France requests EU Solidarity Funding for hurricane recovery in department of Guadeloupe and Collectivity of Saint Martin

European Commission - Statement

Statement by Commissioner Creţu on the French authorities' request for aid from the European Solidarity Fund

Brussels, 28 November 2017

Within the first few hours of the devastating Irma and Maria hurricanes hitting the Caribbean, the European Union expressed its solidarity by mobilising its emergency response instruments and offering aid for reconstruction in the longer term with the support of European funds.

We have now received a request from the French authorities for aid from the EU Solidarity Fund to help with reconstruction on Guadeloupe and Saint Martin in particular; French Overseas Minister Annick Girardin will today meet my colleague, Pierre Moscovici, to hand him the request in person.

I welcome this request, since once analysed it will allow us to assist the people of Saint Martin by providing financial aid to help restore infrastructure and public services and to cover emergency and clean-up costs.

Europe's support will soon be put to work on the island. This is the promise I made to Daniel Gibbs, President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin, at the Conference on the Outermost Regions in October, where we presented our new strategy for a stronger partnership with these regions. This promise will be kept, since although these overseas regions may be geographically distant from the European continent, never have they been so close, so integrated, or so European.

However, we also realise that these regions are part of a special neighbourhood and that Saint Martin itself is one of a pair, since it shares its island, and therefore its destiny, with the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten.

Saint Martin and Sint Maarten will recover together. My colleague Commissioner Mimica, responsible for development, last week announced an investment package to support the reconstruction and economic revival of the Caribbean countries affected by the disaster, including Sint Maarten.

Furthermore, in December we will announce how our inter-regional cooperation programmes, known by the name of Interreg, can also make a contribution, in particular the specific programme linking Saint Martin and Sint Maarten.

The European Union stands side-by-side with those who lost everything, including their dreams, in the disaster. They can count on the sincere and unfailing support of the EU for the reconstruction work and for the rebuilding of their lives.

DUTCH, FRENCH, BRITISH TURN TO U.N. FOR POST HURRICANE SUPPORT FOR THEIR CARIBBEAN DEPENDENCIES

Koenders requests UN support for reconstruction of 

Sint Maarten

The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands met on Monday with representatives from the Caribbean islands affected by hurricane Irma, as well as the UN institutions, to discuss the devastation the storm has caused. The parties decided to work together to do everything possible to provide the people on the islands with emergency aid and assist with reconstruction. Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders said on behalf of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom that he hoped the UN would respond quickly and flexibly to the needs of the population. ‘This is no time for red tape,’ he said.

The international meeting about the impact of hurricane Irma was held at UN headquarters in New York. Mr Koenders gave an overview of what is needed on St Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius. He also expressed his thanks for the assistance provided so far and asked that it be continued.

‘Hurricane Irma has caused widespread destruction,’ the minister said. ‘Many people have lost their homes and there is major damage to the infrastructure. It will be a huge job to restore everything. So I call on the UN to be generous with contributions from its funds and to make expertise available for the reconstruction of St Maarten.’

Many UN organisations are already at work in the affected areas, establishing needs, helping assess the risk of infectious diseases, distributing high-energy biscuits and providing technical assistance. The UN’s development programme has also made $2 million available for the Caribbean islands hit by Irma, while the UN’s emergency relief coordinator is providing $10 million.

Mr Koenders believes the UN should appoint a special envoy for climate and security, who should focus on how climate change affects security. ‘We may well face hurricanes of this strength again,’ he said. ‘Small island states in the Caribbean are extremely vulnerable, and as we’ve seen, can be completely destroyed in a matter of hours. The UN plays a crucial role in developing plans in order to anticipate these risks and respond appropriately. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls for a UN special envoy who can focus on this.’

Dutch foreign minister asks for UN help in Sint Maarten relief effort

Poll: St. Martin voters call for French- and Dutch-side unity

DAILY HERALD

MARIGOT--In an exit poll conducted by St. Martin Stats for the French-side newspaper Le Pélican during the second round of voting for the French-side Territorial Council elections in Sandy Ground, Concordia, La Savane and French Quarter, an overwhelming majority of voters support greater unity between Saint Martin and Sint Maarten.

