SXMElections.com

Casablanca Human Trafficking Case: Prosecutor Demands 8 Years Against Brothel Director

Source Today Newspaper

GREAT BAY – The public prosecutor demanded 8 years of imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 guilders against McQuincy R. the 39-year old director of the Casablanca brothel. Jessy R., 45, goes to prison for 7 years if it is up to the prosecution and she’ll have to pay also a 200,000 fine. The prosecutor wants to fine Casablanca NV an additional 30,000 guilders for fiscal fraud.

Carmen P., the 67-year old owner of the Casablanca building is facing 5 years of imprisonment and her son David E Read more

Dutch Election: Pm Rutte Sees Off Anti-Eu Wilders Challenge

BBC —  Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s party has won the most seats in parliamentary elections, exit polls say.

Early results confirmed the exit polls, with his centre-right VVD Party on course for 31 out of 150 seats.

Three parties are projected to win 19 seats each: Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom Party (PVV), the Christian Democrats and the D66 party.

Mr Wilders’ party had been leading in opinion polls but support for the party appeared to slip in recent days.

With 10.9% of votes counted early on Thursday, the VVD had polled 17.8%.

Voter participation in the general election was high; the 81% turnout was the highest for 30 years.

Analysts say a high turnout may have benefited pro-EU and liberal parties.

“Today was a celebration of democracy,” Mr Rutte said, adding that the Netherlands had said no to the “wrong kind of populism”.

Although the VVD had lost several seats since the last election, many had expected the party to lose much more ground to the Freedom Party.

Many had been watching the vote in the Netherlands closely, as an indication for how populist parties may fare in other elections in EU countries.

France goes to the polls next month to elect a new president, while Germany is due to hold a general election in September.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called Mr Rutte to congratulate him, while Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has also tweeted his congratulations.

Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament until earlier this year, said he was “relieved” Mr Wilders’ party had lost.

“We must continue to fight for an open and free Europe!” he added on Twitter (in German).

However, Mr Wilders warned that Mr Rutte “has not seen the last of me”.

He previously said that the “patriotic revolution” would continue to take place, and “the genie will not go back into the bottle”.

Pharrell Williams’ song Happy pumped out across a conference hall converted to host the victorious VVD.

“Of course he’ll still be prime minister,” a loyal party member with black rimmed glasses told us Read more

Message Of Prime Minister William Marlin On International Women’S Day

Fellow St. Maarteners,

Residents of our beautiful island, and in particular, ALL the women of this land.

For over 100 years now, the world has been celebrating International Women’s Day, which began as a female workers’ struggle for shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. More than a century later, despite the great strides that we have made, gender equality, equal pay for equal work, and an end to violence, exploitation and oppression against women remain elusive in many parts of the world, including here on our beloved St Read more

Non-Standard Forms Of Employment: A Feature Of The Contemporary World Of Work Also In The Caribbean 

 

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The ILO presented the 2016 Report on “Non-Standard Employment Around the World: Understanding Challenges, Shaping Prospects” to the Caribbean in the context of the 10th ILO Meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour, February 23-24, Kingston, Jamaica.

The 17-Caribbean country delegations, including 11 Ministers of Labour, as well as employer and worker representatives, engaged in the discussion Read more

Opposition Leader Denies Involvement In Alleged Plot To Overthrow The Government

ROSEAU, Dominica  –  Opposition Leader Lennox Linton Monday denied any involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the Dominica government and says he fears he could be arrested on trumped up charges to that effect.

In a posting on his Facebook page, Linton said that a number of “Dominican patriots” will be at the police headquarters to “monitor events” surrounding the question of economist Dr. Thomas Fontaine, an opposition member of the United Workers Party (UWP) who was detained for several hours by police following his radio show on Sunday.

Linton said that while, Fontaine, a former employee of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was due to return to the police station on Monday for further questioning, “I am hearing the plan is to have me arrested today.

“I am hearing as well that they are going to arrest me in connection with the bogus story that (Prime Minister Roosevelt) Skerrit told about overthrowing the government of Dominica.

