Sunday, June 5, 2011

Wescot-Williams, Schotte to write Governors about bank nominees

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and Cura�ao Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte have drafted identical letters stating their nominees for the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Cura�ao and St. Maarten that will be sent to the Governors of the two countries.

Wescot-Williams is in Cura�ao on a working visit that has included discussions about the Central Bank.

St. Maarten's nominees had been ratified by the Council of Ministers on December 14. Later, nominee attorney Ralph Richardson withdrew and on April 19 attorney Jairo Bloem was approved to replace him. Once appointed, Bloem will serve with the country's other two nominees businessman Robbie Ferron and tax consultant Marciela Illidge.

Cura�ao's candidates for the bank board are Nelson Navarro, Glenn Camelia and Remy Maduro. They were approved by that country's Council of Ministers on March 23.

Both countries will issue national decrees with the names of the six nominees, Wescot-Williams said in a press statement. The two governors will be informed of the six nominees via the letters from the two prime ministers.

The bank charter stipulates that the chairman of the bank board should be a joint decision. It was agreed that Cura�ao and St. Maarten's finance ministers would consult further on this matter, according to Wescot-Williams.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/16766-wescot-williams-schotte-to-write-governors-about-bank-nominees.html

European football West Bromwich Albion

Date set for Mubarak trial

Toppled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, are to face trial on August 3 on charges of ordering the killing of protesters and fraud, a judicial source was quoted as saying by AFP on Wednesday. Mubarak and his sons have been referred to the North Cairo court and the hearing will be chaired by Judge Ahmed Rifat, the source said.

Fugitive businessman Hussein Salem, a close associate of Mubarak, is to face trial in absentia on the same date for the same charges, the source said.

Mubarak and sons
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/date-set-mubarak-trial-376391

Roy Hodgson Highlands Slovakia European debt crisis Peter Crouch Occupational pensions

Dissolution of Kingdom is looming, says Donner

Page8A005AMSTERDAM--The last step of the "continuous dissolution" of the Dutch Kingdom, namely the complete independence of Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten, is not far off, if things progress the way they are now, according to Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner.

Donner made his remarkable statement at a gathering of the Antillean Network Association VAN in Amsterdam Friday evening. Donner, who was the main speaker at the event that kicked off a weekend of activities themed "The Islands Adrift," explained that the process of continuous dissolution actually started in 1948.

The Round Table Conference in that year kicked off a process that led to Suriname's independence and a status apart for Aruba. With the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles in October last year the last but one step was taken in the process of continuous dissolution.

"Only one step remains: the dissolution of the Kingdom ties and the complete independence of Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten. The Netherlands would remain a Caribbean country, the consequence of the decision to take up Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba into the Dutch Constellation. And that step is not too far if we continue in this manner," said Donner, who made clear that the Netherlands cannot take that step.

Donner's speech was remarkable because it was the first time that he openly spoke about the future of the Kingdom, indirectly giving his vision on the Kingdom, a position that the Dutch Second Chamber has been asking for several times. The Dutch Government is currently preparing an official vision on the Kingdom.

The fact that the question is posed whether the Kingdom has a shared future shows that this is not the case, said Donner. "We are not busy either with the question whether the provinces have a shared future."

Yet, the Netherlands has never really answered the question what it wants for the Kingdom. "The Kingdom was just there. It was the Netherlands and the former colonies were a Dutch responsibility. The Netherlands could and cannot unilaterally make them independent," he said.

Donner said the Kingdom was more than a commonwealth of independent states. The Kingdom consists of the countries of the Kingdom that look after their own affairs, care for the interests of the Kingdom based on equality and offer each other mutual assistance.

"But it concerns the past as long as the Kingdom is merely a legal tie and political guarantee. Than the Kingdom is only a result of responsibility and accountability of the Netherlands as a former colonial power. We are busy with the past as long as we only deal with the responsibilities and restrictions of the Kingdom. We are talking about the future when we speak of the possibilities of the Kingdom," said Donner.

The transformation of October 10, 2010 was especially a reaction to grievances and problems of the past. It wasn't based on a joint vision on a positive filling in and ambitions of the new situation. "That is worrisome because the Kingdom is not a goal on its own. Than we are busy with a renovation of a constellation of which we don't know whether it is worth the while to maintain it."

Donner said it was "high time" that the partners asked themselves the question what they wanted for the Kingdom. "We can continue by reproaching each other in a loud voice, but it will only restrict the options and speed up the moment of a definite bearing up," he said.

The Minister said there were three scenarios for the Kingdom. The first scenario was to continue on the current path whereby each of the countries would go their own way without making something good of the relations and with the Kingdom relations being little more than a legal tie.

Under the first option the Kingdom would mostly have a guarantee function with the Netherlands being responsible for integer and proper governments, a solid structure of law and order and the protection of human rights. "The Netherlands would be seen as the police officer who looks after law and order in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom," he said.

In the second scenario, partners would find a basis of joint interests and of own interests which are strengthened by cooperation. The third scenario is that the countries mostly focus on their own individual interests but that the cooperation strengthens their relation.

Donner didn't indicate a preference of any of the three scenarios, since it concerned a decision of all Kingdom partners. He said the "love and tie should come from two sides and has to be stable."

The Netherlands wants to keep the ties with the other countries of the Kingdom because it has an interest in maintaining and strengthening the Kingdom. He said it was a "misunderstanding" that especially Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten had an interest in continuing the current relations and the Netherlands didn't.

He pointed out that the Netherlands had a direct interest in stability and prosperity of the Dutch "public entities" Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba which can serve as a "showcase" for the Dutch and European private sector in its trade relations with South America. Furthermore, the strategic location of the Dutch Caribbean islands make them an important partner in the fight against organised crime in the region.

Donner said there was much to gain from good and close ties in the Kingdom. A prerequisite, however, is that each country sees it as its own interest and responsibility to make sure that there is proper governance, healthy government finances, integrity, justice and safety for its inhabitants.

"Own interest because citizens want to be governed in a proper, trustworthy and integer manner. Own interest also because legal security, safety and proper governance play a key role in the decision of companies to set up a business in a country," stated Donner.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17066-dissolution-of-kingdom-is-looming-says-donner.html

Beach holidays Pop and rock Waste New Orleans Classical music Dolomites

Thank You Rae Abileah

By Mahmoud El-Yousseph

How funny it is that people will support our Constitution and the right to free speech only when it applies to them, but when it comes to Israel, the rules never applied. You can question the existence of God Almighty, insult Jesus (peace be upon him), or even call our Commander-In-Chief by any name in the book and no one will give a rat. But if you dare to challenge Israel, you are committing America's number one sin.

