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Efforts To Increase Tax Compliance Fail

Audit Chamber report Optimizing Tax Revenue

St. Maarten – All efforts to increase tax compliance and tax revenue during the past three years have failed. This appears from the performance audit Optimizing Tax Revenue the General Audit Chamber published last week.

The Finance Minister in the first Wescot-Williams cabinet, Hiro Shigemoto, stated in the 2011 budget “that improvement of the functioning of the organization for assessment and collection together with the introduction of a simplified system should lead, in the coming years, to an additional 20 million guilders in tax revenue Read more

Nature Conservation On Bonaire Earning Global Accolades Once Again

BES Island, Bonaire - On the evening of October 11th Nathaniel Miller, Assistant Director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) received a phone call from Sean Willmore, the President of the International Ranger Federation, notifying him that DCNA's nominee for the Dr. Jane Goodall — 'Hope and Inspiration Ranger Award', had won.

Luigi Eybrecht, a newly appointed Marine Park Ranger for STINAPA Bonaire (National Parks Foundation) and volunteer Commander of their Junior Rangers, was selected by the world renowned primatologist and anthropologist Dr Read more

Editorial - Sooner rather than later

That just about anything is possible in local politics was proven again over these last few days, as DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams and US Party number two candidate Leona Marlin-Romeo signed up for the incoming UP/De Weever coalition Read more

Sarah elected as the new President of Parliament

~ Marlin-Romeo VP, De Weever second VP ~

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams was elected President of Parliament during a plenary session on Friday.

United St Read more

Spain beaten 2-1 as Stoch earns dividend for Slovaks

ZILINA, Slovakia-- Holders Spain suffered their first defeat in qualifying for a major tournament in eight years when Miroslav Stoch nodded a late goal to earn Slovakia a shock 2-1 victory in Euro 2016 Group C on Thursday.

A powerful, swerving free kick from Juraj Kucka in the 17th minute that deceived goalkeeper Iker Casillas put the hosts ahead and Spain struggled to find a way past inspired home goalkeeper Matus Kozacik despite dominating possession.

Substitute Paco Alcacer levelled for the visitors eight minutes from time but any hopes the 2008 and 2012 champions had of snatching a winner were shattered when Stoch headed past Casillas in the 87th minute.

It is the first time Spain have lost a qualifier in the European Championship or World Cup since they were beaten by Sweden in October 2006 and it sparked wild celebrations among the Slovakia players and supporters.

"They hit us on the counter attack, we lost concentration and they scored a second goal," Alcacer told the Spanish television broadcaster TVE.

"There are still plenty of games to turn things around," added the Valencia forward Read more

Union denounces ‘threatening’ photo of gun pointed at police car

~ Wants Prosecutor's Office to react ~

PHILIPSBURG--President of the police union NAPB Ephewoldus "Joe" Josepha has condemned the photo posted on Facebook showing someone in a vehicle aiming a handgun at a police patrol car.

The union views the photo as a "non-verbal threat" to the police force and its members and Josepha said NAPB will not take this "lightly."

"As president of the NAPB, I totally denounce this aggressive act towards the men and women in blue who faithfully put their lives on the line as they go out each day to serve and protect the general public," he said in a press statement issued Wednesday.

"We are the first line of defence for upholding law and order in this country and so this behaviour by a small group of criminals in our society, to threaten the safety of our police officers is absolutely unacceptable."

He had a direct message for the perpetrators Read more

Thompson Concerned About Economic And Environmental Sustainability

St. Maarten –Rueben Thompson of the United St. Maarten party expressed his concerns for St. Maarten’s future environmental and economic sustainability under the governance of current Minister of Vromi Maurice Lake and the newly-formed UP coalition, which will constitute the new government, saying, “We’re slaughtering the goose that lays the golden egg.”

“I’m very concerned about the plans for the protection of our natural and cultural heritage Read more

Jamaica government says tackling crime not only a matter for law enforcement

KINGSTON, Jamaica--The Jamaica government is calling on nationals to re-think their position that the solution to crime and violence is a matter only for law enforcement.

"Law enforcement has an important role to play, but if we think it is only law enforcement that is going to fix our crime problem, then we are seriously mistaken. The truth of the matter is...when you look at the root causes of crime, it starts with the family," said National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, who said there needed to be a deepened understanding among Jamaicans of the causes of crime and violence affecting the island.

Bunting, addressing the launch of a Unite for Change forum and First Responders and Violence Interrupters training, said the understanding is needed in order to identify and put in place strategies aimed at fighting the scourge.

He said it is hoped that through the Unite for Change programme, the quest for a better understanding of the issues surrounding crime and violence will be achieved and a number of misconceptions will be removed from the thinking of Jamaicans.

"A part of the Unite for Change initiative is really working to deepen our understanding of the causes of violence, because if you don't understand what is causing it...you will end up just treating the symptoms and not curing the disease."

