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TelCell Night of the Hitmakers stars at TelEm Group building Friday

POND ISLAND - Performers at Saturday’s for the much-anticipated TelCell Night of the Hit Makers event will be making a guest appearance at the TelEm Group building Friday to meet the press and also some of their closest fans.

The event is billed as carnival’s flagship event, featuring hot performers: Kes the Band, Tanya St. Val, Mika Ben, Jean Marc Ferdinand, Tsunami and St. Maarten’s own popular, Control Band.

Promoter, Bertaux “Mr. Rude” Fleming, of Xtratight Entertainment, is bringing the performers together for a mass gathering in the TelEm Group lobby, to talk about all that will be taking place on the night of the show – including the line-up of performances.

“We will try to get some t-shirts signed for some fans if they bring their t-shirts along with them, or T-shirts can be purchased on the spot,      and we will also have a special offer, including FREE Hit Makers glow mugs upon purchase, to keep the buzz going,” said Mr. Rude.

He said the artists are very excited and thrilled about performing in front of a St. Maarten audience from whom they are expecting a huge carnival welcome.

“The artists are just as keen as Xtratight Entertainment to light up the Caribbean’s hottest open-air dance floor and keep their fans dancing throughout the night and early morning hours,” continued Mr. Rude.

He is encouraging visitors to the show to wear their “Blinged out” and specially decorated TelCell Night of the Hit Makers T-shirts to the show Saturday or wear red, to catch the judge’s eye and win a fabulous prize of a mobile phone package.

“We have been promoting not stop since December last year with many, many specials and now we are down to the wire with very few tickets left,” said the promoter.

He has once again thanked main sponsor, TelEm Group, for opening up their doors to the artists on Friday.

The performers are scheduled to arrive at 4:00 pm for a short press conference in which members of the local media will be invited to pose questions to the artists, promoters and sponsor.

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Minister of Sports Jacobs receives certificate of gratitude and report from St. Maarten Soccer Association

PHILIPSBURG - On Tuesday, April 19, The St. Maarten Soccer Association (SMSA), represented by PresidentSudesh Singh along with SMSA representative Sandro Garcia, presented Minister of Sports Silveria Jacobs with a certificate of gratitude and a report of the 2016 CFU Futsal Qualifier Tournament in Cuba.

SMSA received an official invitation to participate in the Men’s CFU Futsal Qualifier in November 2015. As an effort to improve the level of soccer in St. Maarten, the SMSA accepted this invitation believing it to be necessary for St. Maarten to participate in as many international accreditation tournaments as possible.

Five weeks of training were held in order to determine the 10 most suitable players eligible to compete Futsal Qualifier, held at the Sala Polivalente Kid Chocolate stadium is Havana, Cuba.

SMSA expressed their gratitude to the Government of St. Maarten for receiving subsidy to take part in the Futsal tournament, especially the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.

SMSA were invited to host upcoming International tournaments in June and November of 2016, which they hope to accomplish with the assistance of the community and government as well. 

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SOUND CITIZENS BRING THEIR “SWUNK” TO LAGOONIES APRIL 30TH

COLE BAY - Lagoonies Bistro and Bar will host Antiguan band Sound Citizens for a fantastic night of free live music on Saturday, April 30th, beginning at 8:30pm. 

Sound Citizens bring together Brazilian, Caribbean, British and Spanish musical influences to create swunk: their unique, irresistibly danceable fusion of soul-drenched swing, funk, reggae and Brazilian roots music. Their triumphant first album MIA [Made in Antigua] was recorded by renowned sound engineer Stevie Jackson, who has previously worked with Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, and they will be releasing their second album “Swunk” soon. The free April 30th concert gives island residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the swunk for themselves.

“Our mission at Lagoonies is to bring new music and musicians to the public, as well as great bistro-style food,” explains Olivia Roudon, director of Lagoonies Bistro and Bar, “so we're really psyched to welcome Sound Citizens to the island for this show!” Roudon and her partner Stephen Winkel are keen supporters of both international and local musicians, and can proudly say that some of St. Martin's outstanding home-grown talent got their start at Lagoonies. They regularly host artists from this island and around the globe, kicking into high gear after last year's hugely successful Orange Grove concert, and are excited to showcase Sound Citizens. “It's going to be an unforgettable evening so get ready to dance!” says Roudon.

The concert starts at 8:30pm, and is free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended for dinner, and can be booked at +1 (721) 544-3703. This event is made possible by Lagoonies' media partner Island 92 and the generous sponsorship of Amstel Bright and Mount Gay. For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lagoonies-Bistro-and-Bar/341082047532, and visithttp://soundcitizens.com to learn more about the band.

