Curacao PM discusses recent visit to Hague

Meeting with Ambassadors - Report From The Prime Minister

WILLEMSTAD – During his recent trip to the Netherlands, the Prime Minister of Curacao met with several Ambassadors in The Hague. This is what he reported .

Ambassador People’s Republic of China (PRC). Ambassador Chen Xu brought to Premier Ivar Asjes greetings from the Chinese leadership and indicated to look forward to the establishment of the Chinese Consulate General in Curacao. In that regard, he expressed the hope that the recognition and admission procedure will be completed in the shortest possible time. 

Mr. Chen Xu also emphasized the complementary nature of the relationship between China and Curaçao. He pointed to the existing working relationship with Minister Plenipotentiary  (Marvelyne) Wiels and said also to that he expects that Curaçao would be attractive to a large group of the Chinese tourist. Premier Asjes indicated that his government is urgently working on the approval and authorization of the Chinese Consul-General. He also referred to the trade mission last May of the (former) Minister of Curaçao Economic Development in the PRC. In that context Curacao wishes to establish itself as a solid foundation for Chinese companies which are interested in doing business with Latin American businesses.

Ambassador Republic of Panama. Ambassador Terán-Sitton brought to Premier Asjes greetings from President (Ricardo) Martinelli. The Ambassador said that his country’s economy is doing good, that the expansion of the Panama Canal is on schedule and that the metro system is being constructed. Ambassador Terán-Sitton indicated that from 1989-1991 he was the Minister of Health and that is why he knows that several Curacaoans have studied medicine in Panama. Mr. (Jose Manuel) Terán-Sitton announced its intention to visit Curacao.

Regarding the presence of Curaçao students in Panama, Premier Asjes announced that the policy of his government is aimed at stimulating studying the region. That is one reason to work on cultural ties with countries in the region, which may also result in trade relations. Premier Asjes promised at the end of the meeting to pick up again all topics discussed in 2011 during the 66th AVVN with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama (including the opening of a consulate in Curacao).

Ambassador Republic of Colombia. Ambassador Leongómez Pizarro began the conversation by stating that Colombia has great interest in Curacao not in the least because of the presence of a Colombian community in Curacao. In addition, with the expansion of the Panama Canal, the Caribbean regions (including the ports of Cartagena and Barranquilla) will be increasingly developed. Moreover, 20% of the Colombian population are of African origin and because of that Colombia will actively participate next year in the activities surrounding the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the departure of the last slave ship towards Colombia.

The Ambassador was of the opinion that Curacao could act as a bridge between Colombia, the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. The opening of the Holland House in Colombia in November 2013 will play an important role in this endeavor. Colombia received last year 15 billion dollars in foreign investment. In recent years, the country has also seen an economic growth of 4.5% per year. The expectation is Colombia will be the third largest economy in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico.

Prime Minister Asjes agreed that Curacao can function as a bridge between Colombia, on one side, and the Netherlands, Europe, and on the other side. The Colombian businesses for example, could use the Curaçao financial infrastructure. Premier Asjes further indicated that his government, together with the private sector, is working on the positioning of Curaçao in the region. In this context, the Curaçao government recently approved the MoU, which was two years in the making, so that it can be signed with Colombia. There are all the necessary contacts in this respect with the Colombian authorities through the Colombian consulate in Willemstad. The trip to Colombia is scheduled for October and will possibly be combined with a visit to Panama.

Pacific Islands Forum calls for action to address effects of U.S. Nuclear Testing Programme in the Marshall Islands

 

FORTY-FOURTH PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM

MAJURO, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

3 – 5 SEPTEMBER 2013

Final Communique

(excerpt)

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

49. Leaders recalled that the Republic of the Marshall Islands was placed by the international community under the trusteeship of the United Nations administered by the United States of America, both of which therefore have ongoing obligations to encourage a final and just resolution for the Marshallese people. They welcomed the recommendations in the Special Rapporteur’s report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2012 following the Special Rapporteur’s missions to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States of America in March and April 2012.

