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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

Minister Lake Prepares Legal Defense For Vorst-Controversy

St. Maarten – Vromi-Minister Maurice Lake says he is preparing for a legal battle about the Vorst property based on the outcome of Friday’s Central Committee.

“I am going to prepare myself legally because some parliamentarians are making this issue a personal one.  This is not about politics anymore. I have to defend myself now with the slandering of my name. I don’t have any butter on my head Read more

Minister Lake to prepare for legal battle regarding Vorst property.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says he is preparing for a legal battle regarding the Vorst property based on the outcome of the Central Committee meeting on Friday, September 19.

"I am going to prepare myself legally for this case because some Parliamentarians are making this issue a personal one Read more

Editorial - Term ahead

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has confirmed that financial supervision will stay in place until next year's evaluation of the consensus kingdom laws has been completed (see related article). With a new government to be installed on October 10, some might say that is a reassuring thought.

Moreover, the 2015 budget is in the final phases of preparation and must be balanced if it is to receive the required approval of the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT. The incoming NA/DP/US Party coalition has every right to set new policy and make changes to the final draft or even come with supplementary budgets later on, but the figures in terms of income and expenses will have to add up.

What happens after the summer of 2015 remains to be seen, but there are already those who wouldn't mind keeping CFT a bit longer, as it provides at least some safeguard against financial mismanagement to which the former Netherlands Antilles was no stranger Read more

‘Champions of Peace’ march through town

PHILIPSBURG--A rally dubbed "Champions of Peace" was held on the afternoon of September 19. Participants marched through the streets of Philipsburg and held a small presentation at Clem Labega Square, which served as the beginning and ending point.

Students of various schools participated in the rally. Still dressed in uniform, they formed small groups holding banners for the march.

Offering kind words and touching on the significance of acting as "champions of peace," Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams addressed the crowd briefly, as did Jorien Wuite on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Affairs and Marcellia Henry on behalf of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Addressing the crowd, Henry shared a poem called "I dream of a world of peace" by a Nepalese high school student before sharing a reflection on whether peace is really possible or an ideal concept Read more

Kingdom Relations Committee swiftly deals with hefty agenda

PHILIPSBURG--Parliament's Permanent Committee for Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations, chaired by outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) Roy Marlin Democratic Party (DP), swiftly dealt with a twelve-point agenda covering several kingdom treaties, motions and other business on Tuesday morning, in Parliament House.

Marlin outlined the agenda and suggested the points that needed the committee simply to take note of and the ones that needed to be left for the incoming committee and its new chairman to handle.

A list of treaties in the preparatory phase and Country St Read more

Commemorating International Peace Day September 21, 2014

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - On the occasion of the International Peace Day September 21 2014, a couple of events will be hosted in Sint Maarten/St. Martin.

These events will include a Symposium on Friday September 19, 2014 from 9:00 – 12:00PM at the University of St. Martin; and a Cultural Manifestation on Sunday September 21 from 2:00 – 6:00PM at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

The Rotary clubs of the island recently erected and unveiled a Peace Monument on May 31, 2014, in front of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

This Monument is dedicated to promote justice, nonviolence and social change in our community.

In continuity with our efforts to promote peace within our community, the general public is invited to a Peace for Sustainable Development and Nation Building symposium scheduled to be held at the University of St Read more

4Th Annual Pregnancy Market 2014

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Pregnancy Market 2014 hosted by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) and Community Development, Family, & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) had a successful turnout on Saturday September 6th.

Fourteen stakeholders came out in their glory and supported the event with lots of information and give- a- ways.

They included: Alpha Healthcare Services, Nagico Insurances, Guardian Group Fatum Insurances, Section Youth Health Care Dental Unit, Baby Clinic, Sint Maarten White and Yellow Cross Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, Manrique Caprilles & Sons, Social & Health Insurance (SZV), Court of Guardianship, Civil Registry, Community Help Desk/Women's Desk, Prime Distributors (Nestle), Divico, and St Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The Pregnancy Market 2014 hosted by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) and Community Development, Family, & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) had a successful turnout on Saturday September 6th. Fourteen stakeholders came out in their glory and supported the event with lots of information and give- a- ways. They included: Alpha Healthcare Services, Nagico Insurances, Guardian Group Fatum Insurances, Section Youth Health Care Sint Maarten White Yellow Cross Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, Manrique Caprilles & Sons, Social & Health Insurance (SZV), Court of Guardianship, Civil Registry, Community Help Desk/Women's Desk, Prime Distributors(Nestle), Divico, and St Read more

Notices September 11

Thursday, September 11

DYSLEXIA STRATEGY

WORKSHOP

For for Secondary (High School) Educators. Love of Kids Foundation's follow-up workshop from its Dyslexia for a Day programme. Hands on classroom strategies to assist with struggling teen students. Parents and other caregivers are welcome. Space is limited. Instructor: Lorraine Leacock

Place: University of St. Martin campus

Time: 7:00-8:30pm

Cost: NAf Read more

Notices September 9

Tuesday, September 9

DYSLEXIA STRATEGY

WORKSHOP

For Elementary Educators. Love of Kids Foundation's follow-up workshop from its Dyslexia for a Day programme. Hands on classroom strategies to assist younger struggling students. Parents and other caregivers are welcome. Space is extremely limited. Instructor: Lorraine Leacock

Place: University of St. Martin campus

Time: 7:00-8:30pm

Cost: NAf Read more

Notices September 10

Thursday, September 11

DYSLEXIA STRATEGY

WORKSHOP

For for Secondary (High School) Educators. Love of Kids Foundation's follow-up workshop from its Dyslexia for a Day programme. Hands on classroom strategies to assist with struggling teen students. Parents and other caregivers are welcome. Space is limited. Instructor: Lorraine Leacock

Place: University of St. Martin campus

Time: 7:00-8:30pm

Cost: NAf Read more

Governor: Economic growth has not resolved social issues

PHILIPSBURG--While the country has seen and continues to expect economic growth, this has "not resulted in greater fiscal space nor resolved all the prevailing socio-economic issues," Governor Eugene Holiday said in his traditional opening of the fifth Parliamentary Year on Tuesday.

