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PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) is urging businesses to participate in Build Back Better (BBB) Week SXM which will be held at Simpson Bay Resort and Marina March 16-20.

The initiative is being organised by Ernst and Young Dutch Caribbean; Centre of Excellence for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative based in Aruba; Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St Read more

Government Denies Moving Towards Silencing Observer Media Group

ST JOHN’S, Antigua  –  The Antigua and Barbuda government has denied allegations that it is moving to silence the OBSERVER Media Group (OMG) and has distanced itself from the action taken by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to recover outstanding debts owed to it by the media group.

Earlier this week, the Chief Executive Officer of the OBSERVER Media Group, Darren Derrick, said that the APUA’s claim in the High Court for the payment of EC$1,198,598.86 from Observer Publications Limited and EC$387,500.88 from Observer Radio Limited was “an attack on the only independent media house in Antigua & Barbuda”.

Derrick said that the Group intends to appeal the High Court ruling in favour of the APUA and “have it set aside” adding that “we are very confident” the court would rule in the Group’s favour.

Information Minister Melford Nicholas, speaking at the weekly Ca

binet news briefing, told reporters that the claim by the OBSERVER Group was misleading and that the Gaston Browne led administration had no intention of silencing the media house.

“I want to be forceful in this positon – there is no such intent on behalf of the Gaston Browne administration Read more

Parlamentaria Leona Marlin Romeo Encabeza Llamado De Reunión Pública Urgente Del Parlamento

Traducido por Máximo Castro

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.- La miembro del Parlamento, Leona Marlin-Romeo declaró el lunes que una solicitud ha sido hecha a la Presidenta del Parlamento para que convoque de manera urgente a una reunión pública, en relación con el proyecto “La perla de China en Belair.

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Tapping Into The American Chinese Market More Sustainable And Realistic

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Former Minister Claret Connor served as Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) as well as Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI).  Serving in both areas after being part of the United People’s (UP) Party short stint in Government from December 2014 to November 2015, allowed me to work on a number of important issues, projects and programs for the people of Sint Maarten.

The Chinese are investing all around the world.  They have shown interests in Sint Maarten since back in 2014 when I was a Minister. And the approach to this new market interest has been one of properly preparing our people to deal with a new and emerging tourist market.  Globally the Chinese tourism market is over 100 million annual travelers Read more

Usp Board: Police Deserve More Respect Than That

A recent letter by an MP in your Saturday publication drew our interest.

The board of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) has a simple message it would like to share with the people of St. Maarten as it pertains to leadership and the role of Members of Parliament. It is noteworthy that a political party has included MP’s on their list who only underscore the party’s lack of leadership by clearly demonstrating that they too do not understand the expectations of their constituents.

Every MP, we are sure, understand the importance of the so-called “arms-length” approach when it comes to Ministers being given the space to execute their tasks Read more

C-Tec Announces Dates And Venue For 2016 Education Technology Conference

~More technology, more creativity, more local and international input~

PHILIPSBURG – The first installment of the Caribbean Technology and Education conference in 2015 was a resounding success. Building on that achievement, the C-TEC organizing committee proudly announced that the 2016 conference will take place in the Hillside Christian School (Asha Stevens Campus) and the adjoining NIPA building, October 23-25 Read more

Corruption Is Not My Culture. Don’T Let It Be Yours

Claude Peterson SMCP Candidate

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone so far that have sent their best wishes via Facebook, WhatsApp, cell and in person. This will not be an easy journey, but I am energized by the positive support and the prayers for my candidacy.

A few weeks ago I was approached by Pastor Wycliffe Smith and Mr Read more

C-Tec Announces Dates And Venue For 2016 Education Technology Conference

More technology, more creativity, more local and international input

PHILIPSBURG:--- The first installment of the Caribbean Technology & Education conference in 2015 was a resounding success. Building on that achievement, the C-TEC organizing committee proudly announces that the 2016 conference will take place in the Hillside Christian School (Asha Stevens Campus) and the adjoining NIPA building, on October 23 to 25 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---- Candidate on the SMCP list Claude Chacho Peterson shared his views on his person in the article below is the full text from Peterson.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone so far that have sent there best wishes via Facebook, whatsapp, cell and in person. This will not be an easy journey, but I am ENERGIZED by the positive support and the Prayers for my candidacy.
A few weeks ago I was approached by Pastor Wycliffe Smith and Mr Read more

