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Gebe Outages Cause Spike In Telem Customer Calls

PHILIPSBURG--TelEm Group is registering an increase in customer calls about interrupted voice and data services following electricity outages by public utilities company GEBE. The calls relate to Internet services not working and/or mobile services not being available.

“We want customers to know that we are doing all that we can to monitor GEBE outages and ensure that all our backup power units and generators are ready to take over when GEBE load-sheds,” said TelEm Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Helma Etnel in an invited comment Tuesday.

Etnel said many challenges were faced in keeping the network up and running during a power outage, especially when equipment in a power outage area can adversely affect the operation of the entire mobile and data network.

“Our backup equipment is designed to take over from GEBE to maintain power for a short while until they can restore power to our many facilities, equipment and networks,” said Etnel.

She said TelEm was concerned that with the constant shutting down and powering up of its own generators and backup power supplies, the likelihood of damage to sensitive equipment and interruptions to mobile and data services would be greater.

“We are advising customers to protect their equipment, especially their modems, as best they can by connecting to their own UPS and surge protectors,” continued Etnel.

She said customers should also unplug their modems from the mains during a power outage and only reconnect to the mains once power had been restored.

As a further precaution, customers should unplug their modems when leaving home for work in anticipation of load-shedding in their area at any time, at least while GEBE is carrying out repairs to its own equipment.

Etnel advises customers to unplug and reconnect their modem after an outage several times before contacting the TelEm Group Helpdesk for assistance.

“During the past week and usually after an outage the Helpdesk receives an increased number of calls from customers seeking to get reconnected to the Internet Read more

Telem: Gebe Outages Causing Spike In Calls About Service Interruptions

POND ISLAND – TelEm Group is registering an increase in customer calls about interrupted voice and data services following outages by public utilities company GEBE.

The calls relate to internet services not working and/or mobile services not being available.

“We want customers to know that we are doing all that we can to monitor GEBE outages and ensure that all our backup power units and generators are ready to take over when GEBE load sheds,” said Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Helma Etnel in an invited comment Tuesday, July 12.

Etnel said there are many challenges faced in keeping the network up and running during a power outage, especially when equipment in a power outage area can adversely affect the operation of the entire mobile and data network.

“Our backup equipment is designed to take over from GEBE to maintain power for a short while until they can restore power to our many facilities, equipment and networks,” said Etnel.

She said the company is concerned that with the constant shutting down and powering up of the company’s own generators and backup power supplies, the likelihood of damage to sensitive equipment and interruptions to mobile and data services will be greater.

“We are advising customers to protect their equipment, especially their modems, as best they can by connecting them to their own UPS and surge protectors,” continued Etnel Read more

Priest Condemns Tourist Murder

 ~ Suggests tougher punishment as deterrent ~

PHILIPSBURG – The murder of Belgium tourist Wendy Mountulet is being condemned by the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP), who offered condolences to the family of the 22-year-old.

Party Leader Lenny Priest noted that in this critical time when Caribbean tourism is already under the microscope, the island cannot afford to be tarred with the same brush as countries like the Bahamas, where according to a recent report in the Nassau Guardian, “an executive with Carnival Cruise Line reportedly warned a Bahamas tourism official that Carnival is so worried about crime in Nassau, it’s considering issuing crime warnings to the passengers it brings there.”

Priest stressed that the OSPP advocates protection for all people and believes in equality and justice for all, but opined that more must be done to safeguard the island’s tourism product, beginning with joint task forces from both sides of the island working to solve crimes against tourists and imposing maximum penalties to offenders as a deterrent against such behavior.

“We also support more social programs and opportunities for those who feel they have been left behind,” he added, explaining that this is also important in regard to deterring criminal behavior.

The OSPP leader pointed out that some Caribbean islands are already under the microscope and cited a recent article in the Saint Lucia Times, in which the president of the Saint Lucia Venders Association publicly accused the Minister of Tourism of ignoring the island nation’s crime problem.

The association’s president noted that crime in Saint Lucia has gotten so bad that cruise lines might consider dropping that popular Caribbean port stop from their itineraries, as Norwegian Cruise Line did in the 2010-2012 season because of reported crimes against passengers.

According to Priest, St Read more

“Gebe Is A Rudderless Ship”

PHILIPSBURG – The current issues being experienced with GEBE’S much criticized load shedding are because the company is now “a rudderless ship,” according to leader of the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP) Lenny Priest, who opined that government needs to step in and tackle these issues head on in the interest of the populace.