The pollsters surveyed 297 voters, of whom 245 “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with the statement on greater unity, representing 91 per cent of respondents.

“The support for greater unity cuts across all demographics and geographical segments,” St. Martin Stats co-founder Timothée Didier-Bandou explained. “Even amongst recent French-side arrivals – so perhaps those with less ties to the Dutch side – a full 82 percent agreed or strongly agreed with the need for greater unity,” he added.

Bonaire Foundation head on mission to Sint Eustatius, Saba and Sint Maarten

SABA NEWS

Autonomy activist visits Statia, Saba

Chairman James Finies of Foundation Nos Ker Boneiru Bek (NKBB), or “We want Bonaire Back” in English, visited St. Eustatius and Saba from Thursday through Sunday in a bid for solidarity and support among the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands.

NKBB submitted a request with the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization to include the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands on the list of non-self-governing territories. The request was submitted to the UN during the International Week of Solidarity with the peoples of non-self-governing territories from June 13 to17.

The Foundation seeks more autonomy from the Netherlands, as it feels that Bonaire is overwhelmed by an increased influx of Dutch residents and civil servants.

Finies’ visit to Statia was hosted by Brighter Path Foundation, which also seeks more autonomy for the “Historical Gem.”

On Statia, Finies met with several government officials, including Commissioner Derrick Simmons, Island Secretary Louis van Ameijden, independent Island Councilman Reuben Merkman and Charles Woodley. He also spoke on the local radio station.

During his visit to Saba, the NKBB Chairman had meetings with Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, Commissioner Rolando Wilson, Island Councilman for Saba Labour Party (SLP) Ishmael Levenston, and with Chairman of Saba Business Association Wolfgang Tooten.

Finies rounded off his visit to the Windward Islands on Anguilla. He also made appearances on radio stations in Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin.

“We met people from all the islands in search for solidarity and their support. People are surprised when they hear about what happened on Bonaire since it obtained its status as special entity of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010. Since then we have witnessed a large influx of Dutch people. The new status has had a bad outcome for our islands, such as the closure of the Medical School on Bonaire, similar to the one on Statia,” Finies said.

“We feel overwhelmed and overpowered by the Dutch on our small islands. We feel that we cannot exert our democratic and fundamental human rights, because we have become a minority on our own island and have no voice in The Hague,” the activist explained, adding that NKBB is not fighting for independence.

“We need more attention for our island and our people,” Finies said in stating that his organization has hired a specialist with the UN in pursuit of efforts to include Bonaire, Saba and Statia on the list of non-self governing territories.

St Martin becomes associate member of Association of Caribbean States (ACS)

SEVENTH SUMMIT 

OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CARIBBEAN STATES (ACS)

 

Havana, Cuba, June 4th , 2016 

HAVANA DECLARATION 

“United for a Sustainable Caribbean”

38.Welcomes the accession of the Community of San Martin, as an Associate Member of the ACS in its own name. In that sense, the ACS and the Government of the French Republic will sign an agreement to define the modalities of participation of San Martin as an Associate Member and an amending Protocol to the Agreement which defines the modalities of participation of the government of France as an Associate Member representing Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique, signed in Mexico on May 24, 1996;

Regional Conference on "Last Colonies in the Caribbean" adopts resolutions on decolonisation, other international issues

The International Conference on The Last Colonies in the Caribbean organized by the Independence for St. Martin Foundation convened at the University of St. Martin from March 6 – 8, 2015.

Dr. Rhoda Arindell, organizer (photo by OTR)

The official opening ceremony of the conference was held on the evening of March 6, and was attended by senior political leaders, members of civil society representatives, students and members of the Sint Maarten/St. Martin community. The conference resumed on March 7 at the University of St. Martin with a series of substantive discussions. The sessions began with a panel on Youth, Education and Independence, followed by a Case Study on the U.S. Virgin Islands presented by Attorney Genevieve Whitaker of St. Croix.

Other panels focused on the Economic Viability of an Independent St. Martin; Labour and Independence; Education and Independence, and Political System and Checks/Balances.

