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Pen on Paper, new book by Joseph H. Lake, Jr. in time for Anguilla and St. Martin literary festivals

GREAT BAY - Pen on Paper: St. Martin 1970 – 2017 by Joseph H. Lake, Jr. was just released here by St. Martin Republic Publishers, said Nzinga Lake, the book’s publicist.    

Pen on Paper is a collection of over 50 commentaries, news articles, and editorials penned by Lake, Jr. or attributed to him from 1970 to 2001, said the publicist.

The articles in the 152-page book are drawn from the media for which Lake, Jr. was a columnist, the associate editor or publisher and editor: Windward Islands Opinion, Shaka, Windward Islands Newsday, St. Maarten/St. Martin Newsday, St. Martin Newsday, Newsday, and St. Martin Republic.

The pictorial section of Pen on Paper is practically a photo album of a number of the media people who started out in the island’s print and broadcast field in the last 30 years of the 20th century, said Lake.

Pen on Paper is available this weekend at the Anguilla Literary Festival where Lake will speak as a guest author on Friday, May 19. “I’ll speak on the difference in writing for a newspaper and writing for a book,” said Lake, who worked for over 25 years as a St. Martin newspaper publisher. 

Lake will also read selections from the new title. And he’ll get the opportunity to speak on the link between Anguilla and his father Jose Lake, Sr. The senior Lake visited Anguilla and reported for Reuters on the British “invasion” of Anguilla in the late 1960s. The Anguilla Lit Fest is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the territory’s unilateral separation in 1967 from the then UK colony of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla.

Closer to home, Lake, Jr. said that his new book Pen and Paper will be launched in St. Martin at Philipsburg Jubilee, on Friday, May 26, 2017, at 8 PM. The launch is a pre-book fair activity of the St. Martin Book Fair (June 1 – 3, 2017), said the festival coordinator Shujah Reiph.

Lake is a leading St. Martin political scientist and Pen on Paper: St. Martin 1970 – 2017 is his fourth book.

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CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN CELEBRATES EMPLOYEE AND CLIENT APPREICATION DAY 

PHILIPSBURG - CIBC FirstCaribbean on MondayMay 15th, celebrated its employees and clients as it marked Employee and Client Appreciation Day.

In the past, they took place on separate days, but this year there’s a compelling reason for having them together. May 15th marked 150 years of the existence of its parent company, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. 

The organization worldwide marked this special occasion by celebrating the two pillars of its business, its employees and clients. 

CIBC FirstCaribbean St. Maarten employees were treated to breakfast, massages and received tokens of appreciation. 

In additional to having fun taking photos at the photo booth, clients and staff were also able to have their glucose and blood pressure checked by the Diabetes Foundation. 

CIBC has been in the Caribbean since 1920. The first CIBC branches in the West Indies were established in Bridgetown, Barbados and in Kingston, Jamaica. Branches were also opened in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Havana, Cuba, the same year. 

The bank’s history in this part of the world, while not quite as long as in Canada, is rich and expansive across the region. FirstCaribbean International Bank was formed in 2002 with the merger of CIBC West Indies Holdings and Barclays Bank PLC Caribbean operations. In December 2006, CIBC acquired the Barclays share and became the majority shareholder in FirstCaribbean.

On June 20, 2011 the bank became co-branded under the CIBC banner, adopting the branding CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank. 

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SMCP LEADER SMITH: THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE IN PARLIAMENT

PHILIPSBURG - The Central Committee of Parliament will be meeting this week to discuss several issues, the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) Leader Wycliffe Smith said in a press statement on Wednesday.

“One such issue is the verdict pertaining to the Integrity Chamber. Isn’t it ironic, that the Central Committee has only now decided to meet to discuss the verdict handed down by the Constitutional Court in July 2016, detailing its reasons for rescinding the Integrity Chamber law?

“In January 2017, the parliamentarians listened to a passionate presentation by the Honorable Minister of General Affairs against the appointment of a Dutch quartermaster who, by the way, was one of the conditions in the Integrity Chamber protocol, agreed upon by the Government of Sint Maarten. In April, the Minister of General Affairs was back in a Central Committee meeting with another ardent presentation, in order to garner support against a pending Kingdom instruction whereby the Government of Sint Maarten would be forced to establish the Integrity Chamber.

