the golden book of St. Maarten and neighboring islands 10th year 2020

The Golden Book of

Sint Maarten AND NEIGHBORING ISLANDS www.sxmgoldenbook.com 10th Edition - 2020

COMING SOON 2022

INVESTMENT | TRADE | TOURISM Sint Maarten • Saint Martin • Saba • Sint Eustatius • Anguilla • St. Barthelemy

The Golden Book of

Sint Maarten AND NEIGHBORING ISLANDS 10th Edition - 2020 www.sxmgoldenbook.com

THE INVESTMENT GUIDE

INVESTMENT • TRADE • TOURISM A COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUAL FOR BUSINESSMEN, INVESTORS & TOURISTS Sint Maarten • Saint Martin • Anguilla • Saba • Sint Eustatius • St. Barthelemy The Golden Book of Sint Maarten, 10th edition, is published by:

MEDIA PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL N.V. P.O. Box 409, Philipsburg, SINT MAARTEN (Dutch Caribbean) Tel: 1 (721) 527-5111

Readers of the Golden Book of Sint Maarten are referred to the Government of Sint Maarten website: www.sintmaartengov.org

table tableof ofcontents contents THE government of sint maarten Preface Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten...........................................7 The Council of Ministers....................................................................................... 10 The Parliament of Sint Maarten........................................................................... 12 Country Sint Maarten Government Structure & Ministries......................... 14 Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary............................................................ 18

Map of the Island.....................................6 General Information..20 About the Government of Sint Maarten..............................................22 The Governor of Sint Maarten.....24 Š EQRoy /Shutterstock.com

The Council of Advice....................27 Investment guide..........53

Financial Services.............................70

Business License...............................54

History of Sint Maarten..................74

General Audit Chamber.................31 Social Economic Council................33 Taxation..............................................60

Education System.............................78

The Institution of the Ombudsman. .............................................................36

Incentives...........................................62

University of St. Martin...................79

General Information........................38

Department of Statistics (STAT)...64

Princess Juliana International Airport...............................................86

Contacts.............................................40

Bureau for Intellectual Property...66 Port St. Maarten...............................92

Legal Entities.....................................49

Financial Intelligence Unit...............68 NV GEBE.........................................102 Telecommunication in St. Maarten.......................................108 Bureau Telecommunications & Post ...........................................................112 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (Shta).......................115 Cover Photo Š Corgan

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table tableof ofcontents contents The Neighbouring Islands.................174 French Saint-Martin......................................................... 175 Saba..................................................................................... 182 St. Eustatius........................................................................ 190 Anguilla............................................................................... 202 St. Barths............................................................................ 218 © Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

Tourism..........................................................118

Advertiser’s Index...................................220

Philipsburg.......................................................................... 122 Map of Philipsburg............................................................ 144 Simpson Bay...................................................................... 147 Map of Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Maho, Mullet Bay...... 163 Maho Village....................................................................... 164 Cupecoy ‘The Riviera’..................................................... 165 St. Maarten Tourism Bureau........................................... 166 © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

EPIC Trail Hikes................................................................ 172

This book has been published by Media Publishing International N.V. Media Publishing International N.V. P.O. Box 409, Philipsburg, SINT MAARTEN (Dutch Caribbean) Tel: 1-721-527-5111 www.sxmgoldenbook.com General Manager & Publisher: Emile Cukier E-mail: emilecukier@gmail.com Layout & Design: Estrelinda Rollan-Mc Quilkin - lindarollan@gmail.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.The publisher is not responsible for any error or omission, which may be only the result of an accident.

The publisher would like to extend thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed editorial material, information and photos for this edition.

2020 © Media Publishing International N.V. © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Map of the island

Map of the Island Š Media Publishing International N.V.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

honorable PRIME MINISTER of sint maarten

As our beautiful island nation St. Maarten continues to grow and develop, there have been and still are many investment opportunities. Local and foreign investments are needed to help to stimulate St. Maarten’s economy thereby providing job opportunities, attractions and services for our visitors and our community.

However, there is no doubt that investors are cautious in their choices. Therefore, remaining competitive is vital, and ensuring the ease of doing business is just one of the ways to do this. Nevertheless, it all starts with information that is readily available to facilitate the needs of investors, especially in St Maarten’s postHurricane Irma context.

Our people and business community have remained resilient following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Since then, St. Maarten has been in a phase of recovery and “Building Back Better. “It is a concept that has been shared throughout the various government and non-governmental organizations, civil society and even our business community. Hence, the annual distribution of The St. Maarten Golden Book serves to enlighten investors in St. Maarten’s current recovery context.

There are many new business opportunities arising as the country carries out its National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Our economy is still vibrant and growing as government continues to promote policies and programs which create a lucrative environment conducive to business development. St. Maarten, the friendly island looks forward to welcoming you.There is ‘a little bit of something’ on our island paradise for everyone.

I can assure that you will find what you are looking for here.

Honorable Silveria E. Jacobs Prime Minister of Sint Maarten

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

THE GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN

7 7

8

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the council of ministers

Hon. Silveria E. Jacobs Prime Minister/Minister of General Affairs Hon. Egbert J. Doran Minister of Housing & Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure/Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Ardwell M.R. Irion Minister of Finance Hon. Ludmila N.L. De Weever Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs,Transport, and Telecommunications Hon. Rodolphe E. Samuel Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Anna E. Richardson Minister of Justice Hon. Richard J.J. Panneflek Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Rene F.Violenus Minister Plenipotentiary, Sint Maarten House,The Hague, the Netherlands Hon. Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary, Sint Maarten House,The Hague

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THE GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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the parliament of sint maarten There are five factions represented in the 15-member chamber of parliament (as of February 2020). The five factions are the United Democrats (UD) which has one (1) member, the National Alliance (NA) six (6) members, the United St. Maarten (US) party with two (2) members, the Party for Progress (PFP) with two members (2), and the United People’s (UP) party with four members (4).

Rolando Brison (UP) President & Member of Parliament Grisha S. Heyliger-Martin (UP) Member of Parliament

Christophe T. Emmanuel (NA) Member of Parliament

Sidharth M. Bijlani (UP) Member of Parliament

Solange L. Duncan (NA) Member of Parliament

Omar E.C. Ottley (UP) Member of Parliament

Sarah A. Wescot-Williams (UD) Member of Parliament

William V. Marlin (NA) 1st Vice President & Member of Parliament

Melissa D. Gumbs (PFP) Member of Parliament

Angelique J.G. Romou (NA) Member of Parliament George C. Pantophlet (NA) Member of Parliament Hyacinth L. Richardson (NA) Member of Parliament

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Raeyhon A. Peterson (PFP) Member of Parliament Claudius A. Buncamper (US) Member of Parliament Akeem E. Arrindell (US) Member of Parliament

THE GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN

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COUNTRY SINT MAARTEN GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE & MINISTRIES Governor General Parliament Council of Ministers Ministry of General Affairs Ministry of Finance Ministry of Justice Ministry of Education, Culture,Youth & Sports Ministry of Health, Social Development & Labour Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs,Transport & Telecommunications Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment & Infrastructure Minister Plenipotentiary Seat of Government: P.O. Box 943 Government Administration Building Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island Philipsburg Sint Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-2233 / 542-2534 / 542-2535 / 542-4300 / 542-4305 14 14

THE GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary

W

elcome to the Office of the Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten, also known as the St. Maarten House. The Minister

Plenipotentiary is the official, and permanent representation of the government of St. Maarten in the Netherlands. In this capacity the Minister Plenipotentiary forms part of the Kingdom Council of Ministers which consists of the Ministers of the Dutch government together with the Ministers Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten, Aruba and Curaçao.

Our Vision The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten in The Hague is driven to achieve excellence and will function as Ambassadors for St. Maarten through proper, diplomatic and professional representation.

Our Mission To realize and support the interests of the Government and citizens of St. Maarten in the Netherlands.

To build and promote a sustainable and developed country, that meets the needs of this generation and generations to come, which will lead to a prosperous and safe nation for all.

To represent in the Kingdom Council while maintaining the highest and most transparent standards.

• development cooperation; • consular affairs; • education and cultural affairs.

Our Core Values

• Promotion of our country’s dignity in the Netherlands • Promotion of the full development of St. Maarteners in the Netherlands

To advocate economic opportunities on the island.

