with whom they are doing business and that they should investigate before hiring any persons or companies. These persons should request copies of a valid business license and a current COCI registration to verify that the company is legally established on Sint Maarten.
Most of these companies involved in this criminal act are not registered at the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry and not licensed to do business on Sint Maarten. Many of these companies may also advertise vacancies to hire local workers, so those seeking employment are also urged to be very cautious.

KPSM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Detectives are presently conducting an investigation involving the theft of at least six motor vehicles. The investigation started based on information regarding a dump truck that was stolen from Marshall Motors at the beginning of April of 2019. The stolen dump truck was located during the investigation in the area of Cupe Coy. These investigations lead to locating six other vehicles that were stolen. A male suspect identified with initials C.M.D. and a female suspect identified with initials A.M.R were arrested by police on Monday, April 8th in connection with this case. All six vehicles were confiscated for further investigation and the suspects remain in custody for questioning.

KPSM Press Release

ARUBA/ PHILIPSBURG:---The KPSM management team would like to congratulate major John Boyrard and his patrol dog Oscar for completing the K9-training seminar from April 1st- 4th 2019.
The "high-risk deployment" K9-training seminar was held on Aruba. Major Boyrard trained together with fellow K9-officers from Aruba, The Netherlands and even a K-9 Unit all the way from Australia.
Boyrard and Oscar dealt with very difficult and risky scenarios, like climbing a building, search for a sea ship, area- and building-searches and high-risk car-stops. Besides that, they supported the Aruba "bijzonder ondersteuningsteam" (BOT) during scenarios with dangerous prison inmates and followed a lecture by Aruba's veterinarian Drs. Natalie Booi. The lecture was in regards to preventing heat strokes and other climate-related dangers when it comes to taking care of the K9 dogs.
Boyrard and Oscar performed on an extremely high level of control, courage, and obedience during all scenarios and represented KPSM very well. The management team here at KPSM would like to comprehend him and Oscar on a job well done, representing the Sint Maarten Police as well as thank Dick Van Lenen for the warm hospitality while officer Boyrard and Oscar completed seminar the in Aruba.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In an effort to continue to keep the public safe and make sure all road users are traveling with their up to date documents, the Sint Maarten Police force conducted a general control today from 8:30 am- 10 am in the Cole Bay area.
During this morning’s control 25 cars were stopped, 22 drivers were in violation of the tint law and had to remove it on the spot, 4 fines were given out for various infractions such as no drivers’ license, no insurance and failure. One rider’s scooter was confiscated for not having paid the 2019 road tax.
As the KPSM continues to carry out these general controls we urge all drivers to drive safely and to carry their up to date documents at all time when operating their vehicle.