Say It Loud! Racism In The Dutch Kingdom Is Unacceptable.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Earlier this week we read that a young man of 21 years was gunned down in the city of Schiedam in the Netherlands. The fact that he was dark complexioned, and ethno-racial profiling among Dutch police officers in the Netherlands is condoned as an unfortunate security measure. It have caused many activists throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands to argue that this is one of the outcomes of a situation where, it has become politically suspect to say that racism within the Dutch Kingdom is unacceptable!
In this contribution, we seek to say the new politically suspect as loud as possible: Dutch racism is unacceptable! “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt us.” Whoever wholeheartedly believes that this saying holds all the time, and in every occasion, is either lying to themselves or not part of the human species Read more

Dispute Regulation’S Legal Format Still Under Discussion

THE HAGUE--Deliberations of the four Parliaments on Thursday to arrive at a common proposition for the Kingdom Law to establish a Dispute Regulation (“geschillenregeling”) for the Kingdom didn’t yield concrete results, other than the fact that parties decided to further explore the options, with the possibility of appointing the Council of State as the body to handle disputes.

Much to the chagrin of the Dutch Caribbean Parliamentary delegations, the Dutch delegation didn’t feel compelled to indicate during the Inter-Parliamentary Consultation for the Kingdom IPKO where it stood on the two law proposals that are now on the table for a Dispute Regulation ahead of the actual handling in the Second and First Chambers.

Establishing a position of the IPKO at this point was important, said Chairperson of the St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The IB Diploma Class of 2016's CAS Presentation and Pinning Ceremony marked the end of their two-year journey to discover the answer to the question: "What can I be?” On Friday, April 15, the Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs, The Catholic School Board, The Department of Inspection, School Manager Ms. Gianne Wilson-DeWeever, representatives of several NGO's, community stakeholders, parents, and teachers were part of this celebratory event.

The program opened with the students highlighting the skills and experiences they cultivated by engaging in the Creativity, Action and Service component of their academically rigorous IB Diploma Programme Read more

Mp Leona Marlin-Romeo Congratulates Minister Of Culture Bourne-Gumbs And Organizers On Sint Maarten’S Day Theme And Celebrations

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo, congratulates outgoing Minister of Education Culture Youth Affairs and Sports Rita Bourne-Gumbs and organizers for a well thought out theme for the 2015, Sint Maarten’s Day Celebration.

“It was a pleasure to see the display of diverse cultures unified to celebrate Sint Maarten’s Day in a dignified way Read more

Cardiology conference for public, professionals, kicks off Thursday

BELAIR--The public and various medical professionals are invited to attend the upcoming cardiology conference for essential information on preventing, recognising and treating heart conditions. “How often do you get the opportunity to hear from and ask questions to a panel of medical professionals?” said co-organiser Rotary St. Maarten President Jeffrey “Dr. Soc” Sochrin.

“The Heartbeat in St. Maarten – Where are we now” conference is slated for Belair Community Centre, Thursday through Saturday, October 8-10 Read more

Statia’s appeal against higher supervision heard

ST. EUSTATIUS--The appeal filed by the Executive Council against the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations to impose higher supervision on St. Eustatius was heard Friday.

An advisory board of the Dutch government met with Commissioners Reginald Zaandam (United People’s Coalition, UPC) and Astrid McKenzie-Tatem (Progressive Labour Party, PLP) and ministry representatives in the conference room at Old Gin House.

Dutch Government Representative Gilbert Isabella and Hyden Gittens and Manus Twisk of Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT) were also called to be heard Read more

HURRICANE JOAQUIN ADVISORY NUMBER 15A

...JOAQUIN BECOMES AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE......CENTRAL BAHAMAS TO EXPERIENCE HURRICANE FORCE WINDS...STORMSURGE...AND HEAVY RAIN THROUGH TONIGHT...

SUMMARY OF 200 PM EDT...1800 UTC...INFORMATION

----------------------------------------------

LOCATION...23.0N 74.2W

ABOUT 70 MI...115 KM SSE OF SAN SALVADOR BAHAMAS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...130 MPH...210 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...SW OR 230 DEGREES AT 6 MPH...9 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...936 MB...27.64 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

--------------------

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...* Central Bahamas* Northwestern Bahamas including the Abacos, Berry Islands,Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence* The Acklins, Crooked Island, and Mayaguana in the southeasternBahamas
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...* Bimini* Andros Island
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...* Remainder of the southeastern Bahamas including the Turks andCaicos Islands* Andros Island
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expectedsomewhere within the warning area Read more

The University Of St. Martin Donates To Dominica

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The day after Dominica was hit by heavy rainfalls due to Tropical Storm Erika, the Board of Directors and Management of the University of St. Martin (USM) addressed a letter to the Prime Minister of Dominica Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, in an act of spontaneous solidarity.

In that letter USM pledged its support to the recovery of Dominica.

