Dutch cooperation funds end in 2012

THE HAGUE--Cura�ao and St. Maarten no longer will receive cooperation funds from the Netherlands as of 2013, according to the 2012 budget of the Dutch Government. The 14.7 million euros The Hague will make available for socio-economic and education projects in the two countries in 2012 will be the last.

The Hague will subsidise the youth and education programmes for the last time in 2012, while entities such as the Antillean Co-financing Organisation AMFO and the Antillean Development Fund SONA no longer will receive money for socio-economic projects next year.

"After this, it is up to the new countries to take care of the financing of these tasks," as was stated in the policy note accompanying the 2012 budget of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK.

There are other forms of cooperation on the level of government departments and municipalities. For example, there is the agreement with Amsterdam and the revolving fund to restore monuments in the Dutch Caribbean of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science OCW, according to the policy note.

"The autonomy of Cura�ao and St. Maarten will be strengthened by ending the cooperation funds in 2012," stated Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner.

"In 2012 the last financial contribution will be supplied in the area of cooperation programmes, which changes the character of cooperation between the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The cooperation relation will be determined mostly by the presence of the Netherlands in the Caribbean through Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba," Donner said.

The execution of a number of programmes ? for example, as part of the Social Economic Initiative (SEI) ? will end no later than 2014. The last SEI contribution will be made in 2012, but the execution of the already committed project proposals may continue for a few years.

"Cura�ao and St. Maarten increasingly will have to be self-reliant. The democratic process in these countries will be stimulated because the governments of Cura�ao and St. Maarten will carry more responsibility to realise a balanced budget," stated Donner.

The termination of subsidy was to be expected, because that was part of the agreements that were made in connection with the reorganisation of the Antillean debt and the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles.

The Netherlands will continue to assist Cura�ao and St. Maarten in the process of building up vital organisations of the new countries in 2012. This support is based on a law that guarantees the plans of approach for the federal tasks of Cura�ao and St. Maarten. In 2012 the plans of approach will be implemented further and concluded.

Cura�ao and St. Maarten will remain a costly affair for the Netherlands because of the debt reorganisation. The Hague will be paying off this debt, including interest payments, until 2030. It concerns 248 million euros for 2012 and 294 million euros for 2013; thereafter, the amounts gradually decrease.

The item "Guarantee Function" on the budget destined mostly for maintenance of law and order and the promotion of good governance will remain more or less the same in the coming years at around 60 million euros. The Netherlands assists the islands with the cost of their judicial apparatus in various areas such as the Court of Justice, the Prosecutor's Offices and the Coast Guard.

The allocated amount for the cabinets of the Governors of Aruba, Cura�ao and St. Maarten will decrease effective 2012. The cabinet of the St. Maarten Governor received 2.3 million in 2011, but with effect from 2012 this amount will be reduced gradually to 1.6 million euros in 2016.

The Governor's cabinet in Aruba will go down from 2.1 million to 1.8 million euros in 2012 and 2013. The cabinet of Cura�ao's Governor also will have to do with less; by 2015 it will receive 2.6 million euros. Some 2.9 million euros was allotted for that cabinet in 2011.

The Dutch budget does not take into account an increase of the so-called BES Fund, the fund from which the Dutch "public entities" Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba receive their free allowances to finance their tasks. From 2012 to 2015 an amount of 25 million euros has been reserved for this fund. The various Dutch ministries together spend some 110 million euros on behalf of the "public entities."

The expenditures for the item Kingdom Relations in the 2012 budget has been calculated at 428 million euros. This amount will be 278 million euros in 2013 and 278 million euros in 2013.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20747-dutch-cooperation-funds-end-in-2012-.html

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Gumbs on the defensive over strike at new kitchen

MARIGOT--President Frantz Gumbs was forced to explain the Collectivit�'s handling of the teething issues plaguing the new central kitchen following Monday's strike action and his subsequent radio interviews.

"The new kitchen is a modern tool that naturally takes a few days to be up and running normally," he insisted in a release. "There is no way such a complex tool could work perfectly from the first day. Most of the cooks do understand that."

"Moreover, the issue of workers being displaced has nothing illegal in it. The president has all rights to reorganise the services of the Collectivit�. The workers concerned were proposed new positions. Some of them have adopted an attitude of systematic refusal for reasons that are not clear to me."

He acknowledged there was an incident during which two workers received electrical shocks from appliances in the kitchen, but said it is totally false to say that authorities "refused to fix the problem thus far."

"The workers concerned by the incident did not request any help from the union. The incident was dealt with adequately by management and the incident is considered a closed case. Those that came to work at 3 or 4 in the morning can attest to the fact that they volunteered to come to work at those early hours in the morning, out of love of the job and concern for the children who expected to be fed. Management at no time requested workers to come in earlier."

"I also totally deny that there was any "gas leak." The equipment in the new kitchen has a security system that shuts it down as soon as the pressure is too low. The problem is being dealt with by the company who has built the equipment. The involvement of the union cannot fix the problem. Authorities have the legal and moral obligation to fix it and will do so. It is not documents requested by the union that could have avoided any incident. The information given by the representatives of the Union is therefore totally misleading."

The President also gave the timetable of meeting requests that led up to today's action.

"On Monday September 12 around 8:30am I was informed that representatives of local UGTG were waiting to meet the President without any prior notice. The Union also requested the presence of president of CTOS. When asked the purpose of the request, the answer was, if I understood well, "the protocol" of accord signed in October 2010."

"Considering the fact that no meeting was requested in advance and that I had other engagements that morning, I proposed to meet that same afternoon at 2:30.

It is important to note that those representatives did not make any prior formal request for any meeting and that they did not request any authorisation to leave their work positions. At that time and for that day they are to be considered as having abandoned their work positions."

"Nevertheless, we did go over some points of grievances in the presence of the president of the CTOS. At the end of these exchanges we agreed that we would meet by the end of the same week to go over the "Protocol d'Accord" of October 2010. The Union requested the presence of both Presidents and a rendezvous was set for Friday 16th at 11 o'clock.

"I was informed early Friday morning that representatives of UGTG together with the union membership were at the Collectivit� waiting. Around 11:00am, the local leader of the union informed me that the representatives, together with the membership, expected me in the legislative room. I refused to meet the representatives in the presence of their membership, because:

1 - Neither representatives nor members of the union had requested authorisation to leave their work positions.