KPSM Press Release

~ Latest drama a witch-hunt investigation~

PHILIPSBURG:---“Failure at negotiating, selling out the country, failure at delivering promises, unable to govern properly, taking everything personally and, by their own words, fooled by the Dutch in the aftermath of Irma.” This is how the board of the United St. Maarten (US) party on Monday described the government of the United Democrats (UD) and Christian Party coalition.
The “craziness” is beyond the pale with this coalition, the USP board said, adding that the people of St. Maarten deserve better than non-stop episodes in a sad soap opera called the UD/SMCP Coalition.
“After months of drama and discord within their own ranks, today the people of St. Maarten have to tolerate a government that is allowing the Netherlands to cherry pick what it wants on St. Maarten in terms of conditions in return for liquidity support and a Prime Minister who is now on a wild vendetta to find some imaginary person who she claimed leaked information,” the USP board said. “The Prime Minister has taken the issue so personally, that she decided to make her rounds in the media to push the investigation like some badge of honor.”
“The Prime Minister is not telling the public about roofs, she is not telling us about recovery or about the airport, she has avoided pertinent questions. But finds the time to stat an investigation about a leak of information she should be sharing anyway.” The statement went on to advise the Prime Minister to save tax payers money and simply look at her own Minister of Finance as a possible leak. It was the Minister of Finance, the USP board said, who commented on the failed meeting of the St. Maarten delegation with the bondholders of the airport.
“Total and complete failure at negotiating is what the Prime Minister was trying to hide from the people of St. Maarten. Now, to cover that up or to try and deviate, the Prime Minister commissions an investigation into trying to find a leak. The Prime Minister is doing her already low reputation with the Civil Service no favors with such an investigation and wasting precious time and resources. The Prime Minister on Tuesday morning said on radio that if a person is found to have leaked information they could possibly be fired or locked up. We dare say then the Minister of Finance is in serious trouble,” the USP said.
The USP used the opportunity once again to press home its point regarding any form of financial assistance coming from the Netherlands. “It is stull blackmail, no matter how you twist and turn it. By the time the government in The Hague is done with imposing conditions on St. Maarten in return for assistance and support, the island will essentially be completely taken over by the Dutch. We wonder how much longer the so called “patriots” of the governing United Democrats (UD) and Christian Party coalition tolerate what is happening. And if you are willfully tolerating it, then you might as well tell the people the truth that you are giving away their country,” the US party board said.
“The government in the Netherlands is telling our government that our MP’s have to take a salary cut in order for St. Maarten to get liquidity support. They want to be part of the discussion about our Government owned companies, our institutions and more. Under who authority you might ask. The authority given to them by the UD/SMCP coalition who apparently was elected to answer to the politicians in Holland, not the people of St. Maarten.”
The USP board said some UD/SMCP MP’s talk a good game on the floor of Parliament, even admitting that MP William Marlin was right about the intentions of the Dutch, “but not one has shown any fortitude to say to their appointed Ministers and their Prime Minister in Particular, that enough is enough.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- Plans for a general and unlimited strike action on French St. Maarten beginning on Thursday, April 11 has caught the attention of Dutch St. Maarten's Minister of Tourism the honourable Stuart Johnson who has issued some words of caution to visitors and residents to "avoid engaging in or being in the proximity of any protest actions."

Johnson who is abroad leading a delegation at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami has reached out to President of the Collectivite on French St. Martin Daniel Gibbes and his [Johnson’s], Counterpart Vice President of the Collectivite Valarie Damasseur to discuss the situation and informed them of his stance. "I do hope a peaceful demonstration takes place," Johnson said.

Minister Johnson says his primary concern, especially during the planned protest, is the safety of visitors and residents alike. "In a democratic society, the people have a right and at times even an obligation, to demonstrate or protest peacefully as an expression of their dissatisfaction if the situation requires such. However, this must always be done taking the safety of all people and security of property against damage, into consideration," said Johnson on Tuesday.

The Minister who is also responsible for Economic Affairs said taking into account our present economically challenging climate; we must ensure that our actions are carried out responsibly. "No one should be refused their right to express themselves and voice their concerns peacefully in a free and democratic society."

Johnson said he fully understands the need to be heard but warns that while the people have a right to protest, there must be real consideration by all concerned parties about any negative impact this could have on the island's recovery efforts. He expressed sincere hopes that all parties involved are able to sit together and work out their differences amicably without much delay.

Regarding visitor arrivals to the island and travel to French St. Maarten whether independently or via guided tours during the general strike, Johnson said, "This is something that has my Ministry's full attention." He said, "I encourage the service providers in the industry to use their best judgements while executing their various services. Visitors should exercise the necessary caution to avoid crowds and areas where there are protests." Johnson encourages all to ensure that the collective actions of the involved parties are carried out to serve a greater good for all.

PHILIPSBURG:---Kidz at Sea Foundation once again welcomed our sponsor, the Essilor Vision Foundation USA, who have been providing free eye exams on St. Maarten for the last three consecutive years.

During the last week of March, the Essilor Vision Foundation came with multiple doctors and all the necessary equipment for vision testing. They worked diligently in conjunction with the SVOBE schools and management to ensure that as many school students could be examined during their three-and-a-half-day visit. 768 individuals were tested on St. Maarten and 238 on Anguilla for a total of 1006 patients examined. St. Maarten School age participants were organized via SVOBE management and the local school boards; the White & Yellow Cross, Sister Basilia Center on St. Maarten and the Blossom Centre in Anguilla also participated.

The contribution to the future success our student body is amazing as nearly all students examined required some sort of corrective eye wear. Participants ranged in age from 3 to 80; with all ranges of site. It just goes to show, how neglected eye care is in our society; with the damaging effects of the sun, diabetes and hypertension all taking their toll.

