chen arrives in us, p. 31

56 Pages·2012·11.99 MB·English

CHEN ARRIVES IN US, P. 31
Robin
Gibb
Passes
Away
Page 46
VOL 22 NO. 003 Monday, May 21, 2012 U.S. 50 CENTS / NAf. 1.-- / EC$ 1.25
PHILIPSBURG--Increasing the sion System” was put together by the
pension age to 62 from 60 and up- Steering Committee on Social Se-
ping the maximum income to pay curity and Pensions. Reform is seen
premiums to NAf. 100,000 are two as a continuous process that needs
recommendations of a report re- to be monitored, evaluated and im-
cently delivered to outgoing Public proved gradually.
Health, Social Development and La- De Weever said in a press state-
bour Minister Cornelius de Weever. ment, “Although the steering com-
The “relatively conservative re- mittee recommended the age of
form” report titled “Towards a sus- 62 for the increase in retirement
tainable and affordable AOV Pen- Continued on page 4
Cu1A
Art of Living representative Robin Ramrattan, Ashok Aswani, and Dushyant Savadia look on as NA leader
William Marlin’s candle is lit by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams during the AIDS Candlelight Memo-
rial that formed part of the Art of Living “Celebrating Humanity” event on Sunday evening. Public Health
~ All candidates pass vetting ~
Minister Cornelius de Weever lights the candle of Government AIDS Prevention Management Team Man-
ager Suzette Moses-Burton. Also in photo are AIDS Foundation representatives Dr. Gerard van Osch and
Dwayne Thompson. PHILIPSBURG--Governor Eu- The ceremony also will feature
gene Holiday will swear in the sev- the dismissal of the departing
en Ministers and Minister Pleni- Ministers as required by the Con-
potentiary of the new National stitution of St. Maarten.
Alliance (NA)/Democratic Party The Governor received the fi-
(DP)/Independent-3 (I-3) coalition nal report of formateurs William
government at the Governor’s Of- Marlin (NA) and Sarah Wescot-
fice today at 9:30am. I-3 comprises Williams (DP) on Sunday. Ac-
independent Members of Parlia- cording to a press statement from
POINTE BLANCHE--A ka- A gathering of several hundred ebrating Humanity.” This col-
ment Frans Richardson, Patrick Il- the Governor’s office issued last
leidoscope of cultures, music people meditated together after a laboration was praised by Prime
lidge and Romain Laville. Continued on page 7
and speeches with the common message of peace by Art of Living Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams.
thread of spreading peace em- founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who She said the fight against AIDS
bodied Art of Living’s “Celebrat- addressed the gathering live from must not be “dwarfed” by the
ing Humanity” event in Dr. A.C. Germany. The event was streamed number of infections or people
Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facili- via the Internet, allowing viewers living with the disease; rather, it
ties on Sunday evening. throughout the Art of Living net- should be confronted head-on.
The feeling of togetherness and work to follow the programme. Public Health Minister Corne- SANTO DOMINGO--Early re- percentage point lead (51.4 per
peace culminated in singers per- Art of Living invited the AIDS lius de Weever recalled the days sults in presidential elections in cent to 46.7 per cent) over Me-
forming Bob Marley’s “One Love” Foundation and Hope Founda- of fear surrounding the disease the Dominican Republic showed jia and the Dominican Revolu-
as the stage filled with performers tion to fuse their annual AIDS and the strides made today. He governing party candidate Danilo tionary Party (PRD), according
from across cultures and genres. Candlelight Memorial with “Cel- called for compassion and for Medina headed for revenge 12 to official election results. That
each individual to take respon- years after he lost in a landslide would be enough for Medina (60)
IN BRIEF sibility for his or her role in the to opposition candidate Hipolito to secure an outright first-round
community. Mejia. victory.
(cid:2) Pointe Blanche The evening’s diversity saw per- With 30 per cent of votes count- Incumbent President Leonel
AWARD FOR
formances of the Lion Dance by ed Medina, the candidate for the Fernandez of the PLD, a New
CHINTAMAN Continued on page 5 governing Dominican Liberation York-raised lawyer and academ-
St. Maarten AIDS Foundation Pre- Party (PLD), held nearly a five Continued on page 10
vention Unit Head Rajesh Chintaman
was awarded the 2012 Elton Jones
Memorial Award last night. Page 3.
(cid:2)(cid:3)Willemstad
HAMPERING
THE PROBE
Curaçao’s Minister of Justice Elmer
“Kadè” Wilsoe (PS) has been accused
of intentionally hampering the “Bien-
tu” (Wind) investigation. Page 3.
(cid:2)(cid:3)Anguilla
VISA ISSUE
DISCUSSED
An Anguilla delegation visited French
St. Martin on Friday and discussed
the new requirement that holders of
Anguillian passports need to obtain
visas to visit St. Martin. Page 5.
Editorial
2 THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012
The will of the people
Member of the
Inter American Press Association Some time around 9:30 this morning the serving members of the Council
of Ministers will demit offi ce and Governor Eugene Holiday then will
Published by
The Caribbean Herald NV swear in members of the new National Alliance-led cabinet charged with
Bush Road 22 taking care of the business of the country’s executive branch.
St. Maarten N.A. By the end of that swearing-in ceremony, country St. Maarten will have
P.O.Box 828
Bankers: moved full circle back to its starting point of 19 months ago when, shortly
RBTT Bank St. Maarten after the September 2010 elections, the United People’s (UP) party and
USD acc. 212938 the Democratic Party found each other very attractive and with the sup-
NAf acc. 40407527
port of one Member of Parliament (MP) elected on the NA slate, formed
President the new country’s fi rst government and consigned the NA – the party that
R.F.Snow had gained the most seats in the election – to the opposition.
Managing Director
Mary Jane Hellmund At that time, the National Alliance, its members and its supporters under-
Publisher/ Managing Director standably were disappointed because they believed that as the party that
Paul De Windt WEATHER had gained the most seats in Parliament, it should have been given the op-
Editorial
Courtney Gibson Today: Partly cloudy, with a brief passing shower possible. portunity to form the fi rst government of Country St. Maarten, or better
(Editor in Chief) Winds: Easterly, 10-20mph, with occasional higher gusts. yet that it should have been part of the said government.
