London, (Pal Telegraph) - NATO to investigate reports that at least 40 civilians have been killed in air strikes over Tripoli.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sarah soothes Dutch concerns somewhat
"We are not finished talking about the subject, but the meeting did give me an opportunity to explain St. Maarten's situation," Wescot-Williams told the media afterwards. Qualifying the meeting with Donner as "good," she said it was always best to talk face-to-face about issues.
Not surprisingly, the main point in the meeting between Donner and Wescot-Williams was St. Maarten's budgetary woes. The Committee for Financial Supervision CFT recently rejected the 2010 budget again, because, in its opinion, it was not balanced and unrealistic.
CFT wants a monitoring committee installed to review government's finances, but Wescot-Williams is against this, because she believes the system of checks and balances is covered sufficiently by St. Maarten's advisory bodies such as the General Audit Chamber. Wescot-Williams pointed this out to Minister Donner during their meeting in The Hague on Wednesday.
The process through the regular higher bodies like the General Audit Chamber might take a bit longer than via CFT, but still it is important to give St. Maarten's own organs a chance to prove that the system of checks and balances can work in the interest of building a sustainable and strong country.
Wescot-Williams also explained St. Maarten's request to receive NAf. 78 million left back from the debt-relief exercise. "For technical administrative reasons we are running the risk of losing money that actually should come to St. Maarten," she said.
According to Wescot-Williams, these funds were allocated to St. Maarten, but never used, because of a glitch in determining what was owed to which creditors. "There is no misunderstanding about the amount of debt relief, NAf. 183 million, but about the outstanding bills," she said.
"Agreement is agreement," said the Prime Minister, using the same term often utilised by the Netherlands. "So if that money is ours, it should come to us." Because the debt settlement committee is taking some time to materialise, St. Maarten is still waiting for its share as a result of the Netherlands Antilles being dismantled.
In the meantime, St. Maarten has to find some way to balance its budget. "We are faced not with a double whammy, but a triple or quadruple whammy," she said. Wescot-Williams was optimistic that a solution would be reached on the budget issue. "The points of difference are not many. With some goodwill, we will get there."
She contradicted suggestions that St. Maarten didn't want to share the books of its government-owned companies with CFT. "It has nothing to do with hiding information. That is a misunderstanding. What we are saying is that we have a corporate governance council which should be given the opportunity to get involved."
Asked about the concerns expressed by the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber, Wescot-Williams said this proved why it was important to have an open and frank meeting with Minister Donner. "He needs to have the right information so he can share that with the Second Chamber." She said the understanding of the Dutch government was needed to solve St. Maarten's situation.
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Man held for Cul-de-Sac shooting, victim in coma
MARIGOT--Gendarmes transferred a 20-year-old suspect to Guadeloupe Friday in connection with the shooting of a 30-year-old man outside his home in French Cul-de-Sac on Tuesday, March 15.
The arrest was made on Wednesday. The victim, a Dominican Republic national, is in serious condition in a Guadeloupe hospital where he was placed in a coma. He was shot in the stomach at close range with a shotgun and sustained injuries to his liver, intestines, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Circumstances surrounding the shooting were not completely clear, but are thought to stem from an argument between the two men.
The Gendarmerie said the suspect had been convicted for violent crimes in the past. The case has now been handed over to the criminal unit in Pointe-�-Pitre.
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Simpson Bay Resort reopens on Saturday
PELICAN--Simpson Bay Resort and Marina and The Villas at Simpson Bay Resort will reopen tomorrow, Saturday, March 12, well within the 10-day period within which it had been indicated the resort would re-open when the agreement between WIFOL, the resort and government was signed this past Wednesday.
Management company Royal Resorts announced on Thursday that timeshare members, exchangers, renters, and guests would be allowed to check in beginning Saturday, March 12, and would find the resort fully operational. All of the 425 units will be open and all amenities will be available and fully functioning.
Management expressed its deepest appreciation for the patience and support of the thousands of timeshare members who call St. Maarten their "home away from home."
"Special thanks also go to the government of St. Maarten, the government's mediators Mr. Boasman and Mr. Plantijn, the St. Maarten Timeshare Association (SMTA), American Resort Developers Association (ARDA), and the international exchange companies Interval International and RCI," management said.
"While the new owner of Simpson Bay Resort and Marina and The Villas at Simpson Bay encountered many unavoidable delays in its negotiations with the workers union WIFOL, whose demands were difficult to meet without compromising the long-term viability of the resort, the new owner persevered in its desire to open the resort," management added.
The new resort owner will continue to work with all the parties to find permanent solutions that will allow it to operate the resort sustainably in a financially viable manner.
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Omani soldiers use force to end one month sit-in
Omani troops stormed on Tuesday the Earth roundabout in Sohar evacuating a small group of pro-reform protesters and ending a month-old sit-in, eyewitnesses said. They told AFP that soldiers attacked the central area of the northern industrial town at dawn. Less than 20 demonstrators were on the roundabout.
ONA state news agency said security forces detained some "wanted people in Sohar" for "blocking roads and attacking security men".
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/omani-soldiers-use-force-end-one-month-sit
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Al Qaeda declares south Yemen province as "Islamic Emirate"
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has announced Yemen's Abyan province as an "Islamic emirate". The statement was issued by the group and posted on the internet. "From now on, women who go out to the markets need to be accompanied by a relative, who carry a proof by identity cards, or passports," it said.
Earlier this week, it was reported that gunmen took control on the presidential palace complex, communications facilities and a local ammunitions factory.
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/al-qaeda-declares-south-yemen-province-islamic-emirate
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Syrian government looks for ways to reduce unemployment
Syria's Finance Minister Muhammad al-Hussein has announced a plan to provide 10,000 jobs in the government sector, in addition to 63,000 jobs that will be provided this year. Hussein made the announcement before the Syrian People's Assembly (Parliament).
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/sayrian-government-looks-ways-reduce-unemployment
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Iraq: Death toll of Tikrit attack rises to nearly 60
News sources reported that the death toll from an attack on the Salahuddin province headquarters north of Baghdad rose to 58 killed, 15 of them hostages. Nearly 100 were wounded. Security forces stormed the provincial council building in Tikrit on Tuesday after an hours-long shootout with gunmen.
The gunmen, wearing military uniforms and suicide vests, had stormed into the provincial council building in the city, shortly after a suicide bomber detonated his payload and cleared the way, according to security officials.