50. Leaders supported bilateral and multilateral action to assist the Republic of the Marshall Islands in its efforts to engage the United States towards a justified resolution to the U.S. Nuclear Testing Programme and considered submitting letters to the U.S. Government urging the United States to take action to meaningfully address the ongoing impacts resulting from the U.S. Nuclear Testing Programme, and to the United Nations Secretary-General to address the ongoing impacts of nuclear testing in the Pacific.

51. Leaders also agreed to stand in solidarity with the peoples of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as they face the challenges of overcoming the nuclear legacy.

___________________________________

Also see:  Urgent Action Fund report on U.N. Human Rights Council debate.

geography.howstuffworks.com

“...the long history of nuclear weapons testing on the Marshall Islands has produced a significant amount of nuclear radioactive waste which is indubitably toxic in nature and less health and continue to have several impacts to the ability of the Marshallese people to enjoy the full scope of their human rights.”  -  Special Rapporteur Calin Georgescu


Also read: "Where to now for nuclear test victims?" in
August 2013 edition of Islands Business

and

Nuclear tests survivors plead with Forum Leaders meeting to raise their concerns with the U.S.

Nouvelle-Calédonie: mort de Léopold Jorédié, ex-leader indépendantiste

Léopold Jorédié, le 28 novembre 2002 à Nouméa en Nouvelle-Calédonie
 (Photo Marc Le Chelard. AFP)

Liberation

Léopold Jorédié, ancien responsable politique indépendantiste proche de Jean-Marie Tjibaou, est décédé en Nouvelle-Calédonie à l’âge de 66 ans, a-t-on appris dimanche de source politique.

M.Jorédié, qui était retiré de la scène politique locale, souffrait d’une grave maladie à laquelle il a succombé à l’hôpital Gaston Bourret de Nouméa, ont indiqué des proches.

Membre de l’Union Calédonienne (UC), parti du FLNKS, Léopold Jorédié a été un compagnon de route de Jean-Marie Tjibaou, leader emblématique assassiné en 1989.

Entré en politique dans les années 1970, ce Kanak originaire du village de Canala (côte est) a été une figure de la lutte pour l’indépendance de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, lors des violences qui ont secoué l’archipel dans les années 1980.

Durant cette période, il s’était beaucoup engagé dans les actions de terrain, notamment à Canala théâtre de multiples incidents, incarnant une ligne radicale du mouvement indépendantiste.

Après le drame de la grotte d’Ouvéa en mai 1988, il n’avait pas accepté que Jean-Marie Tjibaou signe le 26 juin 1988 les accords de Matignon, sous l’égide de Michel Rocard, et qu’il échange une poignée de main avec Jacques Lafleur, chef de file des anti-indépendantistes.

Dans une interview au journal Le Monde, M. Jorédié avait déclaré dans une citation restée célèbre en Nouvelle-Calédonie: «l’esclave a accepté de serrer la main de son maitre».

Cet homme souriant avait ensuite progressivement reconnu les vertus de ces accords de paix et il était devenu en 1989 le premier président de la Province nord, issue de la nouvelle organisation politique et institutionnelle du pays.

Il a occupé ce poste jusqu’en 1995, suscitant une série de controverses autour de sa gestion de l’argent public - il avait été condamné pour ingérence en 2001 - ou de liens trop étroits avec la droite.

Ainsi en 1997, il avait été exclu de l’Union Calédonienne et avait fondé un mouvement dissident avec quelques proches, la Fédération des comités de coordination indépendantistes.

En 1999, Léopold Jorédié avait obtenu la vice-présidence du premier gouvernement de l’accord de Nouméa (1998), s’attirant les foudres des indépendantistes du FLNKS.

Maire de Canala de 1989 à 1995, Léopold Jorédié siégeait toujours au conseil municipal du village. 