“Now… let me be very clear, I know absolutely nothing about any coup or any attempt to overthrow the government apart from what I heard Roosevelt Skerrit say in his address to the nation.

“It is Roosevelt Skerrit who has this story Read more

Is St. Maarten Against Refugees? A French Asylum Refugee Is Being Deported To Venezuela

1 in every 113 people on earth is an asylum-seeker, internally displaced, or a refugee. How many people do you know? Stand #WithRefugees pic.twitter.com/JAIhpGAMBu

— UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) February 13, 2017

~Immigration is aware of 4 individuals who want to asked for asylum in St. Maarten~

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – About three weeks now Kleyber Jose Garcia-Arias (30) from Venezuela, has been incarcerated at the police station section of the Immigration Department, after he and his companion had a domestic dispute at an address on the Dutch Side Read more

Reporting Human Rights And Civil Rights In St. Martin And The Caribbean

by Fabian A. Badejo

(Panel discussion organized by the Conscious Lyrics Foundation, on occasion of the 30th anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture, Jubilee Library, St. Maarten, Friday, January 13, 2017.)

I wish to start by thanking Conscious Lyrics Foundation for the honor to participate in this panel discussion 30 years after I gave the first MLK Jr. lecture at the Mairie under the auspices of SMECO.

At the time, the evil regime of apartheid was still in full force and Mandela was still behind bars and considered a terrorist by the US and other western powers Read more

Reporting Human Rights And Civil Rights In St. Martin And The Caribbean.

(Panel discussion organized by the Conscious Lyrics Foundation, on occasion of the 30th Anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture, Jubilee Library, St. Martin, Friday, January 13, 2017.)

1. I wish to start by thanking Conscious Lyrics Foundation for the honor to participate in this panel discussion 30 years after I gave the first MLK Jr. lecture at the Mairie under the auspices of SMECO. At the time, the evil regime of apartheid was still in full force and Mandela was still behind bars and considered a terrorist by the US and other western powers Read more

Citizenship By Investment: A Symbiotic Relationship Between Country And Applicant

NEW YORK AND LONDON  –  The United States’ investigative show, ‘60 Minutes,’ recently focused its attention on the citizenship by investment programs offered by Caribbean and European jurisdictions, expressing a particular and unfair viewpoint on the programs in the Caribbean.

Initially, the 60 Minutes crew approached CS Global Partners, requesting the company, as the leading firm specializing in citizenship solutions, to participate in the show. Wisely, we declined to partake, aware that regardless of our accurate portrayal of the industry, a salacious and prejudiced rendition of citizenship by investment would be presented.

This burgeoning industry is often misunderstood, despite the importance of the outcome for countries offering their valued citizenship, and in return attracting investment from legitimate persons seeking security for their families.

CS Global Partners recognizes the tremendous impact that citizenship by investment can have on countries, and above all we are committed to producing a win-win scenario where clients attain greater personal freedom, safety, and security through citizenship, and Governments ensure sustainable growth.

The Caribbean pioneered citizenship by investment – with the twin-island Federation of St Read more

President Obama Awarding The Presidential Medal Of Freedom To Vice President Biden

“For your faith in your fellow Americans, for your love of country, and for your lifetime of service that will endure through the generations… I am proud to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to my brother, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.”

—President Obama surprising Vice President Biden with the nation’s highest civilian honor: go.wh.go Read more

Mp Connor Spreads The Joy Of Christmas To Three Organizations

PHILIPSBURG – Member of Parliament (MP) Claret Connor, was spreading the meaning of giving at Christmas time.