That is what happened to 28 year-old Jewish-American Rae Abileah during the address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress in May. Miss Abileah, a peace activist and member of pro-Palestinian group, CodePink, yelled, "No More Occupation! Stop Israeli War crimes! Equal Rights for Palestinians!"

She was quickly tackled to the ground by members of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), beaten, then arrested at George Washington University Hospital following her medical treatment. She was released a few hours later. Miss Abileah is facing charges of disrupting Congress this month.

Flashback: In September 2009, President Obama became the first president to be called ‘liar’ in front of a joint session of Congress by a Republican senator. South Carolina's Joe Wilson, pointing angrily at the President, blurted at the top of his voice: "You lie!" when Obama was addressing the Congress on health care. A few minutes later, Sen. Wilson again interrupted the President by shouting, "Not true!"

Do you wonder what happened to Sen. Wilson? No, he was not thrown out of the Capitol, was neither assaulted nor sanctioned. Absolutely no charges disrupting Congress were ever filed against him. So why was Rae Abileah treated differently? Why does America bend its knees and bow its head to Israel?

Unlike the powerful Jewish lobby or US lawmakers, who acted like cheerleaders to a foreign leader, Miss Abileah delivered a message of peace to people who could not hear it in the same way from someone who had not been where she was, who had not done what she did. Miss Abileah visited Palestine and lived among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. She was an eyewitness who spoke with an authority.

She was an eyewitness to the Israeli war crimes committed daily against Palestinians, including the uprooting of olive trees, home demolitions, land confiscation, midnight raids and arrests, targeted assassinations, and of course, the illegal and inhumane siege of Gaza. All these crimes are committed by Israel with full financial support and diplomatic cover, courtesy of the USA.

Sadly, Abileah's story was barely covered by lame stream news media in the US., whereas it was a front page story in the Israeli press. Her message to Israel and our nation is: You will not commit such crimes with my name, with my religion and with my money and get away with it.

Abileah is also an active member of Jewish Voice for Peace. On June 3, 2009: Code Pink flew a banner that said "End the siege of Gaza" at President Obama's Muslim-outreach speech at Cairo University.

This fearless truth-telling Jewish woman should be praised for her courage and unwavering support for peace, justice and freedom in Palestine. For that, I say God bless, speedy recovery, and thank you Rae Abileah!

- Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a retired USAF veteran. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com. Contact him at: elyousseph6@yahoo.com.

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16896

European debt crisis Peter Crouch Occupational pensions Australia cricket team Newspapers Mikel Arteta

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Oil prices boost Algerian exports

A new report has shown that Algeria?s trade surplus during the first four months of the year 2011 amounted to about US$8.6 billion, compared to US$6.8 billion during the same period last year, 2010.

According to the report, Algeria?s exports amounted to US$23.63 billion during the first months of this year, say an increase of 16.45%.

View over the Kasbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/oil-prices-boost-algerian-exports

Social networking Gabriel Agbonlahor Nuclear power Top 10s Sweden Moscow

Alstom to build Baghdad metro network

The French industrial Group ?Alstom? has signed an initial agreement with the Iraqi government in order to establish a metro network in Baghdad, Nuqudy.com reported. This project comes in order to limit congestion in the capital.

Baghdad's metro project will include a 26 km network and 16 station metro lines
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/alstom-build-baghdad-metro-nwetork-376603

Panto season Julio Arca Christmas markets Poland World Cup 2018 Post-traumatic stress disorder

Egyptian-Israeli trade on the rise

Statistics released by Israel Exports Institute estimated the total trade volume between Israel and Egypt at US$502 million in 2010 compared with US$405 million in the previous year. These figures translate into an increase of 24%.

Israel?s exports to Egypt rose from US$135 million to US$147 million during the mentioned period, a 10% rise.

Israel?s merchandise imports from Egypt rose to US$271 million in 2010, an impressive 105% rise compared with the previous year.

Man carrying sign that says: "Stop exporting Egyptian gas, stop draining our resources"
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/egyptian-israeli-trade-rise

China Weekend breaks Ryan Babel United Nations Madagascar Redrow

Gaddafi insists on truce not departure

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi appeared in public for the first time in weeks late Monday to welcome South Africa President Jacob Zuma. The latter told Libyan media the embattled leader wanted a ceasefire including an end to NATO strikes.

Speaking in Tripoli Zuma added: "We discussed the necessity of giving the Libyan people the opportunity to solve their problem on their own."

Zuma in Libya
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/gaddafi-insists-truce-not-departure-375963

BBC2 Dmitry Medvedev Qatar Darren Bent Lake District Floyd Mayweather

UALM calls for caution in the use of sectarian rhetoric, violation of Geneva Convention

Australia: The United Australian Lebanese Movement (UALM) calls for vigilance against the use of sectarian rhetoric in the wake of the media campaigns being waged against MP Michel Aoun.Al Jamhuriya newspaper recently published an alleged Wikileaks cable recounting former Justice Minister Charles Rizk reporting to then US Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman, that Aoun had made some derogatory comments in relation to Lebanon's Sunni Muslim sect.Rizk (a political opponent of Aoun) was apparently making these statements to Feltman and no proof tangible or otherwise has been able to substantiate these allegations.What is more dangerous is the media campaign being waged by Aoun's political opponents and certain religious figures associated with them. The former Army Commander and Prime Minister now an MP, leads the Free Patriotic Movement, a multi confessional secular party and Aoun's Change & Reform Parliamentary Bloc is composed of various sects.Aoun has risked his political capital within his own Christian community by coming to the defence of Lebanon's Sunni Muslims in the late 80's and Lebanon's Shiyite Muslims in 2006. His anti corruption campaign has ruffled many feathers and the UALM is dismayed that he is being fought with sectarian rhetoric.The use of sectarian rhetoric based on questionable allegations (or otherwise) in order to score political points is not only irresponsible but a violation of the Geneva Convention. The convention clearly states that "A Protected civilian must NOT be: Discriminated against because of race, religion or political opinion."The UALM hopes certain political groups and religious figures show wisdom and live up to their responsibility as civil servants seeking to build a state, not cause divisions within it.The United Australian Lebanese MovementMedia Office

Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/129512933030753933.htm

Chelsea Communities Burlesque China Weekend breaks Ryan Babel

SMART kicks off

page1b008PHILIPSBURG--The tenth annual St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) opened Wednesday night with a positive emphasis on future business opportunities that can be fostered between suppliers and buyers that will be part of the show.