“Kidz at Sea is always thankful to have the support of Essilor and we are also extremely lucky to have the support of SVOBE team members under the direction of Wim de Visser both at MPC and Sundial who welcomed us onto their campuses with open arms to help the entire student body of St. Maarten. By working together our collective vision is always much brighter.” said Kidz at Sea President Lorraine Talmi.

In the hopes of spreading Eye Care awareness here are some key issues about eye health every resident of St. Maarten should know.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Dr. Pouneh Alcott, the founder and Executive Director of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School (LUPS), was recently honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the International School Awards (ISA) in Dubai (UAE). ISA’s main goal is to build a strong international educational community and recognize and celebrate excellence in education through innovation and leadership.

This award was bestowed to mark Dr. Pouneh Alcott’s ongoing contribution to education. Starting her career in 1963 as an Ohio Branch Librarian, to being the founder and director of Learning Unlimited Preparatory Schools (Ohio, Florida, and St. Maarten), Dr. Alcott has never stopped contributing her talents and skills to the Education Community. She is 78 years old now, but still has the energy of a teenager. Dr. Alcott’s vision has a clear sense of moral purpose while possessing a great determination, patience, and will-power to see things through.

Dr. Alcott believes that it is very important that we start talking about ‘learning’, not education, as learning is not limited by time or space; it is happening at anytime, anywhere and at every age. Coupled with academics, it is important that kids learn empathy, decency, creativity, and resilience. Through the ISA awards, she shares her ongoing belief that a change in education is needed as the gap between education and the world we live in is widening with every day that passes.

Without a doubt, Dr. Pouneh Alcott deserved the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’, for her exceptional work in the field of education! Mrs. Maya Hotwani, Early Childhood Coordinator and Grade 4 teacher at LU nominated Dr. Alcott for the award she was ultimately presented with a few days ago.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Learning Unlimited (LU) Preparatory School’s Middle School students participated in their annual Spelling Bee recently. All students from grade 6 to 8 started preparations for this event several weeks ago and they were all given a chance to participate in the first round. The semifinal winners entered the finals conducted in the LU gymnasium and the contest was attended by the Middle and Upper school students. The mission of the Spelling Bee is to provide a learning opportunity for the students to improve their vocabulary and word comprehension. The event was organized by LU Middle School Coordinator Preeti Notani and all LU Middle School English teachers.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Women are being called upon to register and sign-up as soon as possible for the next free breast abnormalities and health screening exam/survey which is set for this Saturday, April 13th.

In order to participate in the screenings, you need to register as it is based on appointment. You can call or email: 554-4532 or cgolding@aucmed.edu

The screening is carried out on scheduled Saturdays between 8.30am to 3.00pm.

The examination is a collaborative effort by the Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), the Positive Foundation, and the American University of the Caribbean (AUC), the latter, is lead research agency.

An overall health assessment will be carried out that includes taking your height, weight to calculate Body Mass Index; blood pressure, heart rate; visual acuity, blood glucose, and cholesterol.

Those in attendance will also receive a presentation about the risk factors for breast cancer, including information regarding modifiable risk factors that can help to reduce the overall breast cancer risk; assessment of individual breast cancer risk via Gail model, and the distribution of breast cancer awareness brochures to take home.

The screenings target population are women 18+ years of age.

The screenings take place at the Vineyard Office Park Building in Philipsburg at the CPS Offices.

Breast abnormalities represent a large spectrum of disorders including benign, congenital, hormonal and malignancies such as breast cancer.

Major risk factors for breast cancer in women are age, genetic predisposition, and hormonal imbalance. Breast density is also a significant factor, especially in women 40 to 49 years of age.

The purpose of the study is to gain insight into the types of breast abnormalities and risk factors in women 18 and above in Sint Maarten.

FRENCH QUARTER:--- FRENCH QUARTER:--- A second scooter accident occurred in French Quarter, involving a young man from Grand Case identified as Jordan Illidge.. The victim died at the scene. The accident which occurred late this evening claimed the second life due to scooter riding on French Quarter road (RN7).
SMN News learned that the young man lost control of his scooter as he was coming from the Dutch side of the island and collided with a bus, the rider was flung from his scooter and fell in the entrance way to the family home of Hungry’s Towing and landed under a water truck.

