PHILIPSBURG--"Enough is enough, the change starts with us," a group of residents chanted repeatedly as they marched to Philipsburg on Friday to denounce corruption, promote the rights of citizens to vote and to press for early elections.

  The group of about 200 marchers, who were visibly frustrated with the current political situation, is pushing for early elections.

 The action will continue on Monday, at 10:00am, at the Parliament House on Back Street. Rene "Koto" Wilson, one of the coordinators, said that the march will continue every day until early elections are called.

  The procession started small when it left the starting point at Le Grand Marché, but grew to about 200 by the time it arrived at the Government Administration Building where some persons had been waiting. 

  With the St. Maarten flag being held in front of the procession, marchers, some of them holding up placards, chanted as they wound their way along Bush Road, Walter Nisbeth Road and to the Government Building.   

  Radio personality Mercedes "Electra" Wyatt, was on a loudspeaker guiding marchers with chants. "New elections," "Know your rights," and "Democracy Democracy," were some of the things marchers said.

  The placards reflected their sentiments. Some of them bore messages for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers. "No gunslingers, no musical chairs, no two-seat Prime Minister, Laville has to go, time for early elections," read one of the placards. "If you don't vote, you lose your right to complain," read another. "Honourable Romain Laville, are you for the people of St. Maarten?" another asked. A similar one was directed to Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin. 

  A number of the marchers took the loudspeaker and aired their grievances while outside the Government Administration Building. At one point one of the marchers urged Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams to "come out" of the building and face the people.

"Prime Minister how many more signatures do you need, how many more people do you need to see. We need early elections," one person said on the loudspeaker. A few ministers entered and exited the building while protestors were outside.

  Wilson, who wore a T-Shirt which read "We the electorate control the government" thanked the people who came out as they had shown interest. He said some persons were afraid to march out of fear of being victimized. He said the demonstration will continue until early election is called. "This is just the beginning," he said.

  He said too that the Dutch Prosecutor will have to be called in to finalise the many open investigations against public officials. Several MPs and political figures were outside the government administration building while protestors were there. The coordinators of the march urged the public to come out in numbers for the continuation of the action on Monday, at 10:00am, at Parliament House on Back Street. The public was also urged to continue signing the petition, which will be presented to the President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel next week.

  The closure of the meeting was met with much protest from members of the new coalition who were very vocal in their discontent (see related story). There was also divided support from people gathered in the public seats both for the new coalition as well as the incumbent NA-led coalition.

  Samuel wants clarity on the position of the ministers against whom the new coalition passed a motion of no confidence on Monday, and whether that motion is binding. This is after he has declared Monday's meeting as "not legal" and carried out against the Rules of Order of Parliament. The matter is now with Governor Eugene Holiday for a decision.

  Samuel started the meeting with a statement outlining his view on the recent happenings in Parliament since Monday. "This nation needs clarity. We can never move as a nation if clarity is not given to this nation." He said he had asked for advice on the entire matter, but had not received it as yet thus he adjourned the meeting until Monday.

  "Worst of all, if you have the president of the country say that is not correct and the government doesn't know up to now whether that is correct, then we have a problem. Then we have a very serious problem," he declared.  

  "It [Monday's meeting .Ed] is not legal and this must be clear in this nation. This is the House of Parliament ... In order to carry out a meeting of Parliament there are some rules," Samuel said as he then proceeded to read several points from the Rules of Order. This was similar to what he did after Monday's meeting held by the new coalition.

  "If eight members of Parliament [a majority .Ed] can walk into Parliament House, convene a gathering, pass what they call a motion and the government does not know whether or not those motions are valid, whether or not a minister can sit down and speak today, then we have a problem," Samuel said. "We cannot continue like that."

  The meeting had two agenda points: the political developments of the past two weeks as requested by NA members and independent MP Frans Richardson, and the motion of no confidence against four ministers as requested by the new coalition. Deputy Prime Minister/NA leader William Marlin was present for the first agenda point.

  Samuel also questioned whether it was still necessary for the motion of no confidence to be handled again. "It is sad that many in our nation do not know the answer to that question. So, I say order and clarity needs to be brought back in these chambers. That needs to be done."

  The meeting started about half-an-hour after the official start time, because the required eight or more MPs had not yet signed in for the meeting. Samuel pointed out in his speech that although MPs were present and seated in the General Assembly Hall, they are not counted as present for the meeting until they sign the attendance list.

  The parliamentarian said that while Samuel is insisting that the Rules of Order should be followed, he had been circumventing them by inviting the minister without such a request being submitted by the meeting initiators MPs George Pantophlet (NA), Louie Laveist (NA) and Frans Richardson (independent). "He did not follow the rules of order ... He went on his own and invited the minister ... You have to follow the rules all the way." 

  The MP explained that a written request from the meeting initiators to Parliament with a motivation for inviting the minister. "Let him [the minister .Ed] come on Monday, because we will vote it [any request for him to speak] down."

  MP Jules James (UP) said the adjournment of the meeting until Monday at 10:00am shows the continuation of "the Mexican stand-off" called by the NA leader a week ago.

  Samuel, "who claims to live by the rules," should have allowed interruptions during his speech (see related story) and not banged his gavel to close the meeting after the long speech, said James. 

  "It is a buying of time by National Alliance and William Marlin, who refuses to accept democracy," James said, adding that the deputy prime minister "insists on holding on to his seat like a little boy who plays marbles, loses a marbles game and tries to take his marbles and all the other marbles, because William Marlin is no longer in the game. It's wrong, it's wrong."

  Responding to Samuel's claims that the meeting of Parliament held on Monday, by the new coalition of United People's (UP) party, Democratic Party (DP) and independent Member of Parliament Romain Laville, during which a motion of no confidence against Minister William Marlin and three other ministers were passed was not in accordance with the law; Laville said the notice postponing Monday's meeting was not valid. It was not valid because it was sent out and signed by the General Secretary of Parliament and not by Samuel.

  MP Roy Marlin said based on that fact as well as others, Monday's meeting of Parliament held by the new coalition was "not an illegal meeting."

  The special allowances ("bijzondere uitkeringen") are made available through the various Dutch Ministries that operate in the Caribbean Netherlands to cover the cost of specific projects and to provide special assistance outside the regular so-called free allowance ("vrije uitkering") that the islands receive.

  In total the Dutch Government has made close to 1.85 million euros available in special allowances for 2013, of which 980,000 euros is destined for the integral approach of socio-economic initiatives. The total amount excludes the money for nature projects which will be spread over four years.

  The 980,000 euros that The Hague is reserving for socio-economic initiatives in 2013, is much lower than the 2.2 million euros that was spent in 2012. Main goal of this special allowance is to improve quality of life by re-integration to sustainable paid work and promoting social participation.

  In 2013, the Ministry of Public Health, Wellbeing and Sports VWS will spend 520,000 euros for the integral approach of socio-economic initiatives, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment SZW 260,000 euros and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK 200,000 euros.

  In 2012, SZW had made 1.1 million euros available for socio-economic initiatives, VWS 520,000 euros, BZK 200,000 euros and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science OCW 200,000 euros.

  OCW has not reserved money for socio-economic initiatives in 2013 and 2014. BZK will stop paying for such initiatives in 2014.

  OCW is making available 867,371 euros for social opportunity trajectories for youngsters without a starting qualification or a job in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in 2013 and 2014. This amount is slightly higher than the 856,240 euros that was reserved for 2012.

  In 2013 and 2014, the libraries on the islands will not receive a special allowance to modernise their facilities and to improve their service to local schools, after having received a one-time amount of 443,703 from OCW for this purpose in 2012.

  The Ministry of Economic Affairs EZ will make 7.5 million euros available for nature projects in the public entities during the governing period 2013-2016. The money will be used to finance nature and sustainability-related plans that the Island Governments will submit.

  The special allowances are separate from the annual free allowance that the three Dutch public entities receive. The Dutch Government reclaims funds of the special allowances that have not been spent or that were incorrectly spent. An overview of the special allowances has been sent to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament.

MAHO--A flurry of business activity kicked off the St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Trade Show (SMART) on Thursday at the Sonesta Maho Resort Convention Centre, prompting Director of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Edward Dest to dub SMART 2013 'the best SMART to date".

  SMART is presented by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, L'Office du Tourisme de St. Martin, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association SHTA and L'Association des Hoteliers de St. Martin. SMART is a professional way to bring together the movers and shakers in the tourist industry for St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands

  In addition to the regular tour operators from the United States and Canada, Dest explained, SMART played host to 32 tour operators from South and Central America and seven from Puerto Rico.

  Their presence at SMART as non-registered wholesalers is an initiative of the Tourism Bureau and, according to Robert Dubourcq of the SHTA, a very worthwhile investment considering the importance of the Latin American market to St. Maarten.

  According to several local hotels representatives at SMART, the South American operators are eager to book packages etc. and stressed that their market is comprised of heavy travellers, business as well a leisure. The South American operators engaged almost every local business on the floor.

  Dubourcq complimented the Tourism Bureau for flying in the wholesalers via Copa Airlines and for recognizing the greater return on investment that could be had from this venture as compared to others that require large sums of money with little to no return for the destination.

  Dest said he was happy to see how busy it was at the event with a full hall of suppliers and buyers and "business being conducted." He said "at the end of the day everybody should be happy. It used to be something like three suppliers to a buyer and now it's almost one to one and everybody looks busy," Dest said. Dubourcq added that approximately 700 appointments (between buyers and suppliers) were booked.

  Dest said the initiative to bring in the South American tour operators was viewed as a necessity considering the loss of the GOL Airlines charter to the destination and the fact that Copa pulled two of its four weekly flights last year.

  Since being appointed Interim Director of the Tourism Bureau, Dest continued, "my goal is to get Copa back online. It doesn't have to be with 737 aircraft, but smaller aircraft such as the Embrear that can seat 94 people would do. Copa seems to be happy with a proposal we've recently submitted and we hope to be able to announce some good news soon."

  Though he disclosed that efforts to attract Air Berlin and GOL have been put on hold due to financial complexities, the Tourism Bureau is actively looking at attracting new airlift in cooperation with the Princess Juliana International Airport. He said both entities attend airline shows/conferences jointly and "whether it's us taking the initiative, or they take it, we will come together and we'll see what happens."

  Continuing on a positive note, Dest said 2014 should be a "great season" for St. Maarten. He said though nothing in the tourism industry is ever "safe", the industry on St. Maarten is definitely on the rebound and doing well.

  "We are still looking at some charters coming in especially during the low season. We have other events such as the Florida Caribbean Cruise Conference (FCCA) which will be held here next year and which will bring people to the island. We are also looking to bring in other events where we will have a good return on investment and that would be beneficial to the destination," Dest said.

  Dubourcq added that the importance of SMART should not be underestimate, particularly the possibly it offers for travel partners to meet face to face to conduct business in an "IT" driven world. "It is the most important marketing effort that we make," he said.

  Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) President Claire Elshot told reporters that the members had first taken the matter to the Ombudsman.

  One of the court cases involved someone who is in a permanent function, but is being treated as an on-call teacher. The union president had raised this matter at several earlier press briefings. She had contended that on call or substitute teachers had been complaining that they are being paid according to a "different rate" than full-time teachers. She had said at the time that this should not be the case and might very well be in contravention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which promotes equal pay for equal work. She had said in the case of teachers the work load is the same and therefore the remuneration package should be the same.

  Two teachers are taking legal action as it relates to the payment of an allowance by means of pension. The two had been denied this allowance when they applied and they are challenging government in court for the payment, which Elshot said they are fully entitled to.

  The union president said any new Education Minister who takes office will inherit these issues. She said her members are open to discuss these matters to determine whether an out of court settlement can be reached. A date has not yet been set for the case. Government will first be given three weeks to respond to the claim. Even if they fail to respond they will be automatically given another three weeks, after which it is expected that a court date will be set.

  However, the fast moving investigation is far from over. Prosecutor Flavien Noailles also confirmed that four persons were arrested last Saturday, in Chevrise, three minors and one adult over 18 years.

  These persons, he said are connected to the May 2, stabbing in Concordia near the Lycée, but it was too early to say if they were involved in the Fish Day shooting. The four were presented before the judge on Monday.

  All four are under judicial control. The eldest has been summoned to appear in court again on June 13.

  Commandant Betaille stated the investigation continues, noting that more arrests are likely. He indicated the prosecutor plans to hold a press conference at the end of this week.

  Meanwhile, an identity control and search for dangerous weapons took place at the Lycée and around the outskirts of the school on Monday, between 6:30am and 7:30am. Some 35 Gendarmes and four Territorial Police officers took part.

  Confiscated weapons included: 13 afro-pick combs, three pairs of scissors, two pocket knives and a spoke from a bicycle wheel.

  In a release issued Tuesday, it cited the success of a similar campaign in Guadeloupe during which 63 illegal weapons were recovered.

  The initiative is being organised by the Préfet and the Prosecutor and will start in the coming weeks. It will be preceded by a press conference that will outline the procedures for giving up weapons and ammunition, which will subsequently be destroyed by the Gendarmerie.

  The draft decree calls for early general elections to be held on July 26. Nomination Day would be June 14 and the new Parliament should take office on August 14.

  Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams reportedly has written to the Governor strongly condemning Marlin's action of sending the draft decree. She also is said to be questioning the legality of his move made under the guise of deputising for her. She is expected to expound on the matter further in today's Council of Ministers press conference.

  The letter to the governor from Marlin states that the majority of the Council of Ministers was applying Article 59, sub 1, in the call to dissolve Parliament. That article states that Parliament can be dissolved by a national decree.

  The article further starts the resolution for dissolution also shall include an order for new elections for the dissolved Parliament and for the re-convention of the newly-elected Parliament within three months. The dissolution shall take effect on the day on which the newly elected Parliament convenes.

  This decree comes as a result of the NA-led coalition losing its majority in Parliament more than a week ago. That political shakeup led to a meeting of Parliament on Monday held by the new coalition of United People's (UP) party, Democratic Party (DP) and independent Member of Parliament Romain Laville during which a motion of no confidence was passed against the four ministers who are now attempting to dissolve Parliament. The legality of that meeting is being questioned.

  The governor has been informed of that motion by the new coalition with the caveat that he should not entertain any request from the four ministers to dissolve Parliament.

  That meeting is being contested by President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel, who considers the meeting "invalid." He is meeting with the governor on this matter.

  Commenting Monday's meeting on PJD2 radio programme "People's Voice" on Tuesday, Marlin said the new coalition had "hijacked the equipment" of Parliament and "took someone off the street" to record the meeting.

  Marlin stated in his cover letter to the governor that the draft decree was based on a decision of the majority of the Council of Ministers. He also outlined that Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams had refused to note the presentation of the draft decree in the Council of Ministers meeting of May 6 and to have same reflected in the minutes of that meeting.

  He further stated in the cover letter that the Prime Minister must execute this decision of the majority of ministers and prepare for elections according to all relevant laws and regulations. The Prime Minister, he added, has refused so far to accept the majority decision of the Council of Ministers.

  Marlin explained that the decree was a reaction to the Prime Minister's call for the cabinet to resign due to the loss of parliamentary majority.

~ Legality of meeting called into question ~

PHILIPSBURG--The “new coalition” pushed forward with a meeting of parliament on Monday morning and passed a motion of no confidence against four ministers of the current National Alliance (NA)-led coalition with independent Member of Parliament (MP) Romain Laville chairing the meeting. This meeting took place after President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel postponed the meeting until Friday due to some Members of Parliament heading to Curaçao for the funeral of Curaçao MP Helmin Wiels.

The continuation of the meeting was not without hiccups as there were several issues with the broadcast of the meeting and the availability of a general secretary of parliament to record the minutes.

The country is now in a state of further limbo as the public waits to see whether Ministers William Marlin, Roland Tuitt, Silveria Jacobs and Romeo Pantophlet have to immediately vacate their office based on the motion or if the meeting can be considered null and void by Governor Eugene Holiday.

The new coalition, comprising the eight MPs of United People’s (UP) party, Democratic Party (DP) and Laville, consider the motion as duly passed and that all procedures were followed when they opted to continue with the meeting after the postponement notice was sent out.

   Laville said after declaring the motion passed that he “would have loved” to have the matter dealt with “in a professional and democratic manner” and that the country did not find itself in a similar position as happened in Curaçao the latter part of last year. However, a similar situation has occurred here.

However, Samuel (NA), who followed the proceedings from the public area, considers the meeting “a gathering” and not in accordance with the procedures of the Rules of Order. He plans to seek an audience with the governor on the way forward (see related story).

The no confidence motion was presented by MP Roy Marlin (DP) and accepted “unanimously” by Parliament as no individual voting took place. Marlin said it was the constitutional right of the MPs to pass no confidence motions. The call for early elections is not justified, because the Constitution states that Parliament represents the people and there is no crisis as a majority has already decided to form a new government, he said.

MP Sylvia Meyers (UP) also echoed Marlin’s sentiments as did MP Jules James (UP) before the motion was passed.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, James added that the NA and independent MP Frans Richardson want “to circumvent democracy” by their move to have the meeting postponed until Friday.

With the motion passed, the governor has to follow the instruction from Parliament, James said, pointing out that if the governor has challenges he doesn’t have to look far for examples of similar occurrences and there are examples from Curaçao and The Netherlands.

NA is “playing for time” and “acting like crabs,” James said. They should “be men and face” the loss of the majority like UP did in May 2012.

Upon learning that the meeting was postponed until Friday, the new coalition MPs gathered in the General Assembly Hall of Parliament House to work out a strategy to move forward. Laville assumed his role as deputy president of Parliament and attempted to get one of the general secretaries to come to the hall to record the meeting. His request was met with refusal, Laville stated when the meeting got underway.

Laville proposed the appointment of Edwin Gumbs, a former member of a provincial council in The Netherlands, to act as a recorder for the meeting in the absence of a general secretary of Parliament. That proposal was approved by the MPs.

The next hurdle to the meeting was getting the audio recorded and for it to be broadcast live on St. Maarten Cable TV.

Sound technician Alvin Prescod was told by several MPs from the new coalition to broadcast the meeting, while he was instructed by Samuel not to continue broadcasting, because the meeting was postponed. Prescod continued the recording for some time before he left the sound booth. This resulted in the television broadcast only showing Laville in the seat of the president of Parliament and the voices of the various MPs being heard as they took turns to speak. The meeting was also carried live on Pearl Radio 98.1FM.

Explaining why the new coalition was pushing forward with the meeting, Laville said there was no reason for the second agenda point of the motions not to go ahead because the MPs who requested the meeting and the first agenda point wanted a postponement until Friday. He said when the meeting was postponed the second agenda point was not taken into consideration. A discussion to this effect was held with Samuel in a “presidium meeting.” However, Samuel says no such meeting took place.

“I am saddened that we have come to a situation on St. Maarten where democracy doesn’t have a day in its own court,” Laville said, adding that the majority of Parliament was being hampered in their attempts to get this meeting. It is “extremely unfortunate” that the meeting was plagued by “sabotage,” he said referring to the broadcast and recording.

At the end of the meeting, he said, “We live in a democracy” and based on that the meeting took place “whether or not there is more sabotage.”

A sizable gathering of people gathered in the public seats to follow the proceedings, including UP leader Theo Heyliger who has not been to the Parliament Building for a meeting since May 2012, when his then governing coalition lost its majority in Parliament.

The session “does not have my blessings” and was “terribly wrong” in the way the matter played out, he told the press after the session concluded. “This is not what you do with a parliament. If you are responsible as a parliament, you don’t do this.”

Speaking to the press after the session concluded, Samuel pointed out that he and Deputy General Secretary of Parliament Van Dyke Bell had been present all day in Parliament House, yet the new coalition of parliamentarians from United People’s (UP) party, Democratic Party (DP) and independent Member of Parliament (MP) Romain Laville had opted to go ahead with a meeting with Laville chairing in the capacity of Deputy President of Parliament.

Samuel challenged the legality of Laville chairing the meeting while he was present in Parliament House.

He further pointed out that the session had no general secretary to record the meeting. However, before proceeding with the agenda points, the new coalition appointed Edwin Gumbs, a former provincial legislator in The Netherlands, as recorder for the meeting.

The meeting was carried out without a convocation being sent to MPs, Samuel said.

He also does not recognise Gumbs as a recorder for the meeting as he is not a staff member of Parliament.

Samuel also said because the “gathering” was not a meeting of Parliament it should not have been broadcast live. He considered the new coalition’s instruction to Parliament’s sound technician Alvin Prescod, to record and broadcast the meeting, bullying.

The new coalition conducted the meeting not as a new session, but as the convening of the meeting Samuel had postponed until Friday, stating that a majority of the MPs were present thus the meeting could continue.

   Samuel said he had “no idea” how the new coalition had decided on the process in the way they had, especially after he had postponed the meeting on the request of National Alliance (NA) MPs. “Whatever took place in the hall is to the responsibility of those who did it.”

Samuel said he had answered every letter submitted by the new coalition as well as from the National Alliance (NA) and independent MP Frans Richardson on time and according to the Rules of Order. He took offence to an article in this newspaper that stated he had not set a date for the meeting requested by the new coalition.

While Samuel was referring to answering letters, the article specifically started that no convocation for the meeting requested by the new coalition on May 7 was sent out, unlike his immediate setting of the meeting on the political developments as requested by NA and Richardson. This fact that the request for an urgent meeting of Parliament to deal with the no confidence motion was not honoured was pointed out in a letter from the coalition to Samuel dated May 9.

That letter referred to “... the fact that the undersigned parties requested that the meeting be kept on Friday, May 10, 2013, and that no convocation for the meeting was received up to Thursday, May 9, 2013, in the evening. We hereby request you to have our request dated May 7, 2013, added as an agenda point to the meeting convened for Monday, May 13, 2013.” That letter was signed by DP MPs Leroy de Weever and Roy Marlin and UP MPs Gracita Arrindell and Johan Leonard.

Samuel added the point from the new coalition as the second agenda point for Monday’s meeting and informed MPs of Friday afternoon.

In his press conference, Samuel referred to the new coalition’s first letter of May 6 as one that just pointed out the five ministers who no longer had majority support in Parliament, thus it was not a basis for calling a meeting. He communicated this to the new coalition and asked for clarification.

That clarification from the new coalition came in the letter of May 9 that explained that the first letter of May 6 (booked in on May 7) only establishes that five ministers no longer enjoy majority support from Parliament. The second letter dated May 7 was the request for the urgent meeting.

 THE HAGUE--A majority in the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament is glad that St. Maarten’s Minister of Justice Roland Duncan has resigned. The liberal democratic VVD party and the Socialist Party (SP) are in favour of holding new elections in St. Maarten.

According to Members of Parliament (MPs) André Bosman (VVD) and Ronald van Raak (SP), it would be wise to hold elections on the islands so the people can speak their mind on who they want in government.

“The people must be able to express themselves on the current political course and the future of their island. People must get an opportunity to indicate whether they supported the actions of their politicians,” Van Raak told The Daily Herald on Monday.

Bosman stressed that it wasn’t up to him or the Second Chamber to decide whether there should be elections in St. Maarten or not. But he did say that the St. Maarten Government would be wise to do so “if it looked at itself in the mirror.” “Let the people choose. Politicians should be open to the people and share their ambitions,” he said.

Pierre Heijnen of the Labour Party PvdA said that the decision whether to hold elections was entirely up to St. Maarten. “It is a St. Maarten crisis. I am not getting involved in that.”

Heijnen, Bosman and Van Raak were very upfront where it came to Duncan’s move to tender his resignation last week Friday. “I am glad that he stepped down, but I will only be happy when he is be replaced by a new Minister of Justice, who is absolutely clean and doesn’t have even a hint of a blemish,” said Heijnen.

They said they found it positive that Duncan had resigned, because he would no longer be able to influence the Orca investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption.

“It is only logical that he resigned, because there is a criminal investigation in which his name is mentioned,” said Van Raak. “He should have resigned much earlier to make much needed space for the criminal investigation,” said Bosman. The new Minister of Justice must be in a position to support the Orca investigation and he or she should not stand in the way of the course of justice, said Heijnen.

The three MPs supported the call by Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk to subject future members of St. Maarten’s Council of Ministers to a strict screening process, just like in Curaçao.

“St. Maarten has to decide on a new cabinet, but in any case the Ministers have to be subjected to a strict screening. There should be no doubt whatsoever about the integrity of a member of government entrusted to work on behalf of the people,” said Heijnen.

“The St. Maarten Government should carefully look at itself and see whether it can withstand a screening test. They should take a look at their actions and decide whether these are befitting of the Kingdom of The Netherlands,” said Bosman.