Executive Director of St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) Valya Pantophlet said organisers were very happy with the number of suppliers (42) they had managed to secure, despite a challenging year for funding. The Tourist Bureaus of Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin had to make budget cuts this year and, as such, the funding for SMART was assured very late.

"Despite our late start, we did very well this year with suppliers and buyers. We had big plans for this year. We weren't expecting the challenges; we didn't go all out for the opening. We had to cut back on the actual tradeshow, but we are happy," Pantophlet said.

She was joined at the opening by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, Minister Theo Heyliger, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau Head Regina Labega, SMART 2011 Coordinator Evencia Seabrookes, representatives of the French side, St. Maarten's overseas marketing representatives and several other invited guests.

SMART is a conference that provides the venue for international buyers to network and negotiate future business opportunities with suppliers in the tourism industry. The most important travel industry partners and wholesale travel agents have been invited to the conference, where they can meet our hotel and excursions operators on a one-on-one basis, in order to conduct business in preparation for winter and beyond.

SMART is presented by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, L'Office du Tourisme de St. Martin, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and L'Association des Hoteliers de St. Martin.

It continues today with the buyer-to-supplier session and wraps up on Friday with three workshops focusing on Internet marketing.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17172-smart-kicks-off.html

Neal Ardley Motherwell Luis Moreno-Ocampo Sir Alex Ferguson Eric Pickles Aston villa

Dissolution of Kingdom is looming, says Donner

Page8A005AMSTERDAM--The last step of the "continuous dissolution" of the Dutch Kingdom, namely the complete independence of Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten, is not far off, if things progress the way they are now, according to Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner.

Donner made his remarkable statement at a gathering of the Antillean Network Association VAN in Amsterdam Friday evening. Donner, who was the main speaker at the event that kicked off a weekend of activities themed "The Islands Adrift," explained that the process of continuous dissolution actually started in 1948.

The Round Table Conference in that year kicked off a process that led to Suriname's independence and a status apart for Aruba. With the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles in October last year the last but one step was taken in the process of continuous dissolution.

"Only one step remains: the dissolution of the Kingdom ties and the complete independence of Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten. The Netherlands would remain a Caribbean country, the consequence of the decision to take up Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba into the Dutch Constellation. And that step is not too far if we continue in this manner," said Donner, who made clear that the Netherlands cannot take that step.

Donner's speech was remarkable because it was the first time that he openly spoke about the future of the Kingdom, indirectly giving his vision on the Kingdom, a position that the Dutch Second Chamber has been asking for several times. The Dutch Government is currently preparing an official vision on the Kingdom.

The fact that the question is posed whether the Kingdom has a shared future shows that this is not the case, said Donner. "We are not busy either with the question whether the provinces have a shared future."

Yet, the Netherlands has never really answered the question what it wants for the Kingdom. "The Kingdom was just there. It was the Netherlands and the former colonies were a Dutch responsibility. The Netherlands could and cannot unilaterally make them independent," he said.

Donner said the Kingdom was more than a commonwealth of independent states. The Kingdom consists of the countries of the Kingdom that look after their own affairs, care for the interests of the Kingdom based on equality and offer each other mutual assistance.

"But it concerns the past as long as the Kingdom is merely a legal tie and political guarantee. Than the Kingdom is only a result of responsibility and accountability of the Netherlands as a former colonial power. We are busy with the past as long as we only deal with the responsibilities and restrictions of the Kingdom. We are talking about the future when we speak of the possibilities of the Kingdom," said Donner.

The transformation of October 10, 2010 was especially a reaction to grievances and problems of the past. It wasn't based on a joint vision on a positive filling in and ambitions of the new situation. "That is worrisome because the Kingdom is not a goal on its own. Than we are busy with a renovation of a constellation of which we don't know whether it is worth the while to maintain it."

Donner said it was "high time" that the partners asked themselves the question what they wanted for the Kingdom. "We can continue by reproaching each other in a loud voice, but it will only restrict the options and speed up the moment of a definite bearing up," he said.

The Minister said there were three scenarios for the Kingdom. The first scenario was to continue on the current path whereby each of the countries would go their own way without making something good of the relations and with the Kingdom relations being little more than a legal tie.

Under the first option the Kingdom would mostly have a guarantee function with the Netherlands being responsible for integer and proper governments, a solid structure of law and order and the protection of human rights. "The Netherlands would be seen as the police officer who looks after law and order in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom," he said.

In the second scenario, partners would find a basis of joint interests and of own interests which are strengthened by cooperation. The third scenario is that the countries mostly focus on their own individual interests but that the cooperation strengthens their relation.

Donner didn't indicate a preference of any of the three scenarios, since it concerned a decision of all Kingdom partners. He said the "love and tie should come from two sides and has to be stable."

The Netherlands wants to keep the ties with the other countries of the Kingdom because it has an interest in maintaining and strengthening the Kingdom. He said it was a "misunderstanding" that especially Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten had an interest in continuing the current relations and the Netherlands didn't.

He pointed out that the Netherlands had a direct interest in stability and prosperity of the Dutch "public entities" Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba which can serve as a "showcase" for the Dutch and European private sector in its trade relations with South America. Furthermore, the strategic location of the Dutch Caribbean islands make them an important partner in the fight against organised crime in the region.

Donner said there was much to gain from good and close ties in the Kingdom. A prerequisite, however, is that each country sees it as its own interest and responsibility to make sure that there is proper governance, healthy government finances, integrity, justice and safety for its inhabitants.

"Own interest because citizens want to be governed in a proper, trustworthy and integer manner. Own interest also because legal security, safety and proper governance play a key role in the decision of companies to set up a business in a country," stated Donner.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17066-dissolution-of-kingdom-is-looming-says-donner.html

Andrew Cole Foreign policy Tony Cottee Conservation Credit cards Blackburn Rovers

Iran denies entry to its airspace to Merkel plane

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in India on a two-day's visit. However, the German chancellor's visit was delayed by the denial of overflight by Iran in its airspace, forcing her plane to circle over Turkey for two hours before it was allowed entry.

Reports said there were three planes comprising the delegations, but only her plane was denied permission in Iranian airspace. Before the plane left Berlin on Monday evening, it was reportedly given permission by Iranian authorities, reports said in Germany. 

Merkel
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/iran-denies-entry-its-airspace-merkel-plane-376066

Newspapers & magazines Food and drink Asia England rugby union team Clint Eastwood Fifa

Alternative Dining launches unique food catering concept in UAE

Alternative Dining Experience Restaurants Management LLC, a leader in alternative and innovative dining concepts, has announced that it has recently launched Tawasy Gourmet Catering, which introduces a new food catering concept in the UAE that specialises in luxury Arab cuisine. Tawasy Gourmet Catering has been established to take advantage of a surge in demand for food catering services in the GCC, which has subsequently established the catering industry as one of the region's fastest growing sectors.