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/iraq-death-toll-tikrit-attack-rises-nearly-60
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Eulalie Meyers passes away
She was first admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and was later airlifted to the Diagnosis, Advanced Medicine and Telemedicine Cedimat Centre.
Her husband Etienne Meyers Sr. (87) and their children were in the Dominican Republic, where they were comforting her and monitoring what they hoped would have been her recovery.
Meyers-Hazel was a co-founder of Zion Methodist Church, Captain of the Girls Brigade and a member of Women's League Steering Committee. She was very active with inmates in Pointe Blanche House of Detention, whom she prayed with often. She also used to cook for them at Christmas time.
She was conferred the Royal Decoration of Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix in recognition of her outstanding community service.
Meyers-Hazel was the mother of several well-known St. Maarteners. Her children are businesspersons Charles "Charlie" Meyers, Gwendolyn "Gwen" Williams-Meyers, Etienne "Tochie" Meyers Jr., Certified Public Accountant Jocelyn Cannegieter-Meyers, Merlyn Ottley-Meyers, Jacqueline Petty-Meyers and Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Franklin Meyers.
She was also the mother-in-law of United People's (UP) party Parliamentarian Silvia Meyers-Olivacce.
During her life, Meyers touched many lives with her preaching and constant credo about trust in God and doing good for others and the community. She was also often called on to pray or speak at public and other functions.
"She prayed for the sick, the shut-ins and the poor. Her most important mission was to do God's work," according to the family, who thanked the community for its outpouring of condolences and messages for strength.
Meyers was the daughter of the late Melford Hazel, one of the island's well-known politicians, who also served as an Island Council member many years ago, and Louisa Hazel.
Funeral arrangements for Meyers will be announced by the family later.
Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/15293-eulalie-meyers-passes-away-.html
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Leeflang learns from ruling on rectification
WILLEMSTAD--Former PAR-minister Omayra Leeflang lost the summary proceedings filed by Cura�ao's Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Ren� Rosalia (PS).
The judge ruled that Leeflang is to rectify her statements on Rosalia, which she made in her radio programme "Ata Palabra" and were published in the daily newspapers Amigoe, Antillaans Dagblad, Extra and Ultimo Noticia, within 48 hours.
According to Leeflang, Rosalia had sexually intimidated female employees at government's culture foundation "Kas di Kultura" during his term as director there.
According to Judge Frank Spreuwenberg, Leeflang exceeded the borders of what is acceptable because she cannot prove she has reliable sources for her allegations. She is to pay the minister's legal costs as well.
Rosalia had further demanded that in the future Leeflang refrain from making statements that he was guilty of sexual intimidation. The judge rejected this because one cannot determine with certainty that a sufficient factual basis will also be lacking in the future.
During the handling of the summary proceedings, Leeflang argued that as political commentator she had only limited herself to what she had gathered earlier from the local media and given that a sarcastic twist.
However, the judge finds it hard to believe that the public will disregard statements from a former Minister of Education as merely a caricature, satiric or humoristic, because her status of former minister suggests too much authority.
Leeflang respects the judge's ruling. In her radio programme on Radio Kriyoyo, she read the text as ordered by the judge and rectification advertisements appeared in the four newspapers mentioned.
Nevertheless, she regrets that the judge had not included the report from Ombudsman (public defender) Alba Martijn, who conducted an investigation into a supposed integrity violation by Rosalia. "This took the bottom out of making the accusations admissible, so the verdict is no surprise."
On three points, Leeflang learned from the court case. "Firstly, we must have a law against sexual intimidation. Furthermore, we must determine how to make this admissible and the law must include punitive measures."
Secondly, the former minister finds that females must adopt a fighting spirit against sexual intimidation. "From the case it appears how difficult it is to collect evidence and how painful it is for the victims."
Finally, Leeflang referred to the old proverb "prevention is better than cure. Prevention stems from legislation. It makes people alert, be attentive to determine when it regards sexual intimidation. This is currently a vague area."
Leeflang was a guest in the TV-programme M�ru Bondia on TeleCuracao (channel 30 St. Maarten Cable TV/8 WTN-Cable), during which she was confronted with a listener who had personally experienced how difficult it was to prove sexual intimidation.
"She had to have proof, which she could not produce. Consequently, she could not bring the case before the court."
There were several reactions to the ruling. The board of Rosalia's party "Pueblo Soberano" (PS) is satisfied with the verdict. The board knew from the beginning that Leeflang's accusations were not based on the truth.
"No sane person could take Leeflang's statements in her radio programme seriously. We knew from the start that she could not produce conclusive evidence."
According to the party, the judge proved that Leeflang's allegations were based on gossip. "In other words, hearing something through the grapevine, of which the source is based on lies," according to the PS-board in a press report.
"Leeflang showed that she had acted in bad faith. She has an unsatisfied need for political revenge, with which she wanted to unseat a political opponent, in this case Rosalia, a man of irreproachable conduct."
The party called on opposition party PAR, to distance themselves publicly from Leeflang's unfounded imputations.
The PS also has a message for everyone, who had put Rosalia in the pillory without waiting for the court's judgment. "Clarity lifts the fog."
PS-member Carlos Monk is pleased with the verdict too. According to him, the judgment achieved two things: "The corrupt judicial system has regained its credibility with the people. Moreover, Leeflang's mouth has been shut, in any case politically."
He advised Leeflang to use this for a moment of reflection, remorse and reconciliation with God.
The last word may not have been spoken about the alleged sexual intimidation by Rosalia. Ombudsman Martijn started an investigation based on Rosalia's statements made in this case. Her first findings are now with Rosalia, who is yet to reply.
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Govt to ask NAf. 20-million advance on its asset share
PHILIPSBURG--Government will soon try access some NAf. 20 million of its share of the cash assets of the former Netherlands Antilles as a means to boost the 2011 Budget that had a deficit of NAf. 45 million, based on the calculation of the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said a letter would be sent to the government of Cura�ao and the Central Bank of Cura�ao and St. Maarten about the advance. She explained that the advance would come from "actual cash" in the Central Bank that had been earmarked to pay off the former Netherlands Antilles islands for immovable properties in Cura�ao.
The request for NAf. 20 million could change to more or less, depending on decisions of the CFT, according to the prime minister.
The execution committee for the Division of Assets and Liabilities has not yet been formalised, as not all members are in place. Without the committee fully functioning, the allocation of assets cannot move forward. St. Maarten's representative on the committee is tax expert Jean James.
Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto and his Cura�ao counterpart George Jamaloodin have already had some discussions about the advance, the second such advance on the Antillean assets the island is to receive when the funds are transferred.
The first advance was in 2010 when the then-National Alliance (NA)-led government received a NAf. 15-million advance also to help with budget woes.
Shigemoto is busy preparing new amendments to the budget that was approved by Parliament in December 2010 to the tune of some NAf. 446 million. However, after the recent CFT review, the budget was tagged at NAf. 416 million with a deficit of NAf. 45 million.
The new budget amount as calculated by CFT was not nearly enough to cover the running of country St. Maarten, Wescot-Williams said on Wednesday.
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Hiro writes Donner about release of NAf. 78 million
PHILIPSBURG--Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto has written to Dutch Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner seeking the release of the NAf. 78 million remaining from the debt relief, allocated to St. Maarten by the Dutch Government.
The St. Maarten Government is hoping that some of the money can be used to supplement the 2011 budget and for other socio-economic development initiatives.
In a press release about the March 10 letter to Donner, Shigemoto said the NAf. 78 million is left over because St. Maarten has already paid off its debts based on court verdicts, or creditors have left or denied having any claims on government.
The remaining funds are "a significant amount which can make a considerable contribution to the public finances of the country," the Minister said on Sunday. Shigemoto is looking forward to a favourable response and a quick release of the funds.
Government already addressed this matter with Donner on January 8, during his brief visit to the island.
Based on the Slotakkoord (Final Accord), NAf. 183 million was allocated by the Dutch Government to cover debts as part of the constitutional reform process of the Kingdom. From that total, NAf. 65 million was used to pay off St. Maarten's debts to the Netherlands Antilles Pension Fund, and NAf. 40 million would go to government's creditors who were owed money up to December 31, 2005.
The Minister explained in the letter that St. Maarten had started in an unequal position vis-�-vis country Cura�ao. Curacao already had a number of facilities in place. For St. Maarten, Government had to arrange service level agreements and buy the services from Cura�ao until facilities here could be established in the mid- to long-term.
The Minister added that some of the facilities and departments should have been established by the former Antillean Central Government. St. Maarten had to pay costs which were actually meant for the former Central Government for civil servants, so they wouldn't become victims of an impromptu separation without proper arrangements being in place.
"The emphasis by the previous administration was placed on meeting the special date of 10-10-10 rather than focus on how best to transfer the former Netherlands Antilles to the new entities. A considerable amount of investments needed to be made in public infrastructure in order to have facilities that could address the social development needs of our country.
"For example, the country is in need of more affordable housing for its people, and land which is scarce needs to be purchased in order for government to be able to build more homes. The landfill situation needs to be addressed, as there are consequences if this is not addressed. This is an expensive project."
Shigemoto continued: "The debt regarding co-insurance (medical) of Social Insurance Bank SVB of the insured persons needs to be paid off, and for the last several years Government has been requested to have a core task analysis carried out. Besides these projects, there are also facilities which either need to be refurbished or need to be built from scratch, such as a youth detention and rehabilitation centre. Cura�ao has such a facility and under the constellation of the former Netherlands Antilles, we made use of their facility, but nothing was ever built during the past eight years in order to prepare the island for country status."
"Today we are a country and we need the necessary facilities to cope with our own national development for the people of St. Maarten. We need to manage our development as well. I do believe that Minister Donner would also be of the same opinion. Country St. Maarten is growing and we need the facilities to cope with this growth," the Minister said.
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Two homicides recorded Friday
� Yesterday?s first case involved the death of �a 61-year-old Dominicano-Dutch man whose name has been given as Eduardo Nova, and whose body was found in the bushes along Alexis Arnell Road, better known as the Cake House road, early Friday morning.
� The second case resulted in the shooting death of a Dominicano man Emilio de Leon-Reyes (49) on Quilletor Drive in Dutch Quarter around 7:30pm. He was hit by a bullet when shots reportedly were fired at the family home and died later in the evening at St. Maarten Medical Center.
� In the Cake House road homicide, no indications about the probable cause of death were available up to press time, but it is believed the victim had been killed where his body was found.
� In a press release Friday, police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson made the following unusual request: ?In connection with the ongoing investigation of the (then) unknown man found dead this morning in the Cole Bay area, the Police Force is asking your cooperation not to publish any photos of body or the crime scene you may have taken.
� ?The crime scene has info on it which is very vital to the investigation. Also, the family members do not know that the victim is deceased and publishing his photo may not be appropriate at this time. Your cooperation is very important at this time. As soon as more official information becomes available, you will be informed.?
� Reports reaching The Daily Herald by late Friday said Cake House road murder might have been recorded on a mobile phone video camera, but Prosecutor Manon Ridderbeks said the authorities had no information regarding a video. ?That is something completely new to me. If that video is circulating, then we would obviously ask for that to be given to us,? she told this newspaper.
� And, in an appeal to the public for information, Ridderbeks said, ?We would like to talk to any person who may have used that road between 4:00 and 8:00 on Friday morning. They may have seen a vehicle parked or other persons around the area. We know, for example, that some people use the hill to run and exercise. We would like to speak to them.?
� Information or a copy of the video, if it does indeed exist, can be given to the Prosecutor?s Office, which can be contacted at tel. 542-2243, or to the police at the Philipsburg police station, tel. 542-2222.
� In the Dutch Quarter fatal shooting, shots reportedly were fired at a house occupied by the victim?s family. Police were called to the scene and, although initial reports of the incident suggested that five people had been shot, it transpired that neighbours apparently had heard around five shots being fired.
� When Nova arrived at the hospital he appeared to be sitting half upright and communicating with the emergency staff in the rear of the ambulance. Reassurance later given to his daughter at the scene appeared to have been premature, as the victim died of his wounds a short while later, according to Inspector Ricardo Henson.
� The daughter, who did not want to be named, sat outside the house crying. She said through a friend who spoke Spanish that she had no idea why her father had been shot.
��Henson was at the scene and told this newspaper, ?Basically we were called around 7:30pm and told there is one man shot in the arm.? However, he telephoned this newspaper at 9:15pm to give the news that Nova had passed away at St. Maarten Medical Center. He said, ?I too was told that he had only had one shot in the arm, but it seems that was not the case and he has since died. We will obviously have more to say about this matter tomorrow.?
��Deputy Chief Commissioner Carl John was also on the scene. Forensic examiners looked at the area where the shooting occurred and various detectives were also at the scene making inquiries with the local people.