2 - Members of the union present could not be on a legal strike since no prior notice was given of any strike. So therefore they were in an "abandon de poste" situation.

3 - My wish and sincere intention, was to meet the representatives of the personnel, to go over the "accord." I could not understand the necessity of the presence of the membership of the union, unless that membership did not trust their representatives. Or is it the belief that "physical pressure" was the key to success of any talks?

I am willing to receive the representatives of the Union at any time to go over the protocol of accord of October 2010. No strike is justified at this point in time."

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20834-gumbs-on-the-defensive-over-strike-at-new-kitchen.html

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Bank Saderat Iran was victim to an embezzlement operation

The director of Bank Saderat Iran, Mohammad Jahromi, has revealed that the bank was victim to an embezzlement operation amounting to 30 trillion riyals ($3 billion). The Itimad newspaper, which is close to the Iranian government, described the case of fraud as the biggest in the country's banking history. The embezzlement comes only a week after a similar case, estimated to have cost around $2 billion. Highly placed judiciary sources said that the government has arrested the accused.

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/bank-saderat-iran-was-victim-embezzlement-operation-391028

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Saleh returns to Yemen and calls for truce

Yemen's recovering President Ali Abdullah Saleh has called for a cease-fire after returning surprisingly to the country, saying the only way out of the crisis is through negotiations.

The statement from Saleh's office was the first message since his unexpected return on Friday to the country from Saudi Arabia, where he has been for more than three months. Saleh was was treated in the kingdom after sustaining wounds in a rocket attack on his compound in Sanaa.

In his message, the veteran leader also urged political and military figures to commit to a truce. 

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/saleh-returns-yemen-and-calls-truce-393302

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Tallahassee foundation honours four persons, two foundations

PHILIPSBURG--The Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation TLH-SXMF honoured four persons and two organisations Friday, in celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the Sister City partnership between St. Maarten and Tallahassee, Florida.

Many local students have been able to get a higher education at Tallahassee universities and college through the in-state tuition that the sister city agreement brought into effect.

Honoured were Don Hughes, Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger, Oswald Francis, Diana Hendrickson-Fleming, the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation SCDF.

Each honouree was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation which bore accompanying text indicating why they had been honoured, during a ceremony held at Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

Voice of St. Maarten Radio Network owner and broadcaster Hughes was called the "Godfather of Radio."

Known as "the Boss" and "Big Daddy OJ" in his younger days, Hughes manages the country's first radio station, a task shared in the past with the late veteran politician and Hughes' close friend Vance James, Jr. He's a multi-faceted entrepreneur, who is also a contractor and a politician.

Heyliger, who was late for the ceremony and had just arrived, collected his certificate and then left for another engagement. He was honoured for "his vision and leadership" in signing the agreement in Tallahassee in 1999, when he was Tourism Commissioner of the then Island Territory of St. Maarten.

Retired police Major Louis Brown was honoured as "Godfather of Sports, while St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SCDF were honoured for their participation and support of revellers who went to Chicago, Illinois, in 1994-95, Detroit, Michigan, in 1997 and Tallahassee, in 1999.

That year, some 125 people from the public and private sectors visited Tallahassee for a cultural and socio-development promotion by the then St. Maarten Promotional Committee (SMPC), a branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Oswald Francis' certificate was collected by his daughter Connie Gumbs-Francis, while Diana Hendrickson-Fleming's was collected by a representative.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20984-tallahassee-foundation-honours-four-persons-two-foundations-.html

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Abbas vows in Ramallah: No new talks without settlement building halt

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas on Sunday ruled out new negotiations without a "complete halt" to Israeli settlement building. "There will be no negotiations without international legitimacy and a complete halt to settlements," he said in Ramallah after returning from the United Nations.

His words were a rejection of a proposal for new peace talks offered by the Quartet on Friday. The group, according to AFP, called for talks to start within a month, and for a final deal to be reached before the end of 2012.

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/abbas-vows-ramallah-no-new-talks-without-settlement-building-halt-393640

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William hits Govt for non-support of institutions, no governing programme

PHILIPSBURG--Drastic increase in Turnover Tax, skyrocketing of electricity bills and the overall dramatically increased cost of living are the legacies of the United People's (UP)/Democratic Party (DP) coalition government after a year in office, National Alliance (NA) leader Member of Parliament (MP) William Marlin pointed out at the closing of the 2010-2011 Parliamentary Year on Monday.

The just ended Parliamentary Year, he also noted, has seen no governing programme presented to Parliament.

Marlin said the people were told at the 2000 referendum that a change to the political system would put in place a government that would be able to respond quickly to their needs by cutting out the "bureaucratic bridge" between St. Maarten and Cura�ao where the majority of the Council of Ministers and MPs were elected in Cura�ao and were bound to serve interests there.

Marlin also criticised government for its lack of support for institutions put in place to ensure the country had accountability and good corporate governance instead of ministers using government-owned companies to fund their "favourite pet projects." He added that these are the same pet projects President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell (UP) as a former member of the Island Council had lobbied against.

Some institutions for good cooperate governance are "being vehemently criticised" by MPs and government. They are not only criticised; they are not getting the resources to carry out responsibility to assure good government and accountability, Marlin said, adding that "we are back to the politics of yesterday."

As for the Governing Programme, Marlin said many promises were made about green pastures, clean environment, and more job opportunities. These promises coupled with Governor Eugene Holiday's presentation of government's plans at the opening of the 2011-2012 Parliamentary Year today, Tuesday, will create a "unique situation" as no governing programme was presented to or debated by Parliament, he said.

There is nothing to judge government's progress on other than the constant increases in the cost of living, Marlin said. He chided MPs supporting the coalition for saying they will not tolerate the drastic changes, but every month brings more increases and their lack of support during the June budget debate for a motion to decrease the electricity fuel clause.

As for the spike in crime, Marlin blamed the "cash for gold" schemes that are colourfully advertised. This phenomenon is seen as the root of all the jewellery snatching that had not left many residents untouched. He said residents have also lost confidence in the police and are not reporting these crimes.

Continuing his attack on the coalition, Marlin said that unlike those MPs when the NA requested a five agenda point meeting with Justice Minister Roland Duncan and Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever, it was not for closed session of Parliament because the public needs to know what is going on.

