The St. Maarten Times

06/06/2022

Livestream funeral service Acting Governor Reynold A. Groeneveldt

For all those who are unable to attend the funeral service of Acting Governor Reynold A. Groeneveldt in person a livestream of the funeral service will be available. The celebration of his life will be held on Monday, June 6th at the Philipsburg Methodist Church.

Viewings will be held from 09:00am to 10:45am. The service commences at 11:00am. Followed by the interment at the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Cemetery in Philipsburg.

The livestreaming will take place during the viewing and service inside the Philipsburg Methodist Church. The livestream will be available to the public from 09:00AM, on June 6, and can be accessed via this link:

https://youtu.be/ST180XbIkNg

The link will also be published on the page of the Governor of Sint Maarten and the website of
the Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten.

03/06/2022

3:20 pm on Thursday. Pin-in car accident on Little Bay Road. The driver of the small silver color car is trapped behind the steering wheel, being filmed and photographed by passers-by, before being freed by police and emergency services.

11/02/2022

Mr. Baly sworn in as substitute judge

PHILIPSBURG -- On Thursday, Governor Eugene Holiday administered the oath to Mr. Ajamu Glenston Baly as Substitute Judge of the Court in First Instance of St. Maarten.

Until recently, Mr. Baly served as a temporary member of the Board of Supervisors of the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en St. Maarten (CBCS).

Present at the oath-taking ceremony were Vice President of the Court of Justice of St. Maarten, Judge Sander van Rijen and Judge Jacoba Ghrib.

Following the oath, Governor Holiday signed the process verbal of the oath-taking and presented it to Substitute Judge Ajamu Baly and wished him every success in his new and important function.News

11/02/2022

Minister Ottley warns SER: ‘Withholding an increase of minimum wage is illegal’

PHILIPSBURG – Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Omar Ottley (United People's Party (UP)) proposes a one-time increase of the minimum wage. “Withholding an increase for so many years now, regardless of the reason, is illegal!”, Ottley said.

On Wednesday, Minister Ottley met with the representatives of the Social Economic Council (SER) to discuss the increase of the minimum wage on St. Maarten.

The Minister previously sent a request to the advisory council, requesting their feedback on the steps he wishes to take for the implementation of a onetime increase.

At the time of the request, he could not offer a figure to the SER, as the Ministry was still awaiting the consumer price index (CPI) of the third quarter of 2021, from the department of stats, Ottley stated. “The CPI has since been received.”

The meeting was called by the SER to get a full explanation on what would be the possible figure and why the Minister feels this is the right time to increase the minimum wage.

Minister Ottley listened to the concerns of the business representatives and agreed to take their concerns into consideration. He stated that while he understood their concerns, he reminded the Council that “the minimum wage is the legal instrument that protects the workers from being underpaid for their labor. Withholding an increase for so many years now, regardless of the reason, ... is illegal!”

Minister Ottley ended the meeting with the promise to have the finalized advice, with the newly proposed calculated amount, sent to the SER within two weeks.

The Minister has chosen not to make public what minimum-wage workers can expect: he has given no indication of the increase, nor of the total investment required.

07/02/2022

Republic Bank launches campaign to inspire and reward Caribbean Artists

PHILIPSBURG -- Republic Bank Limited (RBL) today launched “The Art of Banking”, as part of its innovative market engagement to build both awareness and relationships. This campaign asks the artists of the Caribbean over the age of eighteen, to give their best interpretation of several of the banks’ products and services.

Artists from all over the region will be asked to produce pieces inspired by the following themes: “Credit cards: A new world of opportunity”, “TISP: The future: protected” “RightStart: From young”, “RS Teen: Out in the world”, “Mortgages: Finally, home!” and “Online/Digital banking: Freedom through tech.”

One regional winner in each category will receive a prize of US$2,000 and in addition, there will be a regional People’s Choice award of US$1,000.

The prize money is not the biggest reward as the campaign opens up an exciting opportunity for many artists in the region to have their work displayed not just at a regional level but also on an international platform. Winners will see their artwork on Republic Bank’s brand assets including its digital channels and out-of-home branding. Artists’ profiles will also be done to introduce them and their unique artistic perspective to the world and this exposure can open doors to other opportunities.