• Acknowledge, strengthen and build engagement with the St. Maarten diaspora in the Netherlands

To inspire remigration to the island to build a stronger economy, by connecting people to tangible job opportunities

• Partnerships and alliances with municipalities, communities, institutions, embassies and businesses in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and European Union

To assist in building the best destination product.

The Cabinet is further commissioned to handle in the best interest of St. Maarten in aspects relating to:

• political affairs; • economic affairs an EU; 18

Contact: Prinsessegraccht 7, 2514 AN The Hague, Netherlands Tel: 070 215 6067 Email: info@kgmsxm.nl Web: kgmsxm.com

THE GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN

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general information about the government of sint maarten........................................... 22 the governor of sint maarten................................................................ 24 the council of advice..................................................................................... 27 general audit chamber................................................................................... 31 social economic council............................................................................ 33 the institution of the ombudsman....................................................... 36 general information....................................................................................... 38 contacts................................................................................................................... 40 legal entities.......................................................................................................... 49

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about the government of sint maarten Welcome to Sint Maarten!

Š Multiverse /Shutterstock.com

I

ntroduction As of October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On October 9, 2010, the Netherlands Antilles in which Sint Maarten was one of five Island Territories ceased to exist as a country within the Dutch

Kingdom. The Kingdom of the Netherlands now comprises of the following countries, The Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten. The three other islands, Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire are now public entities of the Netherlands and have a similar status as Dutch municipalities.

As a country, Sint Maarten enjoys its own autonomy. In this respect, it is free to enact its own laws providing that these laws do not conflict with the laws of a higher nature (Kingdom) or with international treaties of which the Netherlands are cosignatory.

The Government As an island territory, Sint Maarten was governed by the Island Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles, and in accordance herewith the administration units of the Island Territory were: the Island Council, Executive Council and Lt. Governor.

As of October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten is now governed by its own Constitution and the following institutions of government: Governor as Head of State, the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, and the Parliament.

The Parliament The parliament is the highest legislative body of country Sint Maarten and represents the entire population of the Dutch side of the island. The parliament consists of 15 members who are elected for a four-year period.

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general Information

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about the government of sint maarten The session year of parliament commences on the second

of the Netherlands is Head of State and is

Tuesday of September. During this session, the Governor

represented by the Governor.

provides an explanation of the policy to be pursued by the government.

Other institutions of government are the Council of Advice, the General Audit Chamber and Ombudsman.

The parliament elects a President and Deputy President from its own numbers. The President of Parliament shall open and close the session year of the Parliament.

The Judiciary The courts forming part of the judiciary are: the Court

The Council of Ministers

at First Instance; the Common Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

The Council of Ministers comprises of seven ministers.

The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands

The ministers are answerable to the Parliament. The Prime

in relation to legal cases in Sint Maarten shall be regulated

Minister chairs the Council of Ministers. The Council of

by Kingdom Law.

Ministers shall debate and determine government policy in order to promote the cohesion of that policy. If the Governor

The responsibilities of the judiciary are: the adjudication of

attends a meeting of the Council of Ministers, he/she shall do

disputes on civil matters; the trial of criminal offenses; and

so in an advisory capacity.

the adjudication of disputes on administrative law matters.

The Prime Minister and other ministers shall be appointed

Constitutional Court

and dismissed by national ordinance. If a minister no longer

The duty of the court is to assess the compatibility of any

enjoys the confidence of the Parliament, he/she shall

applicable statutory regulations. The constitutional court

surrender his/ her office.

consists of three members, including a president and a vice president, and three substitute members.

The Minister Plenipotentiary must have the Dutch nationality.

This person represents the island in the Kingdom Council of Ministers meetings in The Hague, The Netherlands. The minister also has his/her office in the Netherlands under the banner of the “Sint Maarten House.�

Each minister heads one of seven ministries which are established by national ordinance.

System of Government Sint Maarten is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with full autonomy in internal affairs. The Kingdom Government is responsible for defense and foreign affairs. The Queen

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general Information

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THE GOVERNOR OF SINT MAARTEN

T

he Governor is, in his capacity as representative of the King, the head of the government of Sint Maarten. As of October 10, 2010 Sint Maarten, as a country, is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is comprised of St Maarten, Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands. In spite of the many differences between the countries

of the Kingdom there is still a unifying bond. This bond is partly reflected in the role of the Governor as representative of the King and Kingdom Government on St. Maarten.

AUTHORITIES OF THE GOVERNOR The Kingdom of the Netherlands is comprised of four countries: St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands since October 10, 2010. On that date, Sint Maarten acquired the status of country within the Kingdom. As a result, St. Maarten has its own Governor as of that day.

In accordance with the regulation of the Governor the authorities of the Governor are divided in powers assigned to him by law as an organ of the country St. Maarten and as an organ of the Kingdom.

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general Information

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THE GOVERNOR OF SINT MAARTEN The Governor as organ of the country St. Maarten As organ of the country of St. Maarten the Governor represents the King of the Netherlands, King Willem Alexander, on Sint Maarten and is as such the head of the government of St. Maarten. As head of government the Governor is immune, and the ministers are responsible. The Governor together with the ministers forms the Government of Sint Maarten and as such exercise’s executive powers.

The executive powers are related to: • The establishment and promulgation of national ordinances and the signing of national decrees, containing general measures.

• The appointment, suspension and dismissal of civil servants and the establishment of their remuneration; • The management of the finances and domains (properties) of St. Maarten; • The granting of remission of sentence and dispensations; • Granting permission for military aircraft and vessels of a foreign power to enter airspace or territorial waters of St. Maarten.

Many high officials when accepting their official duties, take the oath or the declaration and affirmation in the hands of the Governor. This applies to, among others, ministers, members of Parliament, members of the Council of Advice, members of the General Audit Chamber, the Attorney General, and judges. At the beginning of the new Parliamentary year, on the second Tuesday of September, the Governor delivers the Governors address in a meeting of Parliament convened for that purpose. The Governor’s address is an outline of the envisaged plans and policies of the Government. The PrimeMinister is responsible for the contents of the address.

The Governor is also the chairman of the Council of Advice.

In that capacity he has an advisory function. The vice-chair is responsible for the daily management. The Council of Advice advices the Government and Parliament on (draft) legislation.

The Governor also participates in the legislative branch of Government of St. Maarten. The Governor presents draft national ordinances for approval to the Parliament and The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

enacts them, after approval is obtained. Subsequently, he sees to it that the enacted national ordinances are promulgated.

The Governor as organ of the Kingdom As organ of the Kingdom the Governor represents the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Governor in this capacity is responsible to the Government of the Kingdom. The Governor is authorized, within the limits of the law, to act on behalf of the Kingdom government.

As organ of the Kingdom the Governor, in regard to Sint Maarten, guards the general interest of the kingdom, is responsible for the implementation of Kingdom Laws, of General administrative measures and of international treaties and oversees compliance therewith. This applies to the following kingdom affairs:

• Maintaining the independence and the defense of the Kingdom (Commander of Armed Forces); • Foreign relations; • Dutch nationality; • The regulation of the knighthoods (The Royal honors) • Provide for the realization and supervision of the observance of kingdom laws, general administrative measures and international agreements.

In this regard citizens of St. Maarten mainly come in contact with the Governor through: the implementation of the Passport Law (issuing of travel documents), the implementation of the regulation issuing visas (Granting visas), the implementation of the Law on Dutch citizenship (naturalization and option), and the awarding of the annual Royal decorations on King’s Day.

CONTACT: The Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten Falcon Drive 3, Harbour View Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: +1 (721) 542 - 1160 Fax: +1 (721) 542 - 1187 Email: kabinet@kabgsxm.com Web: www.kabgsxm.com

general Information

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THE COUNCIL OF ADVICE he task of the Council of Advice

T

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Council of Advice has existed since October 10th, 2010, the day on which the former Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist, and Sint Maarten attained its Country Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Just like Aruba in 1986, Sint Maarten and Curaçao received this new status. While the other remaining islands, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba became Public bodies belonging to the Netherlands.With this new autonomous status, Sint Maarten gained a Constitution, along with the High Councils of State, the Council of Advice falling thereunder.

The

so-called

initiative National Ordinance.

Furthermore, the Council is obligated to advise on all matters that are considered necessary by Government and in instances that are prescribed by law. For example, the Council advises the Prime-Minister about unwanted commercial affiliation (interest), conflicting secondary functions and activities based on the National Ordinance promotion of the integrity of ministers. The Council also has the authority to, on its own accord, issue advices to Government and Parliament. These advices are

The function of the Council of Advice was executed prior to October 10th, 2010 by the Council of Advice to the Netherlands Antilles. The Task of the Council of Advice is derived from the task of the department of Advice of the Council of State of the Netherlands that has a long history dating back to the year 1531.

called unsolicited advices.