Gordon H. Snow
(Managing Editor) Sea conditions: Moderate, occasionally fairly rough mainly over the ex- They had no choice but to accept the vagaries of democracy and the ex-
Rajesh Chintaman posed waters. pression of the will of the people as it was then constructed and inter-
(Night Editor) Seas: 3-7 feet. preted.
Judy Fitzpatrick
Alita Singh Boaters should be cautious over all the open waters. There was really no violation of any of the golden tenets of democracy in
John van Kerkhof Forecast high: 29°C 84°F the formation of the government. A set of persons representing the ma-
Michael Granger Forecast low: 24°C 75°F jority of seats in Parliament came together and formed the government
Rochelle Jacob
Thomas A. Burnett Jr. (Sports) SYNOPSIS: Strong surface high pressure across the North Central Atlantic which was seen as an expression of the will of the people.
John Halley (photos) will continue to build further South into the Northeastern Caribbean over And, now the so-called will of the people is being expressed through a new
EdiMtoarriaiel ABrsoswisntant the next several days, maintaining a fairly tight pressure gradient across the construct featuring a combination of the National Alliance (fi ve seats),
Correction region and thereby increasing winds. These increasing winds will generate the DP (two seats) and three independent Members of Parliament – one
Saresa Gray choppy conditions across all local waters and mariners should continue to who jumped from the UP ship recently and two who had jumped from the
SharLoens lveayn V Aiernireaman exercise caution over these zones. Cloudy spells with some shower activity NA ship earlier.
Clive Hodge will persist during this forecast period. Of course, in the interest of St. Maarten and the future of all its people we
MDarograortehte Be rIolloisks SsoPnE 2C0I1A2L, f FoErmAeTdU jRusEtS o:f Tf rtohpe iccoaal sStt oorf mSo Aultbhe Crtaor,o tlhinea fi orsnt Soaf tHurudrariyc.a Anelb Seertao- wish the new government well and hope that it settles down quickly to the
Phyllis Meit arduous task of governing St. Maarten effectively and in the best interest
Marga Hart is the earliest-forming tropical storm in the Atlantic basin since Ana in of the majority of its people.
Correspondents 2003. It is moving Southwest and doesn’t form any threat for our islands.
Suzanne Koelega (Neth.) HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK: None. Given all the criticisms of the last 20 months, we expect that apart from
Brenda Carty (Anguilla) the personnel changes, there will be many signifi cant changes in the way
Althea Merkman (Statia) Outlook until Tuesday evening: Mainly partly cloudy, with with no signifi - this country is being run and in the emphases and policies of the new gov-
Teodor Stan (Saba) cant precipitation.
Bob Morgan(Saba-photo) Sunrise: 5:37am ernment founded on its “Working for the people” accord.
Robert Luckock (St. Martin) And, perhaps, even as the parties formulate their governing programme,
Lay-Out Sunset: 6:40pm
Richard James in the spirit of openness and transparency, the public will be provided
Rodolphe O. Boirard with some reasonable answers by the Democratic Party as to why it has
Stephen Morris dumped Mr. Heyliger and his UP party and what it is about the National
Operations Manager/
Managing Director Alliance that it now fi nds so attractive.
Steven De Windt
Offi ce Manager
Mijke Stenz
Rosalie Davis (assis.)
Accounting
Ada van Luling
Mercedes De Windt
Advertising
Moira Marcelle
Stephanie Culbert
Muriel Berthé
Harmen Rijsdijk
SaCskeicai lViaa nV aLzeqeuuewzen 11SA6T5. 1 S8U7N4. 49S9A8T. 7 8 9SU6N3.8 45SA8T.6 8 S4U1N3.
Latoya Philips (assis.) 6935 3268 46944 92871 5262 2282
Graphics 2388 4978 10433 25980 1368 2019
Mark Martelly
Evadney Henriques RENSUOLTT OS FDFIISCPIALALY. AEDLL A WRIEN PNRINOGVI DNEUDM ABSE RAS S AERREV TICOE B TEO V TEHREIF RIEEDA DAETR RSO OBFB ITEH’SE L DOATITLEYR HYE MRAALIND ,O AFNFDIC AE.RE
Chanaz Calor
Cleon Frederick
Mark Persaud
Special Editions Agenda St. Maarten / St. Martin
Lisa Burnett
Sanny Ensing
ClauLduiecninndea PFertyeer son No cruise ship in port today. the St. Maarten Academy meeting at the St. Tel-Cell). Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. Tel: 542- USO St. Maarten/St. Martin (USA military),
EthRleycne Jpotiuobnert MK7:Ia0Wa0ArptemNnI S HA ocSlalOdaenUmdA yHL eIoGvueAsr ey 1Fsrtid a&y a3tr d1. 3M0 opn.md.ay 7ES9-Am4F0aE,i l F:H awAxoV:m 5Ee4Nn2,s- [email protected] tsmhaealtertre na.nnde tsupport c2So9Kn4At4aL0cC6t .LJaUnBe t LSaTm. beMrAt 5A5R7T7E61N6/S oTr. 00M59A0R 5T9IN0
TELEPHONE INFO JCI St. Maarten (JAYCEES) meeting at to victims of family violence. POB 636; Hot- meets 1st Tuesday of the month. For location
CALLING ST. MAARTEN Tel-em: 542-2211 the Philipsburg Jubilee Library every last line: 9333; Office 9277; Fax: 9368 call: 5424432 (Jennifer).
