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Pcn Rejects Accusations

BONAIRE--The Pension Fund Caribbean Netherlands PCN denied allegations made by the Dutch 50PLUS party about possible embezzlement reported on in Monday’s paper. Member of the First Chamber of Parliament in The Hague Jan Nagel had stated that hundreds of public employees in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES Islands) lost pension premiums totalling millions and suggested fraud.

Gracita Leaves Up Due To Lack Of Leadership

~ To contest election under PPA ~

PHILIPSBURG--People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) party leader Gracita Arrindell says she resigned from United People’s (UP) party in 2015 due to the party’s lack of leadership, its failure to live up to its commitments and its turning its back on the people Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sports Silveria Jacobs was on hand at the Marie Genevieve de Weever School on Monday morning to witness the finalized works to the Playground / Basketball Court and addressed the students as well as management and staff.

The Minister Jacobs officially thanked the young, local contractor Mr Read more

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Telem Reports “Healthy” Profit In 2015

~Praises staff for outstanding efforts~

POND ISLAND – TelEm Group has reported a “healthy” profit for 2015 despite dropping local and international call rates, and the widespread use of “free” calling services in St. Maarten.

The profit figure was announced to TelEm Group personnel by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Helma Etnel, during a general meeting at the Belair Community Center, on Friday, June 17.

According to Etnel, the profits are thanks to the combined efforts of TelEm Group management and personnel in all divisions despite a significant drop in revenues for the year 2015.

“So while we were getting less money in, we were very conservative with spending and using what we had much more efficiently,” said the CFO.

Etnel said the figures could not have come at a better time to boost the morale of personnel, as many negative things are being reported about the company in online and print media – a development that the CFO regrets.

She urged personnel and managers not to dwell on these negative reports, but to remember all the positive things they have done over the past several years to make the company viable, and to continue to provide jobs for St Read more

Regina Labega Praised At Caribbean Aviation Conference In Dominica

Great Bay – Airport and tourism expert Regina LaBega was the toast of the gathering at the first Caribbean Aviation Meet Up conference hosted by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, in Rousseau, Dominica June 14-16.

LaBega gave a PowerPoint presentation on the topic, “Sustainable Tourism: Key for Caribbean Airports,” which was well received. “Everyone asked for a copy of the presentation” following its delivery, said LaBega.

According to LaBega, sustainable tourism can be defined as Jamie Lisse of Demand Media does, as: “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

“The Caribbean Region is perhaps the most tourism-intensive region in the world,” LaBega stated, quoting CTO statistics that show that tourism was responsible for about 14% of total GDP and generated about 12% of Caribbean employment (both direct and indirect) in 2012.

In 2011, for example, she said there were about 21 million international tourist arrivals in the Caribbean, bringing in a revenue of US $24.5 billion, with a direct GDP contribution of US $15 billion, an indirect GDP contribution of US $32 billion, and creating 614,000 direct jobs.

LaBega pointed out the crucial role of aviation in supporting tourism, “with over 54% of international tourists now traveling by air.”

Arguing that airports are the gateways and not the destinations, LaBega said, “Regional airports can be valuable assets in sustainable tourism development Read more

Ministry Of Finance Hosts Tax Summit 2016 Themed: “A Consensus To Collaborate”

DAWN BEACH – The Ministry of Finance called upon key (internal) stakeholders to take part in a critical discussion during the Tax Summit of Friday, June 17, to improve tax compliance.

In attendance were Prime Minister William Marlin, Minister Public Health Social Development and Labor Affairs Emil Lee, and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports Silveria Jacobs, during the first hour as well as representatives of the various Ministries of Government and SZV, SOAB, SER, CFT, Ombudsman and Council of Advice.

“A lot of territory was covered Read more

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DAWN BEACH:--- The Ministry of Finance called upon key (internal) stakeholders to take part in a critical discussion during the Tax Summit of Friday June 17th to improve tax compliance. In attendance were the Prime Minister William Marlin, Minister Public Health Social Development and Labor Affairs Emil Lee, and Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sports Silveria Jacobs during the first hour as well as representatives of the various Ministries of Government as well as the SZV, SOAB, SER, CFT, Ombudsman and Council of Advice.