At the scene medics from the SMUR is tried to revive the victim but he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Earlier in the day a young man identified as Christopher Glascow lost his life in a scooter accident on Chamba Hill in the vicinity of the Supermarket. Glascow it is understood was involved in an accident with a truck. A huge fight also broke out at the scene of the accident as Gendarmes trying to investigate.

PHILIPSBURG:---In 2017, Winair’s Sales, Customer Service, and administration offices at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) were destroyed. Everything, including the Hanger and Warehouse, was mere rubble after hurricanes Irma and Maria left their devastating mark on St. Maarten.

This devastation was similar for several other islands in the Caribbean where Winair flys. Yet, despite their personal challenges including loss of property, and for some totally or partially damaged roofs or being without water or electricity, Team Winair banded together and started cleaning the debris. What followed after was the planning and preparation for a temporary location, and the reconstruction of the Airport facility. Within six weeks of the worst natural disaster in St. Maarten’s history, Winair opened a Sales Office on the Walter Nisbeth Road in Philipsburg on October 27, 2017, and started accepting customers. People who wanted to travel abroad or get their family home now had a point of contact with Winair.

Today the airline boasts four aircrafts each with a 19-passenger capacity and its Headquarters is completely rebuilt to modern standards with a Hanger and Warehouse space to add to its improved Sales and Customer Service offices.
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) the Honourable Stuart Johnson recently visited the facility at the Airport to get a firsthand look at Winair's progress. Following that visit, Johnson said he was very optimistic about the future of the airline. "What I saw and based on the future plans which I know are being worked on by the Winair Management and Team, I am confident that Winair will be a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean. It already offers ease of connectivity and the airline's future plans include increased travel options for its customers at competitive rates with excellent service."

These plans are consistent with "The Governing Program 2018 - 2022 of the St. Maarten United Christian Democratic Coalition which speaks directly about the need to consider Winair as our National Airline.
Johnson said, "Today we see significant improvements in the airline's operation and its bottom line. As we continue to rebuild our Tourism product Winair's role will become even more critical. We already depend on the airline to provide a substantial portion of our airlifts to the neighboring island which is in line with the hub function of PJIA."
He said, "This service benefits the PJIA and improves the islands economic activities as it offers neighboring residents the ease and convenience of daily travel to and from our island." According to Johnson the work being done now by Winair’s Management Team led by its CEO gives hope for increased airlifts through the possibility of offering interline connections in the future to larger airlines. “I must commend Mr. Cleaver and his Team for an excellent job in restoring the operations of Winair at the Airport and quickly regaining ground post-Irma,” said Johnson.

According to Winair Chief Executive Officer Micheal Cleaver, the plan is for a soft opening of the newly remodeled Sales Office at the Headquarters on #69 Airport Road by April 15, 2019, to accommodate customer sales and reservations and internal administrative functions.
Projections are also positive for the grand opening of the facility which has been set for May 15th, one month later. Cleaver said the new Sales Office would offer three service positions, comfortable seating for eight, customer restroom, reception, and an information desk.

The preparations for the grand opening including the installation of the final pieces of furniture are ongoing. Cleaver said Winair will keep its Philipsburg branch opened indefinitely as it "fulfills a need for Winair’s customers in Philipsburg and surrounding districts."
He said, "By offering two sales locations, service and communication is doubled allowing our customers several convenient options when planning their travel.”

Both sales offices have ample space for Customer parking, and the airline has improved on its aesthetics to benefit the customer experience by offering a coffee corner, water cooler and entertainment/tv for waiting customers.
Some new additions to its service offer will include 24-hours advanced check-in at Walter Nisbeth Road. This service will be completed within the next 120 days. Once this is finalized, travelers can check-in at Winair's office on W.A. Nisbeth Road one day in advance. This service includes checked bags, and issuance of boarding passes. Travelers can then proceed to their respective gates on the day of departure.

Cleaver said Winair continues to strive for improvement in its services. "We thank our employees for their dedication and hard work, which provided Winair with the opportunity for expansion where it was economically viable.” We also thank Pharo Construction, St. Maarten Dry Wall, Electec, Dontel, Caribwork IT, who have made our recovery a reality," said Cleaver.