Guam asks For U.S. Help monitoring radiation Levels

Local EPA tests water, fish for Fukushima radiation impacts By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno Pacific Daily News With the recent acknowledgment from Japan that the ruined Fukushima nuclear power plant continues to spill contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean, more than two years after the plant's meltdowns, the local government hopes to get additional federal government assistance. sarah-virtualfieldtrip.blogspot.com The Guam Environmental Protection Agency is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to assist in the local government's efforts to be more proactive in conducting more tests to ensure the seawater around Guam remains safe from harmful levels of radiation and that locally caught fish are safe to eat, said Eric Palacios, administrator of Guam EPA. He said Guam EPA has requested for a federal grant to buy one or two radiation detection wands, each costing approximately $30,000 to $60,000, depending on the features. Guam EPA also has asked for federal assistance to fund an initial $200,000 project to test tissue from locally caught fish for traces of harmful radiation levels or presence of other toxic chemicals. U.S. EPA also is being asked to fund the fish tissue-testing program, Palacios said. Guam EPA conducts weekly testing of seawater near Guam shorelines, and so far, Palacios said no trace of harmful radiation has been detected. The predominant cause of pollution of Guam's beach waters is water runoff from the island, Palacios said. But with the recent reports and acknowledgment from Japan's government and the private operator of the doomed nuclear power plant that contaminated water continues to spill into the Pacific Ocean, Guam EPA wants to ensure that additional monitoring takes place, Palacios said. At U.S. EPA, the agency's Region 9 office stated that several U.S. agencies are involved with environmental impacts of the spills and leaks of contaminated water stemming from the Fukushima disaster. The U.S. EPA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Food and Drug Administration are involved, stated Dean Higuchi, press officer, congressional liaison and public affairs officer with U.S. EPA's Region 9 Hawaii office. Guam fish safe to eat "EPA is conferring with both NOAA and FDA to determine whether any actions such as food advisories might be necessary," Higuchi stated in an e-mail response to the Pacific Daily News. "Contaminants from the spills are rapidly diluted by the vast amount of ocean water. This should provide confidence that your local species, far from Fukushima, are also safe to eat," Higuchi states. Part of Guam EPA's concern is the highly migratory fish, such as tuna. International reports have also stated that contaminated water from Fukushima is expected to reach U.S. mainland shores as early as next year. Guam EPA hopes to hear from the U.S. EPA sometime after the start of the new fiscal year in October on the status of the applications for funding for radiation detection wands and a program to test fish tissue for harmful levels of radiation. An air monitor to detect harmful levels of radiation was dispatched to Guam immediately after the disaster, and continues to be monitored. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty authorities operate the air monitor on Guam, and it's completely automated, according to U.S. EPA. Contaminated water The operator of the Fukushima plant, Tokyo Electric Power Company, has acknowledged that hundreds of tons of radioactive underground water has been leaking into the sea daily since early in the crisis, caused by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, The Associated Press reported. Several leaks from storage tanks in recent weeks have added to concerns that the plant is unable to manage the radioactive water, the AP reported. The Japanese government announced Tuesday it is funding an untested subterranean ice wall, in a desperate step to stop leaks of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant after repeated failures by the plant's operator, AP reported. Japan plans to spend an estimated $470 million through the end of 2014 on the ice wall and on upgraded water treatment units, AP reported.

Radioactive groundwater at Fukushima nears Pacific

International Alarms Go Up 

As Fukushima Alert Level Raised

Mathaba News 

with reporting by Jon Queally

In the most serious action since the nuclear plant was first damaged in 2011, Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority is on the verge of raising the international alarm—and the official threat level—over the spiraling crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Having consistently underplayed the disaster level, by elevating the severity status from level 1 to level 3 on the eight-level International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has made a clear indication that the situation is worsening more than two years after the initial disaster and following recent reports of newly discovered leaks of highly radioactive water from several sources. Shunichi Tanaka, head of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), told reporters that the plant has "become an amusement park’s house of horror", with newly discovered leaks and and repeated failings by the plant’s owner TEPCO, the Japanese electricity company, to make meaningful progress in the cleanup. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .

**********

Radioactive groundwater at Fukushima nears Pacific

By Mari Yamaguchi

Associated Press

Nuclear Regulation Authority commissioners inspected storage tanks used to contain radioactive water at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co., in Okuma in Fukushima prefecture, northern Japan on Friday. (AP Photo/Nuclear Regulation Authority)

TOKYO » Deep beneath Fukushima's crippled nuclear power station, a massive underground reservoir of contaminated water that began spilling from the plant's reactors after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami has been creeping slowly toward the Pacific.

Now, 2 1/2 years later, experts fear it is about to reach the ocean and greatly worsen what is fast becoming a new crisis at Fukushima: the inability to contain vast quantities of radioactive water.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE.

