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Student charged with assault over Vindicat initiation ritual

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – A 24-year-old member of an undergraduate society is facing criminal proceedings over an incident at an initiation ceremony that left a fellow student with a serious head injury.

The public prosecution service launched an investigation in October after an applicant to Groningen’s Vindicat fraternity allegedly had his head stamped on. On Monday it announced that the suspect had been charged with serious assault.

No date has yet been set for a court hearing. The incident prompted calls for initiation rituals at Dutch university societies to be better monitored or banned. Three Amsterdam students ended up in hospital last September after swimming in canals or sleeping rough among the bins in order to join a society.

The alleged victim of the incident in Groningen initially declined to report the matter to the police because the society wanted to deal with it through its own disciplinary procedures.

But following an intervention by the city’s mayor Peter den Oudsten complaints were filed and a criminal investigation was launched. Vindicat has since deleted a clause in its constitution that forbids members from speaking out about the initiation rituals under threat of a €25,000 fine. (DutchNews)

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A Tropical Wave Entering the Eastern Caribbean Will Help to Bring Increased Rainfall Next Week

SINT MAARTEN/CARIBBEAN - Satellite imagery and weather analysis indicates that there are two tropical waves that Crown Weather is watching right now, the weather service said on Saturday.

“The first is located in the eastern Caribbean along the 65 West Longitude line and the second is located just east of the Lesser Antilles along the 57 West Longitude line. Strong westerly wind shear is impacting much of the Caribbean right now and tropical development is highly unlikely with either of these tropical waves.

“The reason why I am keeping an eye on them is because it appears that they will bring an energy kick to help and develop either one broad area of low pressure or multiple little low pressure systems in the central and southwestern Caribbean by about Tuesday and Wednesday. This will lead to coupious amounts of moisture to be drawn from the central and southern Caribbean into the Bahamas leading to heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and much of the Bahamas starting around Tuesday and continuing through at least next weekend.

“The question then becomes whether this whole wet weather system will remain an area of disturbed weather or will it try to develop into a tropical depression or a tropical storm. Even though some of the model guidance has hinted at tropical development, it appears that the wind shear conditions across much of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean is too strong to support development into a tropical cyclone.

“Right now only the GFS model guidance forecasts tropical development which ends up occurring in the central Bahamas in about 10 days from now. The GFS model then forecasts this system to rapidly pull northward along the US East Coast into southern New England by May 24th and May 25th. I am very skeptical of this forecast by the GFS model as it is the only model predicting this type of a scenario and also the GFS ensemble guidance doesn't even support its operational counterpart.

“With that said, the analog guidance, which matches the current weather pattern with those from the past, indicates a forecast weather pattern of a large high pressure system over the north-eastern United States by next weekend. This would probably lead to lowering barometric pressures over the western Caribbean.

“This pattern is similar to one that occurred during late May of 2007 and this led to the development of Tropical Storm Barry which tracked north-eastward from the western Caribbean and up the US East Coast. So, perhaps the GFS model may not be so far off with its forecast – although, I'm not buying into it yet.

“It looks like periods of heavy rain with squalls will develop across Jamaica, eastern Cuba and parts of Haiti starting around Tuesday into Wednesday. This rain will gradually spread into the central and south-eastern Bahamas by Friday into next Saturday.

“This feed of moisture will impact the southern and central Caribbean and the Bahamas, including Jamaica, eastern Cuba and Hispaniola through next weekend with total rainfall amounts from Tuesday to Sunday of 10 to 20 inches possible in some areas and widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 10 inches expected. My thinking is that eastern Jamaica and the mountainous regions of Haiti will see the highest rainfall amounts next week into next weekend.

“At this point, I'm not convinced that we will see tropical development next week as the wind shear is too strong across the Caribbean and there are no indications that it will decrease anytime soon. By next weekend, however, we might have to keep an eye on the outside possibility of tropical development in either the central or western Caribbean.

“The reason why is because if the weather pattern across the eastern United States shifts into one that features a upper level high pressure system over the north-eastern United States, it would cause a lowering of barometric pressures over the Caribbean and a more favorable environment for tropical development. Also, the weather pattern next weekend could be potentially analogous to late May of 2007 in which Tropical Barry formed then.

So, at this point it is something to keep an eye on, but it is definitely nothing to really sit up and take notice.”

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“Goodbye Mr. Mediocrity: Walking with Faith, stories that inspire” at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library

PHILIPSBURG— This Thursday 18th May, 2017 Daniel Collins  one of 10 experts co-author of “ Walking by Faith” by Mike Rodriguez will be presenting his story “Goodbye, Mr. Mediocrity” at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library from 6 pm to 7.30 pm.

Collin’s Story documents his personal life changing journey that began in August 2011 which altered his perspective transforming his life and bringing inspiration to others.

The Authors’ motivation for writing his story is to assist people in recognizing that being like everybody else or being mediocre is not your own personal reality.

Daniel Collins wants to indicate that many times we as human beings do not get what is desired because we do not ask.

Via his story “Goodbye Mr. Mediocrity”, Mr. Collins’ hopes to reach and play a positive part in other’s life’s assisting them with their growth.

