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style="text-align: center;">Government and Supervisory Boards must respect Parliament and provide the answers necessary.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams along with the President of the Democratic Party Board Emil Lee high-lighted several issues that they felt needs to be clarified.
Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams said on Monday during a press conference that the "Counterpart Policy" used by MP Cornelius de Weever was not the reason why the number two candidate of the DP Faction broke the first coalition Read more

Separate Ordinance To Regulate Timeshare Being Considered Say's Dp

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The meeting, requested by the DP faction in Parliament on the 2 draft time-share laws took place on Thursday, February 5th.

Unfortunately, Minister Conner was not able to attend, however the minister sent 2 advisors to assist at the meeting.

Also present was the Minister of Justice, within whose purview the civil code falls.

Parties agreed that we will work together to expeditiously respond to the advice of the Council of Advice Read more

Princess Heights Makes Going Green Profitable

St. Maarten – The Princess Heights boutique hotel in Dawn Beach is now among 2,300 hotels in 47 countries around the world to carry the Green Key eco-label. On Monday evening, the hotel celebrated the certification with a reception around the property’s pool.

General Manager Emil Lee said that initially he had no intention to get the hotel certified Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Mr. Emil Lee, who ran number 4 on the DP list in the August 2014 election, has been appointed by the Democratic Party as Parliamentary faction advisor for socio-economic matters in general and tourism in particular.

During the campaign, Emil was a strong advocate for open government and integrity Read more

Princess Heights celebrates pioneering eco-certification

Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Condo Hotel General Manager Emil Lee (centre) holds a Green Key programme plaque amongst key representatives of the hotel, Foundation for Environmental Education, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean, and the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association as they all hold up a Green Key programme flag.

DAWN BEACH--Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Condo Hotel celebrated its milestone in becoming the first and only property on the island to be awarded the prestigious Green Key Eco-label certification on hotel premises on the evening of February 2, amongst a crowd of supporters and key stakeholders.

International Green Key Director Finn Thomsen of the non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which owns and runs the programme, was on hand to mark the occasion Read more

>THE CARIBBEAN:--- The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), representing 32 National Hotel Associations across the region, has appointed hospitality and tourism industry veteran Frank J. Comito as the new CEO and Director General. He assumes the post March 9, 2015.
As CEO, Comito will work to raise CHTA's profile as the leader for the Caribbean hospitality industry and along with the CHTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors he will develop a strategic plan for the association that serves the needs of its entire membership comprised of over 600 hotels and 300 allied members Read more

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Names Industry Veteran Frank Comito Ceo, Director General

CORAL GABLES, FL - The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has appointed hospitality and tourism industry veteran Frank J. Comito as the new CEO and Director General. He assumes the post March 9, 2015.

As CEO, Comito will work to raise CHTA's profile as the leader for the Caribbean hospitality industry and along with the CHTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors he will develop a strategic plan for the association that serves the needs of its entire membership comprised of over 600 hotels and 300 allied members.

Comito replaces Jeff Vasser who stepped down as CEO/Director General at the end of December 2014.

"Frank Comito brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to CHTA, most recently as Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and other tourism-related organizations," said Emil Lee, president of CHTA adding:

Comito most recently served as Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, a position he held for over 10 years, and was responsible for guiding and managing the organization's range of activities in advocacy, business development, workforce improvement and organizational development.

Comito brings to his new role with CHTA over 30 years of experience in economic development, organization management, government affairs, project management, workforce development, research and analysis, and providing business and investor support in the Bahamas, U.S Read more

Westin reportedly blocking public access to Dawn Beach

A quiet Dawn Beach in front of The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa.

DAWN BEACH--Two very specific complaints against The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa concerning the alleged blocking of public access to Dawn Beach in front of and near the resort have been received by The Daily Herald within just three days recently.

The accounts have been backed up by multiple stakeholders who have heard of or experienced similar situations. Resort management could not be reached for comment on Monday or Tuesday.