READ ALSO:  Fukushima: Uncontainable

Former US Virgin Islands Commissioner joins the ancestors

Noted Farmer, Former Ag Chief Oscar E. Henry Dies at 97

BY BILL KOSSLER

STTHOMASSOURCE.COM

Oscar E. Henry

Former V.I. Agriculture Commissioner Oscar E. Henry passed away Aug. 30, at the age of ripe old age of 97, leaving behind a lifetime of devotion to the territory, its culture and farming traditions. His death prompted an outpouring of praise for the well-known St. Croix farmer, from a who's who of V.I. notables.

“Oscar Henry served our territory with distinction as an official with the federal and local governments," said Gov. John deJongh Jr., in a statement. "He was a tremendous leader who helped bring about change to the Virgin Islands in a way that honored and preserved the territory’s heritage and cultural legacy.”

“The Virgin Islands and particularly Frederiksted has truly lost another one of its icons with the passing of Oscar Henry,” Delegate Donna Christensen said in a statement.

“Mr. Henry was an advocate for the betterment of Frederiksted and St. Croix and he was quietly active in supporting entities that enhanced excellence, such as the Good Hope School,” Christensen said.

"It was his hard work and discipline that planted the trees and built the many buildings, and helped lay out the pastures which form a large perfect square north of Frederiksted, particularly visual from an airplane on its final approach when landing on St. Croix. The territory and the nation are grateful for his service,” she said.

Henry’s diverse farm in Estate La Grange was known for its mangoes, avocados, the healthiest livestock and sheep, and surrounding apartments built of stone surrounded by manicured lawns.

In the 1970s, Henry took the post of Agriculture commissioner under Gov. Juan Luis, after 36 years of working for the federal government, including 24 years with the U.S. Customs Service. He is also a past president of the St. Croix Agriculture and Food Fair Committee. At the 1999 V.I. Agriculture Festival, Henry was named V.I. Farmer of the Year.

Like many members of his generation Mr. Henry began his working career with VICORP in Estate Bethlehem where he was instrumental in bringing a lot of Crucians on board. He was a jockey in his youth and worked with Merwin Shipping and the Selective Service Administration before joining U. S. Customs where he worked until he retired.

He came out of retirement to serve as Commissioner of the V. I. Department of Agriculture during the King Administration and also served on the Casino Control Commission during the Schneider Administration.

Henry and his herd of Senepol cattle were one of four herds that founded the V.I. Senepol Association, which later became the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association.

As a customs official, Oscar Henry was in charge of the Port of Frederiksted. The historic customs building in the town now bears his name as tribute to his years of service and important contributions.

Groups Condemn Sale of Deadly Attack Helicopters to Indonesia

The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) and the West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) today condemned the U.S. government's decision to approve the sale of deadly Apache attack helicopters to Indonesia. The sale demonstrates that U.S. concern for greater respect for human rights and justice in Indonesia are nothing more than hollow rhetoric.

The new Apache attack helicopters will greatly augment the capacity of the TNI to pursue "sweeping" operations, extending TNI capacity to stage operations after dark and in ever more remote areas.

The sale, announced during the visit of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to Jakarta, ignores the appalling record of human rights violations by the Indonesian military (TNI), which will operate this deadly weapons system. 

The helicopters are offensive weapons often used in counter-insurgency campaigns.

The TNI continues to conduct military campaigns in West Papua. The military's "sweeps" and other military operations purportedly target the few remaining, lightly-armed pro-independence guerrillas. In reality, the operations are aimed at repressing and intimidating Papuans. The sweep operations, involve assaults on remote villages in West Papua, destroying civilian homes, churches and public buildings and forcing civilians from their homes. These attacks drive civilians into surrounding mountains and jungles where many have died due to a lack of food, shelter or medical assistance.

The new Apache attack helicopters will greatly augment the capacity of the TNI to pursue "sweeping" operations, extending TNI capacity to stage operations after dark and in ever more remote areas.

