Governor Activates EOC; Preparations Related to Influenza A Virus (May 1, 2009)
Press Releases/Public Addresses
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – On Friday morning Governor Franklyn Richards activated the island’s Emergency Disaster Preparedness & Management Organization/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to continue with preparations to deal with any outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) virus also known as Swine Flu.
Members of the Executive Council and a core group of the island’s Emergency Disaster Preparedness & Management Organization headed by Governor Franklyn Richards as chairman, met at the Government Administration Building on Friday morning to be briefed about current state of affairs and to get an update on preparations.
6 receive royal decorations (May 1, 2009)
Press Releases/Public Addresses
The following address was delivered by St. Maarten’s governor Franklyn Richards, on Wednesday, May 29, on the occasion of the presentation of royal decorations:
It gives me great pleasure, also on behalf of my wife, Angela, to welcome all of you to our residence, for the 2009 presentation of royal decorations on the island territory of St. Maarten.
I am, as always, honored to have as our special guests, a group of St. Maarten residents, being honored with this year’s royal decorations, on the occasion of Queen’s Birthday 2009. In awhile, they will be called forward in recognition of their being citizens who want to make a difference in our community.
Consultation hours for immigration matters at government building (January 13, 2009)
Great Bay, St. Maarten – The governor of the island territory of St. Maarten, Franklyn Richards, is announcing that regular consultation hours will be established for persons requiring information on immigration and related matters.
Many requests are received by the governor daily, for information on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Law on Admittance and Expulsion (LTU).
Enquiries are frequently also received regarding the status of the naturalization procedure and requests for temporary residence permits of foreign nationals residing on St. Maarten.
In order to fully comply with these requests for information, it has been decided to establish regular consultation hours during which complete and accurate response can be presented to persons with questions.
During the consultation hours, two judicial administrative staff members of the cabinet of the governor will be available for handling enquiries.
At that time, answers are to be provided to the relevant questions or will be forthcoming during a follow-up appointment. You can find some of the best places to stay and Hobart accommodation here.
All persons wishing to make use of the new arrangement are asked to take into consideration that each appointment lasts for a maximum of 15 minutes.
The consultation hours take place every first Tuesday of the month between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m., at the Government Administration Building.
The JODIESATTVA.NET first such session will be kicked off on Tuesday, February 3 upcoming.
Those interested are asked to make appointments at the reception desk of the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.
Persons are requested to walk along with a valid ID form, such as a passport.
EXCO chairman urges Comm. Laveist to tender resignation (January 5, 2009)
Great Bay, St. Maarten – The governor of the island territory of St. Maarten, Franklyn E. Richards, has called on Commissioner Louie Laveist to live up this responsibility and tender his resignation as a member of the executive council of St. Maarten.
Richards did so in a letter addressed to Laveist, in keeping with his position of chairman of the executive council and gatekeeper of good governance.
In the letter, Governor Richards refers to past pokies correspondence by Laveist. By letter of November 6, 2008, addressed to leader of the ruling DP faction, Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, Laveist had indicated that he will be a non-active member of the executive council and that he would be an independent member of the island council.
By letter of November 10, 2008, Laveist signed three letters, indicating to the governor of the island territory that he was withdrawing his support for his DP faction, that he would be taking a non-active role in the Executive and that he would be an independent member of the island council.
On November 16, 2008, the governor, in his capacity of chairman of the island council, received a letter, signed by all DP members in the island council, voicing support for the St. Maarten executive council, comprised of DP commissioners Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Theodore Heyliger, Roy Marlin and Sarah Wescot-Williams.
With the 6 signatures appearing on the letter, it can be argued that the executive council has a majority support in the island council.
It is the opinion of the governor that the letter of November 16, 2008, also signed by Commissioner Laveist, voicing support for the 4-member executive council, did not take into consideration commissioner Laveist.
As chairman and member of the executive council himself, Governor Richards is not quite sure what to make of the letter of November 16, 2008. This in view of the earlier decision taken by Laveist to withdraw his support for his DP faction and announcement that he considers himself a non active member of the executive council.
The chairman refers to the fact that it is the island council which appoints and dismisses members of the executive council.
The island council has, as of this date, not dismissed Mr. Laveist as member of the executive council while the latter has not tendered his resignation as such.
This would mean that the executive council is, at present, comprised of six members, including the governor as chairman of the council. Because Laveist remains a member of the executive council, his presence is required to form a quorum and he does have voting right. This remains so, even in light of his claiming to enjoy a non-active status and his not attending meetings of the executive council. This situation is then in conflict with the correspondence of November 16.