“When you elect people, you have to know for certain that they are suitable and clean. We have to prevent criminals from ending up as members of government, as has already happened in St. Maarten,” said Van Raak, who blamed the Dutch Government for not having secured a screening process when Curaçao and St. Maarten attained country status on October 10, 2010. “This caused big problems in Curaçao. Fortunately this has been solved by the Curaçao Government.”

“The screening process should be anchored in a federal decree like they did in Curaçao. St. Maarten just needs to copy the Curaçao law,” said Bosman, who stressed that he would keep clamouring for integrity and good governance as long as he was a spokesperson for Kingdom Relations in the Dutch Parliament.

Van Raak predicted difficult times for St. Maarten. “Politicians will be critically scrutinised by the people, and rightfully so, because evil has to be eradicated, otherwise St. Maarten’s future will come under pressure.”

  The celebration of Mothers Day, Tzu Chi's 47th anniversary and Buddha's Day drew a sizeable crowd.

  Tzu Chi Foundation also made a financial donation to St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to cover a portion of the outstanding bill of former patient young Calvin Callendar.

  Tzu Chi had been assisting Callendar for some years now. The young man had been severely injured when he was hit by a utilities company truck several years ago resulting in his lengthy hospitalisation. He is no longer hospitalised, but his outstanding hospital bill before the donation stood at US $12,523.20. Tzu Chi made a partial donation to help reduce that tab. In brief remarks during yesterday's ceremony Calvin thanked the foundation for its continuous love and support.  

  The packed programme included a number of activities. Mothers got a chance to take family photos compliments of the foundation. At the end of the programme they received copies of their photos as keepsakes of this year's Mothers Day.

  There were also several performances including from the Filipino community and the young children from the All Children's Education Foundation (ACE)/Tzu Chi education initiative.

  The programme also featured a special Buddha's Day ceremony in which attendees also had a chance to participate.

Attendees were also updated on the ACE/Tzu Chi Education initiative and given information about Tzu Chi's "Power of 5" campaign. This campaign is one in which persons can help support Tzu Chi's efforts by donating US $5 per month. Persons interested in supporting the foundation via the "Power of 5" campaign can contact any Tzu Chi volunteer or Sandra Cheung at email: sxm_tzuchi2005@yahoo.com

  It is expected that the eight MPs of the "new coalition" of United People's (UP) party, Democratic Party and independent MP Romain Laville may attempt to get an agenda point to table motions of no confidence against five ministers added to the meeting. The new coalition representing the parliamentary majority requested an "urgent" meeting on Tuesday, to President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel but to date that meeting has not been called.

   The two NA Parliamentarians and Richardson requested their meeting on Monday, and a date was immediately set by Samuel, unlike the meeting requested by the new coalition.

  NA Leader/Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin had said on Friday, that the three ministers serving on behalf of NA – Finance Minister Roland Tuitt, Education Minister Silveria Jacobs and himself – and Tourism Minister Romeo Pantophlet serving on behalf of Richardson and Laville, will not be resigning; instead, they want new elections.

   The new coalition wants to pass motions of no confidence against those four ministers as well as Justice Minister Roland Duncan; however, Duncan is expected to be removed from the motions because he tendered his resignation on Friday afternoon in a fax to Governor Eugene Holiday.

  No motion is to be tabled against Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and Health and Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever.

  The session is open to the public and will also be live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel120, and Pearl Radio FM 98.1. live audio via Internet will be on www.pearlfmradio.com and www.sxmparliament.org.

  "What I will do in any case when a proposal is tabled, no matter what that proposal is, and that is to make sure that it is ready, advised upon and has the legal context before it is put to Council for debate in order for a decision to be taken on it."

 Her comments stem from the effects of the political shakeup last Sunday that left the NA-led government without a majority in Parliament. Despite this, the majority in the Council of Ministers, who are now without support in Parliament, are pushing for new elections.

  Right now, she said people have started to wonder about what is going to happen, what will happen to ongoing projects, complaints or contacts with a particular ministry or ministries. "It must be clear that these types of issues and circumstances have an impact on government. But, it must also be clear that government will continue and ministers will continue to work until they are replaced."

  The "best thing" in situations like these, is that there is clarity as soon as possible, "because the lack thereof significantly slows things down. The best thing for everyone at this moment, and something which I would like to emphasize, is that decisions are taken quickly, and that we move forward as quickly as possible in the interest of the people," she said.

  Wescot-Williams said a similar shift in power has occurred in the past week as happened almost a year ago that put the NA-led government in place. "We must remember that the fundamentals of our democracy are that Parliament of St. Maarten is the supreme body and that the last word rests with them. . . . The fact remains that the political reality is that a majority of Parliament, whether you agree with the actors involved or not, or whether you agree with the actors involved in 2012 or not, no longer supports the government and certain ministers. Once this happens, the processes as outlined in the law need to be allowed to take their course."  

  When Parliament decides through the majority that they have no confidence in the ministers, those ministers are required by law to immediately make their positions available. "When this happens, the dismissals will have to be done by a decree of Government and new ministers will be appointed also by Decree of Government. Of course, incoming ministers will be screened in accordance with the law, to ensure that they are fit to be ministers," stated the PM.

  The governor is actually the head of government as the representative of the king. However, he has no political responsibility. When decisions are taken or a decree is sent to him for signature, the governor cannot reject it. However, the governor does have the authority to see if a decree or decision taken by ministers or the Council of Ministers is within the legal framework. If he believes the decree is in conflict with a law or in the general interest of the kingdom, he has the possibility to seek an annulment of that decision.

  Plasterk said in an interview with The Daily Herald on Saturday, that he is aware that appointing new ministers was not an issue of the Dutch Government as this is an internal affair of St. Maarten, but he does hope that Philipsburg will follow Curaçao's example to appoint only properly screened ministers.

  The strict screening of the members of the professional, temporary cabinet of Curaçao has resulted in a good team that has the right intentions, said Plasterk, who credited the murdered Leader of the Pueblo Soberano (PS) and Parliamentarian Helmin Wiels for this move.

  The professional cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Daniel Hodge, has taken bold steps to solve the financial crisis of government and to revive the local economy. This has generated much confidence abroad as well as in The Netherlands, and has resulted in a renewal of trust in Curaçao's economy and finances, said Plasterk.

  "You can see that things are improving in Curaçao. I sincerely hope that St. Maarten will follow this example. It would be good for the country," said the minister, who has been in contact with St. Maarten Governor Eugene Holiday. "It is a complicated situation. The Governor is well aware of that," he said.

  Plasterk is worried about the political situation in St. Maarten where the government has fallen for a second time since the island territory attained country status in October 2010. This would be the third government to be appointed.

  The National Alliance and Democratic Party government no longer has the majority in the Parliament of St. Maarten after the DP Parliamentarians and independent Member of Parliament (MP) Romaine Laville withdrew their support. The DP and the United People's (UP) Party want to form a new government with the support of Laville.

  Recent developments, including the alleged bribe of MP Patrick Illidge in the Bada Bing scandal have cast a shadow on the integrity of St. Maarten politicians. Subjecting future members of government to a strict screening ensures that a person is fit to govern, which also improves people's trust in politicians.

  Asked why the strict screening of members of the Council of Ministers was important, Plasterk said: "No country can do without a government that serves the general interest. Members of government should serve no other interest than that of the country."

~ Duncan resigns as justice minister ~

PHILIPSBURG--National Alliance (NA) and independent Member of Parliament (MP) Frans Richardson want new elections to be called and in the interim their four ministers will not resign. This was the clear message from NA leader/Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin on the current political shake-up that has left the NA-led coalition without majority support in Parliament.

“We will not resign. We believe that Parliament needs to be dissolved. ... We are in for a Mexican standoff. ... Order has to be brought back to the political arena.”

Speaking at a press conference at Government Administration Building on Friday afternoon, Marlin said, “Our position has been and will continue to be: Let us go back to the polls. Let the people decide ... We are not budging on the resignation.” He was accompanied at the press conference by Roland Tuitt, NA parliamentarians George Pantophlet and Louie Laveist; and Richardson.

The people will be able to say what they think about the parties and their candidates in an election, he said. “The people need to be given an opportunity to decide” on the fate of all politicians.

Originally, all five ministers appointed by NA and independent MPs Richardson and Patrick Illidge had refused to resign on the request of Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams (Democratic Party) on Tuesday. Instead they signed and submitted a letter to her outlining the need to dissolve Parliament and for her to prepare the necessary national decree and prepare for elections.

Now, Justice Minister Roland Duncan, nominated by Illidge, has tendered his resignation leaving Marlin, Finance Minister Tuitt, Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Romeo Pantophlet and Education Minister Silveria Jacobs in their call for elections based on Article 59 of the Constitution.

Duncan announced his resignation at a justice event on Wednesday afternoon. He told the gathering: “This is my last public appearance as minister of justice” because at 4:00pm he faxed his resignation letter to Governor Eugene Holiday. “But, it is not all bad news, now I get to go on pension.”

Marlin said Wescot-Williams has refused to accept the position of the four ministers and has ignored a request for an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers for Friday. He sees this as the prime minister “buying time” until Monday when a plenary session of Parliament will be held on the request of NA and Richardson. He anticipates that the new majority will use that opportunity to table motions of no confidence. He said there will be “no majority” come Monday and that statement should be taken in whatever way people want to take it.

He confirmed that he has met with Governor Eugene Holiday several times since Tuesday on the political situation. That situation was created by DP parliamentarians Leroy de Weever and Roy Marlin together with independent MP Romain Laville pulling their support from the present coalition.

He said he had learnt about them pulling their support at Fish Day in French Cul-de-Sac, when the prime minister asked him in Dutch if he knows about “the letter of three,” in reference to the three MPs who have pulled their support. He said he then asked if he should “pack up his office come Monday” and she said “Yeah.”

On Tuesday, the prime minister attended the Council of Ministers meeting and wanted to discuss the resignation of her cabinet based on the coalition no longer having support in Parliament, Marlin said. He pointed out that “Parliament did not take a decision,” because a letter signed by eight MPs doesn’t constitute a decision of Parliament.

The circumstances in which the country finds itself are “not normal” and this is why the prime minister’s request for the ministers to resign had been “anticipated” and the five ministers had come with the proposal to dissolve Parliament, he said.

When she refused to put the proposal for elections to a vote in the meeting “an argument” erupted between her and Duncan, who has subsequently resigned.

Marlin said Wescot-Williams is creating the impression that she is the only one who can sign to dissolve Parliament. “That is ludicrous,” because it is the Council of Ministers that takes the decision and the Prime Minister is ordered by the Council to call out the decision.

The deputy prime minister said the impression has been created that the ministers don’t want to leave, but this far from the true, because they are safeguarding the interest of the country by seeking new elections and preventing a third Wescot-Williams Cabinet with a minority in Parliament with only two of the 15 seats. The first Wescot-Williams cabinet “should not have been in the first place,” because NA had the majority of seats after the September 2010 elections.

Marlin said his refusal to resign is not based on wanting to stay in government, because no one has left government as many times as he. “This is something I am used to.”

A “frantic attempt” is being made in the community by the new majority to get people to create “the impression” of a business cabinet, because UP leader Theo Heyliger will not be able to pass the screening to become a minister due to “investigations” against him.     

He said this new political move by UP, DP and Laville will take St. Maarten back to 2010, when they were in government, as “political power will be in the same hands as before.”

Marlin questioned how much Laville had been paid to switch sides, especially after he had filed a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office against Heyliger several weeks ago claiming that he had tried to exhort undue pressure on him. Laville had said on Wednesday that he had not been paid.

Laville “suddenly changed” his mind “without any sign of problems or a crack in the wall,” after supporting the 2013 budget and getting a number of motions passed in April, among them one in support of the planned justice park.

Marlin also raised the issue of the Bada Bing tape that the brothel owner has claimed was created at the request of Heyliger as an attempt to get back in government.

He said the people are fed up of the constant changes and there is even a signature drive ongoing in support of new elections. “They don’t want this nonsense.”

Addressing why he did not take the prime minister’s post in May 2012, Marlin said DP wanted it and he had no problem with it, because he was for working for the people.

The impact of this challenge was evident at the recent conference held at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, because it “prevented participation,” said Martijn. Conferences such as this one are “very important” for reconnections and for ombudsman to share experiences.

Caroa will become more active in finding a way to convince governments to give more access to funds to assure participation at conferences.

One resolution made in the general meeting is for the president to send a letter to all the governments in the region whose ombudsman is part of Caroa to highlight the importance of the ombudsman office, and help them to understand the positive influence the institution has on the lives of the people.

Improving the public’s awareness of the institution of the ombudsman and the role of Caroa are among the main focal point for Martijn. She was elected this week during the seventh bi-annual Caroa Conference in St. Maarten.

Martijn, in an interview, said she will work “very, very hard to strengthen the position” of Caroa in the region and further afield such with Latin America and Central America. Together with her board, she will also seek to further promote the growth of the new ombudsman bureaux and access to move training.

International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) President/New Zealand Ombudsman Dame Beverley Wakem said she was impressed with the work of the region’s ombudsmen who are “working under significant difficulties.” She said the bureaux help to build trust between the government and the people.

IOI will place emphasis on strengthening the new ombudsman bureaux, which includes St. Maarten’s. The institute will also be reaching out to the other related organisations and will address governments to provide proper resources for the bureaux.

Sweden Parliamentary Ombudsman’s Head of International Division Marianne von der Esch said she learnt quite a lot from the presentations at the conference. She was also happy to meet some many women ombudsmen.

Ombudsman Nilda Arduin-Lynch said while the conference was a success, the bureau will look into the low participation of other local entities that were invited but failed to send representatives. “We will evaluate the reason, but nevertheless all information will be shared.”

Some 40 people attended the conference from across the region and elsewhere in the world. The next Caroa conference will be in May, 2015. The host county has not yet been selected.

Further, Governor Holiday, following various discussions, received a letter dated May 10, from Wescot-Williams with an overview and her observations of the current political situation for his consideration. No further details on that overview were given in the press statement.

The governor received on Monday, from Wescot-Williams a letter signed by Democratic Party Parliamentarians Roy Marlin and Leroy de Weever as well as independent Member of Parliament (MP) Romain Laville, in which they informed the governor of their withdrawal of support from the present National Alliance/DP/independent three coalition. The letter was submitted by the trio to Wescot-Williams who forwarded it to the governor.

The government also received on the same day, also from Wescot-Williams, another letter signed by the five United People’s (UP) party MPs, two DP MPs and Laville, in which they informed him of their willingness to form the next government. The letter included an attached governing declaration signed by UP leader Theo Heyliger, Wescot-Williams as DP leader and eight MPs.

The governor received on Friday, the resignation of Justice Minister Roland Duncan as a result of the declaration of withdrawal of support from the government by the eight MPs.

MARIGOT--St. Martin took part in observing the French national holiday Fête de La Victoire, or WWII Victory Day, on Wednesday, with elected officials attending a short ceremony in the garden of Hotel de La Collectivité.

The holiday celebrates the end of World War II and the French People’s freedom, and the 68th anniversary of President Charles de Gaulle’s announcement of the end of the war on May 8, 1945.

Wreaths were laid at the foot of the war memorial by President of the War Veterans Association in St. Martin Robert Garron, Préfet Philippe Chopin, Senator Louis-Constant Fleming, and President of the Collectivité Aline Hanson.

The Préfet also read a message from Defence Minister Arif Kader.

On the day Charles de Gaulle made the announcement, church bells rang throughout France to communicate and celebrate the message. It marked the end of Nazi oppression in France, which had resulted in millions of deaths.

DP Member of Parliament Leroy de Weever said in a press conference held at Parliament Building on Wednesday by the new coalition of United People’s (UP) party, DP and independent MP Romain Laville that in a coalition there should be “information” and not “disinformation” which was the case in the NA-led coalition. In a coalition the situation should be one “where there is trust and alignment of thought” and there should be absolute confidence that when a minister takes a decision it has full support of the coalition MPs.

He pointed out that the rift did not come over a few days, but got bigger during the budget debate in April where government wanted to push through new taxes and paid little regard for the recommendations for increasing revenues without hampering the economy and further burdening the people. Many questions were also asked about the Harbour Group of Companies and only some information was given “clearly breaching the trust of your coalition partner.”

Every minister in the Council also went their own way after a few months in office, behaving as though “they are their own boss.”

Commenting on the new coalition’s plan to table motions of no confidence against five of the seven ministers, De Weever said that the moment such a move has been signalled the ministers should do “the honourable thing” meaning resign. If the Constitution and rules governing the country are trampled the “wrong message” will be sent to the world, he pleaded with the ministers.

He said the change of government is not a happy occasion for him, because he has very close ties with many of the outgoing ministers and would want to see the “same professional and family relations” continue. “However, the dynamics of politics have to be played out ... sometimes you have to take a decision in the best interest of the country.”

“At the end of the day, at the end of my term when I look back it will not sit well with me if I have been part of the destruction of St. Maarten,” De Weever said, pointing out that many plans of the current ministers have come to light that could damage the country. He as well as DP Fraction Leader MP Roy Marlin stopped short of saying what those detrimental plans are and in which ministries.

MP Gracita Arrindell (UP) expressed her party’s support for the new coalition and reiterated UP’s concerns about the budget implications, the lack of direction and no cohesion in policies as the ministers went about governing. The new coalition should be able to function soon to get the country back on track to improve the quality of life of residents, she added.

“This change is an opportunity to have the noses of the ministers pointed in the same direction or singing from the same sheet taking into consideration their ministerial responsibilities ... We are looking for more unity, joint consultations with the ministries.”

Arrindell also echoed De Weever’s sentiments that the ministers should follow the rule of law and make their positions available just as it was done in 2012 when there was a similar change in government.

MP Jules James (UP) said a lot of things have caused the fall of the current government and UP has agreed to work with DP and Laville. He said it is no secret that pursuing projects like the justice park with its high cost was detrimental to the country and faced with a potential instruction from the Kingdom Government. The focus of the new government will be to ease the burden. He promised that the governing programme will be presented in the shortest possible time.

MP Marlin said he is disappointed in the actions of the current Council of Ministers. He also pointed to the justice park as well as several motions with undetermined costs to the budget. Despite objections from the DP several motions were still adopted by coalition partners. “The Democratic Party is not chopped liver.”

The motions that have been passed will have to be reviewed and structured better, Marlin said.

This country, based on the actions of some ministers, was in danger of severing and messing up relations with The Netherlands, a move that could be harmful to future development, Marlin said.

He, like James, pointed out that St. Maarten is a parliamentary democracy in which the majority rules. He urged the ministers who no longer have support in parliament to resign and let government proceed. “There is no need to dissolve parliament and parliament will not be dissolved because it is the same thing that happened last year.”

“... If that argument is upheld, this Country will be facing some turbulent times when all Parliamentary rules of engagement will be thrown to the wind,” she pointed out.

As for resigning: the Prime Minister said that with the shift in parliamentary support away from the current government, “the constitutional thing to do is tender the resignation of my cabinet.” That letter as well as a document attached outlining some objections raised by some members of the council of ministers was submitted on Wednesday to Governor Eugene Holiday.

This is now to be followed by the starting of preparations to discharge of the ministers. “However, you can’t discharge a cabinet. This is done individually and if you have Ministers who say ‘I am not resigning’ then you are challenging the constitution.”

After that discharge is completed, consultations can start or continue between the fractions and the Governor. “There was no vacuum in terms of parties not being able to find common ground and/or the government not knowing whether they had majority support. That vacuum did not exist in 2012 and it does not exist now,” she said about calls for new elections.

“Parliament can never be dissolved when Parliament invokes the confidence rule against one or more ministers or the whole Cabinet. If this occurs we are turning things on their head. If the Parliament decides they no longer have confidence in the Ministers and Parliament cannot get its act together to agree on ‘nominating’ Ministers for appointment or agree on a way forward for the governance of the country, then you have what is termed an impasse,” Wescot-Williams said.

“When that is clearly stated, the minister must make his or her position available. This so-called confidence rule is part of the bedrock of our parliamentary system. The possibility is also in the constitution for the Parliament to legislate how this confidence rule can further be executed. That, however, has not happened yet, so basically, it states that the Minister who does not enjoy parliamentary support makes his/her position available.”

In the case of appointment or dismissals of ministers, the Prime Minister is the “co-signee” along with the governor.

The Prime Minister was the lone attendee to the weekly Council of Ministers Press Conference at the Government Building. One hiccup faced was that the usually live briefing had transmission troubles. Later when one of the major radio stations attempted to broadcast their news, they lost transmission just at the moment the Prime Minister’s sound clip was ready to broadcast. These events left residents in a further state of confusion as other political pundits gave their views about the shift in majority in parliament that has left the current National Alliance (NA)/Democratic Party (DP)/Independent Three coalition without a majority.

One of the questions facing the Prime Minister was whether or not to call elections. She was very clear on this point saying that it is important for the population to “not think for a moment that in 2012, I was not equally challenged to call elections, when there was a Parliamentary shift which lead to a new Government Constellation.”

“I was challenged by the coalition partners at that time to ‘call for elections’ and I was criticized by some for not doing so. The same circumstances that applied then apply now. Regardless of who the actors were, a majority in Parliament decided they had no confidence in the members of government, and they (the current coalition partners, which is a majority) decided they could and would work together for a new cabinet.”

Elections in this context are not “the main constitutional act.” That act is the dissolution of the Parliament which can be done, she said. As a consequence of that, the law dictates that elections must be held in such a case. The question is then when should they be held. The law does not state such. “The law does state, however, that once it is decided to dissolve Parliament, elections must follow and a new Parliament must take seat within three months.”

“The answer I gave last year when government changed (to what it is today), to the question: ‘Why no elections?’ is again valid today. The possibility to dissolve Parliament can’t be used to circumvent one of the most principled rules of a Parliamentary Democracy, namely that the Government must have the support of the representatives of the people. What demonstrates that support? A majority of Parliament.”

The Prime Minister again stressed the need to effectuate electoral reform to bring the country’s systems “more in line with what fits our young democracy. We have adjusted somewhat from what we had as an island territory, but in my humble opinion, more needs to be done to ensure that a Parliament, elected by the people and a Government supported by that Parliament can truly together work in the people’s best interest, and be judged on the basis of that work upon completion of the term by the people who elected them.”

She said: “I viewed with concern some of the developments within coalition circles, not only in the council of ministers, where I have also had my challenges, mind you. But I consider those challenges a part of our new system and new found authorities, which is the delicate balance between a common vision and the individual political responsibility of each Minister; the dualistic system we have introduced, which again is necessary, but which takes getting accustomed to and for us to understand its workings. What we need direly though on all levels and even in the broader community are dialogue, communication and participation.”

The Prime Minister said that she learnt about the changes while in The Netherlands where she was attending the inauguration of the new King. She also met with Dutch Minister for Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk while on that trip, but did not give any information about the content of the discussions.

New coalition MPs said Wednesday that the project of current Justice Minister Roland Duncan is dead in its present form. They agreed that the facilities the park would create are needed, but they see the need for more preventative programmes and projects.

MP Roy Marlin (DP) said the size of the planned park, the financing scheme and other aspects will have to be reviewed. The committee for financial supervision CFT has also signalled its disapproval of the planned park with a consequence that the Kingdom Council of Ministers has considered issuing government an instruction related to the park.

As for the motion tabled by Laville during the budget debate, Marlin said it has no financial consequences on the budget as is, but the project as formulated by Duncan would have serious repercussions for the country in the future if it was allowed to go through.

Meanwhile, the 2013 budget, though passed by parliament in April, has not yet been signed into law. The holdup is not clear, according to Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams.

The incoming finance minister is expected to table amendments and corrections to the budget to bring it more in line with what the new coalition wants. MP Marlin said maybe some of his revenue generating suggestions will be included in place of increased taxes.

“A lot of cohesion between parliament and the Council of Ministers” is expected in order to get the budget corrected, said Marlin.

PHILIPSBURG--It was an emotional day in Court of First Instance on Wednesday when Judge Tamara Tijhuis sentenced Jamaican national Meyshane Keymar Johnson (29) to life imprisonment for what she referred to as the “cruel, “inexplicable” and “uncalled for” murders of Michael and Thelma King in their St. Maarten condominium on September 19, 2012.

Jeremiah Chevon Mills (18) from St. Maarten, who committed the crimes while on probation for another robbery, was acquitted of the murder charge and sentences to 28 years as an accomplice, while Guyanese Jamal Jefferson Woolford (21) was acquitted of the murder charge and sentenced to 22 years as an accessory to the murders. Mills immediately asked for a glass of water and uttered the word “boy” after his sentence was read out.

