StMaartenNews.com - News, Views & Reviews
St. Maarten’s dialling code 1-721 goes into effect September 30
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 - 01:30
PHILIPSBURG -- The Bureau Telecommunication & Post St. Maarten (BTPSXM) announced on Monday that the use of St. Maarten's new dialling code 1-721 will commence as of September 30.
Calls to St. Maarten using either 00-599 or 1-721 will be processed regularly during a "permissive dialling period" which will run until September 30, 2012. Callers using 00-599 will be advised that the dialling code has changed and the new code should be used.
The Mandatory Dialling Period will commence on September 30, 2012, and remain in effect until March 31, 2013. During this period calls to St. Maarten using 00-599 will not be processed and callers will be advised to dial 1-721 for calls to St. Maarten.
The use of country code 00-599 will be discontinued for St. Maarten, but will remain in effect for Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Saba and Bonaire.
Local dialling will remain the same and persons and businesses can be reached by dialling the seven-digit local numbers. International dialling will change by September 30, 2012, as the dialling pattern to make overseas calls from St. Maarten will change. BTPSXM said it would undertake an educational programme to inform the public on dialling during the permissive dialling period.
Countries participating in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) are the United States, Canada and most of the Caribbean region: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. "Dialling to these destinations will be easier, as all these destinations share the country code '1' with St. Maarten," BTPSXM explained in a press statement Monday.
St. Maarten's participation in the NANP also marks its integration into the Eastern Caribbean, the region in which it is located and with which it interacts and serves.
"Throughout the permissive dialling period the BTP shall undertake instruction and educational campaigns to aid the transition and to ensure understanding, preparedness of the entire community of St. Maarten, so the community may embrace the changes and enjoy the benefits that this transition will bring.
"Bureau Telecommunication and Post St. Maarten requests all residents and businesses to get informed and to take serious note of this important development for country St. Maarten. Everyone is urged to make the necessary preparations and inform all their personal contacts and business relations in a timely fashion of this upcoming change," BTPSXM stated.
Source: StMaartenNews.com
AirStMaarten Researching Getting Its Own Aircrafts
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 - 20:30
Proposed aircraft for AirStMaarten flights from St. Maarten to St. Barths and surrounding islands.
Airport -- AirStMaarten is presently researching the possibilities of obtaining its own aircrafts in order to continue providing guaranteed service at the level AirSXM.com's clients have grown accustomed to receiving. This will require the company to initiate procedures to acquire its own Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) or utilize the AOC of a third party operator.
AirStMaarten is looking into two possible aircrafts to add to its virtual fleet of aircrafts operated on its behalf by third party operators, namely a 9-seater twin-engine aircraft Britton-Normann Islander aircraft - of which an artist's rendition is posted below - and a 16-seater twin-engine TwinOtter aircraft.
In order to determine the feasibility of operating its own aircrafts, management of AirStMaarten is presently researching the viability of this option against the option of continued utilization of the virtual airline business model. The company will have two choices to consider, namely fulfilling the necessary requirements to obtain its own AOC or simply putting the aircrafts into operation under the AOC of a third party operator.
The latter choice would entail making a wetlease or ACMI agreement with an existing airline or charter operator with its own AOC and landingrights in the different aviation territories AirStMaarten services. A wetlease or ACMI agreement means that AirStMaarten would have an arrangement with an existing operator whereby the operator would be responsible for providing aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance services to AirStMaarten for a monthly lease amount.
Once a feasibility study is completed, AirStMaarten's management will put together a business plan with a prospectus with the aim of raising capital from investors through private placement or via an initial public offering (IPO) on the Dutch Caribbean Stock Exchange (DCSX).
This press release contains various forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable; it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements prior to its next publication or press release.
Source: StMaartenNews.com
Live Internet Streaming Broadcast of Carnival 2011 Parades
Sunday, April 25th, 2011 - 16:00
Philipsburg, St. Maarten -- Flamboyant Broadcasting announces its planned live internet streaming broadcasts of Jouvert and the Grand Parades via its website at www.FlamboyantBroadcasting.com.
The internet broadcasts will be streamed live on Friday, April 29th, during Jouvert Morning Jump Up starting at 4am and on Saturday, April 30th, during the combined Children & Grand Carnival Parade starting at 10am with a repeat on Sunday, May 1st, during the Second Day Parade starting at 1pm.
All three broadcasts will subsequently be available for an indefinite period of time on demand-basis on the www.FlamboyantBroadcasting.com website. That way, those who missed the live streaming broadcasts can watch it at their convenience.
The advantage of the live internet streaming broadcasts of these events is that people also living abroad, such as in Holland, Canada and the USA and the surrounding islands, will be able to view the parades live on their computer screens via the internet.
Flamboyant Broadcasting will also be providing advertisers and sponsors the opportunity to display their logo's and marketing messages using two different sizes of banners that will be displayed during the broadcasts in a ticker tape style below in the viewing screen. These banners will also remain in view during the on-demand broadcasts allowing sponsors and advertisers to reach the viewing public indefinitely.
Flamboyant Broadcasting is an internet-based broadcasting company and has already successfully broadcasted several events, including the 2010 election campaigns, Elton Richardson's 2010 "St. Maarten in Retrospect" show and the recently held Unity Jump Up parade on Saturday, March 19th. Besides streaming public events live via the internet, Flamboyant Broadcasting can also stream private events such as weddings online with password protected access for family and friends only. Flamboyant Broadcasting is a unique service utilizing the latest in modern internet broadcasting technology.
For further information, please visit www.flamboyantbroadcasting.com or call 523-3150 or 523-3564 or email info@flamboyantbroadcasting.com.
UPDATE - Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
OVER 1050 VIEWERS WATCHED CARNIVAL VIA INTERNET AT FLAMBOYANTBROADCASTING.COM
Philipsburg, St. Maarten – As announced, Flamboyant Broadcasting streamed live via internet the Jouvert Morning Jump Up on Friday, April 29th, and the Grand Carnival Parades on Saturday, April 30th and on Sunday, May 1st. With a total of over 1050 viewers, the internet broadcasts was a success for the newly established internet broadcasting company.
Flamboyant Broadcasting is pleased to publish that especially the Jouvert Jump Up Parade was quite popular with over 800 viewers from around the world. Eventhough the majority of the viewers were located in The Netherlands and the USA, visitors to the www.flamboyantbroadcasting.com website hailed from Aruba, Antigua, Canada, Curacao, France, The United Kingdom, St. Kitts and Nevis. Of course, many locals were among the viewers on the website.
With the successful broadcasting of the three carnival parades via internet, the St. Maarten Carnival, as the island’s largest cultural event, has proven in no uncertain terms that it is capable of attracting international viewers with website visitors from as near as French St. Martin and Anguilla and as far as Japan tuning in to view the carnival celebrations online.