As explained by Managing Director Michelle Palmer-Keizer “The Art of Banking speaks to the Bank’s commitment to local ingenuity and creativity; being the canvas that brings ideas to life. She expressed her enthusiasm for the innovative way of bringing Republic Bank’s services, products, and value propositions to the fore by letting them inspire art. “We get to have more conversations now about how these products and services have a real human impact on people’s lives and what their core benefits are.”

This is not the first time Republic Bank Limited has actively engages with arts and culture. The multi-regional bank has always been at the forefront of supporting the arts, from their sponsorship of steel orchestras to major festivals and filmmakers. As explained by the Managing Director, “The creatives in our region need some light and hope. They have had a challenging time in the absence of festivals and events that gave them meaningful enterprise and most of all fulfilled their calling. We hope this promotion lights a spark for many and we look forward to seeing the creations from all over the Caribbean."

07/02/2022

Sol St. Maarten sponsors Solar Powered AC for Milton Peters College

ST. PETERS -- The Keep a Cool Head team partnered with Sol St. Maarten for the adoption of one more classroom in their ‘adopt a classroom’ project which is set up to find sponsors for installing solar powered air conditioning in the 22 classrooms of Milton Peters College. Sol pledges to sponsor the 9th classroom.

Sol St. Maarten is pleased to support the community through the project Keep A Cool Head. Sol and the school board of SVOBE are additionally discussing the financing of the solar park that is needed to power the air-conditioning units.

“We are excited to play a key role in enabling sustainable energy solutions in St. Maarten now and for future generations”, said Robert-Jan James, General Manager of Sol in St. Maarten. “This pilot project strengthens Sol’s objective of integrating lower carbon and renewable energy into its operations, and provide its customers and partners power generation options through its business focus and planned investment of USD 66 million over the period of 2015-2025 in both, capital investment and community support.”

James and his two children graduated from Milton Peters College, the largest secondary high school of St. Maarten where his parents were teachers. “Supporting this special project comes naturally to me and to our business focus areas,” James said.

Sol’s Corporate Social Investment programs have supported multiple community causes such as education, sports and environment, and is focused on supporting sustainable energy initiatives. Sol sponsors the culinary programs at Sundial and NIPA as well as the breakfast program at the Lionel Connor School. Sol is also upgrading their basketball court and sponsored the youth sailing Optimist Regatta. “As part of our renewable initiatives, we will look to work with the schools to develop solar projects which will reduce their electricity bills”, James concludes.

The Keep a Cool Head team is still looking for 13 sponsors that are willing to adopt a classroom, as was done by Port St. Maarten, Divico, La Vista Beach Hotel, Nagico, Chamber of Commerce and Notary Mingo, amongst others.

For more information please contact the Keep a cool Head project team at [email protected]

Pictured, from left to right: Robert Jan James, CEO of Sol and MPC Alumni; Marisca Hunt-Peterson, Sales Executive SOL and MPC Alumni; MPC students; Michelle Victor, Manager at HaVen; Maria York, Manager at HaVen; Sixto Peters, Financial Manager at SVOBE;
Jacqueline Duggins-Horsford, Director at MPC/SVOBE

06/02/2022

First Clothing and Shoes Recycling Container on St. Maarten

CAY HILL -- Nurse Monique of SMMC is now the proud owner of a clothing recycling container. The investment was made possible by the joint efforts of the Dutch Representative in St. Maarten, Kooyman Megastore and HaVen Audit, Accounting and Consultancy.

The container was bought through a donation of the Dutch Representative in Philipsburg (VNP). The local audit, accounting, and consultancy firm HaVen assisted the foundation in bringing everyone together and procuring and shipping the container from the Netherlands, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility policy.

Nurse Monique supports vulnerable groups like homeless persons, young single mothers and isolated elderly with clothing, medication, or bathing facilities. One of the most time-consuming activities for the foundation is the collection of clothing. Not only for the foundation but also for the persons donating their clothes, as they have to drive up all the way Ginger Road to the home of Monique.