Customers of Winair can look forward to a “major promotional sale" which the airline will announce during the week of the grand opening of its Airport office. Meanwhile, everyone is encouraged to contact their regular travel agents or visit the Winair sales offices to inquire about future travel. You can also log on to Winair's website at www.fly-winair.sx for more information. Please note that the soon to be announced special sale will only be available at the WINAIR sales offices.
At present Winair has a wide range of flight options to neighboring islands. The airline offers two daily flights to Antigua, St. Kitts and Tortola. Commencing April, 15th Winair will offer one daily service to Aruba, and five weekly services to Bonaire (via Curacao). Winair also offers daily service to Curacao from St. Maarten, five weekly flights to Dominica and Guadeloupe, two weekly flights to Haiti and Santo Domingo from Curacao (commencing April 15th). There are also three weekly direct flights to Nevis, 4 daily flights to Saba, 4.5 daily flights to Statia, six weekly flights to San Juan Puerto Rico, five weekly flights to Santo Domingo from St. Maarten, one weekly flight to Haiti from St. Maarten. Those travelers hoping to visit St. Barth have 15 daily flight frequencies. For flight information and bookings, please contact your favorite travel agency or visit Winair online at www.fly-winair.sx.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Persons on St. Maarten with a passion for Tourism who wish to pursue a career in one of the largest industries globally can now apply for grants from the Caribbean Tourism Office (CTO).

 The grant offer is made available to St. Maarten residents by the CTO through the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB), a longstanding member of CTO. Considering St. Maarten’s recent devastation by hurricanes in 2017 and the Government of St. Maarten’s ongoing efforts to rebuild, there is clearly a need for more professional to enter the industry. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication the Honourable Stuart Johnson said Monday “the key to sustainably rebuilding St. Maarten’s tourism and economy, is through investments in its people and creating opportunities for them to gain the knowledge necessary to become leaders and innovators and major contributors to our industry.”

 He said the CTO’s Scholarship grant is an excellent opportunity for St Maarten Caribbean nationals who would like to pursue higher education and careers in the tourism industry. The Grant provides opportunities for Caribbean nationals to pursue studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality and language training.

 Johnson said, "As we continue to rebuild our destination sustainably, I encourage those interested in a career in the hospitality or service industry to make use of this opportunity and apply." He said this allows every individual to be on the right side of history once the dust on the redevelopment of St. Maarten is settled. Johnson said, "You would be able to say that you took the initiative to gain an education in a field that allowed you to contribute positively to the rebuilding of our tourism and boost services and hospitality to our visitors.”

 The CTO Foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a keen interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism.

 The programmes comprise tourism education or human resources development. It includes tourism research or statistics, hotel, resort, or villa development, design and/or planning, aviation or air transport technologies, agriculture, fisheries horticulture. Other areas of the programme are event management, interior design, medical tourism, architecture, sports, culture heritage along with environmental protection and preservation.

 The deadline for submitting entries is Friday, 19 April at 11.59 p.m. Pacific Time. Late applications will not be accepted. All applications must be submitted online and will not be received via mail, email or fax. For information or to apply, please visit, https://ctoscholarships2019.pgtb.me/VQFjkj. Scholarship winners will be announced on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

 The scholarships offered by the CTO are the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship (US$5,000); Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship (US$5,000); Bonita Morgan Memorial Scholarship (US$5,000); CTO Foundation/Zelman Style Interiors Scholarship (US$5,000); CTO Scholarship Foundation/Delta Airlines Scholarship (US$5,000); CTO Scholarship Foundation First Degree Scholarship (US$5,000); Master’s Degree Scholarship (US$5,000); Study Grant (US$2,500).

~ New Vehicles stolen and registered on the Dutch side, professional thieves now in custody. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- A well-known Human Resource Manager for a thriving business on the Dutch side of the island is now in police custody for stealing several brand-new vehicles and reselling them. These vehicles are then registered on the Dutch side since the bill of sale and insurance documents were all forged but looked authentic.
Amanda Rogers and her boyfriend Michael Cranston (MIKY) was arrested by police so said Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release on Tuesday.
The release further states that police also seized six other vehicles at a residence in Cupe Coy. Police started the investigation when agents of a known car dealership found a truck that was stolen from them in Cupe Coy, at the same location police discovered the six other stolen vehicles. Police also found 22 other stolen vehicles in another location.