The conference adopted four resolutions which are shown below (OTR edited). The resolutions will be sent to the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General; the U.N. Decolonisation Committee; the Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Organisation of American States (OAS); the European Union (EU); the governments of France, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea; the governments and parliaments of the territories represented at the conference; other relevant authorities and non governmental organisations.

Conference panelists  (photo by OTR)

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS    

Decolonization

Acknowledging the importance of this conference as an effective forum to renew focused discussion on matters concerning Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean, 

Considering that discussion about the actual situation of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the Caribbean have been sparse and in-between, thus creating the impression that peoples in said territories have embraced the status quo as “permanent” and therefore not deserving of change;

Declaring that there is an urgent need for the unfinished task of decolonization in the Caribbean to be placed again on the agenda of CARICOM and other international fora and be made a priority until the process is satisfactorily completed;

Realizing that unity, cooperation and mutual assistance are crucial for each remaining territory to achieve full decolonization in this world of globalization;

Reaffirming that until the last colonies in the Caribbean have been fully decolonized, the goals of regional cooperation, integration, democracy and development will remain a pipe-dream;

Resolve to:

1. Communicate with one another regarding the progress each one is making in the decolonization process;

2. Cooperate with one another in an attempt to hasten the decolonization process on each non-self-governing territory;

3. Pledge mutual support, solidarity and exchange of ideas, information, tactics, as well as strategies pertinent to the decolonization process in the Caribbean and elsewhere;

4. Applaud the initiative taken by the Independence for St. Martin Foundation in organizing this conference and recommends that similar conferences be held on a rotation basis in the Caribbean at least once a year.

Attorney Genevieve Whitaker of St. Croix (photo by OTR)

United Nations Reinscription

Considering that the United Nations states that only 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain today and in view of its declaration of the period 2011 -2020, a period that is only five years away, as the Third Decade for the Eradication of Colonies; 

Taking into account that several of the non-self-governing territories in the Caribbean represented at this conference consider their territories to be colonies, no matter what definition of colony is propounded; 

Cognisant of the fact that to be able to garner international support for their struggle for political freedom, their respective territories have to be re-listed by the UN as still non-self-governing; 

Considering that, in particular, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, since the Charter of 1954, has consistently and repeatedly stated that it recognizes the right to self-determination of all its six possessions in the Caribbean, to wit, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Martin (South), 

Noting that this right to self-determination of the island territories has been reiterated at several constitutional conferences within the Kingdom ever since; 

Realizing that the vast majority of the remaining colonies in the world are found in the Caribbean region; 

Declaring that colonization in any shape or form, regardless of the level of autonomy or so-called integration of the non-self-governing territory granted by the Administering Power, is in crucial contradiction to all known principles of democracy; 

Acknowledging that there are significant voices being raised on several of the remaining colonies in the Caribbean for sovereignty of their respective territories; 

Recognizing and reconfirming the ongoing and legitimate role of the United Nations in the decolonization process, especially through the UN Special Committee on Decolonization; 

Resolve as follows: 

1. To call on the UN to reinstate those remaining colonies who request such on its list of Non-Self-Governing Territories; 

2. To request the active support of CARICOM, OECS and the OAS in particular, and other international bodies and organizations in furthering the valid cause of decolonization in the Caribbean, through their individual respective representations at the UN and other such organizations; 

3. To request the UN, through its Special Committee on Decolonization, to speed up action in and to continue providing support until all outstanding decolonization issues were resolved in a satisfactory manner, so that there would be no need to establish a Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonies in the world; 

4. To request all those states with administering powers over the remaining colonies to cooperate in the UN decolonization process; 

5. To demand that the results of free and fair constitutional referenda – whenever these are in favor of political independence – be recognized and respected as the popular expression of the people of that territory to attain independence; To urge ALL member states of the UN to continue to stand resolutely behind the legitimate desires for political independence of the peoples in the remaining colonies in the Caribbean.