All three were also sentenced for their involvement in the robbery at the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on September 19; theft with violence of the Kings, which resulted in their deaths; deprivation of liberty of Thelma King and laundering of the proceeds of both armed robberies. Johnson, who worked as a security guard, was acquitted of charges that he stole jewellery from the Kings.

Family members of the Kings were openly sobbing and hugging each other after the verdicts were delivered. Michael’s brother Todd King asked for privacy and asked that the family’s photos not be taken at this time. He promised to issue a statement to the media.

“You have not shown any remorse,” Tijhuis told Johnson. “Only life sentence is justified.”

Before delivering her verdict, the judge said it was legally and convincingly proven that Johnson had committed the brutal slayings and that he had done so with premeditation. She said it cannot be ruled out that Johnson would commit a similar act again. She said he committed his act out of “greed” and that the murders were for “no other purpose” than for Johnson and his accomplices to “leave with the loot and to escape detention.”

Johnson’s was the last of the three verdicts to be read out. As he was walking out of the courtroom, he turned and looked towards the gallery, where Michael and Thelma King’s family members and friends were sitting, smiled then left the courtroom, resulting in gasps from among some persons in the courtroom.

Johnson’s lawyer Brenda Brooks said she will appeal the judge’s decision. Appeals have to be filed within 14 days.

The judge said all three suspects were “responsible and accountable” for their actions. She said the Kings were “murdered in a cruel manner” and that they “suffered a lot of anguish in their last moments.” She said the murders were “unnecessary, cruel and uncalled for.”

Tijhuis said the murders negatively impacted St. Maarten’s economic and tourism industries.

“The Kings were slaughtered in their Ocean Club apartment in Cupecoy on September 19, 2012. The US nationals, who owned the vacation home in St. Maarten, were killed because three young men decided they needed easy money,” Prosecutors Dounia Benammar and Georges van den Eshof said in their joint closing speech.

After committing a robbery at Happy Star Chinese Restaurant in Cannegieter Street on September 19, the three went to Cupecoy, climbed down the rocks and walked along the beach towards the Ocean Club’s beachside apartments. Because the shutters were up and the lights were on in the King’s apartment, it was decided to make a move there.

The couple were raided while they were asleep around 11:00pm. Michael King had fallen asleep while watching TV downstairs. He was awoken by two taps to his head with the butt of a BB gun. The pathologist reported two cuts to King’s throat, a stab wound to his back with the point of a knife still in it and three deep stab wounds in his neck, which cut the carotid. Michael King died shortly after through blood loss. Thelma was killed by two violent slashes, cutting her throat and trachea.

The three robbers did not show remorse after their crimes. First, M.K.J. allegedly had washed off the blood with seawater and whisky, after which the loot, consisting of cash, an iPod and laptop and reportedly also an undisclosed amount of jewellery, had been divided. The three then closed off the night with a couple of drinks and adult entertainment at a club in Oyster Bay until the early morning hours.

  The Senate paid special tribute to Wiels at the start of Tuesday's plenary session, in the presence of Curaçao's Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague Roderick "Roy" Pieters. A minute of silence was observed. President of the First Chamber Fred de Graaf and Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk addressed the solemn gathering.

  "Every murder is unacceptable. This murder of a fellow people's representative moves us deeply, here in the Senate, as well as in the community in The Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom," said De Graaf, who together with President of the Second Chamber Anouchka van Miltenburg sent a letter to President of Curaçao's Parliament Mike Franco on Monday to express their sympathy.

  De Graaf remembered receiving Wiels at the opening's ceremony of the Inter-Parliamentary Consultation of the Kingdom in the Senate on March 5. "We got to know Mr. Wiels as a dedicated and passionate politician with clear opinions and a deep commitment for his country," he said.

  Minister Plasterk praised Wiels for his move to take the "crucial choice" to install a business cabinet and to improve the relations with The Netherlands. "It was a deed of courage. Curaçao has lost an exceptional impressive leader. That is a blow for those who were close to him, and also for Curaçao and for the Kingdom. It is not only important for Curaçao but also for the Kingdom that his political legacy is continued," he said.

  Plasterk, who was clearly moved by Wiels' murder, described Wiels as a "charismatic leader" who worked hard and went into the poor districts almost every day, who led a "Spartan lifestyle" and who gave his country "a direction after turbulent years." He said Wiels was hard on himself, hard on others and hard on youngsters whom he wanted to make something of themselves.

  The Minister repeated his earlier offer to assist the Curaçao Government with the investigation to catch the persons who committed "this cowardly deed." During the TV talk show 'Pauw en Witteman' on Monday he said that he would attend Wiels' funeral if he received an invitation to be there.

The letter requesting this “urgent” meeting of Parliament states that it is to establish that Ministers William Marlin, Roland Tuitt, Roland Duncan, Romeo Pantophlet and Silveria Jacobs “no longer enjoy majority support from the Parliament.” The letter was submitted to President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel on Tuesday.

According to the letter, the motivation for the meeting is that it is “of utmost importance” to give clarity to the population about the reason for the withdrawal of support from the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition, in particular the five ministers who were appointed by NA (Marlin, Jacobs and Tuitt) and independent MPs Patrick Illidge (Duncan) and Frans Richardson and Laville (Pantophlet).

Only Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and Health and Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever, both DP, have not been named in the letter.

The new coalition cited in the letter that the request for this urgent meeting is based on Article 35(1) of Parliament’s Rules of Order.

Meanwhile, a plenary session of Parliament has been convened for Monday, May 13, to discuss the political developments since Sunday that have resulted in a shift in support in Parliament. NA parliamentarians and Richardson requested that meeting on May 6.

He said he was currently making no comments in connection with Sunday night’s shooting. There was no confirmation either of an alleged shooting in the car park of the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on Monday night and whether this had any connection to the Fish Day incident.

It is thought a dispute between two rival gangs is the cause of the violence that led to one fatality and seven persons injured.

“It is important to keep silent because we want to catch the right persons,” he said. “By Friday I should be able to comment further.”

Meanwhile the Préfecture in collaboration with the Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital has set up an emergency unit to offer trauma counselling to victims, families, or persons who witnessed the shooting scenes on Sunday night.

Persons wishing to make use of this service should call (0590) 52.25.25.

The State representatives and Director General of the health authority are assuring victims of their support. More initiatives in response to this tragic event will follow, the Préfecture stated.

The names of the candidate ministers for what is expected to be the Wescot-Williams III Cabinet have not yet been submitted for vetting as the new coalition appears to be waiting on the current cabinet to resign. The coalition, according to reports, is keen not to have a situation of two cabinets existing at the same time.

According to information gathered by this newspaper several ministers, in particular those appointed on behalf of the National Alliance (NA), are reluctant to resign.

Wescot-Williams met with Holiday on Monday evening about the political development that led to the NA-led coalition losing its majority in parliament and new government being in the offing. However, no details from that meeting have yet been given by the Prime Minister or from the governor’s cabinet leaving the public to wonder what’s next.

If the matter of resignation drags out, there is the possibility of Parliament, with the new coalition taking the lead, passing motions of no confidence against the individual ministers or against the Council of Ministers en masse.

From NA quarters as well as that of independent Members of Parliament Frans Richardson and Patrick Illidge, there have been talks about pushing for early general elections. But, none of the key players have made any public statements.

Based on the Constitution, Parliament can be dissolved based on a request of the Prime Minister to the Governor. At present indications are that Wescot-Williams remains very reluctant to do so as there is already a declaration of willingness to form a new government.

Dissolving the legislature would normally be done only after consulting Parliament and is not a step taken lightly. The only local examples of how it works are from the days of theNetherlands Antillesas the current Parliament is St. Maarten’s first ever, but it happened in Curaçao late last year and sparked quite some controversy.

The Prime Minister is expected to seek a legal opinion on the way forward.

NA-elected and-appointed members met with other party officials on Sunday night when it became clear that an agreement had been signed by opposition United People’s (UP) party, Democratic Party (DP) and Independent MP Romain Laville to form a one-seat majority government. No details from that meeting have yet emerged.

NA Parliamentarians George Pantophlet and Louie Laveist together with Frans Richardson have requested a plenary session of Parliament on the political developments. That meeting will be held on Monday morning at 10:00am in Parliament House. Who they will address questions to is not clear. However, there is also the possibility that the meeting may not go ahead if the new coalition members decide to stay away, because the de facto opposition is one seat short of a quorum.

On Monday, Wescot-Williams had confirmed receipt of the letter informing her that her government no longer has the support of a majority in Parliament and a second letter signed by eight Members of Parliament who have signalled their willingness to form a new government “based on several principles outlined in a draft declaration.”

“The approach of the previous government lacked cohesion and professionalism, especially when it came to the operation of some ministries” was cited as the cause for the withdrawal of support from the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition by the Democratic Party (DP) and independent Member of Parliament Romain Laville and the formation of a new coalition with United People’s (UP) party, according to a joint statement of UP/DP/Laville issued on Monday evening.

It is “the feeling” of members of DP and UP together with Laville that there must be “a much more cohesive approach” from government. “Policies and plans must be aligned for individual ministers to work on the further development of the country. A cohesive and professional approach towards the myriad of issues confronting our young country is the most pressing concern facing us today.”

 ~ Ship to leave this weekend ~

 SIMPSON BAY--St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (SMHG) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo announced Monday that the causeway swing bridge is in place, and expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed to the project, especially this particular part.

  The swing bridge is 220 feet long and weighs 450 tons. The causeway has a total length of 2,493 feet and features a two-lane motorway, bicycle track and footpaths.

  A critical stage in the installation of the swing bridge was reached on Sunday. After removal of sea fastening devices, preparation of skidding equipment and the trimming of the Marietje Andrea, the operation started on Sunday at 2:00pm and was completed around 6:00pm the same day. Monday saw the last critical step of the lowering of the swing bridge onto its bearing.

  Volker Stevin Caribbean Managing Director Patrick Vasseur explained to The Daily Herald that the bridge was "skidded" (slid) sideways off the ship with hydraulic jacks, a process that took 3½ hours.

  "At the moment it is sitting 1½ metres too high on the turntable," he said. "We are lowering it at the moment and that goes at a rate of 10 centimetres per hour and it has to go down 1½ metres to be in its final position tomorrow morning.

  "We are very pleased, as it all went exactly according to plan. There are a lot of smiling faces here. Now all the connections for hydraulics, electricity, generators, have to be done to the swing bridge and that will take another three to four weeks."

  He said the exit of the ship through the drawbridge was scheduled for this coming weekend and should be easier without the cargo. The operation will be exactly the same as the entry, with barges in place, only in reverse order. The exact schedule of departure will be communicated shortly.

  The swing bridge was taken out of a shipyard in the Netherlands on April 17 and loaded onto the transport cargo vessel Marietje Andrea, which departed the Netherlands on April 19 for the trans-Atlantic voyage. The vessel arrived on May 3 and transited into Simpson Bay Lagoon the same day.

  The Simpson Bay Lagoon causeway falls under Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC), which aims to ensure St. Maarten remains a top yachting destination in the Caribbean while ensuring a safe, secure, pollution-free and environmentally-sustainable Simpson Bay Lagoon. The causeway is just one of several initiatives leading to this goal.

  Construction of the causeway started early 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by December 2013. Construction is being carried out by Volker Stevin Construction Europe BV.

  The causeway will improve accessibility to Simpson Bay, the airport and Cole Bay. It will become even more important when the existing Simpson Bay bridge is open or temporarily out of operation. It will have a roundabout at Airport Boulevard near the end of the runway and one at Union Road near the border. There will be two protected sidewalks for pedestrians and a bicycle track.

  The swing bridge is the only element of the causeway that had to be constructed in the Netherlands. There will be two navigating channels for boats to pass through simultaneously when the swing bridge is open. Large mega-yachts also will be able to pass through.

  SLAC is a subsidiary of SMHG and has an advisory role with respect to Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon.

THE HAGUE--The Hague is shocked by the murder of Curaçao politician Helmin Wiels. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte qualified the killing of the Pueblo Soberano (PS) Leader and Member of the Parliament of Curaçao a “cowardly deed.”

“Much is still unclear, but nothing can justify such a cowardly deed,” stated Rutte on Monday. He spoke with Curaçao interim Prime Minister Daniel Hodge on the phone shortly after Wiels was shot dead in broad daylight at a beach in Curaçao. He expressed words of sympathy on behalf of the people of The Netherlands.

Rutte wished the children of Helmin Wiels much strength, members of his party and the entire people of Curaçao much strength in this time of sadness and mourning. “Curaçao has lost a passionate politician – a man who fought for his ideals, who stood for his case and who, most of all, had a heart for his country Curaçao,” said the Prime Minister.

Presidents of the First and Second Chambers of the Dutch Parliament Fred de Graaf and Anouchka van Miltenburg expressed shock in a joint letter that they sent to President of Curaçao’s Parliament Mike Franco on Monday, in which they also sent their condolences to the family of Wiels and the people of Curaçao.

“The murder of a representative of the people is a horrible and unacceptable deed for our Parliament. Members of the First and Second Chamber met with Helmin Wiels during a very constructive Inter-Parliamentary Consultation of the Kingdom early March 2013. We realise that Curaçao has lost a passionate politician with clear opinions and great dedication to his country,” stated De Graaf and Van Miltenburg.

“I am deeply shocked. Curaçao has lost a person of a special calibre,” said Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk. “I have come to know Wiels in the past months as a man who fought for his ideals, who stood for his belief that politics had to make the lives of ordinary people in Curaçao better, who fought against corruption and crime,” he stated in a press release.

In an interview on Dutch Radio 1, Plasterk voiced his concerns about the political consequences of Wiels’ murder. “It is not only important for Curaçao, but also for the Kingdom that something constructive is done with his legacy. I hope and expect that the turn that he took has taken root,” he said.

The Minister described Wiels as a charismatic leader who was a man of the people, like many South American leaders. “He took the lead of the country, in the right direction. He chose to fight for the common man, to fight corruption and to improve the economy. I really felt that this was a good man, that he deserved respect and that he could be trusted. I had very open talks with him,” said Plasterk, who confirmed that he has offered Prime Minister Hodge to assist with the investigation if Curaçao requested such.

Chairperson of the Senate’s Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations Marijke Linthorst of the Labour Party PvdA said she always had respect for Wiels and his clear, outspoken ideas. “You had to take his motivation seriously. He was often right about his ideas, like the 80-20 regulation,” she said, referring to Wiels’ proposal to maximize the number of employees of Curaçao descent and to limit the number of foreign workers.
Linthorst said Wiels, who was Chairman of the Kingdom Relations Committee of the Curaçao Parliament, had been very constructive when the four Parliaments had to determine the agenda for the Inter-Parliamentary Consultation in March. “He wanted to put youth crime on the agenda, because he found that important. He wanted to find a joint solution. That was a breakthrough. His death is a true loss for the Kingdom.”

There were words of condolence from several Members of the Second Chamber, including Chairman of the Second Chamber’s Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations Jeroen Recourt (PvdA), André Bosman of the liberal democratic VVD party, Wassila Hachchi of the Democratic D66 Party, Ronald van Raak of the Socialist Party (SP), and from former green left GroenLinks Member of Parliament Ineke van Gent.

Bosman said Wiels was an “outspoken man with a vision and ambition for Curaçao that he did not hide.” He said it was important for people “to remain calm and to make space for the investigation.”

Van Raak (SP): “He was very critical of The Netherlands, but defended the poor on his island. His death is a drama for the Kingdom, for his party, but especially for that sector of the people.” Van Raak fears for Curaçao’s future. “Tensions have risen and contrasts have increased since Curaçao became an autonomous country in the Kingdom. Wiels tried to give the island and his people a better future. I hope we can honour his legacy.”    

Member of the Second Chamber of the Party for Freedom PVV Sietse Fritsma stated: “This is a horrible event. The PVV hopes that those who committed this horrendous deed will be caught as soon as possible.”

The PVV tried to keep Wiels from entering The Netherlands early March this year, but the Dutch Government didn’t cooperate with this request. In the opinion of the PVV, Wiels’ past remarks about sending Dutch people back in body bags were offensive and threatening. Wiels later told the Dutch media that he never had used the words body bags and that his original words in Papiamentu had been misinterpreted.

Wiels’ murder dominated the Dutch media on Monday. Various newspapers opened with the sad event, radio stations and news Websites carried the news and updates throughout the day, and several TV programmes dedicated segments to it.

The Dutch NRC Handelsblad newspaper was one of the last to interview Wiels on Thursday. Wiels told the reporter who had travelled to Curaçao that he was not afraid, but acknowledged that he had many enemies. “Many people don’t like what I say. I went into politics to erase corruption, which is a huge problem in Curaçao. Bankers, accountants, project developers and politicians: they are deep into it. I have to straighten things. I am the answer of the people to these things. I have no fear. If you are a fearful person, you should not get into politics,” Wiels said.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams has confirmed receipt of the letter informing her that her government no longer has the support of a majority in Parliament and a second letter signed by eight Members of Parliament (MPs) who have signalled their willingness to form a new government “based on several principles outlined in a draft declaration.”

However, the Prime Minister’s press statement issued on Monday afternoon stopped short of saying whether the Wescot-Williams Cabinet II would resign based on the current political developments. If the cabinet does not resign, a motion of “no confidence” can be tabled by the new coalition MPs for approval in Parliament.

The Prime Minister’s release stated only that she was scheduled to meet with Governor Eugene Holiday on Monday afternoon. No details have emerged yet as a result of that meeting.

The two letters also were delivered to the Governor, according to the Prime Minister. The first letter, signed by independent Member of Parliament Romain Laville and DP Parliamentarians Leroy de Weever and Roy Marlin, outlined that they no longer supported the current Council of Ministers.

“This has, as a consequence, that the government, so the Council of Ministers, no longer enjoys majority support in Parliament,” she explained. The second letter was signed by eight MPs (five UP, two DP and Laville) supporting a new government.

This latest governmental shakeup occurred over the weekend, catching many, including National Alliance (NA), quite off-guard. NA has been at the helm of the current coalition for just under a year. The party formed a new government with DP, Laville and independent MPs Frans Richardson and Patrick Illidge during Carnival 2012, leaving UP alone in opposition.

UP, based on the draft declaration, will move from the opposition benches back into government. This will be St. Maarten’s third government since becoming a country on October 10, 2010. That fact is not sitting well with some sections of the community. Some people have been voicing the need to hold early elections.

There has been no indication yet about the identities of the candidate ministers for the new government. However, it appears that the new coalition will push to have security clearance and other inspections completed as soon as possible to refrain from stalling government’s productivity for too long.

It is “the feeling” of members of DP and UP together with Laville that there must be “a much more cohesive approach” from government. “Policies and plans must be aligned as individual ministers work on further development of the country. A cohesive and professional approach towards the myriad of issues confronting our young country is the most pressing concern facing us today.”

DP and Laville made “the difficult decision” to withdraw support from the NA/DP/independent three coalition based on “the functioning of the Council of Ministers and some ministries, in particular. Regretfully, there is a divergence of opinion in the Parliament of St. Maarten regarding how the Council of Ministers operates.”

The parties stated that after “brief, but intense consultations, it became apparent and clear that there is an understanding in principle” among DP, UP and Laville, “thus the majority of Parliament, on the direction the country should take in the coming months.” This understanding was formulated in a declaration and presented to Governor Eugene Holiday and Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams on Monday.

This declaration and its contents are to be made public in the coming days, according to the new coalition.

Bystanders heard six shots at the public beach and fishing port near the spot where fish and soup are sold under a tree, five of which apparently hit the Member of Parliament. Wiels, who apparently came there to buy something as he has often done, was left lying motionless face down on the ground following the incident.

Unconfirmed reports said two young men with their heads covered in hoods were seen running away right after the shooting, but there was no immediate word on a possible motive. Paramedics upon their arrival covered the face of the politician, indicating he had passed away.

The latter was also confirmed by the doctor on duty who appeared soon after, as did Justice Minister Nelson Navarro and various other parliamentarians both from the PS- and other fractions. Relatives and supporters of the victim were also on hand, many of them crying and angry about what happened.

Wiels had been a social worker before he turned to politics. He first started in “Ningun Paso Atras” (NPA), with among others Nelson Pierre and then established PS in 2005.

During a hastily called press conference at the Council of Ministers last night, Prime Minister Daniel Hodge (PS) called what happened “terrible” and condemned such in the strongest terms. “These are things that don’t happen here,” he added, hinting that Wiels may have been targeted.

He said he understood people were shocked and emotional, but asked everyone to please stay calm and keep a cool head, allowing authorities to do their work. He added that extra measures were quickly taken to ensure the safety of other parliamentarians and members of government.

Police received the call just before 5pm. Under guidance of several prosecutors they immediately collected evidence, including empty bullet cartridges on the scene, and started interviewing witnesses, while steps were taken to protect the democratic institutions on the island.

Navarro (PAIS) confirmed that Wiels had been provided with a security detail as of late, but preferred not to use it on weekends for reasons of privacy. He specifically asked people not to take the law in their own hands or do anything they might later regret, but rather help the police with any information they might have. He too assured that all available legal resources will be used to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Police chief Wernet said all uniformed services were activated to hunt down the killers, including the Coast Guard to ensure they don’t get away by boat. He would not answer a question about the getaway car supposedly having been found.

Wernet said they would accept help from all possible sources, including other countries to help solve this crime that shocked the local community. “Bad will not be allowed to prevail over good,” he said.

PS-fraction member Ivar Asjes said Curaçao had lost a great leader, but that would not stop the movement he started. “There will be new people to take over the struggle.”

He called on the party’s militants to say calm but alert, “as this is simply unacceptable.” Asjes invited people in need of comfort to gather at the PS headquarters in Wishi-Marchena, which many did.  

  According to information received by The Daily Herald, the three MPs reportedly are to join forces with opposition United People's (UP) party to form a new eight-seat government in the coming days. This will be a government supported by a one-seat majority.

  A document outlining that the NA-led coalition had lost its majority was delivered to Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams (DP) on Sunday evening bearing the signatures of the MPs who had withdrawn their support. A letter of willingness to form a new government is expected to be submitted today, Monday. Notification also will be sent to Governor Eugene Holiday.

  All parties involved in the negotiations have been very tight-lipped about the proceedings. Phone calls to UP and DP representatives and to Laville have gone unanswered, leaving the public to wonder about the details of the agreements they have made.

  However, indications are that Heyliger will go to Parliament and a "semi-professional" cabinet will be appointed to continue the affairs of the country in the lead-up to general elections next year.

  To keep this latest coalition stable, indications are that Laville will resign from Parliament to become a minister, possibly of tourism and economic affairs. His resignation will create the possibility for Heyliger to return to Parliament.

  Laville was allotted his parliamentary seat as an UP member and with his resignation the seat will go to the next highest vote-getter on the party's slate who is not already serving in Parliament. In this case, that person is Heyliger, who was the highest overall vote-getter in the September 2010 elections.

  The break in the coalition reportedly is based on the dissatisfaction of DP parliamentarians and Laville with the way issues have been dealt with in the coalition. In Laville's case, it is said that matters he wanted addressed were not addressed as quickly as he would have liked. This is similar to the reasons he broke with the first coalition.

  There already were strong indications of trouble in the coalition in mid-April when DP parliamentarians indicated during the budget debate that they were not in support of several motions tabled by coalition members due to financial implications. One motion that stood out was, ironically, one presented by Laville that gave support in principle to the planned US $100 million Justice Park in Cay Hill.

  Whether Wescot-Williams will remain prime minister or opt to go to Parliament, replacing either De Weever or Roy Marlin, is not yet known. If she stays on as prime minister, this will be the Wescot-Williams Cabinet III.

  This shakeup will produce the third coalition government for St. Maarten since it became a country on October 10, 2010. It will see members of the first UP-led coalition join forces again, with the exception of independent MP Patrick Illidge.

  In that first coalition, Laville was a member of UP until he pulled his support and went independent during Carnival last year. That government change is commonly referred to as the "Carnival Coup."

  Wescot-Williams apparently gave NA leader William Marlin news of the fall of government at the French side's annual Fish Day in Cul-de-Sac, leaving some to refer to the shakeup as the "Fish Day Coup."

  Sunday's development will send the five NA parliamentarians – George Pantophlet, Louie Laveist, Hyacinth Richardson, Dr. Lloyd Richardson and President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel – together with independent MPs Frans Richardson and Patrick Illidge to the opposition benches. It is likely that Samuel will be replaced as president of parliament.