Rami Wardeh, CEO and Founder of Alternative Dining
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/alternative-dining-launches-unique-food-catering-concept-uae-376547

Newspapers & magazines Food and drink Asia England rugby union team Clint Eastwood Fifa

Study: Does Israel control the media in the UK?

Children Killed by Israel in GazaLondon, (Pal Telegraph) - Israel's PR victory shames news broadcasters -The propaganda battle over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached a new level of intensity. In 2004 the Glasgow University Media Group published a major study on TV coverage of the Second Intifada and its impact on public understanding. We analysed about 200 programmes and questioned more than 800 people. Our conclusion: reporting was dominated by Israeli accounts.

Source: http://www.paltelegraph.com/world/middle-east/77-middle-east/9340-study-does-israel-control-the-media-in-the-uk.html

Science fiction Cricket Ireland Paul Myners Tromso Energy efficiency

15 children ill after milk feed

At least 15 children were hospitilised due to food poisoning after they consumed a contaminated milk drink at a school in Polonaruwa this morning, officials said.

They said the students belonged to the Royal College in Polonaruwa and had purchased the milk from the school canteen.

The children were currently being treated for vomiting and diarrhea at the local hospital, the official added.

The Polonaruwa police are conducting further investigations.

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php/latest/7932-15-children-ill-after-milk-feed

Small business Road trips Office for National Statistics Cheryl Cole Biology Guantánamo Bay

Al Qaeda gunmen take control of Yemeni city

Al-Qaeda gunmen have taken control of the south Yemen city of Zinjibar, capital of Abyan province, after clashes with Yemeni security forces that left at least 18 dead, an official said on Sunday. According to AFP, two other security officials said that fighting raged in the city on Friday and Saturday.

Five troops and a civilian died on Friday, they conveyed. According to locals, they found the bodies of at least 10 troops.

Yemen
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/main-headlines/al-qaeda-gunmen-take-control-yemeni-city

Pakistan cricket betting scandal Andy Flower Gender Kanye West Manchester City BBC2

Friday, June 3, 2011

Dionne Warwick arrives for Peridot Foundation lecture

page1a294~ To speak Saturday on domestic violence ~

PHILIPSBURG--Legendary singer and international music icon Dionne Warwick arrived on island yesterday, Thursday. She will be the keynote speaker at Peridot Foundation's Mothers Day weekend programme.

The five-time Grammy award winner, now also an author, will be the speaker at Belair Community Centre on Saturday from 8:00 to 10:00pm. Warwick told the press in a conference on her arrival that she had accepted the invitation to come here and speak on the topic Domestic Violence.

Although spared from any experience of domestic violence herself, Warwick said she found the subject of grave importance, noting that domestic violence was very rampant in the United States, where she resides.

Warwick said that she was a frequent guest speaker at similar forums, as she was a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organisation and a United States Ambassador of Health.

She also has been a strong supporter of and fundraiser for several non-profit foundations and charities over the years, including AIDS foundations, children's hospitals, disaster relief and music education foundations.

Warwick said her career as a singer had begun in her college years, when her graduation gift was her first recording, which was an instant hit. Her classic award-winning songs include "A house is not a home," "Say a little prayer," "Walk on by," and "I'll never love this way again."

Peridot Foundation founder and President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said, "Peridot Foundation is absolutely delighted that Ms. Warwick took the time out of her busy schedule to lend her international, beautiful voice to help raise awareness on domestic violence."

Warwick said she would reveal during her talk her upcoming world tour dates and locations, which could include St. Maarten.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/16527-dionne-warwick-arrives-for-peridot-foundation-lecture.html

Conservatives Art Amir Khan South Korea Global economy Supermarkets

Detectives infiltrate illegal sales seminar

~ Global World Trade Owner, three others fined ~

PHILIPSBURG--Detectives infiltrated a sales seminar at Yogesh Centre Thursday night and fined the company involved and three individuals who were found distributing the company's products without the relevant documents.

The fines were issued after the company and the three individuals failed to show the detectives a permit to "conduct business activities in St. Maarten," Prosecutor Hans Mos told The Daily Herald Friday.

The seminar organised by Global World Trade and attended by about 120 people featured what has been described as a multilevel business model that incorporates a fee of US $600 to $1,500 to join. The business model provides for the re-distribution of different packages of jewellery and a tier payment compensation system for acquiring new members, along with profit from everyone else who commits to paying a fee to sell the company's products.

"The police went in last night and established that the group had been operating as a business. To employ anyone you need a permit and proper registration," Moss explained.

"The people executing the seminar in hopes to acquire members to pay to sell their jewellery were advised to cancel their next meeting and that if they do continue to operate without a permit they will be fined again if they don't have proper paperwork. If they do not pay the fine, they will receive a subpoena to appear in court."

This infraction can result in a fine of up to NAf. 90,000 ($50,000). However, Global World Trade was fined $2,500 while each of the three individuals who were selling the packages was fined NAf. 300 (about $166).

Investigations conducted by this newspaper, making use of resources available on the Internet, revealed that Global World Trade's CEO Ramin Mesgalou has registered similar business models in North America under the names Treasure Traders and Woman Empowering Woman.

The available information also indicates that Mesgalou has opened several multilevel marketing campaigns requiring a fee to sell products and acquire a string of people who commit through the initial members' submission all around the world.

According to information available on Canada's Department of Industry Website, Canada's Better Business Borough gave Mesgalou's "Treasure Traders Corporation Ltd" an unsatisfactory rating after sufficient complaints had been submitted to that country's Office of Consumer Affairs by individuals who believed they had been "scammed" or had become victims of fraud.

Multilevel marketing schemes have been referred to as "pyramid schemes" by the United States Federal Trade Commission and the business model is said to be under review by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States Federal Government.

A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves promising participants payment, services, products, or ideals primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme without supplying any real product or service.

It is mathematically impossible for everyone to make money in a pyramid scheme. For example, if each recruit needs to find 10 more people to recoup the cost of his or her initial investment, persons at the eighth level of the pyramid would have to recruit a billion people to make back their money. And the next level would need 10 billion, nearly twice the earth's population.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/16820-detectives-infiltrate-illegal-sales-seminar.html

Pakistan cricket team Vladimir Putin North and Central America JS Bach Beach holidays Pop and rock

Bodies of African refugees recovered

alt

London, (Pal Telegraph) - UN says up to 150 bodies found off the Tunisian coast a day after a boat reportedly carrying 850 people capsized.