The statement by Indonesia's Minister of Defense that the sale does not include any conditions on the use of these weapons is especially concerning. The TNI use of these weapons platforms will be largely unconstrained. TNI personnel are not accountable to the civilian judicial system nor is the TNI as an institution subordinated to civilian government policy or operational control. For decades, the TNI has drawn funding from a vast network of legal and illegal businesses enabling it to evade even civilian government budgetary controls. Legislation to restrain the TNI has been weak or only partially implemented.

Background

On Monday August 26, Secretary of Defense Hagel announced that the U.S. had closed a deal for Indonesia to buy eight AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for a half a billion dollars. The U.S. did not attach conditions restricting their use.

The sale represents the latest step in the Pentagon's increased engagement with the TNI. In 1999, restrictions on U.S. engagement with the Indonesia military were tightened as the TNI and its militia allies were destroying East Timor (now Timor-Leste) following the UN-conducted referendum on independence. Through the 2000s, restrictions on engagement with the Indonesian military were gradually lifted, even though it remained unaccountable for its past crimes in Timor-Leste and throughout the archipelago  and rights violations continue in West Papua and elsewhere. 

Last year, ETAN and WPAT coordinated a letter signed by more than 90 organizations urging the U.S. not to sell the deadly attack helicopters to Indonesia. The groups warned that the helicopters will escalate conflicts in Indonesia, especially in the rebellious region of West Papua: "Providing these helicopters would pose a direct threat to Papuan civilians." 

ETAN, formed in 1991 and advocates for democracy, justice and human rights for Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Since its founding, ETAN has worked to condition U.S. military assistance to Indonesia on respect for human rights and genuine reform. 

See ETAN's web site: http://www.etan.org WPAT publishes the monthly West Papua Report.

Contact: Contact: John M. Miller, +1-917-690-4391, john@etan.org

Ed McWilliams, +1-575-648-2078, edmcw@msn.com

"We should all remember the terrible toll of nuclear tests" - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

New York, 5 September 2013 - Secretary-General's message to the Fourth Observance of the International Day against Nuclear Tests

I am pleased to convey my greetings to this fourth annual observance of the International Day against Nuclear Tests. 

Eighteen years after the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests.

This event offers the world community an opportunity to reflect on the dangers posed by such tests and on the urgent need for additional efforts to prohibit them everywhere. This Day also provides a moment to recognize the contributions of the government and people of Kazakhstan in seeking to outlaw all such tests and to advance global nuclear disarmament.

We should all remember the terrible toll of nuclear tests. A total of 456 nuclear tests were carried at Semipalatinsk since the first explosion there more than 64 years ago. Nearly one and a half million people were affected by the consequences of nuclear testing, and an immense territory has been contaminated with radiation.

(SEE: French nuclear tests 'showered vast area of Polynesia with radioactivity'  - OTR)  

With the adoption of the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963, the international community completed its first step towards putting an end to all nuclear weapon test explosions. This objective remains a serious matter of unfinished business on the disarmament agenda.

Today, 183 countries have signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and 159 have ratified it. I once again urge all States to sign and ratify the CTBT without further delay.Eight States whose ratifications are necessary for the Treaty to enter into force have a special responsibility: China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States. None should wait for others to act first. In the meantime, all States should maintain or implement moratoria on nuclear explosions. 

There are no justifiable grounds for further delay in achieving this great goal. It is time to address the horrific human and environmental effects of nuclear tests through a global ban, the most reliable means to meet these challenges. 

Throughout its history, efforts have also been underway at the United Nations to achieve an even bolder goal: a world free from nuclear weapons. This is one of my highest priorities and one that is shared by virtually all our Member States and that has broad public support.

Kazakhstan has shown through its actions what a determined people and a committed government can accomplish in eliminating grave nuclear threats. On this International Day against Nuclear Tests, let us resolve to build on that commitment to outlaw all nuclear tests, everywhere, for all time. Let us continue our historic journey to a world free of nuclear tests and nuclear weapons.

Thank you for your support for this vital effort.

*****

Report of the 2013 U.N. Special Committee on Decolonisation

"Requests the Secretary-General, in cooperation with relevant specialized agencies of the United Nations, to compile a report on the environmental, ecological, health and other impacts as a consequence of the thirty-year period of nuclear testing in the Territory (of French Polynesia)."

