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Soualiga News Today (4837)

Sint Maarten second in the Caribbean in the Private Jet Charter Market Valued at US$104 million

SINT MAARTEN - Sint Maarten comes in second as a private charter jet destination according to Elite Traveller Magazine.  This accolade was related to last year’s peak winter season from November 2013 to April 2014 where the country alone received US$104 million in revenues from the business.  The top three destinations in the Caribbean are Nassau, Bahamas coming in first and Turks & Caicos Islands coming in third.

Elite Traveller Magazine report on the top 10 destinations resulted in close to one billion US dollars in business being generated in the Caribbean among the aforementioned.  The amount in revenues generated from the private jet charter flights resulted in US$867 million from 12,566 flights.  Private jets bring an average of US$69,000 in spending to destinations they visit which does not include fuelling and landing fees.

Private jet travellers pumped over US$270 million into the Bahamas.  Director of Airlift for the Ministry of Tourism Tyrone Sawyer reported stated that the Bahamas has a targeted campaign aimed at the private charter jet market.

Sint Maarten and Turks & Caicos Islands combined accounted for US$208 million in revenues, and the three islands together received 6,922 flights, more than half of the flights.

The other destinations included in the top 10 are Nassau, Abaco and North Eleuthera, St. Thomas, Bermuda, Anguilla and the Cayman Islands.

PrivateFly and Prince & Associated assisted with providing data with respect to the facts and figures.

  

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Consumer fireworks go on sale Monday. Three public firework displays at Great Bay, Maho Reef and Indigo Bay

GREAT BAY (DCOMM) – The Fire Department has granted permits to Firefly Fireworks allowing them to import, transport and sell consumer fireworks.Sales will start from the 29th until the 31st of December 2014. The permits were granted based upon the Vuurwerkbesluit AB2000, which regulates the import, storage, transport and selling of consumer fireworks.

The Fire Department granted three permits for public firework displays. The displays will take place at approximately midnight -00:00 hours at Great Bay, Maho and Indigo Bay.

The Fire Department together with the Police, Customs and the Coastguard will be vigilant to ensure that all Firework activities at the closing of 2014 are according to the granted permits and used in a safe manner.

Use caution when lighting consumer fireworks:

-       Read the instructions and warnings before usage. The vendor will share these to all customers.

-       Protect yourself and those around you. Wear proper eye protection and clothing; also keep the fireworks at a safe distance from flammable material and spectators.

-       Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them, combine them or relight after failure.

-       Choose an open area away from gas stations, bulk stations, churches, hospitals and old people homes.

-       Think on your pets.

In the event that someone gets burnt apply cold water to minimize the damage to tissue and seek immediate medical attention by calling the Emergency Medical Services 912.  In the event of a fire emergency, you can reach the Fire Department by dialling 919.

The Fire Department would like to thank each and everybody for their cooperation in upholding the safety regulations on Sint Maarten over the years. The Fire Department wishes you a healthy and safe 2015.

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Puerto Rican Authorities Seize Hazardous TOYS from Nine Stores High in Lead Content

SINT MAARTEN – Puerto Rican authorities have seized hazardous toys from nine stores and a warehouse.  The toys were imported from China for sale in Puerto Rico.  Many families and friends form the North Eastern Caribbean islands including Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius travel to Puerto Rico to do their holiday shopping which includes toys for their kids.

The toys have a high content of lead.  The lead was found in the toy’s paint, plastic and cloths.

Lead poisoning has devastating health consequences, in particular for children, with childhood lead exposure estimated to contribute to 600 000 new cases of children with intellectual disabilities every year. Overall, 99% of children affected by high exposure to lead live in low- and middle-income countries, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

Lead paint is a major source of potential lead poisoning for young children. It may be found in the home, on toys, furniture and on other objects. Decaying lead paint on walls, furniture and other interior surfaces creates lead-contaminated dust in the home that young children easily ingest. Mouthing lead-painted toys and other objects also exposes young children to lead. The sweet taste of lead paint means that some children even pick off and swallow small chips of paint.