Source: http://www.paltelegraph.com/world/africa/9342-bodies-of-african-refugees-recovered.html

Student politics Entertainment David Lynch Reckitt Benckiser Rape Housing market

Eros Group awarded Specialist Retail Distributor of the Year

Eros Group, the sole distributor of world-renowned brands Samsung, Hitachi, Linksys, Candy & TCL and one of the leading players in consumer electronics, telecom, and allied multi-products in the Middle East, has been awarded at the esteemed Middle East Retail Academy (MERA) 2011 Awards in the Specialist Retail Distributor of the Year category. 

Eros representative receiving the award
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/eros-group-awarded-specialist-retail-distributor-year-376536

Francesca Panetta US supreme court Transfer window Canada Science fiction Cricket

Tax office holds payments for some Census 2011 workers

PHILIPSBURG--Based on e-mails circulating amongst some enumerators of the recently-concluded Census 2011 and forwarded to the media during the weekend, it appears that monies owed to many of them by the government are being withheld because of back taxes they owe the government.

The enumerators ? persons who were out in the field conducting the census ? who are yet to be paid said they had never been told that the payment they would receive could be jeopardised because of unpaid taxes. In fact, some said they had asked this specific question in pre-census sessions and were told that monies would not be applied to their back taxes and that the payment was one flat fee of NAf. 1,000.

While some enumerators said they could accept the payment being applied to back taxes, others were pretty upset.

"We went out in the hot sun and sometimes left our families at night to go out and get this information for the government. We endured insults and various forms of abuse. Now we get told that we are getting nothing for all of that.

"Some of us stepped forward to do this job for specific reasons. We needed that money for specific personal things. If this was the case they should have told us from the start. But they told us it would not happen," one enumerator said, adding that the government would not have anyone to assist for the next phase of the census.

Several enumerators have confirmed receiving their payments, which were deposited in their bank accounts late last week.

Economic Affairs Secretary General Miguel DeWeever, when contacted Sunday, did not have enough information to provide an informed explanation. Neither did Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto. However, Minister Shigemoto indicated that he would check with the Receiver's Office on Monday to obtain clarity on the situation, as it would be the Receiver that would withhold payment for taxes owed.

Shigemoto said he did not know what census workers had been told or by whom, but as far as taxes go, the Inspectorate of Taxes decides and no one else is authorised to say anything regarding payments being applied to taxes being applied owed.

Makini Hickinson, head of Department of Statistics STAT, the branch of the government that executed the census, was off-island on Sunday and could not provide a comment.

STAT Senior Statistical Analyst Maurette Antersijn confirmed to enumerators via e-mail on May 26 that their payment "has been put on hold by the tax office."

The 2011 Census began on April 9 with more than 400 enumerators in the field. The majority of these enumerators were teachers. Census 2011 was executed for nine days, until April 17. The purpose was to collect information that will be analysed into vital statistical data for St. Maarten.

STAT has scheduled a follow-up census period for next month and, in the meantime, has been asking those residents who have not been "counted in" to make appointments with the department so their information can be collected.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17285-tax-office-holds-payments-for-some-census-2011-workers.html

International criminal justice Manufacturing data Economics Oscars Liverpool Panto season

Malcolm Maidwell passes away at 73

Page1C296SIMPSON BAY--Malcolm Maidwell, much loved doyen of the sports community, passed away at his home on Saturday afternoon after succumbing to a ten-year battle against prostate cancer. He was 73.

His wife Liz and all four of his children were at his bedside. Michael Maidwell from Orange Grove band flew in from Holland to be there. Tributes have been pouring in to the Maidwell home over the weekend and countless condolence messages posted on Facebook.

Daughter Suzy told The Daily Herald while the cancer had worsened her father was determined to be awake at the end.

"He said everybody he loved and wanted to be with was alive. He had been too weak to communicate before but he suddenly said very clearly to us 'I love you all...I'm going now.' He saved all his energy to say that. It was beautiful," Suzy recalled.

His body will be cremated today Monday but that will be a private family affair.

In tribute to his immense contribution to sports, cyclists will meet at the Maidwell home on Saturday, May 14 at 3:00pm from where they will carry his ashes around the Lagoon to the runners who will be waiting at Port de Plaisance to continue the procession. The runners will finish at Kim Sha Beach before handing the ashes over to the Kayakers who will spread his ashes in the bay. A gathering will be held on the beach around 5:00pm where people will be able to pay their personal tributes.

Malcolm Maidwell was something of a visionary and responsible for starting and promoting sports such as road running, cycling, triathlons, and kayaking during the early days when those sports did not exist on the Dutch side.

He came to the island in 1969 and started a boat-building business with Peter Spronk in 1971. At the time he was an avid runner and soon formed the Road Runners Club with another sports enthusiast Dr. Frits Bus in 1984. The club is now in its 26th year.

It was around 1992 that Malcolm started the Friendly Island Triathlon Association and subsequently opened the Tri Sport shop as a means to import bikes for a growing number of triathletes. His brainchild, the Mini Triple Triathlon, encouraged many newcomers into the sport due to its flexibility of distances and disciplines.

In 1998 the Friendly Island Cycling Association was formed. Prior to this cycling clubs were all on the French side.

Following a cycling accident, he changed tacks and formed the Friendly Island Aquatic Club in 2002 which promoted Kayaking.

In 2005 he was decorated by Queen Beatrix of Holland for his contribution to sports.

Malcolm Maidwell will be remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and encouraging scores of sedentary people into healthy, sporty, lifestyles. He delighted in seeing his new-found athletes' progress.

Said Frits Bus; "I've lost my best and closest friend. We shared the same interests and passion for sports. Malcolm was always the driving force behind the forming of clubs and events. We did a lot together. The way he approached people and motivated them was amazing. We will miss him terribly."

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/16602-malcolm-maidwell-passes-away-at-73.html

Awards and prizes Social networking Gabriel Agbonlahor Nuclear power Top 10s Sweden

Van Raak says Theo is ?little mafia boss?

THE HAGUE--"Little mafia boss, Mr. Ten Per cent." That is how Member of the Dutch Second Chamber Ronald van Raak of the Socialist Party (SP) referred to St. Maarten's Vice-prime Minister Theo Heyliger during a meeting of Parliament Wednesday.

And Member of Parliament Eric Lucassen of the Party for Freedom PVV referred to St. Maarten's Prime Minister (Sarah Wescot-Williams) as a "conceited diva."

Van Raak's remarks were not appreciated by several of his colleagues as well as Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner. "That doesn't fit in the manner we talk about other governments and ministers. It is not conducive to a fruitful cooperation," said Donner, adding that he had "felt the urge to leave the room" while Van Raak spoke.

