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Caribbean Energy Security Summit Joint Statement.

>WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, together with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Caribbean Development Bank, European Union, Inter-American Development Bank Group, International Renewable Energy Agency, Organization of American States, and the World Bank Group:

Recognizing that energy security, access to energy, economic development, environmental and climate goals benefit from and contribute to sustainable, modern, clean and diversified energy sectors;Reaffirming our commitment to support access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy services, with a particular focus on cleaner alternative energy resources , for all citizens in the region;Recognizing that increased energy efficiency and more diversified, and clean energy sources can lead to improved energy security, increasing self-sufficiency, economic growth, and climate resilience as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions;Recognizing that cost-effective, alternative, and renewable energy sources, can reduce energy costs, while at the same time providing increased options for countries to diversify their energy matrices;Recalling the commitment at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009 to expand cooperation on energy and climate change, including through the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA); and at the Sixth Summit of the Americas in 2012 to accelerate energy integration to provide every person access to the electricity they need through the Connecting the Americas 2022 (Connect 2022) initiative;Recalling the outcome of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS Conference), September 2014, and the commitments taken under the SIDS Accelerated Modalities Of Action Pathway;Recognizing that, although legal and regulatory reforms have been implemented in some countries to introduce renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy management approaches to attract the required investment in the Caribbean energy sector, in principle, more work on policy and regulatory issues is required to fully embrace the opportunities derived from sustainable energy;Recalling national and regional energy plans, including the CARICOM Energy Policy and Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS), adopted by CARICOM in March of 2013, and the commenced negotiations in the Dominican Republic for a National Pact on Energy;Recognizing that lowering energy costs can increase competitiveness in tourism, manufacturing and various other sectors of the Regional economies;Recognizing that the private sector has an important role to play in developing the energy sector in the region, and that there is potential for greater public-private partnerships;Recognizing the synergies and benefits of regional cooperation for the strengthening of the energy sector;Noting that this strategy is in line with the objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative;Recognizing the advances already made by several countries in diversifying their energy mix;Recognizing our actions should support reaching a new international climate change agreement at the December 2015 UNFCCC negotiations in Paris;Recalling the invitation at the UNFCCC Twentieth Conference of Parties to communicate intended nationally determined contributions well in advance of Paris in a manner that facilitates clarity, transparency and understanding; andRecognizing the Caribbean is a particularly vulnerable region to climate change and has been an advocate in the fight against climate change.

We state our commitment to support the Caribbean's transformation of the energy systems of Caribbean states, to share lessons learned through new and expanded regional information networks, to report progress in relevant fora, and to pursue the following in accordance with national laws:

Comprehensive, planning-based and research-driven approaches to energy transition, including implementation of pilot and demonstration projects, based on successful models so that individual clean energy projects are part of a fully integrated, climate-resilient energy transition plan toward clean sustainable energy for all.For Caribbean countries, necessary and specific reforms , including recommendations from the 2013 CARICOM Energy Policy and the outcome of the 2015 Dominican Energy Pact, to support policy and regulatory environments that facilitate the introduction of new technologies favoring sustainable and clean energy that provide legal certainty for investors and improved predictability in price and supply for users.Where viable, alignment of national legal and regulatory approaches to facilitate greater clean energy investment throughout the region, provided that countries can access finance and other resources on affordable terms, to set the stage for future electrical interconnection in keeping with the goals of Connect 2022.Where technically and commercially feasible, promote and develop affordable: (i) no- or lower carbon electricity generation through wind, solar, geothermal power, hydropower, bioenergy, ocean energy, energy recovery from waste, and other clean energies; and (ii) energy efficiency measures Read more

style="text-align: center;">Plans of Approach for Integrity reports, Approval of Integrity Chamber Ordinance, nomination of "Kwartiermaker"

PHILIPSBURG:--- Government on Monday, January 26th submitted to Parliament the plan of approach to implement the recommendations of the three integrity reports as instructed by Parliament in a motion that was unanimously passed by Parliament on October 22, 2014. The plan addresses the General Audit Chamber Report, the Wit-Samson "Doing Things Right" and the PwC report on Integrity.

The Council of Ministers also informed Parliament on Monday that it has approved a draft ordinance to establish an Integrity Chamber for Sint Maarten as well as nominated a so called "Kwartiermaker" by resolution (landsbesluit) who will be charged with preparing the implementation of the aforementioned ordinance Read more

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) namely, Louis Halley, Head of Civil Aviation, Claudius Carty, Acting Section Head of Shipping and Inspection, and Secretary General Miguel De Weever, met with the Council of Ministers (COM) recently to brief the council with respect to the current state of affairs of both departments.

The presentation provided an update on the Category 1 and 2 statuses related to the country's aviation sector Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams told reporters on Monday afternoon at a press conference that she is of the opinion that the deal with Rainforest Adventure to develop the Emilio Wilson Park is a done deal. "I believe this government has placed their stamp of approval on the project. This is my opinion because there is a lot not said when questions are being posed to Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs regarding this project, however, the people of St Read more

Suspect Arrested For Breaking And Entry Into Grand Case Kindergarten School Back In 2013

MARIGOT, St. Martin - On the night of 4th to 5th of September 2013, a burglary with extreme damage to the public kindergarten School in Grand Case was committed.