“After basically supporting the Prime Minister’s stance on both occasions, parliamentarians now deem it necessary to go back to the ruling of the Constitutional Court and get the needed advice. I believe that the Central Committee should have done this immediately after the July 2016 ruling, prior to concurring with the Prime Minister on this matter. According to me, Parliament is now putting the cart before the horse. This step should have been taken in July 2016 or shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, as we say, better late than never.

“Another issue where the cart is being placed before the horse is the matter of the three integrity reports and the baseline study conducted by the General Audit Chamber. These reports were published and made available to Parliament as well as to the general public during the course of 2014 and 2015.

“How is it then possible that the members of the Ad Hoc Integrity Committee of Parliament, in their last meeting, supported the request made by a Member of Parliament to have the writers all of these reports come to Parliament to present their findings and explain their recommendations? This may sound like a great suggestion but it should have been made and carried out shortly after these reports were received by Parliament. Furthermore, it may be quite difficult and costly to have the authors of especially the two international integrity reports come back to Sint Maarten to give their presentations to Parliament.

“However, if the members of the Committee are of good faith, which I think they are, they can start immediately by inviting the staff of the General Audit Chamber, which is a government advisory body, to come to Parliament to explain their findings and expound on the recommendations that they gave in their 2014 Baseline Study on Institutional Integrity Management.

“While they are at it, the Committee should also request them to talk about the Chamber’s latest study concerning the lack of transparency in appointments of members to supervisory boards of government-owned companies. According to the Chamber this “lack of transparency is worrisome”.

“In addition, if the Ad Hoc Integrity Committee is serious about dealing with the integrity reports it is very possible for them to invite the writers of the Samson-Wit Integrity Report “Doing the right things right” to Parliament. Two of the members live on Sint Maarten, namely attorney Richard Gibson, our current Minister of Finance and Mr. Jan Beaujon, member of the Council of Advice. It is time that our Parliament starts putting the horse in front of the cart and begin to do the right things right.

“According to google, the word parliament stems from the French verb “parler”, which means to speak, which makes a lot of sense, since this group of people assemble to talk about laws and issues. After six years, however, Sint Maarteners would like for Parliament to go beyond the “parler” and initiate and pass laws as well as ensure that motions passed are executed.

“During the Central Committee meeting in which parliamentarians discussed the timeshare authority law several Members of Parliament were proud to announce that this was a historic meeting because Parliament’s very first initiative law was being discussed. Instead of celebrating, parliamentarians should have bewailed and lamented the fact that Parliament, in its six years of existence, has not yet been able to pass one initiative law.

“Another example of an initiative law that has gotten lost in the bureaucratic mill is the ban on the import, distribution and sale of disposable plastic bags. Given the need for such a law and the support that it garnered from, for example, the Sint Maarten Pride Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one would have expected that this initiative law, which was submitted to Parliament in April 2013, four years ago, would have been passed and be in effect by now.

“It is sad to have to admit, that after six and a half years our highest legislative body has not even passed one initiative law. So much for being an example of productivity in our country and for our people,” Wycliffe Smith, Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party said on Wednesday.

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FINANCE MINISTER TO DELIVER OPENING REMARKS AT APS PENSION SEMINAR

PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten’s general pension fund, APS has released the program for its 2017 pension seminar, scheduled for May 19 upcoming.

The event, which will carry the theme “Your Future is Our Day to Day” kicks off with the registration and seating of attendees, as early as 12.30 p.m. Invited guests are asked to register at the entrance of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, after which they have the option of being driven or walk to the nearby conference area, Maho Room.

Following the welcoming of those in attendance by MC Rachael Geerlings, the purpose of the seminar as well as the rules applicable during the seminar, will be explained. Immediately, thereafter, opening remarks are to be delivered by St. Maarten’s Minister of Finance, Richard Gibson Sr.

Scheduled next on the program is an introduction of the APS board by its chairman, Franklyn Richards as well as a short overview of APS’ core principals.

The first of several APS officials making presentations will be Oscar Williams, who is scheduled to speak on the topic, “Your Status and the Fund”. He will elucidate on the need for participants to always have their correct information registered at APS. In addition, he will indicate the long-term consequences for the Fund of having incorrect data and provide some statistics about the population of the fund.

Next on the agenda is Kendra Arnell with a presentation on “Pension Reform For Your Pension Retention”.  She will inform the attendees on the status of the pension reform and why the need exists for this reform.

Claire Edwards is scheduled to speak on “APS Investments For Your Future”, she will deal with the transparent investment guidelines that APS adheres to and the local projects, which APS is presently involved with. These are among others, the Welgelegen homes project, Mary's Fancy Estate, APS Parking and APS Office Park.