� Neighbours in the area were shocked by the incident. One woman said, ?We don?t know what it is all coming to. Country St. Maarten is going down and down.?
� Yesterday?s homicides have come close on the heels of last week Saturday?s discovery of the badly-battered body of French chef Ludovic Guillevin of the megayacht Cheetah Moon on Mullet Bay beach. He died later the same day after being flown out to Martinique for further treatment.
Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/14465-murders.html
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?Three party? proposal on table for resort reopening
PELICAN--A proposal for the reopening of Simpson Bay Resort and The Villas in Simpson Bay is n the table and being discussed by the three parties that were involved in putting it together.
Representatives of the resort and of government, and Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) shop stewards met on Sunday and discussed the proposal and its wording.
WIFOL attorney Wim van Sambeek said it was being proposed that the resort will reopen and will respect the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) with WIFOL while government will offer the resort a tax break.
It could not be ascertained whether the "tax break" is the delay in payment of the transfer tax the resort had requested.
Van Sambeek said the final wording of the proposal would be discussed with WIFOL today.
Attending Saturday's meeting were special mediator Rafael Boasman and a legal adviser on behalf of government; WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson, Van Sambeek and Maarten le Poole of HBN Law, and two shop stewards; and the resort's attorney Jairo Bloem of Bloem and Associates.
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VVD, SP demand clarity on rejected St. Maarten budget
THE HAGUE--The governing liberal democratic VVD party and the opposition Socialist Party on Friday demanded clarity from the Dutch Government about the rejection of St. Maarten's adapted 2011 budget.
Members of Parliament Andr� Bosman (VVD) and Ronald van Raak (SP) both sent a series of questions to Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner seeking clarity on another rejection of St. Maarten's budget by the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT.
Bosman and Van Raak wanted to know what actions the Minister intended to take to ensure that the budget would be balanced. The CFT has requested the Kingdom Council of Ministers, by means of a special instruction to enable Minister Donner to execute the proposed policy regulations. This instruction is defined in the Law for Financial Supervision. This law, applicable to countries Cura�ao and St. Maarten, aims to achieve sound financial management in the new countries, preventing them from building up new debts.
Bosman wanted to know how the Minister intended to give content to the request to determine policy regulations as part of the package of measures to balance St. Maarten's 2011 budget. Also he asked whether the package of measures would serve as a good preparation for and the execution of the 2012 budget.
Both Bosman and Van Raak were critical about the statements of St. Maarten's Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto in Friday's edition of The Daily Herald in response to the press release issued by the CFT on Thursday.
The MPs asked Minister Donner whether he agreed with Shigemoto that St. Maarten should not be subjected to financial supervision when the island hadn't optimally profited from the 1.5 billion euro debt reorganisation paid by the Netherlands. Bosman wanted to know specifically how much money went to St. Maarten as part of the debt reorganisation.
Bosman asked Donner to share his view on Shigemoto's announcement that he would "seek solutions" to increase the amount for the budget from NAf. 416 to NAf. 461 million. "Do you share the view of the CFT that NAf. 461 million is irresponsible because the amount is based on over-ambitious growth models for St. Maarten's economy?" he asked.
Bosman shared CFT's view that it was irresponsible to take up excessive revenues in the budget and to use financial reserves without knowing the extent of these reserves. He asked Donner whether he agreed with this. Bosman inquired if this was a case of bad governance.
Van Raak criticised the fact that, contrary to all agreements between the island and the Netherlands, St. Maarten still hadn't managed to present a balanced budget. "Why can't St. Maarten's government manage to present acceptable figures to the CFT? Do you suspect that this is bad will?"
Van Raak wanted to know if Minister Donner would allow St. Maarten to borrow money on the capital market "and create debts again." The MP further sought clarity on St. Maarten's protest against the participation of CFT's advisory member Max Pandt in a meeting with St. Maarten. "Why do you consider it acceptable that St. Maarten decides who the advisors of the CFT are?" He asked Donner. Lastly, Van Raak wanted to know why St. Maarten didn't have a representative in the CFT.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Carnival to make 30 more ship calls for 2012 season
The number of additional calls may increase in the coming months as more lines revamp their itinerary and reposition their ships.
St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo told The Daily Herald on Thursday that despite some concerns about a recent crime spike, the cruise industry continues to be attracted to St. Maarten. "We are one of their high yield destinations, but this does not mean we don't need improvement."
The additional calls for the upcoming season result from the desirability of St. Maarten, new fuel regulations and a rise in crime in Mexico, a popular cruise destination.
The continued implementation by all United States territories of the 200-mile radius for usage of low sulphur fuel also works in St. Maarten's favour, he added. "We are within the radius, so as a destination our geographic position helps our standing."
With the good news about the increase of calls, the harbour executive cautioned that "sitting still and just basking in the good luck" is not advisable. "Just as was said after last year's Seatrade Conference, St. Maarten must develop more marquee (unique) tours. We have to step up to the plate and offer more to stay competitive, because we will always be within reach of the US mainland."
Mingo said the Caribbean, based on the State of the Union address by cruise executives, have a five per cent decline in growth in the cruise sector, losing business to Europe. Cruise lines are repositioning their ships in the Mediterranean and other "exotic" ports of call in Europe. The region as a whole has seen double digit growth in cruise business in the past year.
On the local crime issue, Mingo said Heyliger, who returned home Thursday morning, had been able to allay fears about increasing crime by outlining some of the measures government has taken, including the additional assistance from the Dutch marines. The request for the help of the marines was channelled by the Council of Ministers via the Cabinet of Governor Eugene Holiday.
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Teenager drowns in Jet Ski incident
A man approximately 36 years, believed to be from Guyana, staying in the Fort William area hired a Jet Ski for a single user from a Jet Ski hire company on the beach near a well-known hotel. He filled in the paperwork and set off wearing an issued lifejacket. He then picked up two girls from the beach, Williams and her friend S.B., both approximately 16 years.
A witness who did not give his name said the Jet Ski had flipped when it was about 200 yards from the shore and the riders had been tossed into the sea. People could be seen waving from the sea for help. The man managed to get back onto the Jet Ski and the girl S.B. was rescued by a second Jet Ski that had been launched from the shore to assist.
The third person on the Jet Ski, Williams, went missing. It later transpired that she did not know how to swim and that she had not been wearing a lifejacket.
The Coast Guard and other boats joined the search, but no trace of the missing girl was found.
The search was set to continue on through the night until Sheriff Security company searchers in their boat found Williams' body on the rocks by Little Divi Hotel, approximately 500 yards away from the scene of the incident, around 10:00pm.