See the following articles on the contemporary effects of decades of nuclear testing in the Pacific region:

French nuclear fallout far worse than previously admitted, United Nations Committee calls for study of effects of nuclear testing

  French Polynesia/Ma'ohi Nui President Addresses Non Aligned Movement on territory's U.N. re-inscription as dependency

 Zones for nuclear compensation in Tahiti must change - Tuheiava

French Nuclear Test Site Mururoa Atoll in Danger of Collapse

Marshall Islands Displacement from Nuclear Contamination a concern of United Nations Special Rapporteur

Maohi Nui/Fr. Polynesia Veterans say compensation for victims of French nuclear testing inadequate

Marshall Islands criticizes U.S. over nuclear compensation

France urged to clean up deadly waste from its nuclear tests in (French) Polynesia (Maohi Nui)

Call Made To Declassify French Polynesia Nuclear Test Papers

Are we about to sell our birthright? - Turks and Caicos Islands

Patti Forbes in TCI News Now Tell me it isn’t so. Having read the coded language of the Minister of Finance that the European Community is giving the TCI some $15 million dollars but that we in the TCI must open up our business licensing procedures completely is troubling. The policy, unwritten unstated and coded, is that we must open the reserve category of business licensing as a free for all.  Here is the coded language: “The government is already working on the system of business regulation, particularly covering work permits and business licenses. The system must be made workable, transparent and efficient.” I must say, real troubling.  Now most countries of the world still maintain some form of protectionist legislation and policy to protect its people, despite the mandates of the World Trade Organisation. Why should the TCI be any different?  It is taken from the coded words of the minister that the reserve category of business licensing, that restricts certain licences for Belongers only must be opened up as a free for all. Ironically, this speech and possible suggestion is coming on the heels of the visit and short stint to the islands of the former economist of the TCI Richard Stoneman.  Lest we forget, and lest the Hon C. Washington Misick forgets, Stoneman was one of the authors of the policy in 1991-1995, the PNP government of Washington Misick, to downsize the TCI public service. That caused the PNP to lose the government in 1995 and for them to be in the wilderness for an extended nine years until they found a way to steal the government in 2003.  They need to remember that not everything is money. What price our people and what price our future? Are we worth $15 million? Is this a Jacob and Esau moment, where we sell out birthright for a "mess of pottage"? If this is a bad rumour, an apology will follow! Now in 2013 -- some ten years later -- not only will the PNP lose the faith and trust of the TCI people if this measure materialises, it will be also the TCI people who will lose out in the short- and long-term. TCI Belongers, former expats, our Caribbean brothers and sisters who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are now all under threat if this rumoured policy is made law. Our futures will be doomed and our status in the TCI threatened. It seems that every time people drop their guard, give the PNP a chance, the first thing they do is sell the people out.  One can blame the British for the support of the rip off of the hospital scam and some $3 billion taken from our people over 25 years. One can blame the governor for supporting the unnecessary Conch Farm lawsuit, on personal petty grounds, exposing us to over $100 million in liability and higher taxes. One can blame the British for covering up corruption and the attorney general declaring himself the government of the TCI. Yet one cannot but blame and keep the finger on the PNP for selling the people out for even considering this bad, bad, and highly ridiculous idea. If the minister or the government denies this, an apology will be forth coming.  The minister of finance had better take note of history and look out for his people. History will be kind to him if he does. This is time to stand up and represent your people. $15 million is a small sum of money to sell our people out for. If we let this economy grow, something which the governor and the AG are preventing, there will be far more the $15 million added to the revenues of the TCI. Let us not be so short sighted.  If this measure becomes law, no minister, no elected member of parliament should remain silent. It would be time to call for a no-confidence motion in the government and send this issue back to the people. Yes, let the people of the TCI tell the European Union and Richard Stoneman, no. TCI people need a chance to run their economy, their business and their futures.  This is such a bad, bad, bad idea. It cannot make sense here in the TCI or in any other country. Why would they in the PNP government even consider this? Will you now pass this, make this law, keep your mouths shut, refuse to lift a finger and blame the British for making you do something that you can prevent?