From left, panelists  Joseph H. Lake, Jr., Shujah Reiph and Claire Eischot (photo by OTR)

RESOLUTION

Reparatory Justice

Considering that the present situation in the Caribbean, and in particular, the colonial situation in the non-independent territories in this region are a direct result of centuries of exploitation, dehumanization, genocide and oppression which the Atlantic Slave Trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism represent;

Agreeing that Slavery is a crime against humanity that has no statutes of limitation until reparatory justice has been achieved; 

Taking into account that the CARICOM Heads of Government, has established the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) and subsequently endorsed the latter’s Ten Point Plan of Action; 

Reiterating our belief that reparatory justice is not only a moral obligation, but also one of integrity and a legal right of the Caribbean people and others who have endured a similar historical trauma; 

Concurring that Reparations is not just about writing a check to finally pay for the forced and unpaid labor for centuries of our ancestors; 

Hereby resolves as follows: 

1. To endorse and fully support the leadership of CARICOM in the quest for reparatory justice for our people; 

2. To endorse and fully support the Ten Point Plan of Action of the CARICOM Reparatory Commission; 

3. To encourage all the remaining colonies in the Caribbean, particularly those attending this conference, to establish National Reparations Commissions along the lines established by CARICOM; 

4. To call on all other nations and regional and international organizations to support the efforts and initiatives of CARICOM, including the legal suit it has filed against the UK, France, Spain and The Netherlands, in particular, for reparations 

5. To undertake public awareness campaigns to raise consciousness in the region and beyond about the need for reparations and the efforts that are being undertaken to achieve this. 

6. To alert the various educational authorities in the Caribbean to include the study of Slavery and Reparations in their school curricula.

Dr. Maria van Enckevort (photo by OTR) 

Support for the people of West Papua

Considering that the ongoing struggle and resistance of the People of West Papua against the illegal occupation of their land, the systematic oppression, incarceration and murder of those fighting for their political freedom by the government of Indonesia

Declaring their faith and confidence in Mr. Benny Wanda, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and acknowledged leader of the international campaign for a free West Papua;

Reiterating that the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 69/119 declared the period 2011 – 2020 the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which is now only five years away from expiration;

Agreeing that the right to self-determination is an inalienable right of the people of West Papua, which should be freely and democratically expressed;

Resolve to 

1. Support the legitimate struggle of the People of West Papua for the independence of their country;

2. Support the calls for a free and fair referendum in West Papua for West Papuans to determine their own political future;

3. Calls on the international community to extend similar support to the People of West Papua and raise global awareness about their ongoing struggle;

4. Calls on regional bodies, in particular, the OECS, CARICOM and OAS, to use their good offices to seek a peaceful and democratic process which would lead to the independence of West Papua.

Members of the Conference Organising Committee at close of the Conference 
(photo by OTR)

Sint Maarten/St. Martin to collaborate on major health study

Dutch, French to do joint health study, launch health observatory

Daily Herald

~ 'Diseases don't stop at the border' ~

CONCORDIA--Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin health officials launched a regional Health Observatory on Friday and announced plans to embark on a joint public health study to assess the health situation amongst the population on both sides of the island.

Some work has already begun under the Health Observatory, which is based initially at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital in French St. Martin. The entire project will cost 1,184,095 million euros. The St. Maarten government will cover 25 per cent of the cost and French St. Martin 75 per cent via Interreg Caraibes.

Health Minister Cornelius de Weever (St. Maarten) and Second Vice President of the Collectivité of St. Martin in charge of Social Affairs Ramona Thomas signed an agreement for the health initiatives at the end of the launch ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce of St. Martin in Concordia.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY HERALD.

St. Martin MPs, Collectivité reps exchange information with Sint Maarten Parliament

DAILY HERALD

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Members of Parliament (MPs) learned more about the roles and functions of the officials of the Collectivité of St. Martin when a delegation headed by Collectivité President Aline Hanson took part in a Central Committee meeting of Parliament in Parliament House on Friday.

This is the second time MPs have met with their French-side counterparts since St. Maarten became a country within the Dutch kingdom on October 10, 2010. The discussions were centred more on outlining the roles of the French-side officials in an effort to bring better understanding about the workings of the Collectivité.

Parliament President Gracita Arrindell called the meeting an important one. She said the information given would help to educate not only MPs, but the public.