Bunting said one of the strategies being employed by his Ministry in curbing crime and violence is the use of "softer policing," where members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are dressed in a more civilian-friendly manner, instead of looking as if they are on a mission to confront.

"When we talk about changing culture, we recognize that the first place we have to start is with the Police Read more

Plasterk wants intervention in St. Maarten justice system

THE HAGUE--A special white-collar crime unit from the Netherlands at the Philipsburg Prosecutor's Office, an Integrity Officer appointed by the Dutch Government, more direct supervision of The Hague on immigration and border protection through the strengthening of the Royal Dutch Marechaussee, National Detectives/RST, Customs Department, the Royal Dutch Navy and the St. Maarten Police Force.

These are the measures that Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk will be proposing for St Read more

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams at Opening of Computer Courses for the Elderly; “I Am a Firm Believer that as Long as One is Able to One Should Continuously Learn and Develop”

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the opening of the Computer Literacy Courses at the University of St. Maarten on Wednesday. The PM, accompanied by Minister of Education Patricia Lourens, congratulated the participants and stated that she very much looked forward to expanding these courses more in the future; "I feel excited being here and I want to commend all involved, including the University of St Read more

Pm Wescot-Williams At Opening Of Computer Courses For The Elderly; "I Am A Firm Believer That As Long As One Is Able To One Should Continuously Learn And Develop"

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the opening of the Computer Literacy Courses at the University of St. Maarten on Wednesday.

The PM, accompanied by Minister of Education Patricia Lourens, congratulated the participants and stated that she very much looked forward to expanding these courses more in the future; "I feel excited being here and I want to commend all involved, including the University of St Read more

Reaction To Pwc Integrity Report: Dutch Want Criminal Investigation (Into The Government Of St. Maarten)

THE HAGUE – Justice has to initiate a large-scale criminal investigation into the “utterly corrupt” government of Sint Maarten. “The Second Chamber demands this, now that the controversial politician Theo Heyliger is grabbing the absolute power on the island,” the Telegraaf reported yesterday.

A majority of VVD, Socialist Party, CDA and PVV wants action according to the newspaper, after it appears from an investigation by consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers that the complete government apparatus is rife with cronyism Read more

Parliament Takes Vorst Estate Purchase Out Of 2014 Budget

St. Maarten – The Parliament approved a motion to take a $5.5 million provision for the purchase of the Vorst Estate out of an amendment to the 2014 budget with 7 votes to 6. This blocks the purchase of the land, for which Vromi-Minister Maurice Lake signed an agreement in February of this year, but it does not absolve the country of liability towards the Vorst-family, because the Court in First Instance has already ruled that the purchase-agreement Lake signed is a valid one.

The meeting to handle the budget amendment has a long history Read more

Holier than thou

Dear Editor,

The country is abuzz about yet another attempt to form a government after the first parliamentary election since the elimination of the failed Netherlands Antilles. It would appear that the Red, White and Blue effort turned out to be dead on arrival and people are left to speculate as to what exactly transpired. As is more often than not the case, the rumour mongering is again rife about money and promises of pies in the sky.

It would seem that whenever the green party has an opportunity to form the government, the haters come out with one fantasy or another Read more

Corrupt St. Maarten should be thoroughly investigated --- Dutch MPs.

>THE HAGUE, Netherlands:--- Justice must undertake a major criminal investigation into the thoroughly corrupt St. Maarten. That is what the Second Chamber demands now that Theo Heyliger has grabbed absolute power on the island.
A majority of the chamber members of the VVD, SP CDA and the PVV want action after it appears from a Price Waterhouse report, released this weekend, that the entire administration is steeped in cronyism Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams and her party president Hasani Ellis told reporters on Sunday afternoon that they still do not know exactly why Minister Cornelius de Weever defected and why he signed an agreement with the seven members of the UPP Read more

New campaign to surrender firearms starts October 1

MARIGOT--Préfet Philippe Chopin on Friday officially launched the second weapons amnesty, this time in conjunction with the Dutch side that will begin with an intensive communication campaign starting on October 1.

Justice Minister Dennis Richardson, Solicitor General Taco Stein and Chief Inspector Benjamin Gout were among law enforcement officials representing the Dutch side at the bilingual press conference with the Préfet, joined by Chief Prosecutor Samuel Finielz from Guadeloupe and Commandant of the Gendarmerie Paul Betaille Read more

Second time Budget meeting could not be held --- UPP MPs not present.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Roy Marlin spoke out on Friday on the budget meeting that had to be postponed for the second time due to a lack of quorum. MP Marlin said that the chairlady of Parliament has not being following the rules of order. He said that the meeting is supposed to be called within 48 hours (2x24 hours).
Marlin said that St Read more

Solution Seems Near For 4-Year Old Crime: Man Arrested For Clemencia Josie-Ann Julot-Murder

St. Maarten – Detectives arrested a 21-year-old man last week as a suspect in a four-year old murder and rape case. The suspect, identified in a press release from the prosecutor’s office as A.R.S.R., is now in pretrial detention for the murder and rape of Clemencia Josie-Ann Julot, who went missing on July 20, 2010 and was found two days later along the Oyster Pond Road on French territory.