Lagoonies Bistro and Bar is accessible by land or by sea. By land, it's located at Wellington Road 33-35 between ELECTEC and FKG in Cole Bay. By sea, it's located at the Lagoon Marina, on Simpson Bay Lagoon between Budget Marine and Island Water World. 

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St. Maarten Nectar Launches Campaign in Schools against Zika

SIMPSON BAY – St. Maarten Nectar, local producer of natural cosmetics and Bug O% repellents launched its fight against the Zika virus - and specifically its mosquito bite prevention campaign. This is an island-wide program which encourages children to develop healthy bite prevention habits.  

The campaign was launched with the placement of over 100 posters in public areas around the community like supermarkets and drugstores on the island. The company stressed its “Protect-Repel-Eliminate” message at various schools and playschools and donated diffusers as part of its social corporate responsibility program.

The management of St. Maarten Nectar said it was important to start a campaign in the schools, "because our children grow up around mosquitoes they may not have the sense of urgency to protect themselves.” 

“They should learn that there are on average 1million mosquito related deaths a year worldwide. However, there are steps that can be taken to achieve a bug-free community,” according to a company representative.

The St. Maarten Nectar team met with the Minister of Education, the Hon. Silveria Jacobs at the launch of the campaign and offered to assist the Ministry with oil for diffusers in an effort to combat mosquitoes given the start of Carnival and of the rainy season. The potential partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Labour, Public Health and Social Welfare will be further explored.

Zika is a virus transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito which is also responsible for dengue and yellow fever and chikungunya virus. Persons suffering from the Zika virus disease can show symptoms including mild fever, headache, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and skin rash.

According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), the Zika virus is “spreading explosively” in the Americas. The US Center for Disease Control, CDC, has confirmed a link to the virus causing birth defects. It has, therefore, warned pregnant women against traveling to countries where the disease has been found, including St. Martin/St. Maarten where several cases of Zika have been confirmed. St. Maarten Nectar wants to do all it can to mitigate the amount of Zika cases on our island.

St. Maarten Nectar has an all natural repellent line of products for adults as well as babies which is prescribed by medical practitioners in Guadeloupe.  The company was founded in St. Maarten in July 2010. 

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Sarbani Manick Bag wins EPIC art competition

PHILIPSBURG - On Tuesday April 19, winners of the EPIC art competition organized by Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) received their prizes.

The winners of the EPIC Art Competition are:

1st Place - Sarbani Manick Bag - St. Dominic High School

2nd Place - Rahul Sharma - St. Dominic High School

3rd Place - Dhiren Punjabi - Learning Unlimited Preparatory School

4th Place - Hannah Van Dam - Sr. Borgia Elementary School

5th Place - Aryan Notani - Learning Unlimited Preparatory School

The rules of the competition asked participants aged between 10 and 16 years old to create a drawing, painting or collage of their favorite animal, plant or natural area on St. Maarten.

Participants also had to write down in a minimum of five lines why what they drew, painted or created is important to them. Entries included depictions of beaches, pelicans, turtles, hummingbirds, trees and more.

All winners received a EPIC goodie bag and the first place winner also received an IView SupraPad 7” Tablet PC sponsored by Boolchand’s.

The foundation would like to thank all participants for showing how much they care about the island environment though their artwork. For more information about Environmental Protection in the Caribbean and upcoming events surf to www.epicislands.org or like their page on facebook.com/epicislands.

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DP advises to cut to the chase with the proposal(s) for a Waste to Energy plant

POND ISLAND - The landfill (dump) in Philipsburg is on fire again and the perils with the new garbage collection contracts in general have only added to the frustration, a Democratic Party (DP) press statement said on Tuesday.

“Some might feel that this is open political season and we could now point fingers at the persons who were in charge of areas like Public Works etc. for many years, and under whose responsibility this matter fell.

“We could use the lack of visible action by those persons as political ammunition and start to "shoot" at these persons who over the years and for mainly selfish reasons have stalled, turned back, reversed or whatever the case might have been, any plan that had to do with arriving at a solution for the Philipsburg landfill.

“However, this blame game will not get us any closer to a solution at this time.

The people of St. Maarten are nevertheless encouraged to look back over the years and see who has been responsible for the stalling and reversing and who even in the recent past have tried to get between GEBE and a possible solution. That again will not get us out of the impasse we are apparently in,” the DP press release said.

DP leader, Sarah Wescot-Williams: "I have said to my coalition partners that we need to cut to the chase and if e.g. the plan that is now on the table is just sitting there and coming to a power purchase agreement with GEBE does not appear feasible due to cost or economy of scale, then we need to cut it!"

The DP Party says: “We need to cut to the chase and let go of unfeasible proposals.

Don't let it remain lying on a desk at GEBE, because stakeholders might not want to hear that once again and because of the passing of time, another plan must be aborted.