MPs expressed the desire to work more closely with their counterparts on the French side. MP Leroy de Weever suggested contact between Parliament's permanent committees and those of the French side's Collectivité.

Hanson outlined the functioning of the Collectivité and areas for which she is responsible. The Vice-Presidents and other council members gave information about their roles, projects and programmes. She also gave a population estimate for the French side as 37,630 people. The Collectivité records some 800-900 births annually.

The French side has implemented a statistical information system supported by Forward Keys. It has been estimated from that system that more than one million tourists come to the island as a whole annually. It has shown that cruise numbers for the French side are dropping.

MPs were told by the visiting officials that the French side would be requesting some water supply from the Dutch side soon for some six months, to allow for the renovations of the water network on the eastern part of the French side. A meeting to finalise the arrangements is slated for this month.

A booklet on the functions and roles of the Collectivité representatives and committee is in the offing and once completed copies will be shared with Parliament.

Hanson was accompanied by Territorial Council Member Louis Fleming, First Vice-President Guillaume Arnell, Second Vice-President Ramona Connor, Third Vice-President Wendel Cocks, Fourth Vice-President Rosette Gumbs-Lake and Executive Council representative Jeanne Vanterpool.

MPs enquired about the competency of the Collectivité to deal with local issues instead of needing to involve officials from France. The Collectivité representatives pointed out that based on the French side's constitutional statement, it has limited competencies.

MP Johan Leonard (UP) was again emotional about the "one people" of the island being hampered from ironing out local issues without France or the Netherlands becoming involved, depending on the situation.

Hanson said memoranda of understanding on working together could be made by the two sides of the island.

There will be a meeting of officials of the two sides of the island and those of France and the Netherlands in 2014 to iron out issues related to police carrying out cross-border "hot pursuit" of criminals.

Possibilities of working together on projects to benefit both sides of the island also were raised. However, the French side must comply with strict European standards that may make some projects feasible.

A written follow-up related to the operation of Dutch-side taxis on the French side has been promised by the Collectivité representatives in response to questions posed by independent MP Romain Laville. There is a plan to regulate the buses and taxis on the island that needs to be discussed with the Dutch side government.

Absent from Friday's Central Committee meeting were MPs Louie Laveist, Sylvia Meyers-Olivacce and Dr. Ruth Douglass.

St. Maarten tops world average for growth in passenger traffic

~ Records 7% increase during first half ~

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten continues to prove itself as a preferred destination for travellers with a seven per cent increase in passenger traffic during the first seven months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, exceeding the world average of six per cent.

Map by Wikipedia

The figures revealed during the Strategy Summit held at the World Routes conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, show that St. Maarten has held its own despite the economic and financial challenges faced by nations around the globe.

Compared to 485,936 total enplanements from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2011, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) saw an increase to 520,018 total enplanements during the first half of 2012.

Various airlines servicing the island also revealed that they were showing healthy load factors for the country, with some indicating that performance of their St. Maarten routes exceeded company expectations.

JetBlue announced that the performance of its San Juan-St. Maarten route during the slow period was better than the airline had anticipated, while United Airlines said its extended seasonal service had surpassed expectations. Delta, the third-largest airline in the world, reported that its load factor to the island was a very healthy average of 90 per cent.

Map by Capitol Air

"As a destination that focuses many efforts on tourism, we are thrilled with these figures," said St. Maarten Tourist Bureau interim director of tourism Augusto Priest. "We will continue to work diligently to promote St. Maarten as a destination of choice and that would enable us to increase passenger traffic."

Officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications and of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, and management of PJIA (airport code SXM) participated in the St. Maarten delegation at the conference.

Emancipation Day: A celebration, commemoration of freedom won

Daily Herald

PHILIPSBURG--"Surrender not one day of Freedom won" were the words repeated by dignitaries and the public alike at the Monday, July 2, celebration of Emancipation Day.

For the first time as a new nation, St. Maarten celebrated 149 years of emancipation on a day filled with cultural music, dance, food, commemoration and education.

The hot July day began with an Emancipation Day ecumenical service at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church at 9:00am. Dignitaries of both sides of the island and the public were greeted by steel pan music played by Tropical Brothers Steel Band, led by their captain Neville York. The band played a medley of "This is the Day," "Send the Light" and "Whosoever will."