With the arrival of the Clothing Recycling Container, the foundation can now receive clothing 24/7. The container is located opposite Ginger Road, in the parking area of Kooyman Megastore. Kooyman not only sponsored the location, but also the shipping costs of the container from the Netherlands to St. Maarten.

“From the start, I wanted to make sure Kooyman was on board to make this happen”, said Evencia Carty-Seabrookes, Commercial Officer at Kooyman. “Kooyman believes in initiatives to reduce poverty and promote sustainability. The container does both. Recycling clothing and shoes and making them available to the less fortunate is a great way to support underprivileged families, while at the same time helping the environment by reducing waste.”

To acknowledge Kooyman for their cooperation, the container is Kooyman green with the GBNM Nanny Nurssy Foundation logo, representing the joint venture between Kooyman and the foundation of Nurse Monique.

Pictured, from left to right: Claudia Dorsette, volunteer to the GBNM foundation; Rik Buis, Store Manager at Kooyman; Evencia Carty, Commercial Officer at Kooyman; Monique Gumbs, Chairlady of the GBNM Nanny Nurssy Foundation; Chris Johnson, Dutch Representative on St. Maarten; Erik van Engelen, Director at HaVen

06/02/2022

Eight undocumented persons arrested in St Peters

ST. PETERS -- The Immigration and Border Protection Services (IBP), St Maarten Police Force KPSM, Customs St Maarten, and the Inspectorates of the Ministries of TEATT and VSA carried out multidisciplinary joint controls in the St. Peters area on Saturday evening.

During the multidisciplinary controls, two bars and one supermarket were fined for irregularities in their business documentation. Two lottery booths were also closed for the same reason. The management of three of these businesses was summoned to the Ministry of TEATT on Monday, February 7.

A total of 8 illegal persons were held in the operation and brought in for further investigations. Witnesses report that at least four Dominicans and one Venezuelan were among those arrested. Failure to identify oneself to the authorities is a misdemeanor offense and may result in being fined or incarcerated and subsequently deported at their own expense.

The joint controls will continue throughout various communities. The various agencies mentioned are advising persons and businesses alike to ensure that all business-related documents required by law are in place; whether it is a business license or work and residence permits. The multidisciplinary team would like to thank the community for their support and cooperation.

18/01/2022

Minister of Justice introduces Course Coordinator

PHILIPSBURG— Newly established Course Coordinator for the Ministry of Justice, Miralda Martina, has toured the departments of the justice chain. She was introduced to the staff by Minister of Justice Anna Richardson.

The Course Coordinator falls directly under the Minister of Justice and is accountable to the Minister. She is responsible for the overall educational programs for the law enforcement personnel; takes care of both the organization and content of the training courses in consultation with the Minister and department heads and is also responsible for internal and external communication.

As Course Coordinator, Martina has the task of organizing and setting up the training program and ensuring that the training program meets the needs and requirements of the Ministry of Justice as well as the needs of the law enforcement personnel, Justice minister Richardson explained. “Quality assurance is of great importance to further encourage employees of the Ministry of Justice to commit themselves to their own development.”

Martina has more than thirty years of experience in the educational field and more than 15 years as educational specialist and support. She specialized in the vocational sector and has created curriculums for educational institutions such as VSBO and SBO in Curaçao, VMBO and ROC in the Netherlands and for course institutions such as Opleidingsinstituut Rechtshandhaving & Veiligheidszorg of Curaçao, ORV (including all Justice organizations). Additionally, Ms. Martina also has knowledge and experience in developing competencies for short and long-term courses from SBO level 1 until 4, Associate Degree 5 and Bachelor’s Degree 6.

“The establishment of the Law Enforcement Institute of St. Maarten is one of my priorities for our Justice chain,” Minister Richardson said, “It is one that remains on my vision board so that we will see it through step by step. With the introduction of our dynamic Course Coordinator Miralda Martina to the Ministry, I look forward to the development of the much-needed courses as well as the working relationships that will be forged in order to take into account the needs and requirements of the Ministry.”

Pictured left to right: Policy Advisor Myrna Lynch, Acting Secretary General Ligia Stella, Minister of Justice Anna Richardson and Course Coordinator Miralda Martina.