The man who had hired the Jet Ski was arrested for further investigations to be made into how the incident had occurred.
Family of the dead teenager were at the scene. A man who said he was her stepfather was totally distraught, as were several uncles and cousins. Her sister of approximately 6 years was comforted by family.
A cousin said to The Daily Herald, "Her mother, how can we tell her mother? She is gone back to Jamaica right this week to bury her aunt and now this. This man is a big man. Why is he so stupid to take them on a Jet Ski with no lifejacket? They are children, they know no better, but he is a big man. I wish they would put me by him right now!"
Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/15327-teenager-drowns-in-jet-ski-incident.html
Revolution Overloads Faulty U.S. Grid
By James Gundun – Washington, D.C.
Denial is supposedly the first sign of a problem. Swimming against the revolutionary current overtaking the Muslim world, President Barack Obama has fought a dogged perception that U.S. foreign policy cannot focus on multiple areas, that he should have visited Cairo and sent his Secretary of State to Latin America. That his administration is simply overloaded.
The criticism echoed so loud that the White House is actively trying to drown it out.
“Even as the President maintains his focus on international crises in Japan and Libya, he discusses his trip to Latin America to open up markets for US products,” reads its website next to a thoughtful-looking Obama.
The sheer mass of ongoing events in North Africa and the Middle East cannot be denied as an overwhelming force. Evidence of a submerged Washington started to accumulate before the fall of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, as the White House, Pentagon, and Congress struggled to unify their policy and message. Fears of instability, often viewed through the Israeli lens, ran high and new revolutions were demanding attention before Washington could prepare.
The Pentagon, meanwhile, visibly enjoyed a sudden blackout in Afghanistan, drawing concern from the war’s opponents that Obama has completely ceded to David Petraeus’s authority. And Washington validated its distraction from Pakistan after the case of CIA spy Raymond Davis, which spanned from Egypt’s initial uprising to mid-March, ended in political chaos.
Then an 8.9 earthquake struck Japan’s coast, triggering a nightmarish spew of tsunamis and nuclear radiation. Tragedies collided: the plight of the Japanese, and the cold reality that they just diverted international attention and resources away from the Middle East. No time is good for a natural disaster, but the effects of Japan’s earthquake were literally felt around the world. Japan and Libya became a two-person show as the White House and global media shifted away from accelerating revolutions Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Clearly Washington isn’t immune to a system overload; the U.S. media fell equal victim to global demands. Already spread thin by budget cuts, structural change, geography and the political dangers of covering multiple revolutions, U.S. news organizations generally tend to follow Washington’s direction. Slow to respond to Egypt’s revolution, many U.S. journalists had no time to rest before shipping off to Libya. A ThinkProgress analysis of CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News conducted from March 14 to March 18 turned up 9,500 mentions of Libya, 1,500 for Bahrain, and 600 in Yemen.
The New York Times writes, “Despite extensive coverage of Libya and Japan, the television networks have had major blind spots. Last week, none of the broadcast networks had correspondents in Bahrain, where the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based, when security forces crushed the protest movement there, nor in Yemen when forces there killed dozens of protesters. The dearth of coverage of Yemen is largely because of its government’s refusal to grant visas to journalists.”
It’s certainly true that Yemen’s president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, deployed a media blanket over his country by limiting entry and deporting those journalists he can catch. Four journalists were famously deported last week but others predated their exit, and Al Jazeera correspondents were deported after catching Friday’s massacre on video. Only now is the world's attention returning to the Middle East, an inevitable result given protesters’ spirited persistence against state oppression.
However the demands of a revolutionary wave only explain half of Washington’s flawed and often sluggish response. That Yemen’s revolution unfolds under a political and media blackout in America is no coincidence. The White House is supposed to block the information curtain to its best ability - and deciding to enforce it completed a system failure.
Revolution in the Muslim world exceeds the ordinary power surge, but it also struck a U.S. foreign policy grid that was outdated and unprepared for an international emergency. A unique disaster didn't overwhelm the strictest precautionary measures. Instead, a lax system built on a crumbling foundation froze on the initial upheaval and has struggled behind the curve ever since. Predicting the revolutionary wave at this particular moment is admittedly difficult, but one could easily perceive the erosion of U.S. policy at an individual and regional level. The system hadn't updated before the power surge struck - wasn't ready for change to the status quo - and needs to be overhauled before a successful reset.
Duplicity and double-standards represent the primary constants in America’s response, not an appeal for universal rights as Obama administration officials insist. And even they are beginning to admit what many others already perceive as obvious: some countries experiencing democratic upheaval are treated differently than others. Libya’s government is treated as an enemy of America and rightly so, but Bahrain's continues to enjoy a cushy blanket. In fact, every threatened government besides Libya is treated leniently by comparison, as if Libya was the only country the West had truly prepared for.
And Saudi Arabia is singled out as the kingmaker, with America as its subservient queen.
"I think we have to be very careful to treat every country differently," Joint Chief of Staff Michael Mullen recently told ABC News. "Bahrain is in a much different situation than Libya. We haven't had a relationship with Libya for a long, long time. The Bahrainis and that country has been a critical ally for decades. So we're working very hard to support a peaceful resolution there, as tragic as it has been, and we certainly decry the violence which has occurred in Bahrain.”
The same argument has been employed in Yemen despite its failure to qualify for Mullen’s description. Washington’s relationship with Saleh cannot be labeled as sincere or historical, only critical, and now U.S. policy is about to be blown out the door. A leading Hashid in Saleh’s own tribe, Sadeq al-Ahmar, joined the opposition movement after Friday’s bloody massacre left over 50 people dead.
Speaking to Al Jazeera (who else), al-Ahmar explained, "The demands of the protesters are the demands of the Yemeni people. I can no longer fool myself, it is not the custom of men or tribes to do so... I mediated with the president to bring change, but it seems that the authority was not that serious... The president's inner circle are not good people for him or the Yemeni people. They are liars, so I have joined the revolution and I support its demands."
So far Washington is still fooling itself in states like Yemen - a gem that fell into an abyss and now lures its greedy hunters to their doom. Yemen managed to make news in the White House and State Department on Monday, but only after being forced upon them by shocking violence. Obama continues to let his spokespeople do his talking and repeat the need for a political dialogue, demonstrating no policy shift over the weekend.