“A lot of territory was covered Read more

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GREAT BAY:--- Airport and tourism expert, Regina LaBega was the toast of the gathering at the first Caribbean Aviation Meet Up conference hosted by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, in Rousseau, Dominica from June 14 – 16, 2016.
LaBega gave a power point presentation on the topic, “Sustainable Tourism: Key for Caribbean Airports,” which was very well received. “Everyone asked for a copy of the presentation” following its delivery, said LaBega.
According to LaBega, sustainable tourism can be defined as Jamie Lisse of Demand Media does, as: “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”
“The Caribbean Region is perhaps the most tourism-intensive region in the world,” LaBega stated, quoting CTO statistics that show that tourism was responsible for about 14% of total GDP and generated about 12% of Caribbean employment (both direct and indirect) in 2012.
In 2011, for example, she said there were about 21 million International Tourist Arrivals in the Caribbean bringing in a revenue of US$24.5 billion, with a direct GDP contribution of US$15 billion, an indirect GDP contribution of US$32 billion, and creating 614,000 direct jobs.
LaBega pointed out the crucial role of aviation in supporting tourism, “with over 54% of international tourists now traveling by air.”
Arguing that airports are the gateways and not the destinations, LaBega said “Regional airports can be valuable assets in sustainable tourism development Read more

Marlin-Richardson Awarded Prins Bernhard Top Honour

PHILIPSBURG--The Prins Bernhard Culture Fund Caribbean Culture award was given to daughter of the soil Ihndhira Richardson-Marlin for her contributions over the years to the art of dance on the island. Governor Eugene Holiday and proud father Prime Minister William Marlin and his wife were present, among other guests. The event was held Read more

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Democratic Party Remembering Those In Orlando

The Democratic Party, like most of the world, is shocked and immensely saddened by the horrendous carnage that took place in a nightclub in the city of Orlando.

Words cannot describe the feelings that the terrible scenes and heart wrenching accounts by survivors continue to evoke daily. Regardless of the motives, it is terribly, terribly wrong and must be condemned.

“It is unimaginable that a fellow human being could be so callous and without regard for the lives of others, in fact taking pleasure in the wanton destruction of human life,” said DP Leader Wescot-Williams.

We pray and hope for the full recovery of those persons who are injured, and for peace and strength for the families, friends and the entire community affected by this senseless act.

May we also on St Read more

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Democratic Party Extends Condolences To The People Of Orlando.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party, like most of the world, is shocked and immensely saddened by the horrendous carnage that took place in a nightclub in the city of Orlando. Words cannot describe the feelings that the terrible scenes and heart wrenching accounts by survivors continue to evoke daily. Regardless of the motives, it is terribly, terribly wrong and must be condemned.

" It is unimaginable that a fellow human being could be so callous and without regard for the lives of others, in fact taking pleasure in the wanton destruction of human life ", said DP Leader Wescot-Williams.

We pray and hope for the full recovery of those persons who are injured and for peace and strength for the families, friends and the entire community affected by this senseless act.

May we also on St Read more

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Opinion: Vote Of No Confidence

Research by the Central Bureau of Statistics in Curacao returned a near fatal blow for the country’s politicians. Only 2.3 percent of the respondents among 2,620 households said that they trust their politicians. In other words, 97.7 percent do not trust the country’s legislators.

Suspicion towards politicians is nothing new and it is not uniquely prevalent in Curacao. It is a phenomenon across the board, and we suspect – though we obviously do not have hard evidence for it – that a similar research in, say, the Netherlands, Japan, the United States or St Read more

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The Checkered Past Of Ava Airways Chairman Arrindell

Hallucination airline or the next big thing?

St. Maarten News / By Hilbert Haar – Is Olivier Arrindell at it again? The controversy about his ghost airline AVA Airways is gaining momentum with the bitter exchange of opinions with businessman Michael Ferrier.

It all started with Arrindell’s claim that he had obtained a business economic permit from the government of St Read more

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Minister Lee Discussed Hospital With Minister Plasterk

St. Maarten News – Minister Emil Lee (Public Health) headed a delegation that included Kees Klarenbeek, Director of SMMC, Henk de Zeeuw, Managing Director of corporate finance KPMG St. Maarten, and Perry Geerlings, Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary to meet with  Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Ronald Plasterk,  Erwin Arkenbout, Director of Kingdom Relations and Dr Read more

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Gibson: No Reason To Panic About Decline In Revenue

PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Finance Richard Gibson suggested that the financial situation of St. Maarten, in terms of government revenue, is not as bad as reflected in the first execution report of the first quarter of 2016.

The Committee for Financial Supervision for Curaçao and St. Maarten (CFT) had stated, in a letter dated June 8, to the Minister of Finance that the budget balance of the first quarter of 2016 had deteriorated by some NAf Read more

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Minister Invites All To Celebrate Emancipation Day

PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs urged residents and citizens to celebrate the significance of Emancipation Day by inviting them to Emancipation Day celebrations.