The MP delivered cooked turkeys and hams to the I Can Foundation, Key to Freedom Rehabilitation Center and New St Read more

Upgrade New Governing Operating System 21.0 To Scure Future Growth

REMARKS AT THE SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT

by His Excellency drs. Eugene B. Holiday, Governor of Sint Maarten

Harbour View, Sint Maarten December 20, 2016

Vice-Chairman of Parliament, Members of Parliament, Prefette of Saint Martin and St. Barths, Prime-Minister, Ministers,Vice-President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin,Vice-president of the Joint Court of Justice,Distinguished Guests,

Good Morning,

On September 26th, 2016, the people of Sint Maarten went to the polls and elected a new group of parliamentarians Read more

REMARKS AT THE SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT
by His Excellency drs. Eugene B. Holiday
Governor of Sint Maarten

Harbour View, Sint Maarten
December 20, 2016

Vice-Chairman of Parliament, Members of Parliament
Prefette of Saint Martin and St. Barths
Prime-Minister, Ministers,
Vice-President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin
Vice-president of the Joint Court of Justice
Distinguished Guests,
Good Morning,
On September 26th, 2016, the people of Sint Maarten went to the polls and elected a new group of parliamentarians Read more

Update: “Cuchi’S” Brother Tito Set Free By Judge Of Instruction

UPDATE: ~Arrest procedure deemed unlawful~

BELVEDERE, Sint Maarten (Update 13:45 pm) – Tito Fortune regained his freedom after the Judge of Instruction found there were irregularities in his arrest procedure.

Fugitive Kathron “Cuchi” Fortune’s brother Tito was arrested on Wednesday, December 14, in Belvedere. A search of his home followed, but nothing was found at in the home that could directly incriminate him in the disappearance of the two missing men.

Spokesman for the Prosecutor’s Office Gino Bernadina and his lawyer Remco Stomp confirmed to 721news that Tito was set free on Friday, December 16.

721news clarifies the story of his arrest:
On the same day Tito regained his freedom, Police issued a press release stating that they had arrested T.J.F Read more

Youth Policy Plan Stakeholders Session Organized By Department Of Youth

PHILIPSBURG – The Department of Youth hosted a consultation session with stakeholders to discuss the Integrated Youth Policy Plan (IYP) on Friday, December 9, at the University of St. Martin (USM).

The purpose of the consultation session was to discuss relevant areas concerning youth development on St. Maarten as well as strategies for effective implementation as outlined in the draft document.

Welcome statements were given by Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth and Sport Jorien Wuite and head of the Department of Youth Read more

Integrated Youth Policy Plan Stakeholders Consultation Session Organized By The Department Of Youth.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Youth hosted a consultation session with stakeholders to discuss the Integrated Youth Policy Plan (IYP) on Friday, December 9th, 2016 at the University of Sint Maarten. The purpose of the consultation session was to discuss relevant areas concerning youth development on St. Maarten as well as strategies for effective implementation as outlined in the draft document. Welcome statements were given by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth and Sport, Ms Read more

Court Finds Wilders Guilty Of Inciting Racial Discrimination

AMSTERDAM--Strong reactions have erupted after right-wing politician Geert Wilders was found guilty of inciting racial discrimination against Dutch Moroccans in a court on Friday. Wilders was condemned for his actions leading a Party for Freedom PVV rally calling for “fewer” Moroccans in March 2014 -and now has a criminal record- but he received no punishment from the three judges.Read more

Thousands Of Cubans Gather To View Caravan Bearing Fidel Castro’S Ashes

MATANZAS, Cuba — When the motorcade carrying Fidel Castro’s ashes approached this northern shore town’s Freedom Plaza on Wednesday, the crowd lining the sidewalks, benches, rooftops, balconies and even window bars started to chant his name.

“Yo soy Fidel!” (“I am Fidel!”), hundreds of people shouted in Spanish. “Viva Fidel!” (“Long live Fidel”).

Some carried Cuban flags, many held smartphones to record the moment, and a few cried Read more

Victorious Living To Feature Artwork Of Local Artists At Awards

COLE BAY – The countdown is on for Victorious Living’s Leader Worth Following Awards on December 3.

At this first Leader Worth Following Awards, VLF will recognize and award Dame Asha Stevens-Mohabier, Ambassador Alicia Liverpool, and posthumously, Officer Gamali Benjamin as leaders worth following. Mhakeda Shillingford, Jim Housen and Roy Cotton, Jr., who were among the finalists, will also be recognized at this event.