Curacao Prime Minister meets with King of Netherlands

Asjes Meets With King Willem-Alexander

THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – This King of the Dutch Kingdom, His Royal Highness King Willem-Alexander received in his villa Eikenhorst on the De Horsten estate in Wassenaar, the Prime Minister of Curacao, Ivar Asjes. This was the last visit on the Prime Minister’s agenda in the Netherlands.

Western Caribbean islands subject of continued territorial dispute

A Territorial Dispute Prompts Colombia and Nicaragua to Beef Up their Navies

Univision

                                      By SANTIAGO WILLS

A ruling from the International Court of Justice in The Hague, granted Nicaragua the areas in pink, while Colombia retained sovereignty over the island of San Andres and a maritime corridor that connects it with mainland Colombia.

elcronistadigital.com

In the past eight months, tensions have flared between Colombia and Nicaragua over a maritime territorial dispute that has led to a local arms race.

Both countries’ armies have announced new weapons purchases as part of an effort to modernize their military, and war is already viewed as an actual possibility by members of both armies.

“We’re not facing an imminent confrontation with this Central American country,” a high-ranking Colombian officer told El Espectador. “But it has become a priority in what we call the ‘sand boxes’ [war training exercises based on possible conflict scenarios], which are nothing more than our troops’ preparation for the worst while hoping for the best.”

The causes of the conflict are fairly recent.

In 2001, Nicaragua sued Colombia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over a significant portion of Colombian maritime territory. For 11 years, Nicaraguan lawyers argued that nearly 50,000 square kilometers of Colombian sea in truth belonged to the Central American nation. The area in question included the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, a group of tropical islands surrounded by coral reefs, which are located 482 miles from the Colombian coast and just 140 miles from Nicaragua, but have been settled by Colombians since the 19th century.

In November 2012, the ICJ ruled that the archipelago and most of the contended territory belonged to Colombia. The court also said, however, that an area containing two islets, potential gas and oil reserves, and a major industrial fishing spot that benefitted San Andrés’ residents, was indeed part of Nicaragua.

As a result of the decision, the relationship between both countries has been steadily strained and the tone has become increasingly hostile, raising concerns about a possible confrontation.

“There is a real necessity to acquire war material to guard these new and vindicated seas,” said Julio César Avilés, head of the Nicaraguan military. “We need new naval resources to insure Nicaragua’s sovereignty over these waters.”

In Colombia, the ICJ’s ruling spurred accusations of international diplomatic foul play, an internal political crisis, and problems between Colombia’s national government and the San Andres community. President Juan Manuel Santos, who rejected the ICJ’s ruling immediately after it was announced, has since called for a commission of experts to review Colombia’s judicial and diplomatic options.

Nicaragua, meanwhile, welcomed the ruling. The Central American country ramped up its activities in the disputed territory, dispatching commercial ships and approving exploratory oil drillings. Nicaragua is also reportedly seeking to buy four Russian warships and several long-range cannons to patrol the area.

For Colombia, a country that is even considering an utter dismissal of the ICJ decision to reclaim the area, Nicaragua’s activities in the contended territory are seen as an affront further increasing the growing tension between the two nations.

“If Nicaragua starts threatening us with these Russian ships, then Colombia must call on other countries to increase its maritime force with other ships,” Colombian Senator Alexandra Moreno Piraquive recently said.

Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzón, speaking shortly after Nicaragua revealed its purported purchases, also warned that the country wouldn’t respond lightly to any provocations.

“Colombia is very respectful of other countries’ sovereignty to acquire new offensive equipment, but let it be clear: no one should dare to enter Colombian territory, no one should dare to violate Colombia’s sovereignty,” Pinzón said.

The chances of a full out war are incredibly slim, though. War is a last resort that both countries would try to avoid at all costs.

Colombia is in the midst of a civil conflict and the government would be unlikely to welcome the opening of a new front in the Caribbean Sea.

Nicaragua, on the other hand, faces a military disadvantage when compared with the South American nation, so it is highly unlikely that it would choose to initiate a confrontation.

Furthermore, Nicaraguan authorities have made an effort to lower the tone of their statements in the past few days.

“We don’t want a war,” Nicaraguan general Julio César Avilés said after being asked about his nation’s weapon purchases. “They are ships with a greater autonomy to navigate those vast spaces. Colombia shouldn’t worry about those acquisitions.