Former Civil Servants and Retired Employees of Government Owned Companies need to be Continuously Recognized says MP Maurice Lake

Published in Soualiga News 3

L to R: MP Maurice Lake and Raphael Christian.

ST. PETERS – Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake says former civil servants and those who have worked for government-owned companies, need to be recognized continuously for their contribution to the development of the civil service corps and the companies that they worked for over the years.

“It has always been the case that we recognize the person when they have passed away. We need to move away from that and continue to recognize them while they are alive. There are many retired civil servants today as well as former employees who have made a considerable contribution to the organization that they worked for. Today, when an event is held, they are not invited. There should be a protocol in place where these persons are recognized and are invited to government events or events organized by the respective government-owned company.

“We have to look after our own. We have to put our people first. The senior citizens are the backbone of this country. They were the ones who built the foundations that we enjoy today. We have to know about our past in order to chart our future. While working as a civil servant myself, I learnt a lot from the older heads, and they have contributed to the man that I am today, and I am thankful for their contribution.

“I had the opportunity to sit down with Raphael Christian (89), who had worked at the Princess Juliana International Airport for more than 30-years until he retired years ago. An aircraft engineer by profession, Christian worked as Supervisory Director at the airport. He was also decorated with a medal for his service back in 2010.

“I fully agree with Raphael Christian; ‘We like to trample on our own and that is killing our country. We have to help our own.’ I fully agree with him. Our forefathers did not have that mentality. Their principles of being straight forward and looking out for each other is what has to be promoted. The generation of leaders today have to do better and teach the younger generation these principles so it can be passed on from one generation to the next.

“We have to also continue to names places and things after those who have made a contribution to our society. For example, street names, buildings or plazas etc. We need to take better care of our seniors as well, especially in the health care area eg. Eye care/Eye glasses. Housing for seniors need to be expanded. The cost of living is very high and the pensions are not sufficient for our seniors. We need a structural approach where this is concerned.

“I will be calling on the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure from Ministry VROMI, to take the lead in adding former civil servants who have served our nation, to be invited to events and ground-breakings etc to show our continued appreciation for what they have done, for the foundation that they have laid for us to continue building. I call on other Ministries to do the same and follow suit,” MP Lake said on Monday in a press release.

Office Police Report: Four suspects arrested in armed robbery investigations. One 17 and one 18 years of age with previous warrant for arrest

Published in Soualiga News 3

SIMPSON BAY - On Wednesday at approximately 7.20 P.M. four persons were arrested by police in the Simpson bay area suspected of being involved in several armed robberies which recently occurred on the French and the Dutch side of the island.

The arrests took place based on information that came in from the French Gendarmes after a robbery on the French side on Wednesday evening. These suspects are three men and one woman.

They were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station and put into custody for further investigation. The follow-up investigation done by detectives indicated that the suspects in question are most probably responsible for at least four recent armed on the Dutch side.

The female suspect was released on Thursday January 14^th. Two of the suspects are 17 years of age and one is 18 years old. There was also an outstanding arrest warrant for one of these suspects.

All three suspects remain in custody for further investigation. The vehicle the suspects were driving at the time of the arrest has been confiscated for further investigation. (Police Force Sint Maarten)

Plenary Session of Parliament regarding public health reconvenes on Friday

Published in Soualiga News 3

PHILIPSBURG – TheHouse of Parliament has reconvened a public plenary session for January 15 regarding public health care.

The adjourned plenary session of January 13 is to reconvene on Friday at 10.30am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. This session will be carried by Soualiga Newsday live video feed.

The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is the draft National Ordinance of regulations related to Public Health Care.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

CBS: More than 3000 European Dutch nationals moved to the Caribbean Netherlands over a period of five years

Published in Soualiga News 3

CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS - Between 2010 and 2014, in total 3.4 thousand residents of the European part of the Netherlands moved to one of the three islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. The other way around, 2.5 thousand people moved from the Caribbean Netherlands to the European Netherlands. On balance, more people moved from the European Netherlands to Bonaire, Saba or St Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands) than vice versa, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

Mainly native Dutch citizens to Bonaire, Saba or St Eustatius

European Dutch nationals of Dutch origin in particular emigrated relatively more often to one of the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands; nearly 800 more than in the opposite direction. This was also the case for second-generation Dutch nationals of Antillean origin, although in smaller numbers. As for first-generation Antilleans, there is no difference between the migration flows: similar numbers moved from the European to the Caribbean Netherlands as did vice versa.