THE DAILY HERALD Weather Info: 123 Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Busi- CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, E.C. Richardson ST. MARTIN
POLICE STATION ST. MAARTEN TOURIST OFFICE ness attire required. street 11-b; Tel. [phone]; Fax:
ST. MAARTEN PShimilippssobnu rBga tye lt.e 5l.4 524-252-525200 WBu.Gild.i nBgu,n tceal.m 5p4e2r- 2ro3a3d7,, Vfainx.e 5ya4r2d-2734 PmHoInLthIPlyS BseUsRsiGon Ts OeAveSrTy MfiArsSt TaEnRd Sth iCrdL UTBhu rbsi-- 5F4R2E-N10C0H1 HONORARY CONSUL, POBox PteOl. L(0IC0E59 M0)U 5N9I0C I8P7A.6L1E.5 5
Telephone HOT LINE 108 ST MAARTEN ZOO day of every month at the Library conference 803, Philipsburg. Tel: [phone]. Fax: GENDARMERIE
5425253/5425597/ EFIMREER DGEEPNACRYT M 9E11NT MOpaedna mdaei lEy s1ta0t ea:m te -l .6 5 p4m3-.2030 rSoTo mM AaRt 8T:I0N0 Mp.UmS.EUM (w0a0n5a9d0o) o8.f7r9625. E-mail: Stanislas.GRAIRE@ tFeIlR. E(0 0D5E9P0A) R59T0M 5E2N.3T0 .00/02
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FAX [phone] Medical Center, Cay Hill COLE BAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL: meet- Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 9:00am - 12.00 noon. Free advise Tel. [phone]
E-Mail: 2tAe4Ml.- hB5o4Uu3Lr- A1E1Nm1Ce1Er goer n9c1y0 Service iKantig n7 d:13es0r tp.G mTahrtuerns dSacyh ooof l,m Uonnitohn aRt dS. uCn olFel oBwaeyr SAMaLotCnu-OrSdHaatyO, &L6I -CS7upSnm Ad,a NRyOseN:d c YCloMrsoOesdUs.S Building, Airport oiTnnHg E,p te e rRls.E o5nD4a 2 lC 2le3Rg3Oa7Sl iSss, u e SsT. .A MdmAAinRisTtrEaNtio, n A Birupioldr-t CFHaeOxllS.. P((00IT00A5599L00 t))e 56l.99 (000 0255979--01083) --5129180 52 25 25
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Islands
THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012 3
WILLEMSTAD--Curaçao’s St. Maarten would all have to maintain the amended at- Wilsoe’s appeal to remove
Minister of Justice Elmer to agree to any changes. Now tachments as requested by them, Jacoba hopes he will
“Kadè” Wilsoe (PS) is in- that a US judge has decided Piar and has thus rejected let justice do its work.
tentionally hampering the
“Bientu” (Wind) investiga-
tion. That’s what former
Antillean Justice Minister
and current parliamentar-
ian for the main opposition
party PAR Magali Jacoba
concluded, from Wilsoe’s re- PHILIPSBURG--Pupils of The competition will be at 5:00pm and on French
cent report to the legislature grades one, two and three conducted in English, adopt- SOS Radio on Thursdays at
on the controversy between of seventeen of the country’s ing both British and Ameri- 6:00pm.
himself and Attorney Gen- elementary schools will com- can spellings. There will be VOOC’s television news
eral Dick Piar regarding at- pete in the Voice of our Chil- an overall winner in each of broadcast is aired on St.
tachments on the American dren (VOOC) Spelling Bee three categories. Each win- Maarten Cable TV Chan-
bank accounts of corpora- set for Sunday, May 27. ner will receive a grand prize nel 15 (analog) or Channel
tions Ponsford Overseas The Spelling Bee will be while each participant will 115 (digital) at 7:30pm and
and Tula Finance belonging held at the Philipsburg Cul- receive a token. Refresh- on French television sta-
to main suspect lottery boss tural and Community Cen- ments will be on sale during tion MSR on Tuesdays and
Robbie dos Santos. tre beginning at 2:00pm and the event and entertainment Thursdays at 7:00pm.
Wilsoe had stated his inten- ending at 6:00pm, a press will be provided. VOOC Foundation aims to
tion to issue a “general in- release from VOOC stated VOOC is a youth-orient- develop, motivate and stim-
struction” to Piar to halt the over the weekend. ed foundation that hosts a ulate the country’s young
investigation and to present Participating schools are weekly radio programme minds through the spoken
Cu5A draft legislation to do away St. Joseph, St. Dominic Pri- and television news broad- word via the airwaves (tele-
AIDS Foundation President Dr. Gerard van Osch presents with the consensus Kingdom mary, Methodist Agogic cast. Its radio programme vision and radio), interviews,
the Elton Jones Memorial Award to Rajesh Chintaman for Laws pertaining to the pros- Centre Browlia Maillard and for youngsters is hosted by questionnaires and events.
his work on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, at Dr. ecution, because in his eyes John A. Gumbs Campuses, youngsters on radio sta-
A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities on Sunday night. they undermine the democ- Hillside Christian Schools, tion PJD2 on Saturdays
racy of Curaçao. Prins Willem Alexander
Jacob doesn’t understand School, Seventh Day Ad-
why the minister won’t let ventist School, St. Maarten
the independent Court of Montessori School, Charles
Justice rule on his differ- Leopold Bell, Leonard Con-
ence with Piar regarding the nor, Sister Marie Laurence,
~ For HIV/AIDS awareness ~ case. The Kingdom Law on Ruby Labega, Sister Bor-
Public Prosecution requires gia, Oranje School, Mar-
POINTE BLANCHE- “by simply doing his job, an that any specific (case) in- tin Luther King Jr., Marie
-Continued service in interview” for a newspaper struction by the minister to Genevieve de Weever and
HIV/AIDS awareness and and said his involvement the attorney general must go Victory Academy.
prevention efforts for al- had grown over the years. through the court. The aim of this friendly
most a decade has earned Chintaman had become The opposition member competition, sponsored by
St. Maarten AIDS Foun- the AIDS Foundation’s added that the Kingdom NAGICO Insurances, is to
dation Prevention Unit Prevention Unit head in Laws would not be evaluated stimulate interest in reading
Head Rajesh Chintaman recent years, a volunteer until five years after they had amongst youth while gath-
the 2012 Elton Jones Me- post in which he has come gone into effect on 10-10-10 ering family and friends in
morial Award. up with “creative solu- and that Kingdom partners support of a positive recrea-
He was recognised dur- tions” to tackle obstacles The Netherlands, Aruba and tional activity.
ing observance of the 29th and always has been ready
annual AIDS Candlelight to get needed tasks done.
