SINT MAARTEN/ST. VINCENT - While protecting seabird nesting islands is of utmost importance, and a goal of EPIC programs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we also need to understand where the birds find food and protect those areas. With this in mind, in March 2023 an EPIC team outfitted GPS data loggers on 28 adult Red-footed Boobies nesting on Battowia island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which is a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Wildlife Reserve.

Battowia was previously highlighted in EPIC’s “Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles” as the most important island in the region because it hosts two globally important seabird colonies – Red-footed Booby and Red-billed Tropicbird – and it’s one of the most threatened.

The results from the 17 GPS data loggers retrieved yielded the first seabird movement data originating from research of this type conducted in the Grenadines. Researchers found that while many trips were generally eastward, some individual birds traveled far into the exclusive economic zone waters of neighboring nations, such as Barbados, Saint Lucia and Martinique. One individual completed two full circumnavigations around the Saint Vincent mainland, while others approached important seabird nesting islands further south in the Grenadines, such as Petit Canouan and Sail Rock. This indicates that some birds are far-ranging.

For example, one bird went north of Barbados on an overnight trip, covering about 500 kilometers (300 miles), and was recaptured at the same nest where it was initially caught. This data is an important tool for advocating for the protection of marine habitats and can be included in management plans. Field efforts were led by Juliana Coffey and Dr. Louise Soanes, with field support and local expertise provided by fisherfolk and seafarers from Bequia (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and Carriacou (Grenada).

This project was funded by the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund. The overall results will be collated into a report to be released at a later date.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - St. Maarten stands together on World Diabetes Day 2023, emphasizing this year’s theme “Access to Diabetes Care." Our community is committed to raising awareness and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

On this World Diabetes Day 2023, the Honorable Minister Omar Ottley, extends heartfelt greetings to each of you. Today serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in promoting a healthier future for our community.

Diabetes is a global challenge, but through unity, awareness, and informed action, we can make a significant impact. Our government is committed to supporting initiatives that empower individuals to lead healthier lives and reduce the prevalence of diabetes in our beloved St. Maarten. The Ministry of VSA had since embarked on various preventative programs such as CPS diabetic screenings and the diabetic foot care program, all with the purpose of detecting and treating diabetes at its earliest stage.

Minister Ottley urges the community to join the CPS and Diabetes Foundation for the "Diabetes Panel Discussion" on November 14. The event will be held at Carl’s & Sons Inn Conference Hall in Cole Bay, starting promptly at 6:00 pm. Free on-site health screenings will be provided. Don't miss this enlightening and complimentary panel discussion.

Remember, a healthier future starts with each one of us making conscious choices. Let us work together to build a St. Maarten where well-being is a shared priority.

Wishing you good health and a fulfilling World Diabetes Day 2023.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Monday said the current promises being made to GEBE employees for the long overdue salary adjustments “better not” be a political stunt. Questioning the motive and timing of GEBE management and the government of St. Maarten, the MP said that he is in full agreement with GEBE employees finally getting what they are entitled, “but GEBE’s financial situation leaves one to wonder about the sincerity of agreements being made now.”

The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is a pivotal concern, affecting all NV GEBE employees based on a formula triggered when the cost of living reaches a specific threshold according to Central Bureau statistics (CBS). MP Emmanuel highlighted that the last COLA adjustment for NV GEBE employees' salaries took place in 2013, marking a decade since any such adjustments were implemented. Meanwhile, the cost of living has notably surged across the island, impacting the residents of St. Maarten.

Emmanuel emphasized the urgency for NV GEBE employees to receive their long-overdue COLA adjustments, pointing out ongoing negotiations between SMCU, representing the employees, and NV GEBE Management/Government of St. Maarten. The talks involve not only the overdue salary adjustments but also touch upon the Performance Appraisal System (PAS), an issue that breaches the signed agreement between NV GEBE and the union SMCU, last applied in 2021.

Highlighting the specifics of the negotiations, MP Emmanuel detailed the agreed-upon salary increases separate from the COLA adjustment. These included planned increments for the years 2022 and 2023, which have faced delays and divisions across subsequent years, raising concerns about their execution.

The MP explained that new agreements outline that for the performance evaluation of 2022, a 2.5% salary increase would be paid, and for the performance evaluation of 2023 a 3% salary increase would be paid to all NV GEBE employees. The 2.5% salary increase that had to be paid in January 2023 will be delayed and will be split in two payments. A 3% salary increase will be paid in January 2024 together with 1% from the delayed payment, which will be a payment of 4% salary increase for January 2024. Then 1.5% will be delayed to January 2025. This 1.5% will be paid together with the PAS result of 2024 in January 2025.

However, despite the proposed adjustments, MP Emmanuel raised pressing concerns regarding NV GEBE's financial state. Pointing to recent bank statements showing approximately 13 million guilders in NV GEBE's accounts, concerns were voiced about the company's ability to meet critical financial and recovery obligations, especially during the ongoing hurricane season. The company's minimum required financial reserves during this time stand at 35 million guilders, leading to apprehensions regarding its preparedness in case of emergencies.

MP Emmanuel drew attention to outstanding financial obligations, particularly highlighting pending payments to SOL and over 100 vendor invoices awaiting processing. The concern was expressed that the current financial burden might lead NV GEBE, the sole electricity provider, towards potential bankruptcy, raising questions about the feasibility of fulfilling the commitments made to employees.

MP Emmanuel concluded by raising the question of whether the proposed adjustments and promises were more of a political maneuver, potentially leaving NV GEBE employees empty-handed due to unmet commitments.

“This is a very sad and dangerous situation where I hope the employees are not being used as a political pawn. They deserve their money. But if the government knows that the financial state of the company cannot carry this burden it should not make false promises because it is election time. The employees have families to feed and obligations to fulfill based on what they are told. GEBE management and the government of St. Maarten should be very careful not to instill hope and then betray the employees,” MP Emmanuel concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Library proudly announces its centennial celebration, marking 100 years of dedicated community service.  The pioneers gave the initial name Jubilee Library, which originated in the Jubilee of Queen Wilhelmina in 1923. 

The Sint Maarten Library aims to be a cornerstone of the local community, providing space for residents and visitors to access a vast collection of books, e-books, and reading activities. Over the past century, the library has evolved as an educational source, meeting the needs of learning institutions and the community at large. 

For the love of reading and the history of the founders, please visit www.sintmaartenlibrary.sx. The purpose of the Sint Maarten Library is to inspire and nurture literacy. 

The centennial celebration promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together the people of Sint Maarten and honoring the library’s rich history.  On November 23, 2023, the festivities will culminate in a “Customer Appreciation Day”. Patrons can return overdue books free at all locations. This community initiative engages culture and a continuous love for reading and supporting literacy.

On November 24, 2023, we will hold a grand celebration at the Aleeze Convention Center. The gala will begin with a special ceremony and virtual display of historic photographs exploring the library’s fascinating journey throughout the past century.  

There will be live performances, renditions of music, and artistic expressions that reflect the cultural diversity. The Sint Maarten Library will honor and acknowledge honorees and pioneers for their contributions throughout the historical journey of its development. 

The Sint Maarten Library board and dedicated staff extend their gratitude to the local community and the many supporters who have made this centenary possible. Join us as we honor those who have worked tirelessly to get us this far, learn more about what the library offers, and be a part of the journey to the next 100 years and beyond!!!