Flamboyant Broadcasting wishes to thank the following sponsors and advertisers whose contributions made the live broadcasts possible: Caribserve, Maynard Agencies, Abu Ghazi Schwarma, Distributor Agency, Archyon Integrated Solutions and StMaartenFlowers.com. Flamboyant Broadcasting also wishes to thank the crew that made the three days of streaming possible and also a word of thanks to the many contributors to the online shoutbox who kept the discussions lively with their opinions and feedback.
Flamboyant Broadcasting is an internet-based broadcasting company that can now boast the successful streaming of Carnival 2011 jump-ups and parades via the internet besides past events such as the 2010 election campaigns and the Elton Richardson's November 11th "St. Maarten in Retrospect" 2010 show. Besides streaming public events live via the internet, Flamboyant Broadcasting, with its modern internet broadcasting technology, will also be streaming Pay Per View events and also private events, such as weddings, online with password protected access for authorized viewers.
The company is presently assessing the feedback received internally in order to improve the quality of its service delivery for its next live streaming event and is currently working on uploading the recordings to the website. All three broadcasts will be permanently available on demand-basis on the website at www.FlamboyantBroadcasting.com. That way, those who missed the live streaming broadcasts can watch it at their convenience.
Source: StMaartenNews.com
AirStMaarten Adds Haiti To Its Destinations Programme
Friday, April 15th, 2011 - 16:00
Curacao-based Inselair is the prefered carrier for AirStMaarten's flight to Haiti.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten -- AirStMaarten added Haiti as a destination to its flights programme today, Friday, April 15th, 2011. The management of the virtual airline has decided to add Haiti to its programme in an effort to promote awareness for the St. Maarten-Haiti route to its local and, especially its, international clientele. Clients can now submit a reservation request online at the company’s website at www.airsxm.com to the Toussaint l’Ouverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from various destinations, not only from St. Maarten, but also from Curacao, Miami, San Juan and Santo Domingo.
Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake of catastrophic magnitude on January 12th, 2010, and the island nation is now in the process of redeveloping. Significant progress has been made in the past twelve months with the building of several manufacturing and housing projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Since January 2010, billions of dollars have been donated to fund recovery projects to overcome the severe consequences of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake and put Haiti firmly on the path of redevelopment.
Company plans to donate $10 per ticket sold to Haiti funds
AirStMaarten’s management has decided to pledge $10 US Dollars of every ticket sold to Haiti to fund the Haiti cause. “With the effects of earthquakes on the minds of people, especially after the recent disaster in Japan, it is important to highlight the fact that attention still needs to be paid to such places as Haiti which are still in the process of structural, social and economic recovery.” management stated.
AirStMaarten operates as a virtual airline, meaning the company does not own any aircrafts, but simply charters third parties to operate flights on its behalf. AirStMaarten specializes in shared charters to several destinations, including St. Barths, with established operators such as Winair, Windward Express and St. Barth Commuter. For the Haiti market, the preferred operator for AirStMaarten will be the Curacao-based Inselair. AirStMaarten is also researching the possibility of offering charter flights and cargo charters to Haiti via Santo Domingo as demand increases. AirStMaarten is owned by internet entrepreneur, Terrance Rey.
Terrance Rey is owner and operator of AirStMaarten, Caribbean's first virtual airline, organizing and coordinating commercial flights, shared charters and private charters to and from St. Maarten, St. Barths, Anguilla, Antigua, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao and throughout the rest of the Caribbean. Terrance Rey is also the President of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation and is winner of the SHTA’s Crystal Pineapple Award for Employer of the Year 2010.
Terrance Rey also gives trainings on how to start your own business on St. Maarten. His next set of classes will be focussed on how to set up e-commerce websites and sales strategies for salespersons and business people. For more information visit www.syob.nl or contact Terrance Rey via 581-9740.
Source: StMaartenNews.com
Internet Entrepreneur, Terrance Rey, welcomes the establishment of an Economic Zone or E-zone on St. Maarten
Sunday, March 13th, 2011 - 15:00
SHTA's Crystal Pineapple 2010 Employer of the Year Award winner, Terrance Rey.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten -- Internet entrepreneur, Terrance Rey, welcomes the news that Minister Franklin Meyers signed a NAf. 270000 agreement with Dutch funding agency USONA on Friday for the setting up of an economic zone or e-zone on St. Maarten. "This is good news for investors looking to establish their e-businesses on St. Maarten." Rey says.
The internet entrepreneur, e-marketeer and consultant, who has business interests in St. Barths, Anguilla and Curacao, says the majority of his business is generated off-island, but an e-zone on St. Maarten provides him with the perfect opportunity to center all his off-shore activities on the island.
With an e-zone on St. Maarten the internet entrepreneur can now set up a company in St. Maarten to handle the volume of his international e-trades in this e-zone. Terrance Rey operates several online businesses relating to St. Maarten such as AirStMaarten.com. StMaartenFlowers.com and StMaartenGiftbaskets.com. “99% of the business generated by these websites are from off-island clients” Rey explains. "Yet up until now it was not attractive to establish these high-volume, low-margins e-businesses on St. Maarten due to the lack of tax incentives to do so."
“E-zones are especially attractive for e-commerce businesses that serve only international clients like mines.” continues Rey. “Because of the nature of internet based businesses, an e-zone facility is easily set up to accommodate these types of businesses because the ICT infrastructure can be cordoned off with its own server park at any physical location assigned by decree as an e-zone.”
“As Minister Meyers explains, businesses virtually located within these jurisdictions fall under the attractive e-zone tax regime with its 2% corporate tax base and 0% turnover tax rate, which will be in effect until December 31st, 2025.” Rey further notes.
Terrance Rey continues to state that the e-zone is ideal for setting up an international franchise concept he has devised called KwikFix.com. Rey bought the domain name several years ago as a vehicle for his kwikfix handyman franchise formula. “The concept has significant international appeal and an e-zone makes it attractive to establish such a business on St. Maarten” Rey states. “As a matter of fact, I have already been offered to sell the kwikfix domain names for 150.000 US Dollars, but I turned down the offers. I see Kwikfix.com as a long term investment and ideal for set up on St. Maarten with its reliable telecommunications network and internet infrastructure.”
“Such a venture as a St. Maarten e-zone based international operation can provide great employment opportunities for the young people of St .Maarten as it would be possible to set up a call center to handle all the incoming international calls, especially since e-zone companies, according to the existing legislation, are allowed to calculate the wage taxes over the net salaries instead of over the gross salaries” Rey explains. “Certain secondary wage benefits are tax-free if companies quality. So employers could even treat their employees to a tax-free year-end bonus based on the profits the e-businesses makes. Who wouldn’t want that?”
“Finally, I agree that proactive measures must be taken to attract internationally operating businesses to St. Maarten via the e-zone” Rey says. “Because, despite the fact that St. Maarten has a stable political, financial and economic climate, the island will continue to experience off-shore investment competition from such jurisdictions as Anguilla, Nevis, the BVI, The Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Belize and even Curacao.”