The person responsible for the crime, after climbing the gate of the school, had broken all the doors of the class rooms as well as the director's office.

Numerous items were stolen including the schools computer equipment.

Technicians of the Criminal Identification of Proximity (TICP) of the Community of St. Martin gendarmerie managed, after careful observations, obtained a biological sample and two footprints, palms and forehead traces which were discovered on a windows of one of the classrooms which was visited by the criminal.

These traces allowed the investigators to identify the alleged perpetrator who is known in the national database of DNA (FNAEG).

The suspect is also known as an individual who has committed multiple aggravated theft.

The suspect has been placed in custody on January 22, 2015 by the investigators from the gendarmerie of French Quarter.

The suspect was a minor (16) at the time of the crime and as a result, he has been notified of his summons before the juvenile court in St Read more

Integrity Remains Priority For Gumbs Cabinet: Plans Of Approach For Integrity Reports, Approval Of Integrity Chamber Ordinance, Nomination Of "Kwartiermaker"

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Government on Monday, January 26th submitted to Parliament the plan of approach to implement the recommendations of the three integrity reports as instructed by Parliament in a motion that was unanimously passed by Parliament on October 22, 2014.

The plan addresses the General Audit Chamber Report, the Wit-Samson "Doing Things Right" and the PwC report on Integrity

The Council of Ministers also informed Parliament on Monday that it has approved a draft ordinance to establish an Integrity Chamber for Sint Maarten as well as nominated a so called "Kwartiermaker" by resolution (landsbesluit) who will be charged with preparing the implementation of the aforementioned ordinance.

The ordinance has been forwarded to the Council of Advice in the regular trajectory to request advice.

The draft ordinance is of the utmost importance as it will establish an institution based on article 98 of our constitution to investigate breaches of integrity and will function as an advisory body for the Government in matters related to Integrity.

"This ordinance has been submitted today to the Advisory Council and we hope that within short the draft will reach Parliament for debate in order to be decided upon," Prime Minister the Hon Read more

Mp Lake Commences With District Visits As Part Of Back To Basics In 2015

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake, this past weekend commenced with his district observation visits in his capacity as MP to see where and how he can assist Sint Maarten communities.

MP Lake said he started his back to basics district visits 2015 with his home district of St Read more

Editorial - Not the answer

Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake's suggestion to increase the one-per-cent foreign exchange levy to five per cent for remittances (see Friday paper) may seem at first glance like a good idea. After all, the lines of people at money transfer offices especially after payday have been cited for years as an example of how cash generated on the island is sent abroad instead of spent locally.

However, the licence fee charged by the Central Bank might not be the most suitable instrument to address this issue Read more

USA’s Arconada wins Women’s International Tennis Tournament

MARIGOT—Tournament top seed Victoria Bosio from Argentina fell to the unseeded American Usue Maitane Arconada in a riveting Women's Singles Final played at the Alberic Richards Stadium courts on Sunday where the Argentinian struggled with three medical time-outs.

Arconada (16), ranked 22 in the Junior World Rankings, won 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 on the shady No.3 court chosen over the usual No. 1 court. The match was marked by long, powerful baseline rallies. The first set was closely fought but in the second set Bosio found her rhythm again to win it comfortably before having to call the physiotherapist at 3-0 down in the final set for massages and later a twisted ankle Read more

Biodiversity Institute planned for Réserve Naturelle in 2017

MARIGOT--A 1.5 million-euro Institute of Biodiversity is one of the exciting future projects Réserve Naturelle is engaged in as part of the development contract between Collectivité and State, it was disclosed at a press conference hosted by Réserve Naturelle on Thursday in Anse Marcel.

Feasibility studies are close to completion for the project and State representative Romain Perreau confirmed that 1.5 million euros has been set aside for its creation. The Institute, however, is not expected to be inaugurated before 2017.

Réserve Naturelle Director Nicolas Maslach said the institute will combine elements of research institute, environmental awareness and eco-tourism while its objective will be to improve the knowledge of ecosystems in St Read more

SHTA: Having counterpart in PM’s cabinet ‘completely misses the point’

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) has lashed back at statements made by Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius de Weever on the counterpart programme saying that having a counterpart in a Prime Minister's cabinet "completely misses the point."

De Weever said last week that the counterpart law had been applied in one case and had been used in the staff bureaus of the former Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

However, SHTA says this misses the point Read more

SHTA - Remains Opposed to Counterpart Program.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, SHTA has taken notice of the remarks made, with respect to the implementation of the Counterpart Policy (CPP), by the honorable Members of Parliament Cornelius de Weever and Maurice Lake (in support of CPP) as well as the published opinion of the leader of the OSPP Mr Read more

Opening Day 23rd annual SMSEF Interscholastic soccer tournament.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, January 24th, the 23rd annual edition of the St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation (SMSEF) Interscholastic Soccer Tournament, sponsored by the TelEm Group of Companies, commenced at the Johan Cruijff Court in Belvedere.
The highly anticipated tournament by the primary school youths was officially opened by the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, during a short opening ceremony after the first games had already been played earlier that morning Read more

It’s time to pay back, in politics there is nothing call a free lunch.

style="text-align: center;">Two faced or screw faced politicians. Do what you want now and the people will forget after seven days. Now we know why so many people say that all the politicians are alike. Horse trading started after the election in 2010 but has continued even more after 2014 election. There are ship jumpers, church jumpers and now we have party jumpers seeking betterment for themselves. We must establish a Credibility Chamber for most of our politicians to regain some type of credibility before the next election Read more

It's Time To Pay Back, In Politics There Is Nothing Call A Free Lunch

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – It has been rumored for some time that the US party was planning to support the UP led coalition but I had to read it to actually believe it.