“I think in Yemen you saw some changes in the government that were made yesterday,” replied Ben Rhodes, deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications, when confronted with Sunday’s army defections and a fired cabinet. “I think our view is that there’s clearly going to have to be a political solution in Yemen that includes a government that is more responsive to the Yemeni people. That has been our consistent message to President Saleh. John Brennan actually spoke with President Saleh yesterday to discuss developments in Yemen.”
By this time Yemen's Defense Minister, Mohammed Nassar Ali, had vowed to defend “democracy” against a “coup.” When Saleh consistency rebuffs the message, it’s time for a new message.
The White House stands out all the more in Saleh’s lonely corner after a government exodus delivered its new message. Worse still, U.S. officials appear visibly uncomfortable when addressing Yemeni policy. With Obama and Clinton staying off record and Brennan limiting himself to the backroom, Rhodes and the State Department's Mark Toner were left to fend for themselves in a foreign realm. Toner’s response in particular flopped like a fish out of water.
A lengthy discussion on Libya eventually gave way to Yemen when reporters questioned the double standard: vocal and active versus silent and inactive. One journalist listed the White House's private calls to Saleh and wondered why the U.S. continues to support him when he's stopped listening. Toner essentially repeats the question before stating, “any government has to support political change that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people," when they’re calling for his immediate exit. Toner also urged Saleh to follow through on an investigation into Friday - as if he had nothing to do with the killings.
The journalist then rephrases her question once more: “Why is the U.S. trusting someone who has committed these apparent acts of humanitarian violence against his own people? Does it come down to the assistance provided against AQAP?”
Toner mumbles something about, “Our assistance is based on trying to address the inequities that exist and trying to build a prosperous economy. Beyond that, it’s not a quid pro quo or anything.”
Except U.S. assistance only recently increased its humanitarian funds after a military-centric policy drew widespread criticism, locally and internationally. Yemen was set for $250 million in military assistance and around $150 million in humanitarian aid when the revolution struck, with talks of $1.6 billion in military funds over six years. U.S. weapons have been employed on protesters, the majority of which are protesting because no one alleviated their political and economic inequality.
Nor does Toner explain why Washington still trusts Saleh when few do in his own country. He even repeats Obama's standard phrase, “This is about the Yemeni people... it’s not about what the U.S. wants to see.” But until now the U.S. wanted to see Saleh in power, and the connection between political support and military assistance is glaringly obvious.
One reporter finally remarks “the silence is deafening,” prompting Toner to defend Obama as outspoken. This response elicits muffled objection from the involved reporters, now irritated with Toner’s non-responses. They know Obama has only issued several brief statements on Yemen, opting to hide behind counter-terrorism and national security officials who have no business delivering a political message on the current scale. Another reporter ultimately compares Yemen's silence to Egypt, and a short discussion ends inconclusively with a lead-in to Japan.
All in all, an accurate impression of U.S. policy in Yemen: contradictory, ambiguous, and fading away.
A case-by-case basis appears to make some sense on the surface. People cannot be expected to behave the same among friends and enemies, and some countries may require a different remedy than other. However, this thinking contradicts the ideal of universal freedom and human rights. Varying reactions to similar crises has created an overt double standard and increased the difficulty in responding. And by removing himself under the false excuse “this is about them,” Obama has ceded whatever charisma he possesses and muddied America’s overall image.
Perceived at a deeper level, the politically effective and morally sound response takes a universal stand behind democratic movements. Simplification enables an easier response without simplifying the problem. A sharper message creates real consistency, not the false consistency preached by the White House, and would eliminate the doubt consuming its energy. Additional eyes won't correct flawed policy, and Obama only has a short time to ask himself whether he wants Saleh’s downfall to end like Mubarak’s - on the fence.
Is that the consistency he wants to be remembered for?
- James Gundun is a political scientist and counterinsurgency analyst based in Washington D.C. Contact him in The Trench, a realist foreign policy blog, at www.hadalzone.blogspot.com. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com.
Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16741
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Crew member death sparks outrage from Marine Trades
SIMPSON BAY--The death of a crew member of megayacht Cheetah Moon over the weekend has sparked outrage from St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) that crimes related to the fragile yachting industry have escalated into a brutal crime.
Association Treasurer Lorraine Talmi told The Daily Herald, "This is not the first time nor, do I fear, will it be the last. In fact, this is the second time in a week that a crew member was abducted from the Simpson Bay area. The first one managed to escape, and perhaps that is why, if it is the same gang, the second one wasn't nearly as lucky."
The latest victim was a French national ? the chef aboard the megayacht, who succumbed to his wounds in Martinique where he was airlifted after he was found on Mullet Bay Beach early Saturday morning.
An infuriated Talmi said that aside from the devastating consequences to the marine industry and to St. Maarten as a destination, this latest tragic incident "has far-reaching consequences to all of us personally. When will it be you or I? The people committing these crimes are not St. Maarteners. They are not productive members of our society. They are gangsters and criminals with unconscionable minds.
"We don't have the resources on-island to resolve these heinous crimes. We need help from abroad and we need to demand that it be provided, and that there is more police presence in our neighbourhoods, that something be done to deter crime at all levels. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how successful we are or what ideas we have for the future, we will have a constantly-eroding base upon which to build it.
"Citizens and residents must demand immediate support for expanding and enhancing the Police Force. They need training and high tech labs, so that they can more often do simple crime fighting techniques like finger-printing."
Talmi said the detective staff should be expanded to work in 24-hour shifts, so that someone is always available to the victims. The detectives also should have the support they need to actually gather and analyse evidence.
Calling for "more blue" on the streets to stop crimes before they happen, Talmi said this was needed immediately, "not after the budget is approved, we need them NOW! People are not only losing property, but they are losing their lives.
"Seemingly petty crimes are addressed such as loitering at night without purpose in front of a bar, operating gypsy cabs and facilitating illegal activity, such as drug-dealing and unlicensed prostitution."
She said the Mullet Bay Resort ruins "must be torn down and the area cleaned up and made safe, with patrols, and proper lighting. Not later, now. Why do we constantly live with this dangerous scourge?
"Perhaps too many of us have sat by when similar crimes were inflicted on others. The Indian Merchant who was shot on his doorstep, the
Haitian girl who was brutally assaulted and murdered, a neighbour whose home was burglarised, a colleague who was carjacked. It is time we made a stand together and demand security for us all before it is too late!"
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Monday, March 28, 2011
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Carnival to make 30 more ship calls for 2012 season
The number of additional calls may increase in the coming months as more lines revamp their itinerary and reposition their ships.