  There also will be changes to the composition of the executive branch of government. With NA going into the opposition, Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI/Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin, who is also the NA leader, no longer will have a place in the executive branch or in the legislative branch. This puts him in the same position as Heyliger a year ago when the UP/DP/Illidge coalition fell apart.

  Marlin's seat in Parliament went to Samuel in May 2012 when Marlin resigned to become a minister. An MP, once sworn in, can leave office only by resignation or by being voted out in a general election. Therefore, for Marlin to return to Parliament, Samuel or another of the NA parliamentarians will have to resign.

  Controversial Justice Minister Roland Duncan, Finance Minister Roland Tuitt, Education and Culture Minister Silveria Jacobs and Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Romeo Pantophlet also will be changed. Pantophlet was appointed jointly by Laville and Frans Richardson.

  It is not certain whether Health and Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever (DP) will remain in his post.

 MARIGOT--The Fish Day village was on lockdown last night after one man was shot dead and at least two others in hospital with critical injuries after a shootout marred the evening entertainment.

  Reports indicate that an altercation between two gangs descended into violence. An unconfirmed report from a witness suggested one man had been shot dead on the spot through the heart, while two others, one of them a woman, were critically injured by bullet wounds to the head or face. It was not clear whether more injuries had been sustained by spectators caught in the crossfire.

  Due to the emergency the Gendarmerie gave no immediate information about the shootings. Préfet Philippe Chopin and Prosecutor Flavien Noailles also were on the scene.

  According to an organising committee member in the village, shots rang out three times, causing widespread panic. The first shot apparently was caught on camera by a TV station.

  Swarms of Gendarmes entered the village, closing it down, and everyone was ordered out of the crime scene. Traffic chaos ensued as cars left the village and parking areas. A traffic jam quickly formed on the narrow road as exiting cars, ambulances, and Gendarmerie vehicles were hampered by traffic coming down the hill towards the village.

  It was a tragic ending to a day that had gone so well. The French Cul-de-Sac bay was the place to be as huge crowds turned out to enjoy St. Martin's very own cultural extravaganza, a celebration of the best of local culinary traditions, music and dance. It is a day when politicians of both sides of the island are at their most relaxed, discarding sombre suits and opting for casual wear, hats or baseball caps, to mingle with tourists and residents.

  Despite the sweltering heat the public turnout looked as good as ever and the afternoon proved to be an even more popular time to attend, with a tailback of cars seen snaking all the way back to the Cul-de-Sac roundabout. Several landowners offered parking on their properties for a small fee to ease the parking situation around the Soualiga Collège.

  The more serious part of the day, the ceremony to honour local fishermen and speeches, took place before 10:00am. Government dignitaries of both sides of the island were present, as well as dignitaries from Anguilla and Martinique.

  Pastor Hodge opened the proceedings before President Aline Hanson thanked the fishermen for their contribution to the community. She urged young people to take up local fishing traditions to prevent the trade from dying out. About 15 retired or active fishermen were presented with tokens of appreciation for their work.

  The elected officials then went out in a boat from the Pinel Ferry dock for President Hanson to cast a wreath in the water in memory of fishermen who have passed away. Pastor Hodge read a short prayer.

  Present for the ceremony from the Dutch side were Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs and Minister of Finance Roland Tuitt.

  From Anguilla there were Minister of Fisheries Samuel Webster and Minister Evan Gumbs, both of whom came with their families.

  The delegation from Martinique included Fort-de-France Fishermen's Association President Mirella Merault. This association has worked with St. Martin's fishermen's association for the last three years organising exchanges. The President of the Martinique Tourism Office also was present for the first time.

  Other French-side officials present included Senator Louis-Constant Fleming, MP Daniel Gibbs and Vice President Wendell Cocks.

  Tourists and residents were seen browsing the many food stands during the day to taste the local fare. One of the early performers, King Timo and the Jolly Boys, had members of the crowd dancing and the New Generation Status band made a pass through the village to provide a splash of colour.The Indian Association of St. Martin had a stand and clearly was enjoying the atmosphere and raising funds for its projects.

  Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams earlier had joined President of the Collectivité Aline Hanson in laying a wreath in the waters just off Pinel Island in remembrance of the hard work and dedication fisherman have provided in feeding the population.

  "It is good to be here and to be a part of this traditional event celebrating our fishing heritage," she said. "It is a good moment in this celebratory atmosphere to remember the hard work and dedication our fisherman and our fishing ancestors have shown in going to sea to face the elements in order to feed our population."

The air of anticipation and excitement was certainly palpable at the Simpson Bay bridge around midday Friday as crowds and an armada of small boats began to gather to watch the largest and longest vessel ever to enter the lagoon.

Scenes like this had not been seen since the mega-yacht Limitless, previously the largest vessel to enter the lagoon, caused a stir a few years ago. But Limitless has been dwarfed by the sheer size of this behemoth, 100 feet longer than the mega-yacht.

The 126-metre (413-foot) cargo vessel arrived in St. Maarten waters in the morning, but entered the bridge channel only at midday to tie up to a barge in preparation for the entry. Its arrival caught some off-guard who thought the vessel would not come into view until 1:30pm. Calm water and a light breeze offered perfect conditions for entry.

"There were some rough periods in the voyage to get here, but we have checked the swing bridge and everything was perfectly in order," said Volker Construction International Logistics Manager Gerard Oostveen, who expected the ship to take half-an-hour to pass through the bridge opening.

"We're very happy with the wind situation at the moment. The difficulty is the channel has a different angle to the bridge itself. But the captain has more than 50 years' experience and actually wanted to do this job. He has four sons, one of whom normally is in command of the ship, but he sent him away on holiday."

The bell for the bridge opening finally sounded at 1:05pm and road traffic halted. Unlike the mega-yachts that motor through non-stop, Marietje Andrea was already lined up at the opening with the assistance of the barge. Lines were released and she proceeded to inch forward through the opening.

The ship's bow thrusters kept it on course, while other official vessels and rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) stayed on standby in case the vessel needed a push one way or the other.

To facilitate the entry, submerged rocks had been cleared away previously on the Royal Palm side of the channel and an old concrete culvert formerly housing electrical conduits on the other side of the bridge also had to be removed.

With reportedly only 80 centimetres (approximately 32 inches) of clearance on either side of the opening, the bridge's own fenders were removed and replaced by ropes to give the ship's hull a minimum of protection.

As the ship's stern passed the bridge structure the crowds cheered and several blasts from the ship's horn sounded. She then continued towards the causeway bridge, making a wide turn at Princess Port de Plaisance Resort.

Knowing the spectacle the ship's entry would create; Volker used its biggest barge as a VIP viewing platform, complete with tent, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and a smaller barge to accommodate more spectators. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams arrived just in time to see the ship enter the lagoon.

"It's impressive to see it actually taking place," she said. "We wanted to see how it would work and it was close, but perfectly done. I give kudos to the captain and crew of the ship and to those from the island who assisted in this operation. It's nice to see so many people who have come out to watch too."

Minister of Harbour Affairs Romeo Pantophlet and St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo were on the top deck of the Marietje Andrea as it passed through the opening.

After the safe transit was completed, Minister Pantophlet presented a token of appreciation to the Marietje Andrea's Captain Henk Danser in the presence of members of the Harbour Supervisory Board of Directors, Mingo and Mrs. Danser.

Pantophlet thanked Captain Danser for his professional seamanship with the North Atlantic Ocean crossing to St. Maarten and with the seamless transit of the vessel into the lagoon without incident.

He also thanked all harbour personnel who had played a role in the preparations leading up to the vessel's transit into the lagoon, as well as the Ambulance Department, Fire Department, police, Public Works personnel, contractors and others who in one way or another had played a role.

The Minister also thanked stakeholders for their cooperation in informing their employees and hotel guests about the bridge opening.

Volker Stevin Caribbean Project Manager Ruud Goossens, who is in charge of the causeway project, said he had not been the slightest bit apprehensive about the ship's entry. "It was well planned in advance," he said. "We knew it would take between 20 or 30 minutes to come through. But I will be happy when the swing bridge is slid into position Sunday or Monday."

At the causeway centre where the swing bridge will be put into position, dredging had to be done to six metres to accommodate the ship. The ship can lower itself in the water about a metre to enable the swing bridge to be winched off the ship sideways and slid into the open position. The turntable is already in place.

The ship will remain in the lagoon for offloading of materials, but will depart in about seven or eight days.

A roundabout for the project on the Cole Bay side has been started already and a roundabout on the airport side is still to come. Goossens anticipates the entire project will be completed by December 13.

The attack took place at the intersection of Bone Fish and Sand River Streets around 6:00pm. The victim was in a car when he came upon a group of youths. He apparently got into an argument with another man and a fight ensued, resulting in the victim being stabbed several times. It was not clear whether the victim knew who his aggressors were.

Paramedics who arrived on the scene attempted to save the man's life but there was too much loss of blood and he died in hospital.

Gendarmes cordoned off certain areas of Sandy Ground on Thursday in attempt to flush out the victim's attacker and others who may have contributed to the fatal incident.

Capitaine Sylvain Jouault said on Friday evening that he could not give any more details, or say whether there had been an arrest since Wednesday, for fear of compromising the investigation.

(St. Maarten) proposed an allowance for its members.

Apparently this was never arranged since the former Antillean Central Bank became CBCS per the constitutional changes of 10-10-10. According to the board its members have not received any compensation all that time.

The suggested amount for each member is NAf. 10,000 gross per year and an attendance fee of NAf. 2,000 per board meeting, while the chairperson would get NAf. 12,000 and NAf. 2,200 respectively. In addition, all members would also get NAf. 1,800 per committee meeting.

The allowances for the board of former Antillean Central Bank were NAf. 500 per month for the membership plus NAf. 2,000 per month for committee meetings, totalling NAf. 30,000 per year.

The latter amount will probably increase with the current proposal. The letter says members can count on NAf. 29,200 per year if they take part in the minimum number of required board meetings plus four committee meetings, but there are likely going to be more.

The letter was written by St. Maarten board member Jairo Bloem. He is not the chairman but functioned as such during the last two meetings, because the three Curaçao members including Chairman Renny Maduro did not attend.

It's not clear if the allowance would be retroactive to 10-10-10. The Amigoe newspaper wrote that -based on the new proposal- if the Curaçao members continue to be absent for meetings they will get far less than their three St. Maarten colleagues and court-appointed seventh member Robert Pietersz, who have held all recent meetings.

Bloem said the proposed amounts were also discussed with the bank's management during board meetings. The two countries represented by their respective Finance Ministers will soon have to take a decision.

The Curaçao board members are staying away to protest the current state of affairs. Especially Glenn Camelia is demanding an operational audit at CBCS that includes an integrity inquiry into president-director Emsley Tromp.

However, the two ministers decided there will be no integrity inquiry, although the functioning of both the board and management will also be looked at.

The request for an audit came after the CBCS became the talk of the town when it became known that Tromp had received a loan of NAf. 3 million at the Banco di Caribe without any security to help a girlfriend set up a boutique. Part of this amount found its way back to Tromp's pension fund.

There were also objections to the bank's decisions in arranging bond loans for Curaçao utilities provider Aqualectra and the St. Maarten Harbour Company.

Questions are also being raised once again about the position of "temporary board member" Pietersz, whom the Dutch Caribbean Court of Justice had appointed last year after the governments of Curaçao and St. Maarten were unable to reach agreement on a joint seventh member. Since apparently there is no fixed term for such an appointment, it's not clear what "temporary" means in this case.

PHILIPSBURG--Education Minister Silveria Jacobs has not taken any decision to close school on Thursday, May 2 and parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that their children report to school.

This was the message from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports on Thursday. The ministry said in a press release that the Carnival, Queens Birthday and Labour Day vacation for schools ended on Wednesday May 1. Regular classes resumed on Thursday. "There has been no approved change to the 2012/2013 vacation schedule. Therefore all parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that their children report to school," it was stated in the release.

The Ministry said any decision by the Minister to close school on Thursday, would have been communicated formally through the media. "Parents are encouraged to ensure that their children report to school and are asked not to take heed of messages forwarded via smart phones or other means of communication that reports school closures other than that communicated through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports."

"In addition, persons issuing statements regarding school closures without formal directives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports are strongly urged to refrain from such behaviour as it misinforms the public and could adversely affect children and their education."

The ministry issued the release after some apparent confusion among some parents as to whether school had been closed on Thursday allegedly based on a statement made by a radio announcer that there was no school.

In a separate statement, the management of the Milton Peters College and Sundial School said many students did not attend school on Thursday. MPC and Sundial School General Director Wim de Visser reminded parents that school had resumed and that it is a regular school day today, Friday.

The school said many students have grown into the habit of "extending their vacation" and not showing up on the last days of the week. "In doing so, they violate the school rules at the risk of being penalized. We rely on you as parents to ensure that your child adheres to the rule concerning vacation," de Visser said.

According to the Amigoe newspaper, the board wants to propose its own candidates for these positions. Interesting detail is that the CBCS board will again meet on St. Maarten without the Curaçao members Camelia, Renny Maduro and Lincoln James.

In any case the advice on the nominees to be made by the three St. Maarten-board members and the court-appointed seventh member Robert Pietersz won't be binding. In the end the two Ministers of Finance are to appoint the three representatives each of their respective countries on the board, usually after political consultations.

Independent (former PAR) parliamentarian Glenn Sulvaran, who backs Curaçao's Finance Minister Jose Jardim within the current coalition, plans to keep a close eye on what is going on. Sulvaran also claims Pietersz' appointment was illegal because he was a resident of Aruba at the time and the joint Central Bank's articles of association clearly state that board members must reside either on Curaçao or St. Maarten.

Camelia had insisted on an operational audit at CBCS that includes an integrity probe into president-director Emsley Tromp. However, the two ministers agreed to drop the latter idea.

The board also sent a letter to both ministers on April 19, stating that several operational aspects are lacking in the proposed Terms of Reference for the audit to be performed by PwC in The Netherlands. The board would like these included, but should the ministers fail to indicate if they are willing to do so by May 3, the board will "discuss whether or not" it will issue its own investigation order in this framework. The letter was signed by St. Maarten board member Jairo Bloem, who acted as chairman during the last board meeting on April 2.

The missing aspects mentioned regard the Central Bank's investment policy, the personnel policy, the permit policy, the cash management-process and compliance with accountability laws.

The Kingdom Council of Ministers approved their appointments last Friday, along with the appointments of three other judges for Curaçao and Aruba, as well as the new President of the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, and of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba Evert Jan van der Poel.

Van der Poel, currently Senior Judge at the Court of Arnhem and Leeuwarden, has ample experience working as a Judge in the Dutch Caribbean. He has already served two terms of five years at the Joint Court of Justice of the Dutch Caribbean.

The Kingdom Council of Minister approved Van der Poel's appointment based on a proposal by Dutch Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten. Van der Poel will succeed Liesbeth Hoefdraad on August 17, 2013. Hoefdraad will go on pension per that date.

The islands have a shortage of local judges. That is the reason why relatively many judges from The Netherlands work at the Dutch Caribbean Court of Justice for a period of three to five years.

Many among the crowds lining the streets thought the lineup was the best seen in years. The amalgamation of vibrant colours began at St. John's Estate at 10:00am and made its way down L.B. Scott Road and Bush Road, up Front Street and onwards towards Carnival Village.

St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) opened the parade with its float, band and Carnival queens, followed by UTS, Gordon Yee's troupe "Gems of St. Maarten," the visiting troupe from Curaçao, a troupe representing the Dominicano community, Survivors Production Foundation, St. Maarten Medical Center with "Bedazzled Warriors," Soualiga Revellers, Hot 'n Spicy, Floral Beauties, a visiting Antigua troupe sporting the Antiguan flag within their Carnival costumes, Brenda Wathey's troupe and the TelEm troupe complete with choreographed dancing ending the nearly-eight-hour parade.

The Survivors troupe under the leadership of Jasmine Philips won the top prize in the Grand Carnival Parade. Gordon Yee's "Gems of St. Maarten" won first runner-up honours while "Bedazzled Warriors" of St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) won second runner-up honours. This year was SMMC's first time participating in the Grand Carnival Parade.

The individual costume prize went to "Mystic Jade" and Randolph Scott won the top prize for Best Float: "Old Wife Fish."

"Congratulations to all of our winners and to everyone who took part in the Grand Carnival Parade 2013," a statement from SCDF said.

Participants and parade watchers danced to contemporary hits like "Gangnam Style," among other favourites fused with the Caribbean tempo, showing off their costumes of meticulously decorated shoulder, arm-and-leg pieces, vibrant two-pieces and individual costumes sporting shapely designs and colourful accessories.

A couple of gaps on Front Street that left the crowds waiting for an average of 15 minutes for the following troupe to make its way past them did not stop Carnival watchers from enjoying the parade and were the crowds' only complaint, although some left, thinking the parade was over.

Those in the crowds also took advantage of items that were being given away or sometimes thrown into the crowd from the different business groups that also participated in the parade. Lucky Carnival watchers walked away with T-shirts, mini-purses and the like as memorabilia for this year's Carnival.

After more than a century of queens at the head of the monarchy, The Netherlands now once again has a king.

Beatrix stepped down as queen of The Netherlands, after signing the act of abdication in the royal palace in Amsterdam. The ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries, among which were also representatives of the Dutch Caribbean.

Beatrix signed the Act of Abdication in the presence of Chairman of the Dutch Parliament's First Chamber Fred de Graaf and Second Chamber Chairperson Anouchka van Miltenburg, the Dutch Council of Ministers, including Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Vice-Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher. Ministers Plenipotentiary Edwin Abath of Aruba, Roy Pieters of Curaçao and Mathias Voges of St. Maarten,

Vice-President of the Council of State Piet Hein Donner was also present, as well as well as the governors, prime ministers and chairs of the parliaments of the Dutch Caribbean islands, among who were Governor Eugene Holiday (St. Maarten) as well as Prime-Ministers Mike Eman (Aruba), Daniel Hodge (Curaçao) and Sarah Wescot-Williams (St. Maarten), as well as the Presidents of Parliament Mike Franco (Curaçao), Pauldrick Croes (Aruba) and Rodolphe Samuel (St. Maarten).

Also present for the ceremony were King's Commissioner in Noord-Holland province Johan Remkes, Mayor of Amsterdam Eberhard van der Laan and the Director of the King's Cabinet Chris Breedveld.

At 10:07am in The Netherlands Beatrix's oldest son, Willem-Alexander, became King of The Netherlands; the first man to hold the throne since his great-great grandfather Willem III, who died in 1890.

As Beatrix signed the document, a large, nationally televised crowd outside on the central Dam Square cheered. With her abdication, Beatrix's new title becomes princess.

Following the abdication, Beatrix, King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Máxima Zorreguieta, greeted the crowd on the palace's balcony.

"Several moments ago, I renounced the throne. I am happy and thankful to present to you your new king, Willem-Alexander," Beatrix said.

The new king thanked his mother for "33 eventful and inspiring years" as queen.

Although Beatrix's abdication automatically made Willem-Alexander king, an official inauguration followed later in De Nieuwe Kerk, a church on the Dam Square. There, Willem-Alexander took an oath that he will protect the Dutch constitution.

Members of the kingdom's parliaments swore allegiance to the new king, President of Parliament Samuel among them.

The city of Amsterdam was filled with people celebrating Queen's Day, a national holiday traditionally taking place on the monarch's birthday.

On Marie Heinekenplein, one of Amsterdam's squares, Lisa Trip stood in line for the ATM-machine. She is not opposed to the monarchy, as a small but growing number of Dutch are, but does think that the royal family could pay more taxes.

Like many Dutch on Tuesday, she was dressed in a coat and hat in the national colour orange.

"Beatrix has done a terrific job, but she was rather formal," said Lisa's husband, Willem. He thinks Willem-Alexander is more of an everyday man. "That makes him stand closer to the people. I think he will modernise the royal family," he said.

Because of the abdication, this will be the last Queen's Day until Willem-Alexander is succeeded by his eldest daughter, Princess of Orange Amalia.

Next year, the national holiday will be King's Day instead, and will be held on Willem-Alexander's birthday on April 27.

Willem-Alexander was born in 1967, one year after his mother married Claus von Amsberg, an untitled German noble.

Willem-Alexander studied history in Leiden where he gained a somewhat jovial reputation and the nickname "Prince Pils" (Prince Beer).

However, he has since earned a more serious reputation by involving himself with promoting sports, including as a member of the International Olympic Committee. He is also an expert on water management and served as Chairman of the United Nations Secretary General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation.

In 2002, he married Argentinean Máxima Zorreguieta, whose charm won over many Dutch people. In polls, she often comes out as more popular than her husband.

The royal couple has three daughters; their oldest, Amalia, was born in 2003. She officially became crown princess on Tuesday.

Fish de Mega Boss sang his way to the top with his calypso "Not for Crown" in which he boasted that this year he was not singing to retain his crown, but rather to send a message, and his calypso in the second round titled "Don't Lock Them Up," taking clever satirical snaps at St. Maarten's prominent politicians, a popular topic among Sunday night's singers.

Eleven calypsonians competed in Sunday night's NAGICO Calypso finals where, true to its form, social commentary took centre stage with songs like "Tit for Tat" by King Beau Beau, in which he addressed the ongoing ORCA investigation of MP Patrick Illidge allegedly accepting a bribe from adult entertainment club owner Jaap van den Heuvel; "They Don't Pass There" by Baker Jr. citing politicians' lack of involvement in certain areas in St. Maarten; "First Preference" by Protégé (Carlix); "I Working for the People" by Mighty Dando; and Mighty Kirk's "Change."

Other issues such as the importance of education among young people and empowerment also were heard Sunday night in Kaiso Brat's "You Have a Choice" and "My Own Song" by Roxxy.

The crowd responded well to Protégé's first-round song "First Preference," in which he sang that government and politicians should give all locals preference in all areas, and to King Beau Beau's impression of MP Patrick Illidge dressed in short khaki pants and a white shirt, imitating the way Illidge had been dressed in the video of him allegedly accepting a bribe that went viral in minutes.

Placing second runner-up with 807 points was Kaiso Brat with "You have a Choice" and "Doing as they Like." First runner-up honours went to Roxxy, the only woman competing, with 820 points for "My Own Song" and Destroying the Art Form."

St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation also paid homage to individuals who have contributed extensively to St. Maarten's Carnival, including past calypsonians and sponsors.

They games were organised by President of Saba United Sports Federation Jamila Berkel and physical education teacher Derek Spence.

The games started at 9:00am, when the pupils arrived on the sports field. They were welcomed by Acting Island Governor Franklin Wilson and Commissioner of Sports Bruce Zagers, who emphasised the importance of participation in physical activity and sports.

The elementary school children participated in traditional games such as jumping in the bag, ball and spoon, water-changing station and sled racing during an exciting, warm and sunny morning. Many parents volunteered their time to assist the teachers and guide the students.

After the games were finished, the children returned to school, where they were treated to a King's Breakfast. The healthy, traditional breakfast, shipped from The Netherlands and provided by Jumbo supermarket, was enjoyed by school children throughout the Kingdom.

CFT echoed DP's concerns about the negative impact the project could have on the country's finances under the current planned financing scheme.

The "them" to whom Marlin refers are his fellow coalition partners who have given Justice Minister Roland Duncan support "in principle" to go ahead with the project, by means of a motion tabled by independent MP Romain Laville in the recent budget debate.

Marlin and fellow DP MP Leroy de Weever had indicated during the debate that they would not support the motion from a fellow coalition MP, especially to a motion that was not going to be possible to execute under the present regime of the kingdom law on temporary financial supervision for Curaçao and St. Maarten.

The Justice Park in its present form is "long from being ready to be constructed without the government having dotted all its Is and crossed its Ts, which is, among other things, going to the capital market to seek financing for the park construction."

The kingdom law "was created to curb government spending and to ensure that government does not borrow more that it can afford to repay." The interest-bearing norm is the measuring stick for government to determine the amount it is allowed to borrow, together with the average income for the past three budget years, Marlin pointed out.

"If we are to run a country, we better be prepared to do this with the means that we have available and let's stick to the agreements made prior to 10-10-10," he said. The laws should "be strictly adhered to" if the desire is to lift the financial supervision after the current five-year evaluation period ends.

The Justice Park in the current plans will be under a "build, own, operate and transfer" (BOOT) agreement. This concept was widely applied before country status was attained, to finance projects for which St. Maarten could not borrow on the capital market.

"By entering into a BOOT agreement, we are clearly trying to bypass the interest-bearing norm. The question then becomes: is the borrower part of the collective centre of government," Marlin stated.