Holiday shoppers will now have to check the toys to see if they were manufactured in China.  The warehouse searched recently is owned by Farmacias Caridad.  Back in August and September, toys were seized by the authorities from shipping containers that arrived at the port.  The toys were seized under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and Consumer Product Safety regulation.

The multi-agency raid was carried out by the United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

“Lead poisoning remains one of the most important environmental health concerns for children globally, and lead paint is a major flashpoint for children’s potential lead poisoning,” says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director for Public Health and Environment. “The good news is that exposure to lead paint can be entirely stopped through a range of measures to restrict the production and use of lead paint.”

It is estimated that 143 000 deaths per year result from lead poisoning and lead paint is a major contributor to this. Its use creates a health problem for many years into the future. Even in countries that have banned leaded paint decades previously, such paint continues to be a source of exposure until it is finally stripped and replaced. The cost of replacing lead paint means that people living in older, poorly-maintained housing are particularly at risk, and this disproportionately affects economically-deprived communities.

SOUALIGA NEWSDAY REPORT

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GOVERNOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2014

HARBOUR VIEW – On the Eve of Christmas, His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday issued the following Christmas message to the people of Sint Maarten.

“My Fellow Sint Maarteners,

I extend Christmas greetings to you and your family. May your season be filled with the promise of Christmas, for Christmas is the Season of Peace. As we celebrate this Christmas amidst challenges at home and conflicts and threats in various regions of our world,let you and I do our part to live in accordance with the promise of Christmas as worded by the song writer Vince Gill:  

“Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment, In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”

Because our individual and collective peace offers the serenity and harmony necessary to bridge differences and remedy the issues challenging our community. That is to address issue such as social imbalances, health threats, financial constraints and political and community tensions.

In celebrating this season I trust that we will find the strength and courage embedded in peace to dedicate towards that which is genuinely meaningful, a compassionate, strong, happy and just Sint Maarten society. A society of inhabitants thankful for our many blessings, focused on promoting and supporting harmony in our society, with responsive to the needs of the less fortunate and proactive in a remedying the ills in our society.

For there is no better way to express our gratitude, as recipients of the wonderful gift of Christmas, than to spread peace and harmony among our brothers and sisters starting at home.

Thus as we celebrate the birth of Christ amongst family and friends and come to the close of 2014, I encourage you to embrace the enduring love and peace of the season now and into the new year with the purpose of the perfecting the quality of life of the people of our island nation.

From Marie-Louise and I, to your family, we wish you joyous, safe and peace filled holidays with the sustaining grace and love of Christmas! God bless you and God bless Sint Maarten.”

The Governor of Sint Maarten

Eugene B. Holiday

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Lagoon Authority traffic study reveals Causeway serving its purpose and additional traffic relief measures needed

SIMPSON BAY – In June, 2014, the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) commissioned CH2M HILL, Inc. to perform a traffic study for the Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway in order to further alleviate traffic congestion in the area of Cole Bay and Simpson Bay.  A number of studies were made prior to the construction of the Causeway which strongly pointed to the need for an alternate route.   

The traffic study documented that traffic on the new causeway was actually almost 8,500 vehicles per day during this off season study period.  This almost reaches the 8,900 volume that was predicted for the high season in 2010.  Therefore, it is apparent that the new causeway and bridge is successfully being used by a large number of motorists on a daily basis and is bringing traffic relief during the day to both Union Road and Welfare Road.

The study included video and tube traffic counts for the causeway, Welfare Road and Union Road.  A total of 10 traffic count locations were selected as well as the three Roundabouts. 

The traffic study also documented that actual traffic volumes on the three roads in June, 2014 (off season) were almost 46,600 vehicles per day versus the 33,700 that was predicted for the high season in 2010.  This is almost a 40% increase. 

In addition to documenting existing traffic conditions, the study provided certain preliminary recommendations for further improving the traffic flow patterns. 

Whereas, the new bridge and causeway are relieving traffic on Welfare and Union Roads to some degree, additional measures can be undertaken to further relieve congestion.  These recommendations are under consideration by the relevant authorities.

During the day, the roundabout at A.J.C. Brouwer, Welfare and Union Roads is reaching capacity with almost 50% of the traffic coming and going from A.J.C. Brouwer Road.  This round-a-bout sees one vehicle passing every six seconds.

