SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Renowned Dutch lawyer Jelle Klaas declared that protesters should not need to apply for permits before invoking their right to assemble anywhere in the Dutch Kingdom.

He was speaking at a thought-provoking lecture at University of St. Martin (USM) Monday evening following a grand defense of the right of residents to gather peacefully and demand social change from the government. Klaas, of the Amsterdam-based Public Interest Litigation Project (PILP), was arguing for the right of people on the island to protest the ongoing genocide in Palestine, efforts that were quashed twice by the previous government. USM invited these experts to speak on campus and explain to residents their rights to protest and to engage in civil disobedience.

Klaas said that a protest leader’s responsibility was the “duty to notify” the authorities, whenever possible, to allow governments to help mitigate the potential civic fallout of protests related specifically to traffic obstructions, public health and the potential for disorder. However, these limitations, he said, should never be seen as an impediment for two or more residents to gather in a public space and to argue a political cause. Rather, the role of government is to facilitate the right to exercise freedom of assembly.

During the lecture, leaders and members of local trade unions quizzed the civil rights lawyer on the legal mechanisms that exist to protect their right to protest, the responsibilities of protesters to the wider public and the role of protest in an active democracy. The session, which Klaas called an intimate gathering for sharing thoughts and ideas, featured dozens of questions and comments from the guests, which included local educators, climate activists, law enforcement officers, civil servants, medical professionals and others.

Alongside Klaas was Dr. Nawal Mustafa, also of PILP, a strategic legal advisor specializing in anti-racism, feminism, and postcolonial theory. Both speakers are at the forefront of strategic litigation in the Netherlands, having fought for the rights of activists, marginalized communities, and social movements.

Klaas has more than 20 years of experience in defending human rights and is one of the founders of PILP. His expertise in strategic litigation has earned PILP recognition as an influential force in the legal landscape of the Netherlands, with notable victories in cases related to ethnic profiling, the right to demonstrate, and digital privacy. Dr. Mustafa, a specialist in decolonial thought and anti-discrimination efforts, has brought her academic rigor and legal expertise to the fight against Islamophobia and racism. She holds a Ph.D. on the intersection of race, feminism, and decolonial theory and has been a driving force in legal strategies that challenge systemic discrimination.

USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez praised the efforts of these legal experts in raising awareness of the public on the rights. “At USM, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom and into the realm of civic engagement,” said Carmona Baez, who has led the institution since 2018. “Understanding the rights and responsibilities of parties when it comes to demonstrations or protest is essential for maintaining democratic freedoms and promoting social justice. We are happy with the visit of Mr. Klaas ansd Dr. Mustafa to the island, and we are grateful for their willingness to engage with local activists, scholars and civil servants. ”

PILP, founded in 2014 under the Dutch Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, has established itself as a champion of human rights in the Netherlands. A foundation since 2013, PILP is known for its strategic litigation efforts on behalf of NGOs, activists, and communities advocating for justice and equality.

To celebrate its 35^th anniversary, USM has been hosting free public lectures this year on a diverse range of topics including the emergence of artificial intelligence and climate change. Monday’s lecture allowed attendees to engage with two prominent legal minds who helped them advance their knowledge on the basis for protest. USM’s next lecture is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 21, and will feature Prof. Wouter Veenendaal of Leiden University, who will be discussing the advancement of democracy in small islands, particularly in the Dutch Caribbean.

USM invites students, faculty, legal professionals, and the public to attend this free event. For more information, visit www.usm.sx or find University of St. Martin on Facebook.

Dutch legal experts Jelle Klaas and Dr. Nawal Mustafa, both of political action firm PILP, speak at a presentation on Monday advocating the right to protest and constructive use of civil disobedience at USM.

USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez speaks at a lecture about the right to protest and civil disobedience at USM on Monday.

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – On Tuesday, October 22, fuel pump prices will be adjusted for gasoline and diesel. 

The current price of unleaded gasoline is Naf.2.171 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.2.347 per liter.

The current price of diesel is Naf.1.777 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.1.908 per liter.

The Government of Sint Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at which wholesalers and retailers can sell these products in the country to motorists.

At the international level, the prices of crude oil have experienced adjustments and local prices follow the international trend, and therefore prices are adjusted to reflect this. 

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Get ready for a thrilling weekend of racing as the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) gears up to host the highly anticipated 2024 Caribbean Dinghy Championships (CDC) from October 25-27!

This is more than just a regatta – it’s an all-out showdown of skill, speed, and team spirit, with 46 dinghy sailors from eight different countries battling it out on the waters of Simpson Bay. Sponsored by Motorworld and organized in partnership with the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), this year’s CDC promises to be one for the books.

Teams from Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Saint Martin, and of course, Sint Maarten, will be competing in six boat classes – Optimist, RS Quest, RS Zest, ILCA 4, 6, and 7 – and the competition will be fierce!

Teams will be racing not just for class victories, but for the ultimate bragging rights: Best Overall Team. Will Antigua defend their crown, or will a new champion rise from the waves?

It all kicks off with a practice day on Thursday, October 24, followed by a welcome dinner to allow for the participants to connect as they are all passionate about dinghy sailing, for some it will be the ultimate opportunity to seize up the competition! Then the real action starts on Friday with the first round of racing.

Expect exciting starts, tight finishes, and plenty of emotions as competitors push their limits over three days of fierce competition. The final races will be held on Sunday, with the grand prize-giving ceremony scheduled for early afternoon, when the champions will hoist their trophies high. Daily prize-giving events will keep competitors on their toes throughout the weekend and add to the overall excitement.

Expect wind, speed, and smiles on Simpson Bay as the dinghies take to the water! Paul Henriquez, no stranger to Sint Maarten’s sailing scene, will serve as the Race Officer, ensuring fair and exciting races. Meanwhile, the jury consists of Steven Kern from Barbados (joining digitally) and Ian Hope Ross, ready to weigh in on any racing calls.

Food is covered by Zeebest, who will fuel the racers with delicious lunches each day, and Captain D’s Ribshack who will be serving up flavorful dinners to keep energy levels high.

One of the weekend’s most exciting stories is the arrival of St. Vincent, sending sailors to race in Sint Maarten for the very first time. They're beyond thrilled to make their debut, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the racecourse! And of course, the home team, Sint Maarten, will be competing in full force, hoping to take home top honors in every class. They have hosted the CDC before and should be able to showcase top performance on home turf.

"The wind, the waves, and the energy of the sailors – it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend,” says Sam Peeks, racing coach at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. “With a mix of seasoned competitors and fresh talent, the excitement levels are through the roof. It’s not just about winning; it’s about celebrating the spirit of Caribbean sailing.”

 Whether you’re a die-hard sailing fan or just someone who loves watching a good competition, this year’s Caribbean Dinghy Championships is an event you won’t want to miss!

SINT MAARTEN (CAY BAY) - NV GEBE would like to address a video circulating on social media suggesting that the Power Plant is on fire. This information is completely false, NV GEBE said in a statement on Saturday.

“The smoke seen in the video was caused by a failure on the Turbo Charger for Engine 18, which resulted in temporary smoke emission. We understand the concern of the public, and we assure everyone that the situation is under control.

“As a result of this engine failure, some areas are (Ed. Were on Saturday) currently experiencing power outages. However, we are actively working on restoring power as swiftly as possible. Our team at the plant is busy resolving the issue to ensure the continuation of reliable service.

“NV GEBE remains committed to providing transparent communication with the public and will keep everyone informed of any developments,” the NV GEBE statement concludes.