The final speaker, APS director, Nadya van Putten, is scheduled to highlight the seminar’s theme, “Your Future is Our Day to Day”. She is expected to outline the fund’s strategic vision, financial well -being and future, as well as its communication strategy.

A surprise announcement at the seminar is furthermore on the agenda.

A question and answer period has been incorporated into the program, so that members of the audience can ask questions on any of the  relevant topics presented during the preceding afternoon session.

Once the conference ends, all those in attendance are invited to stay on and enjoy a cocktail hour with refreshments and snacks.

The public is meanwhile invited to tune in to My 88.3 FM radio station on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 6.00 p.m. for an interview with APS director, Nadya van Putten, on the seminar.

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SMMC to introduce four new specialties Neurology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, and Urology

CAY HILL - The Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and Zorgverzekeringskantoor BES (ZVK) of the Caribbean Netherlands, also known as the BES-islands, have further developed the arrangement of their cooperation in a recently signed agreement.

It had previously been agreed upon that SMMC would serve as the ‘preferred provider’ of care for ZVK-insured persons on Saba and St. Eustatius (Statia). However, with the new agreement, this relationship is further supplemented, with added benefit that the people of Sint Maarten will reap as well.

This agreement stipulates several conditions that ZVK and SMMC intend to uphold. Firstly, the parties have negotiated an agreed upon restructuring of the tariffs. Additionally, a visitation cycle for the specialty Cardiology has been worked out wherein Cardiologists from SMMC will make monthly visitations to Saba and St. Eustatius to provide consultation on the islands.

Further, the ZVK will support SMMC in the establishment of four (4) new specialties for the hospital. These specialties will include Neurology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, and Urology.

The intention of both organizations is to introduce these specialties as soon as possible, with several agreed upon standards that will establish the quality of care for these specialties.

SMMC will continue to attract qualified doctors and nurses to cater to their patients as well as the BES-patients. The broadened partnership will remain ongoing, wherein the progress of the agreement will be evaluated jointly and regularly. Both parties hope to continue servicing the community and bring care closer to home.

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DP: The late Neville York and Our Cultural Awakening

PHILIPSBURG - Most of us knew Neville York as a native son, educated abroad, awesome pan musician, and head of the St. Maarten Cultural Department for 22 years, Leader of the Democratic Party (DP) and Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams said in a press release on Monday.

“Some teachers and students knew him as the steel drum music instructor at e.g. Learning Unlimited. Musicians and jazz lovers like himself knew him to be a longtime advocate and promoter of jazz on St. Maarten, bringing world-class performers like Arturo Sandoval to the French side’s Le Flamboyant Hotel.

“But how many of us knew Neville York as one of the top 10 steel drum players in the world, performing with symphony orchestras in Holland, Europe and the United States, or touring with Marshall Vente’s ‘Tropicale as his band?  In Vente’s tribute on May 9th entitled, “Neville York’s Passing: A Sad day in Chicago,” he says, “Neville’s sudden passing has shocked us here in Chicago, friends and musicians.  A very sad day.  I had lunch with Neville in St. Maarten on March 10th; we talked about recording again sometime and his new school of music.….”  

“And our concerts in Chicago, plus 5 years of concerts with my band in St. Maarten and Anguilla – these will never be forgotten.  Neville taught us so much about Caribbean life and culture……”

“Does the 237 square-mile capitol city of Chicago, with 200 art galleries, dozens of cultural institutions, historical sites and 2.5 million people -- know more about Neville York’s persona, range of accomplishments and pursuits than we do here?  Do they have a more enhanced perception or esteem for his gifts, and perhaps for the man himself, than we have here at home?

“With this unexpected loss, we are starkly reminded of how familiarity can make us strangers, how easily we assimilate and embrace the cultural icons and expressions of others, and how seldom we give our own their just due; that is, until our smiles, appreciation, pride and applause, can no longer be seen, heard, or felt.    

“Neville York taught Chicago ‘so much of Caribbean life and culture’.  Can we ask them now for his voicings of us, for his intoning of our sensibilities, to assert for us that which was uniquely expressed thru his gifts of us?  No.  In the tapestry of our own cultural heritage and history, WE must -- with love for our individual and collective ‘selves’ -- do the gathering and the weaving.  

“Our artists and their art are the vibrant color, the purifying wounds, the chords of many strings and strains that tell our stories -- symbolically and concretely -- binding our chapters together. 