Therefore, improvements on Orange Grove Road and Wellington Road that would allow traffic between Welfare Road and Union Road to bypass the roundabout would bring about traffic relief. 

An evaluation has to be made whether parking garages or left turn lanes or back out/parking lanes can allow a more free flow of the through traffic on Welfare and Union Roads.

However, care must be taken to keep from overloading these two side roads.  Providing left turn storage lanes at some of the key intersections such as Well Road and Union Road will also relieve congestion.   

There also needs to be a review of how geometrics for A.J.C. Brouwer Road Roundabout can be improved and whether the second lane around the aforementioned can safely be restored.

As part of the agreement for the development of the Causeway project, any traffic bottlenecks that would continue would be looked into and a solution found in order to facilitate the free flow of motorized traffic. 

It is essential that residents and visitors have a traffic congestion free experience when driving from one area to the next.  Visitors come to the island to enjoy what the destination has to offer and don’t want to be sitting in traffic un-necessarily.

CH2M Hill, Inc. is a global leader in consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management.  The company employs 26,000 on six continents working on some of the most complex projects on the planet. 

The company partners with clients in energy, water, environment and infrastructure to design integrated solutions that deliver lasting value.

Attending the presentation of the traffic study were representatives from the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), Head of the Traffic Department Police Force Sint Maarten, Community Police Officer for Cole Bay and Simpson Bay, port officials, and Dam Caribbean Engineering.

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Turning Point Rehab Center Receives Grant for Educational Programs

POND ISLAND - The Turning Point foundation was one of the local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) awarded a (mini)grant from Samenwerkende Fondsen St. Maarten. The drug rehabilitation center was awarded NAf 5000.00 towards one of its 2015 projects.

Part of the grant will be used for the purchase of Computers and educational software - specifically in language, communication and mathematics, for clients at Turning Point. The purchase of both computers and related software will add to the organization’s “Client Educational Development” aspect of the rehabilitative process.

Additionally, the organization plans to use the remainder of the grant to improve its drug education resource material for its prevention program conducted amongst the local elementary and secondary schools.

On hand to receive the donation on behalf of Turning Point, was the executive director of the foundation Ps. Vernon Illidge. Ps. Illidge expressed his gratitude for the donation and his enthusiasm for the upcoming plans for which the funds will be used.

He noted that such a contribution will allow clients to learn basic Math, English and Communication skills; hence better preparing them for life after rehab – ultimately contributing to their ability to easily reintegrate in society and the work place.

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SHTA Congratulates the Government of St. Maarten on the Newly Appointed Ministers under Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs. Offers New Year's 2015 Wish List

PHILIPSBURG - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, has taken notice of the increased discussion of late, both in and out of the media, about the instability of our Government and the damage it is doing to our economy.  The lack of trust in our current governing system has led to a widespread belief that transparency and integrity are seriously lacking.

According to our recollection we have not had a continuous government, despite periods with the same Prime Minister for the past six years, on average a new government has been sworn in each year.   Is it any wonder, investors are all sitting on the fence or seeking clearer water?

Let’s start with taking the example of the release of the alleged financial statements of the Harbor Group of Companies, the SHTA does not agree with how these statements were presented which in and of itself is a breach of integrity; nevertheless we hereby request that all of the other government owned companies (all 11 of them) comply with the law and make their Financial Statements available to the general public with detailed disclosures including those of related party transactions.  Let us all call on our shareholder representatives to insist that those managing the people’s patrimony, are making the best decisions for the shareholders not their strategic partners. This should not be something to be hidden—full disclosure should give confidence not a cause for concern.

In essence, the shareholders representative and the Managing Boards must work to ensure that all issues of transparency and full disclosure are addressed, erasing misperception and improve clarity.   All queried subjects in the leaked financials are not necessarily incorrect but because of the entities heightened responsibility to the people; both its Management and Managing Board should be held even more accountable to eliminate questions of impropriety while always making the best decision for the shareholder. 