Memorial held this year Chintaman also serves in
together with the Art of another volunteer posi-
Living “Celebrating Hu- tion: director of Bishop
manity” peace event in Dr. Ellis Foundation for the
A.C. Wathey Cruise and Needy, which provides
Cargo Facilities on Sunday food for families in need.
night. Van Osch credited Chin-
The Elton Jones Award taman for helping to urge
recipient is chosen annu- him to continue on the
ally by the HIV/AIDS sup- frontlines of AIDS work
port group Hope Founda- in the community. He said
tion. It seeks to recognise without Chintaman – his
people in the community “close friend and counter-
who strive to bring about part” – he “would not have
more awareness about lasted so long” in the fight.
this disease, promoting Chintaman dedicated his
prevention and helping to recognition to all the vol-
break stigma. unteers in the HIV/AIDS
AIDS Foundation Presi- field in St. Maarten and
dent Dr. Gerard van Osch volunteers in general for
told the large gathering giving of their time and
that Chintaman had been talents.
“unanimously chosen” by Chintaman is The Daily
the members of Hope. He Herald’s night editor.
described Chintaman as a
becoming involved in the
fight against HIV/AIDS
Islands
4 THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012
MARIGOT--Opposition “I refuse to take part to some, I am taking the
leader Daniel Gibbs re- in sterile polemics that have challenge of reconciling St.
acted over the weekend to no other purpose than to Martiners with politics. It
statements made by Sena- distort the debate on the is not the time for division.
tor Louis-Constant Flem- eve of historical elections Our situation is too disturb-
ing after the collapse of the in the Northern Islands. ing for me to lose precious
local UMP Federation and “I invite Louis-Constant time in useless arguments.
Fleming’s resignation. Fleming to do some intro- I understand the impa-
“The former President spection, to take his respon- tience and confusion of our
of the UMP Federation of sibility and settle, without people and I approach this
Saint-Martin declared in a passing through me, the election with enthusiasm,
bitter statement that I was problems he seems to have determination and a sense
more or less the gravedig- with his political family at of duty that characterises
ger of the right in St. Mar- the national level. me. Nothing will shift me
tin and the grain of sand “Forty-three per cent of from that.
Cu4A that halted the smooth voters in St. Martin, whatev- “I plead for appeasement
A national of the Dominican Republic has his voter credentials checked by offi cials at a running of the fi rst govern- er their political orientation, today and I urge everyone
polling station in Nina Duverly School, Marigot, on Sunday. Polling stations were open ment of the Collectivité,” put their trust in the list that to get to work to ensure
until 6:00pm. Some 3,834 Dominicanos residing in St. Maarten/St. Martin were eligible said Gibbs who is one of I led, and in the policy I ad- that our Northern Islands
to vote in the Dominican Republic’s Presidential election held yesterday. A polling station the candidates for Deputy vocated in March. have a brighter future, in
also was set up at Celebration Palace on the Dutch side. Senator in the legislative “I am a man of unity, not reconciliation and in la-
elections. of division, and no offence bour.”
REPORT SUGGESTS RAISING PENSION AGE...
Continued from page 1.
age, I would prefer a fl exible or no income and/or living Social Economic Council
retirement age between the in St. Maarten as a resident SER and tripartite labour
ages of 60 and 65 depending for 10 years, in connection committee for feedback.
on the individual and/or the with the effects on fi nancial Legislative changes will
company’s needs.” assistance. have to be worked on for
Further research is also Other recommendations the AOV benefi ts, retire-
suggested on the conse- are to increase the pension ment age and change in
quences of making excep- AOV to NAf. 1,000 and to amount of the maximum
tions for people with little strengthen the so-called income to pay premiums.
second-layer pension sys- “After listening to the needs
tem (private employer and of the seniors and pension-
employee pension plans) ers association, the cries of
and research the fi nan- the newly retired and those
cial consequences, condi- who are receiving fi nancial
tions and constraints of assistance, I understand the
implementing a mandatory need of the people to raise
second-pillar pension plan the AOV pension. As we Cu3a
(private employer and em- look toward the future, we
ployee pension plans). are looking at mandatory Two of the three new water pumps will be located in a new pump house currently under
The report will be sent to pension plans for all em- construction at the Public Works work yard on Pond Island, and the third has already
the Council of Ministers for ployees to ensure a better been installed and replaces the decades-old pump in the Sucker Garden pump house. The
approval as well as to the retirement package for all latter can pump 50,000 gallons of water per minute, while the two on Pond Island will be
workers,” the minister said. capable of pumping a maximum of 24,000 gallons of water (each) per minute.
DAWN BEACH--“Couture for Spa on Saturday, June 2, from The fashion component will go to “Smile for Xmas” – an an-
Charity” is the theme of an Af- 5:00pm to 7:00pm. feature celebrity models who nual Santa Claus visit and gift-
ternoon Tea and Fashion Show The afternoon tea guests will will display Indian fusion- giving event organised by the
in aid of the Salvation Army enjoy sweet treats and cham- themed clothing by a renowned “Smiles for Xmas” ladies Steph-
slated for The Westin Dawn pagne as well as tea. Dress code designer based in Indonesia. anie Vincent, Simran Bharwani,
Beach St. Maarten Resort and is “fl owers and pearls.” The afternoon tea proceeds will Lilly Wathey and Kantu Mir-
puri together with the Salvation
Army. Some 300 children over
the past three years have had
smiles brought to their faces for
the holidays by the effort.
The ladies had raised funds for
the event in the past through
donations. They decided on the
afternoon tea as a charity event
that would also highlight the
problems of the island’s chil-
dren.
Tickets for the afternoon tea
cost US $30 and are available at
Designer Exchange at the cor-
ner of Hendrikstraat and Back
Street and International Liquors
and Tobacco Trading (ILTT)
Company in Pointe Blanche.