With regard to the National Ordinances where Parliament and Government form the highest legislator, a request for review should be sent to the Council of Advice before submission for adoption and ratification by Parliament. In case of an Initiative National Ordinance, before the draft legislation is submitted to the Central Committee of Parliament for

PROVIDING ADVICE The Council of Advice is tasked with providing the Government and Parliament with advice regarding legislation and administrative actions. Together with the Parliament, General Audit Chamber and Ombudsman, the Council of Advice is referred to as one of the High Councils of State.

We are a part of the system of checks and balances provided for in the Constitution of Sint Maarten.The High Councils of State are institutions established by the Constitution and are independent from Government with regard to the execution of their powers.

debate [3]. Legislation that is approved by Government without the involvement of Parliament is referred to as a National Decree containing general measures and it also is submitted to the Council before it can be ratified by Government. With its Further Report government responds to the Council’s advice. It is essential in the Further Report that the points not taken over by the Government should be addressed and sufficiently justified. [4] [1] Draft National Ordinance and National Decrees containing general measures

Based on the Constitution the government has an obligation to request the Council to give an advice about all draft proposal legislation, specifically draft National Ordinance and National Decrees containing general measures issued by the Government, [1] the Government of the Kingdom [2] and proposals for approval of the Treaties that have binding effect in Sint Maarten. Parliament is obligated to hear the Council on initiative legislation coming from one or more The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Parliamentarians.

[2] Draft Kingdom Act and Decrees [3] Here it pertains to draft National Ordinances [4] Here it pertains to draft National Decrees containing general measures

MISSION The Council of Advice will guard the democracy and constitutional state of Sint Maarten by providing

general Information

27

THE Council of Advice independent, qualitative, accurate,

sound,

just

and fair advice to the government and parliament.

STRUCTURE The Council consists of five members including a vicechairperson and 5 extra-ordinary members. At the moment the Council has three extra-ordinary members that also function as replacement Council members and can prepare pre-advices to the Council.The Governor can fill his position

VISION The

Council

of

Advice

is

a

professional advisory body functioning in a representative setting that provides independent, effective, academic and just advice to the government and parliament with the aim to stimulate them to enact qualitative legislation in the benefit of a good functioning democratic society for the people and the Sint Maarten community as a whole.

as Chairperson at any time and whenever he deems it fit to do so. As chairperson he has an advisory role. The vicechair, the rest of the members and extra-ordinary members are appointed for seven years and can be reappointed. Sint Maarten’s appointed member of the Kingdom’s Council of State is an extra-ordinary member of the Council and may be present for the meetings held by the Council. Presently, Sint Maarten has not appointed a member to the Kingdom’s Council of State.

The chosen structure of the Council strives to encompass a

Constitutional Position

wide section of the political and social spectrum. Collectively

The Council of Advice, the last advisory body of Government

and legal expertise. The Council does not function as a

and Parliament, has a constitutionally regulated independent

specific expert council but rather as a general advisor. The

position. The Council takes an independent, impartial and

Advices of the specialized councils with expertise in their

objective position while advising Government and Parliament.

fields form part of the dossier that the Council of Advice

the members have a wide range of political, administrative

receives as final and highest advisor to government.

Unlike Government and Parliament, the Council is not democratically legitimized. The Council derives its authority from its scientific approach in its advices.

The advices of the Council are not binding. The Council does not have the power to prevent proposals of law from becoming law, or to force Parliament or Government to amend their proposals. Government and Parliament should use the advices of the Council to enhance the quality of their draft laws.

In this manner the Council plays its role as guardian of the rule of law without compromising the democratic principles.

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general Information

Council of Advice Sint Maarten E.C. Richardson Street 13, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: +1 (721) 542-0953 Fax: +1 (721) 542-0963 Web: councilofadvicesxm.com

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O

ur Strategy

GENERAL AUDIT CHAMBER

With our audits we evaluate and then report on the effectiveness of government

expenditure. In so doing, we provide information and recommendations that can contribute to the improvement and efficiency of public expenditure which is in the general interest of the community. Our strategy is based on the principles of accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of public finances and policy.

codes or agreed upon terms, are adhered to.

Financial audits: we make an assessment of financial transactions and information as reflected in the financial statements prepared by the responsible public entities. For example, we review the financial statements of Sint Maarten, and we also audit the General Pension Fund of Sint Maarten (APS).

Mission Our primary task is to audit government and in doing so, we seek to contribute to the effectiveness, transparency and betterment of government.

Performance audits: these investigations consider broader management issues within government organizations or programs.We investigate whether the services or procedures used by government achieve the expected objectives in an effective, economical and efficient manner. These audits

Audit Scope All persons in possession of funds, securities or goods belonging to St. Maarten are accountable to the General Audit Chamber. This includes management of the parliamentary budget.

review the “value for money”.

Integrity audits: integrity demands knowledge of, and compliance with, both the letter and the spirit of the written and unwritten rules. As such, the integrity audit

Our Role

seeks to review the administrative integrity of political

Our findings and recommendations as presented in our

functions and authorities.

officials or civil servants in the execution of their

reports, are meant to facilitate Parliament. It is Parliament who is responsible and authorized to hold ministers accountable for the financial management within their respective ministries. Results presented in the reports can also be used by ministers to improve their operations and optimize public services.

Organization Our independent position within St. Maarten means that we determine what topics to audit, as well as how the audit will be conducted. As a matter of internal policy, we have developed an

With our audits, we evaluate and report on the effectiveness of government expenditure and contribute to improvement and efficiency in the general interest of the public.

Our reports are public as soon as they are received by Parliament.

‘Audit Protocol’ to guide our audit activities.

When choosing which subjects to audit, we often review areas of increased risk. Risks can be assessed on the basis of, for example, the complexity of processes, the quality and quantity of staffing and the organization of internal control.

Audits

Our independence is guaranteed by law

Compliance audits: the compliance audit deals with the extent

and is characterized by our ability to

to which the rules, laws and regulations, policy, established The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

general Information general Information

31

GENERAL AUDIT CHAMBER independently initiate audits. If Parliament requests that we investigate a certain subject, we decide whether to comply with the request, and if so, we determine the manner in which the request will be executed.

Board & staff The Board of the General Audit Chamber currently consists of a chairman, two members and two deputy members.

The daily operations of the General Audit Chamber are

General Audit Chamber Juancho Yrasquin Boulevard 10, Unit 4 -5 Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, D.W.I. Tel: (1-721) 542-1004 Fax: (1-721) 542-1013 Email: info@arsxm.org Web: www.arsxm.org

managed by the Secretary General who currently manages a team of audit and administrative professionals.

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SOCIAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL

W

hat is the Social Economic Council?

The Social Economic Council is an independent advisory organization of the country of Sint Maarten. The council consists

of

three

representatives

from

employers’

organizations, three

representatives

from

employees’

organizations, and three independent experts. All board members have a substitute member. The chairman of the board is an independent expert. The board is assisted by the secretariat of the Social Economic Council. The secretariat consists of five staff members. Obligated by the constitution of the new country of Sint Maarten the government signed the ordinance of the Social Economic Council into law in December 2010.

participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law. Together these principles for governance form the conditions for sustainable human development.

Through its constitutional role the Social Economic Council contributes specifically to participatory and consensus orientated governance. Participatory governance means that governing is too important to be left only to the government.

As citizens we can do more for our society than to turn up to vote once in every four years. Government can benefit from the knowledge and experience within civil society.

The ordinance of the Social Economic Council makes sure experience and knowledge from civil society have a voice and can advise the government of Sint Maarten.

What is our Mission?

The Council contributes to participatory government but

The Social Economic Council seeks to contribute to

also carries the spirit of consensus-oriented government.

good governance on Sint Maarten. Good governance is

Representatives

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general Information

from

employees

and

33

SOCIAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL organizations and

Unsolicited advice

independent

Board- and staff members of the Council can submit social

experts stand strong

economic topics relevant for the community of Sint Maarten

if

they

agree

after

to the board agenda for discussion. After discussion in the

and

stand

board meeting if the board agrees that the policy area is

together. At the same time

eligible for unsolicited advice, an advice can be drawn. After

government is able to find out what

which the process of unsolicited advice follows the same

consultation

society thinks about policies and draft

path as solicited advice.

law through the discussion in the Social Economic Council.A unanimous positive advice or adaption on draft law is a strong signal from civil society. Furthermore, the Council provides a forum where representatives from employees and employers

Social Economic Council Building 2 / Unit 4K, Eagle Rd., Philipsburg, Sint Maarten (Dutch Caribbean) Email: info@sersxm.org Web: www.ser.sx

organizations discuss issues important to both.