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams expressed her joy in celebrating the day and recognising the fight for recognition and the efforts of many in society who had kept the flame burning, those who had done their research and those who had documented history to make this day a reality. The past history has shaped what St. Maarten is today, she said.

The struggle and fight of the forefathers of St. Maarten "represent a part of our collective history. It has made us a resourceful, resilient and productive people. The more we celebrate who we are, the more proud we become to be called

St. Maarteners," she said.

"I stand still as I recognise the efforts of those members of our society who have kept the flame burning for Emancipation Day, those who, holiday or not, celebrated the commemoration of July 1st every year. The most important observance in my opinion, however, comes from those who have gone to great lengths to research, document and transmit our history, a history that is as colourful as a patch quilt.

"There is no denying that the importation of men and women to our island in the 17th century was the foundation of our modern-day society. That our forefathers had to labour in slavery, as abominable and reprehensible as that practice was, has also shaped who we are today. They built with their sweat, tears and yes, blood, our foundation as a nation.

"When you really think about it, it's not that long ago that this practice existed, until its official abolition in 1863, a mere 149 years ago. If I consider my mother's age at 91 and that of her contemporaries, it brings our history rather close."

The church service was followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at the statues of One Tété Lohkay and the Freedom Fighters. Activities continued with a Cultural Parade with participants in national dress, stilt walkers and drummers, that ended at the Courthouse surrounded by onlookers, living statues and various bands.

The parade was followed by addresses by Governor Eugene Holiday, the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture Silveria Jacobs and President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell. "I am immensely proud and pleased to stand before you today to share in and address you in this first observance of Emancipation Day," the Governor told those present.

He said Emancipation Day functioned as a source of greater consciousness and understanding. The celebration of Emancipation Day ended with cultural manifestations at Salt Pickers roundabout. Vendors were also present displaying different cultural arts and crafts, and local St. Maarten foods.

*****

Homage to ancestors during Emancipation Day celebration

CUL-DE-SAC--The former plantation grounds at Emilio Wilson Park formed the perfect backdrop for VOICES' Emancipation Day celebration on Sunday afternoon.  

Organised by grassroots foundation Victory Over Injustice Consciously Eliminating Silence (VOICES), which goal it is to combat all forms of abuse and violence through awareness, empowerment and prevention, the event honoured St. Maarten's enslaved ancestors and contemporary role models during an event filled with music, dance, storytelling and poetry.

After D'shnay York had given a rendition of the St. Maarten Song, VOICES president Nkosazana Illis said the event was to commemorate "the greatness of our ancestors." She read from the Declaration of Emancipation, signed by the governor of Curaçao and its dependencies on July 1, 1863, which pronounced the liberty of slaves throughout the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. Copies of the Declaration were distributed among the public.

In opening the event, Illis and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Silveria Jacobs lit two candles under one of the park's majestic silk cotton trees in remembrance of St. Maarten's enslaved ancestors.

After one minute of silence was observed, Minister Jacobs commended VOICES for organising the event, and urged the public at large to study St. Maarten's history more vigilantly and to record the stories of the island's senior citizens.

During the event, several "grassroots" local entrepreneurs were commended for their contribution to St. Maarten and its people. Among those receiving certificates of appreciation were José Lake Junior, Don Hughes, Elsje Bosch, Cedric Cannegieter and Lucy Lake.

Former Culture Minister Rhoda Arrindell, who was another speaker at the event, also received a certificate of appreciation for her efforts in making Emancipation Day a national holiday. Former Commissioner Louie Laveist had also been instrumental in achieving this, Illis added.

Musical icon Addison "Shadowman" Richardson presented the two-hour cultural programme, which was kicked-off with traditional dance, presented by dancers of Motiance Dance School and Imbali Centre for Creative Movement.

Music was provided by Generation New Status STM drum band, Soualougia Jump Up Brass Band, Shabba Djembé Drummers and Ras Bushman.

The spoken word was represented by story teller Papa Umpo, who recounted the story of One-Tete Lokay, and poets Anderson Percival and Unexpected Poet.