To tackle that lack of results, it is "essential" for unemployment, poverty, increasing healthcare cost and increasing shortage in affordable housing to "continue to receive the necessary attention," he said.

The policy challenges through existing plans and/or development and implementation of new policy plans will come "at a cost." That cost will "have to be managed efficiently and effectively" in view of the "limited fiscal space" in which government will be operating.

His speech focused on "policy challenges and opportunities" awaiting the new government coalition to take office on October 10, rather than government's plans for the new political year.

According to Holiday, initial indications show that an increase in tourism can be seen already in the recent figures Read more

MPs close off fourth year of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG--The 2013-2014 parliamentary year closed on Monday with several Members of Parliament (MPs) taking the opportunity to give a farewell speech outlining their accomplishments, hopes for the new parliamentary year and for the incoming government.

Based on the Constitution, the parliamentary year must close before the second Tuesday in September – the official opening of the new parliamentary year. The opening will take place today, Tuesday, at Parliament House, with Governor Eugene Holiday delivering the traditional governor's speech containing government's plans for the coming year.

At Monday's session, outgoing independent MP Romain Laville said being an MP has been "one of the greatest experiences" he has had in life Read more

It’s just a matter of time!

Dear Editor,

I have lived on St. Maarten since October 1963; that is, for the past 51 years. Needless to say I have been through lots and lots of elections. The very first time I voted was on St. Maarten. It was also here that I had my very first lesson about the way politics works.

When I first came to St. Maarten, there were still dirt roads in the heart of Philipsburg leading from Front to Back Street. One such dirt road, just a few steps from where I lived with my parents, suddenly and unexpectedly got paved Read more

Notices September 8

Tuesday, September 9

DYSLEXIA STRATEGY

WORKSHOP

For Elementary Educators. Love of Kids Foundation's follow-up workshop from its Dyslexia for a Day programme. Hands on classroom strategies to assist younger struggling students. Parents and other caregivers are welcome. Space is extremely limited. Instructor: Lorraine Leacock

Place: University of St. Martin campus

Time: 7:00-8:30pm

Cost: NAf Read more

Obama says key allies ready to join military action in Iraq

NEWPORT, Wales--President Barack Obama said key NATO allies stood ready to join the United States in military action to defeat Islamic State militants in Iraq as he vowed to 'take out' the leaders of a movement he said was a major threat to the West.

Obama said the Washington would hunt down and dismantle the organisation, which has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria, in the same way it had tackled al Qaeda since the Sept Read more

Ukraine, pro-Russian rebels reach ceasefire deal

MINSK--Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels reached a ceasefire agreement on Friday, the first step toward ending fighting in eastern Ukraine that has caused the worst standoff between Moscow and the West since the Cold War ended.

The ceasefire deal was struck in the Belarussian capital Minsk along with a deal allowing for prisoner exchanges, deliveries of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons after five months of a conflict that has killed more than 2,600 people.

Despite some initial shelling in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk after the truce began at 6 p.m., the ceasefire appeared to be holding Read more

Editorial - No reason not to

It was obviously well-intended and the objective is clear, but the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) calling the relief afforded by utilities provider GEBE to pensioners "discriminatory" indeed seemed a bit far-fetched (see related stories). While it's undoubtedly true that the government-owned company's concession prohibits discriminatory practices, one also could claim creating special lines for seniors to pay their bills falls in the same category.

What should be taken into account as well as is that the discount is being applied only to people 62 years of age or older and below a certain income level, who in many cases depend on their AOV old age pension to survive Read more

Notices September 6

Saturday, September 6

STORY TELLING,

READING & FUN

Part of Beyond Writing Foundation's Beyond Storytelling-Reading pilot project will continue until the end of October. Children 5-12 years are welcome to participate. There will be a raffle at the end of the programme whereby children can win a book.

Place: St Peters Community Centre.

Time: 5:00-6:00pm

Price: Free of charge

Saturday, September 6

BODYBUILDING AND

FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Presented by St Read more

Seniors grateful for GEBE relief

~ Seniors association hopes for other positive developments ~

PHILIPSBURG--President of the St. Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SMSPA) Patricia Flanders has shared that seniors were very thankful for GEBE NV's recently implemented Senior Relief Programme. GEBE bills, she said, were an issue worth tackling for the seniors who are faced with low pensions and high costs of living.

"The seniors were very happy; some did not have to pay a penny." She said that a few came up to her and hugged her, thanking her for pushing the issue.

The programme has had mixed reactions both before and after its implementation, because it does not benefit everyone Read more

Ukraine and rebels back peace plan, ceasefire from Friday

NEWPORT, Wales/DONETSK, Ukraine--Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the main pro-Russian rebel leader said they would both order ceasefires on Friday, provided that an agreement is signed on a new peace plan to end the five-month war in Ukraine's east.

The breakthrough came after a week in which the pro-Moscow separatists scored major victories with what NATO says is the open support of thousands of Russian troops Read more