Reflecting on the parliamentary year, Marlin said it was nice to say MPs have worked with the tools they had, but the understaffing of the Secretariat must be addressed as Parliament cannot depend on one general secretary. "We need to move beyond the cosmetics and the politics of yesteryear."

MPs' number one priority should be "moving country St. Maarten forward [...] not in the things we say, but in the things we do."

After one year later, Marlin said the role of parliament is still misunderstood, not only by a large segment of the public, but by some MPs. The responsibility of parliament, he added, is not to govern; that lies with the government as does the presentation of legislation which parliament has to approve.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20591-william-hits-govt-for-non-support-of-institutions-no-governing-programme.html

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Hanan Turk prepares for new film

Prominent Egyptian actress Hanan Turk is preparing to film the scenes of her upcoming film ?Al Maslaha? alongside prominent Egyptian actors Ahmad Al Sakka and Ahmad Izz. In the film, Hanan will play the role of Al Sakka?s wife.

 

The film will star a number of Egyptian and Syrian actors like Zeina, Abid Fahed, Salah Abdullah, Ahmad Muneer, Kinda Alloush, Nihal Anbar, Amru Yousif and Ahmad Al Sa?dani. The film is written and produced by Wael Abdullah and direction will be by Sandra Nash?at.

 

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Source: http://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/hanan-turk-prepares-new-film-394500

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Egyptian economy experiencing inflationary recession

A recent report published in the Egyptian capital Cairo reveals that the local economy is experiencing what it described as inflationary recession in the post-January 25 revolution. As a result unemployment rose from 9.1% last year to 11.9% in the first quarter of this year.

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/egyptian-economy-experiencing-inflationary-recession-391936

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Pierce Brosnan and Omar Sharif to star in latest movie to be shot in Sri Lanka

The next major foreign film tipped to be filmed in Sri Lanka  is "Toomai of the Elephants", an adaptation of a story from Rudyard Kipling's "Jungle Book", starring former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and veteran Omar Sharif, AFP reported.

Filming is set to begin in January, and many local film professionals see it as a major chance to advertise Sri Lanka as a flexible and attractive film location.

"The post-war era has opened doors for more movies to be shot in Sri Lanka," Chandran Rutnam, a Sri Lankan film maker who wrote the "Toomai of the Elephants" script, told AFP.

"Safety and difficulty to get insurance to cover film productions in Sri Lanka were the biggest drawbacks during the war. People are now willing to invest in films here because we are cheaper than other Asian locations."

Rutnam knows better than anyone the island's potential as he has worked on more than 50 international projects over the decades.

He was a 16-year-old film hand on the multiple Oscar-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), directed by David Lean and starring Alec Guinness, which was filmed in a valley near the western town of Kitulgala.

Rutnam was also production manager alongside director Steven Spielberg on the 1984 blockbuster "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". It was shot in and around the royal city of Kandy.

- AFP

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/11520-pierce-brosnan-and-omar-sharif-to-star-in-latest-foreign-film-be-filmed-in-sri-lanka.html

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Children combine charity and art for the Box Appeal 2011

Children from the Lycee Georges Pompidou School recently took part in an art competition to mark the end of The Box Appeal 2011. 30 children across various age ranges were asked to design a new logo for the annual charity campaign. 

The Box Appeal created and run by Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in the Middle East started on the15th of August and ends on the 30th of September. Held in conjunction with the Red Crescent, the campaign aims to provide labourers across the UAE with essential every day necessities.

Action PR

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/children-combine-charity-and-art-box-appeal-2011-394414

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Jordanian Premier says fired bank governor made "solo decisions"

Jordan's Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Tuesday dismissed media speculations over the reasons for firing the governor of the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) earlier this week. Speaking to reporters, Bakhit said that the reason for Faris Sharaf's ouster was to "save the Central Bank from drowning in individual decision-making."

According to Bakhit, Sharaf used to make "solo decisions," and had confronted with the government.

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/jordanian-premier-says-fired-bank-governor-made-solo-decisions-392968

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Hot weather to stay on

The prevalent hot weather that is being experienced in most parts of the country is set to stay on for at least another week or even more with no sign of rain an official with the Department of Meteorology said.

Duty Officer Meryl Mendis said that the highest temperature between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius was recorded at Polonaruwa and on the east coast while the temperature in Colombo and the suburbs was around 31 degrees.

He added that the current hot weather was attributed to the end of the south-west monsoon where even the winds are light in nature.

�

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/11489-hot-weather-to-stay-on.html

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?Reject violence,? jailed Tiger arms broker urges

A former Canadian Tamil activist who was caught brokering a $1-million arms deal for a Sri Lankan rebel group five years ago has written an open letter urging youths not to repeat his mistakes, Candian website National Post reported. 

Writing from prison in New York, Sathajhan Sarachandran acknowledged for the first time the Tamil youth organization he once ran in Toronto was “part of the LTTE” .

But the 31-year-old software engineer blamed “so-called” leaders of the Tamil community whom he said misled him, fuelled his anger and hatred, promoted violence and silenced advocates of non-violence.

“I only ask that you be vigilant of these people. I ask that none of you choose a path where violence is encouraged. Please don’t be a catalyst for promoting any form of violence or hate,” he wrote in the two-page letter.

The jailhouse letter, dated Aug. 9, was posted this week on the website of Mercy for Tamil Prisoners, a Markham, Ont.-based non-profit founded by families of prisoners detained on charges related to Sri Lanka’s civil war.

“LTTE is no more. We must accept the fact and move on with the reality. I ask that all you brothers and sister to refrain from LTTE ideology,” Sarachandran wrote.

“As Tamils we must reject violence and embrace peace. … I beg you not to get trapped in the extremist ideologies.”

Read the letter here

Source - National Post

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/11512-reject-violence-jailed-tiger-arms-broker-urges.html

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Royal family arrives in St. Maarten Nov 3

THE HAGUE--Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, her son Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Princess M�xima will arrive in St. Maarten on November 3 for a four-day visit to the three Windward Islands.

The programme in St. Maarten on Thursday, November 3, includes a visit to the Mental Health Foundation, Emilio Wilson Park, Sundial School and a cultural festival at Clem Labega Square in the evening.

As is customary when visiting one of the overseas countries in the Kingdom, Her Majesty and her delegation will meet with the Governor, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

Friday morning, November 4, the delegation will go to St. Eustatius and will be present at the opening of the new sports facilities at The Field, visit the Chapel Piece centre for the elderly and the Botanical Gardens.