St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo told The Daily Herald on Thursday that despite some concerns about a recent crime spike, the cruise industry continues to be attracted to St. Maarten. "We are one of their high yield destinations, but this does not mean we don't need improvement."
The additional calls for the upcoming season result from the desirability of St. Maarten, new fuel regulations and a rise in crime in Mexico, a popular cruise destination.
The continued implementation by all United States territories of the 200-mile radius for usage of low sulphur fuel also works in St. Maarten's favour, he added. "We are within the radius, so as a destination our geographic position helps our standing."
With the good news about the increase of calls, the harbour executive cautioned that "sitting still and just basking in the good luck" is not advisable. "Just as was said after last year's Seatrade Conference, St. Maarten must develop more marquee (unique) tours. We have to step up to the plate and offer more to stay competitive, because we will always be within reach of the US mainland."
Mingo said the Caribbean, based on the State of the Union address by cruise executives, have a five per cent decline in growth in the cruise sector, losing business to Europe. Cruise lines are repositioning their ships in the Mediterranean and other "exotic" ports of call in Europe. The region as a whole has seen double digit growth in cruise business in the past year.
On the local crime issue, Mingo said Heyliger, who returned home Thursday morning, had been able to allay fears about increasing crime by outlining some of the measures government has taken, including the additional assistance from the Dutch marines. The request for the help of the marines was channelled by the Council of Ministers via the Cabinet of Governor Eugene Holiday.
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ToT should not be listed separately on receipts
�Breaches will be made punishable by law�
PHILIPSBURG--The turnover tax (ToT) is "an indirect tax with the character of a consumption tax" that should not be listed as a separate item on invoices, it was stated in a press release issued by the Department of Communications on Wednesday.
A Ministerial Regulation also has been drafted making it a punishable offence to place the ToT separately on the bill, invoice or receipt. This will be punished with a fine of a maximum NAf. 5,000 per bill, invoice or receipt. It was not specified when the regulation would go into effect.
"Pending the publication and implementation of the Ministerial Regulation, the Tax Department wishes to caution businesses to start making the necessary adjustment to their administration," the release stated. It was not specified what timeframe businesses would be given within which to make the necessary adjustments.
The Tax Department was quoted as saying in the release that, since the implementation of the ToT, "it has been a point of discussion whether the ToT should be stated separately on the bill, invoice or receipt.
"The ToT is an indirect tax with the character of a consumption tax. ... Therefore the ToT should not be stated separately on the bill, invoice or receipt. Based on the intent of the law, the former Inspectorate of Taxes of the Netherlands Antilles informed various businesses that the ToT should not be stated separately on the bill, invoice or receipt," the release stated.
Based on complaints from a number of consumers who had indicated that businesses had been listing ToT as a separate item on bills, The Daily Herald sent a number of questions to Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto on January 28 seeking clarity on the matter.
The minister was asked whether businesses were allowed to apply the ToT in this manner (by charging a five per cent "tax" on receipts) and, if the approach referred to was not legal, what measures were being/would be put in place to ensure that businesses did the correct thing and did not fleece the unsuspecting public, as had been suggested.
He was also asked whether ToT was a cost for consumers or for businesses and if there was anything that government could and/or would do to ensure that businesses did not take advantage of the situation by increasing their prices significantly, in some cases by as much as 25 per cent, as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said has been done by some businesses.
This newspaper did not receive answers to its ToT questions. The minister indicated yesterday, after a follow up e-mail had been sent requesting a response, that a general press release would be issued on the subject yesterday, March 16.
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Resort reopens, workweek down from 40 to 32 hours
�
PELICAN--The Villas at Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Resort and Marina (formerly Pelican Resort) reopened on Saturday with its workers on board and can now accommodate timeshare members.
However, workers were given letters indicating that their work week has been reduced from 40 to 32 hours.
A number of workers were also given letters stating that they have been placed on non-active duty pending the outcome of dismissal requests.
Attorney representing the Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) Maarten le Poole told The Daily Herald on Sunday that the union was not happy with the reducing of the work week. He said while the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) makes provisions for a reduction in work week, this decision was not made in keeping with what is stipulated in the CLA because management did not consult with the union.
The union, le Poole said, also believes that management should have specified that the work week would be reduced in the agreement signed between the union, government and management for the reopening of the resort. Le Poole said this concern will be raised with the resort and if necessary with the government mediator. "WIFOL is not happy with this," le Poole stressed.
Regarding the placing of some workers on non-active duty le Poole said, "This was expected, as the agreement signed with the company made provisions for a minimum of 37 and a maximum of 50 workers to be dismissed pending the outcome of the dismissal request made at the Labour Department."
The exact number of workers placed on inactive status could not be ascertained yesterday. Le Poole said an inventory will have to be done to determine the exact number.
Le Poole said the labour laws indicate that workers from outsourced companies are required to go first in cases such as this one. He said it is expected that the labour office will apply the last in, first out policy. "That is one of the policies of the labour office and I hope that they look at this when they look at dismissal requests. We assume that they will handle this dismissal request like any other. There is no reason to assume that the labour office will not do that."
Saturday's reopening meant that timeshare members, exchangers, renters and guests were allowed to check in. All of the 425 units were expected to be open and all amenities available and fully functioning.
Management had earlier expressed its deepest appreciation for the patience and support of the thousands of timeshare members who call St. Maarten their "home away from home."
"While the new owner of Simpson Bay Resort and Marina and The Villas at Simpson Bay encountered many unavoidable delays in its negotiations with the workers union WIFOL ? whose demands were difficult to meet without compromising the long-term viability of the resort ? the new owner persevered in its desire to open the resort," management had said earlier.
The new resort owner had promised in a press release last week to continue to work with all the parties to find permanent solutions that will allow it to sustainably operate the resort in a "financially viable manner."
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GEBE inaugurates three new water pumps in Mullet Bay
The water pumps were officially commissioned during a brief ceremony with the construction, water distribution and water quality control teams.
With two pumps currently in use and one on standby, residents can look forward to a constant flow and consistent water pressure.
The planning phase of this project commenced about one year ago and the execution was completed solely by the GEBE project team. The installation of the pumps took three to four weeks and was completed with great success. The pumps now have and increased water capacity of 50 to 60 per cent, which means they are able to pump more water and distribute to more areas.
The team celebrated as Distribution Manager Tony Brooks pressed the button launching a new era in smart technology for GEBE. The newly installed pumps are S.C.A.D.A. ready and can be digitally controlled and monitored via a specialised computer system. These 'smart pumps' allow GEBE to keep track of the water consumption rate to be able to adjust to meet the demand.