Separate from all of the aforementioned considerations, it is not in the best interest that Mr. Laveist retains all the perks and privileges associated with being a commissioner. This while explicitly indicating in the November 16, 2008 correspondence not to wish to continue serving as commissioner but instead adopting a non-active role.
The present situation creates uncertainty and affects transparency in government, which income protection Australia is damaging to the image of the government of St. Maarten and is, above all else, not in the general interest of the people of St. Maarten.
Again referring to the November 16, 2008 letter signed by Laveist, the governor of the island territory is of the opinion that the only tangible approach would be that Laveist tenders his resignation as commissioner.
This since the claimed status of non active member of the executive council is not in accordance with the island regulations of the Netherlands Antilles (ERNA).
The function of commissioner is one which requires that content be given to the position. It does take into consideration occasions whereby one is unable to be present. These are not applicable in the case of Mr. Laveist.
Governor Richards emphasizes that commissioners hold a public function and as such ought to serve the general interest, at all times.
The present situation however does just the opposite.
The executive council has in the meantime decided to redistribute the portfolios formerly assigned to commissioner Laveist. This followed his detention and correspondence from justice authorities addressed to the chairman of the island council, indicating among others, that Laveist is the subject of a criminal investigation.
With all of the abovementioned in mind, the governor has addressed Laveist exclusively on his position in the executive council and not as member of the island council.
The governor, as is known, does not interfere with matters which resort under the competency of the island council, such as composition of the executive council.
In the interest of good governance, an urgent appeal has been made by governor Richards to Mr. Laveist, to tender his resignation, thereby showing that he takes his responsibilities seriously, and which would end the present unwarranted situation, construed as contrary to our democratic principles.
Governor Richards has requested Mr. Laveist to react to his urgent appeal within a week’s time.
Copies of the letter have been sent to His Excellency the governor of the Netherlands Antilles, to members of the island council and to members of the Executive Council.
Governor Richards reiterates for clarity sake that justice must be allowed to take its course, also in the case involving Mr. Laveist. He too, has a right to the premise of “presumptio innocentiae”, innocent until proven guilty.
2008 Official Year-End Address (December 31, 2008)
Governor Richards
the following is text of the 2008 year-end address by the honorable Mr. Franklyn Richards, Governor of St. Maarten:
Each year brings about new and recurring themes, issues upon which to focus our thoughts and endeavors. As we are about to enter the New Year, I see enough reasons for a sober reflection and a critical analysis.
Today, St. Maarten stands at a slots online cross road, and is faced with immense challenges as we stand at the threshold of becoming a country. This is not the first time that we face challenges, as a resilient people. In the past we have demonstrated our strength.If we stand united as a nation we can overcome these challenges.
We must therefore make fundamental choices in a responsible, collective and consultative manner with the objective of better serving the needs of our citizens.
Permit me to limit myself to mentioning a number of these aspects which I consider very essential at this time.
Becoming Country
Sint Maarten’s strive for constitutional change, to become a country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has demanded intense negotiations during 2008, resulting in the conclusions of the Round Table Conference of December 15th, 2008. Sint Maarten must convince partners in the kingdom, in no uncertain terms, that we are capable of becoming a country within the Kingdom.
We have the ability to take on the responsibilities of a country, but we must prepare and equip ourselves to meet these demands.
On November 24, 2008, the Central Government and the island territories of Curaçao and Sint Maarten agreed to initiate a phased dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles as of July 1, 2009.
We are now entering a phase whereby tasks and duties of the Central Government will be transferred to the islands.
The decentralization and the transferring of these tasks and duties to St. Maarten present us with many challenges in the areas of human, financial and technical resources. To overcome these hurdles we, as a people, must change the way we think and the way we behave.
St. Maarten must further acquire the necessary support of all partners in the Kingdom and must invest in its people.
Fighting Crime
Community safety and the tackling of crime remains rate detective another principal concern of the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, the Minister of Justice, the Local Chief of Police, the office of the prosecutor and the local government.
The fundamental right of the St. Maarten public to a safe living environment has to be ensured as well as the need to protect the tourism industry and the need to provide security for our residents and visitors a like.
There’s the need for all related agencies and stakeholders to be totally committed and work closer together to tackle crime and anti- social behavior.
To forge a joint effort to involve all elements of the community (French and Dutch) in the search for solutions.
To secure all available means to equip law enforcement authorities so they can adequately address the crime situation.
The island council recently approved a three-month camera surveillance test period for parts of Philipsburg. I express the hope that this will lead to the establishment of permanent camera surveillance at specific locations, in aid of effective crime-fighting in our community.