It may seem like the Harbour is taking it directly on the chin; but upon closer inspection many of our Government owned entities are riddled with the same issues; ergo The Housing Foundation Crisis, Cost of utilities from GEBE crippling local businesses and keeps potential investors away, and our Communications Companies can barely provide basic services. It may even be said in recent retrospect that St. Maarten’s government-owned companies are almost in disregard where it comes to corporate governance, integrity and transparency requirements.   We believe that all publicly owned government entities, as well as our government have a duty and obligation to publicly issue their financial statements in a timely and complete manner.

Keeping in mind that the government-owned companies represent a significant public financial asset, some two to three times the size of the entire Public Sector Budget.  Thus to exclude them from analysis of St. Maarten’s overall financial situation and determining the country’s compliance with requirements of a solid budget as stated in the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision is absurd.

Regarding the state of Government finances, the SHTA was also disappointed to learn from Professor Dr. Age Bakker, Committee of Financial Supervision Cft Director during his presentation to SHTA Members on December 4th, that government revenue has remained stagnant at some $420 Million Guilders and as we listened to Minister Hassink’s presentation to Parliament on the state of our finances we grew more and more depressed; indeed what has been the cost of all this instability and increasing Tax burden on the back of the Private sector.

If government’s revenue has remained flat even after a 2% increase in Turnover Tax (TOT) what is the point of continuing with the 5% TOT.   In our view the law of diminishing returns is in full effect and SHTA has stated many times the TOT legislation is extremely destructive and should be repealed immediately.  The biggest effect of the “temporary” increase was to strengthen the grey economy and to give an added advantage to competitors operating outside of our jurisdiction ie NOT Local employers. 

With all of the above mentioned and more, the new Gumbs cabinet certainly has its hands full.  To the extent we can help get the ball rolling the SHTA has compiled its top 10 Wish List.

SHTA’s NEW YEAR NEW GOVERNMENT Top 10 Wish List

  1. Government Stability (a Government that does what it says it will do)  with clearly defined programs, policies and objectives
  2. To increase tax compliance on those operating outside the law so the tax basis can be broadened
  3. Financial Transparency, accountability and customer service at all levels of the Public Sector
  4. Repealing of the Turnover Tax legislation
  5. Swift Functioning Jurisprudence and application of existing laws.
  6. A Functioning Funded Tourism Authority, with the proper and accurate and statistics of our main economic pillars: Cruise, Stay over and Marine
  7. Modernize and Flexibilize the Labor Laws
  8. Improved Infrastructure and essential public works; sewage, management of the salt pond, sidewalks, garbage disposal, etc.
  9. Overhaul education system to create synergy that will match the future employment needs of the island
  10. Improved Environmental Management via sustainable developments.

Our future starts now---Happy New Year!

The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website atwww.shta.com.  

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Curacao PM One of the First Kingdom Prime Ministers to Congratulate Sint Maarten PM Gumbs

CURACAO-SINT MAARTEN – Curacao’s Prime Minister Hon. Ivar Asjes is one of the first Kingdom Prime Ministers to congratulate Sint Maarten’s Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs who took the oath of office on Friday, December 19th, 2014.

Prime Minister (PM) Hon. Asjes sent a congratulatory letter according to reports on behalf of the Government and people of Curacao on the occasion of the acceptance of duties as Prime Minister to lead the country of Sint Maarten.

The Curacao PM says he is looking forward to a continued fruitful cooperation between the two countries who are autonomous entities within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in order to be able to fulfil the dreams and objectives of the wellbeing of the people of both islands.

PM Asjes also wishes Sint Maarten’s PM Gumbs strength and wisdom as he faces numerous challenges along with the other members of the Government of Sint Maarten on the road ahead.

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Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs addresses the nation in her capacity as Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports

PHILIPSBURG – On Monday evening, December 22, 2014, the Press Secretariat of the Government of Sint Maarten released the following statement on behalf of the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs.

The statement reads as follows: “As Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, I have accepted the challenge to dedicate my energies to foster the wellbeing of the people of St. Maarten.

I understand that my actions and decisions will have lasting influences on your precious lives and welfare. I also acknowledge that it will be a reflection of how St. Maarten is viewed both in the Kingdom and internationally.

I thank God for yet another blessing and to congratulate my fellow Ministerial echelons on their journey of governing our people.