What is the task of the Social Economic Council?

The Social and Economic Council provides the government of Sint Maarten with solicited and unsolicited advice on all important social and economic issues.

How does the Council work?

Solicited advice The council receives a request for advice from a minister of the cabinet regarding a policy or draft law. To be able to write an advice the Council conducts research on the basis of quantitative and qualitative data, relevant literature and policy documents, and the identification of stakeholders.

After discussion and approval in the board meeting the advice is adapted and made final.The final advice is submitted to the Minster of General Affairs of Sint Maarten. The Minister of General Affairs will make the advice public after which the advice will also be posted on this website.

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general Information

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35

THE INSTITUTION OF THE OMBUDSMAN The Ombudsman Sint Maarten was founded on October 10th, 2010 by National Ordinance Ombudsman (AB 2010 no.20). As one of the High Councils of State its legal origin is founded in the Constitution of Sint Maarten (article 78) and as such its independence is safeguarded. The first Ombudsman of Sint Maarten was Dr. Rachnilda (Nilda) J.A. Arduin.

In 1978 the International Ombudsman Institute was established, and in 2002 the Caribbean Ombudsman formed the Caribbean Ombudsman Association.The Ombudsman of

O

Sint Maarten is a member of both organizations. In 2012 the

rigin:

Ombudsman of Sint Maarten was elected to be one of the

In 1809 the institution of Ombudsman was born in Sweden where the Ombudsman was

appointed by Parliament. The institution was charged with safeguarding the rights of its citizens by examining citizens’ complaints and to work in close contact with the highest authority in the land.

regional directors of the International Ombudsman Institute, representing the Latin and Caribbean region on the Board.

Private companies, universities and non-profit organizations in other countries also have ombudsman offices to deal with internal complaints; these report to the CEO or board of directors, whereas an ombudsman who deals with complaints

Countries in all parts of the world have followed the example of the Scandinavian model, even calling the new institution by the same name, Ombudsman. Some Spanish countries refer to the institution as “Defonsor del Pueblo”, the French as “Médiateur de la République”, and others refer to the institution as the “Public Protector”. An added dimension to the institution as it evolves is one of Human Rights Commission.

against government bodies or entities charged with public authority, in general reports to the Parliament of the country.

Ordinances governing the tasks and competences of the Ombudsman: The Constitution of Sint Maarten (AB 2010 no. l);

Establishment The Kingdom of the Netherlands: The Institution was established in the Netherlands in 1982 with a National Ombudsman, followed by the appointment in 1987 of an Ombudsman of Amsterdam; in 2003 an Ombudsman was appointed on Curaçao, and per October 10th 2010 the

The National Ordinance Ombudsman (AB 2010 no. 20); The National Ordinance Constitutional Court (AB 2010 no.29)

Ombudsman of Sint Maarten was appointed.

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THE INSTITUTION OF THE OMBUDSMAN Competencies of the Ombudsman

laws (in association with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten) and Laws of an urgent nature.

The role and competencies of the Ombudsman are regulated in the Constitution of Sint Maarten, the National Ordinance Ombudsman and the National Ordinance Constitutional Court.

1.

The Ombudsman has the authority in accordance with the National Ordinance to:

• investigate complaints or own motions • intervene to find practical solutions within a short period of

The Investigative Role: “Protector of the citizens.”

The Ombudsman is authorized to investigate complaints filed against a civil servant, government body or government entity charged with public authority for behavior or conduct exhibited in the execution of their function.

time

• issue a ruling after investigation • provide recommendations to government; measures to be taken to address a situation in general

• stop an investigation • inform Parliament immediately after investigation

The complaint can be filed by a natural person or an entity.

• publish its findings, conclusions and anonymous reports (without names of the complainants

The Ombudsman can initiate an investigation on her own when the Ombudsman is of the opinion that certain practices or behavior are improper.

The Ombudsman investigates the conduct of government in the relationship with its citizens that goes beyond the written laws: The Ombudsman investigates “propriety” in accordance with the rules of conduct /standards of proper conduct developed to promote ‘good governance’.

The Ombudsman can also initiate an investigation on her own.

2.

Role in the Lawmaking process: “Guardian of the Constitution.”

According to the Constitution only the Ombudsman can submit new laws and regulations, that seem to be in conflict with the Constitution, for partial or total annulment to the

Contact: Bureau Ombudsman E. Camille Richardson Street #13, P.O. Box 188, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: (+1)721 542-1250/ 542-1231/ 542-1243 Fax:(+1)721 5421240 Email: info@ombudsmansxm.com Web: www.ombudsmansxm.com

Constitutional Court. This has to be done in writing within 6 weeks after ratification of the law. Exceptions: Uniformed

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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general information

Š Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

A

bout the Government of Sint Maarten Sint Maarten attained its current status as Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10th,

2010 (10-10-10) through the restructuring of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sint Maarten is a Parliamentary

Democracy with autonomy regarding internal affairs. The Government of the Netherlands is responsible for Defense, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary.

The Council of Ministers consist of the Prime Minister and six Ministers that are appointed for a four year term and governs the executive administration, along with the Governor of Sint Maarten. The Governor, who represents the Dutch Kingdom, serves for a six year term, sanctions appointments and governmental activities.The Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands is the representative of the Government of Sint Maarten in the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Council of Ministers are responsible for the following seven ministries, Ministry of General Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Public Health , Social Development & Labor, Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.

Climate The island enjoys sunshine all year round. Average wind speed of 4.1 m/s; average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in the winter and 86 degrees (30 degrees) in the summer.

The sun shines for approximately eight hours a day and the average rainfall annually is approximately 40 inches. The water temperature is approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.6 degrees Celsius). Gentle trade winds keep the humidity low.

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general information Population

Electricity

The population of Sint Maarten is approximately 60,400 as of

110 volts A.C. (50 cycles) on the Dutch side or 208/220 volts

the end of 2016 comprising of more than 150 nationalities.

(60 cycles) on the French side.

Apart from persons born on Curacao, Aruba, Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Sint Maarten and Dutch nationals, the 10 countries with the highest populations on the Dutch side of

Telecommunications Telephone service is all over as well as cellular phone and

the island are: Dominican Republic, Haiti, Dominica, Jamaica,

internet service. The island is well connected with the

Guyana, India, Great Britain, France, St. Kitts & Nevis, and

international community.

St. Lucia according to statistical information provided by the Civil Registry Department.

Time Zone

2020 Public Holidays All government offices and businesses are officially closed on the following annual public holidays:

St. Maarten is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) minus four (4) hours.

New Year’s Day

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

Languages

Good Friday

Friday, April, 10th, 2020

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April, 12th, 2020

The official languages are Dutch and English as stated in the

Easter Monday

Monday, April, 13th, 2020

Constitution of Sint Maarten.

King’s Day

Monday, April 27th, 2020

Carnival Day

Thursday, April 30th, 2020

Labour Day

Friday, May 1st, 2020

The official currency of Sint Maarten at this time remains

Ascension Day

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

the Netherlands Antillean Florin (Guilder; Naf./Fls.) and is

Whit Sunday

Sunday, May 31st, 2020

fixed to the U.S. Dollar at an exchange rate of 1.79 and 1.82.

Emancipation Day

Wednesday, July 1st, 2020

The official currency of the North side of the island is the

Constitution Day

Monday, October 12th, 2020

Euro. No official rate exists. The Euro value depends on the

Sint Maarten Day

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

Christmas Day

Friday, December 25th, 2020

Boxing Day

Saturday, December 26th, 2020

Currency

international exchange rate and is between 1.25 and 1.40 US$. The US Dollar is widely accepted on both sides of the island.