The event was closed off with the planting of a young flamboyant tree. Illis and Arrindell planted the tree, symbolising growth, hope, power and continuation, with assistance of a young St. Maarten girl.

French Préfet in St. Martin criticized for exceeding authority

Mussington against the Préfet chairing commission meeting

Daily Herald (Sint Maarten)

MARIGOT--Movement for the Advancement of the People (MAP) leader Louis Mussington said Tuesday he was firmly against Préfet Jacques Simonnet chairing the upcoming joint mixed commission meeting now scheduled for December 3. French Minister for Overseas Territories Marie-Luce Penchard is expected to be in St. Martin for the inauguration of the meeting.

"I cannot accept under Article 74 that the Préfet is calling the shots on this one," said Mussington. "I've always been a strong advocate of north side south side cooperation and that's why I joined the discussion on status change in Paris. I was very insistent that we have the political authority to discuss issues with our Dutch side counterparts without interference from the State's representative."

"Article LO-6352 clearly states professional training, economic development, social development, infrastructure development, tourism, transportation etc, all fall within our Collectivité's competences. So I cannot accept that he is leading a delegation. It is not his area of competence. In my opinion he should be playing a supportive role and not a leading role."

Mussington added he wanted to make his point because he does not want the new Préfet to assume this is the normal way of doing things.

"I believe President Frantz Gumbs and Senator Fleming have failed in their mission to show leadership and assume responsibilities and play their role efficiently. There is a great need for north-south cooperation, yes, but everyone must assume their roles accordingly."

He continued: "What is under the State's jurisdiction such as security, immigration, and health matters, falls under the Préfet's responsibility but the buck stops there. People are not sensing a real change because the State is conducting meetings for us. We need to be acting more responsibly and acting as though we really are in charge."

Sint Maarten to Seek associate membership in The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

*****

Prime Minister holds preliminary talks at Heads of Government Meeting of CARICOM

Basseterre, St. Kitts

2011 (CUOPM) – St. Maarten has expressed an interest in becoming an Associate Member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This was disclosed by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Chairman of the regional integration movement, the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, who said the St. Maarten leader (Hon. Sarah Wescott-Williams)  was one of several Heads of government and Institutions, who CARICOM leaders met with during the 32nd Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government.

“The dynamism and solidity of our Community have encouraged one of our special guests at this meeting, the
Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the Hon. Sarah Wescott-Williams to talk with us about submitting a formal request for her country to become an Associate Member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Douglas announced at the Closing Ceremony.

Prime Minister Wescott-Williams, who attended the Opening Ceremony on June 30th, held talks with
Caribbean leaders during the luncheon session of the first caucus at Ottley’s Plantation on Saturday 1st July.

Prime Minister Wescott-Williams during the luncheon meeting brought Caribbean leaders up to date on the recent constitutional changes in Country St. Marten with the Dutch Kingdom.

CARICOM has several Councils on matters of interest to St. Maarten,” said Prime Minister Wescott-Williams in a recent statement reported in the St. Maarten Herald.

In accepting the invitation from Prime Minister Douglas to attend the Conference, the St. Maarten leader said she hoped to discuss “St. Maarten’s involvement in these Councils and eventual membership of CARICOM during the visit to St. Kitts.” The communiqué issued at the end of the conference said:

“Heads of Government and the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the Hon. Sarah Wescott-Williams held preliminary discussions with a view to Sint Maarten submitting a formal request to become an Associate Member of the Community.”

During the four-day meeting, Heads of Government also exchanged views with His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, President of Colombia; His Excellency José Miguel Insulza, Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and Mr. Andris Piebalgs, European Union Commissioner for Development.

CARICOM Chairman Douglas also met with the Special Envoy of the Government of Cuba, His Excellency Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

CARICOM Member States and Head of Government are Antigua and Barbuda, Dr. the Hon. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister; The Bahamas, The Right Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister; Barbados, the Hon. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister; Belize, the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister; Dominica, the
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister; Grenada, Hon. Tilman Thomas, Prime Minister; Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President; Haiti, His Excellency Michel Martelly, President; Jamaica, the Hon. Bruce Golding, Prime Minister; Montserrat, the Hon. Reuben Meade, Chief Minister; St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister; St. Lucia, the Hon. Stephenson King, Prime Minister; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister; Suriname,
His Excellency Desi Bouterse, President; Trinidad and Tobago, the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister.