Caribbean Netherlands popular among people in their twenties and forties

Among people from the European Netherlands between the ages of 20 and 30 especially, the Caribbean Netherlands are popular and larger numbers migrate to the Caribbean Netherlands than vice versa. Whereas net migration in general is highest among people in their twenties and decreases with age, a relatively large number of people in their forties migrate to the Caribbean Netherlands.

European Netherlands popular among young Antilleans for studies

In the period 2010-2014, a significantly larger group of first-generation Antilleans – who are born on Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten – moved to the European Netherlands than the other way around: 16 thousand against 11.5 thousand. These were mainly older teenagers and people in their twenties who came to the Netherlands to study. The exact opposite applied to native Dutch and second-generation Antilleans: slightly more moved from the European Netherlands to Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten than vice versa.

Between 2010 and 2014, the population of the Caribbean Netherlands increased by almost 3.8 thousand residents. This is largely attributable to positive net migration and was far less the result of natural growth (births). Apart from positive net migration from the European Netherlands (nearly one thousand), migration from Central and South America, the United States and Canada also contributed to this population growth. (RCN - Statistics Netherlands)

Source

Definitions:

First-generation Antillean for European Netherlands

Someone born on the Netherlands Antilles with at least one parent who was born on the Netherlands Antilles.

Second-generation Antillean for European Netherlands

Someone born in the Netherlands with at least one parent who was born on the Netherlands Antilles.

OSPP states position on health care and St. Maarten Medical Center

Published in Soualiga News 3

PHILIPSBURG - The Board of the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP) released the following press release on Wednesday pointing out that it is somewhat surprised with the statement in the January 4, 2016 edition of a daily newspaper from the leader of the United Peoples (UP) Party, Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger that the hospital should have priority.

“It is impossible that Theo means what he says but hoping that the present government doesn’t work on the construction of expansion of the medical center. It is a ploy of his to let our people continue to suffer due to the lack of a proper health care system and the expansion of the medical center to provide the much needed services.

“In the short five years history of Country St. Maarten Mr. Heyliger has been at the helm of three of those governments. During the construction of the cause way bridge he was the leader of the government and decided that the bridge was more important than the expansion of the St. Maarten Medical Center.

“The fact that we have been referring many of our patients to Santo Domingo and Columbia spending millions of guilders is a public secret and even Theo knows that. Yet, he felt it was more important to deprive our citizens from acquiring proper health care right here in St. Maarten. Studies have indicated that a patient who is visited often by family, friends and love ones and is in a familiar environment has a tendency to recover must faster.

“This and the fact that we would be saving millions of guilders on an annual basis are enough reasons for us to have expanded the medical center. But some of us are born with a silver spoon in our mouth that should we fall ill we can be flown out to the best hospital in the USA such as Jackson Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, most of the ordinary people doesn’t have that luxury and would have to suck salt here in St. Maarten. We are very grateful to our administrators, nurses, doctors and other professionals at the St. Maarten Medical Center for the services that they are rendering with the minimum amount of equipment that is available to them.

“This brings us to a conversation we had with a citizen who after being referred to the St. Maarten Medical center for an Ultra Sound had to wait an entire month. This citizen took it upon himself to visit a doctor on the Northern side and got a referral to a lab to have that Ultra Sound done. Within two days an appointment was made and that citizen had the Ultra Sound done on the Northern side. This is no fault of the medical staff at the Medical Center but a clear indication of the priorities of our governments.

“It seems that even the Marlin cabinet is talking about having additional studies done before they can start the expansion to the medical center. Additional delays of the construction will result in more people having to be referred to other countries and causing you and me more in taxes in order to balance the future budgets. These governments past and present have demonstrated over and over that they don’t like their people. What other conclusion can you draw from the treatment that they are providing their own people?” the OSPP Board said in a press statement on Wednesday.

Traffic disruption in Ebenezer starting Wednesday

Published in Soualiga News 3

EBENEZER, (DCOMM) – Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be disruption to the traffic flow in the Ebenezer area starting on Wednesday, January 6.

NV GEBE will be laying water lines in the area. These works will continue for approximately two weeks depending on the weather.

Works will be carried out on both sides of Pieter Hassel Road, one side of Jacobus Barry Road, ending on the intersection of Jacobus Barry Road and Ebenezer Road.

The roads will remain open to all traffic, however the works are expected to cause traffic delays.

Motorists must pay attention to the traffic signs that will be erected and to reduce speed and drive with caution.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

Islands Report increase in visitors and Infrastructure Enhancement

Published in Soualiga News 3

BERMUDA/BVI – Bermuda ended 2015 with the 136^th cruise visit by the Saga Sapphire, the highest figure since 2012. Authorities in this British territory expect cruise calls and passenger numbers to increase significantly in 2016.