Both accounts describe harassment by overly confrontational security guards who are confining beachgoers to a smaller area than before Read more

>OYSTER BAY:--- At a ceremony on Friday, three sites on St. Maarten were awarded the Blue Flag eco-label, which is bestowed annually on beaches and marinas throughout the world that meet strict environmental and safety criteria. Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, and Yacht Club Isle de Sol were commended for their high standards and voluntary efforts towards environmental sustainability.
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), which organized the event, is the National Operator for the Blue Flag Program on St Read more

Emil Lee: “Cuba Will Be An Interesting And Competitive Factor”

GREATBAY—St. Maarten’s tourism product, as well as that of the other Caribbean islands, may be negatively impacted by the new Cuban/American relationship, according to former director of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and current president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Emil Lee.

The CHTA president noted that after being closed off to US residents for tourism and business for the last fifty years, Cuba will now be “a competitive and interesting” factor Read more

The Road To The Gumbs I Cabinet: “Peddling Seats To The Highest Bidder”

St. Maarten / By Hilbert Haar – When Governor Drs. Eugene Holiday administers the oath of office to the five ministers of the Gumbs I cabinet this afternoon, it marks the end of a tedious process that started during the night after the parliamentary elections on August 29. How did we get where we are today? A review.

To avoid any misunderstandings, the governor also administers the oath to the minister plenipotentiary today – but that is not a ‘real’ minister – it is the representative of St Read more

Lloyd Richardson Elected Chairman Of Parliament

St. Maarten – Parliament elected Dr. Lloyd Richardson of the faction of the United People’s party yesterday morning as the successor of Sarah Wescot-Williams as its chairman Read more

DP moves to ‘expel’ De Weever from ranks

PHILIPSBURG--The Democratic Party (DP) has moved to expel Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius de Weever from its ranks. The party has given De Weever until 5:00pm today, Friday, to appeal his expulsion if he so wishes.

De Weever, who is off-island, has not responded to requests for a comment on what he intends to do in the face of his pending expulsion.

De Weever was informed of his pending expulsion from St Read more

Lee calls on ‘opposition’ to form ‘united coalition’

DAWN BEACH--Democratic Party (DP) candidate hotelier Emil Lee has called on the "opposition" in Parliament, which now includes his party leader Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, to form "a united coalition" to provide "quality opposition in Parliament."

Lee was the 12th highest vote getter out of 90 candidates who contested the August 29 Parliamentary Elections and was the third highest vote getter of his party Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- As 12th highest vote getter out of 90 candidates and 3rd highest vote getter in the DP, I have been requested many times to comment on the current political situation, I felt that making comments before things were clear could be disruptive to the formation process. Now that Sarah Wescot-Williams, leader of the DP, has made the position of the DP clear, I believe it is reasonable to make a statement.
As the dust settles, I would propose that opposition forms a united coalition since providing quality opposition in Parliament is a critical part of any properly functioning democracy Read more

Emil Lee Issues Statement On Political Developments

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - As 12th highest vote getter out of 90 candidates and 3rd highest vote getter in the DP, I have been requested many times to comment on the current political situation, I felt that making comments before things were clear could be disruptive to the formation process.

Now that Sarah Wescott-Williams, leader of the DP, has made the position of the DP clear, I believe it is reasonable to make a statement.

As the dust settles, I would propose that opposition forms a united coalition since providing quality opposition in Parliament is a critical part of any properly functioning democracy Read more

Sarah makes position as Parliament head available

PHILIPSBURG--President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has made her position as head of the legislature available to the United People's (UP) party-led coalition.

This move by Wescot-Williams comes a month and two days after she was appointed to the post on October 10 Read more

Dp Outlines Role In Coalition Formation Process, Takes A Step Back To Evaluate

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Leader of the Democratic Party (DP) of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

During the conference the caretaker Prime Minister who also holds the function of President of Parliament, outlined the role that her party played and is playing in the current formation process leading towards a new government for the island led by the UP party and MP Cornelius de Weever.