As part of the judicial chain, the quality of the police corps remains a matter of great importance.
The upgrading of the police force in the period leading up to country status certainly has the attention of the Government of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and the island territory of St. Maarten.
For St. Maarten, it is of great importance that we have a properly functioning and adequately staffed police organization.
This is not only because it is one of the key conditions for attaining country status. But, it is also of utmost essence to protect and serve the people of St. Maarten.
Temporary external expertise has been recruited to assist in the re-organizational plans, to upgrade skills and knowledge of police personnel.
It is essential that, in the coming period, the process aimed at improving the police organization be continued and successfully concluded.
Immigration
St. Maarten has to mitigate illegal immigration Illegal immigration contributes to numerous social issues in the area of social welfare, health care, public housing, education, labor, legal protection and human rights.
Illegal immigration causes substantial damage to our island. St. Maarten should not be burdened with these additional challenges on its way to country status.
During 2008, my cabinet was strengthened by two additional members, specifically to assist with the support of tasks related to immigration. An immigration work group has been established. And a great deal of attention and effort has been dedicated to the life insurance handling of appeals and backlogs for residence permits.
In 2009 we will be delving into matter such as:
Effective immigration control and supervision with as main objectives; prevention, arrest and removal of undocumented persons.
Enforce of penalties for employers for breaking the law
Adequate housing and additional personnel for the Bureau of the Local Chief of Police.
Funding for the construction of more humane holding cells for persons awaiting deportation.
Recruitment of skilled qualified immigration personnel
Education
We have a moral and civic responsibility to teach our children to appreciate the importance of education and the privilege of being able to receive education.
Points of concerns in 2009 include:
The realization of Secondary Vocational Education (SVE) on St. Maarten.
Attracting sufficient qualitative teachers and social workers
Having adequate programmes, text books and other relevant materials for our school system
The implementation of compulsory education
Giving incentives to and stimulating our youth to enter the teaching profession
We must now, more than ever, support the strengthening of our social fabric and the roles of the community, the parent, the teacher and the child.
I take this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to give children that extra attention that can make the difference between success and failure.
Environment
On St. Maarten, the protection of our environment has been treated as something of lesser importance for far too long.
The rapid, uncontrolled growth of the St. Maarten’s economy in the last decade is having its toll on the environment and on our natural habitats.
The construction of public roads and affordable housing are seriously lagging behind in the process of economic development.
The impact for residents includes loss of access to public beaches, a polluted sea, sewage and waste issues, eroding beaches and limited land availability.
Especially on a small island like ours, there is a limit to how much our environment can deal with.
The establishment of a Marine Park is pending as is the transfer of the management of this Marine Park to the Nature Foundation.
Points of concerns are: the Dump site in Philipsburg, our water ways, the preservation of the Great Salt Pond, the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the Hill Tops.
Challenges remaining for 2009 in the area of the environment include our:
Commitment to protect the environment and our waters for ourselves, our visitors and for the marine industry.
Giving content to sustainable development safeguarding a thriving economy for our future generation.
Stricter zoning policies to protect existing monuments and natural and cultural environments such as Fort Amsterdam, ponds, nature reserves and marine parks to preserve these for future generations and to protect the island from over-development.
Economy
2008 was a turbulent year for the economy of Sint Maarten.
In the early part of 2008, world oil prices began an unprecedented climb, reaching US$145 a barrel in July 2008.
Small island nations like Sint Maarten were severely impacted by a form of imported inflation, which have an effect on the cost of goods and commodities.
This in turn led to a negative affect on our source market, tourism, as well as reducing investment opportunities.
The Island Government of St. Maarten has to implement several measures to assist in mitigating the effects of this global recession.
In 2009 we need to consider, among others:
The effects of the global recession on our Tourism based economy.
Issues of adequate policy-making and planning and the implementation and execution of measures in mitigating the effects of the global recession.
The quest to create job opportunities outside of the tourism sector, to provide better match between labor demands and labor supply.
The quest to increase youth participation in the labor market
The quest to provide opportunities for students that graduate each year who will be entering our labor market as they chose not to pursue further studies.
Health Care
Many new initiatives are still related to the current transition to a country status and the accompanying process of decentralization. To ensure that Sector Health Care Affairs transfers to a Ministry of Public health with all required public health tasks and responsibilities, realistic budgets are needed to, among others:
develop a new health insurance system for country St. Maarten;
meet international, regional and governmental demands and expectations;
develop an effective instrument to monitor health care costs, also referred to as financial overview health care and
expand and upgrade capabilities of the St. Maarten Medical Center, as a major health care facility catering to the resident and visitor population and
fund the recruitment of additional nursing personnel for the aforementioned facility.