Bermuda will receive an additional 15 cruise calls in 2016 when compared to the year before, topping at 151 cruise calls. Anthem of the Seas is expected to make its inaugural call this year.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI), another British territory, has expanded its cruise pier – docking for up to three ships simultaneously - at Road Town, Tortola, and has plans to further develop the upland development.

The cruise pier and upland area is referred to as the ‘Tortola Pier Park.’ The 2015 cruise season saw three ships in port on the same day several times which is considered a major plus for the destination.

Tortola Pier Park includes a five acre landside shopping facility with an official opening tentatively set for February 2016.

SOUALIGA NEWSDAY REPORT

Christmas Village can now be viewed at Starz City & Casino

Published in Soualiga News 3

CUPECOY - The Island’s Christmas activities and decorations this year have really been amplified versus the previous years in St. Maarten. The Starz City & Casino did not hesitate to partner with the Dominican Roots Foundation to add their magic touch to the Island’s Christmas Spirit.

The Christmas Village became a reality and in order to give back to the community, various groups of less privileged children were invited free of charge to the event. The kids experienced a Christmas fantasy that they will cherish for a very long time.

"The Christmas Village was displayed at the Festival Village last weekend and can now be viewed every day from 6:00pm at the Starz City & Casino from December 21^st until January 6^th, 2016," says Paola Bustos, Director Marketing-Web of Starz City & Casino.

"Lighted palm trees line up the entrance to Starz City & Casino and the property’s largest tree (over 100 feet tall) is fully decorated with Christmas lights facing the magical Christmas city in which facades of houses create an enchanted Christmas village," added Bustos.

This, without doubt, will give another opportunity to the families and children to view the delights of Christmas, if they didn’t have a chance last weekend. In addition, on New Year’s Eve, Starz will have a large Firework display and several kids’ activities thereby offering a safe environment for families to enjoy the festivities on the last day of the year.

Sint Maarten Police Force: Burglary prevention tips for the 2015 Holiday Season

Published in Soualiga News 3

PHILIPSBURG - Unfortunately burglaries often happen on Sint Maarten. You think you protected your home against burglars, but when you arrive home after work, or perhaps even when you wake up after a good night’s rest, you discover your home was broken into. A burglary can have great impact on your sense of safety in your surroundings. Just the thought that somebody you didn’t invite was in your home and touched your belongings, gives lots of people the ‘shivers’. The Sint Maarten Police Department does their utmost to catch all burglars, but there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

First of all you have to start thinking like a burglar. What would you like most if you were one? The answer to that question would probably be: a quick entrance and exit, so you can easily take the stuff you want. We think you would also like it if no one notices you breaking in to a house. Well, if you already are aware of these things, measures can be easily taken against them.

Dos and don’ts

Make sure burglars do not have quick access to your home. You can do this by properly locking all doors and windows. After that don’t leave the key under the door mat or in a flower pot, because burglars know all the hiding places you can imagine too. Perhaps it’s good to install an extra lock to your doors, so it would not be that easy to kick the door in. Don’t leave valuables in sight, people with bad intentions only have to see through your window to spot an iPad or a smart phone lying around, and they will try to get into your home. So check your house like you were a burglar every time you leave your premises. See if there’s a ladder or a garbage container lying around. A burglar could use these things to climb on and get easy access to your house. Store them away. Leave your premises tidy, so you will immediately notice when something is wrong.

Make sure the entrance to your house is visible from the street. Cut all overgrown plants or bushes in front of your home for example, and leave lights on when it’s dark, so an uninvited guest could not hide in the dark and be unnoticed. If you’re not around, perhaps one of your neighbors are. Let them keep an eye out for you when they spot a stranger on your doorstep. They can call the police immediately. You would of course do the same for your neighbor.

See a burglary happening? Call 911!

If you see somebody that’s trying to break into your neighbor’s house, don’t hesitate to call us on 911. Make sure you give a good description of the person to the central dispatch, so they can provide their colleagues on the street with that information. The chances of an arrest increases enormously when the patrol is provided with the right information.

What do the police do in case a burglary happened in your house?

When a burglary still takes place, in spite of all the precautions you took, you should call the police immediately after discovering the break in. Detectives come to your house to collect evidence, so it’s best if you do not clean up broken glass or other things the burglar might have touched. Leave the situation ‘as is’. Our Forensic Department collects evidence, like fingerprints or DNA, because we would really like to arrest the criminal that did this to you. When you tamper with the situation, the evidence is gone, because possible traces the criminal left behind are contaminated with your own DNA. So don’t, we need the evidence. After all, catching thieves is what we’re here for. Most burglars make small mistakes, and we profit from those small mistakes during our investigation. After the member of the Forensic Department has left your house, you’re free to clean up the mess that was made.