Once government does its "homework right" and goes to the capital market, the Dutch government, based on present agreements, has a standing order to write into all loans against the interest rate the country would receive for borrowing in The Netherlands. That interest rate runs around 2.5 per cent per annum.

"That interest rate is way below what we are offered by the US-based company to finance and construct the building. Just imagine what a difference it would make on repayment of a 60- to 65-million-dollar loan at 8.75 per cent versus obtaining the same loan at a lower interest rate over a 30-year repayment period," Marlin said.

The Kingdom Council of Ministers is taking very seriously the negative advice of the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT on the Justice Park. "The CFT has clearly stated that the financing proposal of the Justice Park is not allowed under the Kingdom Law on Supervision. The CFT deems it necessary to possibly give an instruction to stop this," Plasterk told the media.

The CFT finds the loan construction of the US $100 million Justice Park too expensive. The interest rate of the current financing scheme would surpass St. Maarten's interest charge norm for 2013, which would result in an unbalanced budget. The Financial Supervision Law requires St. Maarten to have a balanced budget.

"The Kingdom Government is very worried about the financial situation in St. Maarten," said Plasterk. He noted that there would be no instruction for now. St. Maarten has been given time to come up with an alternative financing scheme for the Justice Park that would put less financial strain on the budget.

St. Maarten's Minister Plenipotentiary Mathias Voges has been asked to relay the message to St. Maarten Prime Minister Wescot-Williams, Justice Minister Roland Duncan and other members of government. Plasterk said he also would use other means of communication and channels to get the message across, including letter and phone.

The Kingdom Council of Ministers reminded Voges of its earlier warning that it wants an independent investigation of the St. Maarten Government's general integrity. This investigation is a separate issue from the current Orca investigation carried out by the local Prosecutor's Office into alleged corruption in the Bada Bing strip club case, clarified Plasterk. He said that "naturally" The Hague would stay out of the Prosecutor's Office investigation.

St. Maarten has been urged to subject members of future cabinets to strict screening before they can be appointed in a new cabinet. St. Maarten's reply to that request was not satisfactory. "I am not under the impression that St. Maarten has this intention. This is a serious issue of concern for the Kingdom Government," said Plasterk.

The announcement by Wescot-Williams that she has requested an investigation by Transparency International (TI) into integrity appears insufficient for the Kingdom Council of Ministers.

"It is not conducive if the confidence of integrity is in doubt for too long. It is not good for the country, not good for the economy and not good for the finances. The Kingdom Government is getting impatient," said Plasterk, who could not say when exactly The Hague would run out of patience.

The Kingdom Council of Ministers was more positive about Curaçao, which has made progress in the financial area. However, the instruction that the country received from the Kingdom Government last July remains intact for now.

"We have discussed the CFT reports about Curaçao and St. Maarten and this was reasonably positive for Curaçao, aside from a few remarks," said Plasterk, who had a meeting with Curaçao's Finance Minister José Jardim earlier this week.

Discussions are ongoing about two issues: the stop on hiring government personnel and compensation of deficits from the previous years. But, added Plasterk, "It is clear that Curaçao has taken measures that weren't easy."

He did not want to give an indication as to when the instruction for Curaçao would be lifted. "Let's do this step by step."

The Curaçao Government is hopeful that The Hague still will agree to lift the ban on hiring new personnel and hopes for some flexibility from the CFT and the Kingdom Government, said Curaçao's Minister Plenipotentiary Roy Pieters.

Both were questioned as suspects by the National Detective Agency. Van den Heuvel was questioned in relation to the video in which he was seen handing over money to Illidge.

Van den Heuvel and Illidge were given the opportunity to give their sides of the story, but neither was arrested. Both statements, after comparison, give sufficient grounds for further investigation, the press release concluded.

Gibs and Brooks, crowd favourites throughout the night, wowed judges with their talents and the question-and-answer segments. Gibs danced a duet to "Circle of Life" featured in Disney's The Lion King. Brooks graced the stage in a larger-than-life-size peacock-inspired costume, swim wear and evening wear.

In the senior pageant, second runner-up went to Caroline Paredes, who also won Best Swim Wear and Best Evening Wear. First runner-up honours went to Dikenia Lake.

Motorworld General Manager Ronald Elferink presented Brooks with her new car after the pageant.

PHILIPSBURG--Justice Minister Roland Duncan, the management of the St. Maarten Police Force and the unions representing police will be meeting after the carnival break to iron out concerns of the force.

This was the outcome of a meeting held between the three police unions and the Council of Ministers on Thursday. The extraordinary meeting of the Council was called by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams. Representatives of the NAPB, ABVO

St. Maarten and Windward Islands Civil Servants/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) attended the meeting.

The Prime Minister said in a statement following the meeting that she considers it a "breakthrough" that a "firm agreement" is in place that following the carnival period the Justice Minister, police management and the unions will get together to iron out matters and set the dialogue structure going forward.

Duncan proposed that this tri-partite meeting takes place between May 6 and 8 to which the unions agreed. A letter from the Prime Minister will formalize the agreements reached in Thursday's meeting.

In a letter dated April 19, the police unions had requested a meeting with Wescot-Williams to discuss their concerns over the restructering of the force. The unions had wanted to meet with the Prime Minister on Wednesday, but Wescot-Williams said she wanted the matter raised in the Council.

The unions were concerned that two-and-a-half years after the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, the Police Force is still not structurally reorganised, meaning the Police Force does not have a legal established status in country St. Maarten. The unions had said in a recent letter issued to the media that documents received from the Ministry of Justice during the week of March 12, 2013, for perusal pertaining to the reorganisation of personnel were incomplete.

"It's not acceptable that there is no matrix plan (structural plan), job description, the very important placement plan, salary scales and the legal position document for the police civil servants," the three unions said in their letter. "As unions we are of the opinion that the chief commissioner of police Mr. Peter de Witte and the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan are not handling the business of the Police Force; their attitude and action with regard to the reorganisation are unorthodox, and are left for interpretation," it was stated in the letter.

Wescot-Williams had said in a statement on Thursday that the letter from the unions had been emailed to the wrong address. "However, when I did in fact receive the letter, I requested it to be placed on the next agenda of the Council of Ministers. This was also communicated to the unions concerned, who then requested the Prime Minister to convene such a meeting before the Carnival holidays. On Wednesday evening, after consultation with the Minister of Justice, the extra-ordinary meeting was convened for Thursday morning at ten. Although we had to postpone and rearrange various events and meetings in our schedules, we considered it important that the matter be discussed very urgently," Wescot-Williams said in the release.

"I am pleased to announce that the meeting did take place and after parties had the opportunity to state their positions and react to one another's, there is a clear way going forward, which entails the submission to the unions of the most recent documentation regarding the legal position of the police and the organization plan of the force. While there are also the matters of placement plan, plans of approach and function descriptions, the basic legal positions and organization are cardinal elements to have in place, so other matters can then be worked out as well," she said.

The nature policy plan, which by law the Minister of Economic Affairs has to draw up every five years, serves as the framework for solid management and sustainable use of nature in the Dutch public entities Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. This is the first nature policy plan since the islands became part of The Netherlands.

The idea is to make use of nature on the islands in a sustainable manner and to protect the local, often fragile and unique, ecologic systems. The plan serves as a basis for sound decision-making, the allocation of funds and financing, and includes clear strategic goals to indicate the areas of focus to adequately protect nature. The island governments can use the report as a framework to draft their own local nature plan.

According to the report, solid nature management demands active supervising of protected areas and species, focus on communication, education and consciousness, active research and monitoring, and interaction with stakeholders.

Sound nature management also requires an integral approach of severe anthropogenic threats for nature such as invasive species, climate change/global warming and the recovery or improvement of degraded ecosystems. The 55-page nature policy plan includes an extensive list of protected species that are indigenous to the islands.

The plan, which the Second Chamber had also asked for, was drafted in cooperation with nature organisations and park managers on the islands and the public entities. The private sector, including the tourism sector, was involved. Ecotourism is a major source of income for the Caribbean Netherlands with many of the tourists coming to the islands to dive.

In the plan nature is considered an integral part of society. "Nature in the Caribbean is an important economic engine. We have to make use of that and take good care of it at the same time." The point of departure of the concrete, strategic action points mentioned in the report is to make use of nature in a sustainable manner.

"In this way I want to contribute that people of the islands can keep benefiting from nature as a source of prosperity," State Secretary Dijksma stated in her accompanying letter to the Second Chamber.

Dijksma also confirmed an earlier commitment to make 7.5 million euros available to restore nature in the Caribbean Netherlands in the short term. She pointed out that there was a backlog in the preservation of nature. The policy plan indicates how these additional funds will be spent.

The Minister of Economic Affairs will make 1.1 million euros available per year to fulfil its task of preserving nature in the Caribbean Netherlands. This includes half a million euros for research, monitoring and reporting, and for tasks of the Dutch Government in the area of agriculture and fisheries.

The public entities also receive an annual contribution from the so-called BES Fund to execute their tasks, which include nature management. The annual cost of nature management is at least 0.8 million euros. The public entities make their own choices in the spending of their contribution from the BES Fund.

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) receives 1 million euros per year from the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK, of which 750,000 euros is used to build up the Caribbean Netherlands nature management fund. The remaining 250,000 euros is for direct support of the preservation of nature.

A criminal investigation unit and Forensics personnel sealed off the crime scene as investigators talked to the occupants of the house at no. 115 where the car was parked. The car, which appeared to be a Hyundai Getz, sustained at least half a dozen bullet holes and the car windows were smashed. The difference in the size of the bullet holes indicated two types of guns may have been used.

Commandant Paul Betaille who was on the scene said he believed the latest shooting incident was linked to the previous shootings and possibly due to a dispute between individuals or a gang but declined to talk further.

The Gendarmerie has so far remained silent on the shootings that began Monday night. Unconfirmed reports indicated a woman was shot Monday night in French Quarter and transferred to Martinique or Guadeloupe for specialist treatment. On Tuesday morning a man was shot in the leg and his car was set on fire, believed to be in retaliation for the Monday night shooting.

The Prosecutor's Office is holding the defendant punishable for her acts during the night of May 25, 2009 and the early hours of May 26, 2009.

Prosecutor Tineke Kamps asked the Court to impose a prison sentence equal to the defendant's pre-trial detention of 184 days, with three years suspended, on two years' probation.

The trial took a long time in the making. The Prosecutor said the hearing of the case was postponed in 2009 and 2010 for the drafting of psychological reports, after which the case had been shelved for some time. Kamps explained that the Prosecutor's Office had given priority to murder investigations at the time, among which the Vesuvius-case.

The infant boy died under mysterious circumstances during a troublesome night. The child's parents had a difficult relationship with indications of neglect and abuse.

The deceased child's father was seeing another woman. This woman was expecting his child, and the suspect's partner had the intention to leave her. This had made her upset, sad and very confused.

According to the statement she had provided to the police after the incident, the woman had placed the child in a sports bag with a black plastic bag over his face on two occasions that same night.

She had told the police she had wanted to kill herself by drinking Clorox and had decided her child should go with her.

However, brought before Judge Tamara Tijhuis on Wednesday, the defendant denied she had ever made such statements. Dressed in a dark blue-jeans dress, wearing high heels and loop earrings and her hair tied back in a bun, K.T.R. denied all allegations flatly.

"I never did anything to my child," the defendant said, claiming her child had been sleeping on the bed all night long.

The police officers involved in questioning where heard by an Investigation Judge, and said the woman had been very emotional and was crying. She had to be comforted and had responded affirmative to the question whether she had put the child in the bag.

The officers denied that they had put words in the defendant's mouth or had put her under pressure.

The child's father confirmed he had found the child in the sports bag around 10:00pm that night. "It was crying," he added.

The child died around 8:30am while it was taken to the hospital. It had a nosebleed and what the mother described as a "blue hand."

The report drafted by a pathologist indicated that there were no indications the child had died of suffocation. Dutch Forensic Institute NFI established that the child had a congenital heart defect with a high probability of "spontaneous death."

The defendant is suffering of the same hereditary disease, her lawyer said. "My client has to undergo open-heart surgery in The Netherlands, but the procedure has been postponed until after the trial," attorney Eldon Sulvaran said. He delicately pointed out that his client could drop dead on the spot.

After psychological treatment, the suspect is currently doing well. She is working as a cashier at the harbour, and is taking care of her other 8-year-old son.

Prosecutor Kamps said this was a "difficult and emotional" case in which it was difficult to establish what exactly had transpired and what the judicial consequences should be.

According to the Prosecutor, the defendant had spoken the truth in her very detailed statement to the police, which was confirmed by the child's father. "There are no indications that somebody else was involved," said Kamps.

The Prosecutor asked for an acquittal of murder, because there were no direct links between the suspect's acts and her child's death. "The next morning the child was ok. On two occasions it was taken out of the bag on time. The cause of death has also not become known after autopsy," Kamps said.

However, the Prosecutor considered attempted murder proven, because the mother had the intention to kill her child on two occasions.

"She acted in despair in this sad family drama, but deserves to be punished," the Prosecutor said, who summed up several mitigating circumstances. Due to the fact that the case had been shelved for too long, the Prosecutor granted a one-year reduction on the sentence.

Attorney Sulvaran pleaded not guilty on the (attempted) murder charges for lack of a connection between his client's acts and her child's death.

In pleading, the lawyer also pointed at the undue delay in his client's case. Her pre-trial detention was lifted six months after her arrest. "This case should have been dealt with within two years, but has been put in a closet for 27 months," said Sulvaran.

The lawyer said the Prosecutor's case against his client should be declared inadmissible, not only for undue delay, but also because of "irreparable irregularities" concerning the official police reports on his client's statements. The Judge will give her decision on May 15.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Wednesday that Duncan had indicated he was working on a "Plan B" and a "Plan C" to tackle the shortage of cells to hold juveniles ad interim. However, she could not give further details, as Duncan still has to present these to the Council of Ministers.

Two youngsters accused of killing one of their peers were set free by the Judge of Instruction recently because of the lack of proper cells. Housing juveniles separately from the general prison population is one of the requirements of the country's Justice laws. This is one of Duncan's reasons for the need for the planned Justice Park.

The Committee for Financial Supervision CFT has labelled the Justice Park loan structure as five times more expensive than it should be and a burden to the country's budget.

"With this loan the interest burden norm would be exceeded and the budget would no longer meet the standards of the Kingdom law on financial supervision," the letter to Duncan and Finance Minister Roland Tuitt stated.

The government plans to lease the building and land in Cay Hill where the park is to be located for 32 years and at the end of the lease government will take over ownership for a symbolic dollar.

The letter also points out that government can obtain a more favourable interest rate from The Netherlands.

Considering all the consequences of the loan structure as is, CFT has advised government against signing any letter of intent to move forward on the building.

Juxtaposed to this position of CFT is a motion passed by Parliament last week giving support to the Justice Park and approval "in principle" to the letter of intent of April 1, as submitted by Duncan.

~ Show drew almost 2,000 people ~

PHILIPSBURG--A crowd favourite from start to finish, Paula Gordon was crowned Ms. Mature Carnival Queen on Monday, April 22 and as a result won herself a brand new car courtesy of Motorworld.

Performing to a crowd of approximately 2,000 people Gordon outdistanced a full field of 10 other contestants for the coveted crowd, winning by a comfortable point margin over the next closest competitor.

Bouyed by a skit to match the night's theme of breast cancer awareness, a stunning green and blue feathered Carnival costume and a rhinestone adorned orange evening gown, Gordon scored high in all of her segments from start to finish, winning the all-important Best Carnival costume prize.

Third runner-up honours went to Hillianthe Boasman-Simon, Second Runner-Up to Shadira David and First Runner-Up to Lavinia Marsham. Gordon also won the titles of Photogenic and Popularity, Boasman-Simon won Best Evening Gown and Best Introduction and Marsham won the title of Best Talent. The talent and costume segments carry the most points in the Mature pageant.

Ronald Elferink, General Manager at Motorworld was on hand to present Gordon with the keys to her brand new car and opened the driver's side door to allow Gordon to sit in her vehicle for the first time in Carnival Village. He congratulated her on behalf of Motorworld. The TelEm Group of Companies was also a sponsor of the event.

In her many interviews following her crowning Gordon stressed that she wants to be an active queen, a positive personality in her one-year reign. She said together with the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) she is looking forward to going into the schools to talk to children as well as contribute in other ways in the community.

SCDF President Mike Granger congratulated all of the women and expressed the foundation's many thanks for the dedication and sacrifice they put into the Ms. Mature Carnival Queen Pageant.

Granger's message to all of the contestants was: "We know that pageantry on SXM is not easy and preparations are far from inexpensive. This is why personally I'm in awe of you for your perseverance and commitment to the show and for giving the public a night to remember. We will always be grateful, we hope you had a fun and memorable experience and wish you the best of luck and God's greatest blessings in all future endeavours. We were blessed with 11 queens," he said.

  Plasterk referred to Duncan’s remarks during last week’s handling of St. Maarten’s 2013 draft budget as “unwise” and said that The Netherlands would “ignore” them and continue the Coast Guard operations. “I take the Minister’s statements with a big scoop of salt.”

  The Minister was called to Parliament to answer questions by Member of the Second Chamber André Bosman of the liberal democratic VVD party during Tuesday’s weekly verbal question-hour.

  Bosman wanted clarity following media reports in which Duncan accused the Coast Guard of being co-responsible for the death of nine people who drowned during a human smuggling transport to the British Virgin Islands in December 2010. Duncan repeated a statement he made earlier that St. Maarten can do without the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.

  Bosman said Duncan “wilfully” gave the Coast Guard a bad name by accusing them of neglecting their responsibility to save and arrest the 33 people that were on the fishing boat. “This Minister does everything to damage the Coast Guard’s reputation and to make its functioning impossible,” he said.

  According to the Member of Parliament (MP) the investigation into the incident didn’t substantiate Duncan’s accusations of neglect. Minister Plasterk confirmed this. He explained that the fishing vessel was handed over to the United States and British Coast Guards and that in an effort to escape the boat crashed into the rocks near Tortola. “Suggestions that the Coast Guard was wrong are absolutely incorrect,” said Plasterk.

  Bosman said that St. Maarten clearly needed a Coast Guard because reports had shown that the island has a bad name where it comes to crime, drug smuggling and human trafficking. He questioned how “credible” the Justice Minister was when “everyone knows” that human rights were violated in St. Maarten.

  Expressing support for the work of the Coast Guard personnel, Bosman said that they “felt as if they were attacked from the back by a Minister who to put it mildly doesn’t have impeccable behaviour.” Plasterk expressed similar appreciation for the work that the Coast Guard does.

  Bosman asked Minister Plasterk to inform his colleagues in the Kingdom that the work of the Coast Guard would continue as it plays a vital role in the combating of drug trafficking and human smuggling. Plasterk agreed with the MP that the Coast Guard would carry on with its work.

  “That is not up to St. Maarten’s Justice Minister to decide. The Coast Guard will continue its operations whatever happens between the ears of the Minister of Justice. The Coast Guard is not only important for St. Maarten, it is about protection of the entire region including St. Eustatius and Saba. It is a crucial function. People can say unwise things in rhetoric. We neglect that, we keep on going,” said Plasterk.

  The Minister pointed out that The Netherlands paid the biggest chunk of the Coast Guard operations: 35 million euros. St. Maarten contributes 680,000 euros. Though a few months late, St. Maarten did pay its contribution for 2012.

“I assume that St. Maarten will continue to make its contribution.”    

  As for the specific functioning of Duncan, Plasterk said he had “all kinds of opinions,” but that he would keep his opinion to himself. He did say that the Kingdom Council of Ministers was seriously worried about the integrity of St. Maarten’s Government.

  The Kingdom Government has urged St. Maarten to see to a speedy investigation of the allegations in the Bada Bing corruption case and to submit members of future Councils of Ministers to a stricter screening.

St. Maarten man of a fatal rip deal on his native island, but sentenced him to twelve years in prison for shooting a man dead at a Rotterdam tram stop.

According to the Court, there was insufficient proof to be sure that the St. Maartener had been physically present at the rip deal in St. Maarten on January 30, 2001, that resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man.

The Prosecution charged "manslaughter in association" and asked nine years for the suspect's involvement in this shooting. The St. Maarten suspect hadn't actually shot the victim, but did threaten the victim with a firearm during the rip deal involving drugs. This reportedly caused an escalation of the situation.

During the investigation of the April 2011 killing in Rotterdam, it became clear that the suspect was also wanted in St. Maarten in connection with a fatal shooting there.

St. Maarten justice authorities asked the Public Prosecutor's office in Rotterdam to prosecute the suspect for this crime. The other suspect in this case was already sentenced to 13 years in jail for this shooting.

While the Rotterdam Court acquitted the St. Maartener for his involvement in the fatal rip deal, it did consider it proven that the suspect intentionally killed a 31-year-old man from Curaçao who was standing at a tram stop in Rotterdam in broad daylight on April 9, 2011. Many bystanders saw the suspect fire two shots as he passed by in a car.

The Prosecution called the shooting right in front of the police station on the Dorpsweg a "premeditated, cold-blooded revenge" and demanded a prison term of 16 years. The Prosecution had asked the Court to give the suspect 25 years for the two killings.

PHILIPSBURG--The three unions representing the St. Maarten Police Force held a general membership meeting with officers on Tuesday to discuss the reorganisation of the Police Force and to update members on a meeting held with Justice Minister Roland Duncan on March 6.

NAPB Vice President Ephelwoldus Josepha told The Daily Herald last night that officers and the unions are frustrated of matters that were supposed to have been in place for officers since 10/10/'10 are still not yet sorted out.

In a letter signed by representatives of the NAPB, ABVO and the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU), the unions said that two and a half years after the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, the Police Force is still not structurally reorganised, meaning the Police Force does not have a legal established status in country St. Maarten.

The unions said documents received from the Ministry of Justice during the week of March 12, 2013 for perusal pertaining to the reorganisation of personnel were incomplete. "It's not acceptable that there is no matrix plan (structural plan), job description, the very important placement plan, salary scales and the legal position document for the police civil servants,' the three unions said in their letter.

"As unions we are of the opinion that the chief commissioner of police Mr. Peter de Witte and the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan are not handling the business of the police department. Their attitude and action with regards to the reorganisation are unorthodox, and are left for interpretation," it was stated in the letter.

The unions said too that their request for an audience with Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel regarding the issues of the Police Force for today, April 24 has not been responded to.

Josepha said the union is hoping to receive a response to its request for a meeting. If none is received, the union will meet again with its membership to determine the way forward. Josepha told this newspaper that there were no plans on the table to strike at the moment. "Up to now there is no decision as yet, we are just waiting to see what reaction we get," he said.

An estimated 30 officers from all divisions attended the meeting.

~ Business owner arrested ~

CAY HILL--About 46 and counting stripped cars, large plastic containers filled with oil that had been buried underground and pools of oil were found dumped in an area of private property in Cay Hill next to Party for Less, on Monday afternoon, April 22.

The business owner was arrested on the scene for having a Samurai sword in his possession. Charges for environmental violations may be added later, this newspaper understands.

Community Police Officers (CPOs) arrived on the scene to find what looked like a makeshift garage of stripped cars and miscellaneous debris dumped on private property owned by different persons. Most of the cars had the logo "Fou Transportation Cooperation" on them.

It is an environmental issue and a fire hazard, and it has been going on for a long time, Inspector Ricardo Henson told The Daily Herald at the scene. "It's not just this area that is affected. All the nearby homes are also affected." He added that although this had been happening for some time, authorities now were dealing actively with the issue. "By tomorrow evening, all of this will be cleared up," Henson said.

All cars and oil containers will be confiscated, taken to the dump and eventually destroyed. Fire Department officials were also on the scene.

Police also went to an area in Sucker Garden where cooking oil was being poorly stored. The large number of containers filled with cooking oil discovered on the property lay right next to a large heap of old tyres, a dangerous combination in case of a fire. The area was considered such a hazard that police cordoned it off as a crime scene.

The man responsible for this illegal dumping was not cooperating with police at the time.

Police also discovered cement that had been dumped into a run-off canal next to the property. As a result the water is blocked from reaching Great Salt Pond. Police are handling this as a separate case, as it involves a cement company adjacent to the cooking oil facility.

Arguably the biggest and most popular cultural event in the Collectivité's calendar, Fish Day draws scores of tourists and residents from both sides of the island to the tranquil harbour of Cul-de-Sac for the day-long activities from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

It promotes the best of St. Martin's local culinary traditions with emphasis on seafood hence the theme "from the sea to the pot", honours the island's traditional fishermen including those who have passed away or retired, promotes tourism, gives a boost to the local economy, and showcases traditional entertainment, dance, and arts and crafts.