The Mullet Bay Water Pumps distribute water to Simpson Bay, Beacon Hill, Maho, Mullet Bay, Pointe Pirouette and the Lowlands area.
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President invites New Zealand PM to watch World Cup semi finals
President Mahinda Rajapaksa today extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of New Zeland to watch the Cricket World Cup semi finals between the two nations in Colombo next Tuesday.
�Meanwhile �Pakistan‘s leaders�were considering an
invitation from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to watch a
cricket World Cup semi-final between the two countries on Wednesday.
�� In separate letters to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Singh said he looked forward to
watching the match in their company.
�� "There is huge excitement over the match and we are all looking
forward to a great game of cricket, that will be a victory for sport.
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to visit Mohali and join me
and the millions of fans from our two countries to watch the match,"
Singh said in his letters.
��
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NBK?s 17th Walkathon comes to a successful conclusion with more than 15,000 contesters
Amidst a carnival-like atmosphere, thousands of male and female enthusiastic competing walkers of all age groups took to the smooth course of NBK's 17th annual Walkathon on Saturday March 26th, 2011. More than 15,000 participated in NBK?s Walkathon led by the Minister of Public Health Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, US Ambassador in Kuwait Deborah Johnes, NBK Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Isam Jasem Al Sager and many senior NBK officials.
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
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UAE: IMF says economic recovery is gaining strength
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Taline Koranchelian visited the United Arab Emirates during February 27-March 7, 2011. The mission met with Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Governor of the Central Bank of United Arab Emirates Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, other senior government officials, as well as representatives from the business and financial community.
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/uae-imf-says-economic-recovery-gaining-strength
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Sunday, March 27, 2011
Man shot in Cul-de-Sac
MARIGOT--Gendarmes are investigation the shooting of a man who was found lying on the ground wounded in front of his French Cul-de-Sac home on Tuesday afternoon. He was immediately transported to hospital, but his condition was not known.
Responding to the incident, Gendarmes were initially unsuccessful in apprehending a suspect. The Territorial Police also assisted in securing the crime scene and controlling traffic, but to no avail. Detectives are in charge of the case with a forensics technician.
Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/14869-man-shot-in-cul-de-sac.html
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U.S. Consulate cautions over diversity visa scams
WILLEMSTAD--The U.S. Consulate General Cura�ao has reminded residents to use caution when working with private entities to apply for visas to the United States, as reports of fraudulent e-mails, Websites, and print advertisements offering visa services are on the rise.
In particular, one widespread Diversity Visa (DV) scam e-mail instructs recipients to send money via Western Union to a fictitious person at the U.S. Embassy in London. If you have received this e-mail, you have been targeted by con artists. "Under no circumstances" should money be sent to any address for participation in the DV Lottery.
The Department of State's Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) does not send e-mail notification to DV entrants informing them of their winning entries. DV-2012 applicants will never receive correspondence containing information on an applicant's status, but will only receive notification directing them to check their status on the official Website. The only official way to receive status updates is through the DV programme Website at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
Many private Websites offer legitimate services to assist individuals in applying for visas, but some illegitimate entities claim to provide "visa services" as a cover for scams or identity theft. Some of these Websites may attempt to charge a fee for providing forms and information about immigration procedures that are available to the public at no charge on the Department of State (www.state.gov) and travel.state.gov Websites, or through the U.S. Consulate Website (http://curacao.usconsulate.gov).
Persons who wish to apply for U.S. visas should use caution before deciding to send via e-mail personal information, such as credit card and bank account numbers. The only official way to register for the DV programme is directly through the official U.S. Department of State Website during the specified, limited-time registration period.
The DV programme offers up to 55,000 visa slots annually for people who wish to apply for immigration to the United States. Applicants selected in the random drawing are notified by the U.S. Department of State and are provided with instructions on how to proceed to the next step in the process. No other organization or private company is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to notify DV programme applicants of their winning entries or the next steps in the process of applying for their immigrant visas.
Successful DV-2011 applicants already have been notified by KCC by letter, not by e-mail. DV-2011 entrants also can check the status of their entries at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov until June 30, 2011. Entrants will not be asked to send money to the KCC or any U.S. embassy or consulate.
Entrants who completed the online DV-2012 entries will not receive notification letters from KCC. Rather, they must check the status of their entries themselves through the Entrant Status Check available at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov between May 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012.
To report incidents of visa fraud, please, contact the Consulate General via e-mail at nivcuracao@state.gov.
Images of U.S. emblems such as flags, eagles, monuments, or official seals do not necessarily indicate a U.S. Government Website. A domain name of ".gov" ensures that a Website is a legitimate U.S. Government site, where the information is free and up-to-date.
Complaints about unwanted e-mails that may be scams can be sent to the U.S. Department of Justice at www.usdoj.gov/spam.htm.
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Ground-breaking for new Hillside Christian School
The construction of the new school is funded by Dutch development fund USONA to the tune of NAf. 7.2 million. The building is expected have 16 classrooms, space for early childhood development, a gym that can be used by other schools that do not have gyms, a teachers' room and space for the School Board for Protestant and Christian Education.
A total of 400 pupils will be accommodated at the new school: 200 Hillside Christian Schools pupils and 200 from the public schools.
While it was recollected that plans for this new school had started in 2006, Department of Education, Research, Policy and Innovations (DERPI) Project Manager Innovations Angela Dekker said a Government protocol had been signed in 2008 to commence the second part of innovations in education, which included the construction of new schools.
Public Works Minister Theo Heyliger recollected that it had taken the Island Government five years to have ownership of the plot of land transferred the former Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles. He noted that funds allocated for this project stemmed from the NAf. 15 million devoted to school development in the Cay Hill and Belvedere areas. Work will start in the coming months for the construction of an SBO school in the same area.
Commenting on this accomplishment for the Hillside Christian Schools, Education Minister Rhoda Arrindell said her Ministry was looking at the school curriculum and conduct as a benchmark for other schools.
Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto said in his brief comments that it was always good to see positive developments and, jokingly, especially when funding did not come out of Government's already constrained budget.
Hillside Christian Schools founder Asha Stevens said the expectations in this project had been exceeded and the struggles experienced forgotten. Helmich Snijders, also a school founder, said this project would see more than 10 times the number of students attending the school than when it started.
Construction will be carried out by Taliesin Construction and PREAM Consultants will oversee the project.
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