Electricity consumers on Dutch St. Maarten have been blighted with power outages over the past few days, which are reportedly part of scheduled load shedding to accommodate repair of equipment Read more

Hundreds Attend Smcp Documentary

COLE BAY – On Monday evening, July 11, close to 400 people showed up at Megaplex Cinemas in Cole Bay to watch the documentary presented by the St Maarten Christian Party (SMCP). All persons could not fit in one hall. The documentary had to be shown in two halls simultaneously.

The documentary chronicled the events in the Fiji islands that led to a complete turnaround in government and a total transformation of the society. Crime, hate, social and economic collapse, witchcraft soared to an unacceptable high.

Then followed civil unrest, a coup and violence Read more

The Silver Lining Of A Disastrous Six Years Of Country Status!

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Today, after I washed towels, cleaned my fan, made milk pops for the kids (well, actually I fight for them also) and cooked lunch for my family, of course I started reflecting on St. Maarten and the problems facing us as a people. These thoughts are ever present in my mind.

In the past 6 years, we had 5 governments, which included various combinations of the same groups of persons, which have failed to demonstrate the moral fortitude and maturity required to run this new status.

Initially everyone, including myself, saw this as a ridiculous situation and a political nightmare, but I think we need to start to see it as a “blessing” in disguise Read more

Telem Group Says Gebe Outages Causing Spike In Customer Calls About Service Interruptions.

Pond Island:--- TelEm Group is registering an increase in customer calls about interrupted voice and data services following outages by public utilities company GEBE.
The calls relate to internet services not working and/or mobile services not being available.
“We want customers to know that we are doing all that we can to monitor GEBE outages and ensure that all our backup power units and generators are ready to take over when GEBE load sheds,” said Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs Read more

Suggests tougher punishment as deterrent

PHILIPSBURG:---The murder of Belgium tourist Wendy Mountulet is being condemned by the One St. Maarten People Party, who offers condolences to the family of the 22 year old. Party Leader Lenny Priest notes that in this critical time when Caribbean tourism is already under the microscope, the island cannot afford to be tarred with the same brush as countries like the Bahamas, where according to a recent report in the Nassau Guardian “an executive with Carnival Cruise Line reportedly warned a Bahamas tourism official that Carnival is so worried about crime in Nassau, it’s considering issuing crime warnings to the passengers it brings there.”
Priest stressed that the OSPP advocates protection for all people and believes in equality and justice for all but opined that more must be done to safe guard the islands tourism product beginning with joint task forces from both sides of the island working to solve crimes against tourists and imposing maximum penalties to offenders as a deterrent against such behavior Read more

Mp Emanuel Poses Questions To Gebe Management

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Member of Parliament of the National Alliance, the Honourable Christopher Emanuel on Tuesday voiced his frustration with the constant power outages on the island.

According to the MP, his efforts to reach the interim director at GEBE on Tuesday morning proved futile.

Speaking to our news department, the MP noted that residents are going through the constant outages because there is a management problem at the Electricity Company Read more

Olivier Arrindell Of Grace Aviation Pays Courtesy Visit To Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Olivier Arrindell of Grace Aviation paid a Courtesy Visit to Prime Minister William Marlin.

His visit was to introduce the Prime Minister to Gabriel Sandoval, Senior Dir. Aircraft Marketing Latin America and Caribbean of AERCAP Aviation Solutions.

Mr. Arrindell is currently in the process of establishing AVA Airlines on St Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Ppa Presents ‘Clear Vision’ For September 26 Election

SUCKER GARDEN--People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) held its first party congress Saturday, at the Lion’s Community Centre in Sucker Garden. In her congressional speech, party leader Gracita Arrindell rallied supporters behind the PPA’s goals in the run-up to the September 26 parliamentary election.

PPA joined forces with the United People’s (UP) party in the 2014 election, but will be contesting the upcoming election on its own Read more

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Prosecutor Confirms Wendy Died Of ‘Multiple’ Stab Wounds

MARIGOT--Guadeloupe Prosecutor Samuel Finielz confirmed to journalists on Monday that Wendy Montulet (22), the young Belgian tourist who went jogging on Saturday, July 9, and never returned to her hotel, died of multiple puncture and slash wounds, consistent with those inflicted by a knife.

That was the preliminary finding of cause of death from the doctor on the scene. Finielz, who was speaking to the press by video link from Guadeloupe, was guarded with his information in view of the sensitivity of the case and in respect for the family.

He declined to disclose details of the weapon and how many stab wounds or their location on the body Read more

Gebe Remains Mum On Continued Outages

PHILIPSBURG--Utilities company GEBE remains silent about the continued electricity outages plaguing the Dutch side of the island over the past days. Some residents have been experiencing as many as three or four outages on a daily basis.