Vice-President Wendell Cocks noted Fish Day has a new logo and promotional tools have been used to market the event to a wider international audience. T-shirts and accessories will be sold for example.

"The objective in the future is to have Fish Day extend to two days for the benefit of tourists and hotels, and carnival visitors," Cocks said.

Added Territorial Councillor Rollande Questel: "We already have new ideas for 2014 but we welcome any ideas from the public to make Fish Day bigger and better." She reminded that Fish Day now has a Facebook page.

Some 80 food tents and stands will be available in a village set-up that includes a main stage for entertainment and for the first time a dance floor for visitors. A playground for children will also be available.

Shuttle buses will be on hand for people who do not want to drive into the Fish Day village limited parking area. Buses will be located at the roundabout turning for Cul-de-Sac.

"People can park their cars in the Hope Estate parking lot and take the buses, and some landowners have made parking available, near the tennis courts, for which you will need to pay a small charge," said Thierry Gombs from the Human Development Department. "For people driving into the Fish Day village it will be one way in and one way out via the Collège Soualiga."

Head of the Collectivité's Arts and Culture Service Minerva Dormoy urged the entire population to come out and enjoy the family day out. The blowing of a conch shell will mark ceremony to honour the fishermen's contribution to the community and tokens of appreciation will be awarded. Elected officials will officially open the event at midday.

Live entertainment includes performances by Youth Waves, Control, Gunslingers, Percy Rankin, Junior Lion, Next Level, Red Eye Crew, dance groups, and traditional string band music. Bodybuilders have also been invited to participate in a posing segment.

Sponsors of the event include Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco, Coors Light, Hennessey, Jet Blue, St. Martin Tourism Office, UTS Chippie, and NAGICO.

The presidency of the Council of State will automatically pass from Queen Beatrix to the new king under Article 74 of the Dutch Constitution. At age 18, Willem-Alexander was automatically granted a seat in the Advisory Division of the Council of State. Princess Máxima was granted a seat in the Advisory Division of the Council of State on October 1, 2004. Princess Catharina-Amalia, the eldest daughter of Willem-Alexander and Máxima, will be granted her seat when she reaches age 18.

When a new monarch ascends to the throne, it is customary for certain Officers of the Royal Household to resign from their posts to enable him to exercise his constitutional right to organise his household, taking due account of the public interest, St. Maarten Organising Committee for the Inauguration (OCI) pointed out in an informational press release.

These include Grand Master of the Royal Household, Chief of the Military Household, Principal Secretary to the Queen, Treasurer, Master of Ceremonies, Marshal of the Court, Comptroller of the Royal Palaces, Crown Equerry, Director of the Royal Archives and Director of Human Resources.

For more information about the Royal Family, one may download the inauguration booklet at

www.sintmaartengov.org/government/specialcampaigns/pages/default.aspx .

Making its way down Bush Road and then onto the people-filled streets of Philipsburg, this year's Junior Parade showcased St. Maarten's most enthusiastic youngsters dancing to the season's rhythms, including not only local hits, but contemporary songs like "Gangnam Style," "Harlem Shake," and "We Found Love," fused with the Caribbean tempo, despite scorching temperatures.

"We are very pleased with the time and effort the troupe leaders and parents put into preparing for the Junior Carnival Parade 2013. We are thankful for the youngsters who took part and hope that the public enjoyed the spectacle of colours and focus on our national flowers and trees and very important marine sector. Congratulations to all the winners and all stakeholders and sponsors that took part," St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) said of Sunday's parade.

Winning Best Troupe was Survivors with Baby Rebels first runner-up and Under the Flamboyant Tree second runner-up. Best individual costume was given to "Flamboyant Tree" of the group by the same name, with "Hibiscus Beautiful Flower" of Baby Rebels first runner-up and "Coralita Wild Vines," also of Baby Rebels, second runner-up. The winning float also went to troupe Baby Rebels, with Flamboyant Tree first runner-up.

The existing Lawyers' Ordinance (Advocatenlandsverordering) dates back from 1959, and is in need of revision. Therefore, the Bar Associations of St. Maarten, Aruba and Curaçao cooperated in putting together a new draft-ordinance, with the assistance of member of the Joint Court of Justice and Constitutional Court of

St. Maarten Judge Jan de Boer. Lawyers and Joint Court judges were also consulted, said Stomp in a statement.

The main changes to the ordinance include the obligation for all lawyers to join the Bar Association. This is currently not the case. Not all lawyers in St. Maarten are currently members of the Bar Association.

In the new ordinance, it is also stipulated that the Bar Association will become an independent body of governance, as stipulated in Article 98 of the St. Maarten Constitution.

This would enable the Bar Association to issue ordinances concerning the legal practice, which are binding to all lawyers in St. Maarten, as well as to visiting lawyers from Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The ordinances are to be submitted for review to the Minister of Justice.

The Bar Association is also to establish a mandatory professional training for new lawyers (on the job training), which is to be closed off with an exam. Professional training is already provided at this moment, but is not yet mandatory.

The regulations concerning disciplinary proceedings against lawyers remain largely unchanged, except for the fact that all complaints against lawyers will have to be submitted to the dean. The dean, or his deputy, will investigate the complaint and start mediation.

In case mediation proves to be unsuccessful, the complaint can be submitted, as is currently also the case, with the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board's decision can be appealed at the Council of Appeal. Both the Supervisory Board and the Council of Appeal have a judge in their midst.

After the Minister of Justice and the Council of Ministers have agreed with these proposals, these will be submitted to the Council of Advice. Subsequently, the draft-ordinance will be submitted to Parliament.

"It is the intention for the new ordinance to enter into force on January 1, 2014," Stomp stated.

In a press release over the weekend, Pantophlet said he has learnt that The Netherlands have a deficit of some 16.7 billion euros or some 2.7 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP); while the European Union members have agreed to three per cent. He said it is believed, however, that the deficit will be more like 4.5 per cent and if no new policies are implemented this deficit can grow more in 2014 and 2015 for that matter.

The Dutch Financial sector has worsened since 2007, Pantophlet said in alluding to an un-sourced quote. "But fortunately for them they are allowed to have a deficit while

St. Maarten is not allowed to have a deficit. And this is per capita the fifth richest country in Europe."

With regard to Sint Maarten's budget Pantophlet knows the island signed an agreement to have the Kingdom Law for Financial Supervision established. "And article 100.2 of our constitution states: 'The annual Budget and the long-term budget shall be balanced'," Pantophlet said.

And he goes on to explain when departure from such might be necessary. "On the matter of the Dutch deficit I will not be able to say whether they are including investments overseas and assets they have in many countries around the world. [I] would not be surprised if some of the monies not circulating are somewhere in a safe haven where many other vibrant millionaires hide their money from which no taxes have been paid. But what's new."

According to the MP reports indicate that 30 to 40 per cent of the world's money is in these accounts. Maybe if some of the millionaires in The Netherlands would bring these monies back and pay their fair share of taxes it would turn the deficit into a surplus, he argued.

"Let us look at the issue of many homeowners in The Netherlands and the value of their homes. According to The Central Bureau for Statistics of The Netherlands in 2011 a quarter of the homes were worth less than their mortgage, approximately one million homes. The report continues to mention that since 2008 a share of these households with a lower value than their mortgage have doubled from 13 to 25 per cent. It is an average of 13 thousand euros per household. This amount differs tremendously per age category."

He said almost 60 per cent of these persons are younger than 40. And the homeowners of whom the breadwinner is between the ages of 25 to 30, it stands at three quarter or 75 per cent of the ones whose mortgages are worth more than their homes. Those who entered during the peak of the market, not only are most of their homes undervalued but on average they suffer the most, almost 30 thousand euros.

Pantophlet said he understands why some Dutch politicians are taking the focus from what is happening in The Netherlands and placing it on St. Maarten. "In other words take the heat off them. They as their people are saying have mismanaged their funds."

He said pensioners have lost part of their pension because of bad investments. With the ongoing negative developments the Dutch are looking at a 10 per cent decrease in purchasing power. "That should make a good front page story on St. Maarten," he said.

He ended his release with a quote from Nelson Mandela, "Although I read a variety of newspapers from around the country, newspapers are only a poor shadow of reality; their information is important to a freedom fighter not because it reveals the truth, but because it discloses the biases and perceptions of both those who produce the paper and those who read it."

MARIGOT--Aside from an introduction in one of the French-side newspapers a few weeks ago HAAPPYCITY, the new commercial centre planned for La Savane, crept into the news quite unexpectedly, although work on its development has been progressing behind the scenes since 2010. The first phase of this private project is now set to open at the end of 2014.

St. Martin hasn't had a good record of investment projects getting off the ground (think La Belle Creole) and people could be forgiven for feeling jaded when talk of a new project comes around. But HAAPPYCITY is different. It seems there is change in the air when it comes to investment in St. Martin, confirmed also by news of the French-side Chamber of Commerce's negotiations for a 180-room hotel in Galisbay.

Encouragingly, HAAPPYCITY has the full backing of the Collectivité and the Préfecture for its feasible and not overly ambitious concept. HAAPPYCITY is a registered trademark and, according to developers, HAAPPYS are a family of mascots which in the future will be used for themes and promotions.

Crucially for St. Martin's struggling economy, the project is set to provide 300 jobs in the construction phase and 400 for the centre itself. Studies have shown it is a project that can fly. Essentially, HAAPPYCITY offers consumers more of what they need – quality, middle- to upper-range products at low prices – and less of what they don't need.

In a nutshell, it's a one-stop commercial centre combining shops, restaurants, children's playground, two multi-lingual drive-in cinemas – a first for the island – and the lynchpin of the whole complex: a 93,500-square-foot Hyper U supermarket that includes 38,500sqft of storage. There will be parking for 500 cars and a small train to transport shoppers to the entrance.

Construction is due to start at the end of October 2013 on a 400,000sqft swathe of land purchased from the De Polo family. The man behind the project is developer Jean-Marie Meyer, a well-known successful businessman who owns many shops on the island and in France. He noted that all the necessary permits had been obtained.

Meyer, who stressed he did not want to make the same mistakes of other shopping malls on the Dutch side, is taking the concept of Hope Estate industrial zone in Grand Case a step further. Hope Estate saw an exodus of businesses migrating away from the capital and is a success in terms of available space and convenience of parking. But it has little organisation, with businesses situated randomly here and there, and finding a particular business is not always easy.

"I didn't want to do the same concept as Hope Estate, but to do something complementary to that area which is more industrial and artisanal," says Jean-Marie. "They are two different concepts, but complementary to each other. I think the combination of the two activities will make it a strong area for business."

HAAPPYCITY has a layout plan that is logical and once customers are drawn in, the developers are confident they have a captive market. To enhance the attractiveness of the centre, three themes have been incorporated into the infrastructure for their timeless qualities: the '50s, Times Square and Paris with a replica of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

The first phase to open will be the shops, central bar, Hyper U Market, eight fast food restaurants, cinemas and children's play area (HAAPPYLAND). The second phase on the first floor will add more stores and two more up-scale restaurants. The aim is to have good restaurants, but not necessarily top-end gourmet restaurants that are already found in Grand Case.

The Hyper U supermarket originates from the Super U group that has 1,400 supermarkets in France and the French Antilles. St. Barths even has a small Hyper U.

The supermarket's reputation is based on an unprecedented choice of products – more than 9,000 French and American items, including organic products – and unique logistics for delivery, distribution and storage systems that ensure consistent inventory year round. Very low prices are sure to undercut all other supermarkets on the island. Contracts with the supermarket chain were signed in 2011.

The complex has 42 ground-floor shops, most of which have contracts already signed for. Sixteen are still available, according to Meyer. Shoppers can browse following an oval circuit, much like in a stadium, without having to turn right or left. Much thought has gone into choosing of the American and European brand names, which will be either completely different or complementary to what is already available. All the stores will be in the first location.

"We looked at what was missing on the island, but we didn't want to reproduce Philipsburg or Front Street, which is more for the cruise ship market, and neither to have a proliferation of high-end boutiques," explains Jean-Marie. "The goal is to provide the middle-range goods that normally you have to go to Puerto Rico, the USA or Europe to find. We don't want Hermès or Cartier, but at the same time we don't want Back Street either."

Meyer's principal partner and investor in the project is the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations group, which has a 45 per cent share.

"It has taken months for them to accept this project based on the surveys, but to have Caisse des Dépôts with us with their irreproachable reputation is just magical, especially when negotiating with the banks," Jean-Marie added. "Securing financing for the Hyper U took a year of negotiations until Caisse des Dépôts came in, and another six months for Caisse to investigate the entire background of this project."

The financing banks are the largest regional bank in the Banque Populaire Group BRED, Credit Mutuel, Banque des Antilles Françaises (BDAF) and Banque National de Paris (BNP). The budgeted cost of the first phase is US $30 million, with a further $8 million for the second phase.

If the project sounds as though it will sound the death knell for Marigot, Meyer tends to agree, but adds that the attractiveness of a waterfront town still weighs in its favour.

"Marigot was already dying long before we came along," he states matter-of-factly.

With the promise of creating 700 jobs, can HAAPPYCITY finally bring joy to the French-side economy? Meyer certainly believes it will. Time will tell.

This teleconference call will help to define a procedure for handling the case as the law on the Constitutional Court does not outline procedures to be followed for cases filed with the court.

The Ombudsman had petitioned the Constitutional Court in January for annulment of two articles in the published Penal Code related to allowing organised animal fights (e.g. cockfighting) and had asked for a review of the article imposing higher penalties for crimes committed against tourists.

Implementing the revised Penal Code is not really hampered by the procedure involving the Constitutional Court, because the required executing ordinance for the law to take effect has not reached Parliament yet, according to the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman has also requested a constitutional review of "some legal technical issues" pertaining to procedures followed/not followed by government. These are not used as grounds for annulment. The review is related to procedures for ratification date and notification to the Ombudsman, and amendments to a text approved by Parliament, e.g. a change to the numbering of the articles of law.

The numbering of the articles of the Penal Code as approved by Parliament differs from the version published by government.

The Ombudsman's role is to review a law for adherence to the Constitution, not ordinary moral issues, which are not protected by the Constitution, Arduin stated January. "Animal cruelty is morally wrong, but also contravenes the charge to Government by the Constitution to take care of the wellbeing of animals."

The minister provided this information in response to questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) during the debate on the 2013 budget.

The minister told MPs that two projects are currently in the pipeline. "However, it must be noted that given the current infrastructure these investors will not invest in five-star properties. Instead the discussion has been to develop four-star properties with the flair of five-star properties," he said.

The minister is looking to attract both four- and five-star properties and preferably brand name hotels to the island to attract a higher quality of visitor. He indicated that his goal of attracting upscale resorts was to be able to tap into the island's position as a hub and capture a percentage of the transient passengers leaving the island for more high-end products in neighbouring islands.

The minister had said during an earlier Council of Ministers press briefing that a four-star hotel property with attractions would be constructed at the St. Maarten Quarters Project (former Economic Development Corporation (EDC) land). He had said at the time that it had been negotiated with the investors and property owners that a four-star hotel would be constructed on this property "along with several attractions."

PHILIPSBURG--A man identified as K.R. was stabbed with a knife on the left side of his stomach on Bush Road, while the Opening Jump-Up for this year's Carnival season was making its way to Carnival Village on Thursday night, April 18, a press release from police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said.

The stabbing involved three young men. A police officer saw the disturbance taking place and immediately went into action to bring it to an end. The officers noticed that one of the young men had quite an amount of blood on his shirt and when they checked him they realised he had been stabbed. K.R. named A.C.J. (18) as the person who had stabbed him and A.C.J. was arrested on the spot.

A pair of scissors was found in one of A.C.J.'s pockets and a kitchen knife that had been used to commit this act was found on the ground next to him. A second suspect R.A.H.P. (17) also was arrested in this case and a container of "pepper spray" was found in his possession.

All weapons were confiscated. K.R. was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment. His situation was quite serious and he was operated on immediately and then admitted to hospital for observation.

Both suspects were taken to the Philipsburg police station where they remain in custody for further investigation by the Detective Department.

That's what committee chairman Faroe Metry said in response to the statement by Finance Minister Roland Tuitt in Parliament that "Curaçao is plundering" the liquidity remaining from the – no longer existent – Antillean constellation.

Metry said he had no idea what Tuitt was talking about, but St. Maarten has a member [Jean James-Ed.] on the committee. "I don't know if there is any plundering, but the settlement committee is doing its work according to what is determined by law."

According to him, government accountants SOAB and KPMG are still working on the final balance. As an advance, the committee has been paying creditors who reported after the new constitutional ties within the Dutch Kingdom took effect on 10-10-10.

"The law says that the governments of the two new countries must do this, but St. Maarten was not paying its debts. To prevent the creditors from having to remain with outstanding bills too long, the committee decided to pay as an advance on what St. Maarten is to get," said Metry.

In the meantime this has stopped to prevent more being paid out than St. Maarten actually gets in the end.

Metry said there were more issues on which the Government of St. Maarten was not taking action. Land of the Netherlands Antilles was transferred to the new entities, but St. Maarten did not register its land at the mortgage office.

Also regarding former Central Government-owned companies, the two countries must indicate their preference. "Take UTS: does St. Maarten want to sell or keep its shares? We are hearing nothing about this."

Metry laments Tuitt's statements. "He should have known better as a former member of the Antillean Parliament and accountant. St. Maarten has a representative on the committee; if they want information that's where they need to go."

A short time later, police received reports of a carjacking by two men who kept their victim inside the car for about half an hour, the statement said.

Police pursued that car to Watertown, where explosives were thrown from the car at police and gunfire was exchanged, the statement said.

"During the exchange of the gunfire, we believe that one of the suspects was struck and ultimately taken into custody. A second suspect was able to flee from that car and there is an active search going on at this point in time," Colonel Timothy Alben, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, told a news conference.

Police killed one suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing during a shootout and were engaged in a house-to-house search for the other on Friday in the Boston suburb of Watertown.

"What we are looking for right now is a suspect consistent with suspect No. 2, the white-capped individual who was involved in Monday's bombing of the Boston Marathon," Alben said.

The Federal Aviation Administration closed airspace over a 7-mile-wide (11 km) stretch of the northwest Boston area on Friday to provide a "safe environment for law-enforcement activities" as police searched for a second Boston Marathon bomb suspect.

The restriction, which echoes similar measures imposed after Monday's bombing, applies to all aircraft flying below 3,000 feet (914 metres), according to an FAA bulletin.

There were no immediate reports of restrictions at Boston's Logan airport.

Mass. Gov. Patrick: We're asking people to shelter in place w/ their doors locked; don't open door for anyone but law enforcement.

Following a massive jump-up that began in St. Johns Estate and made its way to Carnival Village, Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs and St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) members officially declared this Carnival season open.

Lit-up booths with local food and drinks and a plethora of revellers were the scene at last night's festivities. SCDF President Michael Granger encouraged the St. Maarten community to "come and experience life" and support St. Maarten culture.

The opening included a fireworks show and performances by House Appliance Band.

These are some of the concrete proposals representatives of St. Eustatius and Saba have put forward in talks with the Dutch Ministry of Public Health, Wellbeing and Sports VWS. The meeting, which is taking place in St. Maarten, started on Thursday and will continue today, Friday, with the various health care institutions.

The Executive Councils of St. Eustatius and Saba have outlined their wishes and suggestions, which should lead to substantial savings in health care cost, in a lengthy joint letter that was sent to Dutch Minister of VWS Edith Schippers on Thursday. At least US $1 million per year could be saved by organising health care and referrals more cost-effectively.

Schippers wants to reorganise the health insurance package and exclude a number of treatments such as dental hygiene and physical therapy per July 1, 2013, in an effort to reduce the increased health care cost in the Caribbean Netherlands.

It was agreed during the last Caribbean Netherlands week in The Hague that the Minister would reconsider her original plans if an alternative plan could be realised. This plan had to reduce health care cost by $2 million without actually harming the quality and extent of health care on the islands. The governments of St. Eustatius and Saba went to work right away and started talks with health care providers.

One of the most direct suggestions in the letter of the two island governments that The Daily Herald has obtained is to terminate the contract to refer patients to Guadeloupe in 2013 or at least to stop reserving structural cost for apartments and personnel.

According to St. Eustatius and Saba, the cooperation with Guadeloupe to treat patients from the islands has not led to the "desired results and is now a structural burden," considering the limited use and the relatively high patient cost.

Patients are positive about the quality of care offered in Colombia, but the long and unnecessary waiting times at the hospitals there lead to needless travel and lodging cost. Colombia doctors also tend to perform additional tests that are unrelated to the original reason for referral, which St. Eustatius and Saba called a "total makeover attitude."

Flying in medical specialists to St. Eustatius and Saba is much more cost-effective and less time-consuming for the patients. A visiting medical specialist will cost about $1,500 per day, whereas the cost of sending 10 patients to hospitals in the region is between $3,500 and 5,000. The visiting medical specialists could be flown in from Bonaire's Mariadal Hospital, which has a cooperation agreement with the VUmc and AMC hospitals in Amsterdam.

More patients could be sent to Bonaire, as this would cut down the number of referrals to Colombia. There is sufficient operation capacity at Mariadal Hospital. "The safety and quality of care is also safeguarded there and the money would be spent within The Netherlands," stated the Statia and Saba Executive Councils in their letter. A proper connection by air between the Windward Islands and Bonaire is imperative.

St. Maarten and St. Martin are also an option to reduce cost. "We remain of the opinion that basic and acute care can best be delivered by SMMC. For this reason, we consider it desirable to resume the cooperation between the Bonaire hospital and SMMC and to extend the twinning between Amsterdam and SMMC."

The Executive Councils further pointed out that a medical test, scan or ultrasound is less expensive in French St. Martin than in Guadeloupe. Referrals to Puerto Rico also should be considered seriously.

Making use of so-called E-health, communicating via video conferencing or the Internet, could further save travelling cost, as it offers prospects to communicate with doctors at the hospitals in Bonaire, St. Maarten, Colombia and The Netherlands about diagnostic results.

Savings are also possible at the Health Insurance Bureau ZKV where, according to St. Eustatius and Saba, "unnecessary management and administrative cost" is incurred because of bureaucracy, excessive personnel and too many intermediates, and bad planning resulting in unnecessary travel and lodging expenses.

Representing St. Eustatius at the mini-conference in St. Maarten on Thursday and Friday with the Ministry of VWS and health care institutions are Commissioner Koos Sneek and Island Secretary Jan Helmond.

Saba's Commissioner Bruce Zagers is accompanied by Saba Health Care Director Dr. Joke Blauboer and Saba Health Care Foundation Chairman Sydney Sorton. Commissioner Zagers said in a press release on Thursday that it was "imperative" to find a solution to reduce cost while maintaining the quality of health care on the islands.

PHILIPSBURG--The Judge of Instruction ordered the immediate release Thursday of two suspects held for the fatal stabbing of Kimberly Illidge. Suspects D.A.B. (17) and E.J.J. (17) were held at the police station. Members of the victim's family expressed their anger and frustration with the Court's decision, which they claimed had been based on a "technicality."

The Judge ordered the release of the two juveniles because their detention in the police station had not been in accordance with the law and with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Attorney-at-law Shaira Bommel, who represented the two suspects in the legal proceedings, said the Judge acknowledged that the two suspects were accused of involvement in a serious crime. However, it was not considered advisable to prolong their detention by another 60 days, considering the conditions under which the youngsters were being detained.

Kimberly Illidge (17) was stabbed during a fracas in the vicinity of Gumbs Drive in Middle Region on March 23. She died shortly after the incident.

D.A.B., who is suspected of having inflicted the fatal wounds, turned herself in to the police shortly after the incident. E.J.J., who allegedly provided D.A.B. with a knife, was arrested 15 minutes later.

It is not yet known when the two suspects will have to stand trial. The case is still under police investigation and reports on the two suspects still need to be drafted, said Bommel.

Members of the victim's family, among them her mother, said they had been very upset when they learned that the two suspects had been released.

"This is wrong and unfair. We're fuming about it. They have all evidence in this case, and they let them go for a technicality. We want justice for Kimberly. We are very upset and emotional," they told The Daily Herald early Thursday evening.

The family compared this case with the King murder trial, which also involves a young suspect. J.C.M. was 17 when Michael and Thelma King were murdered in September 2012. Whereas he has been held in detention since he was arrested and is facing a possible 28-year prison sentence, the two suspects in the Illidge case were released and may escape prosecution, the victim's family fears.