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Copies of these National Public Holidays Schedules may be obtained via the Government website www.sintmaartengov.org

39

contacts telephone code for sint maarten:

1-721

Š Maridav /Shutterstock.com

Useful addresses & Contacts Government Administration Building Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ...................................................542-2534 / 2535 / 4305 / 4300 Cabinet of the Governor General Falcon Drive 3, Harbor View, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-1160 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-1187 Email:..................................................................kabinet@kabgsxm.com Web:.............................................................................www.kabgsxm.com Bureau of Foreign Relations & Protocol #10 C.A. Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: .............................................................................................. 542-0640 Web:............. www.sintmaartengov.org/government/az/depart Management Resources Administration Building, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-8360 Fax: .............................................................................................. 543-7935 40

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contacts Department of Communications Harbor View, Jobco Building #2, level 1, Unit 4E, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ....................................................................... 542-4119 / 543-1162 Fax: .............................................................................................. 543-1169 Email:........................................................dcomm@sintmaartengov.org Legal Affairs Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ................................................................................ 520-0031 / 0086 Parliament of St. Maarten Parliament Building,Wilhelmina Str. #1, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ................................................................................ 542-0812 / 2929 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-0306 Email:................................................................info@sxmparliament.org Labour & Social Affairs Walter Nisbeth Road #57, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ...................................................543-7509 / 0170 / 7510 / 3561 Fax: .............................................................................................. 543-7511 Email:............................................... labor-affairs@sintmaartengov.org Web:................................................................ www.sxmlaboraffairs.com Department of Business License & Permits Economy & Tourism

Bico Building, Zout Steeg 3, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Walter Nisbeth Road 57, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2986

Tel: ............................................................................................... 543-7821

Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-7822

Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-3111 Department of Finance Department of Tourism

Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Krippa Commercial Building, Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard #6,

Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-8360

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ....................................................................... 549-0200 / 542-2337 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-2734 Email:...................................................................info@e-stmaarten.com Web:...........................................................www.vacationstmaarten.com Department of Economic Affairs Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: .................................... 542-2233 / 2535 / 4300 / 2534 / 4305 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Any additional information that you may require can be obtained by calling the following numbers:

Tel: 542-2233 Fax: 542-4884 at the

Government Administration Building Reception Desk.

43

contacts The Chamber of Commerce Cannegieter Street 11, P.O. Box 454, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ...................................................................... 542-3590 / 542-3595 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-3512

Banking Sint

Maarten

offers

highly

international

banking,

communication and professional services that are geared at promoting the island as an international center.

Below you will find a listing of some of our banks that could inform you on different encumbrances such as the exchange rate, interest rates for loans etc.

Central Bank of Curaรงao and Sint Maarten P.O. Box 193, Nisbeth Road #25, Pondfill, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-3520 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4307 Email:...................................................................... info@centralbank.cw Central Mortgage Bank WJA Nisbeth Road 97 A, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-0442 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-0443 Republic Bank Back Street #62, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................... 542-2262 / 3317 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-2435 Email:............................................................ republicbank.an@rfhl.com Republic Bank Simpson Bay Yacht Club, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................... 544-3390 / 3392 Fax: .............................................................................................. 544-3396 Email:............................................................ republicbank.an@rfhl.com BECM Bank Union Road 133, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 546-0609 44

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contacts Other Contacts AIRPORTS Princess Juliana International Airport Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, P.O. Box 2027 Tel: ................................................................................ 546-7542 / 7777 Fax: ............................................................................... 546-7542 / 7550 Email:..................................................................... info@sxmairport.com Esperance Grand Case Airport Highway of Hope, 97150 Grand Case, Saint Martin Tel:.........................................................................................590 27 11 00 Fax:........................................................................................590 87 09 71 PORT ST. MAARTEN A.C Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities, J. Yrausquin Boulevard, Harbor Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche, Sint Maarten Chief Executive Officer........................................................ Mark Mingo Email:..........................................mark_mingo@portofstmaarten.com Tel:.................................................................................. 542-8504 / 8503 Fax................................................................................................ 542-8506 Email:......................................................comments@portstmaarten.sx First Caribbean International Bank Back Street 38, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-3511 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-4531 Web:...................................................................................... www.cibc.com Windward Islands Bank Ltd. Head Office, Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 546-2942 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-4761 Website:........................................................................ www.wib-bank.net Orco Bank Union Road 139 f, Union Plaza, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 544-4744 Fax: .............................................................................................. 544-4745 Email:........................................................................ info@orcobank.com RBC Royal Bank C.A. Cannegieter Street 24, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-5908.

Fax:................................................................................................ 542-5964 Web:..................................................................... www.rbcroyalbank.com The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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45

contacts

GEBE Water and Electricity Company Tel:................................................................................................. 542-2213 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4810 24/24 Emergency:....................................................1 (844) 432-3213 CARIBSERVE.NET Codville Webster Road 2, Suite 3, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................ 542-0101 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4229 TELEM GROUP Soualiga Bldg. #5, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 546-0200 Fax................................................................................................ 543-7737 Website:...................................................................... www.telemgroup.sx

SMITCOMS Falcon Drive # 3, Harbour View, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-9140 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-9141 UTS Codville Webster Road 2, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-0101 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-3274 Phone Card Info Number: .................................................................127 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association W.J.A. Nisbeth Road 33A, P.O. Box 486, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-0108 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-0107 E-mail:.................................................................................info@shta.com Website:................................................................................www.shta.com Consulate General Dominican Republic Emmaplein 1, Suite B, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:.................................................................................. 542-0338 / 0339 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-0337 Immigration Service Princess Juliana International Airport Tel:.................................................................................. 543-0355 / 0353 Fax:................................................................................................ 543-0386 Email:............................................... immigration@sintmaartengov.org

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contacts Post Office N. Debrot Street 2, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-2947 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-3308 Notary Office Gijsbertha Francis Fouress Building, Emmaplein, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-2684 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4978 Notary Office Speetjens & Associates Front Street #5, Suite 4, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-2339 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-2439 Notary Office Steeman Professional Office Park, Point Blanche, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-9926 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-9929

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Š Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

Legal entities Besloten vennootschap BV/ Private Limited Liability Company

suspension, and dismissal of Managing Directors, nor is there a difference between shareholders’ meetings and Board meetings in this case. The shareholders may determine the

The private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap,

details of the way in which they will manage the company,

hereinafter also “BV”) is a flexible and highly modern form

the division of tasks mutually agreed upon, etcetera, in a

of a corporation.

shareholders’ agreement. Using this type of company, a legal concept can be created that resembles the partnership

The BV is a company similar to the Limited Liability

(commanditaire vennootschap), the general partnership

Company (NV). The main differences with the NV

(maatschap), or the limited partnership (vennootschap

are:

onder firma), and at the same time benefits from the fact

• The BV has registered shares only; • The Articles of Incorporation can determine that the

that, as opposed to partnerships, this company managed by

shareholders can be held liable for the debts of the BV;

shareholders is a legal entity with the ability to act, sue and be sued in its own name.

• The Articles of Incorporation of the BV can contain a different manner for dissolution of the company;

The BV is in principle subject to profit tax. However, a full

• If preferential rights should be attached to shares, such

exemption can be applied for if the activities are investing

should be provided for in the Articles of Incorporation of

in debt instruments, securities and deposits. The company

the BV;

should not be subject to supervision of the Central Bank

• Delivery of shares of an BV can only take place in the

as being a bank or a financial institution. Also, the company should prepare annual accounts and have them audited by

manner as provided for by law;

• There is no distinctive financial regime such as for the

an independent expert. These conditions are in line with current international standards and therefore should not

“large” NV;

• There is a more flexible regulation for convening

form an unacceptable hurdle for serious investors.

shareholders meetings for the BV than for the NV;

• The Independent Supervisory Board is not regulated in the law;

• Only the BV has the possibility of company “managed by shareholders”.

The option of a company “managed by shareholders” has been introduced for the BV. This was done to meet the wishes of enterprises familiar with American law.This form of the private limited liability company does not have a Board of Managing Directors as a separate corporate body. The joint shareholders act as management, which simplifies the taking of corporate action and the management of this type of company in general. Since no Managing Directors have been appointed as such, there are no formalities of appointment, The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Commanditaire Vennootschap (CV)/ Limited Partnership The Commanditaire Vennootschap (“CV”) is a limited partnership in which there is a distinction drawn between the limited partners and the general or managing partners.

The general or managing partners manage the affairs of the CV and represent it in dealings with third parties. They are jointly and severally liable for the debts of the CV. A limited partner however contributes to the partnership a certain amount of capital. His liability is limited to the amount of capital contributed. A limited

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49

Legal entities partner is prohibited from directly managing the affairs of the CV, however he can represent the general partners as their attorney-at-fact. If a limited partner is involved in the direct management of a CV he forfeits his right to the protection of limited liability and becomes jointly and severally liable for the debts of the partnership, together with the general or managing partners.