In the evening there will be a cultural festival at Historical Foundation Museum. Earlier in the day, the Queen and her delegation will meet with the Lt. Governor and members of the Executive and Island Councils.

The royal delegation will have a full programme in Saba on Saturday, November 5. On the programme is a visit to the new Comprehensive Technical Centre, the Child Focus Foundation, Eugenius Johnson Community Centre, the harbour, the home for the elderly and hospital, Cruyff Court and Saba University School of Medicine.

The meeting with members of the Saba Executive and Island Councils will take place in the form of a lunch. Saturday late afternoon, the royal delegation will returns to St. Maarten for a reception to be hosted by Governor Eugene Holiday. The delegation will leave for the Netherlands on Sunday, November 6.

Queen Beatrix, the Crown-Prince and Princess will start their visit to the Dutch Caribbean in Aruba on October 28, where they will attend a multi-cultural music festival at new Linear Park, after meetings with the Governor, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers and Parliament.

The programme in Aruba on Saturday includes a visit to the Arikok nature park, the renovated Yuwana Morto district and a women's shelter. Crown Prince Willem-Alexander will be key note speaker at the Green Aruba Conference.

On October 31, the delegation is in Bonaire where they will visit the culture park and educational facility Mangazina di Rei and the nature area Lac Cai. Princess M�xima will open the building of the Youth and Family foundation.

On November 1 and 2, the delegation will be in Cura�ao. On the programme are, among other activities, a visit to Princess Margriet School, Academy Hotel, the IFE nursing school, the Seru Fortuna district and Banda Abou. A cultural festival will take place at Brionplein on November 1.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/21018-royal-family-arrives-in-st-maarten-nov-3-.html

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Three wounded in new attack on Egypt-Israel gas pipeline

Three persons were wounded in a new attack overnight on a pipeline supplying gas from Egypt to Israel, witnesses and Egyptian security sources said Tuesday. According to AFP, at least three gunmen in a van opened fire on a gas facility before a blast hit the pipeline near the town of al-Arish in the north of the Sinai peninsula, witnesses said.

It was the sixth such attack on the pipeline since Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak was toppled in February.

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/three-wounded-new-attack-egypt-israel-gas-pipeline-393905

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Police: Pawn shops, jewellers knowingly accept illegal goods

~ Roy calls for stringent regulations ~

PHILIPSBURG--Head of the Police Judicial Division Denise Jacobs says pawn shops and jewellers in St. Maarten knowingly accept illegal goods.

Her remarks sparked a call for more stringent measures to be placed on pawn shops and jewellers by amending the Unusual Financial Transaction Reporting Centre MOT regulations that regulate transactions at these establishments. The suggestion made by Democratic Party (DP) Member of Parliament (MP) Roy Marlin calls for having those who sell pieces of jewellery to pawn shops present identification, a home address and proof of registration in St. Maarten.

Jacobs made the disclosure during Monday's Central Committee meeting of Parliament on crime. Jacobs, Justice Minister Roland Duncan and Chief of Police Peter de Witte were on hand to answer questions posed by MPs at the meeting requested by National Alliance (NA) since August 30.

"We have information that many pawn shops receive illegal goods and they don't register properly and we also have information that jewellers accept questionable pieces of jewels from either pawn shops or thieves," said Jacobs.

The Judicial Division Head said that while there had been an increase in robberies this year compared to last year, the hike was due to "external influences."

"This means the police don't have direct influence on these matters such as the increase in gold value, more demand for jewels; and pawn shops and businesses are not following closing times and we are not investing enough in preventive measures," Jacobs said. "We believe this is a matter of demand and supply."

Both National Alliance Leader Member of Parliament (MP) William Marlin and Roy Marlin queried whether MOT was up and running.

Roy Marlin said MOT was a very important part of combating crime and had a reporting obligation for car dealers, jewellery stores and pawn shops. He asked whether MOT was in a position to start controls on pawn shops in St. Maarten. He also asked whether MOT's current regulations could be changed to stipulate that everyone who walks into a pawn shop to exchange gold for cash must have an identification card, be registered in St. Maarten, prove that they are living in St. Maarten and provide a home address.

"We are talking about the guy that walks up and grabs your chain ? we don't know if it's locals or foreigners ... but [there are-Ed.] people who walk into a pawn shop right now and exchange a piece of gold chain for cash, while this person has no legal residence in St. Maarten."

The DP MP also suggested that the Police Force could create a special unit to start controls on pawn shops. "Let's do that. I don't think we have to go over to re-inventing the wheel," he said.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/21051-police-pawn-shops-jewellers-knowingly-accept-illegal-goods-.html

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Rashed Al Majed sets final date for album release

Prominent Saudi singer Rashed Al Majed has decided on December 1st to be the final date for the release of his latest album, which has been postponed for months. Despite the delay in releasing the album, Rashed had released numerous hit singles to avoid being away from the music scene.

 

Rashed is holding extensive work sessions in studios in Dubai and Al Manama to finalize recording the album?s songs.

 

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/rashed-al-majed-sets-final-date-album-release-394308

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Sarah: St. Maarten wants to strengthen ties with China

~ Chinese Association donates $2,500 to students ~

COLE BAY--Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams has asked Chinese Ambassador based in Antigua and Barbuda Liu Hanming to express St. Maarten's desire to strengthen ties with China.

The prime minister's remarks were made during Sunday's celebrations to mark the 62nd Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival at Rockhouse Port de Plaisance.

She said this was not the first time St. Maarten had indicated its interest in strengthening ties with China, but noted that the interest was now being expressed in the context of St. Maarten's new constitutional status as a country.

"The government of China is doing a lot in the Caribbean region ... and we believe that St. Maarten would also like to be part of that development and relationship," she said.

Sunday's celebrations included a number of colourful performances by St. Maarten-based Chinese nationals. One of the highlights of the evening was the St. Maarten Chinese Association's presentation of a US $2,500 cheque to Education Minister Dr. Rhoda Arrindell to turn over to five underprivileged students ? one each of five secondary schools. The foundation said this gesture was in support of education and to motivate youngsters to pursue academic excellence.

The Chinese Ambassador also presented US $2,500 to the local Chinese Association. He said the funds were to aid in the association's development.