“In his conclusion to St. Maarten’s cultural policy Neville says this:

“St. Maarten has developed over the years into a mini metropolis and as such it is imperative that we try to maintain a form of equilibrium between progress and our core cultural values; however, it must be clearly understood that “No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive”. (Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi 1869–1948).  The accelerated march towards a new constitutional status provides a window of opportunity for the host society to embrace its diversity of cultures and find unity within them.  But also realizing that this can only happen if -- and only if  –self-preservation is our first priority.  To this end, I leave you with this final quote from Gandhi: “…. I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible, but I refuse to be blown off my feet by any”. Neville C. York          

Condolences to Neville York’s wife, Veronica York George, his father Chester York, his siblings and all his family, colleagues and friends.

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WIB supports the St. Maarten Nurses Association

PHILIPSBURG - The Windward Islands Bank Ltd (WIB) contributed to the St. Maarten Nurses Association recently whose primary goal is to enhance nursing on the Island through education and promotion of Health in the community.

This is to be accomplished by organizing educational and social activities during the association’s annual Nurses week. 

Some of the activities included: Church service, walk, lecture, blood pressure measurements, scavenger hunt, visit to nearby Nurses in Anguilla, and a lagoon cruise.

WIB thanks St. Maarten Nurse Association for their continued care in the health of our community. WIB Your Partners in progress.

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Charlotte Brookson Academy presents team for Junior Minister of Tourism Inter-Scholastic Panel Discussion

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Representing Charlotte Brookson Academy as speaker for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau’s (STB) Jr. Minister of Tourism Inter-Scholastic Panel Discussion of 2017 is Fourth Form student Chanel Almonte.

Almonte is a bright and well-spoken young lady who enjoys heightening her vocabulary. She holds first honors and has a 90+ average in all of her subjects.

The student researchers joining Chanel are Fourth Formers, Zoria Arrindell, Marie Fidel-Balthazar, Jeremiah David and Third Former Aiyaunty Romney.

Zoria holds second honors and enjoys watching anime and reading.  Marie is a sharp and endeared leader, brilliant at cards and singing. Jeremiah is a first honors student who thrives in exploring mathematics, biology, and art. 

Aiyaunty is an outgoing young lady, who enjoys community service, sports, and has achieved awards in creative writing and spoken word.

The Charlotte Brookson Academy students have done an impressive amount of research on their topic. Their individual gleaning of information, in addition to the relevant material presented by guest experts invited to talk to them, have added to the depth of their discussion points tremendously. 

All five students look forward to the experience of sharing their research and presenting their points with a newfound appreciation and understanding for the topic.

The panel discussion will take place on Friday, May 19 at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel from 9.00am to 12.00pm.

The winner of the panel discussion will represent Sint Maarten at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Youth Tourism Congress in Grenada in October.

The participating schools are: Milton Peters College four sections (MPC), Sundial School, Methodist Agogic Centre, St. Dominic High School, St. Maarten Academy and Charlotte Brookson Academy.

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Submarine visiting Dutch Caribbean

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO – On Friday a Dutch Naval Submarine, the Zr. Ms. Zeeleeuw entered the Curacao harbour.  The vessel is of the Walrus-class which is considered as the most modern conventional non-nuclear submarines in the world.  The submarine is in the Caribbean Region for an exercise with the Marine Corps.

The Dutch Marine Corps has four submarines at its disposal. 

Due to its small size, the submarine can carry out surveillance missions along coastal areas.

The submarines key tasks are to accommodate special operations forces; search and attack enemy submarines and ships; and conduct training missions along with frigates and helicopters.

The submarine manned by 55 sailors.

SOUALIGA NEWSDAY REPORT

dutch sub inside twodutch sub inside one

 

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UP Board Representatives Sign Condolence Book for Neville York

PHILIPSBURG – Representatives of the United People’s (UP) Party Board visited the New Government Administration Building at Soualiga Boulevard where they signed the condolence book to the late Neville York.

“The UP Board, on behalf of the party leader, the UP Parliamentary Faction, and the members and supporters of the party, express their deepest sympathy to the family, colleagues and friends of Neville York.

“York was the Head of the Cultural Department, a musician and a cultural icon.  He will never be forgotten for his contributions to the Sint Maarten community and beyond.

“During this time of bereavement, we pray for his family, colleagues and friends.  May his soul rest in peace,” UP Vice President Tatiana Arrindell said on Friday.

A cultural manifestation/wake will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 6.00pm to 10.00pm in front of the New Government Administration Building.

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