The Daily Herald requested a comment from the company’s management about the outages, but no statement has been released since last week Monday, July 4, when it was stated that three engines that provide a total of 18 megawatts (MWs) of power were being repaired and/or overhauled.

This newspaper also contacted Prime Minister William Marlin for comment about the outages, as Government is the company’s shareholder Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Ambassador Valkenburg’S Plan To Champion Agriculture Is Welcome News To Ospp

PHILIPSBURG – News that the new Dutch Ambassador to Cuba Alexandra Valkenburg plans to champion the interest of St. Maarten is being welcomed by the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP), who while launching their candidate Maurits Joslyn Richardson last week, stressed the importance agriculture must play in the further development of St Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Educator And Musician Leroy Vlaun Will Run With Ospp

PHILIPSBURG – Musician and educator Leroy W. Vlaun, has joined the political arena and is set to contest the September 2016 elections on the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP) slate, according to an announcement from Party leader Lenny F. Priest.

This latest OSPP candidate is no stranger to many on the island since he has been a music educator at the MAC elementary School for the past 30 years and at the St Read more

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Candidates in this article:

 Banker on the NA slate for 2016 election.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Alliance led by current Prime Minister William Marlin is gearing up for the September 26th parliamentary elections by bringing in new blood in the political arena Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Francelise Mauricia-Peterson Candidate On Smcp Slate

PHILIPSBURG – Wycliffe Smith, Leader of the St. Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) happily announced the candidacy of Francelise Mauricia-Peterson on the SMCP slate for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Born on the Northern side of the island, Mauricia-Peterson was raised on the Dutch side and attended the Sundial School. She furthered her studies at the Maria College ETAO where she majored in Administration Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Exclusive: Gebe Has Over Half A Million In Court Fees To Pay.

Power Plant in total shambles, causing all day outages.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The government owned utility company GEBE has over half a million dollars in court fees to pay lawyers while the power plant is in a total mess causing constant power outages throughout the Dutch side of the island. The court fees also includes retainers fee for the attorney that represented the former board of directors that were contesting their dismissal from the company.
SMN News learnt that the Supervisory Board of Directors are being accused of dragging their feet and playing games when it comes to the appointment of persons to the operational board.
Besides that the Supervisory Board is also accused by workers and certain politicians for not acting swiftly enough to solve the problems that are causing the constant power outages throughout the Dutch side of the island Read more

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Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St Maarten Nature Foundation initiated their shark tagging program as part of the DCNA Save Our Sharks project funded by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery. This research is aimed to better understand the life characteristics of sharks in St Maarten waters including population structure, abundance and migration.

Jillian Morris and Duncan Brake from Sharks4kids assisted the Nature Foundation with building gear, catching, handling and tagging the sharks Read more

Laville Returns To Politics On Usp List For Elections

ST. PETERS--Former Member of Parliament (MP) Romain Laville was welcomed to United St. Maarten party (USP) as a full-fledged member and candidate for the September 26 elections by party leader Frans Richardson in front of party members and the board.

  A press conference introducing Laville took place at the party’s headquarters on L.B Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Francelise Peterson Announces Candidacy With Christian Party

PHILIPSBURG--Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) leader Wycliffe Smith has announced that Francelise Mauricia-Peterson will be a candidate on the SMCP slate for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

  Born on the French side of the island, Francelise was raised on the Dutch side and attended Sundial School Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Leroy Vlaun To Run With Ospp

PHILIPSBURG--Musician and educator Leroy Vlaun has joined the political arena and is set to contest the September 26 elections on the slate of the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP), party leader Lenny Priest announced in a press release on Sunday.

  Vlaun has been a music educator at Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC) for the past 30 years, and at St Read more

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De Weever Weighs In On Commercial Sex Workers

PHILIPSBURG--Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius de Weever called the debacle with commercial sex workers a catastrophic situation on Sunday.

  â€œGovernment is trying to figure out whether a work permit is needed, or if a database for registration of commercial sex workers is the key, or whether they will be issued a license as an entrepreneur to provide their services to any club, and finally while the court cases continue, our population and visitors are again put at risk,” De Weever stated in a press release issued over the weekend.

  De Weever further stated that businesses are suffering, and the owners, workers and their families are being impacted as well Read more

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EXCLUSIVE:--- Leader of the Democratic Party and Chairlady of Parliament who is a member of the current coalition has asked the members of the coalition to consider her as a nominee for the governor’s post which will become available on October 10th 2010.
SMN News learnt that the chairlady of parliament made the request last week Monday when the weekly coalition meeting was held.
So far the Council of Ministers has remained tightlipped on the issue Read more

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