“With a high-tech e-zone facility and such e-commerce businesses as AirSXM.com, CuracaoFlowers.com and StMaartenInfosite.com as examples to showcase the benefits of setting up in an e-zone on St. Maarten, an attractive proposition can be made that will serve to attract other internet entrepreneurs and investors” Rey states.
Terrance Rey is owner and operator of AirStMaarten, Caribbean's first virtual airline, organizing and coordinating commercial flights, shared charters and private charters to and from St. Maarten, St. Barths, Anguilla, Antigua, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao and throughout the rest of the Caribbean. Terrance Rey is also the President of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation and is winner of the SHTA’s Crystal Pineapple Award for Employer of the Year 2010.
Terrance Rey also gives trainings on how to start your own business on St. Maarten. His next set of classes will be focussed on how to set up e-commerce websites and sales strategies for salespersons and business people. For more information visit www.syob.nl or contact Terrance Rey via 581-9740.
Source: StMaartenNews.com
St. Maarten Is Charting A New Course Into The Latin American Markets With Copa Airlines
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 - 21:30
Copa Airlines arrives in St. Maarten on Saturday, December 18th, 2010
Saturday, December 18th, 2010, is likely to go down in the annals of aviation history as one of the most momentous days ever in St. Maarten. It was on this day that Panama’s most trusted airline, Copa Airlines, touched down at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), much to the delight of everyone in tourism and aviation in St. Maarten.
Eventhough the establishment of a new air service from Latin America was long overdue, the occasion was of considerable importance for more reasons than one. Firstly, the arrival of one of Latin America’s most coveted brand name is certain to give a major follow up to the Air Access Development as envisaged in St. Maarten’s Tourism Master Plan and Airlift Development Study of 2005.
Secondly, the arrival of Copa Airlines would translate into annual revenues of US$10 million dollars, which is extremely encouraging during the greatest financial apocalypse of the 21st century. Thirdly, the association is also expected to open up a new world of employment opportunities for locals on the island.
Copa also guarantees access to the massive potential of the South American region. With the landing of Copa flight 288, a slew of opportunities in 33 diverse markets in the region are waiting to take off. There is also great anticipation as St. Maarten is expected to take advantage of Copa’s fast-growing network and explore the possibility of a year-round scheduled service from Panama reaching all these markets.
In addition to attracting leisure travellers from Latin America, the association is also expected to fuel business development in St. Maarten. It won’t be long before businessmen from the island have unfettered access to the luxury goods market in Panama, regarded as the hub of the Americas. As the island gains prominence as an important business centre, there would be vital air links established with other destinations in South America.
The arrival of Copa Airlines as a feeder airline will also elevate the status of AirStMaarten to that of the principal bookingsite offering connections to the surrounding islands like Anguilla, St. Barths, Tortola, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saba and St. Eustatius.
Photo courtesy of The Daily Herald
Source: StMaartenNews.com
Prime Minister Receives Dignitaries for PANCAP 10th Annual General Meeting
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the Secretary General of CARICOOM among dignitaries attending.
Sunday, October 31st, 2010
From L. to R: Mr. Kofi Annan, PM Wescot-Williams, PM Dr. Denzil Douglas and Dr. Michel Sidibe
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the honourable Mrs. Saray Wescot-Williams was on hand at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) to receive high profile dignitaries arriving at the airport to attend the Tenth Annual General Meeting of PANCAP to be held at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.
The Prime Minister welcomed and escorted her guests to the Head of State Room at PJIAE airport where photographs were taken.
Amongst the dignitaries who arrived today were Mr. Kofi Annan and his delegation, the Honourable Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas, the Executive Director UNAIDS, Dr. Michel Sidibe and the CARICOM Secr. Gen., H.E. Dr. Edwin Carrington.
The 10th Annual General Meeting of PANCAP will be held from Sunday, October 31st to November 2nd, 2010.
Private Initiative Launched To Promote St. Maarten With "37 Square Miles" T-Shirts
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Philipsburg -- T-Shirts that are being used as a promotional item and was designed by one of St. Maarten's students Shawn York was presented to members of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, October 27th. Presenting the t-shirts was York's aunt Ms. June Peters.
The St. Maarten born Shawn York, who is currently a student at the Grafisch Lyceum Art School in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, embarked on a project to highlight St. Maarten both locally and abroad through the use of promotional t-shirts containing a text design: "37 Square Miles" in the colors of our flag: red, white and blue.
Basically the message the student is sending is that our 37 square miles island, has a lot to offer in relation to its size. At the same time the recent constitutional changes call for the implanting of national pride in our people, and to some degree redefine who we are as a country within the Kingdom. The t-shirts will be available in black only and are on sale at the Upholstery World on the Bush Road 53.
Shawn's aunt June Peters and cousin Tamara Vanterpool have been jointly assisting with the distribution and promotion of the t-shirts. NAGICO's Marketing Officer Jimmy Challenger accepted a shirt on behalf of the company: "We must as individuals, through our workplaces or volunteer work, promote and build our island nation in every sense of the word. There are many challenges ahead for our government and people. NAGICO recognizes the importance of nation building and will continue to support sound projects that support this cause."
News reported by SMN-News.com
The opening of Princess Country Club on St. Maarten, a 'family-friendly' destination
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
COLE BAY--Princess Country Club (PCC) has made St. Maarten "a facility richer," Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams told guests at the opening of the health, fitness and beauty club on Saturday evening.
Photo by Bibi Shaw - SMN-News
Wescot-Williams, Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and his partner Grisha Marten, Sports Minister Rhoda Arrindell, President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell, Tourist Bureau head Regina Labega, former Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and his wife Angela Richards-Huggins were among the scores of guests at the black-carpet opening ceremony.
"As you know, health and fitness are important and I think this is a start for us to really encourage a healthy and fit St. Maarten," Wescot-Williams said just before assisting owner Katsiaryna Özkan with cutting the ribbon to declare the facility officially open. "I think it is just too much for words [to describe] what you have made out of this facility."
She said she had been a patron of the former gym and salon "on and off" before it was refurbished.
"You would need to know what it was like to fully appreciate what it is today and I think that Kathy and all who worked with her deserve a round of applause. It is a tremendous improvement and it really shows that you can make something happen that you really want to make happen. It took a long time, but I think the result could not have been better.
"We are a beautiful facility richer as a country. I hope this will encourage many persons to make use of this facility and encourage others to improve and make whatever they are in as a business beautiful and worthy of St. Maarten and St. Maarten people.
"The more of you who join this centre, the more affordable it can be kept, so I ask you all to join ... especially the big family of the government of St. Maarten. If we all pool together, we will be able to use this facility here and I am in walking distance of it, so we can get here."
Owner Katsiaryna Özkan, who designed the refurbished facilities, said it was her intention to make the club "a destination" and a place that catered to entire families.