Now we can understand why during the election so many voters stick their hands out and say give me something for my vote now. Because after the election the horse trading will continue and all the elected officials are thinking about what and how much they can get for their seat.

It is never about improving the quality of life of the people Read more

Mp Emmanuel Keynote Speaker At Plp Annual Party Convention On Statia Next Month

ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius - The Progressive Labour Party on Sunday evening announced in a press release that the Party will be holding its Annual Party Convention on Thursday February 5th, 2015 under the theme: "PLP THE VOICE WE DESERVE".

The Keynote speaker for this event will be freshman member of Parliament of St. Maarten the Honourable Christopher Emmanuel of the National Alliance.

During the convention the PLP list of Candidates that will contest the March 18th, Island Council Election on St Read more

Shta - Remains Opposed To Counterpart Program

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, SHTA has taken notice of the remarks made, with respect to the implementation of the Counterpart Policy (CPP), by the honorable Members of Parliament Cornelius de Weever and Maurice Lake (in support of CPP) as well as the published opinion of the leader of the OSPP Mr Read more

Court Bypasses Departure-Policy Argument, But: Attorney Knoppel Wins Case Against Justice Ministry

St. Maarten – The Ministry of Justice had no reason to fire attorney Ellen Knoppel in 2014, the Court in First Instance ruled yesterday. On Friday the court ruled in summary proceedings that the previous Minister of Justice, Roland Duncan, had granted the attorney a permanent labor contract under the so-called departure policy, which made the contract invalid Read more

Independent Mp Cornelius De Weever Defends Counterpart Policy

St. Maarten —Criticism leveled at the Governments Counterpart policy has resulted in Independent Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever coming to the defense and making it clear that “the counterpart legislation is a law and not just a policy.”

MP De Weever explained that the ministry used the law in one case. “The company took us to court and government lost because according to the judge we did not have a policy on how the law would be used so the labor policy department wrote the counterpart policy in consultation with the Social Economic Council and the Tripartite Committee Read more

Lenny Priest On Appointment Of Ministers: Up Has No Confidence In Its Own Candidates

St. Maarten —A vote of no confidence in almost its entire slate of candidates in the 2014 elections has unwittingly been expressed by the United People party, according to leader of the One St. Maarten People Party Lenny Priest, who explained that this is his conclusion after noting that out of the 23 candidates on the UP list only one has been appointed as a minister in the new UP lead cabinet.

“Each party that contested the 2014 election was allowed to carry 23 persons on the list Read more

New Vromi Minister To Meet Gebe Soon

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The decrease in the cost of fuel use to generate electricity should be passed on immediately to the people of St. Maarten, echoed Prime Minister with the responsibility for General Affairs, the Honorable Marcel Gumbs.

However, Mr. Gumbs, who was at the time responding to a question put to the Council of Min Read more

Editorial - Collective responsibility

With all the current talk about a so-called counterpart policy, Friday's report that the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) will be holding discussions with University of St. Martin (USM) and other educational institutions should not go unnoticed. Exploring synergies between the local tourism industry and education on the island certainly seems a worthwhile endeavour, as UP fraction member Maurice Lake also noted during yesterday's second round of questions on the 2015 budget in the Central Committee of Parliament.

The complaint that too few jobs become available for inhabitants is nothing new and sparked the initiative to restrict the hiring of foreigners even further than is already the case, by requiring a local counterpart when a permit for such is granted Read more

For St. Maarten or not for St. Maarten

Dear Editor,

I believe that all of these people including myself who voice their opinion do it with a purpose. My purpose is for the betterment of life on St. Maarten. If life gets better it will be better for me also. Simple as that.

Over the years too many of us would say how it should not be and go to lengths to explain why it should not be. This is also the case with the counterpart issue. Laws are written because someone realizes that something is not going well and in that spirit is motivated to correct it and puts a law together with that intention.

Also someone gets an idea how to better an existing situation and again in that spirit writes a law which goes through the procedures and is finally approved and ratified Read more

Senior US diplomat ruffles Cuba by meeting dissidents

HAVANA--A senior U.S. diplomat in Cuba for negotiations on restoring long-frozen diplomatic relations met a group of dissidents on Friday, seeking to underline Washington's concern over human rights but irritating the island's communist government.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson, the highest-ranking U.S. government official to visit the island in nearly 40 years, held a breakfast meeting with the dissidents a day after talks with Cuban government officials Read more