Dutch Caribbean Islands’ partnerships are formed by either a notarial or a private deed. The absence of a signed deed however cannot be used to defeat the claims of third parties.

Partnerships must be registered at the Commercial Registry.

It is not necessary to disclose the identity of limited partners.

Foreign corporations and/or individuals can act as limited or as general or managing partner.

Vennootschap Onder Firma (VOF)/General Partnership The Vennootschap Onder Firma (“VOF”) is a general partnership in which the individual partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts of the partnership.

Individuals born outside the Dutch Kingdom, but who have lived in Sint Maarten for more than 5 years, need a business license in order to establish a sole proprietorship.

Procedure for application A business license is requested through a filed petition supported by the required documentation, addressed to the Minister of Tourism Economics Affairs and Telecommunications (TEATT), through the department of Economics Affairs, Business License division, located at: Soualiga Road #1, Government Administration Building, Pond Island, Great Bay; Tel: (721) 542-2986 Fax: (721) 543-7822 A requirement listing can be found by accessing this URL. http://www.sintmaartengov.org/government/TEATT/ Department-ofEconomic-Licenses/Pages/BusinessLicense.aspx

Company registration All businesses operating in St. Maarten must be registered in the Commercial Register of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI).

What is a Sole Proprietorship? A Sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak in Dutch) is a form of business I which there is no distinction between the business assets and personal assets. As the owner of a one-man business, you will be personally liable for all obligations of the business.A marriage contract (prenuptial agreement) is important and should be considered if a separation of assets between spouses is desired. A marriage contract has to be effectuated through a notarial deed.

Sole Proprietorship is registered through: • Completion and submission of a Model A form • Copy of the application form for a business license (for foreign born nationals only) • Identification (identification card, driver’s license, passport) • Name of the business • Address of the business • Invested capital • Name of owner • Contact information of owner • Crib number of owner

Business License

All other legal entities are registered:

Sole Proprietorship

The instances in which a license is required for operation, as prescribed by the National Ordinance Regulation on Establishment of Businesses (Landsverordening vestigingsregeling voor Bedrijven), a business license must be requested.

50

The Association, Foundation and Limited Liability companies are registered through completion and submission of correctly filled in pertinent forms, supported by required documentation, including but not limited to a copy of the notarial deed of incorporation, copies of passport for all

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Legal entities Directors and/or Board members, contact information on Directors and/or Board members.

Costs Prior to the incorporation or registration of a company a name check is required to verify whether or not the name of the business can be permitted for use in St. Maarten. The administrative processing costs related to the Name check are ANG 45.The First registration costs must be paid to have a registration completed. The costs for an extract ad ANG 20,- shall apply for every extract desired as of the moment of registration. Every registered business irrespective of its legal form is obligated to pay the annual fee due. The applicable tariffs which may change from time to time are set forth under the tab Regulations and Policies.

An extract of the registration of a legal entity is a document consisting of the following information:

• Name of the business • Date of registration • Address of the business • Name of the owner/Director(s)/Board member(s) • Registration number • Business purpose

In case a new extract is required, a new copy should be ordered at least one day in advance!

Foundation

ownership. Any distributions are then neither out of its own funds nor out of its own income and are thus permissible. Also, the restriction does not apply to liquidation distributions: it is permissible to state in the articles of incorporation that upon liquidation the assets shall be distributed to e.g. the incorporator. A foundation can for example act as custodian or trustee of assets, entrusted and transferred to it for the purpose of investing, administering and managing such assets on behalf of third parties. A foundation is therefore an ideal vehicle to realize an economic transfer, without transferring control of the assets.

The principal difference between a foundation and a corporation is that a foundation has neither members (association) nor shareholders, nor a capital divided into shares.The board of a foundation, which manages its affairs, is therefore, not subject to the overall control of shareholders or members. The initial managing board is appointed at the moment of incorporation. Thereafter vacancies are filled as set forth in the articles of incorporation.

The foundation may be formed for an unlimited duration, for a certain period of time, or until a specified event occurs.

The foundation can be dissolved by resolution of the board, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. It is for example possible that the incorporator has the authority to dissolve the foundation.

A foundation (or stichting in Dutch) is a legal entity in its own right with its own assets and liabilities.The legal concept of the foundation developed ages ago from capital being set aside for a special nonprofit or charitable purpose and was originally used by religious and welfare groups. The foundation is still frequently used for religious and nonprofit organizations. Distributions to incorporators or to those, who constitute its bodies, are not allowed, and its distributions are furthermore restricted by law to distributions with an ideal or social purpose.

Association

The foregoing does not mean that the use of a common foundation is restricted to charitable purposes. It can be and is extensively used in structures in which the foundation is the legal owner of assets of which others hold the economic

For more information on legal entities assistance can be sought from a Notary at law or an Attorney at law in St. Maarten.

(Source of information, St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Website – www.chamberofcommerce.sx - under “Legal Entities”)

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Is a common legal form utilized for organizations made up of members having equal contribution in and rights to participation, responsibility and liability. This legal form is often used for sports and cultural organizations, in which an elected board by the general meeting of members, works in the interest of the membership. Associations are mostly non-profit entities. The incorporation of Associations can be done by notarial deed, which document than dictates the internal and external functioning of the Association.

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52

Š pablopicasso /Shutterstock.com

investment guide business license..................................................................................................... 54 Taxation.................................................................................................................... 60 incentives.................................................................................................................. 62 Department of statistics (stat).................................................................. 64 bureau for intellectual property......................................................... 66 financial intelligence unit........................................................................ 68 Financial services................................................................................................ 70 history of sint maarten................................................................................. 74 education system................................................................................................ 78 university of st. martin................................................................................... 79 Princess juliana international airport............................................. 86 port st. maarten................................................................................................... 92 nv gebe...................................................................................................................... 102 Telecommunication in st. maarten...................................................... 108 bureau telecommunication & post...................................................... 112 st. maarten hospitality & trade association (shta).................. 115 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

53 53

Business License There are also other legal bodies on St. Maarten, e.g. the Private Limited Liability Company (B.V.), Partnership Firm (V.O.F.), Limited Partnership (Commanditaire vennootschap),

T

he establishment of your company on St. Maarten

Foundation (Stichting), and Association (Vereeniging).

In principal, any business on St. Maarten must have a business license. Only businesses, which are one-man businesses

At the time of an establishment of a company on St. Maarten,

owned by people born in the Netherlands Antilles, do not

you will need to decide the organization form of your

need a business license. Here you will find information about

company. You can choose for a Sole Proprietor (One Man

the business license, the management license, the zoning plan

Business) or to incorporate the business. (Incorporation is

and other permits and licenses you will need to start and to

the registration of a company by notarial act). St. Maarten

operate your company.

has one legal body that is the most commonly used for incorporation of companies which is the Limited Liability Company (N.V.)

Sole Proprietors A Sole Proprietor is a business where there is no distinction between the business assets and the personal assets. As owner you will be personally liable for all obligations of the business.

Persons Eligible for a business license to operate a sole proprietorship is: 1 Persons born in the Netherlands of Dutch nationality residing on Sint Maarten for 10 years or longer.

2 Persons who are naturalized Dutch.

3 Persons of foreign nationality registered at the Census office for 10 years or longer.

4 Persons of foreign nationality married to an Antillean.

5 Persons with a permanent residence permit.

The Business License for a Sole Proprietor: All sole proprietors who are not owned by people born in the Netherlands Antilles need a business license to operate a business on St. Maarten. This means that Arubans born after 1986 also need a business license.

Request Procedure: A business license for a one-man business can be requested by sending a letter to the Executive Council of the Island of St. Maarten. The letter must mention: 54

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Business License 4 A copy of your diploma(s) certificate(s) (only needed I case to depict a certain expertise)

1 The name of the business 2 The name of the owner

5 A copy of your police record. (not valid after six months)

3 The nature and objectives of the business 4 The investment capital

6 The exact business location

5 The location of the business

7 Your present home or mailing address 8 Your present telephone number

The Following documents must be submitted to the Department of Licenses 1 A letter addressed to the Executive Council requesting a business license. This request should be written in the Dutch language.

9 A copy of Census registration from.

10 A copy your permanent residency permits.

11 A copy of your marriage book.

Please take note that any request received by the department that is not sufficiently documented will not be processed.