Formateur MP the Honorable Theo Heyliger who is now not a candidate for Minister, announced that he has submitted the names and dossiers of candidates Ministers to His Excellency the Governor of St Read more

style="text-align: center;">TO FOSTER IMPROVED COOPERATION IN CARIBBEAN

PHILIPSBURG:--- Emil Lee, President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), and General Manager of Princess Heights Hotel, St. Maarten, attended the naming celebration for the Royal Princess and the launch of Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary celebrations here.

"Accepting the invitation to attend the cruise line's celebration is part of CHTA's mission to broaden and improve cooperation with key stakeholders in the Caribbean," Mr Read more

Chta President Attends Cruise Line Celebrations To Foster Improved Cooperation In Caribbean

PHILLIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Emil Lee, President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), and General Manager of Princess Heights Hotel, St. Maarten, attended the naming celebration for the Royal Princess and the launch of Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary celebrations here.

"Accepting the invitation to attend the cruise line's celebration is part of CHTA's mission to broaden and improve cooperation with key stakeholders in the Caribbean," Mr Read more

Princess Heights Wins Leading Hotel Award

St. Maarten – For second year in a row, Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Hotel has been named “the Leading Hotel in St. Maarten”, by the World Travel Awards (WTA) in its 2014 Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2014, at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla.

Heralded by The Wall Street Journal as the “Oscar’s of the travel industry,” the WTA has developed into the most prestigious and comprehensive awards program in travel and tourism, and is known worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence that recognizes the commitment to excellence that hospitality businesses worldwide have demonstrated in the last twelve months.

“This latest award, combined with our fourth straight year TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, proves once again that only through hard work, consistency and real commitment to customer service, we can ensure that our guests enjoy lavish accommodations with world class personalized service Read more

Princess Heights Hotel Named St. Maarten’s Leading Hotel for second year in a row by World Travel Awards.

>DAWN BEACH:--- For second year in a row, Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Hotel has been named "the Leading Hotel in St. Maarten", by the World Travel Awards (WTA) in its 2014 Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2014, which was held at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Heralded by The Wall Street Journal as the "Oscar's of the travel industry," the WTA has developed into the most prestigious and comprehensive awards program in travel and tourism, and is known worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence that recognizes the commitment to excellence that hospitality businesses worldwide have demonstrated in the last twelve months.
Emil Lee general manager stated "This latest award, combined with our fourth straight year TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, proves once again that only through hard work, consistency and real commitment to Customer service, we can ensure that our guests enjoy lavish accommodations with world class personalized service Read more

Sarah: Counterpart policy was ‘moot point,’ unclear why Cornelius de Weever defected

~ He has not resigned from DP ~

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Sarah Wescot-Williams says the counterpart policy was a "moot point" and could not be the reason DP Member of Parliament (MP)-elect Cornelius de Weever had pulled his support from the slate on which he was elected to help United People's (UP) party form a one-seat Parliamentary majority.

Wescot-Williams told reporters at a press conference at Holland House Beach Hotel on Sunday that the policy never had been an issue, as De Weever's proposal in the Council of Ministers on August 12 to establish a counterpart policy had been approved.

De Weever indicated at the time that the policy would be introduced as a pilot programme in collaboration with social partners and said there were some businesses that were willing to work with him on the initiative Read more

Editorial - Better now than later

It seems the formation of a new government might not go as smoothly as expected after all. Although “formateur” William Marlin (NA) presented Governor Eugene Holiday with his report and the incoming NA/DP/US coalition’s governing programme yesterday, DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams confirmed that her party’s number two vote-getter Cornelius de Weever had indicated meanwhile that he preferred to occupy his seat in Parliament rather than remain Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs as intended.

This creates a problem, because DP quickly will have to choose another nominee to become one of its two cabinet members, while the names of all seven candidate ministers already had been submitted Read more