Daniel Collin was born in St. Kitts came to St Maarten at the tender age of one (1).St. Maarten is his home although he spent several years in the Netherlands. He has spent the last 14 years happily married to his wonderful wife Latanya and their family includes two children, namely, a son named Dominick and a daughter named Lael.

The Author holds a Bachelor’s Degree in finance and economics from the Hanze and State Universities of Groningen.  He is skilled in public speaking, training, coaching, leadership, budgeting and writing. Daniel serves as a deacon at the Good News Baptist Church and keeps himself busy with various responsibilities which include overseeing the youth, finance and enjoys teaching classes at church.

The book launching ceremony and book signing will take place on Thursday May 18th, 2017 at 6.00 pm at the hall of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.  For more information please contact Maryland Powell at the library by phone 5422970 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Emergency powers, alcohol ban in Rotterdam ahead of Feyenoord match

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Rotterdam’s mayor has invoked his emergency powers for large parts of the city centre on Sunday and alcohol sales have been banned in the area around the station in an effort to head of more trouble involving Feyenoord football supporters.

Last Sunday 100 people were arrested as football fans clashed with police after Feyenoord failed to take the Eredivisie title. Feyenoord are now one point ahead of Ajax ahead of Sunday’s last competition match.

Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb told reporters last weekend’s riots had been largely fueled by alcohol and drugs.

Officials have also set aside special areas where fans can watch the match on giant screens and celebrate, if Feyenoord take their first league title since 1999.

In total, 37,000 Feyenoord fans who don’t have tickets for the Kuip stadium will be able to watch the match against Heracles on outdoor screens.

Meanwhile, six men wanted by police in connection with the riots have turned them selves in after their photographs were released to the media. A seventh man was recognised by the police and has been arrested. (DutchNews)

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Police find fake ‘jihadi drug’ Captagon in raid on illegal lab in Limburg

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Police have found a large number of pills similar to drugs used by jihadis during a raid on a house in Brunssum, south Limburg. It is the first time this sort of pill has been found in a Dutch drugs lab, the Telegraaf reported.

Tens of thousands of pills bearing the ‘Catpagon’ stamp were found in the shed along with chemicals and equipment to make a further 300,000, the paper said.

The pills were a mixture of caffeine and amphetamine – which according to Forbes magazine are the main ingredients in fake Captagon, an amphetamine patented in 1962 with the chemical name fenethylline hydrochloride.

According to the police report, 20 kilos of MDMA, used in the production of Ecstasy, and 60 kilos of amphetamines were seized in the raid, along with three guns.

A 40-year-old man and his 39-year-old girlfriend were arrested in the raid which took place on April 5 but has only just been made public.

Police said they did not know if the amphetamines were destined for the Middle East but are looking into possible links. (DutchNews)

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Driver of abandoned taxi on A12 found stabbed to death in Germany

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – The body of a taxi driver whose cab was abandoned beside a motorway near Rotterdam has been found in woodlands in Germany.

Walkers made the gruesome discovery on Sunday morning near the village of Schalbruch, less than a kilometre over the border from Limburg. Police said he had been stabbed 12 times in the back and chest.

The previous evening his taxi was found abandoned on the A12 at Zevenhuizen. Part of the motorway was closed while police inspected the vehicle after finding traces of blood inside.

A 45-year-old man has been detained in connection with the death of the taxi driver. Police believe he was killed in southern Limburg before his body was taken across the border. (DutchNews)

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CARILEC Appoints Dr Cletus Bertin Executive Director

SINT MAARTEN/ST. LUCIA - The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) are delighted to announce the appointment of Cletus Kennedy Bertin, Ph.D., as its new Executive Director. Dr Bertin succeeds Thomas Hodge.

“The Board of Directors of CARILEC is pleased to have Dr Cletus Bertin join the organisation as the Executive Director of the Secretariat. He brings to the organisation his passion for innovation, and an engaging and open personality which is essential in helping to establish and build the  collaborative relationships that this institution wishes to form with the other stakeholders in the Caribbean's energy arena,”  said Colin Cover, CARILEC’s Chairman.

Cover continued, “Mr. Bertin has worked throughout the Eastern Caribbean, Belize and Trinidad & Tobago, and has done stints with several leading institutions including the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank.

“He has recently done work in organisational development and transformation. He will be bringing this wealth of experience to his new post. We expect to have a long, mutually beneficial and productive relationship with Dr Bertin.”

As the new Executive Director, he will lead a team of twelve (12). He will ensure that the Secretariat’s role of advocacy on electric utilities and energy issues is effectively executed, advise the board on aspects of CARILEC’s operations and develop and maintain good working relationships with utility executives, regional decision-makers, business community leaders, and interest groups. 

His accomplishments in the Public Sector, ICT and Telecommunications, Management of Change and Innovation, Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Building and Research, over the last twenty years, are most relevant to the CARILEC mission and vision, particularly in light of the significant transformation of the energy sector at this time. 