The SP Member of Parliament (MP) made his remarks when responding to a statement by Heyliger a few weeks ago in which he had likened the current stringent financial supervision of St. Maarten to "modern-day slavery."

"We are all slave drivers here. That is a remarkable characterisation considering the fact that we paid off the debt of the islands, including St. Maarten, and that we are helping out with expertise. Theo Heyliger is a little mafia boss. He is referred to as Mr. Ten Per cent," said Van Raak.

Acting Chairman of the Second Chamber's Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations Jeroen Recourt interrupted immediately and requested Van Raak to steer clear of using such characterisations. "You should not use these terms because then you do the same as the person that spoke of slavery," he said.

"If it is so, it needs to be said," reacted Van Raak, who called for an investigation into the state and integrity of St. Maarten's government in the same manner as the 2007 report of the Scientific Research and Documentation Centre WODC of the Dutch Ministry of Justice.

"I want clarity on the relation of politicians with casinos, with the government-owned companies and with the issuing of permits, and I want special attention paid to Heyliger's role," Van Raak said.

Other parties expressed no support for Van Raak's call for an investigation and most also denounced his remarks especially about Heyliger. "The Kingdom lives seeing this intense discussion, but qualifications such as slave drivers and mafia boss are improper," said MP Bas Jan van Bochove of the Christian Democratic Party CDA.

Van Bochove said he found it "presumptuous" to keep calling for an investigation or intervention whenever things are not 100 per cent. "We seem to give the new countries almost no time. It seems we want to finish them off after a few months. That isn't conducive to the process of growing up to become an adult. Let's give them some time while staying alert. But we should not shout that nothing is right over there after half a year and some headwind," he said.

MP Martijn van Dam of the Labour Party PvdA accused Van Raak of saying things to get "publicity" and for "local consumption." "These statements contribute nothing," said Van Dam, who did agree with Van Raak that the difficult budgetary process in St. Maarten "created little confidence" in the country's capacity.

MPs didn't respond or get upset when Lucassen of the PVV called Wescot-Williams a "conceited diva" because she hadn't shown up for a meeting with the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT. He said the CFT was being "opposed" - the same CFT, which he said "protected St. Maarten from disaster."

Lucassen said Heyliger's slavery statement was "totally unacceptable."

"The Dutch tax payer had to pick up the tab to pay off your debt and we are being accused of slavery? If Mr. Heyliger is fed up with us, he should stop begging for money and get to work to realise true independence and get out of the Kingdom," he said.

Ineke van Gent of the green left party GroenLinks condemned Van Raak's statement about Heyliger. "You are accusing a person who is not here to defend himself. You flip about the term slave driver, yet you use these sort of characterisations," she said.

Van Gent complimented CFT saying that, "They are sitting on top of this like a pit bull that doesn't only bark but also bites." Van Gent too indicated that she was worried about St. Maarten's financial future because investments and debts would end up being deferred which would not serve the people.

MP Andr� Bosman of the liberal democratic VVD party pointed out that the CFT concluded that St. Maarten's 2011 budget sufficiently complied with the norms set in the Financial Supervision Law, but that it remained concerned about the structural tenability of the government finances.

Bosman was clear in his views about Heyliger's slavery remark. "St. Maarten chose and wanted to choose. St. Maarten made a deal and now it doesn't want to stick to that. That has nothing to do with slavery, but everything with a good and reliable government. I find this remark totally unfitting. It doesn't reflect the relations between St. Maarten and the Netherlands," said Bosman.

Wassila Hachchi of Democrats D66 shared the sentiments of concern of the other parties about St. Maarten's finances and the budget. "A solid financial and budgetary discipline is an important indicator of good governance. We are glad that the CFT has approved the budget but we are a bit concerned about the future," she said.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/16968-van-raak-says-theo-is-little-mafia-boss.html

US military Milan Baros Economic policy Environmental sustainability Roberto Mancini JLS

CFT and Parliament meet in closed session

~Press asked to leave meeting~

PHILIPSBURG--Tuesday's Central Committee meeting between Parliament and the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT was deemed a closed-door session by President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell which in effect barred the press and stopped the live broadcast of the session on television and radio.

Arrindell told representatives of this newspaper and Radio Soualiga who were present in Parliament's Press Room that they had to leave just before the meeting started because the CFT wanted a closed session and would give information at its press conference today, Wednesday.

The journalists were told by Arrindell (UP), after they protested that no notification was given to the press or the public about the meeting being in camera, that if they did not leave they would be "escorted out of the building."

She added that the Members of Parliament (MPs) were informed on Monday that the session was closed. However, there was no follow-up notification to the press or public to inform about this change. Arrindell had issued a press release on Sunday night about the Central Committee meeting with no mention of the session being closed.

A member of the public who turned up for the meeting was not allowed to sit in the public gallery.

After leaving the Press Room, Arrindell instructed a staff member from the Department of Communication (formerly the Government Information Service) to turn off the audio and video feed to the room.

Based on Article 60 of the Constitution, Parliament meetings are public. An in camera session can be held if this is considered necessary by the President of Parliament or if this is demanded by four Members of Parliament (MPs). The meeting is entitled to resolve, by two-thirds of the votes cast, that it shall deliberate and make decisions in camera.

In Tuesday's case, the CFT asked for the meeting to be closed. MP Roy Marlin of the Democratic Party (DP) queried at the beginning of the session why the session was closed and was told about the CFT request by Arrindell.

As the meeting continued, Marlin left to talk about the matter with the journalists present. He said he raised the question about why the meeting was closed because he believes that if Parliament has a meeting it should be open to the public. "I also respect the fact that if a third party wants to meet Parliament behind closed doors. Sometimes it gives the third party the opportunity to say things that they would not normally say in a public session. If it gives a third party an opportunity to say things they would not normally say, I have no objections to that."

Marlin said that based on the information obtained in a meeting, an MP can form an opinion and be able to make decisions. All meetings of Parliament are crucial and important for the public, but if a third party requests a closed session, Parliament has "to weigh it very carefully."

In a later Kingdom Affairs Committee meeting, Arrindell asked for the position of the CFT to be placed on the agenda of the Kingdom Parliamentary Consultation Meeting slated for June 13 in The Hague. She wants to specifically discuss the right of Parliament to have the final say on the country's budget because the developments surrounding the 2011 budget showed that Parliament's authority was not fully respected.