Amanda Rogers was also involved in an embezzlement case a few years ago involving Soggy Dollar Bar, where she was once worked. Rogers is the Human Resource Manager at Rainforest Adventure.

Ignition switch, door locks, ECU, immobilizer switched.

According to information provided to SMN News the culprits would replace the ignition switch, the door locks the ECU and Immobilizer from a vehicle they already have in order to steal the new vehicles while the trucks are even easier. Stealing these brand-new vehicles have become so simple that the thieves just need to park up beside the vehicle they want to steal and replace certain parts to move the vehicles.
While the investigation is ongoing police might end up finding much more stolen vehicles especially those that were registered on the French side and insurance companies paid out the owners that filed reports of stolen vehicles over a month ago. Insurance companies on the French side must pay out owners of stolen vehicles one month after it has been reported. Basically, the thieves remove the programmed parts from another similar vehicle, then go to a vehicle they want to steal and swap the parts from that vehicle with the programmed parts of another, so it works.

VIN Numbers and Stickers reprinted.

SMN News understands that the suspects now in custody are professional thieves as they have been reprinting the VIN number stickers on the inside doors of the vehicles and replace them which looked original. These brand-new vehicles or used vehicles are then resold and are being registered on the Dutch of the island since they pass inspection easily.
The two suspects managed to forge and are reprinting VIN stickers, forging insurance and bill of sale documents, then registering them on the Dutch side. The bill of sales from dealerships on the island while the insurance documents are also forged so that the vehicles can pass inspection and registered. SMN News learned that not only the vehicles are stolen and resold, but insurance companies are being robbed since their letterheads were scanned and manipulated and given to buyers of the stolen vehicles.
While the press release issued by Henson has limited information on the ongoing investigation SMN News understands that more arrests are likely since the buyers of the stolen vehicles are being tracked down.

PHILIPSBURG:--- TBO and other investigating officers have been conducting several raids this morning, one of the raids was conducted in the Cole Bay area. SMN News learned that the home of a TBO officer has also been searched in a corruption investigation. The search regarding the TBO Officer has not been unconfirmed. 

The building that houses the BECCM bank has been searched.

However, the TBO Office, as well as the Prosecutor’s Office, has managed to keep the searches a secret.
Local law enforcement officers have been kept out of the loop thus far. As soon as the TBO and or Prosecutor’s Office makes more information available SMN News will update this article.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday April 8th Mrs. Peggy Ann Dros Richardson, President of the Supervisory Board of Directors for the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA) and I, representing the house of detention, signed an MOU with the purpose of the ministry of Justice utilizing NIPA’s expertise in technical vocational education and training to ensure that those in our system are offered the best possible rehabilitative options through education and for personal advancement.
It is our intention to repair the hurricane Irma & Maria damaged chapel, the work/training stations, storage room and generator room with the help of our inmates. They will become certified in the different areas of construction-carpentry, roofing, electrical installation, plumbing, masonry and general property maintenance and be paid as well. This is a win-win-win situation for all involved.
As we continue to make the much-needed improvements within the Justice Chain. Our aim is to build better individuals and prepare them for the real world, the professional world, where they will have the newly obtained skills to improve their lives and our community.
Given governments liquidity challenge, I have met with representatives of Kooyman and ACE to assist us with this endeavor. We will be setting up accounts for anyone or any company to donate to this worthy cause. We will need building materials, equipment and appliances in order for this to be a success and through public-private-partnerships we can achieve more together.

PHILIPSBURG:--- According to the waste ordinance - A car wreck is legally considered a motor vehicle on more than two wheels, being in a technically insufficient state of maintenance and seemingly in an abandoned state.
These works will be carried out in phases and we will start with Phase 1, which entails the following;

a) All owners of car wrecks that are on their private property can call the Ministry of VROMI to have it removed free of charge. Once the owner can prove they own the car wreck and sign a waiver not to hold government accountable for any damages. the wreck will be removed.
b) The Police department and the Ministry of VROMI will continue removing the car wrecks located on public property.
c) Please note that if persons have parked cars illegally on your property this will not be part of this phase.