In brief remarks after accepting the cheque, Arrindell said she was impressed that the foundation was doing its part to motivate students to excel in their studies, as they were the future of St. Maarten as indicated in the Association's invitation letter to Arrindell.

"Excellence is indeed the touchstone of my policy," Arrindell said. "Excellence is what has brought China to where it is today, a major world power, not only militarily, but economically as well."

She said China was one of the most ancient cultures on the face of the earth. "It is also the most populous nation in the world. Last year China became the second largest economy in the world after the US and ahead of Japan. It also became the world's largest exporter. ..."

Hanming told the capacity-filled Rockhouse Restaurant that China had recorded great achievements, had become an influential power and had made great contributions to the economies of the world.

He said the St. Maarten Chinese Association had been formed in April 2010. He urged the association to work on promoting the Chinese culture. He also expressed hope that St. Maarten-based Chinese would work in harmony with the local community.

St. Maarten Chinese Association President Steven Huang also delivered remarks at the ceremony, which was attended by a cross section of the community, including President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell, Ministers Theo Heyliger, Hiro Shigemoto and Cornelius de Weever, and representatives of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The People's Republic of China was proclaimed 62 years ago, on October 1, 1949.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/21016-sarah-st-maarten-wants-to-strengthen-ties-with-china.html

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Duncan says Govt setting up Immigration Services Dept

~ Dept will be headed by Udo Aron ~

PHILIPSBURG--Justice Minister Roland Duncan says he is busy setting up an Immigration Services Department to structure the administration of local Immigration officers and handle Immigration-related matters.

Dutch funding agency USONA head Udo Aron will be appointed head of the department as of October 1, Duncan told The Daily Herald on Wednesday, as he sought to clear the air on his plans for Immigration.

Aron's tasks will include setting up this new department. The administration of the approximately 40-plus Immigration officers at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and the Harbour will fall under this new department. Other services that the department will handle include permits, protests against permits, visas and certain Immigration controls.

Duncan said the physical separation of Police and Immigration had taken place 13 years ago via a special central government decree in 1998. He said that the current set-up of Immigration was not structured and his vision was to have it streamlined with the set-up of the Immigration Services Department.

His plans include putting the Director of Immigration directly in charge of Immigration officers as opposed to the current situation, in which they are under the supervision of Chief of Police Peter de Witte.

The minister stressed that his plans for Immigration had no bearing on the Police Force and would not affect the work or functioning of the Police Force.

An Implementation Manager Carmelita Smits-Rombley is currently working out the structure of the new department as well as issues such as job descriptions and other tasks as they relate to the setting up of the department.

Duncan said persons were now being hired to work in the new department and he did not have a definitive date as to when the department would be fully operational.

Rumours about the changes to be made to Immigration have irked Immigration officers, who have been complaining that they are being kept in the dark about Duncan's policies. An estimated 40 to 50 Police and Immigration officers converged on the Government Administration Building on Tuesday, demanding answers about the separation of Immigration from Police.

However, Duncan, who met with representatives of the three unions representing Immigration and Police on Wednesday, said he had been perplexed by the action taken by Police and Immigration officers.

"What is so bad about separating Immigration from Police?" the minister asked. "I can only think of positive things from this. What are they [Immigration officers-Ed.] losing if they are part of a new department?"

The minister said that while he had not given the information directly to the Immigration officers about his ideas for change, he had communicated his plans to the unions representing Police and Immigration in at least four meetings, the last one being four weeks ago.

Duncan said he had "repeated himself" in Wednesday's meeting and reiterated things he had mentioned to the unions in previous meetings. "What people don't know is that I've had at least four meetings with the unions on different occasions as recent as four weeks ago, in which all of the subjects were discussed and brought forward."

"I think there are political overtones to it. The unions are out there trying to manage my ministry for me. They are saying that they were trying to find me and send me letters on Friday and Monday. I was in the Police station most of the day on Friday and Monday."

Additionally, he said it appeared as if someone had leaked details of his plans for Immigration prematurely, causing the discontent among officers.

Duncan said he is hoping to plan a meeting with Immigration officers next week.

The minister, who also accused the unions of playing politics, said he had asked the unions to give him time to work and flesh out his policies. "The unions are not giving me a chance to work. I have a plan to execute and set up an Immigration Service. That plan is not ready yet. We don't have the structure quite ready. Just give me a chance to work," said Duncan.

Also at Wednesday's meeting were United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament Johan "Janchi" Leonard and Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Patrick Illidge.

Businesslike

President of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) William Reed described Wednesday's meeting as "businesslike.

"It started off heated, but at the end of the day everyone treated everyone cordially, but I wouldn't say it was friendly."

Reed said information that reached the Police and Immigration officers regarding the separation seemed to have been leaked prematurely, resulting in "miscommunication" on the matter. "The documents that were circulating made the workers feel extremely uncomfortable, so they appealed to the union."

Reed said he had been encouraging Duncan for a while to visit the departments under his authority and familiarise himself with the workers. "Coupled with that, the amount of problems he has been having with the Immigration officers is not helping the situation."

Reed said Duncan had been "very annoyed" with the "action" that was taken on Tuesday by the officers and saw it as "a show of force." However, Reed said that the minister had "created uncertainties" among the workers.

"If he has a plan and this plan is not yet finished and the team is working on the plan, do not let the team disseminate any info before you are ready to do so," said Reed.

Reed said the minister had assured the unions that they would get a chance to negotiate Collective Labour Agreements (CLAs) for Immigration officers under the new situation. He said the union remained concerned about security issues.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20904-duncan-says-govt-setting-up-immigration-services-dept.html

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October 10 day off in Cura�ao

WILLEMSTAD--The Schotte Cabinet has declared Monday, October 10, an official holiday.

It is the anniversary of the date the island gained autonomous country status within the Dutch Kingdom and will be called Cura�ao Day from now on. July 2 remains National Flag and Anthem Day, also a holiday.

Historically, July 26 was considered Cura�ao Day in commemoration of when Spanish explorers, the first Europeans, sailed into Ana Bay, but it was no longer being marked as such with the observance of July 2.

Coincidentally, a group organised a religiously-oriented celebration of July 26 as "Dia di Santa Ana" this year for the first time, to honour the island's patron saint.