Also present for the meeting with CFT were MPs Jules James, Romain Laville, Dr. Ruth Douglass, Johan Leonard and Silvia Meyers-Olivacce of the United People's party (UP), Leroy de Weever (DP), Patrick Illidge (independent), George Pantophlet and Dr. Lloyd Richardson of the National Alliance.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/16936-cft-and-parliament-meet-in-closed-session-.html

Roberto Mancini JLS Protest Norway Alexander Litvinenko London

Schotte: Tromp was out to blackmail me

WILLEMSTAD--Cura�ao Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte (MFK) called an urgent press conference after his heated meeting with Central Bank director Emsley Tromp to say the latter had tried to blackmail him with accusations against cabinet members to avoid giving clarity on his own dubious role in a NAf. 3-million loan.

The young prime minister said that, based on recent reports that he had arranged a

NAf. 3-million loan for two companies without any collateral from a commercial bank, the Council of Ministers had required further explanation, after Finance Minister George "Jorge" Jamaloodin had reported on his talk with the Central Bank director on the same topic earlier that day.

Schotte said that instead Tromp had launched serious allegations without presenting proof against him and other ministers, even claiming that Jamaloodin had threatened to plant drugs in the car and/or office. He called it an unsuccessful attempt at blackmail and nothing but a smokescreen.

Jamaloodin had put a distance between himself and his company Speedy Security when he had become minister and a committee had chosen government's "house bank" based on purely objective and well-established criteria, in a completely transparent manner.

It was Tromp who had received NAf. 3 million in his personal bank account from a loan that lacked any collateral. "So the question is: What did the Central Bank give or owe that bank instead?"

The prime minister added that the ties of a direct subordinate of Tromp at the Central Bank to the two companies that had benefitted from the loan made it all even more dubious. He said it was actually the audit team of the Central Bank that had noted the irregularity, "but word apparently came from above not to touch the matter, because it involved the boss."

There were more issues, he said, such as an insurance company operating without the required coverage from abroad. An attempt had been made to obtain such from another island nearby, but it had failed, he added.

"These matters affect the integrity of the institution and government had a right to demand clarity."

Asked what will happen now, Schotte said he would have talks about the matter with experts during his trip to the Netherlands, which starts today, Thursday, but that things could not stay this way.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17174-schotte-tromp-was-out-to-blackmail-me.html

Liverpool Panto season Julio Arca Christmas markets Poland World Cup 2018

The Village One to One Hotel becomes latest business partner to join Etihad Guest Loyalty

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme from Etihad Airways, has announced a new partnership with Abu Dhabi?s unique boutique property One to One Hotel ? the Village. The new partnership allows Etihad Guest members to earn Etihad Guest Miles each time they stay at the hotel.

One to One Hotel
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/one-one-hotel-%E2%80%93-village-becomes-latest-business-partner-join-etihad-guest-loyalty-376579

Tottenham Hotspur Retirement planning Tim Cahill Bolton Wanderers Rob Brydon Electronic music

Alternative Dining launches unique food catering concept in UAE

Alternative Dining Experience Restaurants Management LLC, a leader in alternative and innovative dining concepts, has announced that it has recently launched Tawasy Gourmet Catering, which introduces a new food catering concept in the UAE that specialises in luxury Arab cuisine. Tawasy Gourmet Catering has been established to take advantage of a surge in demand for food catering services in the GCC, which has subsequently established the catering industry as one of the region's fastest growing sectors.

Rami Wardeh, CEO and Founder of Alternative Dining
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/alternative-dining-launches-unique-food-catering-concept-uae-376547

Blackburn Rovers Steve Coogan Biffy Clyro United Kingdom Recession Skiing

Highest point reached at Hope Estate phase two

page1a012HOPE ESTATE--Minister responsible for public housing Theo Heyliger was hoisted by crane in a three-person construction basket and poured champagne over the highest point of the Hope Estate phase two apartment project on Monday. The project consists of 24 three-bedroom apartments.

The Minister lauded the fact that the project is nearing completion and, although just a drop in the housing demand bucket, will offer homes to some persons who need them the most. He pointed out that although monies from Dutch funding agency USONA for public housing had been depleted, it was time for St. Maarten to find creative ways to fund future construction of affordable homes.

In this context he mentioned "seriously looking at" housing bonds, finding ways of tapping into the pension fund, the housing foundation obtaining feasible interest rates at the banks, etc. He also gave a guarantee to St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) Director Henry Lynch that government would soon sign over properties "to further develop affordable homes" for the people of St. Maarten.

As phase II is an extension of the 70 apartments that comprise Hope Estate phase I, the 24 units will be managed by SMHDF through a management agreement with government.

The project is being financed by USONA for approximately NAf. 4.4 million through the Social Economic Initiative funding. Government is contributing NAf. 1.1 million, NAf. 900,000 of which is designated for infrastructure and NAf. 100,000 for drainage provisions. SMHDF also is contributing NAf. 169,000.

The 24 apartments are in three separate three-storey buildings located adjacent to the three buildings of Hope Estate phase I.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17320--highest-point-reached-at-hope-estate-phase-two-.html

Terrorism policy Christina Aguilera The US embassy cables Work & careers Hacking Financial Services Authority (FSA)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Highest point reached at Hope Estate phase two

page1a012HOPE ESTATE--Minister responsible for public housing Theo Heyliger was hoisted by crane in a three-person construction basket and poured champagne over the highest point of the Hope Estate phase two apartment project on Monday. The project consists of 24 three-bedroom apartments.

The Minister lauded the fact that the project is nearing completion and, although just a drop in the housing demand bucket, will offer homes to some persons who need them the most. He pointed out that although monies from Dutch funding agency USONA for public housing had been depleted, it was time for St. Maarten to find creative ways to fund future construction of affordable homes.

In this context he mentioned "seriously looking at" housing bonds, finding ways of tapping into the pension fund, the housing foundation obtaining feasible interest rates at the banks, etc. He also gave a guarantee to St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) Director Henry Lynch that government would soon sign over properties "to further develop affordable homes" for the people of St. Maarten.

As phase II is an extension of the 70 apartments that comprise Hope Estate phase I, the 24 units will be managed by SMHDF through a management agreement with government.

The project is being financed by USONA for approximately NAf. 4.4 million through the Social Economic Initiative funding. Government is contributing NAf. 1.1 million, NAf. 900,000 of which is designated for infrastructure and NAf. 100,000 for drainage provisions. SMHDF also is contributing NAf. 169,000.

The 24 apartments are in three separate three-storey buildings located adjacent to the three buildings of Hope Estate phase I.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17320--highest-point-reached-at-hope-estate-phase-two-.html

Self-catering International criminal justice Manufacturing data Economics Oscars Liverpool

Clash in Cura�ao worries Donner, Dutch Parliament

THE HAGUE--"A highly undesirable situation." That is how Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner described the allegations by both Cura�ao Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte and Cura�ao/St. Maarten Central Bank president Emsley Tromp.