Tickets can also be reserved by
calling 581-3848 or 587-1137.
Islands
THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012 5
CULTURES BROUGHT TOGETHER... Continued from page 1.
the Chinese Community, of steel pan music, per- ing International Teacher brace the need for inner Independent MP Frans mount. Businesses have
ballet choreographed to formed by Isidore “Mighty Dushyant Savadia. peace.” He called for the Richardson called on contributed a lot over the
the words of poetry, Afri- Dow” York with that of This diversity was praised Art of Living breathing businesses to be more pro- years individually and the
can drumming setting the the Scottish harp played by National Alliance (NA) workshop to be given to active in creating a peace- need to come together was
rhythm for South Indian by Mary Sommerville. leader William Marlin. the Members of Parlia- ful life for their employees paramount, he said as he
dance, sign language and This was described as a He said the new NA-led ment and the Council of and families. called for businesses to
ringing voices. world’s fi rst by Art of Liv- government would “em- Ministers. Prominent businessman give not only money, but
A special highlight of the Danny Ramchandani said time.
evening was the merging St. Maarten was a place
where people had greeted
and smiled at each other
more than 25 years ago,
but had changed and the
need to bring back that
togetherness was para-
ANGUILLA--A high
powered delegation from
Anguilla was in French
St. Martin on Friday, May
18, to discuss the measure
announced that holders
of Anguillian passports
would need to obtain visas
to visit St. Martin.
After discussions the
French authorities have
put the issue on hold and
say that the matter will be Cu5B
raised at a higher level in Singing of Bob Marley’s “One Love” as performers take over the stage.
Paris.
The delegation included
Governor Alistair Har-
rison, Chief Minister Hu-
bert Hughes, Minister of
Home Affairs Walcott
Richardson, Permanent
Secretaries Aurjul Wilson
and Foster Rogers, Claire
Haskins from the Attorney
General’s Offi ce and Kim
Cutler from the Gover-
nor’s Offi ce.
The Government of An-
guilla has announced that
it was pleased with the de-
cision and is ready to con-
tinue discussions to bring
Cu5C
this issue to a satisfactory
The Lion Dance.
conclusion.
The United Kingdom-
based Taxand Group proj-
ect has a price tag of US
$11 million and not NAf.
11 million as was report-
ed in Friday’s edition of
this newspaper, under the
headline “Taxand group
fi nancial analysis not yet
approved by government.”
Taxand has devised a fi -
nancial analysis (so-called
straw-man) with budgetary
effects, on the proposed
fi scal measures for the
Cu5D
country. It still has to be ap-
Young dancers take to the air for peace.
proved.
6 THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012
Islands
THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012 7
NEW MINISTERS TO BE SWORN IN...
Continued from page 1.
night, the vetting of the structure, also Deputy Prime The Governor and the
candidate Ministers, the Minister; Roland E. Duncan newly-appointed Ministers
candidate Minister Pleni- – Minister of Justice; Roland will have the constituting
potentiary and the Deputy S. Tuitt – Minister of Finance; meeting in Dr. A.C. Wathey
Minister Plenipotentiary, Silveria Jacobs – Minister of Legislative Hall in the Gov-
carried out by Security Education, Culture, Youth ernment Administration
Service St. Maarten and and Sports; Van Hugh Cor- Building after the ceremony.
the Prosecutor’s Offi ce, nelius de Weever – Minister Newly-appointed Deputy
has not produced any data of Public Health, Social De- Minister Plenipotentiary
that could impede their ap- velopment and Labour; Ro- Doran-York will take the
pointments. meo F. Pantophlet – Minister oath before the Governor
The formateurs have nomi- of Tourism, Economic Af- on May 22.
nated Sarah A. Wescot-Wil- fairs, Transport and Telecom- The Governor expressed
liams – Prime Minister, also munication; Mathias S. Vog- his appreciation for the way
Cu4c003 Minister of General Affairs; es – Minister Plenipotentiary; Marlin and Wescot-Wil-
William V. Marlin – Minister and Henrietta Doran-York liams had carried out their
A number of parents and guardians turned out to the Youth Health Care Section-organised of Housing, Spatial Planning, – Deputy Minister Plenipo- commission as formateurs.
Vaccination Open House at Festival Village on Saturday. Nurses administered a number Environment and Infra- tentiary.
of childhood vaccines ahead of the annual summer vacation trips and gave booster shots
to those who needed them to safeguard them from ailments preventable by vaccination.
Children’s vaccination cards were also updated by Health Department personnel. Public
Health Minister Cornelius de Weever also attended the event to observe the proceedings
and to chat with parents. The open house coincided with Vaccination Week of the Ameri-
cas. In photo: A child participates in a demonstration with the Ambulance Department at
WILLEMSTAD--After a VLCCs can now be han- SA that rents the local Isla
the Open House. (John Halley photo)
complete overhaul Jetty-4 dled simultaneously. refi nery including COT
of the Curaçao Oil Termi- The huge fi re at the the past year. “That’s
nal (COT) at Bullenbaai platform in 1982 had de- why Isla approved the
became operational again stroyed all the 12-inch purchase of four cranes
last month. Four new cranes and the distribu- of 16 inch and 23 metres
cranes and new distribu- tion pipes. A solution high with the distribution
tion pipes were installed. was urgently needed, be- pipes,” a company press
The total costs amount- cause it involved one of release stated.
ed to 10 million dollars the three platforms where “The choice was made
WILLEMSTAD--Prime means the economic, so- will be researched the com- and the entire project boats with a capacity of for the brand FMC. These
Minister Gerrit Schotte cial and ecological aspects ing months in collaboration took two years. So-called one million barrels could cranes have a modern and
and Minister of Economic must be in balance under with scientists from the so- Very Large Crude Carri- load and unload. No new reliable hydraulic system,
Development Abdul Nass- the theme “Hende, plane- called TAC team.” ers (VLCCs) can now be cranes were installed, but an automatic disconnec-
er el Hakim (both MFK) ta, prosperidad” (People, In Schotte’s view, this also loaded or unloaded within 10-inch hoses. tion in emergency cases,
recently gave the green planet, prosperity). means one can expect the approximately 48 hours, The oil trade has become remote control and a swift
light for the research proj- There are four strategic following questions: “Do compared to 72 hours be- very important for “Petro- securing to the boat,” ac-
ect “Towards a sustainable targets: a high living stan- we have a future without fore the overhaul. leos de Venezuela” PdV- cording to Isla.