Now that October 10 is a public holiday there no longer will be Kingdom Day on December 15.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20748-october-10-day-off-in-curacao.html

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Egypt political parties threaten poll boycott

London, (Pal Telegraph) - Bloc led by Muslim Brotherhood demands changes to election rules, as trials of former NDP officials continue.

Source: http://www.paltelegraph.com/world/middle-east/libya/10227-egypt-political-parties-threaten-poll-boycott.html

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Over 50 Lankans deported from UK arrive at BIA

A group of 50 Sri Lankans whose asylum applications were rejected in UK returned to Colombo today after being deported, officials said.

Officials from the Criminal Investigations Department are due to record their statements at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

They were escorted by more than 100 security personnel.

Among the group were 27 Tamils, 11 Sinhalese, and 12 Muslims

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/11462-over-50-lankans-deported-from-uk-arrive-at-bia.html

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?One Island, One People, One Destiny?

~ Theme for St. Maarten/St. Martin Day ~

PHILIPSBURG--Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rhoda Arrindell has announced the organising committee for this year's St. Maarten Day, which she notes will be the first under the island's new constitutional dispensation.

The committee compromises Chairman Neville York, Secretary Fabiana Arnell, Cassandra Jansen, Urmain Dormoy and Lisa Coffi, along with Thierry Gumbs and Maria van Heyningen of the Collectivit� Territorial of St. Martin.

Arrindell said the programme of activities, decorations for the event and protocol matters were amongst items discussed. St. Maarten Day 2011 will be held under the theme "One Island, One People, One Destiny."

"We want to give a concrete expression to the idea of unity we proclaim each year on this day. Hence, I have asked the Committee to come up with suggestions of how we can demonstrate our desire for cooperation between both halves of the island, not just in words, but in a tangible way.

"I have full confidence in the Committee and I am sure we will have a St. Martin Day worthy of its name," she concluded.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/21113-one-island-one-people-one-destiny.html

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Three kidnappers get lengthy jail sentences

PHILIPSBURG--Three men were sentenced Wednesday to prison sentences of 14 years and six months, 11 years and six years, two of which were suspended, on three years' probation for involvement in the kidnapping and torture of a resident of the Cay Hill area last December, and another man in Pelican in January.

Isidro E. Josepha (27), who is considered the leader of the operation, received the highest sentence of 14 years and six months, while Roberto F. Gumbs (36) was sentenced according to the Prosecutor's demand to 11 years. Jeannot Sanon (22) received the lightest sentence of six years, two of which were suspended, on three years' probation.

On September 7, kidnapper James H. Hodge (33) was already sentenced to 30 months, 18 months of which were suspended, on two years' probation, for his role in the kidnapping together with five others of Israeli national N.O.W. Awad on December 16, 2010.

Awad was held at a location in Middle Region for 24 hours, during which he was beaten and burnt with cigarettes and an iron. He managed to escape from his kidnappers when, while riding in a vehicle, a traffic back-up in front of ACE Home Centre in Cay Hill presented him an opportunity to jump out the vehicle and run for cover inside ACE. He hid in the establishment, while police were summoned.

In March 2007, the Court in First Instance sentenced Awad together with six other suspects to 48 months for his role in a drugs smuggling ring that used cruise ship Mariner of the Seas to transport marijuana from Jamaica to St. Maarten, and cocaine from St. Maarten to the United States. The kidnapping is believed to be related to this operation.

During the hostage the group of abductors went to the man's house and stole electronics and other items.

Gumbs, Josepha and Sanon were also found guilty of involvement in the January 3 attempted abduction of R.L. Murray in Pelican. Murray managed to escape from his foes while gunshots were fired at him in the parking lot of Flamingo hotel.

During the court hearing of August 31, Prosecutor Bart den Hartigh had demanded 15 years for Josepha, 11 years for Gumbs and six years for Sanon.

Judge Monique Keppels granted Josepha a six months' reduction on his sentence, because he has spent six weeks too long in a police cell during his pre-trial detention.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20906-three-kidnappers-get-lengthy-jail-sentences.html

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A Night in Tunisia � A Poem

By El Habib Louai

The feeling is not anymore the same
Dear brothers and sisters I do not blame
Furious, angry crowds poured out
From every single side to cry out
We simply cannot anymore yield
To your orders we are a shield
This certainly should be the end
Of postures that decline to bend
Of greedy crooks that stench
Of bellies full of other’s lunch
Of hands imbued with blood
Of trampling feet of a squad
Our tears froze on their grips
As they tore our hair in snips
We cuddled against each other
To keep our wounded warmer
You may all stand still and watch
From a hill sitting on a bench
As deriding fools from a House
Painted in White, grim and souse
This is the end of a hidden detriment
Lay men sustained long in sentiment
Hurriedly tossed in times of amnesia
As a tune flowed from A Night in Tunisia.

- El Habib Louai is teaching English in Ezzaytoune junior high school in Agadir. A number of his poems were published in various online magazines such as Danse Macabre du Jour, Istanbul Literary Review and Indigo Rising Magazine. His translation of a collection of poems by Ali Abdelrezaei is also available in poetrymag.ws. He contributed this poem to PalestineChronicle.com.

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=17140

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Ibrahim Zaza: The Gaza Boy Newspapers Omitted

By Ramzy Baroud

'Both of Ibrahim's arms were cut off. He had a hole in his lung. Parts of his legs were missing. His kidney was in a bad condition…we need people to stand with us.' These were the words of an exhausted man as he described the condition of his dying son in an interview with The Real News, an alternative news source.

Ibrahim Zaza was merely a 12-year-old boy. He and his cousin Mohammed, 14, were hit by an Israeli missile in Gaza, fired from an manned drone as they played in front of their house.

The story started on August 18. The next day, the British Telegraph reported: “Israel launches fightback after militant attack on Egypt border,” The whitewashing of the recent Israeli strikes at besieged Gaza leaves one wondering if all reporters used Israeli army talking points as they conveyed the story. Palestinians were punished for an attack at Israelis that reportedly accrued near the Israeli border with Egypt. There is no evidence linking Gaza to the attack, and Egyptian authorities are now disputing the Israeli account altogether.

“At least six Palestinians were killed in the first wave of bombing. Israel said they were members, including the leader, of the militant group known as the Popular Resistance Committees it accused of responsibility for the attacks,” wrote Phoebe Greenwood and Richard Spencer (The Telegraph, August 19).