18/01/2022

Eleven new boats for young students at Sailing School

SIMPSON BAY—St. Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) launched its 11 newly acquired boats last month, during the Progress Ceremony of the Sailing School. The ceremony welcomed all the parents and students of the sailing program.

Six of the new boats are RS Zests, which are replacing the Laser Pico Fleet. “These boats are great for kids as well as beginner adults. In addition, 5 Sail Qubes were purchased to add to the Optimist Fleet for our younger and beginning sailors,” SMYC said.

According to the sailing instructors, the addition to the fleet will greatly contribute to the further development of the youth sailing program. “The ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognize the success of four months of free sailing classes, introducing 24 students from the Seventh Day Adventist School and the Sister Regina Primary School to sailing.”

With the new boats the St. Maarten Yacht Club will be able to continue growing its Primary School Sailing Program, allowing for more local youth to be introduced to sailing and the marine industry.

In previous years this Program has been supported by the private sector through sponsorship from ACE, Liccom, Ice and Kooyman. This year the SMYC applied for additional funding from the World Trust Fund, with assistance from R4CR, serving 3 main goals; expansion of the SMYC fleet, adding an extra school to the primary school sailing program (12 extra students) offering free sailing classes for a school year, and introducing the ‘Swim 2 Sail’ program.

The ‘Swim 2 Sail’ program provides swimming classes for those children who require to develop their swimming level before they can start sailing. In collaboration with swim teacher Mr. Busby, four children participated in this program and developed their swimming level with the goal to join the sailing program when their level is good enough.

“It is great to see the progress and motivation with all children that are joining the Primary School Sailing Program and the ‘Swim 2 Sail Program’; whether they are developing their swimming skills or sailing skills, all children go through their own process at their own pace,” said sailing instructor Sam Peeks. “More importantly, besides teaching sailing and swimming, we teach the children life skills such as teamwork, building up confidence, overcoming fear, communication, and commitment.”

The SMYC would like to thank the World Trust Fund and R4CR for this great opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our sailing school, make sailing available for more of the St. Maarten youth, and set up the ‘Swim 2 Sail’ program.

Would you like to have more information about this project? Contact [email protected]

17/01/2022

Milton Peters College receives upgraded Flow internet

PHILIPSBURG - Students and teachers of Milton Peters College (MPC) are now better equipped for online learning thanks to an upgraded internet connection from telecoms provider Flow. With the school’s recent decision to move to online learning, the upgraded speed is a welcome enhancement.

Considering the size of the student population the school management and its IT team needed to re-evaluate the connectivity needs of the island’s largest school campus. They concluded that an upgraded connection was needed after the onset of the pandemic and with the increasing use of digital tools in instruction. To meet this need they engaged the Flow team to design an upgraded, customized package achieving the enhanced connectivity experienced by students and teachers today.

Following the upgrade, streamed classes are possible with minimal disruption; allowing learning to continue as close to ‘normal’ as possible, while also protecting the health of students and teachers. “It’s important to keep our young people connected to their virtual classrooms by providing the critical pathways to their online classes,” said Rauf Engels, Acting Country Manager, Flow Dutch Caribbean.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Flow Dutch Caribbean has focused its efforts on optimizing networks to keep communities and economies going. “Education is a vital part of that so we also developed a policy based on which we can offer schools support with the reliable connectivity they need to keep education going,” Engels said. “Especially under these challenging circumstances, our support specifically to education is important to us. Based on the size of the student population we’ve defined support packages for schools interested in connecting to Flow internet.”

Managing Director of MPC, Jacqueline Horsford-Duggins stated that the first move to virtual teaching in 2020 had been a difficult transition for the staff, students and their families. “Creating the same structure and engagement in a virtual classroom was difficult but our teaching team has learned and grown a lot since then. With this upgrade we can equip our teachers and students with the best tools for success,” she said.

No installation fee for households
Flow’s focus on supporting education also carries through to supporting families as they return to online learning. To this end, the company has temporarily waived the installation fees on Flow home internet service. This allows families to connect the household for online learning and working, removing the standard installation fee, which reflects savings of up to $287 per household.