economic long-term strat- dard for all; a better quality the refi nery? How can we The platform can now
egy for Curaçao.” of life; more social cohe- facilitate more tourism in a handle more boats per
“For years we’ve been sion and good governance. sustainable way?” month; in addition, three
hearing that Curaçao There is also an economic Keynote speaker and
doesn’t have coherent vi- vision. According to El Ha- economist Charles Cam-
sion for the future; a vision kim, Curaçao must become bridge from California
that is broadly supported an even better logistic State University Chico, a
in our community and that “hub” between the conti- long-term plan is essential
opens the path to a pros- nents, a centre in an inter- for a country to survive. “If
perous future. We need a national fl ow of services, we don’t have a long-term
vision with specifi c strate- products, knowledge and plan we’re not well pre-
gies; strategies that are sus- passengers. pared for changes.”
tainable,” said Schotte. “That means we need to “That’s why,” he said, “the
In the coming months the increase the trade capac- wish of people and govern-
Government of Curaçao ity, develop new sectors ment to develop a strategy
will work on such a long- and strengthen existing is a fi rst and crucial step for
term strategy. According structures, but then in a Curaçao.”
to the prime minister, this sustainable way, and this
Islands
8 THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012
ROTTERDAM--Yearning “We are impressed with cal professionals. “The brain
to return to their island, the turnout and the inter- drain phenomenon has been
more than 1,100 students, est. There is definitely a present for a long time. The
graduates and young pro- growing interest.” Some 20 result is a mismatch on the
fessionals visited the Flinx job interviews were sched- market. The need for highly
Recruitment Expo Dutch uled for Sunday. Not only educated people is especially
Caribbean (FRED) in Rot- St. Maarteners, but also high now. We need young
terdam on Saturday to look people from other islands professionals in the public
into the possibilities for showed interest in working and private sectors,” he said.
employment. in St. Maarten. St. Maarten wants to di-
Though the majority of the The exposition provided versify its economy and
40 booths were occupied by the opportunity to build create more sustainable
Curaçao companies and or- long-term interest in St. development so it doesn’t
ganisations, there was much Maarten. Not all Govern- solely rely on tourism. Di-
interest in St. Maarten. ment vacancies are being versification also will create
Close to 100 persons en- filled at once. Vacancies are different opportunities in
quired about employment being filled in phases. But the labour market, Voges
at the St. Maarten Govern- there is definitely a need explained.
ment’s booth. for more people in the Government has created
St. Maarten Medical Cen- coming years. an incentive package to
ter (SMMC) received 55 Berwers-Larmonie, who cu8a make it more attractive for
candidates who showed returned home to help her The Flinx Recruitment Expo Dutch Caribbean (FRED) at the Rotterdam Beurs/WTC graduates and young pro-
interest in working either country after spending 24 drew more than 1,100 visitors. (Nico van der Ven photo) fessionals to work on the
at the hospital or in health years in The Netherlands, island. The private sector
care. A substantial num- explained that the contracts is developing similar incen-
ber visited the St. Maarten of people hired by Govern- tives as well. Voges called
Harbour Group of Com- ment to fill the most urgent on St. Maarteners to return
panies booth to ask about vacancies when St. Maarten home. “This is your chance
work at one of the 12 har- attained country status on to be pioneers, to put St.
bour subsidiaries. October 10, 2010, would Maarten on the map. St.
The St. Maarten Govern- be expiring in the next few Maarten’s future is partly
ment, St. Maarten Harbour years. in your hands. We need
Group of Companies and The large, stylish and you.”
SMMC all have vacancies. colourful booth of St. St. Maarten students
The St. Maarten Govern- Maarten Harbour Group who visited the recruit-
ment as one of the event of Companies with its im- ment event were gener-
partners, together with the mense poster of the har- ally positive about the fair
Harbour, has more than 30 bour depicting six cruise and about returning home
job openings, the majority ships was hard to miss and eventually. “I see opportu-
of which are critical vacan- attracted scores of visitors. nities to go back, but there
cies. It was the first time the has to be work for me,”
Students and young profes- company had participated said Jino Baker, who stud-
sionals also enquired about in a recruitment event in cu8b ies aviation technology. He
employment opportunities The Netherlands and it was The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) team at the recruitment fair. (Nico van der Ven photo) has his hopes set on setting
in St. Maarten at the vari- a big success, said Chief Pi- up St. Maarten’s own avia-
ous companies and organ- lot Eddy Johnson. tion authority. He said the
isations that have branches “It is important to know fair had provided a chance
or offices in St. Maarten, what our youngsters are to network and check out
like UTS, KPMG, Govern- studying in The Nether- possibilities.
ment Accountants Bureau lands. Hearing their stories Karine Meyers, who stud-
SOAB, Deloitte, Kooyman, is just as important as pro- ies culture organisation
ENNIA (main partner), viding information to them. and management, said she
Banco di Caribe (main Communication is the basic was happy to see that St.
partner), FirstCaribbean part of getting people to Maarten was represented
Bank, Janssen De Jong, come back. We have to plug at the expo. But she la-
Pricewaterhousecoopers, into their niches and they mented that the major-
the Joint Court of Justice, have to plug into ours,” ity of companies at the fair
the Prosecutor’s Office, said Johnson, who headed focused on Curaçao, while
the Dutch Caribbean Coast the four-member team. they also had offices in St.