The Popular Resistance Committees had dissociated themselves from the attack, as had Hamas and all Palestinian factions. But that was hardly enough to spare the lives of innocent men and women in Gaza, already reeling under untold hardship. Among the dead in the first wave of attacks that targeted ‘militants’ were two children, one aged three and the other 13.

In the media, Palestinian casualties only matter when they amount to a sizable number. Even then, they are placed within a context that deprives the victims of any sympathy, or worse, blames Palestinian militants for indirect responsibility (pushing Israel to resort to violence to defend its security). In fact, the term ‘Palestinian security’ is almost nonexistent, although thousands of Gazans have been killed in the last three years alone.

Even the news of Palestinian children killed in the August strikes was reported with a sense of vagueness and doubt. News networks downplayed the fact that the majority of Palestinian victims were civilians. The Telegraph reported that: “Hamas, which runs Gaza, said that two children were also killed in the air raids…” Quoting Hamas, not human rights groups or hospital sources, is hardly shocking when the reporter is based in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Neither was it shocking when the boy, Ibrahim Zaza, died. His heart was the only organ that had continued to function for nearly thirty days after the drone attack.  The father, who was allowed to accompany Ibrahim and Mohammed to an Israeli hospital, was then prevented from leaving the hospital for he constituted a security threat. He kept circulating around his son’s frail body, hoping and praying. He appealed to people to stand by his family, stressing his lack of means to buy a wheelchair, which he thought Ibrahim would need once he woke up again.

There is no need for a wheelchair now. And Mohammed’s unyielding pain continues. His legs are bare with no skin. His belly area is completely exposed. His screams are haunting.

Ibrahim’s death seemed to compel little, if any, media coverage. There were no New York Times features, no Time magazine pictorials of the weeping mother and the devastated community. Ibrahim’s existence in this world was short. His death was mostly uneventful outside the small circle of those who dearly loved him.

There will be no debates on Israel’s use of airstrikes that kill civilians, and no urgent UN meetings over the incessant killings caused by Israeli drones, which in themselves constitute a highly profitable industry. Clients who have doubts about the effectiveness of the Elbit Systems Hermes 900 UAV, for example, need only view Israeli Air Force videos of the drone gently gliding over Gaza. According to sUAS News, it “can reach a higher altitude of 30,000 feet…(and) can be quickly and easily converted for the operator’s needs, without the need to adjust the operating infrastructure for every mission” (June 6, 2011).

Israel has been testing its drones on Palestinians for years. In Gaza, these vultures can be observed with the naked eye. Whenever the glider draws near, people scramble for cover. But it took a WikiLeaks report to verify Israel’s use of drones for the purpose of killing. According to a recently leaked document, Israeli army Advocate-General Maj. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit had, in February 2010, informed previous US Ambassador to Israel, James Cunningham, of Israel’s use of weaponized unmanned aircrafts to kill suspected militants.

In The Real News video report, Lia Tarachansky spoke to Lt. Col. Avital Leibowitz, a spokesperson for the IDF, to try and understand why Ibrahim and his cousin were targeted.

Lia Tarachansky: “There was only one missile shot, according to witnesses, and it was at two children, one 12 and one 14, sitting outside of their house.”

Avital Leibowitz: “The logic is that when someone is trying to launch a rocket at you, then the logic is - we better target that person before he targets us.”

The one photo I could retrieve of Ibrahim Zaza showed him posing shyly for the camera, his hair brushed forward. My heart breaks now as I think of him, and all the other victims of Israel’s “logic”.
 
- Ramzy Baroud (www.ramzybaroud.net) is an internationally-syndicated columnist and the editor of PalestineChronicle.com. His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza's Untold Story (Pluto Press, London), available on Amazon.com.

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=17147

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Roy: Focus should be on training, strengthening

PHILIPSBURG--While the traditional way of doing things is important, without new initiatives the country is "bound to stay at zero economic growth. We have our restrictions in terms of capacity but we should not let these restrictions deter the opportunities knocking on our doors," Democratic Party (DP) faction leader Member of Parliament (MP) Roy Marlin said at the closing of the 2010-2011 Parliamentary Year on Monday.

Marlin was one of the four faction leaders together with President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell who gave their view on the past year and underscored the focus for the new one that opens today, Tuesday.

The new parliamentary year should focus on the strengthening of the organization, he said, adding that during his visit to the Netherlands in June, intense discussions were held with the Secretary General of the Dutch Second Chamber on making expertise available to aid St. Maarten. The discussions also surrounded creating the necessary human resources locally to help and sustain an organization such as the Parliament. "Long and short term training possibilities are open to young St. Maarteners to gain the knowledge and experience at the Second Chamber in order to return and help build our Parliament."

If during the approval of the 2012 budget, Parliament doesn't make sure the resources are set aside for this type of training and make a serious effort towards getting this started the end of the parliamentary term 2010?2014 will come and Parliament still will not be in a position to do anything substantial to gain the respect of the population and the outside world as a full-fledged functioning parliament. "We should ask ourselves the question when we are all done as politicians and it will happen sooner or later, what efforts have I done to improve St. Maarten. This should not be lip service only but adequate and concrete actions."

This first year of parliament has shown that "it cannot be business as usual when we see all other countries especially Aruba and Cura�ao initiating new ideas to get their country going and we don't move forward." Marlin pointed out that US President Barack Obama underscored last week "the sense of urgency to get the sluggish economy of the United States going. I feel and when I say I that also includes me, that we all lack the sense of urgency of doing things that will move this country forward."

Parliament and government should not wait and hope that the private sector will take the leading role in helping to create the economic, social, labour and job environment or should government have a leading role in helping to nurture these things, he said.

The MP said, "As Parliament, we should not shy away from drilling our own Ministers on issues for which we personally feel or issues which are brought forward by the public." One major issue of the past months is crime, specifically the recent spate of murders, he added. "This matter needs to be addressed and dealt with post haste." Marlin alluded to the fact that the United People's (UP) party/DP coalition has requested a meeting about crime with Justice Minister Roland Duncan. He hopes that the 2012 country budget will not only have figures, but clearly outlined plans about combating crime.

"Goals should be set on the repression of violent crimes on St. Maarten. These goals should be measured against the resources we make available. I hope to hear tomorrow when government outlines its programme for the coming year that we as parliament are provided with set goals of what each Ministry expects to achieve in the coming period."