Donner promised the Second Chamber's Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations during a meeting Thursday night that he would look into the facts of the situation in Cura�ao and inform Parliament by way of a letter "as soon as this was possible and sensible."

The minister didn't want to go into details on the clash between the Cura�ao government and Tromp, because a Parliament debate will be held on this issue in the foreseeable future.

Member of Parliament (MP) Eric Lucassen of Party for Freedom PVV, earlier on Thursday, requested a debate on short notice to discuss the latest developments in Cura�ao. PVV received support from Socialist Party (SP) which has also sought an investigation on previous occasions.

"Often we asked for an investigation into corruption on the islands. Every time we were told that it isn't so bad and as a Parliament we just have to accept it. When these kinds of serious allegations are going back and forth, it is high time for an investigation and Cura�ao is a nice start. I say it is time to clean up the mess," said Lucassen.

"This is not just a rumour. It is a serious statement by a very serious person," said MP Ronald van Raak of SP. According to Van Raak, this affects the quality of government and "possibly" Article 43, the guarantee function, of the Kingdom Charter. "That is why I support this request," he said.

Ruling parties, the liberal democratic VVD party and Christian Democratic Party CDA considered a general debate on the Cura�ao situation unnecessary. VVD MP Andr� Bosman: "If we had to request a meeting every time these kinds of allegations were expressed on the islands, we would have to reserve the entire agenda of Parliament." Bosman said it was wise to steer clear of "saying things without having the facts."

"In this stage, you should allow further development. There is no reason for a debate at this time," said MP Bas Jan van Bochove of CDA.

The question is when this debate will be held because there is a long waiting list for debates which need handling before the summer recess in July. MP Martijn van Dam of Labour Party PvdA said in the meeting with Donner Thursday night that he didn't want to wait on this debate for four or five months. He asked Donner to report to Parliament by letter within ten days.

"The Prime Minister of Cura�ao and the Central Bank president are fighting in the street and calling each other names. It is their fight, but this should not be allowed in a decent country and therefore it is inappropriate in the Kingdom," said Van Dam.

"It strikes me that Prime Minister Schotte speaks about the president as if the latter was his subordinate. That fits the way the Cura�ao Government deals with appointments and dismissals, but the Central Bank is a very important institution and it needs to be able to operate independently," said Van Dam.

Donner said he wanted to write his response about the situation in such a way that it wouldn't add to the public discussion between Schotte and Tromp. But, he added: "My impression of the seriousness of the situation is the same as that of Mr. Van Dam. It is highly undesirable that the government and Central Bank engage in discussions in this manner."

Donner said he first needed to get informed on the facts before deciding whether the Cura�ao situation was a matter for the Kingdom. "I will inform the Chamber about the facts and a possible solution as soon as possible."

MP Ineke van Gent of the green left party GroenLinks advised the minister to discuss the matter with Schotte during their next meeting which is scheduled for early next week. Schotte is currently in the Netherlands.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/17252-clash-in-curacao-worries-donner-dutch-parliament.html

International criminal justice Manufacturing data Economics Oscars Liverpool Panto season

Thank You Rae Abileah

By Mahmoud El-Yousseph

How funny it is that people will support our Constitution and the right to free speech only when it applies to them, but when it comes to Israel, the rules never applied. You can question the existence of God Almighty, insult Jesus (peace be upon him), or even call our Commander-In-Chief by any name in the book and no one will give a rat. But if you dare to challenge Israel, you are committing America's number one sin.

That is what happened to 28 year-old Jewish-American Rae Abileah during the address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress in May. Miss Abileah, a peace activist and member of pro-Palestinian group, CodePink, yelled, "No More Occupation! Stop Israeli War crimes! Equal Rights for Palestinians!"

She was quickly tackled to the ground by members of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), beaten, then arrested at George Washington University Hospital following her medical treatment. She was released a few hours later. Miss Abileah is facing charges of disrupting Congress this month.

Flashback: In September 2009, President Obama became the first president to be called ‘liar’ in front of a joint session of Congress by a Republican senator. South Carolina's Joe Wilson, pointing angrily at the President, blurted at the top of his voice: "You lie!" when Obama was addressing the Congress on health care. A few minutes later, Sen. Wilson again interrupted the President by shouting, "Not true!"

Do you wonder what happened to Sen. Wilson? No, he was not thrown out of the Capitol, was neither assaulted nor sanctioned. Absolutely no charges disrupting Congress were ever filed against him. So why was Rae Abileah treated differently? Why does America bend its knees and bow its head to Israel?

Unlike the powerful Jewish lobby or US lawmakers, who acted like cheerleaders to a foreign leader, Miss Abileah delivered a message of peace to people who could not hear it in the same way from someone who had not been where she was, who had not done what she did. Miss Abileah visited Palestine and lived among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. She was an eyewitness who spoke with an authority.

She was an eyewitness to the Israeli war crimes committed daily against Palestinians, including the uprooting of olive trees, home demolitions, land confiscation, midnight raids and arrests, targeted assassinations, and of course, the illegal and inhumane siege of Gaza. All these crimes are committed by Israel with full financial support and diplomatic cover, courtesy of the USA.

Sadly, Abileah's story was barely covered by lame stream news media in the US., whereas it was a front page story in the Israeli press. Her message to Israel and our nation is: You will not commit such crimes with my name, with my religion and with my money and get away with it.

Abileah is also an active member of Jewish Voice for Peace. On June 3, 2009: Code Pink flew a banner that said "End the siege of Gaza" at President Obama's Muslim-outreach speech at Cairo University.

This fearless truth-telling Jewish woman should be praised for her courage and unwavering support for peace, justice and freedom in Palestine. For that, I say God bless, speedy recovery, and thank you Rae Abileah!

- Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a retired USAF veteran. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com. Contact him at: elyousseph6@yahoo.com.

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16896

Stoke City TV ratings Public sector cuts Kevin Campbell Theatre Mortgages

Muna Shaddad looking for an effective diet

Kuwaiti actress Muna Shadad said that her participation in the program ?Shat Bahr Al Hawa? (On the seashore), aired on the satellite channel MBC, made her connect with her Kuwaiti and Gulf roots.

Muna Shadad
� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

read more

Source: http://www1.albawaba.com/star-news-and-gossip/muna-shaddad-looking-effective-diet-376428

Social networking Gabriel Agbonlahor Nuclear power Top 10s Sweden Moscow