"It's been over a year since we started renovations. ... It was my dream for the club to become a destination. As many of us know already, St. Maarten does not need quantity anymore; St. Maarten needs quality. Princess Country Club is a place where everyone will feel nice, glamorous and special. I wanted to make a club that I would love to go myself: affordable, clean, beautiful, inspiring and, most important, family- friendly."
She said the opening of the club had been "a long journey" with many people involved. "I always had a vision in my head and I can tell you now that it has surpassed my expectations." Later in the evening, she thanked by name all those who had been involved and said she was very appreciative for their efforts and support.
Guests were given a tour of the facilities during a champagne and strawberries cocktail reception before the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests were then treated to buffet dinner and dancing at the club's illuminated poolside. A shimmering three-level grey and white cake with black, grey and white bows bearing the club's logo was sliced to celebrate the opening.
Many "ohs" and "ahs" could be heard during the various tours, as guests expressed their amazement at the "beauty" and "comfort" of the facility. Many guests said they were impressed and would be joining to "pamper" themselves, among other things.
Guests were also asked to leave their business cards for an opening raffle. The winning business card will be pulled and the winner announced later.
The refurbished PCC comprises a 3,000-square-foot fitness centre, large spa, beauty salon, two dance/aerobic studios, a spinning and a pilates studio, organic Cafe Organica, a pool, seven lit tennis courts, the first children's gym in the Northeastern Caribbean, a children's Fun Park and a childcare centre that offers babysitting services.
The children's gym is furnished with a line of resistance equipment specifically designed for children ages 5-18 years from SHOKK®. The children's facilities mean that parents no longer have to leave their children at home when they go to work out or to have beauty treatments.
Prospective clients can visit the facility for a tour or sign up by visiting Port de Plaisance.
President of Parliament St. Maarten meets with Faction Representatives in first Briefing Session
Written by Roddy Heyliger, GIS
Friday, October 22nd, 2010 19:00
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten – President of Parliament, Drs Gracita Arrindell, on Thursday afternoon met with the four factions represented in the Parliament of Sint Maarten in a briefing session to discuss a number of issues related to the aforementioned.
Representing the Democratic Party (DP) faction was Senator Leroy De Weever, National Alliance (NA) faction Senator George Pantophlet, United Peoples (UP) party faction Senator Romain LaVille, and Independent Member of Parliament Senator Patrick Illidge.
The four faction representatives along with the President of Parliament decided upon the first session of Parliament which is set for Monday, November 8th at 2pm.
Other parliamentary business that was discussed is: current status of the Parliament building, incoming/outgoing correspondence, voting bureau and incoming new members of Parliament, training of members of Parliament, the handling of the 2011 budget, the parliamentary rules of order, members for the various parliamentary sub-committees, appointment of the Vice Chairperson of Parliament, logo contest for the emblem of Parliament, and pending legislation of the former Netherlands Antilles.
President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said that she would like to see the 2011 budget of country Sint Maarten handled as soon as possible during the month of November.
“The first meeting with faction representatives went very well. Everybody is very enthusiastic and are ready to start working on the people's business,” President of Parliament Arrindell told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Certain pending legislation left over from the Netherlands Antilles also needs to be handled, and these will be prioritized, especially those with certain deadlines related to international treaties that fall under the scope of international law.
The Parliament of Sint Maarten has 15-members; six from the United Peoples (UP) party, six from the National Alliance (NA), two from the Democratic Party (DP), and one independent member namely Senator Patrick Illidge.
Also present for the meeting was interim Parliament Secretary Frank Hanze who is assisting the President of Parliament with the implementation of the Secretariat of Parliament.
Immediately following the briefing session the President of Parliament was also given a presentation about a document management system for Parliament.
“Parliaments the world over deal with a lot of paper, but since the invent of various technologies in information management, we are moving towards having an efficient and paperless system as much as possible while at the same time creating processes that the public can retrieve information as expeditiously as possible in a simple manner.” Arrindell explained.
CARNIVAL FOUNDATION TO WORK WITH TOURIST MARKETING REPS
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
DAWN BEACH – St. Maarten Carnival Foundation (SCDF) representatives took full advantage of the opportunity presented by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau on Tuesday, by meeting the island’s marketing representatives in their effort to “spread the wings of Carnival”.
SCDF board members Edgardo Lynch and Michael Granger met with marketing representatives from the US, Canadian and Dutch marketed in those markets. They noted that St. Maarten’s Carnival was doing very well in terms of regional visitors and Carnival in itself had a large economic spin-off.
However, they were of the opinion that St. Maarten’s largest cultural event should be a much bigger contributor economically and one of the island’s main tourist attractions.
“In our effort to further professionalize Carnival and firmly establish our festival as the premier event on its kind in this region, we recognize the importance of establishing links to enhance our visibility,” Granger said.
“Many of the marketing representatives told us that they know of Carnival and fully agree that more should be done to market it. We exchanged ideas and identified a number of initiatives, such as complete travel packages, that we will now be working on. We highlighted the uniqueness of our Carnival, our village, our two weeks of mass and our ability to be a main attraction for visitors choosing St. Maarten as the high season winds down,” he added.
He said SCDF was very thankful for the invitation the Tourist Bureau had extended and the support that Bureau head Regina Labega had offered. “She also recognizes the potential of Carnival and has said we could count on her to help in its development. We are thankful for that,” he said.
SCDF continues to finalize its financials to start 2011 with a clean slate. Granger and Erno Labega, both former presidents, were brought on board immediately following Carnival 2010 to assist in this regard and with other structural matters relating to Carnival. “We would like Carnival stakeholders to know that every day of the week we are working on Carnival. We appreciate the patience you continue to show. We have been in contact with the Island Government and you should be hearing from us sooner rather than later,” Granger concluded.
For more background information about St. Maarten carnival, go to our Entertainment section>>> .
New Online Service StMaartenFlowers.com Enhances Tourism Product On The Island Of St. Maarten
Family, friends and loved ones back home can send visitors and tourists flowers and giftbaskets during their visit on the island of St. Maarten
PHILIPSBURG -- A new online webservice called StMaartenFlowers.com has enhanced the tourism product of St. Maarten by allowing family, friends and loved ones back home to send visitors staying on the island of St. Maarten flowers, bouquets and giftbaskets for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or just to say 'we miss you'. The new webservice can be found online at www.StMaartenFlowers.com .
StMaartenFlowers.com works with local florists on St. Maarten. The service is available to clients day and night, meaning anyone can place an order online and the order is processed within 24 hours with - in most cases - next day delivery or according to the specific delivery instructions of the clients.
Just visit the website at www.StMaartenFlowers.com and place your order for flowers, bouquets and giftbaskets. StMaartenFlowers.com will deliver your orders to homes, businesses, hotels, villas, hospitals, gated communities, schools, universities and funeral parlors anywhere in St. Maarten.