The celebrations begin from June 30, with a re-enactment of the Freedom Run hosted by NIA Read more

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Minister Jacobs Commends Association For Hosting Tournament

PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Sport Silveria Jacobs is pleased that St. Maarten will be hosting one of the pools of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under 20 qualifying tournament, with matches having begun on Wednesday night, June 15.

“St. Maarten is proud to be able to support this initiative that the Soccer Association has been awarded this esteemed pleasure, which hosts Cuba, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda as well as St Read more

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20 Confirmed Zika Cases On Dutch Side

PHILIPSBURG--Dutch St. Maarten has recorded a total of 20 confirmed Zika cases, Health Minister Emil Lee told reporters at the Council of Ministers press conference on Wednesday.

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Port, Mps Meet With Sir Branson To Discuss Investment Possibilities

POINTE BLANCHE--Port St. Maarten officials, along with two Members of Parliament (MPs) and government representatives met with Sir Richard Branson of the United Kingdom-based Virgin Group and Virgin Executives Tom McAlphin and Craig Milan on Wednesday. The meeting dealt with possible investment opportunities for Branson in St. Maarten.

Branson plans to launch Virgin Cruises in 2020 with the aim of delivering a unique and differentiated approach to cruise tourism for the millennial traveller Read more

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Mlk Students Visits Coast Guard

SIMPSON BAY – The Cycle 2 year 4 students of the Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Primary School visited the Coast Guard facilities in Simpson Bay on Wednesday morning, June 15.

“The exam students were able to see first-hand the facilities of the Coast Guard inclusive of a full presentation of the operations and a tour of the cutter Poema,” said MLK School Manager Stuart Johnson.

“The commitment and sacrifice of our Coast Guard personnel is nothing short of commendable especially since they provide a vital service to our country and the surrounding waters Read more

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Minister Lee Discusses New Hospital With Minister Plasterk

PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) Emil Lee headed a delegation, which included Director of St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) Kees Klarenbeek; Managing Director of corporate finance KPMG St. Maarten Henk de Zeeuw, and Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary Perry Geerlings, to meet with Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk; Director of Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations Erwin Arkenbout, and Project Manager of the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and Healthcare BES Dr Read more

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Port St. Maarten And Sir Richard Branson-Virgin Group Discuss Investments

PORT ST. MAARTEN – Port St. Maarten Management met with Sir Richard Branson on Wednesday.  Sir Branson is one of Great Britain’s highest profile billionaires with his Virgin Group holding more than 60 companies serving more than 60 million customers worldwide.  Branson was accompanied by Virgin Executives Tom Mc Alphin and Craig Milan as well as other staff members.

Sir Branson plans to launch his own cruise line called Virgin Cruises in 2020.  Virgin Cruises aims to deliver a unique and differentiated approach to cruise tourism for the millennial traveler.

The first three ships will set sail from Port of Miami in 2020 and offer a true Virgin experience with multiple entertainment spaces, advanced customer technology and Virgin-designed cabins.

Port St Read more

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POINTE BLANCHE:---  Port St. Maarten Management met with Sir Richard Branson on Wednesday. Sir Branson is one of Great Britain’s highest profile billionaires with his Virgin Group holding more than 60 companies serving more than 60 million customers worldwide. Branson was accompanied by Virgin Executives Tom Mc Alphin and Craig Milan as well as other staff members.
Sir Branson plans to launch his own cruise line called Virgin Cruises in 2020. Virgin Cruises aims to deliver a unique and differentiated approach to cruise tourism for the millennial traveler.
The first three ships will set sail from Port of Miami in 2020 and offer a true Virgin experience with multiple entertainment spaces, advanced customer technology and Virgin-designed cabins.
Port St Read more

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Bosman Gives Antillean-Immigration Legislation Another Shot

THE HAGUE – VVD-parliamentarian André Bosman is giving his initiative law aimed at keeping underprivileged citizens from St. Maarten. Curacao and Aruba out of the Netherlands. The Telegraaf reports that Bosman will submit his adjusted initiative law to the Second Chamber.

Bosman wants Antilleans to have work, enough assets or an education before they are permitted to establish themselves in the Netherlands. Two years ago, there was not enough support for the legislation, but Bosman wants to give it one more try.

If there is no majority for the law, Bosman’s party demands that the government presents a similar initiative as soon as possible Read more