Guard, HBN Law and the The harbour currently Maarten. She too plans to
Central Bank of Curaçao doesn’t have a lot of vacan- go home eventually. “I got
and St. Maarten. cies like Government, but information on the pos-
No one could have over- when the company expands sibilities in St. Maarten.”
looked the St. Maarten in the future there will be cu8c She said Government had a
Government’s large booth, more job opportunities. The St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies booth attracted many visitors. (Suzanne “good” incentive package.
strategically located at the Personnel will be needed Koelega photo) Vayolette Laguerre, a first-
exposition’s entrance. The not only at the higher voca- year student in internation-
prime location drew visitors tional HBO level, but also facilities, among other ar- fair. “It was successful and The recruitment expo fea- al communication manage-
to the expo all day long and at the middle vocational eas. It is also looking for definitely worth repeat- tured a well-attended sym- ment, said the fair was a
the crew of seven had their MBO level. Attracting the a gynaecologist, a surgeon ing,” she said. posium about re-migration “very good initiative.” “You
hands full to speak to all of interest of students is part and specialised nursing Not all 55 candidates who titled, “I am coming home, can see what is available.”
them, take their informa- of the long-term vision, ex- personnel. reported at SMMC’s booth or am I?” with guest speak- She too would have liked to
tion and give them details plained Johnson. The pending expansion of match the vacancies. “But ers from the islands, includ- see more companies from
on the job openings. SMMC attended FRED SMMC with another wing we are very happy with the ing St. Maarten’s Minister St. Maarten. She said it was
It was a good mix of stu- with six persons repre- will increase the need for absolute interest in our Plenipotentiary in The important to go back. “It is
dents and young profes- senting the different de- personnel, explained Hu- hospital and health care in Hague Mathias Voges. necessary to have people
sionals who are leaning partments. The hospital man Resources and Public general,” said Hassell, who Voges described St. Maarten with different skills. It is
to return to their islands, needs personnel for hu- Relations Head Juliette added that it was also hard as a young, new country with good for the economy and
said Personnel and Organ- man resources, the opera- Hassell. It was the first in The Netherlands to find lots of possibilities. He said for all people socially.” (Su-
isation Department Head tion department, radiology time SMMC had partici- people for specific func- St. Maarten had a hard time zanne Koelega)
Christ’l Berwers-Larmonie. and management support pated in this recruitment tions in health care. filling its positions with lo-
Islands
THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012 9
ARUBA--The protest march Neighbours have meanwhile ity company WEB. The study the so-called “Equator Prin- “WEB investigated this, ment in Aruba. Nevertheless,
against the windmill park at consulted a lawyer, because looked at the social and envi- ciples” of the report. but it’s not possible from a the company wants to take
Urirama in Aruba may have as an activist from the very be- ronmental effects, for which Wim Kok of Kema said he technical-economic point of great care of the environ-
seemed small, but the num- ginning, Julia de Ruijter stat- noise-pollution intensity was understood the commotion on view.” The audience practi- ment, because the aim is to
ber of signatures on the pe- ed: “We will go to court if the measured. the religious meaning of Alto cally exploded when Hutting generate clean energy.
tition and reactions on the windmill park goes through. This report isn’t final yet, Vista and would gladly include said he couldn’t answer that The company needs govern-
Internet clearly indicate that However, we haven’t reached because it is to include the this in the report. “We can question, because it wasn’t his ment land though, to build
resistance is still growing. that point yet.” objections from neighbours only include this in the sense department. the windmills at Urirama.
Furthermore, Non Gov- The hearing at the Edward and NGOs. For that reason that we respect this aspect, Although WEB had been The long-lease conditions
ernmental Organisations Chueng Centre was meant to the auditors of the report what it means to the people. invited to the hearing, none clearly state that for approval
(NGOs) such as Aruba Bird- inform residents and other in- and Vader Piet director Look, I grew up in The Hague, of its representatives spoke. of the Ministry of Infrastruc-
life Conservation, “Stima- terested parties on the report Henk Hutting want to know where churches are built along However, after the hearing ture, companies must submit
ruba” and Rainbow Warriors drawn up by energy consul- what the objections are and highways.” it turned out they had been a feasibility study, environ-
openly declared themselves tancy Kema by order of Vader if certain matters are missing The reactions in the hall fur- there, including spokesperson mental impact report MER
against the project. Piet Management and util- or incorrect in the report. ther concentrated on health Asja Dongen. and an SEIA.
The hall was crowded and consequences and in that “We’ll present a separate Furthermore, banks also
reactions were hardly posi- respect, De Ruijter believes explanation for this. If we demand feasibility studies
tive. For example, the fact Kema didn’t do its job well. had explained it this evening, and impact assessments pri-
that the noise-pollution in- She presented numerous re- it would’ve only led to more or to granting capital. Kema
tensity was only measured ports showing that people liv- confusion.” mainly presents its report
for a very brief period and ing close to windmills develop It appeared from reactions as an MER, meaning that
during low wind speeds was central nervous system and that the audience was left especially the impact on the
not appreciated. hearing symptoms. with an unsatisfied feeling environment is researched
The same applies to the Someone also wondered due to WEB’s attitude and rather than the social conse-
period of investigating the what he should tell the bank if the absence of a govern- quences, said Kok.
birds. Many disapproving the value of his house dropped ment representative. Conse- During the presentation at
sounds were heard regard- 30-40 per cent due to the wind- quently, there was hardly any the hearing, the abbreviation
ing the conclusion that there mill park. He referred to a confidence in the objectivity “SEA” was used. This is the
were few birds during the verdict from the High Court in and soundness of the Kema common abbreviation for
measuring period and that Maastricht, The Netherlands, report. Strategic Environmental As-
the windmills would not af- in which a citizen was awarded One person wondered what sessment, whereby the focus
fect the approach routes of damages for property devalua- the procedure had been with lies on the expected impact
migrating birds. tion due to windmills. the first windmill park at Va- on the environment and al-
Chairman of Aruba Birdlife Several angry outbursts were der Piet. A journalist stated ternatives are listed.