Once you place your order, StMaartenFlowers.com sends you a pro forma invoice with payment instructions. You can pay online with your creditcard once you receive your invoice. After your payment is received, StMaartenFlowers.com will process your order and deliver according to your specific instructions. StMaartenFlowers.com also accepts orders for wedding bouquets, boutonniers and centerpieces.
So if you are looking for an online flowershop that works with all the local florists to do your flower, fruit, gourmet and/or gift basket deliveries in St. Maarten and can take orders online 24 hours a day, day or night, then go to our website now and place your order with us today/tonight.
For more information, visit the website at www.StMaartenFlowers.com .
Temporary Detour to Facilitate the New Airport Road
Written by Lucrecia P. Lynch - Airport Marketing Department
Thursday, 30 September 2010 14:05
PHILIPSBURG - The Princess Juliana International Airport NV hereby informs the general public that as per Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 20:00 to Friday, October 1, 2010 06:00 all traffic will be rerouted to facilitate the ongoing works of the RESA (Runway End Safety Area) and the new airport road.
Traffic traveling to and from the airport will be rerouted through the Sister Patientia Road onto the Sister Modesta Road.
Measures are in place to direct the traffic flow at this location. Motorists are asked to reduce speed and exercise caution as the works continue to facilitate the new airport road, Mr. Holiday indicated.
RESA's are located at the runway extremity and are primarily intended to reduce the risk of damage to an airplane undershooting or overrunning the runway.
Construction of the RESA began on March 8, 2010 in keeping with regulations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which requires airports to have a safety area at both ends of their runways.
PJIAE regrets any inconvenience caused as a result of the temporary road rerouting.
ST. MAARTEN SCORES GOL TO WIN COPA
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 02:00
GOL charter launched in Brazil, begins June 12, 2010
BRAZIL--Over 300 travel agents in Sao Paulo, Brazil attended the official launch of the GOL Airline flight to St. Maarten this past weekend. Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson and Head of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau Regina Labega were present at the festive event.
The weekly GOL flight will be operated by Brazil's largest tour operator CVC and Nascimento Turismo, who will split the 166 seats on the Boeing 737 with a 60-40 per cent share respectively. The flight will commence on June 12. The flight starts at Sao Paulo, makes a stop at Manaus and then goes on to St. Maarten.
According to Richardson and Commercial Director of GOL Eduardo Bernardes, the charter will run until December, but discussions will start right away about making it a regular flight.
Michael Barkoczy of CVC and Cleiton Feijó of Nascimento explained that approximately 6,000 seats are available on the flights from June to December. And, judging from the high demand thus far, a second weekly flight might be necessary. CVC has already sold 88 per cent of its quota for July and says the demand for August to October is high.
Feijó said Nascimento still has some seats available for July and there is increased demand for the end of the year, which is good news for St. Maarten for the tourism peak season.
"With this new service, we offered to travel agents and customers of CVC a high quality product, with operations throughout the year," Barkoczy said, adding that St. Maarten will also benefit from the North and Northeast of the country, since the flight will stop in Manaus, allowing the formatting of exclusive packages.
With its network of 8,000 travel agencies, CVC expects to take approximately 3,000 passengers to St. Maarten between June and December 2010. Several packages are already being offered, with Sonesta Great Bay Resort & Casino, including a seven-night, double-room accommodation package.
St. Maarten has already committed an initial payment of US $300,000 to GOL Airlines towards the joint marketing efforts to promote the new service.
Copa Airlines may be next for island
PHILIPBURG--WestJet, Air Caraibes, GOL Airlines, could Copa Airlines be next? Fresh off of securing the new GOL charter, which commences June 12, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Commissioner of Tourism will next turn his attention to securing another South American Airline, this time Panama's Copa Airlines.
No official discussions have taken place yet to detail the service, but meetings between Copa and the Island Government should be held sometime soon. Adding Copa to St. Maarten's fleet of airlines would further strengthen the position of the destination as the rapidly growing South American market.
St. Maarten's interest comes at a good time as Copa Airlines is looking for growth by adding new destinations and increased flight frequency. The carrier, which has more than quadrupled its fleet to 56 aircraft since 1998 and now serves 45 destinations in 24 countries, has already identified another 30 cities where it could add service in the future, Copa Holdings Chief Executive Pedro Heilbron said at the Reuters Latin American Investment Summit.
"We have the advantage of being right in the middle of the Americas, so we can serve most of the markets out of Panama without needing to buy into another carrier in another country," said Heilbron.
The airline may add three or four new destinations through the end of 2010 and into late 2011, he added. "Latin America is the brightest-if not the brightest one of the brightest-spots in the world of aviation," said Heilbron. "We have in Latin America some of the leading airlines in the world in terms of economic performance."
St. Maarten Tours launches e-shop for Island Tours
Monday, April 26th, 2010 02:00
PHILIPSBURG -- Online webservice St. Maarten Tours launches an e-shop for island tours on StMaartenTours.info where visitors can easily book St. Maarten tours, trips and excursions. Prospective clients have the option of choosing from Circle Island Tours, City Tours, Mountain Top Tours and Inner Island Tours at very attractive prices.
With the launch of this new e-service visitors to the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin can easily book several island tours on offer at www.StMaartenTours.info . Prospective visitors, cruise passengers and on-island vacationers alike can choose from four top island tours. Groups of 3 or more people can recieve very attractive discounts for a maximum of 14 passengers.
For more information, visit the website at www.StMaartenTours.info .
Six bridge openings per day as of today
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 10:30
SIMPSON BAY--There will be six bridge openings per day as of today, Tuesday, as is customary every season to accommodate the mega yachts heading into the lagoon to various marinas, said Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) Managing Director Russell Voges.
The daily openings will be at 9:00am for outbound, 9:30am for inbound, 11:00am outbound, 11:30am inbound, 4:30pm outbound and 5:30pm inbound. This schedule will continue until May 2010.
Users of small craft are requested not to transit the bridge channel during bridge opening hours. Boats docking at the BBW dock should not be manoeuvring in the channel during the openings.
Small sea craft must make use of the port channel when passing under the bridge. Jet ski owners and rentals are requested to inform users that they must put their waterspouts off when passing under the bridge. This prevents corrosion of the iron structure of the bridge.
Captains and owners, after docking in the lagoon, should immediately head to the SLAC window and immigration to clear in their vessel, crew and passengers and to pay the bridge, harbour and other fees.
Beautification works at bridge progressing on schedule
Monday, November 30th, 2009 00:00
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten -- Managing Director of Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC), Russel Voges, says that the beautification and upgrading works around the Simpson Bay Bridge are progressing according to schedule.
Works currently being carried out are the instrallation of new guard rails and the trenching for street light cables. Ground works also include the installation of curbs enclosing the road and walkways. The walkways for pedestrians will be constructed from red paving stones, which are scheduled to start this week.
The milling and asphalt works are also scheduled for this week and these activities will take place during the evening hours when there is less vehicular traffic. The civil works are on schedule to be completed by December 11, just in time for the start of the 2009/2010 tourism season. Beautification lights won't be ready for installation by this date and are scheduled to be installed in January 2010.