However, crime suspects are not allowed to leave the island and have to remain available to the police at all times.

The situation concerning juvenile detainees has been a problem for years. The law does not permit the detention of juveniles among adult inmates. This is why certain cells at the Philipsburg police station have been designated for juvenile detainees.

However, this causes another problem, because the police station does not have the same facilities as a House of Detention. Juvenile detainees are entitled to a day programme consisting of education, recreation and sports, which is only partially available at the police station.

In ordering their release, the Judge of Instruction stated that the two suspects should not be misled by this situation.

Bommel said this was not the first time the courts had ordered the release of juvenile crime suspects. "Ever since February 2012, the Court of First Instance and the Judge of Instruction have ordered the release of youngsters for this very same reason. We're one year later now. The Minister of Justice should really be doing something about this," said Bommel.

The Prosecutor's Office could not immediately be reached for comment.

With the passing of the motion, the National Alliance (NA)/Democratic Party (DP)/Independent three government now has to do all that is necessary "to ensure the achievement of a free, fair and in balance administered electoral system." This calls for the amending of the existing electoral laws before the upcoming elections in 2014 as a means of "protecting the integrity of the democratic process."

It should be noted that these changes can only take effect when the necessary changes to the electoral laws have been made for government, vetted by the various advisory bodies, approved by parliament and published in the National Gazette.

The approved motion calls for the outlawing of campaign activity or campaign materials from being placed "in close proximity of voting booths" and "in the areas of the polling stations in order to prevent interference and intimidation."

No one wearing campaign material, T-shirts or other campaign paraphernalia promoting "a party or a candidate or a cause" will be allowed in the polling station on Election Day.

All campaign material such as billboards and other campaign material on all public roads and private property will have to be removed "within 48 hours" of the opening of the polls on Election Day.

The motion also calls for the elimination of the use of cellular phones, video cameras and cameras by all voters in the voting booths on Election Day.

The motion also calls for voters, political parties and candidates, agents and supporters "not to bribe, not to pay or accept cash, not to give or accept gifts and/or other tangible or intangible assets; not to provide preferential treatment, not to coerce or offer to accept money or other incentives to influence the vote for or against a party or candidate, nor to encourage a voter not to cast a vote."

Also, the motion states they should "not coerce nor offer to accept money or other incentives to force people to nominate or not to nominate their candidates, nor to withdraw or not withdraw their candidacy" and "not coerce or offer to accept money or other incentives to receive support or assistance from any civil servant, with the aim to support or impede the election of any candidate."

The Frans Richardson election motion has as one of its considerations that activities during the 2010 elections have led to an investigation involving police and Volunteer Corps St. Maarten VKS officers for alleged vote selling.

WEST, Texas (Reuters) - A fiery explosion tore through a fertilizer plant and leveled dozens of homes in a small Texas town late on Wednesday, killing as many as 15 people, injuring more than 160 others and spewing toxic fumes that forced the evacuation of half the community, authorities said.

Police initially estimated that between five and 15 people had perished in the blast, which rocked the town of West, located about 20 miles north of Waco and 80 miles south of Dallas, shortly before 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

Public safety officials said they expected the death toll to climb as search teams combed through the rubble of the demolished plant and surrounding homes.

"I've never seen anything like this," McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said. "It looks like a war zone with all the debris."

Ground motion from the blast, triggered by a fire of unknown origin at the West Fertilizer Co plant, registered as a magnitude 2.1 seismic tremor and created a jolt felt in Dallas and beyond, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

Waco Police Sergeant W. Patrick Swanton said investigators would examine whether the blaze was the result of foul play or a chemical reaction, adding that the blast site was being treated as a crime scene for the time being.

"We are not indicating that it is a crime, but we don't know," Swanton told reporters early on Thursday, some nine hours after the blast. "What that means to us is that until we know it is an industrial accident, we will work it as a crime scene." He said there was no immediate evidence of a crime.

The explosion came two days before the 20th anniversary of a fire in nearby Waco that engulfed a compound inhabited by David Koresh and his followers in the Branch Davidian sect, ending a siege by federal agents. About 82 members of the sect and four federal agents died at Waco.

West Mayor Tommy Muska told Reuters that five or six volunteer firefighters who were among the first to arrive at the fertilizer plant were missing.

Firefighters had been battling the fire and evacuating nearby residences and a nursing home for about 20 minutes before the explosion occurred.

Officials said flames that continued to smolder inside the plant initially posed two threats: the possibility of setting off further explosions and the emission of hazardous fumes into the town.

Swanton said a residual fire burning underneath additional chemical tanks had been brought under control, "and I don't think that is any longer a threat."

Texas Public Safety Department spokesman D.L. Wilson said about half the town, about eight to 10 blocks, had been evacuated and that "we might even have to evacuate on the other side of town" if winds shift.

But emergency management personnel downtown determined that there was no immediate danger to the public from the smoke from the fire, Swanton said.

Officials said a full assessment of property damage would not come until after dawn. Wilson said 50 to 75 homes were damaged by the explosion and a fire that followed, and a nearby 50-unit apartment complex had been reduced to "a skeleton standing up."

Muska put the number of destroyed homes at between 60 and 80.

Wilson said 133 people had been evacuated from the nursing home, which was heavily damaged, but it was not immediately clear how many residents of the facility were hurt. A middle school in town also was heavily damaged.

Three hospitals in Waco and Dallas that were receiving the bulk of patients from the disaster reported treating more than 160 injuries combined.

"We are seeing a lot of lacerations and orthopedic-type injuries ... things you would expect in an explosion," said David Argueta, vice president of operations at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco.

Jason Shelton, 33, a father of two who lives less than a mile from the plant, said he heard fire trucks heading toward the facility five minutes before the explosion and felt the blast as he stood on his front porch.

"My windows started rattling and my kids screaming," Shelton said. "The screen door hit me in the forehead ... and all the screens blew off my windows."

Governor Rick Perry issued a statement saying his office had "mobilized state resources to help local authorities" deal with the incident.

A White House official said the Obama administration was aware of the situation and monitoring local and state response through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

_

PHILIPSBURG--The 2013 budget was passed by Parliament after 3:00am Thursday with votes of the ten members of National Alliance (NA)/Democratic Party (DP)/Independent three coalition. The four members of the United People’s (UP) party were in the meeting, but were not present when it was time to vote on the budget.

MP Leroy de Weever (DP), who had said he had issues with the budget, in particular the intention to raise revenue by increasing the turnover tax on alcohol and tobacco products, voted for the budget. He said he had been assured by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams (DP) and Finance Minister Roland Tuitt (NA) that everything possible would be done to mitigate any shortfall in tax collection, so he voted for the budget.

The budget stands at NAf. 457,874,400, some NAf. 25,324,800 more than the approved 2012 budget. In the coming days, government will approach the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten to float a NAf. 150 million bond to allow several capital projects to be carried out, including completion of the ring road and purchase of Emilio Wilson Estate.

UP Parliamentarian Dr. Ruth Douglass was not present for the meeting.

The budget deliberations started in the Central Committee last week Monday and continued until early Thursday morning as MPs voted on 16 motions.

All six of independent MP Romain Laville’s motions were passed by Parliament although coalition partner DP parliamentarians were not present for all. UP was not present for 15 of the motions. UP was present for its motions on the establishment of a special victims unit, on allocation of money from the Crime Funds for Second Chance Foundation, and to bring relief from high GEBE bills.

Several of the motions passed unanimously as no MP asked for individual voting.

DP supported the motion to amend the Civil Code to allow employees to transfer to a new company if the one for which they worked was bought out or acquired. This would allow the employees to retain their benefits and jobs.

The motion to require a mandatory employee/employer pension plan was supported unanimously.

DP did not support the motion for free education for all primary school pupils. Individual voting was requested by DP and afterward its two MPs Roy Marlin and Leroy de Weever left the chamber. De Weever had indicated earlier that some motions would cost money that was not available.

The motion for the development of a beach protection law was passed unanimously.

The motion to establish a feeding programme for all schoolchildren was passed unanimously.

A motion supporting the planned Justice Park was adopted with eight votes for and one against from MP Marlin (DP).

Independent MP Frans Richardson’s motion urging government to complete the new government administration building and to construct Block D for the tax department and a parking garage was passed unanimously.

MP Richardson’s motion to introduce heritage education in schools and for hospitality workers was passed unanimously.

The motion instructing government to obtain the designs for the planned cricket stadium, football field and softball field and to find funds for the project was passed with eight votes for and one against from MP Roy Marlin. Motivating his vote, Marlin said the motion would have consequences on the budget and will cause an issue with the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT.

   MP Richardson’s motion to obtain unrestricted access to Fort Amsterdam was adopted by all 10 coalition MPs.

The motion to protect Mullet Pond was passed by the eight votes of the five NA parliamentarians and three independent parliamentarians.

MP Richardson’s motion to make budget amendments to allocate funds from the current budget for Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) was adopted unanimously.

MP Frans Richardson’s motion to regulate election campaign materials, campaigning outside polling stations, prevent vote buying and not allow cameras and cell phones in polling stations was passed unanimously.

Independent MP Patrick Illidge’s motions to allocate NAf. 50,000 from the crime fund to support Second Change Foundation to support youngsters who have had a brush with the law was passed by 13 votes. MP Jules James (UP) was not present for the vote.

Illidge’s motion to provide 10-20 per cent relief of the GEBE bill for less fortunate and senior citizens was passed by 13 votes. MP Jules James was not present for the vote.

The UP motion to reallocate monies from the Voluntary Corps St. Maarten for the establishment of a special victims unit was not passed. Only the four UP members and De Weever (DP) voted for motion.

There were no surprises Wednesday, at the extraordinary Territorial Council session as Aline Hanson, former First Vice-President, stepped into history as the first female president of the Collectivité of St. Martin, taking the reins from the ineligible Alain Richardson. A large contingent of print and broadcast media, including from Guadeloupe, recorded the event.

With the majority Triple R party solidly united in their choice, Hanson was carried into power on a unanimous 18 votes, the extra vote coming from Independent Councillor Jules Charville, who was absent but gave it to Louis Fleming.

As protocol dictates, the election was conducted by the oldest and youngest members of the Territorial Council. Former President Alain Richardson observed the proceedings sitting behind the Councillors.

The Opposition party declined to vote having no candidate and no realistic way of altering what was already a done deal.

Guillaume Arnell is First Vice-President, Ramona Connor Second Vice-President, Wendell Cocks Third Vice-President and Rosette Gumbs-Lake Fourth Vice President.

The members of the Executive Council are now Aline Hanson, Guillaume Arnell, Ramona Connor, Wendell Cocks, Rosette Lake Gumbs, Jeanne Vanterpool-Rogers and Christophe Hénocq from the Opposition.

Hanson, who has a background in education, entered politics in 1977 and she is considered as a competent and experienced manager. René-Jean Duret said the RRR group is "even stronger than before."

"I thank you for placing your confidence in me," she said in her address. "Today marks a change of president in the Collectivité, but it also marks the continuation of Alain Richardson's policies. There is a crisis out there that we can't escape from and we have to work together from now, and in partnerships, for the betterment of St. Martin.

"We have come a long way and got our finances to where they should be. Now it is up to the State of France to do what it knows it has to do for St. Martin. We are also counting on all St. Martiners to do their part. No place can run without taxes. This year we will be preparing the operational programme (PO) 2014-2020 which the State and our technicians have already started on it.

"I count on all of you for your commitment, judgement and support. It is in the spirit of consultation, comprehension and tolerance that we will construct the future of St. Martin."

Asked for his comments Daniel Gibbs described the election as a "sad situation" that tainted the image of St. Martin, as it did in 2008.

"This election wasn't programmed in the five year mandate, but unfortunately we have had to go through it," he said. "We need to look forward and see a new vision. I'm happy to hear what the new president wants to do so we will wait and see. We will be as active as we always have been and are willing to work with the Government.

"Something like this is always destabilising," he added. "But, if decisions are taken that we consider go in the right direction as we would go, that is what is important. The president wants to work with us and we will do the necessary together to make the country go forward."

At one moment in the proceedings Hanson jokingly referred to Opposition Leader Daniel Gibbs as "her student" as he indeed was taught by her. The comment produced a round of laughter and may be a signal that the contentious exchanges that took place between Gibbs and Alain Richardson may now take on a softer tone.

The remainder of the agenda was taken up with naming the members of the various commissions and public service entities. The lists have to be run past the Préfecture for a legality control, but are not expected to pose a problem.

CFT was responding to recent newspaper reports quoting Finance Minister Roland Tuitt, who said CFT's most recent semi-annual report contained a misinterpretation of facts.

CFT said it considered it important to set the record straight. The Committee for Financial Supervision submits a written report of its activities to the Kingdom Council of Ministers twice a year. This report, the so-called semi-annual report, is forwarded to the governments and parliaments of the respective countries, CFT said.

On March 28, local newspapers reported on comments made by Tuitt, who said CFT was "wrong" when it stated in its report that no audited financial statement for St. Maarten had been presented to Parliament to account for the use of tax money since October 10, 2010. Tuitt said reports had been made by the General Audit Chamber and he was going to check whether those reports had been sent to Parliament for review and approval.

However, CFT said that on page 15 of the semi-annual report it was stated that it had received the draft financial statements for the extended year 2010/2011 on October 31; thus the draft financial statements over the period starting on October 10, 2010, until December 31, 2011.

On the same page it is mentioned that the SOAB and the General Audit Chamber would report about these draft financial statements not earlier than 2013. Up until now this reaction has not been received. It is furthermore stated on page 22 that the financial statements are only available in draft and have not yet been adopted by Parliament.

The General Audit Chamber submitted its report on the financial statements of the former island territory of St. Maarten to Parliament on December 7. This concerns financial statements over the period up to October 10, 2010, and not over the period after October 10, 2010.

This report, CFT said, was shown to the media during a press conference of the Minister of Finance and was published on the Website of the General Audit Chamber. The financial statements from October 10, 2010, to December 31, 2011, have not been submitted to the General Audit Chamber as yet.

For the sake of completeness, the Committee said in a release of March 25, that "up 'til now none of the two countries have an audited annual report to present to Parliament to account for the use of tax money since October 10, 2010."

"This statement is correct. No audited financial statement was presented to the Parliament of the period since October 10, 2010. For the Committee for Financial Supervision it is of great value that financial statements are timely drawn up and that accountability is given to Parliament, reason why this subject was explicitly brought forward in the semi-annual report," CFT said in its release.

"The CFT cannot but conclude that the facts given in the semi-annual report are correct. To avoid errors, it is a good practice that the CFT confers with the Ministry of Finance before it submits its semi-annual report to the Kingdom Council of Ministers. The Ministry, however, did not detect any factual inaccuracies during the two weeks that it had to provide comments on the draft semi-annual report."

However, one businessman, whose sign had been removed considered the operation "ridiculous" and said there is no clear guideline as to how one can apply for a permit.

Police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson said businesses have for some time now been illegally putting chairs, tables, umbrellas and other items on sidewalks and close to roads where pedestrians have to walk. Henson said the problem has gotten so out of hand that the items were being placed closer and closer to the public roadways and in some cases pedestrians have had to walk on the roadways because the sidewalks were blocked.

He said the police department in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI had informed infringers operating in the Simpson Bay area of their illegal actions. They were given a certain period to correct it and to arrange their permits. Monday night's action was to remove the items of persons who failed to adhere to the warning given. Henson said persons would need a permit.

A businessman who spoke to The Daily Herald on condition of anonymity said he was very upset that several of his signs were removed. He acknowledged that a letter had been given to his landlord regarding a permit for signage and informing them that signs cannot be erected within five metres of the public road. He said persons were given ten days to visit three departments, which he said was insufficient. When he went to the Simpson Bay police station, as he said he had been advised to do, no one knew anything about permits for signage. He said he was advised to visit the Philipsburg Police Station and also there no one knew anything about what he was talking about. He said it was therefore ridiculous that authorities came seven days later to "steal" his signs when he felt that clear measures are not in place to facilitate the application of permits. "They want me to pay Turnover Tax, but you don't give people a chance to make money. You can't just come and steal things from people."

He attempted to relocate his signs on Tuesday and was told to visit Economic Affairs and to write a letter to VROMI to have them released.

Police Inspector Gout said to obtain a permit for a sign persons have to visit the Economic Affairs Department to fill in necessary forms. They will then be sent to the Traffic Department to determine whether the sign will be a hindrance and then to the Ministry of VROMI for permission to construct the sign.

Henson said the operation began in Simpson Bay and will continue in other areas.

Terms like corruption, mafia, banana republic and a mess were used frequently, mostly by Members of Parliament (MPs) Ronald van Raak of the Socialist Party (SP) and Sietse Fritsma of the Party for Freedom PVV.

Van Raak saw no reason to continue cooperation with St. Maarten when the local government "clearly had no intention" of tackling corruption, crime and financial mismanagement.

Fritsma said St. Maarten was "unworthy" of the Dutch Kingdom and, like Curaçao, should get out of the Kingdom.

Other MPs were a bit more reserved in their choice of words, like André Bosman of the liberal democratic VVD party, Pierre Heijnen of the Labour Party PvdA and Vera Bergkamp of the Democratic Party D66. They too voiced their concerns about the level of integrity and the financial situation of St. Maarten's government. St. Maarten was referred to as a "problem child."

Curaçao's financial situation and the pending appointment of a new cabinet there came up a few times, but, as expected, St. Maarten dominated the two-hour debate. Van Raak called for a "big spring cleaning." Bosman asked when the Kingdom Government would intervene via the so-called guarantee function in the Kingdom Charter. Heijnen requested that Minister Plasterk draw up an "escalation ladder" and define circumstances when The Hague should intervene and when not.

Plasterk said he shared the Second Chamber's concerns about St. Maarten. He echoed his concerns in his answers to the questions posed by the MPs. Financially, St. Maarten does not have things in order and the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT is not satisfied, he said. This might be a reason for the Kingdom Council of Ministers to give St. Maarten an instruction, warned Plasterk, adding that he had total confidence in the CFT.

According to Plasterk, there are too many rumours circulating about corruption, violation of human rights and financial mismanagement. "This causes much damage to the reputation of the Kingdom. The situation is very worrisome," he said.

He explained that the Kingdom Government had requested recently that St. Maarten's Minister Plenipotentiary Mathias Voges relay two specific issues to his government in St. Maarten. First, Philipsburg has to see to it that the Orca corruption investigation by the local Prosecutor's Office is carried out and that the situation is addressed by local authorities. Second, it must ensure that the members of the next cabinet, after the elections, pass a strict integrity screening before they can be appointed.

Plasterk promised that he would relay the Dutch Parliament's concerns to the Kingdom Government, but remarked that intervention via Article 43 of the Charter remained an "emergency measure" to be used when all other possibilities of redress by local authorities had been exhausted and all warnings had failed. "This is really very different from not agreeing with what is happening in St. Maarten."

He warned against generalising. "We have to treat each other in a respectful manner. Respect in the Kingdom has to come from four sides. Surely we have to be able to tell each other the truth, but be specific and don't just call names," he said, clearly aiming at some of the terms that had been used by the SP and PVV like mafia, corruption and banana republic.

Bosman (VVD) said he would keep sticking his nose into the business of the islands as long as The Netherlands remained responsible for issues such as good governance and human rights in the overseas countries. He questioned the real autonomy of the countries. "It is like taking your mother with you when you leave your paternal house to live on your own. How independent are you then really?"

This remark triggered Bergkamp (D66) to question the attitude of The Netherlands towards the islands. "You live on your own and your mother comes along. But things get difficult when your mother is always angry and makes reproaching remarks all the time."

Heijnen (PvdA) said the people on the islands were victims of the wrongdoing, crime, corruption, human-smuggling and general mismanagement by their governments. "It is not the fault of the people. They don't want to feel ashamed about these things. The constant bashing from The Netherlands is not good, even though I am sometimes also guilty of this," he said.

All MPs voiced their concerns about St. Maarten's financial situation and the country's budget. They expressed worries about the intentions of the Curaçao and the St. Maarten governments to take on new loans. These loans should not happen behind the CFT's back and they should not lead to new debts.

"They want to borrow money through the back door, via all sorts of tricks. We will end up with the bill when they go bankrupt, and I cannot accept that," said Van Raak (SP).

Plasterk emphasised that The Hague would not grant any budget subsidy to the countries. "Curaçao and Aruba haven't asked for such either. We have an ongoing discussion with St. Maarten about finalising payment of the debt reorganisation. My two predecessors have already said it and I have the same message: the debt reorganisation window is closed."

Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk stated this in a recent response to questions from Members of the First Chamber of the Dutch Parliament. Supported by the Christian Democratic Party CDA, Labour Party PvdA, Democratic Party D66 and green left party GroenLinks, the Socialist Party (SP) had posed a number of questions in anticipation of the June 4 debate with Plasterk on the status of the Kingdom.

The SP asked the Dutch Government whether it supported the opposition party's view that Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba could "not possibly" carry the financial burden to eradicate the backlog where it comes to islands' road networks.

Plasterk stated that the cabinet is not responsible for the backlog in maintenance. The public entities are responsible for the upkeep and repairs to the local roads, as well as for the pace at which this is done, he added.

The Minister noted that the free remittance ("vrije uitkering") for the islands which was increased in 2012 already took the maintenance of the roads into account. He acknowledged that this increase didn't provide financial room to eradicate the infrastructural backlog.

However, the Dutch Government is willing to help with special remittances or interest-free loans to execute infrastructural projects on the islands, within the available budgetary space and as long as the plans are well motivated. The Dutch Government can also help with supervising the implementation of these plans.

Plasterk explained that financing the plans of the public entities was being looked at as part of preparing the 2014 budget. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment I&M, in collaboration with the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK, will offer expertise to draft the infrastructural plans for the islands.

Bonaire and St. Eustatius have the biggest backlogs in infrastructure. Statia's roads are in bad shape, said Statia's Commissioner Koos Sneek when he was in The Netherlands last month as part of the so-called Caribbean Netherlands week.

Statia's Government has started to tackle these "huge backlogs" with the most urgent road repairs and has developed an infrastructure master plan, said Sneek, who also told the Second Chamber during a meeting that Minister Plasterk was able to see this for himself when he was driven around the island in a 4X4.

The meeting will resume today, Wednesday, at 10:00am in Parliament House with ministers answering questions posed by MPs. Once the questions are answered the debate will move into the second round when the motions will be formally tabled and voted on.

Making his presentation, United People's (UP) party MP Johan Leonard inquired whether Finance Minister Roland Tuitt shares the same opinion as the Social Economic Council SER about the precariousness of the monetary system with Curaçao. He also wanted an update on the monies collected by the Central Bank in taxes on money sent abroad, the number of people hired through employability programmes, efforts to create jobs for the young people and preparations for hurricane season. He disclosed that UP will be presenting a motion related to integrity in government.

Independent MP Frans Richardson requested that Tuitt explain the difference in perspective from being a board member of the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT and being finance minister. He indicated a need for a summit on unemployment and a true survey on young adult unemployment.

He also signalled his intention to table a number of motions related to Fort Amsterdam, national heritage, protection of Mullet Pond and making a change to the electoral regulations to have all campaign materials removed two days prior to elections. He also wants the "carnival" outside the polling stations to stop so people could vote in peace.

Independent MP Patrick Illidge said creative ways need to be found to raise money to cover services to the people. "We will need to create employment," he noted, adding that medical tourism can be explored. He urged government to start a trading company to help the people and "stop running after the small man" to get taxes and fees. He was concerned about the increased tax on alcohol and tobacco products "that we are known for" as well as the rapid birth of babies that will have an impact on its social services.

National Alliance (NA) MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson said a child of two-and-a-half years should be walking and it is the same with a new country. He was happy that there was no assistance from the Dutch government, this was necessary "so we can walk independent."

He believes that the drag racing strip and cricket stadium can do "a whole lot in the off season." His stance is the country can do with less alcohol and tobacco as they damage society. The country has "a very lucrative" opportunity to be a sub-hub for the region.

MP Gracita Arrindell (UP) wants an update on the work of the committee dealing with the assets and liabilities of the former Netherlands Antilles. The speedy conclusion of the committee's work would mean more money for government. She remains concerned about strategies to fill the revenue gaps if the budget goals are not met. She questioned if discussions are still ongoing with wholesalers about the increase in Turnover Tax (ToT), whether this means a revised budget figure may later be presented to Parliament for approval. She supported Tuitt's attempts to get the promised debt relief owed to the country by the Dutch. "If we need to band together to get the money, so be it."