He has delivered presentations at various regional and international seminars and conferences, worked in academia,- lecturing and authoring several articles, papers and book chapters-, and completed high level consultancy assignments for various organisations, including electricity utilities in the Caribbean region, governments, universities, corporations and multi-lateral institutions such as the OECS Secretariat, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), United Nations Department of Economic & Social Affairs (UNDESA), the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank.

Dr Bertin is a Saint Lucian and possesses a B.Sc. Management Studies (Hons.) from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus; a M.Sc. Management Studies (Information Systems specialization), from UWI St. Augustine Campus; and a Ph.D. Information Systems and Change Management, City University Business School, London, UK. He is excited to lead the dedicated staff of the Secretariat to continued success.

About CARILEC:

The Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC) is an association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufactures and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry in the Caribbean. CARILEC was established in 1989 with nine (9) members as part of an electric utilities modernization project funded by USAID and implemented by NRECA under a five-year "Co-operative Agreement." Currently, CARILEC comprises a total of one hundred and six (106) members. This includes thirty five (35) Full Members that are electric utilities, sixty-five (65) Associate Members that are companies involved in some aspect of servicing the electric utility business and six (6) Affiliate Members.

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CANTO Chairman Speaks at the Forum Internet of Things (IoT): Smarter Living in the Caribbean

SINT MAARTEN/TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - The CANTO Chairman, Julian Wilkins spoke at the Forum Internet of Things (IoT): Smarter Living in the Caribbean. This ITU workshop, moderated by Shiva Bissessar, was held from 24 to 26 April. 

The event was co-organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), the UWI St. Augustine Campus and the Caribbean Telecommunication Union (CTU). 

The Chairman was a panelist at the session entitled: IoT Security and Privacy, Policy, Legislation, Regulation and Infrastructure.

The Chairman emphasized that there is disparity between traditional operators and OTTs in the Caribbean. He mentioned that the European Union has recently published a proposal for 'regulation of Privacy and security rules for Over-the-top (OTT) players' thereby moving to eliminate the disparity between traditional operators and OTTs. 

The Chairman concluded that from a global perspective regulators are starting to review existing regulatory frameworks to take account of OTTs in particular, data privacy and security.

About CANTO

CANTO is recognized as the leading trade association of the ICT sector for shaping information and communication in the Caribbean. Founded in 1985 as a non-profit association of 8 telephone operating companies, CANTO has now grown to over 127 members in more than 34 countries.  A Board of Directors appointed by the membership directs policy of the Association. This strategy is executed by the staff of a permanent Secretariat based in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Temporary road closures in connection of Memorial Day March on Thursday afternoon

GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be partial road closures on Thursday, May 4 in connection with Memorial Day March via Back and Front Street.

The temporary closure is scheduled to take place from 3.20pm to 5.00pm. As soon as the march has passed, the streets will be re-opened for motorized traffic.

The march takes place from the Clem Labega Square down Back Street towards the Oranje Primary School then on Front Street; to the Cyrus Wathey Square and then back to the Clem Labega Square.

To acknowledge the importance of freedom and peace, the Marines, Police and Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten VKS, will participate in a silent march through Philipsburg at 3:30 p.m.

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Cuba to Host BirdsCaribbean’s 21st International Conference

SINT MAARTEN/CUBA - Every two years, bird educators, scientists and conservationists from the Caribbean and beyond gather for BirdsCaribbean’s International Conference. This year’s conference takes place in southern Cuba from 13-17 July 2017. More than 200 international delegates are expected to join dozens of Cuban delegates to share the latest in Caribbean bird research and protection.

“BirdsCaribbean conferences have always been a place for scientists to collaborate beyond political boundaries,” said Andrew Dobson, President of BirdsCaribbean, “Bringing an international group together in Cuba is particularly exciting. We are excited to have the chance to work face-to-face with our Cuban colleagues.”

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Caribbean Diversity.” The Caribbean is a hotspot of biodiversity, with many unique plants and animals. Birds are no exception: 172 species are found only in the Caribbean.  The Caribbean is also a cultural melting pot, home to the most diverse group of bird scientists in the world.

The conference will focus on the practice of conservation backed by sound science. World-famous keynote speakers will present on current issues in ornithology. Training workshops, panels and talks will cover many topics. These include conservation of island endemics and migrants, bird tourism, bird monitoring, emerging techonologies, environmental awareness, invasive species, and many other themes.

“You can share your latest findings, upgrade your skills, network with colleagues, or see the 26 bird species found only in Cuba,” explained Andrew Dobson, “We will also be supporting the participation of spouses and children.”

 “We are thrilled to host this conference at Topes de Collantes National Park in the Sierra de Escambray – Cuba’s second largest mountain range, and home to many unique birds,” said Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director. “There will be many chances to explore, from the forests and waterfalls of the park to the historic town of Trinidad nearby. Join field trips during, before and after the conference to learn more about the endemic birds of Cuba or tour the city of Havana.”

Conference registration is open now. Visit birdscaribbean.org to register or learn more.

PHOTO CUTLINE: The Cuban Trogon is not only a beautiful endemic but also the national bird of Cuba. (Photo by Max Schwenne)

Cuban Trogan 2

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