Windward Roads Infrastructure is executing the civil activities while Independent Consulting Engineers (ICE) is carrying out supervision. The Public Works Department is in charge of quality assurance while HISMAR N.V. coordinates the civil works project for the Lagoon Authority.
Motorist and pedestrians are advised to pay extra attention while crossing the bridge during these construction activities. Drivers are requested to slow down and observe the traffic signs in the construction area. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority would like to thank the public and mariners for their cooperation to date and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these improvement works and activities.
Westjet launches new service to St. Maarten
Sunday, November 1st, 2009 17:16
Airport -- WestJet made their inaugural call to the island of St. Maarten on Sunday afternoon. The carrier will now provide a new airlink for St. Maarten from Canada with 3 scheduled flights a week out of Toronto.
WestJet today announced the launch of new, seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. The inaugural flight departed Toronto's Pearson International Airport at 10:15 a.m. ET today.
WestJet will fly between Toronto and St. Maarten three times per week from now until April 29, 2010.
Following are the schedule details of WestJet's new service.
From November 1, 2009 to April 29, 2010:
Toronto - St. Maarten (three times weekly until April 29, 2010)
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Flight Departure Arrival
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From Toronto - WS2652 10:15 a.m. 3:45 p.m.
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From St. Maarten - WS2653 4:35 p.m. 8:45 p.m.
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One-way fares, available in both directions on non-stop flights only, are available from $159, plus applicable taxes and fees. Fares are available by calling WestJet's Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET(937-8538), your preferred travel agent or by visiting www.westjet.com .
WestJet Vacations offers customized vacation packages for most of WestJet's scheduled destinations, including packages to St. Maarten starting at $799, plus applicable fees and taxes, for a seven-night stay. For more information, visit westjetvacations.com.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 81 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 54 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.
WestJet had previously served the St. Maarten destination as a charter carrier however their return as a scheduled carrier, is a clear sign of commitment to the destination St. Maarten.
Dominica - The Ideal Destination for Daytrips and Weekend Getaway Packages for Eco-Tourists
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 11:30am
In this article you will read why Dominica is the ideal destination for eco-tourists. Whether you are a naturalist, a hiker, a trekker or just simply in for some unique natural experiences hiking and trekking through a cloud covered rainforest, you will learn that Dominica is a destination with a superb nature that is unsurpassed by none in the area of eco-tourism.
First of all, it is important that the island of Dominica is not confused with the Dominican Republic. That is a totally different island. Eventhough Santo Dominigo is beautiful in its own rights, Dominica will surely be the most beautiful island you will have ever visited. Almost untouched, much of the dense rain forests of Dominica remain unexplored. Dominica, also known as "The Nature Island", is blessed with 365 rivers, one for every day of the nature-filled year. Dominica boasts waterfalls, hot springs and boiling lakes. Christopher Columbus landed here and it is said that were he to return today he would still recognize it. Dominica has maintained its natural beauty all this time. English is the official language, but a French patois is widely spoken. The Caribs, the indigenous people of the Caribbean, still live in the mountainous Northeast.
Why is Dominica ideal for you, the eco-tourist?
Just picture you are in Dominica. You can take a 4 hour tour deep into the rain forests. You will leave the dockside at the Bayfront Harbor in Roseau, capital city of Dominica, heading into the rain forests to Trois Piton National Park, home of the Emerald Pool. Along the way, the road passes through vast banana plantations and beautiful wild flowers. Arriving at the park, you can get out of the bus and trek up a trail leading to the pool. The trail is rugged and the forest is dense and humid. The pool is fed by a cascade of water which plunges off a fern covered cliff.
Next stop is the village of Trafalgar where you can trek up another rugged trail to a viewpoint above the river and a grand view of the twin Trafalgar Falls. Leaving Trafalgar you will head for the Cane Field Estates, stopping at the Springfield Plantation for a cool drink of tangerine punch. Then down the Imperial Road en route to Roseau. You will get a lot of exercise on this tour and it will be the most beautiful of all tours available on Dominica.
Commencing November 2009 AirStMaarten will be offering flights, daytrips and weekend getaways packages to Dominica from Grand Case Esperance Airport on French St. Martin to Dominica Canefield Airfield. Tickets will be on sale from $249.50 per one-way and $499.00 for a roundtrip. Day trips (Discovery Package) will be on sale from $599. The following all-inclusive trip packages to Dominica will also be on sale: the Fiesta Package from $799 to $819 (depending on room choice); the Action Package from $879 to $949; and the Relax Package from $869. Prices are in US Dollars and per person based on double occupancy.
For inquiries, email us via sales@airsxm.com .
Hurricane Season 2009 is still active
For more weather information and tracking details see our St. Maarten Weather page. Also visit www.stormpulse.com .
AirStMaarten Now Offering Super Low Fares To And From St. Barths
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 10:18pm
Airport -- AirStMaarten is now offering super low charter fares to and from St. Barths. In an effort to maximize the utilization of charter flights to the island of St. Barths from St. Maarten the virtual airline company is promoting new Budget Class flights and lowering the fares of its shared charters.
AirStMaarten is a virtual airline started by owner/operator, Terrance Rey, in 2003. The company charters third party operators to execute private charters on its behalf. The seats are sold on an individual basis so that clients get to experience the service of a private charter at affordable rates.
Now with its Budget Class flights to and from St. Barths passengers can now get the same service at super low fares and cheap charter rates and experience the kind of service VIP clients have come to enjoy over the years with no delays, no long lines, no waiting time, no lost luggage and no cancelled flights.
The budget flights starts at $100 US dollars and the shared charter seats are bookable from $150 per seat. Budget flights are operated on a fixed schedule basis, while the Shared Charter flights are more flexible to schedule. Clients can view the available schedules online at: http://www.airsxm.eu/page.php?page=40#sxm-sbh .
Flights are operated with two 9-seater BN Islanders twin-engine turboprop aircrafts out of Princess Juliana International Airport. Passengers transiting through the St. Maarten airport enroute to St. Barths are expedited through the terminal building, bypassing immigration and going directly to our aircrafts via transit security. Their luggage are tagged all the way to St. Barths and is handled by our own bagage agents. Clients don't need to retrieve their own luggage. The low fares budget class charters are valid until November 15th. Book online at http://www.airsxm.com .
Venezuelen Travel Agents Upbeat about St. Maarten
Monday, July 20th, 2009 00:00am
Great Bay -- A group of 12 travel agents recently visited the island on a familiarization trip organized by All Ways Tours, a Valencia-based tour operator in Venezuela in collaboration with Insel Air. The group was hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
The group arrived Saturday, July 11 aboard Insel Air flight 7I 531 from Valencia, Venezuela, via Curacao, and immediately proceeded with site inspections at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Sonesta Great Bay Resort and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort before checking in at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort, Spa and Casino, where they stayed until their departure on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
In total, the Venezuelan travel agents conducted about eight site inspections and managed to find time for some recreational activities, especially on Sunday, when they were able to take a snorkeling tour of the island.