Good governance
It is the duty of governments and public officials to consistently practice the principles of good governance.
We enter a new year, with the discomforting realization of a local political situation, which can be characterized as muddled, at best.
St. Maarten heralds the arrival of 2009 with a situation that is not only peculiar but a situation that is contrary to standard practice in local government.
The situation remains highly undesirable and can be seen as going against the spirit and principles of our democratic system.
This undesirable situation may warrant looking at other alternatives to try to resolve this issue. This would benefit the general interest and also those of the members of an Executive Council who now have more portfolio responsibilities at this crucial juncture in our history.
Challenges and opportunities remaining for 2009 include:
Engaging ourselves in a consorted effort to institute the principles of good governance as a matter of customary practice.
The people calling on their representatives to have the audacity to see and welcome fresh perspectives.
In conclusion, allow me to reiterate that:
Our primary objective should be to safeguard and enhance the well-being and quality of life of our people.
As leaders we must convert our wishes into realistic, attainable goals throughout 2009.
As leaders in our community, we have an important role to play in educating our people.
As leaders we need to set an example of governing responsibly, effectively and efficiently with accountability, integrity, tolerance, respect, responsiveness and public consultation and participation.
As leaders we have to see to it that members of our community apply the democratic principles and those of good governance.
As leaders we have to ensure that the ideas and values embrace our actions.
As we complete the groundwork for country St. Maarten, allow me to invite you to welcome the New Year within the context of embracing new beginnings, characterized by a spirit of enthusiasm, so that the people of St. Maarten will be the true secret of our collective success.
Sacrifices will be required. But that should not deter us, since we are known to be a resilient people. Once we stand together as a community, we need not be hesitant or apprehensive about the future.
To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi: ‘we have to work as a collective and consult with our respective societies so that we march, not ahead or behind, but together as a people.’
With all that which is transpiring in our community, I must, at this time, also make a strong appeal to all residents of St. Maarten to become more tolerant of each other.
Let’s get involved in our community and be more vigilant in our neighborhoods in protecting our family, loved ones, friend, goods and properties.
Let’s increase the peace, tolerance and respect for each other.
We all stand to benefit when we practice these values all the time, every time.
My wife Angela, my children Joaquim and Keshia, as well as all members of my cabinet, join me in extending, to you, and yours, a prosperous, healthy and blessed 2009.
May God bless St. Maarten and the citizens of St. Maarten.
2008 Christmas Message (December 24, 2008)
the following is text of the 2008 Christmas message by the honorable Mr. Franklyn Richards, Governor of the island territory of St. Maarten:
In households all over the island and around the world many come together to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ, today still widely recognized as a symbol and messenger of peace and hope for all mankind.
Families and individuals observe the traditions of sharing gifts around this time of year, with many others sharing a guava berry, a coconut tart and whatever else is on the menu. Good times with family and friends, some visiting from abroad is most common.
The many ways in which residents of St. Maarten mark this holiday season are as diverse as the cultural backgrounds that make our island so rich and energetic.
No matter how we celebrate this season of giving or marking the New Year, it is important that we all take time to remember the millions of people around the world who are forced to cope with the horrors of hunger, war and disaster.
We are called upon to reflect on the true meaning of this season and how we can make a difference to our island, our community and to ourselves.We might do well to consider the alternatives to the traditional Christmas gift exchange.
Let me make use of this opportunity and mention two alternatives that are definitely worth considering, and these are:
Showing charity and respect to all, throughout the year, and not just during this festive season.
Being a good example and role model to each and every child in our community.
May we never cease to appreciate that it is also a time to count our blessings since we, and as St. Maarten residents, share many personal freedoms, opportunity and an island of tremendous natural beauty.
And so, my wife Angela, my children Keshia and Joaquim, as well as all members of my cabinet, join me in extending, to you, and to all of your loved ones, joyful holidays.
67 Become Dutch Nationals (December 15, 2008)
67 persons become Dutch nationals at the first naturalization ceremony held on St. Maarten, on Kingdom Day 2008. The following address was delivered by St. Maarten’s governor turkcimfed.org Franklyn Richards, at the occasion (see also statistical information at bottom of address):
Members of the Legislative and Executive branches of the island and central governments; Dutch citizenship recipients; accompanying family members, friends and well-wishers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen:
Allow me, also on behalf of my cabinet, to welcome all of you here present this afternoon in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall, for this, the first naturalization ceremony to be held on the island territory of St. Maarten.