“Let government make a firm decision if the proposed system for a Waste to Energy plan is not workable and let's move on.  We can understand that the current situation of the board and management of GEBE does not contribute to a speedy decision, but it is also a fact that GEBE has had this proposal for some time now.

“And so although the DP hopes for a speedy decision with respect to management and board of GEBE, we do not believe the decision of "go or no-go" should depend on such.

In addition, we recently had a new contract for the management of the landfill signed. That contract was on the basis of how things were and how things used to be done.

"If we consider the fact that even if we were to reach a firm agreement for a Waste-to-Energy or any other system to dispose of our garbage today, it would allegedly take 18 months to 2 years before operation, the management of the dump in our opinion needs to be revisited."

“The question to consider in that case would be: can rehabilitation of the existing dump take place while getting the new system up and running? We really hope so,” the DP Party press release concluded.

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ICT - An essential tool to Safe Travel

PHILIPSBURG - Technology has long enabled security checks to be executed at Airports, the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) said in a press release on Tuesday.

“These security checks were further enhanced globally after 9/11 with more advanced scanning systems. Looking back at the security conducted through the years and recent terror attacks it is evident that the security focus too long was solely placed on the traveler about to embark on a journey. Strange enough no real security facilities/systems are in place to scan and monitor all movement through departure and arrival areas of airports.

“Strange it is indeed as these areas always have large gatherings of people lugging luggage around totally unrestricted and boundless access from the road. It is unfortunate that no prior attention was paid to this vulnerability and now measures will be developed post tragedy instead of as a prevention. Measures all travelers will welcome, to suffice a dire need to feel safe and secure. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will surely be at the basis of the future security measures to be implemented, yet current facilities should be further enhanced as can redress safety concerns.  

“The advantage of online check-ins: All airlines should be required to provide online check-in portals that actually work well. Many large Airlines provide a check-in portals however often not open to international travelers. Online check-in however is a means to prevent the long check-in lines, and so large gatherings in airport departure halls. Mere bag drops would permit for a faster movement through the departure terminal.

“Yet facilities will be required that can screen the contents of bags and persons as they enter the airport. The latter can be expected within short, and rest assure ICT will provide those systems. The disadvantage of online check-in is that not all travelers may have access to internet connectivity preventing access to and the use of check-in portals, prior to travel. The availability of check-in terminals can however mitigate this disadvantage.

“Curbside check-in offered at certain airports is another means to enhance security, in the event entry into the airport areas is done with prior security screening. Is this paranoia or the introduction of a system one would imagine to be part of that futuristic world portrayed in the Jetsons.  Can we expect within short that all wanting access to airports would have to pass through a security screening? Will airport security evolve to the implementation and use of massive scanners of persons, vehicles and luggage venturing on airport facilities?  Whilst it is not yet clear how the world will respond, and which standards for security will be developed, it is imminent that unrestricted access to airports will be a thing of the past. We may not expect  luggage drop off for transport through a security conveyer belt from the moment we seek a parking ticket or seek access to drop off or a screening ramp for vehicles entering the airport area , for that all may be deemed to futuristic. Rest assure the new screening tools will be ICT based and will constitute the next generation is security screening.

“As airports are not the sole targets for acts of terrorism, many other means of public transportation, access to concert areas, public parks etc. will see the implementation of new and more advanced security measures, to detect the presence of explosives. Security perimeters will now be placed further away from buildings and events to mitigate impact. Security officers will not become obsolete, but a greater need for ICT security means will be required, as these means detect what the eye may not. ICT will be required to aid secure travel by bus, train, metro or by any vehicle on our roadways,” the COCI press release concludes.   

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MP Marlin-Romeo sends letter to Parliament regarding U.S. Visa Requirements for persons from former Neth. Antilles

PHILIPSBURG – On Monday April 18th 2016, a letter was sent to the President of Parliament from Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin Romeo concerning Visa requirements for persons from the former Netherlands Antilles entering the USA. 

Several concerned citizens contacted the Member of Parliament about the issue and it was therefore brought to the attention of the responsible minister on April 14th 2016.

On the US Homeland Security website https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements  it states that, “The citizens of the new countries of Curacao, Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba and St Maarten (the former Netherlands Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.”

“Whether this is an error or an oversight by the Homeland Security, clarification is still needed as citizens from Sint Maarten frequent American territory regularly, notwithstanding that the information came from the official website of the US Government,” the MP pointed out.

The Member of Parliament also took note of articles written on possible requirements for US citizens wanting to visit Europe. If approved, this would indeed affect Sint Maarten.  The Member of Parliament is requesting that the Minister of General Affairs answer the following questions:

1.       Since the issue visa issue was brought to the Minister’s attention in a meeting on April 4th 2016 has contact been made with the US Embassy in Curacao to bring clarity to the matter on visas for the former Netherlands Antilles citizens?