“We had a wonderful time and hope to return with a lot of clients to enjoy the pleasures and live the unforgettable experience of your fantastic island,” commented leader of the group, Linda Labastidas of All Ways Tours.
“St. Maarten is very unique and has lots of beautiful attractions that will make it easy to sell to Venezuelan travelers,” added Brenda Aguilar, one of the travel agents on the familiarization trip.
Several of them promised to return on private visits for R & R later in the year, with a few already setting dates for their vacation here.
“It’s my first time here and I am surely coming back,” said Noliber Sulbaran.
Another member of the group, Jose Manuel de Ascencao described St. Maarten as “a hidden paradise.”
“Well, no more,” he said. “The whole of Venezuela will hear about this treasure in the Caribbean.”
The group was ecstatic as they were featured by surprise on the popular Spanish-language radio program, “Fiesta Caribe,” whose host, Ricardo Rey, welcomed them to the island live on air Monday on 105.5 FM of the Laser radio network.
“I was so stunned that I was almost speechless,” said Jualy Lopez, who was interviewed live on the program via cell phone connection while returning from a site inspection.
She said the group was very impressed with the island and had a marvelous time. “This is a dream experience; simply fantastic,” she added.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau has been actively nurturing the Venezuelan market, which it sees as a potential growth market that will allow further penetration of the Latin American market.
Dutch St. Maarten has been suffering from intermittent blackouts (brownouts) during the whole day Monday and well into the night. The local power company, GEBE, has been announcing several repairs, sudden malfunctions, power failures and urgent upgrades to the generators.
The following press release from GEBE is important for you if you are on the island or planning to visit shortly:
GEBE PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Monday, July 13, 2009
TWO GENERATORS MALFUNCTION
~TECHNICIANS AWAITING REPLACEMENT PART TO FINALIZE REPAIRS TO DG#9~
CAY BAY—The GEBE power plant experienced mechanical malfunctions with two generators that resulted in load shedding, today, July 13, 2009. Diesel Engine #9 will remain offline pending the arrival of a replacement part while repairs were made on Diesel Engine #12 that was brought back online at 5 p.m. Two cables feeding the Pelican, Zagersgut, and Belair areas were still out up to press time, but power was expected to be restored shortly thereafter.
The power plant’s operational personnel ascertained that the fuel injection pump of cylinder #4 of Diesel Generator #12 had seized, resulting in extremely high exhaust gas temperatures. The maintenance department reacted immediately by taking the engine offline to exchange the seized fuel injection pump resulting in a loss of some 10 MW of capacity. The team made use of the down time to replace flexible fuel hoses and perform some other preventive maintenance on the engine.
Diesel Engine #9 that produces approximately 5 MW also experienced mechanical problems when the compressor wheels and aluminum wall insert of the turbo charger were damaged beyond repair and required replacement. Most of the required spare parts were in stock and the changing out of the damaged parts has already begun. Only the wall insert will have to be flown in. This may lead to some additional outages until the repairs have been completed.
The areas that were affected were Oyster Pond, Saunders, St. Peters/ South Reward area, Cole Bay, Lowlands/ Cupe Coy, Over the Bank, Belvedere, Madame Estate, Pelican Keys, AT Illidge Road, Zagersgut, Belair and Simpson Bay.
Due to the recent spate of engine problems, GEBE power plant technicians have been working around the clock conducting emergency repairs to minimize the effect of the engine malfunctions on the community. With the warm weather, the electricity demand has increased significantly. GEBE is already operating on a tight electricity production schedule since a fire seriously damaged a major diesel generator in 2008, leaving the GEBE power plant with just enough capacity to meet the current demand. Any mechanical problems may lead to short power interruptions.
GEBE Power Plant is already undergoing expansion with the two 11.2 MW generators. The new engines are expected to arrive on the island shortly and should be commissioned by December 2009 in time for the beginning of the high tourism season.
GEBE would like to apologize to its customers for the recent power outages and GEBE would like to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to maintain a steady supply of electricity and to avoid any outages. Once an outage does occur, our team is immediately mobilized to conduct the necessary repairs and minimize the effect of the outages due to malfunctions of the engines on the community.
Updates on the load shedding schedule as well as the ongoing repairs will be available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com as they become available.
New Board for Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation
Sunday, July 12th, 2009 15:00
AIRPORT, St. Eustatius – On Saturday, July 11th 2009, the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation elected a new Board. Terrance Rey was elected as the new President, taking over from Elizabeth (Elly) Delien, founder of the Foundation and partner of Winair’s legendary pilot, the late José Dormoy, affectionately known as “Pipe.” Rey is managing director of AirStMaarten , a company specializing in organizing private charters to and from St. Maarten.
Elizabeth "Elly" Delien welcomes new President, Terrance Rey.
Walter Hellebrand, historian and communications professional, was also newly elected to the board and will take on the role of Secretary. Elly Delien stays on as member of the board in the capacity of Treasurer and the Board’s former secretary Nyna Burright, a shipping coordinator working for St. Eustatius Port Services, was also reelected. She will act as substitute secretary.
The Foundation was established on February 12th 2008 by Elly Delien to preserve and promote the history of aviation in the Caribbean - in particular in the Windward Islands – and to pay tribute to the pioneers who opened up the islands to the outside world and thereby played an important role in their development. Some of the ways by which the Foundation tries to achieve its purpose include research and exposure of the history of aviation as well as projects to create more interest in the aviation history of each individual island.
When José Dormoy passed away in 2007, Elly Delien was left with a virtual treasure chest of documents, information and images relating to the early days of aviation in the Windward Islands, an eventful past in which her partner of many years played a very active role. She thought “Pipe’s” personal archive would make a valuable beginning of a collection of information about the history of aviation in the islands that was worth sharing with everybody. She therefore decided to start the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation.
Projects
In its first year, the Foundation’s sizable archive was inventoried and organized. Also, displays commemorating the aviation pioneers were arranged for Saba’s airport and Winair’s sales office in St. Maarten. The Foundation has a number of projects underway set to launch in August and November of this year and, with the new team on the Board, expects to initiate several more to highlight the pilots who opened up the sky for the northeastern Caribbean islands.
Acknowledgments
Elly Delien expressed her thanks to all the former board members for their assistance with the establishment of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation and especially acknowledged the support of Claudie Banare; film maker Pierre Brouwers, Jerry Casius; Leontien Durby; Michael Ferrier; Faustin, Denise and Robert Ledée; Michel Martinon; AirStMaarten, Mazinga Giftshop and Xerox.
The Board would like to encourage everyone with stories, material or images relating to the history of aviation in the northeastern Caribbean to contact the Foundation so that scans or copies can be made in order to increase the knowledge of its fascinating development.