Associate Members are Anguilla, Hon. Hubert Hughes, Chief Minister; Bermuda, Hon. Pamela Cox, Premier; British Virgin Islands, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Premier; Cayman Islands, Hon. William McKeeva Bush, Premier; and the Turks and Caicos Islands. (OTR Note: Since 2009, elected government has been suspended in the Turks & Caicos Islands by the United Kingdom, the territory's administering power).

In 1972, Commonwealth Caribbean leaders at the Seventh Heads of Government Conference decided to transform the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community, of which the Common Market would be an integral part.

The signing of the Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community, Chaguaramas, 4th July 1973, was a defining moment in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Although a free-trade area had been established, CARIFTA did not provide for the free movement of labour and capital, or the coordination of
agricultural, industrial and foreign policies.

The objectives of the Community, identified in Article 6 of the Revised Treaty, are: to improve standards of living and work; the full employment of labour and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; enhanced levels of international competitiveness; organisation for increased production and productivity; achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description and the enhanced co-ordination of Member States’ foreign and foreign economic policies and enhanced functional co-operation.

In 1989, when the Heads of Government made the decision to transform the Common Market into a single
market and economy in which factors move freely as a basis for internationally competitive production of goods and provision of services, it was also decided that for the transformation to take place, the Treaty would have to be revised.

In 1992, following the adoption of the report of the West Indian Commission, an Inter-governmental Task Force was established, to work on the revision of theTreaty. Between 1993 and 2000, the Inter-Governmental Task Force (IGTF) which was composed of representatives of all Member States, produced nine Protocols, for the purpose of amending the Treaty. These nine Protocols were later combined to create a new version of the Treaty, called formally, The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas Establishing the Caribbean Community, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

Allowances have been made for the subsequent inclusion in the Revised Treaty, by way of additional Protocols, new issues such as e-commerce, government procurement, trade in goods from free zones, free circulation of goods, and the rights contingent on the free movement of persons.


Erasmus Williams
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
Government Headquarters
Church Street
Basseterre, St. Kitts


Tel: 869-465-9698
Fax: 869-466-9997
Cell: 869-665-8422

St. Martin Movement for Advancement of the People (MAP) Readies for elections

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Mussington to head MAP list in 2012

Daily Herald

MARIGOT--Opposition Councillor Louis Mussington will head the list of the Movement for the Advancement of the People (MAP) in the 2012 Territorial Council elections, he confirmed to the press this week. Currently the group is sending out questionnaires to the public to get feedback on the critical issues important to them.

"We're in the process of putting the best political platform possible together but we want to involve the people in the survey," he said. "We are hoping the questions we have asked in the questionnaire will be responded to in a constructive manner. The feedback will help us to shape our ideas and policies. We want to be sure our platform reflects the concerns and aspirations of the people, and not the other way around by us pretending to know it all."

He added this would also be achieved by visiting all the districts and listening to the concerns of the population and having two-way dialogue.

"We want to get rid of the old style politics. It's got to be a partnership with the people. We want to be able to speak boldly and forcefully to the authorities, whoever they may be in Paris or St. Martin, on behalf of the people because we will know what is troubling them. So we encourage the people to work along with us."

Mussington indicated the opinions of everyone are welcome, not only from those sympathetic to the MAP cause. Not only will MAP members be in the field visiting the districts but there will be a website as well.

"We hope the website will be ready in a couple of weeks at which time we will start the field trips. The people can look out for us in all the relevant districts. These will be fruitful exchanges to serve the general interest. It's very critical people get involved because the current situation is a total disaster, both from an economic and social perspective."

MAP will begin analysing and gauging the response to the survey from the beginning of July.

Mussington has been in politics for thirteen years. He has served as General Councillor, Regional Councillor, and substitute to President of the Regional Council Victorin Lurel, and attended many seminars in Paris.

"I have the intellectual and spiritual experience to take on this challenge," he said.