I am especially honored to have, within our midst, a special group of St. Maarten residents, being awarded for their efforts, to subsequently become a Dutch national.
This day is filled with symbolism.
Why?
Because it was on this date, in 1954, that the islands of the Netherlands Antilles obtained autonomy within the Dutch kingdom. It is also the day on which the ‘Statuut’, the Kingdom Charter, was signed.
On this Kingdom Day, you are not alone in attending a naturalization ceremony, such as this one. People just like you, in communities all around Holland and elsewhere in the kingdom, are today attending a naturalization ceremony as part of the process for non-nationals to obtain Dutch citizenship.
St. Maarten has introduced this ceremony, taking into consideration that becoming a Dutch national is, indeed, a very special occasion, similarly as in the case of other countries, when non-nationals obtain citizenship. One known example of this is the U.S.
This ceremony is a compulsory part of the naturalization procedure in the Netherlands, with the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba now following with implementation of this ceremony.
Also new to the procedure is a declaration of allegiance, to be administered to all new Dutch citizens as of March 2009.
In order to introduce this declaration, an amendment was made to the Netherlands Nationality Act [Rijkswet op het Nederlanderschap, RWN].
The aim of this new compulsory part is to emphasize the allegiance to the island of St. Maarten, as part of the Kingdom, the kingdom of the Netherlands as well as the democratic legal order.
It is on this solemn occasion, that you, the applicant for Dutch citizenship will be presented with a notification of the granting of Dutch citizenship.
Permit me to call on all of you to feel more involved with our community and the kingdom of the Netherlands, fully appreciating the rights and obligations of all Dutch citizens.
This ceremony should be seen as a culmination of the integration process, which you, for so long, have been part of.
This ceremony additionally serves to have you, as new Dutch citizens personally receive the royal decree confirming your attaining the Dutch nationality.
As representative of the crown, I wish to draw your attention to, among others, the significance and implications of the Dutch nationality, as I welcome you, this time as new Dutch citizens, into our community.
First of all, the history of Dutch nationality focuses on the emergence of a sense of national sentiment in, particularly the territory of the Netherlands. History tells us that consciousness of national identity manifested itself through taxation, military service, political and social rights, but most importantly through citizenship. Furthermore, Dutch nationality was forged through conflict which helped the people of Holland develop a unifying idea of the Netherlander. Dutch nationality law is based primarily on the principle of ‘Jus sanguinis’ (Blood Principle). Thus, Dutch citizenship is conferred primarily by birth to a Dutch parent, irrespective of place of birth. Children born in the Netherlands or Dutch territory to two foreign parents do not acquire Dutch citizenship at birth, unless special criteria are met.
The Netherlands Nationality Act was significantly amended with effect from April 1,2003.
With all these provisions having been made, I urge you to continue, as a fine citizen, to make a positive contribution to the progress of St. Maarten, particularly at this time when we are poised to attain country status, requiring the input and shared knowledge of all our citizens.
So what are some of your obligations?
I can mention many, but will limit myself, on this festive occasion, to a few basic ones:
* pay your taxes willingly or promptly
* be loyal to St. Maarten and the kingdom of the Netherlands
* take care and conserve our natural resources
* assist our island for its growth and development
* keep our surroundings clean
* remain or become a productive individual
* obey the laws and maintain peace and order in the community
* preserve the island’s culture and identity
* participate actively in forming public opinion on matters of general interest
* vote wisely and choose candidates who can serve the people and our country
* respect of the rights of others
The attaining of Dutch citizenship is a serious matter to which a great deal of value should be attached. This is so whether you are becoming a Dutch national through option or naturalization.
This afternoon, you have every reason to be proud of yourselves, since some of you present have passed the naturalization test before October 1, 2007.
Since October 1, 2007, a compulsory naturalization test was introduced, after which one is expected to submit a request for naturalization, once one passed this test. Bear in mind that the naturalization test in the Netherlands Antilles is focused primarily on testing one’s knowledge of the community and the governmental structure, as well knowledge of the Dutch or English language. Your being here is evidence that you have ample knowledge of the aforementioned. I express the hope that you will not let yourself or this community down.
Allow me to express words of gratitude to members of my cabinet, to staff of the Bureau Local Chief of Police and all other instances throughout the kingdom for preparing the way for this historic day.
I wish, in closing to sincerely congratulate and commend each and every one of the new Dutch citizens here present.
It is my honor and duty to pass on that the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, His Excellency Mr. Frits Goedgedrag, conveys his personal congratulations to you, as well.