2.       Will the Minister inform the general public of the findings?

3.       Should the European Union decide to place a visa requirement on US citizens what are the repercussions for Sint Maarten as a tourist dependent destination.

4.       Will the Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs address these issues with the Kingdom?

The Member of Parliament Leona Marlin- Romeo noted that matters concerning foreign affairs fall under the responsibility of the Minister of General Affairs and therefore the Member of Parliament finds it pertinent that clarity be given to the public on matters that directly affect them.

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USM to host prestigious International Conference on Caribbean Literature

POND ISLAND - Professor Melvin Rahming of Morehouse College, Atlanta, recently made his inaugural visit to St. Maarten to discuss the prospects with the University of St. Martin (USM) for hosting the 16th International Conference on Caribbean Literature.

Professor Rahming founded the Conference in 1997 and is expressly keen to bring the Conference to the island this year. One of the aims of the Conference is to continue academic linkages between Morehouse College and the various tertiary level institutions in the Caribbean, such as the University of St. Martin.

During his visit Professor Rahming met with the President of the Board of USM, Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet, as well as the President and Dean of USM, Dr. Francio Guadeloupe and Ms. Genѐve Phillip. Commenting on the outcome of his meeting and site visit to St. Maarten, Professor Rahming remarked; “I already know that ICCL St. Maarten is going to be absolutely transformative!”

In the past, the Conference has featured keynote speakers such as Nobel Prize Laureate Derek Walcott and Earl Lovelace. As the host University, USM will have the autonomy to select three locally acclaimed writers or poets to give special addresses or readings at the Conference.

The Conference will also be boosted by a number of cultural and artistic events and seeks to include the local community as much as possible. USM has pledged its full commitment to be the host of the Conference which is scheduled for November 2nd-4th 2016.

Selected conference papers will be published in the January 2017 Issue of USM’s in-house Journal Commentaries. USM’s main task now, is to move swiftly ahead with appointing a steering committee and attracting sponsors and volunteers for this highly anticipated event which is expected to have at least 200 participants in attendance. For further details on how you can contribute please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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All Performers Congratulated for their Participation in Soca Rumble Competition

POND ISLAND - Director of events/marketing company Montage N.V. Grisha Marten on Sunday congratulated all the performers of the 2016 Soca Rumble competition while lamenting untrue comments that two former monarchs of Soca Rumble are reportedly making publicly.  

Marten lauded the winners of Soca Power King Vers and Soca Groovy The Mighty Dow, for what she termed as “great performances” at a very high level. She also made special mention of the first runner-ups in both categories; Kenyo Baly in the Power Soca category and Magic in the Groovy Soca category. “All of the performers worked hard and they should be congratulated for stepping on stage and giving it all they had,” she said.

Not to take anything away from the 2016 winners, Marten used the opportunity over the weekend to address sentiments that the former Soca Rumble kings did not get what was due to them as winners. She stressed that not only is this untrue, it is wholly ungrateful considering how hard her team has worked to give St. Maarten a solid Soca product.

She explained that both singers received their US $10,000 prize from Starz Casino which was widely publicized in the media. Through her connections, they also received the opportunity to perform at the Miami Broward Carnival at two events Sunday October 11, 2015 and October 12, 2015.

“Because of our bureaucratic process in government it was until the last minute they were able to obtain the tickets for the show. This happened the day before. But they arrived and because they were not preregistered they met up with setback with getting into the place. In the end they got their chance to perform and even made contacts with well-known people in the Soca entertainment industry,” Marten Heyliger said.

Both singers also passed up on opportunities that could have greatly helped their careers. The first was to shoot a professional video clip and the second was signing a contract with Caribbean music label VP records (placing their winning songs on iTunes) which could have opened many doors for the artists.

“Montage N.V. has given the 2015 kings everything that was promised. Their comments or rather lies, are disappointing considering the opportunities afforded to them.” She said she wants the public to understand clearly that the goal of Soca Rumble is to elevate St. Maarten’s Soca music and artists to levels of other well-known Caribbean Soca artists. For this to happen, she added, artists must be disciplined and “hungry”.  

“Our artists must be willing to take that extra step if they truly want to advance their careers. When opportunities present themselves. If the artists are not hungry enough to seize upon opportunities to advance themselves, using the Soca Rumble as a launching platform, then why are we doing Soca Rumble?”

“This is most definitely not a money-making initiative when you look at the commitments to promotion, show production, prizes, ect. We are doing this for St. Maarten music. That should be the ultimate goal. We were hoping that we could get the cooperation from the artists to obtain this goal and we hope we still can,” she concluded.

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