2 A copy of your passport 3 A copy of your curriculum vitae. (resume)

Limited Liability Companies A limited liability company is a corporate body with shareholders, governed by corporate law and its articles of association.

The Incorporation of Limited Liability Companies: The incorporation of limited liability companies is done by the execution of a notarial act. The establisher and/or incorporator do not have to be a citizen of the Netherlands Antilles but one of the directors has to be registered on St. Maarten. A limited liability company can have more than one director and needs a business license.

The business License for Limited Liability Companies and Partnerships: A business license for limited liability companies and partnerships can be requested by sending a letter to the Executive Council of the Island of St. Maarten. The letter must mention: 1 The name of the business 2 The name of the owner 3 The nature and objectives of the business 4 The investment capital 5 The place of establishment

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Business License The Following documents must be submitted to the Department of Licenses: 1 A letter addressed to the Executive Council requesting a business license. This request should be written in the Dutch language.

2 A copy of your passport of director(s) 3 A copy of your curriculum vitae. (resume) of director (s) 4 A copy of your diploma(s) certificate(s) of director (s) (only needed in case to depict a certain expertise) 5 A copy of your police record of director (s) with foreign nationality. (not valid after six months) 6 The exact address of business

of the Island of St. Maarten is authorized to connect conditions concerning the nature and the place of the business as also concerning the creditworthiness of the applicant and the financing of the business. A business license can be refused in the interest of the public order, peace and general interest of St. Maarten.

The changing of Data of a Business license: When changes occur in a business e.g. the name or location of a business changes etc. you must request the Executive Council of the Island of St. Maarten to make changes in your license. Changes can be requested by sending a letter to the

7 Your present home or mailing address

Executive Council of the Island of St. Maarten.

8 Your present telephone number Please take note that any request received by the department that is not sufficiently documented will not processed.

Notary: Entrepreneurs that are going to incorporate their company can also let the notary’s office handle the request procedure for the business and management license including the payment of fees. Incorporation of a business can be done at any notary’s office in the Netherlands Antilles. But the notarial act has to state that the establishment will be done on St. Maarten.

Branches: Partnerships or limited liability companies, which are already incorporated on the Netherlands Antilles and want to open a branch, do not have to incorporate the branch. They only have to request a business license. All limited liability companies and partnerships e.g. N.V., B.V., Ca., SPA., Ltd, SRL, Inc., incorporated in foreign countries must first incorporate the business on the Netherlands Antilles and then request a business license on St. Maarten.

Granting Procedure for a Business License: At the granting of the business license the Executive Council The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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Business License

© Steve Heap /Shutterstock.com

We would like to receive the following documents/ information from you:

the Immigration Department for a residence permit; if granted then you are allowed to work

1 A letter to the Executive Council requesting the change of your foreign address to your local address 2 Copy of the company’s business license 1

6 For some types of businesses an additional license is required: an operational license (example restaurant, hotel/guest, Casino car rental) the request for this license must also be submitted to the Executive Council.

Other Licenses and Permits

3 Copy of your director’s license 4 Copy of Census Registration

Businesses that are going to sell drinks or food and/or rent

The Zoning Plan:

accommodation also need to request for a beverage and

To know where you may establish your company on St.

horeca license. Those that do not have a Dutch Nationality

Maarten you will have to contact VROM. They have a Zoning

must also have a residence and work permit. For more

plan stating the location where companies may establish.

information about these licenses and permits, brochures are available at:

Management License:

Department of Licenses

All individuals born outside the Netherlands Antilles need

Public Vending and Economic Control

a management license in order to start and to operate a

Zoutsteeg Streetv #3, Philipsburg

business on St. Maarten. The Management license can be

Tel: 1(721) 542-2986

requested by letter addressed to the Executive Council

Fax: 1(721) 543-7822

of the Island of St. Maarten. A Management License is not necessary for an E.Z. (one-man business). The letter must mention: 1 The name of the business

After the business and management licenses have been

2 The name, place and date of birth of the applicant

granted, businesses must be registered at the Chamber of

3 The nationality of the applicant

Commerce and Industry. A fee upon inscription.

4 The nature and objective of the business

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

5 The acquisition of the director’s license does not allow you work on the island; a request must be submitted to

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Registration of Businesses

(Source of information, St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Website – www.chamberofcommerce.sx - under “Business Registration Guidelines.”)

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taxation

The Minister of Finance is politically responsible for the correct levying of taxes. Before taxes are implemented on the island, the St. Maarten Parliament must approve them.

Profit Tax (Corporate Income Tax)

A levy of Profit Tax is applicable to corporations as public- and private limited liability companies, limited partnerships, other companies and associations whose capital is divided in shares, cooperatives, mutual guarantee companies, and associations whose capital is not divided in shares, foundations, private fund foundations and trusts that take aim at profit making. The onshore activities will be considered for tax and the off-shore activities will be exempted. The law provides various incentives in order to stimulate investment.These incentives include credits on investments, depreciation acceleration, and tax holidays. (The latter is elaborated on in the tax holiday section of incentives).

Wage Tax and Income Tax

Wage tax is based on a P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn) system. The employer has the responsibility of deducting wage tax and premiums from the salaries of employees and paying these amounts to the Island Receiver. Income tax is the summary of wage taxes and taxes on any other form of income. Wage tax is viewed as a pre-payment of income tax and is therefore deductible.

Below is a table of income tax rates based on an annual income.

The abbreviations A.O.V. and A.W.W. stand for “General Old Age Insurance” and “General Widow’s and Orphan’s insurance”. Both employer and employee have to contribute to social security premiums.The percentages are: Premium

Employer

Employee

7% 0.5%

6% 0.5%

A.O.V. A.W.W.

The A.O.V / A.W.W. premiums are paid to the Social Insurance Bank (hereafter: SZV).

Medical Insurance Premium ZV/AVBZ

The abbreviations ZV/AVBZ stand for “Health Insurance” and “General Insurance on Special Medical Expenses”. The premium

for health insurance is 12.5% and is divided in 8.3% employer contribution and 4.2% employee contribution. The AVBZ is a social insurance against risks that are difficult to insure. This regards illnesses of long duration (chronic), long hospitalization, psychiatric nursing, relief and care of mentally and physically handicapped persons. The premium is 2% of the monthly salary and is divided in 1.5% on the account of the employee and 0.5% on the employer. Just as the wage tax, the employee contribution of the ZV and AVBZ is deducted from the salary of the employee and together with the employers contribution is paid to the SZV and the Receivers respectively.

Turnover Tax (TOT)

Turnover Tax is a tax on business-sales realized by entrepreneurs or businesses in accordance with their business. This tax is an indirect tax with the character of a consumption tax and is not imposed on imports.

Exempted are among others: • The deliveries of goods and rendered services by entrepreneurs/businesses in the off-shore sector; • The delivery of immovable properties as far as transfer tax (4%) is paid; • The services of banks and other financial institutions for banking and financial performances with the exception of loans and mortgages, the transfer of money, the saving of stocks and shares and other papers of value; • The services rendered to entrepreneurs/businesses in the off-shore sector performed by lawyers, legal and tax advisors, accountants, consultants, and notaries; • Turnover realized on transport services by aircraft or sea vessels.

The turnover tax rate is 5%: • Exempted are certain basic necessities (see article 17 of the Turnover tax Ordinance).

• Turnover realized by hotels (for the part of rental of hotel rooms and apartments) are exempted insofar as room tax is paid over the entire revenue of the rentals.

• There are several other exemptions mentioned in article 8 of the Turnover Tax Ordinance.

Tax Table St. Maarten 2017 Income more than I 0.00 31,390.00 47,086.00 65,397.00 98,093.00 138,638.00 60

But not more than II 31,390.00 47,086.00 65,397.00 98,093.00 138,638.00

Tax

For each amount above the III

0.00 3,923.77 7,062.75 11,869.27 22,904.40 39,122.35 INVESTMENT GUIDE

income mentioned in column I IV 12,5% 20% 26,25% 33,75% 40% 47,5% The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives The Government of St. Maarten has incentives incentives incentives incentives created a wide range of incentives to incentives incentives incentives incentives attract international investors. incentives incentives incentives incentives • ax Holiday incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives incentives Land Development incentives • incentives incentives incentives incentives • incentives incentives incentives incentives • • incentives incentives incentives incentives • incentives incentives incentives incentives • incentives incentives incentives incentives The specific conditions that apply to each area are: incentives incentives incentives incentives • incentives incentives incentives incentives Hotels and other Rest & Recreational Accommodations incentives incentives incentives incentives • • • incentives incentives incentives incentives

incentives

T

There must be a creation of permanent employment of

St. Maarten boasts an ideal climate for foreign investment

and investment services, offering tax incentives

for firms wishing to invest or establish companies to

process their investments abroad. There are three areas

at least 5 persons.