For further information contact 599-523-4485 - apotcarib@yahoo.com
St. Maarten hires public relations firm to spearhead new marketing initiatives
Tuesday, July 7th 2009 20:14
PHILIPSBURG - The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, representing the Dutch side of the dual Dutch-French shared island nation, is expanding its marketing efforts to raise awareness of the destination across North America and has hired a well-renowned marketing and public relations agency to spearhead a new branding program and new marketing initiatives.
KTCpr, lead by veteran travel industry consultant, writer and publicist Richard S. Kahn, has been retained by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau to oversee all marketing, public relations, sales, advertising and promotional efforts on behalf of Dutch St. Maarten.
In addition, KTCpr has enlisted the assistance and expert services of Tambourine (formerly Gideon-Cardozo), a well-known branding and advertising firm, which specializes in Caribbean hospitality and destination marketing.
"We are very excited about this new team of experts that have been engaged to work with St. Maarten to help raise awareness of our destination and ultimately spur travelers to book vacations on our island as well as meet for business in our country," said the Honorable Frans Richardson, Commissioner of Tourism for St. Maarten.
"The team at KTCpr, and our extended group of marketing experts under the direction of Rafael Cardozo at Tambourine, are equally excited about the opportunity to work with this Caribbean destination, especially one that is so desirable for vacationers," said Richard S. Kahn, KTCpr president.
Marketing efforts and new initiatives will include the creation and design of a new website, a branding exercise to focus on the attributes of the destination, an expanded public relations awareness campaign and a series of co-op advertising initiatives in conjunction with the private sector as well as with the French side of the destination.
KTCpr is a 19-year-old marketing consulting company formed by Richard S. Kahn, following his tenure as Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of Travel Agent Magazine, a position he held for 15 years. Over the past 19 years, KTCpr has worked with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), representing the region, and continues to work with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), representing the private sector throughout the region.
KTCpr represents a diverse group of clients including several boutique hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico, destinations, tour operators, travel agencies and cruise lines and specializes in providing publicity creation, support and implementation including development of special promotions and design of promotional products for both travel trade and consumer distribution.
In addition, the team at KTCpr generates writing, editing, layout and production for newsletters, as well as editorial creation, promotion and production of advertorial sections for consumer newspapers and magazines. KTCpr provides strategic marketing and planning for public relations, promotions and advertising.
Tambourine (formerly Gideon-Cardozo Communications), based in South Florida, is a full-service marketing firm specializing in advanced creative development. "While we service a diverse group of clients, we are proud to have played a major role in the success of the tourism and hospitality industries since 1983, and count among our clients several prestigious five-star resorts and island tourism boards throughout the Caribbean," said Rafael Cardozo, principal.
Cardozo added, "We have hands-on experience with the individual countries, cultures, and languages that comprise the region, as well as a keen understanding of the primary target market, the Caribbean traveler.
"For over 25 years we have partnered with Caribbean destinations and resorts to create distinctive brands that set our clients apart from their competition. We do this by understanding their points-of-difference that make them unique."
St. Maarten
St. Maarten is truly a unique island in several ways. It is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flare. St. Maarten is also the culinary capital of the Caribbean with an eclectic array of elegantly-perfected culinary fusion that keeps "food lovers" returning each year. And with more than 300 restaurants, the island has something for everyone.
Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the island has 37 breathtaking beaches and is home to many historical and family-oriented attractions including the vastly abundant treasure trove of rare animal and plant species at the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden.
The historically-pivotal Fort Amsterdam, the St. Maarten Museum and the picturesque and symbolic Mount Concordia, where a treaty and harmonious peace was forged between the island's two cultures more then 350 years ago, provide other unique attractions.
The Dutch capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping and a bustling city atmosphere in the heart of the Caribbean, while nightlife activities provide endless entertainment at the island's 13 casinos and numerous nightclubs.
For water enthusiasts scuba diving and snorkeling facilities are located throughout the island, which boasts a wide array of marine biodiversity and unique underwater dive sites such as the H.M.S. Proselyte, a notable British frigate which sank in St. Maarten's waters in 1801.
Accommodations are varied with many designed to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning traveler and include elegant private villas, family oriented resorts, quaint cottages and luxury spas resorts.
Air service is available to Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten from a number of U.S. and Canadian cities as well as Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
Source: SXMIslandTime.com
KLM cancels stopover due to technical problem
Inselair saves the day by ferrying passengers between Curacao and St. Maarten who were to arrive and depart on KLM's flight.
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 20:30
AIRPORT--KLM flight 785 from Amsterdam, scheduled to arrive in St. Maarten around 3pm on Tuesday, went straight to Curaçao instead of making its usual stopover.
Apparently, the airplane’s crew had discovered a minor technical problem and steered straight towards Curaçao to have the problem solved. There was a hydraulic leakage problem that allowed the plane to land safely in St. Maarten, but would have made it difficult to take off again.
“That is why the crew decided to go straight to Curaçao, where the problem could be fixed,” explained KLM Caribbean General Manager Wim Iserief in Curaçao. The cancellation left 110 passengers headed from the Netherlands to St. Maarten slightly dislocated in Curaçao instead of St. Maarten on Tuesday afternoon. Some 60 passengers waiting for the KLM 785 flight to Curaçao and Amsterdam were stranded at St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport.
Insel Air stepped in to accommodate the passengers who were supposed to arrive in St. Maarten today; they were flown in from Curaçao in the early evening. The passengers stranded in St. Maarten who were going to the Netherlands made it to Curaçao on Insel Air’s return flight.
Iserief expected the airplane to be ready for takeoff later Tuesday night with the St. Maarten passengers on board. “It is an exasperating situation for the passengers, but I think it was solved well. Everyone will reach his or her destination with as little delay as possible,” said Iserief.
Source: The Daily Herald
KLM cancels today's flight to St. Maarten
Airline set to increase capacity to St. Maarten from Saturday, June 13th, with a 428-seater Boeing 747-400.
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 21:12
SCHIPHOL--Royal Dutch Airlines KLM has decided to cancel today’s flight to St. Maarten and Bonaire because there were not enough passengers.
A KLM spokesperson said Wednesday that this was only an incidental cancellation. She explained that the airline continuously scanned the bookings on flights. “It can happen that a flight gets cancelled because the occupancy is too low and it isn’t cost-effective to execute a flight,” she said.
KLM’s policy dictates that passengers are always informed of cancellations at least three weeks ahead. In this case, passengers who were booked on Thursday’s flight were also informed in time and they were transferred to other flights.
The spokesperson could not say how many passengers were affected. Today’s flight would have been executed with an MD-11 aircraft which has 294 seats.
KLM had announced in April that it was increasing capacity to St. Maarten from June 11 by adding a third weekly flight. KLM will fly to St. Maarten with a Boeing 747-400 which has 428 seats this Saturday. The airline also makes use of a Boeing 747-400 on Tuesdays.
Source: The Daily Herald