The 20-year-old victim left her home on the Tintamarre Drive in Middle Region around 5 a.m Read more

Nadal puzzled as Spain pick female Davis Cup captain

SPAIN-- Toni Nadal has given a lukewarm response to the decision by the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) to appoint former women's Tour player Gala Leon as Spain's new Davis Cup captain.

The RFET handed the 40-year-old Leon responsibility for the country's Davis Cup team following Carlos Moya's decision to step aside last week.

Leon, the former world number 27, will become Spain's first female Davis Cup captain.

Nadal, uncle and coach to 14-times grand slam champion Rafa, sounded puzzled when asked about the appointment.

Leon's appointment could create problems "at dressing room level," he told Spanish radio.

"I have had zero relations with Gala Leon and I believe Rafa Nadal also zero, he has never mentioned it to me," he said.

"But it doesn't matter, I have never spoken to her but that doesn't mean anything.

"It would seem to be more normal if the captain had been someone like Juan Carlos Ferrero, or some ex-player of a certain level, which is what has happened recently."

Former world number one Ferrero, who retired in 2012, has expressed a desire to captain the team one day.

Moya quit after five-times winners Spain, fielding a weakened team, were relegated from the elite World Group for the first time in 18 years after a playoff loss in Brazil.

The RFET said in a statement on Monday that Leon, who quit the tour in 2004, would take on Moya's responsibilities as part of her role in charge of the federation's sporting management.

While Toni Nadal sounded unenthusiastic, Leon received support from Britain's twice grand slam champion Andy Murray who broke the mould earlier this year by deciding to employ former French player Amelie Mauresmo as his coach.

"Congrats to Gala Leon Garcia for becoming first female Spanish Davis Cup captain today.. Read more

Two wrongs do not make right

Dear Editor,

It seems as if everyone tends to agree or raise their hands above their heads when it comes down to "what about when so and so did this or did that?" And then there was this in the editorial "the disturbing trend unfortunately can be seen throughout all sectors." The behaviour in traffic was mentioned as an example and I could not agree more, but permit me to remind your readers how too many of those who were vying for office expressed themselves during the recent held political campaign Read more

Air France strike crisis deepens

PARIS-- A bitter Air France labour dispute deepened on Monday as management pledged to press ahead with its low-cost airline ambitions and pilots said that an eight day-old strike over the proposals would continue indefinitely as a result.

Air France's Franco-Dutch parent Air France-KLM wants to develop its own low-cost brand, Transavia, with hubs in France, the Netherlands and Europe in an attempt to maintain market share for Europe's second-largest carrier by revenue in the face of fierce competition in the sector.

However, Air France pilots fear that the move - particularly for those hubs that will hire pilots outside France - will end up eroding their pay and conditions, which are among the best in Europe.

The strike has grounded 60 percent of Air France flights and is costing Air France-KLM up to 20 million euros ($25.7 million) a day.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls stepped in on Monday to back the management.

"For the image of France, the image of the company and its future, for the employees themselves and clearly for customers and passengers it is time to find a solution," he said.

The CFDT Air France union, which represents ground staff and flight attendants but not pilots, criticised what it called a "disproportionate" and "exorbitant" strike and said anger was growing among the airline's other workers.

Labour Reforms

Valls' intervention, during a visit to an Airbus plant in Hamburg, came as he battles rebellious left wingers in his Socialist government who think he is giving away too much to big business Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- No less than 6 armed robberies on supermarkets were reported during September 15th through September 20th, 2014. These robberies took place in the areas of Nazareth, Sucker Garden, Fort Willem and Cole Bay. During these robberies the sales profit of the day or at least part thereof was taken from the cash register by masked suspects armed mainly with guns and who would not hesitate to use them. During one robbery one victim suffered an injury to his head. They robbers sometimes would also use weapons such machetes, knives and even baseball bats Read more

Peace Day Celebrations Conclude: “Make This Be The One To Start The Dialogue”

Guests at yesterdays’ cultural manifestation join hands around the peace monument at the Philipsburg Jubilee library as part of activities to commemorate International Peace Day 2014.

St. Maarten’s multicultural aspect was evident yesterday during a colorful cultural manifestation organized by the local arm of the Rotary Club to commemorate International Peace Day with a call “to make this be the one to start the dialogue”.

The celebrations took place at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library kicking off with a moment of silence, followed by the joining of hands for a prayer for peace and “unity among the many cultures from different parts of the world represented here on St Read more