A detective will make a report of the burglary. He or she will do this based on the information you give to them. So to make it easier for yourself and for us, it comes in handy when you have a good description of the items that were stolen. The best way to do this is to take pictures of all valuable items in your home. Write down all serial numbers and give them to the detective, to make the report complete. That way, if we do make an arrest or recover stolen goods, we can easily return them to their rightful owner.

More tips?

Perhaps you will find it interesting to read more prevention tips. Then it’s good to know that the Community Police Officers are there to assist you. For example you can make an appointment with one of the CPOs, to check up on the safety measures you took in your house. You can find the contact details of the CPOs below for your neighborhood:

‘Know your CPO’

Do you know your Community Police Officer?

CPO Arcella Leonard: Dutch Quarter/Belvedere

Tel: +1721 588 4037 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Steven Carty: Philipsburg/Pond Island/Pointe Blanche/Hope Est./Guana Bay

Tel: +1721 588 4033 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Daryl Chandler: Simpson Bay/Cay Bay/Pelican

Tel: +1721 588 4034 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Shawn Crispulo: Cole Bay

Tel: +1721 588 4035 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Rensley Henson: Bel Air/Fort Willem/Cay Hill

Tel: +1721 588 4036 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Ethelwoldus Josepha: Lowlands/Beacon Hill

Tel: +1721 588 2933 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Felix Richards: St. Peters/Ebenezer/Retreat Est./ Saunders/Mary’s Fancy/Cul de Sac/ Zagersgut/Over the Pond

Tel: +1721 588 2935 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPO Helen Romeo: Middle Region/Suckergarden/Mdm Estate/Oyster Pond/Dawn Beach/Defiance

Tel: +1721 588 2932 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Krusada receives subsidy for support for former prisoners - ‘Bario di Adelanto’ project

Published in Soualiga News 3

Dutch Representative for the Caribbean Netherlands Gilbert Isabella.

BONAIRE (Caribbean Netherlands) - The Krusada Foundation on Bonaire receives subsidy from the Ministry of Security and Justice to finance eight placements for support for and reintegration of former prisoners.

The subsidy is for a period of one and a half years, enabling Krusada to set up the project. In the meantime structural financing should be found. Krusada expects that it will be able to start providing support as soon as the first quarter of 2016.

There is great need for such support placement among the criminal justice agencies on Bonaire because there are prisoners who need a place to live and guidance after serving their prison sentence in order to be able to return to society in a good way. Since this support is not available at the moment many former prisoners soon fall back into crime.

There already are some suitable residential units on the grounds of Krusada. Thanks to the subsidy of the Ministry of Security and Justice it is now possible to recruit personnel for the guidance. Future residents will not only receive guidance and training but they will also need to spend at least 32 hours week on work or education. This way they will be prepared properly for a life in the free society.

The project will be called ‘Bario di Adelanto’: neighbourhood of progress. An appropriate name for a project which will help former prisoners to ‘get ahead’ again in life.

Kingdom Representative Gilbert Isabella is happy that the Ministry of Security and Justice has provided the subsidy to Krusada: “I think it is important that people get a second chance and are allowed to participate in the Bonaire society again. This project is really going to help with this and furthermore it will prevent relapse to old behaviour.”

The Krusada Foundation has supported people on Bonaire who are unable to cope in society since 1999. The foundation is firmly embedded in local society and makes personal and social-economic recovery possible. (RCN Caribbean Netherlands)

Soualiga News 3 (3519)

Former Civil Servants and Retired Employees of Government Owned Companies need to be Continuously Recognized says MP Maurice Lake

Office Police Report: Four suspects arrested in armed robbery investigations. One 17 and one 18 years of age with previous warrant for arrest

Plenary Session of Parliament regarding public health reconvenes on Friday

CBS: More than 3000 European Dutch nationals moved to the Caribbean Netherlands over a period of five years

OSPP states position on health care and St. Maarten Medical Center

Traffic disruption in Ebenezer starting Wednesday

Islands Report increase in visitors and Infrastructure Enhancement

Christmas Village can now be viewed at Starz City & Casino

Sint Maarten Police Force: Burglary prevention tips for the 2015 Holiday Season

Krusada receives subsidy for support for former prisoners - ‘Bario di Adelanto’ project

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