That very same day students, faculty, and staff began to pool resources to assist with the relief efforts.  

The President of the Board, Mrs Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin donates to Dominica the day after Dominica was hit by heavy rainfalls due to Tropical Storm Erika, the Board of Directors and Management of the University of St. Martin (USM) addressed a letter to the Prime Minister of Dominica Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, in an act of spontaneous solidarity. In that letter USM pledged its support to the recovery of Dominica. That very same day students, faculty, and staff began to pool resources to assist with the relief efforts Read more

Sarah: No 'earth-shattering' plans in governor's speech

PHILIPSBURG--There was "nothing earth-shattering" in Governor Eugene Holiday's speech about government's plans for the 2015-2016 parliamentary year, but it was heartening to see that the Marcel Gumbs Cabinet is "making use of the goodwill and leadership" created by the former government in the region and further afield, said Democratic Party (DP) leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams on Monday.

The former prime minister and her fraction's advisor Emil Lee called on government at their bi-weekly press briefing to continue with the National Development Plan (NDP) and were happy to note that government, based on the governor's speech, was still keeping the plan for which a lot of time and money has already been invested.

While the governor's speech was "short on specific," Wescot-Williams hopes to gain more insight into the plans for tax reform, when Finance Minister Martin Hassink is in Parliament this week to meet with Parliament's Permanent Committee for Finance.

DP has "ideas for changes" to the tax system, beginning with the often talked about simplification of the tax system, she said.

The party plans to put emphasis on an "economic reform agenda" that is necessary and that is needed to make tax reform workable.

Wescot-Williams expressed satisfaction that Parliament's Permanent Committee for Finance will finally handle the 2013 annual accounts of government-owned companies this week Read more

Bouterse sworn in for second term as Suriname’s president

PARAMARIBO--President Desi Bouterse was sworn in for a second term in office on Wednesday. Shortly after accepting the presidential sash from National Assembly chair Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, the president swore in his fifteen-man team of Ministers. “For the first time in our political history, the people of Suriname have given Government to a political belief that considers ethnicity as a source of wealth and not as the basis for disparity and powerlessness,” the President said in his maiden speech afterward Read more

Harper unaware of payment made to quiet ethics scandal

OTTAWA--Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not know that in order to quiet an ethics scandal his former chief of staff had secretly repaid expenses claimed by the senator at the heart of the affair, the ex-aide testified on Wednesday.
  The trial of Conservative Senator Mike Duffy, who is accused of receiving a bribe and abusing expense claims, comes as Harper campaigns ahead of Canada's Oct. 19 election. Opposition parties say the affair shows voters should end the Conservatives' near 10-year grip on power.
  Nigel Wright, Harper's former chief of staff, told an Ottawa courtroom that he decided in early 2013 that the only way to kill a raging scandal about Duffy's expense claims was to secretly give the senator his own personal check for C$90,000 ($69,400) so Duffy could repay the money Read more

Emmanuel calls on Govt. to address Haiti matter with DR

PHILIPSBURG--National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel has issued a call to Governor Eugene Holiday and the Marcel Gumbs Cabinet to talk with the Government of the Dominican Republic (DR) about putting a halt to the stripping of that country’s nationality from people of Haitian descent and from the move to deport tens of thousands of Haitians living in that country Read more

St. Martin Book Fair Program June 4 – 6, 2015

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten -  Pre-Book Fair Activities;

Tuesday, June 2

8pm – 11pm
The Poets Lounge
Guest poets: Rosabelle Illes (Aruba), Fola Gadet (Guadeloupe). Magueda Jackson (St. Martin/Anguilla), reads her poetry from the new anthology Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla
Place: Q Lounge (Upstairs, McDonald's Restaurant)
Simpson Bay

Wednesday, June 3

6 pm – 7:30 pm
Economic Models in the Caribbean
Presentation/discussion with business and political leaders
Guest speaker: Luiz Bernardo Pericás (Brazil)
Historian, social critic, translator
Author of Che Guevara e o debate econômico em Cuba
(Che Guevara and the economic debate in Cuba)
Cambridge University Press

Place: Mr Read more

Suriname election: Bouterse leads, but too early to tell

PARAMARIBO--At 10:00pm Monday, three hours after polling stations closed, it was still hard to get a clear indication who would emerge the winner of the elections.

Only about 10 per cent of all votes cast at the 623 polling stations had been counted and while these seemed to favour President Desi Bouterse’s National Democratic Party, the number was too low to base a prediction on.

A spokeswoman for the Central Voting Bureau expected all votes to be counted by midnight to 1:00am Tuesday, after which it would not be long before a winner would be declared Read more