Keynote speaker for is certified John C Read more

Usa: Citizens’ Right To Film Police Activity In Public Places

Organizations, media support citizens’ right to film police activity in public places in the United States

MIAMI, Florida (November 14, 2016)—The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today added its support to the insistence that American citizens’ right to film and photograph police activity in public places must be protected under the free speech provision contained in the country’s First Amendment.

This right was denied in February this year to two citizens from Philadelphia by a federal judge who ruled that the action of filming and photographing police officers is not a matter covered by freedom of expression, unless the person doing so is actively participating in the event that is being recorded.

The case is related to two separate incidents that occurred in 2013 and 2012 in which those concerned, Rick Fields and Amanda Geraci, were approached or detained for filming or taking photographs of police officers.

At an initiative of the organization Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press 32 United States and international organizations and media came out in support of the Fields and Geraci case against the City of Philadelphia with an amicus brief in which it is argued that the videos and photographs made by private individuals, as in this case, are for the news media a very important source for informing the public about matters of news interest.

The amicus brief adds that “many stories are not only enhanced by citizen-generated content, but may well have never been told without it.”

In that same sense IAPA President Matt Sanders and the chairman of the organization’s Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, Roberto Rock, felt that this an issue of great relevance.

Sanders, of Deseret Digital Media, Salt Lake City, Utah, explained that “the importance lies in the fact that precisely the content in social media with kind of denunciations by citizens have on many occasions been turned into the source of news for the media.”

For his part Rock, of La Silla Rota, Mexico City, Mexico, added that “it is imperative that there be encouraged and protected the right of all citizens – not just journalists – to freedom of expression in order to disseminate and seek information, as is contemplated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The amicus brief also declares that the judge’s decision differs from the position of senior United States judicial authorities that have recognized the right contemplated in the First Amendment to photograph and record on video police in public places, independent of the purpose or intention of the citizens.

In addition to Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the IAPA supporting the amicus brief were the American Society of News Editors, The Press Association, Association of Alternative Newsmedia, Association of American Publishers, Inc Read more

Address Of Pm William Marlin On St. Martin Day

Fellow St. Maarteners, Brothers and sisters, Family all.

Many rains ago, when I was a teacher, I asked my class to write about what St. Martin Day meant to them. One shy, little boy, whose name I can’t remember now, wrote in his assignment the following: “St. Martin Day is the day for the people of this island to come together as family and enjoy each other and remember those who have gone before us.”

That simple answer stuck in my mind up till now because it captures the essence of what we are supposed to be celebrating today Read more

Fellow St. Maarteners,
Brothers and sisters,
Family all.

Many rains ago, when I was a teacher, I asked my class to write about what St. Martin Day meant to them. One shy, little boy, whose name I can’t remember now, wrote in his assignment the following: “St. Martin Day is the day for the people of this island to come together as family and enjoy each other and remember those who have gone before us.”
That simple answer stuck in my mind up till now because it captures the essence of what we are supposed to be celebrating today Read more

Pm William Marlin St Martin Day Address

PHILIPSBURG St. Maarten - Fellow St. Maarteners, Brothers and sisters, Family all. Many rains ago, when I was a teacher, I asked my class to write about what St. Martin Day meant to them. One shy, little boy, whose name I can’t remember now, wrote in his assignment the following: “St. Martin Day is the day for the people of this island to come together as family and enjoy each other and remember those who have gone before us.”

That simple answer stuck in my mind up till now because it captures the essence of what we are supposed to be celebrating today Read more

Historic Film Made In Barbados Will Have World Premiere In Toronto On November 12Th!

TORONTO, Ontario - ERROL BARROW:FREEDOM FIGHTER will screen for the first time on Saturday, November 12 at 8 p.m. at INNIS TOWN HALL CINEMA, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Ave., Toronto.

This docudrama is a passionate story about the courage of one man who relentlessly preached a gospel of economic self reliance and self respect to the people of his native country Barbados and the Caribbean. He defied the status quo, confronted racism and classicism, fought colonial oppression and selflessly led his people to political and economic freedom Read more