The free installation offer will continue throughout the month of January 2022. Further information on Flow internet is available at www.discoverflow.co.

17/01/2022

Rotary Mid-Isle surprises the first newborn’s mother

Kaleisha Davis, the mother of the first baby of 2022, has been surprised with a gift by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle. The first-time mother received a bag with baby care products.

Baby K’aiden was born on January 1 at 1.15am at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), and is also the first born of his mom. President of Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle Wayne Wilkie and District Governor 7020 Louis Wever visited mother and son at the hospital. “We are really excited that your baby has arrived safe and sound,” the Rotarians told Davis. “May your baby be blessed with good health, love and laughter!”

The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle sends a big thank you to staff of the St. Maarten Medical Center, in particular Nurse Sherryl Carty-Fleming, for making this presentation possible.

Pictured: Rotary Mid-Isle President Wayne Wilkie, District Governor 7020 Louis Wever, SMMC Manager Patient Care & Education Antonio Pantophlet, Kaleisha Davis and baby K’aiden, and SMMC Supervisor OBGYN Sherryl Carty- Fleming.

13/01/2022

Ministerial recognition for baseball player Denzel Richardson

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Rodolphe Samuel on Wednesday presented a plaque of recognition to 2021 Most Valuable Player of Dutch Baseball’s Hoofdklasse Denzel Richardson.

Minister Samuel in his presentation of recognition stated: “Now that you are here visiting for a few days, we have been reading about your success. I want you to know that you are an inspiration to many—especially the youth of Sint Maarten. Your ability to stay positive regardless the challenges. Staying focused and being disciplined are some of the messages we hear from you. Today I would like to let you know that St. Maarten is proud of you for the way you carry yourself. We appreciate the way you represent yourself and St. Maarten.

Minister Samuel wished the St. Maarten baseball talent continued success. ”Continue to make yourself proud and, in doing so, also make us proud,” the minister told Richardson.

PHOTO: L to R: Minister of Sports Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, Denzel Richardson and Head of the Sports Department Jonelle Richardson.

SPORTS CAREER

28-year-old Denzel Richardson first signed with the Colorado Rockies minor league affiliate, at the age of 17 years. It was then that he began to understand the business of baseball and that although one’s performance may be good, opportunities may be few and far between.

Infrequent play began to weigh heavily on his mind as he felt a constant pressure to perform - and not knowing how to cope, he became unpleasant to work with.

After four years with the Rockies organization, and another year spent in an Independent League, Denzel decided to move to the Netherlands. Feeling distant, even ostracized from his team those first couple years, Denzel did something that would turn everything around – he asked the question: “What am I doing wrong?”

The constructive criticism he received was humbling and Denzel began to actively work on himself. “Learning to control what I can control, no longer trying to impress people and changing certain habits have made life much better and has restored my passion for baseball,” Denzel said.

The two times Hoofdklasse Best Hitter, the 2021 Most Valuable Player and European Champion has crossed off several major milestones he set for himself and credits his parents, the late Marius and Edith Richardson as his driving force.

Denzel with his newfound purpose, now mentors youth in the Netherlands as a mindset coach on being the very best versions of themselves and aims to do the same on St. Maarten.

12/01/2022

New President of the Joint Court sworn in

Mr. Maurits de Kort was sworn in on Tuesday as President of the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. He succeeds Eunice Saleh who has held the gavel for the past four years.

Mr. De Kort took the oath before the Governor of Curaçao Lucille George-Wout and Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas in his capacity as Minister of Justice.

Since the implementation of the Joint Court of Justice Kingdom Act on 10 October 2010, the Court has had legal personality, its own budget, its own financial administration and HRM department. The day-to-day management of the Court is not solely performed by the president, but by a board. As the new President, De Kort must set a course and indicate the direction the Court will take in the coming years.

11/01/2022

Starting Wednesday, nightlife establishments close at 11:00pm

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley informs the public, that in accordance with his COVID-19 phased approach for nightlife venues, business hours will be scaled back to 11:00 pm.

"The phased approach is based on the hospital's occupancy rate and capacity, to avoid a possible collapse of our health care system, while maintaining a balance in our economic activity on the island," Minister Ottley said.