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20590-roy-focus-should-be-on-training-strengthening-.html

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Libyan transitional council finds US$23 billion

The Libyan transitional council has surprisingly discovered US$23 billion worth of assets, unspent by Colonel Muammer Gaddafi?s regime, according to the Financial Times newspaper.

According to a senior British official,?these are internal assets found on the Central Bank of Libya balance sheet that should float them until well next year. It takes the pressure off them to get overseas assets unfrozen? He added,?such found wealth is the equivalent of discovering several billion dollars under the mattress? reported the British newspaper.

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/libyan-transitional-council-finds-us23-billion-393923

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A Lingering What? A Review of The Wandering Who? by Gilad Atzmon

London (Pal Telegraph) - In the late 1970s, The Origin of Consciousness in the breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, a book by Princeton psychologist Julian Jaynes, gained minor celebrity for its original but controversial views concerning the evolution of the human brain/mind relationship.� To this day, I don’t know how much of the thesis I accept, but it gave me a perspective that has now become a part of how I look at my fellow human beings on a daily basis.

Source: http://www.paltelegraph.com/world/middle-east/77-middle-east/10205-a-lingering-what-a-review-of-the-wandering-who-by-gilad-atzmon.html

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More deaths in Syria amid reports on rifts in elite Republican Guard

Syrian security forces killed at least 16 protesters across the country, Syrian Revolution General Commission said, according to Al Jazeera. It is also reported that the army and security forces have launched large scale arrests and raids in various parts of Damascus.

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/more-deaths-syria-amid-reports-rifts-elite-republican-guard-393180

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Nurses training school inaugurated in Marigot

MARIGOT--The Collectivit� unveiled its first nurses training school in the former Evelina Halley Primary School in Marigot on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, while also introducing the students who will begin the first three-year training course on September 5.

The rigorous pre-selection exam was passed by eight St. Martin candidates and one from St. Barths out of some 50 who originally enrolled. Passing the exam is a requisite before embarking on the three-year training to become a professional nurse.

The successful candidates are Keziah Danaus, Brinda Macdonna, Lucia Comminges, Audrey Golfin, Laticha Stephen, Beatrice Bilba, Julie Peronnin, Natacha Davis, and Elodie Greaux (of St. Barths).

The exam held on March 17 was taken in two parts and the candidates were interviewed by a specialist jury in June.

The training school in St. Martin is a branch of the nurses training school at the hospital in Pointe-�-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Director of the school in Guadeloupe Genevi�ve Bruno also will be the director of the school in St. Martin. She was present for the ceremony together with Assistant Director of the hospital in Pointe-�-Pitre and Interim Director of Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital Patrice Lecomte. Both gave short addresses, as did President of the Collectivit� Frantz Gumbs.

The principal trainer for the group will be Nadia Weinum, a professional nurse of long standing at Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital. Other trainers will come in from time to time. It is envisaged that once the students are qualified they will return to work in the Marigot hospital.

Director of the Collectivit�?s Human Development Department Thierry Gombs said the students would do their first year in St. Martin, but for the second and third year would continue their internship in hospitals in Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana or France to work in the different departments.

Asked why the pre-selection pass rate had been so low, Gombs said, ?It is a very difficult exam to get into nursing school. In Guadeloupe there are something like 700 applicants for the 150 places available in the school. Once the places are filled, remaining successful candidates are put on a waiting list and have to hope that someone drops out.?

Also on hand was a nursing student from Guadeloupe, Nathalie Feliot, who is one year into her three-year training. She was there to give advice to the St. Martin students.

The three-year training course costs 201,000 euros. Of that cost. 85 per cent will be met by European Social Funds (FSE), although the Collectivit� has to pre-finance up front.

A convention was signed between Patrice Lecomte, representing Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital, and President Frantz Gumbs. The convention can be renewed after the first three years.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20224-nurses-training-school-inaugurated-in-marigot.html

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Microsoft Lebanon boards the social media ship

Microsoft Lebanon opened its doors to the social media for the first time on the afternoon of Monday 26th September 2011, in its offices in Downtown Beirut, to celebrate the beginning of the global ?Post-PC? era and the Lebanese digital revolution starting with the launch of the 3G technology. 

Weber Shandwick Public Relations

� 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/microsoft-lebanon-boards-social-media-ship-394249

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Fresh produce shipment delayed, some supermarket shelves empty

PHILIPSBURG--Month-end shoppers were greeted by near-bare fresh produce shelves at some supermarkets this week.

The Daily Herald understands that the shipment of containers with tons of fresh produce for some supermarkets and wholesalers had been delayed, and according to one supermarket owner, the delay has been attributed to a damaged vessel.

It is not clear whether the vessel was damaged during the passing of Hurricane Irene, which barrelled up the US East Coast last weekend and caused extensive damage.

This newspaper's efforts to ascertain the exact cause of the delay and the extent of the problem from the shipping company on Wednesday were futile.

Officials at the company's St. Maarten office said all comments had to be obtained from the company's Palm Beach offices in Florida. Up to press time there was no response to an email to this office with questions seeking clarity.

Steven Huang, owner of Sunny Foods Supermarket on A. Th. Illidge Road, said a vessel with containers of fresh produce for his and other establishments was scheduled to arrive in St. Maarten last Sunday night, and supermarkets were supposed to have received their containers by Monday.

Huang said initially he had been told that the vessel had sustained some damage and the container would arrive on Tuesday. He was subsequently told that it would arrive this coming weekend.

Huang said he is in a predicament because the shelf-life of some of the items such as some fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, deli products, milk and dairy products would be near the end of their shelf-life. This could severely limit how much of the produce and products he might be able to sell, thereby causing the supermarket to incur significant losses.

He also said that he expects another regular shipment of fresh produce this weekend, this would result in the supermarket being overstocked until his next fresh produce shipment.

Huang said while the shipping company is supposed to have insurance coverage for situations such as the current one, insurance covers only a small part of the actual losses. He said that to date, the shipping company has not given him any clear answers on how he will be compensated.

He said three years ago when his container had been mistakenly shipped to St. Thomas, he had received only US $9,000 compensation when the freight cost alone was US $5,000 and he had lost more than US $20,000 in items.

"It's not me alone that is affected," he said. "This affects the entire island because containers for others are also on the ship."

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/20259-fresh-produce-shipment-delayed-some-supermarket-shelves-empty.html

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