Conservation Greg Peterson heard now and then in the that only a handful of people
stormed out of the hearing, hall. The politicians and party had shown up at the hearing
because Kema hadn’t tak- supporters present were also for this park, even though the
cu6c003 en him seriously. Peterson against the project. Parlia- nearest house stood 450 me-
Lucinda “La Rich” Audain. namely disagrees with the ment Chairman Paul Croes tres from the windmills.
conclusion in the report on (AVP) notably declared him- The minimal distance at Uri-
the consequences for birds. self against the park, while rama is 850 metres. For that
There was criticism that the governing party’s fraction matter, the hearing for the
investigation into the effects is yet to take a position. park at Vader Piet took place
PHILIPSBURG--Local body painting artist Lucinda “La Rich” had been inadequate and too Vader Piet director Hutting only after the social and envi-
Audain will represent St. Maarten at the 11th Annual Face- short. held his ground by stating ronmental impact report was
painting and Body Art International Convention (FABAIC) at It became evident that so- that it is not he, but govern- definite and government had
the Hyatt Bonaventure hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from cial consequences is an im- ment that wants the second given the green light for the
May 23-27. The event brings together the best body painters for portant deficiency in the re- windmill park as part of the project.
training in modern techniques in the art form. port, such as the significance policy for more sustainable Vader Piet Management
The 2012 FABAIC offers cutting-edge training in the fields of of the Alto Vista area, the energy. He didn’t really an- states that it conducted a So-
Face-painting, Body-painting, Airbrush Art, Henna, FX Special consequences for tourists swer the question why the cial and Environmental Im-
Effects and Glamour Make-up headed by world-class instructors. and the safety conditions for new windmills couldn’t be pact Assessment (SEIA) on
In the great FABAIC tradition, the 2012 FABAIC brings in the workers, which should have placed at the current park in “a voluntary basis,” because
very best and brightest instructors from around the nation and been included, according to Vader Piet. it’s not a statutory require-
around the world.
No matter whether you are a newbie or an expert, you can at-
tend FABAIC. The 2012 FABAIC offers classes ranging from
beginner to advanced, including classes for children ages four to
11 and young adults (12-17). This is La Rich’s second attendance
at FABAIC. “The first experience was mind blowing ... This time
I think I will be able to capitalise on the event by taking the classes
that will strengthen and enhance my techniques and skills.”
With the knowledge gained, she hopes to host body-painting
workshops for all ages and encourage others to get involved with
the art form. “I believe that the more persons involved in this art
form, the more it will thrive on the island. Body-painting should
not just be restricted to Carnival and Halloween, as it is respected
in larger countries as an art form for all events and occasions.”
FABAIC is committed to helping all artists grow as both artists
and entrepreneurs. The event has earned a reputation for cel-
ebrating the arts in style.
Islands
10 THE DAILY HERALD, Monday, May 21, 2012
GOVERNING PARTY LEADING... Continued from page 1.
ic, is barred from running Voting was delayed in to Central Electoral Board York area. Thanks to a con-
again after serving two con- some polling stations in the president Roberto Rosario. stitutional amendment, Do-
secutive four-year terms capital due to wet weather Both parties accused each minicans living abroad also
in the Caribbean nation of and late-arriving election other of vote-buying. Elec- were able for the fi rst time to
10 million people, which workers, and a handful of tion observers confi rmed vote for candidates to repre-
shares the island of His- incidents of violence were some of those reports, but sent seven overseas districts.
pañola with Haiti. He suc- reported. But otherwise said the cases were isolated The country is a popular
ceeded Mejia to the presi- election day took place rel- and had no impact on the resort spot famous for its
dency in 2004. atively smoothly, according outcome. white sandy beaches and
Shortly after polls closed golf courses, but it also is the
the head of an observer mis- leading Caribbean tranship-
sion from the Organisation ment point for South Ameri-
of American States, former can drugs destined for the
Uruguayan President Tabare United States and Europe.
Vazquez, told a news confer- There is little to distinguish
ence that the election had the two candidates ideologi-
been a “success,” calling it a cally. Both have sought to
“fi esta for democracy.” convince voters they will
While the Dominican Re- bring change through im-
public is far wealthier than proved education and job
Haiti, many Dominicans creation. The PLD and the
still struggle to satisfy basic PRD have left-wing roots,
needs, prompting some to though both parties are now
seek a better life by slipping pro-business and back close
into nearby Puerto Rico, a ties with the United States.
U.S. territory. About fi ve Mejia (71) who served
per cent of the nation’s 6.5 as president from 2000
million eligible voters live to 2004, campaigned on
abroad, including 220,000 a message of change with
registered voters in the Unit- a populist slogan “Llego
ed States, mostly in the New Papa” (Daddy’s Here) that
Dominican Republic’s presidential candidate Medina casts
his vote during the presidential elections in Santo Domingo
on May 20. (Reuters)
promises a better future cent from 44 per cent a dec-
“for everyone.” ade ago.
Meanwhile, Medina Medina, who studied to be
adopted the slogan “Cam- a chemical engineer before
bio Seguro” (Change With becoming a career politi-
Certainty), attacking Me- cian, is a co-founder of the
jia’s record as president PLD and a former minis-
from 2000 to 2004, which ter in the administration
ended in economic crisis. of Fernandez. Fernandez’s
Despite leaving offi ce in wife Margarita Cedeno is
2004 in the wake of a major running as Medina’s vice
banking scandal that rocked president. Popular with
the nation’s fragile econo- women voters, Cedeno,
my, Mejia remains popular a 44-year-old mother of
due to his personal charisma three, used her position as
and discontent after eight fi rst lady to work for pover-
years of PLD rule, includ- ty reduction and children’s
ing accusations of public and women’s issues.
corruption and the linger- Mejia has accused the
ing economic effects of the Fernandez government
global recession, which hit of using public money
the tourism industry hard. for political advantage by
However, the country overspending on expen-
has had one of the fastest- sive public works projects
growing economies in Lat- in the major cities. Mejia’s
in America in recent years campaign repeatedly has
and has reduced its poverty attacked alleged govern-
rate signifi cantly to 34 per ment corruption, accusing
the PLD of abandoning ag-
riculture in favour of mas-
sive food imports to benefi t
businessmen linked to the
governing party.