I acknowledge my Ministerial post as one of the most valued and respected form of leadership of any nation. As a result, it is stimulating for me to embrace the challenges of my commitment, in performing the tasks before me, with integrity.

My mind is completely absorbed with the tasks before me. In no way am I naive about the immense challenges I am faced with. As I take the torch from my predecessors, I feel extraordinarily energized, focused and ready to take charge.

The ideas, plans and policies of my predecessors, will be considered. I will be determining my own definite course or method of action, which will be selected from among alternatives...to guide and determine present and future decisions.

In order for St. Maarten, to achieve the goals set for the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports, our policies will have to be characterized by “Cooperation”, “Continuity” and “Evolution” NOT “Revolution”. Rebellion is a lost cause and therefore has no room for positive growth.

It will be necessary to explore syndicates with parents, guardians and the community at large, to assist my ministry in the successful development of graduates, athletes and diverse culture-conscious personalities, who are personally successful, economically productive, and actively engaged responsible citizens and residents. The business community will play their necessary roles in this process also.

My family is very proud of my achievements and is prepared for our new journey. With God as the epicenter of all things, we are confident that all challenges will be overcome.  

With the optimism that my aforementioned thoughts are understood, and in my capacity as one of the leaders of our nation, I invite the presence of the most high to take control of the daily procedures of our lives, and continue to guard guide and protect us as one people, granting us all the deliverance of the harsh challenges we face daily.

God Bless St. Maarten.

Minister of Education, Culture, youth and Sports

Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs”

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Magdeleine to lead UTS effort to grow French customer base

PHILIPSBURG - UTS Eastern Caribbean, as part of a strategic approach for 2015 and beyond, will refocus and reshape its attention on French St. Maarten in an effort to grow the customer base on the Northern side of the side premised primarily on service and its “one network” advantages.

To lead these efforts, the company appointed Kathia Magdeleine as Branch Manager for its operations in French St. Maarten and St. Barths as per October 1. Magdeleine has been with the company for the past six years and brings a wealth of experience to the function.

Her telecom background is rooted in the former East Caribbean Cellular company where she handled customer care, technical aspects for that company and established ECC’s stellar reputation for customer service. She is also fluent in French having attended school on the French side and proficient in French telecom laws and regulations.

Her task now is to grow UTS’s business in these two French territories as the company continues to expand into new markets and grow in the region. By her own admission she said she leads a “small team, but very good team and still growing so we can become more competitive and efficient to serve our customers on the French side and St. Barths better.”

The focus for UTS on the French side has been primarily to facilitate island wide coverage (2G & 3G) for its customer base on the Dutch side. Management recognized that shifting this focus to being more competitive among the providers on the French side, required investment in technology upgrades, enhancing 3G services and acquiring the spectrum frequency for LTE for eventual LTE 4G. LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, commonly marketed as 4G LTE, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals.

“Our approach has been very strategic thus far when looking at our competitors on the French side. We can’t divulge too many details until the official launch of new activities, but we have a very strategic plan of action to compete if not supersede the services of our competitors,” Magdeleine said, adding that snap surveys has been conducted early in 2014, again recently and are ongoing.  “We have a good idea of market trends and customer needs and what make them choose us over the competitors,” she said.

Management of UTS Eastern Caribbean believes that every provider can purchase the same equipment to provide similar service. However, says CEO of UTS Eastern Caribbean Glen Carty, “technology will not be our only success. In 2015 we want to make sure we are always the innovator introducing the latest technology, but boils down to service.

“We will take advantage of our position (operationally) in the North Eastern Caribbean. We are located on almost every island in this region with the exception of Anguilla which is coming soon. No matter which island our customers are on, they will be subscribed as a Chippie customer able to utilize the same technologies and the same customer service. For example, if you are a business person on the French side who goes to the Dutch side for business, we will convince you and our service will show that your best choice will be to use French Chippie simply because it will be one network (Dutch and French),” he said.

Carty said that although UTS will be going after its competitors customer bases, the company will not get into a pricing war. Pricing, he stressed, will be market conformed but emphasis will be on providing a quality product. (UTS)

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