Arrindell plans to table a motion for an amendment to the budget and allocate funds from underused funds to help combat domestic and relational violence.

She questioned the reinstating of the "concubine" agreement by Justice Minister Roland Duncan and queried his continued comments about the necessity of the Coast Guard.

Democratic Party (DP) MP Roy Marlin backed Duncan's position that St. Maarten is paying for the Coast Guard, but most of the patrols and efforts are taking place around Saba and St. Eustatius. "What are we paying for?" He also said that Dutch MPs Bosman and Ronald van Raak don't run St. Maarten and should limit their comments about the governing of the country.

He repeated his call for a fee on pre-paid phones as a means of income for government and asked about the amount of land that will encompass the Emilio Wilson Estate purchase and what part will development be allowed on. He was also concerned about government's ability to collect the budgeted NAf. 26 million from increased ToT and queried how much is expected to be raised when the residence permit fee law is passed by parliament.

Marlin said that the boards of directors and managing directors of government owned companies need to stop acting as if they are the owners of the companies instead of government. He said it is probably time for an operational audit to be carried out at the companies as was done over a decade ago.

The document also indicated the two bank accounts had been running simultaneously, something that Richardson had denied previously, as well as his belief that no fraud was suspected on his part.

An excerpt from the judgement reads: "The financial representative designated by the candidate is under the obligation to open a single bank or postal account tracking the entirety of his/her financial operations; that in application of the third paragraph of article L. 118-3 of the same code, the judge of the election pronounces the ineligibility of the candidate, whose campaign account has been rejected in a case of wilful fraud or especially serious breach of the rules relative to the financing of electoral campaigns."

Another excerpt states: "Mr. Richardson, a chartered accountant by profession, an experienced politician, a territorial Councillor of St. Martin elected in 2007, must be considered as having deliberately neglected a very important rule of the financing of electoral campaign; that consequently he has committed a particularly serious breach of the rules of the financing of electoral campaign."

The revelations could explain why his sentence was increased from 15 months to 18 months, to prevent him from running in the 2014 Senator elections.

An extraordinary Territorial Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to elect the new President and Executive Council, and to decide the various commissions.

The debate went on until after 9:00pm with only United People's (UP) party interim fraction leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce making her statement and posing questions to ministers on issues raised in their presentations and on their portfolios in general. The debate continues today, Tuesday, at 9:00am, with more questions from MPs and answers from ministers.

The meeting was postponed until today after Democratic Party (DP) MP Roy Marlin requested a vote on whether the meeting should continue at the later hour, as the MPs, ministers and civil servants had been busy since early in the morning. The majority of MPs voted to stop the meeting for the night.

Parliament hopes to wrap up the debate and have the budget tabled for a vote of approval at least before the week comes to a close.

MP Meyers-Olivacce stated at the start of the meeting that her party had protested the closure of the Central Committee meeting early Saturday. Fellow UP Parliamentarian Jules James said UP would take the matter further, as had been stated in the party's letter to President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel.

Much of the information from the ministers at the beginning of the plenary session also had been put forward in the Central Committee meetings that occupied MPs for the whole of last week.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams stated in her presentation that other countries worldwide were "grappling" with having their budgets approved on time, so St. Maarten's struggles were not unique. She said government was very much aware that the budget was late getting to Parliament, but it should be noted that the budget had come to Parliament having passed the scrutiny and lived up to the requirements of the kingdom laws on temporary financial supervision.

The lateness of the budget and the fact that it was made public prior to the deliberations in the Central Committee of Parliament have caused some complications. The availability of the budget online means that members of the public could and did take the opportunity to read the budget and make suggestions to government. However, due to the lateness, it is somewhat difficult to take the suggestions into consideration, she noted.

Wescot-Williams commended MPs Frans Richardson (independent) and Johan Leonard (United People's party) for submitting their draft legislation to ban the importation, distribution and sale of single-use plastic bags. She called on the public to develop "an appreciation for cleanliness" and to be cognisant of the amount of money paid by government to keep the country clean.

Finance Minister Roland Tuitt outlined the basics of the draft budget that stands at NAf. 457,874,400, some NAf. 25,324,800 more than the 2012 approved budget. Government took no loans in 2012. For this year, the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten will be approached to float a bond of some NAf. 150 million to cover capital projects.

Once the budget is passed by Parliament, a budget booklet will be produced by the Finance Ministry, Tuitt said, as a way for the community to be better informed "about how their money will be used."

He said keeping the balance in government's finances "needs constant review" and buffering against external shocks to the economy where possible.

Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure William Marlin outlined several projects in his ministry, including the completion of the Dutch Quarter main road, with work slated to start during the summer months and be concluded by December 15. He will sign off soon on the advice to connect the St. Peters main road to the main sewage line on L.B. Scott Road.

Marlin also highlighted challenges faced by St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation with tenants adding rooms to rented houses, larger families living in houses designed for families of no more than four people and tenants who are delinquent with their rent.

He also revealed plans for a solar farm in Philipsburg and the possibility of replacing fossil fuel generators at the Cay Bay power plant with ones that are more environmentally friendly.

Justice Minister Roland Duncan again underscored his issues with the Coast Guard and the constraints his ministry faces with budget cuts. He said the Justice system continued to do its job in spite of many challenges.

Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Silveria Jacobs outlined her ministry's budget per department and highlighted several projects, including a week of celebrations leading up to St. Maarten/St. Martin Day (November 11), work to get Fort Amsterdam on the World Heritage List and support for the country's students at home and abroad.

Public Health, Social Development and Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever also outlined his ministry's work and plans. He pointed out that customer service definitely had improved after emphasis was placed on training and upgrading. His ministry received the lion's share of the budget increase. The bulk of the money will go to taking care of the most vulnerable groups in the community.

Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Romeo Pantophlet told Parliament his ministry would continue to make St. Maarten a year-round destination and niche market. He plans to finalise e-zone establishment, maritime registry, bring the airport back up to category one and establish a civil aviation registry.

"They don't even have to float a bond," De Weever said during Monday's plenary session of parliament on the draft 2013 budget.

The minister did not name the local institution in question. Alluding to a question that had been asked during the meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament last week about the cutting of SMMC's subsidy, the minister said SMMC had "never really used it last year."

He said too that the medical centre never made use of the services of the Central Bank, even though he had "introduced" them to bank officials to work on a bond issue. "They [SMMC - Ed] chose to go with another company. That is beyond my control, that was the board's decision. I believe that we should continue the communications and try to resolve these issues."

SMMC had been exploring several options for its expansion.

The event is a key part in the overall pageants, as the points garnered will be added to the overall scores of the main pageants in Carnival Village on April 24. No points or winners were announced on Saturday; those will be revealed on April 24.

After displaying their cultural wear that were folkloric and historical in themes, the five Teen Carnival Queen Pageant contestants, 13-17 years of age, had to deliver their speeches on the topic "Allow me to brag about my country" and the six Senior contestants, 18-25 years of age, delivered speeches on the topic "My thoughts after reading recent news."

In bragging about St. Maarten the Teens touched on everything from the island's multicultural make-up to the world-class Princess Juliana International Airport. They bragged about St. Maarten's rich history, its heroes and heroines and its national symbols.

The general thoughts of the Senior contestants turned towards the "negative media." They stressed that the media should be the eyes and ears of the community, but a powerful influence that could be judge, jury and executioner. A call went out for the media to focus more on positive developments, give these developments as much attention as negative news and steer clear of sensationalism.

"The contestants really did a great job," Teen and Senior Pageants lead coordinator Lisette Carty said. "They are working hard and obviously understood the importance of the speech and cultural wear competition. Congratulations to them all. They were fabulous." Carty, a former Senior Carnival Queen, is being assisted by former Senior Carnival Queens Melissa Boasman, Fabiana Richardson and Aishira Cecilia.

Carty also thanked the judges of the event: Fabian Badejo, Claudette Forsythe-Labega and Romain Benjamin. On behalf of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) she also thanked sponsors of the pageant TelEm and Motorworld, and expressed appreciation for the management and staff of Sonesta Great Bay for their cooperation.

De Weever's comments were in reaction to the statements made by Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk on the issue in a letter to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament, which was published by The Daily Herald on Saturday. The letter, also sent on behalf of Minister of Public Health, Well-being and Sports Edith Schippers, was a response to the agreements that the four Parliaments in the Kingdom made during their meetings in The Hague in March this year.

De Weever said in a press release on Sunday evening that "Great efforts have been and are still continuously being made by both my Ministry and the Inspectorate of Health to address these issues. These efforts have resulted in the placement by the Health Inspectorate of SMMC under intensified supervision and the subsequent issuance of 14 orders by the Health Inspectorate to SMMC, to address amongst others several governance matters, or else pay significant fines."

De Weever said one of these measures was the much discussed measure to either terminate the contract with former Board Chairman Dr. George Scot, or terminate the contract with his consultancy firm ANG Consulting N.V. "Although SMMC is still opposing all the imposed measures through litigation, it has meanwhile complied with some of them. There has consequently been some improvement. There is, however, still much work to do and I can only hope that with the appointment of a new interim director of SMMC recently the era of constant opposition and litigation by SMMC will be replaced with the much needed collaboration, dialogue and decisive actions, so that our combined efforts can promptly resolve the existing issues."

The minister said the cooperation with AMC and VUmc is important for both

St. Maarten and our sister islands Saba and St. Eustatius. Conditions must be set for the prompt realization thereof.

A witness and her friend identified as M.P. were standing at a bus stop on L.B. Scott Road at the entrance to St. Peters when a white Toyota Yaris pulled up next to them. A.M.D. jumped out of the car with a knife in his hand, put the knife to M.P.'s throat, forced her into the car and drove off towards South Reward, a press release from police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said.

The vehicle was located at a home in St. Peters after an hour of searching by police, with the suspect and the victim sitting in the car. A.M.D. was arrested on the spot and taken into police custody. The weapon and vehicle used in this case were confiscated for further investigation.

This case is under investigation by the Detective Department.

Duncan told Parliament last Friday night during the Central Committee debate on the draft 2013 budget that when the law is passed by Parliament it will stipulate that all private security officers need to be trained. While the Justice Ministry or more specifically the police department will not carry out the training, the department will be responsible for testing and certifying the would-be and currently functioning security officers.

The would-be and active security officers will have to show their skills in surveillance, self- defence and other abilities. They will need to show they are "not just decoration."

Whether or not security guards can carry weapons will also be addressed in the amendments. Duncan doesn't plan to give security guards guns. They will be able, once proper training and certification have been received, to carry either a baton or pepper spray.

The planned Police Academy will be able to carry out the training for security companies, the minister said. This would be carried out for a fee should a security company desire this.

The certification process for security guards is not yet set up.

The minister is very keen on getting the law amendments to Parliament and moving the process forward. He wants security guards, who vastly outnumber the police as in almost all countries in the world, to be fit and properly trained to be a help rather than a hindrance to the Police Department's task of maintaining law and order.

Several security guards have been entangled in crimes in recent months causing much outcry about regulating who can become a security guard. Duncan's proposed amendments pre-date many of the incidents.

Staff representative Union des Travailleurs de L'Hotellerie, Tourisme et de la Restauration (UTHTR) wrote a letter to new General Manager Eric Mayer outlining the complaints.

The seven points in the letter demand respect for the protocol signed at the end of the last conflict on November 27, 2012, improvement in working conditions, a protocol on the closing and reopening of the hotel, clarity on the conditions for hiring new staff, assurances and guarantees on short term contracts, clarity on the financial situation of the company, and respect for security regulations for employees.

A staff member said the restaurant is closed and just the bare minimum of staff is operating reception and housekeeping. The hotel is running at about 28-30 per cent occupancy, she added.

"The hotel is supposed to get funds from the investors, but that hasn't happened so we don't know where we stand as far as the staff is concerned or for the future of the hotel," said Cedric Andre from the union. "This is a historic hotel and French Presidents have stayed here, and it's also the hotel most conveniently situated for the centre of Marigot. The workers just want to know what's going on."

The hotel is due to close on August 26, for renovation work and reopen in December 2013.

"We don't have any problem with the hotel closing for renovation, but when the workers are out of a job for three or four months we want to know what arrangements have been made for training at least, according to the law," Andre added

Andre said the Labour Inspector met with the General Manager on Thursday to try and resolve the issues, but the union insists on meeting with the hotel owner.

A meeting was scheduled for Friday with the owner. The duration of the strike is dependent on how the meetings go.

The news came earlier than expected and was confirmed by the Préfecture verbally, although the sanction has not been officially announced as yet. It was understood the sanction is effective immediately.

Richardson was informed on March 27 that his election campaign accounts had been rejected on the basis that he opened two accounts, one of which was a US dollar account. Regulations stipulate that only one account can be opened.

The President, in full damage control mode at a press conference March 30, insisted that the US dollar account was a sub-account of the main euro account and was used only at the end of the campaign to pay two bills when the euros had run out. The two accounts did not run simultaneously and were opened in the same bank.

He and his lawyers also argued that St. Martin is the only French overseas territory where the euro and US dollar are commonly used. However, this did not impress the State Council. Commission Nationale des Comptes de Campagne et des Financement Politique (CNCCFP) advised the State Council that 15 months' ineligibility was recommended. It was not clear why the sanction was set at 18 months. Insiders believe it was increased to prevent Richardson from running in the Senate elections next year.

Richardson was not accused of fraud or any other wrongdoings during the campaign, which makes the sanction appear especially severe. He will not be refunded the 22,000 euros spent on the campaign.

After only one year in power the Triple R party must now call an internal Territorial Council election in a replay of the Louis-Constant Fleming/Frantz Gumbs debacle of 2008.

First Vice-President Aline Hanson has one month to call for an internal election. She reportedly has said she is ready to take on the role; however, it will come down to the vote. On paper Vice-President Guillaume Arnell has the most political experience of anyone in the Council, but he is facing a court case on September 19 charged with fraud and complicity for his involvement in the Orient Beach AOT affair.

Arnell, Louis Mussington and Louis Jeffry all had their legislative campaign accounts rejected last year for one reason or another. In Arnell's case it was because of a bank document that had not been given to him on time, which had delayed the submitting of his campaign expenditures to the commission.

However, the rejection of Arnell's legislative campaign accounts does not make him ineligible as President of the Territorial Council, according to sources.

Opposition leader Daniel Gibbs declined to react to the news yesterday, saying it would be inappropriate to give his opinions so quickly, which might give the impression of someone rejoicing in another's misfortune. He said he would issue a measured response to the crisis next week.

A statement from Independent Councillor Jules Charville could not be obtained immediately last night due to a communication glitch.

He stated this in a letter to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament. The letter, also sent on behalf of Minister of Public Health, Wellbeing and Sports Edith Schippers, was a response to the agreements that the four Parliaments in the Kingdom had made during their meetings in The Hague in March this year.

Plasterk explained that the assistance offered by the Dutch Ministry of Public Health, Wellbeing and Sports VWS to expand medical specialist care from Bonaire to St. Maarten through the cooperation with VUmc and AMC from Amsterdam had ended due to "serious governance problems at SMMC."

For a while medical specialists from the two Amsterdam hospitals worked both in Bonaire and in St. Maarten last year. This brought much needed additional specialist care to the islands.

Minister Plasterk provided no further details on what had caused these serious governance problems. VWS has also offered policy support to Curaçao several times. The hospital is not functioning up to par there either.

The Minister stated that his colleague Schippers applauded the wish of the four Parliaments in the Kingdom to seek closer cooperation in the area of health care in an effort to improve health care within the Kingdom.

Cooperation between the countries can be stimulated through policy of the various governments. But further development in this area depends on the local situation per hospital and per country. "The influence of the policy is limited because of the space of the various health care systems and the private health institutions."

The countries have little say on policy decisions and the concentration of medical specialist care at the local hospitals, as these are private institutions. The hospitals in charge of specialist care and a possible cooperation with each other are imbedded in the health care insurance systems of the various countries. "These systems are currently undergoing major changes in Curaçao and St. Maarten."

Plasterk and Schippers concluded that for the cooperation in the health care sector to be successful the countries must first have their own internal health care policies in order before any mutual agreements can be made.

Making agreements where it comes to health care can be useful, but countries should not set their expectations too high for the health care summit that Aruba wants to organise later this year, stated the Ministers. VWS is prepared to help with policy making, but will not make funds available for health care institutions in the countries. "This remains a responsibility of the individual countries."

Where it comes to medical referrals abroad, Plasterk and Schippers were of the opinion that the countries first have to get their policy, including legislation, in order if the countries want to make cooperation in this area and a possible reduction of the cost of sending patients abroad a success.

Cooperation in the area of organ transplantation and matching, an idea originally brought forward by St. Maarten's President of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel, is only possible if the entire health care system is readied to collect and match organs. "This involves a complete system of donor organisation with accompanying medical teams and legislation. The question is whether the limited scale of the islands is suitable for this."

PHILIPSBURG--Two attempts by Minister with responsibility for Culture Silveria Jacobs to meet with Divi Little Bay Beach Resort management on the erecting of a gate blocking the road leading to Fort Amsterdam were unsuccessful.

The minister had invited Divi to a meeting on Tuesday and again on Friday to no avail.

Jacobs said Divi responded to the first invitation with an e-mail proposing that the meeting be held at the Resort in order to give her a "tour," a request the Minister found insulting, as she has been visiting that site for over 30 years. Jacobs invited Divi to a second meeting on Friday. However, that meeting also did not take place as Divi said it would have to be provided with certain information.

Jacobs told The Daily Herald on Friday that her staff had been busy compiling research. What has been found so far indicates that government has already zoned that area, and although the property has changed hands several times, a road to and from the Fort has to be accessible at all times.

Jacobs, who was in Parliament during the latter part of the week, said once she had all the information at hand, she would address the issue. "We will not back down from this, because they are infringing on our rights as citizens to continue using the Fort," Jacobs said.

Jacobs said that while Divi continued to contend that it was a matter of safety, a number of persons, including top dignitaries among whom the Governor, visited the Fort. "Tours are given at the site and there has never been an inkling that anyone was in any danger."

The Minister said, however, that she was cognizant that certain things had to be done at the site. "We will continue to attempt to do this in an amicable way, because I believe it would not serve our purpose to go into a long-term, drawn-out court case. The courts have already decided; it is just a matter on upholding the court's decision."

Sections of the community on Monday expressed outrage concerning news that a gate had been erected that blocked the road leading to the Fort.

Divi had told this newspaper in an invited comment on Monday that "as owner of the Fort Amsterdam property," they had an obligation to ensure safe and secure access to the property. A sign near the gate reads: "No unauthorized admittance. Hazardous area, dangerous cliffs. All visitors must obtain written permission from Divi Little Bay Resort."

Divi said that at the moment there are only informal, unlit paths and it is concerned that people are going to get hurt. "While Divi recognizes the public's interest in the historic nature of the Fort and sights of the peninsula, it cannot allow visitors to put themselves at risk. Some of these trails are at elevation and subject to extremely high winds. They are simply not safe for children or adults in their current condition," the Resort had said.

"Divi looks forward to a day when the property can be sensibly and responsibly developed, with due consideration for preservation and restoration of the Fort for enjoyment by all, but until such time, access must be restricted to Divi-monitored groups for the protection of artefacts and people."

Divi said groups would still be allowed to visit the site, provided the Resort is contacted and permission is obtained at least one day in advance.

  “I would find it worrisome if the alleged cuts at the National Detectives, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Police would indeed affect the quality of the maintaining of law and order, the investigation and prosecution of (international) crime and the execution of the Plans of Approach,” stated the Minister in a letter to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament.

  St. Maarten has to sufficiently guarantee the maintaining of law and order and legal security, stated Plasterk in response to written questions that Members of the Second Chamber André Bosman of the liberal democratic VVD party and Pierre Heijnen of the Labour Party PvdA posed on April 2.

  Bosman and Heijnen sought clarity after media reports that the 2013 budget for

St. Maarten’s Public Prosecutor’s Office would be reduced from NAf. 3.5 million to NAf. 2 million this year, the budget of the St. Maarten Police Force would go down to about NAf. 24.2 million and that only NAf. 1 million would be allocated for the National Detectives (Landrecherche). 

  The Members of Parliament (MPs) of the coalition parties were worried that the proposed budget cuts would hurt the current Orca investigation into the alleged bribery of Member of St. Maarten’s Parliament Patrick Illidge by Bada Bing strip club manager Jaap van den Heuvel.

  However, the Minister clarified, St. Maarten is financially autonomous and the

St. Maarten Government makes its own choices where it comes to the budget and the level of services. He also said that he couldn’t give specific information on the proposed cuts in the justice sector as the budget hadn’t been approved yet.

  The Prosecutor’s Office is an autonomous responsibility of Country St. Maarten as well and as such it was up to this office to carry out investigations and to decide whether a person would be prosecuted, the Minister stated.

  The Prosecutor’s Office currently has sufficient capacity and the investigative capacity at the National Detectives has been temporarily increased in connection with the Orca investigation. Plasterk said he assumed there was sufficient capacity to “proceed without delay.”

  Bosman and Heijnen had also asked about the effects of the possible budget cuts on the ongoing Plans of Approach to strengthen certain parts of the justice chain when

St. Maarten attained country status on October 10, 2010.

  “It is and remains a point of departure that St. Maarten will continue to execute the Plans of Approach unabridged,” stated Plasterk, who promised Parliament that he would discuss the possible effects of the budget cuts on the Plans of Approach in the next ministerial consultation with St. Maarten’s Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams. He said he would urge the Prime Minister to continue the execution of these plans.

  Plasterk also responded to questions by Bosman and Heijnen about the remuneration of the Members of St. Maarten’s Parliament. The MPs had asked the Minister to confirm reports that the compensation of the overseas Parliamentarians had gone up.

  The Minister explained that the compensation of St. Maarten Parliamentarians was some 30 per cent higher than that of their colleagues in Aruba and Curaçao. The remuneration of the Members of Parliament is an autonomous affair of St. Maarten, said Plasterk, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he agreed with the high amount.

  “I expressed my curiosity to St. Maarten’s Minister Plenipotentiary Mathias Voges about this. However, St. Maarten’s Government considers the increase justified because the cost of living in St. Maarten is higher than in Aruba and Curaçao,” stated Plasterk.

  Next week Tuesday, the Second Chamber will have a debate with Plasterk in which

St. Maarten will play a major role.

Tuitt is confident that the remaining NAf. 2.5 million outstanding in Road Tax will be collected before the end of June. "So who's crazy? Not Roland Tuitt," he said, as a response to the press supposedly calling him crazy for not issuing a number plate or a sticker this year for vehicles.

He continued to express his belief that "the population is very trustworthy" and has complied with the responsibility to pay the Road Tax.

Police started road controls on Wednesday to seek out defaulting taxpayers. Tuitt urged those who have not paid Road Tax as yet to do so as soon as possible.

The Social Economic Council SER had advised government in November 2012 to continue with the issuance of number plates when vehicle owners pay their tax to minimise loss of revenue. SER referred to the introduction of this new system as "too hard to enforce under the present circumstances" and considered it to carry a high risk of non-compliance.

"What is actually happening is that they get a licence to operate maybe 250 cars, they actually only operate 25 or 50 and then they do their rest of the businesses of cars licence plates on the French side," Minister Romeo Pantophlet told Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday.

He said the current legislation does not allow for the Ministry to take away vehicles as suggested by one of the MPs under these circumstances. He said, however, that the ministry is working on a new draft policy to tackle this issue.

"This is one of the flaws of the current legislation," Pantophlet said. He said the law allows government to take away a car rental licence that has not been operational for more than six months.

Government can revise and make amendments to the existing legislation to, for example, ensure that car rental companies that, in the future, apply for an expansion in the number of vehicles in their rental fleet, submit Dutch side number plates for those vehicles. He said this would only be applicable for current car rental companies as there is currently a moratorium on the issuing car rental licences.

Another option, Pantophlet said, is that signs be placed in front of car rental companies, with a statement that reads: "Only cars with a Dutch number plate can be rented."

He said resolving this matter is not as easy as one may want to think, but it is an issue that government is studying and has every intention of tackling it.

"Since most car rental companies operate on both sides of the island. It is difficult to control which cars belong to their Dutch side branch or French side branch. We are currently exploring all of our options in order to properly deal with this problem."

Democratic Party (DP) MP, Roy Marlin had said that for years persons operating at the airport who have a car rental licence issued by Dutch government for a number of cars, have cars with French plates and do not pay a cent in tax.

The minister was at the time answering questions from MPs at the continuation of a meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament on the draft 2013 budget.