The Ministerial Regulation goes into effect on Wednesday January 12th, with the understanding that all nightlife establishments must be closed by 11:00 pm.

Phase 1:
4 - 7 hospitalizations (20%), scale back to 1 am. If hospitalization
should later decrease to less than 4, for a period of two weeks, then
the time would be reverted.

Phase 2:
8 or more hospitalizations (40%), scale back to 11 pm. If
hospitalizations should decrease to less than 8, for a period of two
weeks, then the time would be adjusted accordingly.

11/01/2022

11/01/2022

Minister Ottley: “Pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine now available to all children”

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Omar Ottley calls on parents of children aged 5 to 11 to register them for vaccination. Children aged 12-17 years don't need to register and can walk in with a parent to be vaccinated.

Vaccination takes place at the Vineyard Building In Philipsburg. Children ages 5-11 are eligible to take two doses of the vaccine 21 days apart, Minister Ottley said. “There will be a pediatrician available at the clinic during appointment hours to further discuss any questions you may have.”

For registration of children, go to this link https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/Form.aspx?fid=d4f336d5-3a9e-4d56-9078-c007e4ad9198&v=OGtn05kNmb

11/01/2022

Looking at society through the lens of popular culture, Francio Guadeloupe defies stereotypes

Francio Guadeloupe has lived in both the Dutch Antilles and the Netherlands. An anthropologist by vocation, he is a keen observer by honed habit. In his new book, Black Man in the Netherlands, he wields both personal and anthropological observations.

Simultaneously memoir and astute exploration, Black Man in the Netherlands charts Guadeloupe’s coming of age and adulthood in a Dutch world and movingly makes a global contribution to the understanding of anti-Black racism.

Guadeloupe also contributed to Equaliberty in the Dutch Caribbean, a collection of essays that explores fundamental questions of equality and freedom on the non-sovereign islands of the Dutch Caribbean.

Drawing on in-depth ethnographic research, historical and media analysis, the study of popular culture, and autoethnographic accounts, the various contributions challenge conventional assumptions about political non/sovereignty. While the book recognizes the existence of nationalist independence movements, it opens a critical space to look at other forms of political articulation, autonomy, liberty, and a good life.

Focusing on all six different islands and through a multitude of voices and stories, the volume engages with the everyday projects, ordinary imaginaries, and dreams of equaliberty alongside the work of independistas and traditional social movements aiming for more or full self-determination. As such, it offers a rich and powerful telling of the various ways of being in and belonging to our contemporary postcolonial world.

Equaliberty in the Dutch Caribbean is scheduled for release in April 2022.

11/01/2022

Caribbean Airlines Launches New “REset Expectations” Campaign

Caribbean Airlines celebrates its 15th Anniversary and the roll out of its marketing campaign for 2022, aptly named REset Expectations.

“REset Expectations” is the overarching theme that will underpin everything that is done at Caribbean Airlines – reflecting its signature service and reinforcing the authenticity of the Caribbean brand.

Caribbean Airlines CEO, Garvin Medera commented: “Surviving the past two years was testimony of our resilience and we are now re-energized. The REset Expectations campaign is the result of feedback from our customers and employees. We’ve listened closely to the sentiments, which enabled us to re-focus on enhancing the customer experience. In the coming months, our customers can look forward to new products and services. We’re really excited about the planned improvements, and everyone can stay informed via our social media channels. Follow us on -calibrate as we Reset Expectations in 2022.”

One of the most anticipated features of the new campaign, is the renewal of the airline’s jet fleet; and the entry into service of the Boeing 737-8 – the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

The new aircraft is outfitted with room for 160 passengers and has lower fuel and maintenance costs. The 737-8 is quieter, more sustainable and environmentally friendly and will be integral to the airline’s long-term competitiveness.

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Caribbean Airlines will also reward customers with additional air miles. As well as chances to win free travel and a 15%, 24-hour sale on all destinations, carded for January 15.

Picture by St. Maarten aviation photographer Beeks Jeffers. To see more amazing images, follow Beeksphotos, or visit www.beeksphotos.sx