The above mentioned conditions are cumulative; the tax exemption will only be honored if all the conditions have been met.

of development that are specified for which a Tax Holiday

can be considered.

There must be a minimum investment of $1.100.000

Hotels and other Rest & Recreational Accommodations Land Development

excluding the value of the land; The land must be fallow;

Industrial

The minimum size of the parcel of land must be 2.5 hectares;

A road and other infrastructural facilities such as plumbing, water and electricity must be installed;

The application for the tax exemption must be for the

exploitation of a hotel or other rest & recreational accommodation;

• The company mentioned above must be geared towards the enhancement of foreign visitors;

Real estate must be developed;

The company must stimulate economic activity in St. Maarten;

• The company must stimulate employment in St. Maarten; • The company’s goal must be land development.

• The construction and primary furnishing should encompass an investment of at least $561.798;

• The company is expected to contribute to the broadening of the economic base of St. Maarten;

• There must be a minimum of 25 rooms with a surface space of at least 30 square meters each; 62

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s incentives incentives s s s Industrial s • s • s s • s s s s Application Procedure • s s s s • s s • s s s These requirements are also cumulative.

There must be a minimum investment of $83.303.330;

incentives The Committee will then forward its advice to the Council of Ministers who in turn advises the Directorate of Taxes.

The Directorate of Taxes will then make the final decision and the candidate will be notified.

The company is expected to contribute to the broadening of the economic base of the island;

There must be a creation of permanent employment of at least 5 persons, excluding board members.

These requirements are also cumulative.

The request for tax exemption should be submitted on a form, which has been approved by the Governor. This

form can be acquired from the Directorate of Taxes on the island.

The form must be filled out completely, a stamp attached, and forwarded to the Governor. Only one application per form is allowed. Incomplete forms will be rejected.

The application must contain:

- Data on the amount of employment the project will generate specified by local and foreign.

- Information on financing methods; whether funds will be acquired locally or internationally.

• A detailed business plan including description and feasibility study of the project.

• Other relevant material such as maps, drawings, or any other aid deemed relevant for illustration or clarification may be annexed.

• The interested party will be given the opportunity to conduct an oral presentation of the project to the St. Maarten Tax Holiday Committee.

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Department of Statistics (STAT)

O

n July

STAT’s focus is on ensuring the continuity and advancement

5th,

of statistics related to the economic, demographic, social

2010,

and environmental status of the St. Maarten community.

the statistics responsibility

Statistical information is produced through censuses, inter-

was transferred to St. Maarten in

censal surveys and administrative sources. In order to carry

preparation for its new constitutional

out its mandate, STAT relies heavily on the participation of

status which was successfully realized

households and the business community during its survey

on October 10, 2010. The Department of

activities.

Statistics (STAT), is the entity officially charged with the collection, analysis and dissemination of statistical

STAT continues to also forge lasting relationships with key

information for the new country St. Maarten. This task

stakeholders in the public and private sectors in order to

was formerly the responsibility of the Central Bureau of

facilitate the exchange of data and allow for more complete

Statistics (CBS) of the former Netherlands Antilles.

statistical services.

The main legislation governing the functioning of the statistics authority include: Statistieklandsverordening (AB 2013, GT no.450) Landsverordening Volkstellingen (AB 2013, GT no.544)

CONTACT: Government Administration Building (3rd floor) Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel.: (1-721) 542-0652 Email: info@stat.gov.sx Web: www.sintmaartengov.org | www.stat.gov.sx

Landsbesluit Sociaaleconomische statistieken (AB 2013, GT no. 452) The St. Maarten Department of Statistics has grown from a small staff of 2 persons to the current staff complement of 12. Critical to the development of the department and its ability to provide quality, relevant and consistent statistics is continued capacity building of its human resources and improvement of the statistical infrastructure.

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Bureau for Intellectual Property

© Maxger /Shutterstock.com

A

bout BIP SXM

We also provide an online register which enables you to

The Bureau for Intellectual Property of Sint

Maarten (BIP SXM) is an Independent Governing

Body incorporated by ‘the National Ordinance of the Bureau for Intellectual Property Sint Maarten’ and falls under the

political responsibility of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications.

search for trademarks that are already registered.

As an independent and impartial administrator of the register, BIP SXM is allowed to provide information on all procedural aspects relating to registration of your trademark.

Country Sint Maarten is an autonomous equal partner in the

Prior to 10-10-10 the Bureau for Intellectual Property Netherlands Antilles was established and situated on the island of Curaçao. Given the expertise in Curacao the government of Sint Maarten decided for the Bureau for Intellectual Property Curaçao (BIP CUR) to (temporarily)

Kingdom of the Netherlands and has her own jurisdiction for intellectual property rights.

Our office hours: Monday - Friday: 08.30h - 12.30h | 13.30h - 16.30h

execute the trademark registrations on behalf of Sint Maarten.

The project for the implementation of BIP SXM started in 2013. After different studies it was decided for BIP SXM to work closely together with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP). BOIP works with an advanced online registration system which enables faster and more accurate registration.

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Contact: Professional Office Park Osprey Drive #4 Building 2, Unit 2A Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: +1 721 543 3500 Web: www.bip.sx The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Financial Intelligence Unit

Š Peshkova /Shutterstock.com

T

he Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. Its mandate is to set standards and to promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other related threats to the

integrity of the financial system.

The FATF has set out recommendations in order to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These recommendations have been adopted by over 180 countries and are universally recognized as the international standard for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. The Dutch Kingdom is takes part in the FATF. Sint Maarten in his turn, as part of the Dutch Kingdom, participates as well in the FATF. According to FATF Recommendation 29, countries who participate in the FATF should establish a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). There are three types of FIUs:

1. Administrative FIU: autonomous operating entity that receives, analyses and disseminates unusual or suspicious transactions.

2. Hybrid FIU: entity that receives, analyses and disseminates suspicious transactions, but the law enforcement has direct access to that registry.

3. Police FIU: law enforcement agency that manages the suspicious transactions registry.

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Financial Intelligence Unit The government of Sint Maarten has established an administrative FIU in October 2010.

Supervision According to FATF Recommendation 28, the

The Sint Maarten FIU receives and analyses unusual transaction reports and other information relevant to money laundering, terrorist financing and associated predicate offences and supervises designated non-financial businesses and professions. The FIU also disseminates the results of aforementioned analysis.The Dutch abbreviation is the MOT (Meldpunt Ongebruikelijke Transactie).

Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) should be subject to supervision to ensure compliance with the anti-money laundering and terrorist financing requirements. The FIU Sint Maarten is the supervisory body for this group of institutions.

The supervision of these institutions is based on national law which in turn is based on the FATF Recommendations.

The two relevant ordinances are the National Ordinance

Vision A Sint Maarten community with financial and business sectors that are free of financial crime.

Reporting Unusual Transactions (O.P. 2013, CT no. 479) and the National Ordinance Identification when Rendering Services (O.P. 2013, CT no. 480). One of the supervisory

Mission

powers the FIU has is to instigate an investigation on-site

To protect the integrity of Sint Maarten’s financial system

compliant. In case of non-compliance, enforcement measures

and contribute to the justice system through ever improving

can be imposed on the DNFBP.

to determine whether the DNFBP is compliant or non-

expertise in countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Investigation The Sint Maarten government opted in its law for the reporting of unusual transactions. The FIU has an automated registry where mentioned unusual transactions reports are held.

The FIU’s functions as an administrative buffer between the reporting entities on the one hand and the law enforcement on the other hand. The FIU is established because of the necessity of having an entity that, with its analysis, gives added value to the (financial) transactions of the service providers in order to determine whether there is a suspicion of money laundering of terrorism financing. When that suspicion is

You can contact the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Sint Maarten / Meldpunt Ongebruikelijke Transacties (MOT) Sint Maarten at: Tel.: +1(721) 5423025

+1(721) 543 0826

+1(721) 543 0827 Fax: +1(721) 5430828 Email: analyst.department@fiu.gov.sx Courier mail can be sent to: P.O. box 5095, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

confirmed, the suspicious transactions are forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

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financial services

T

he Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (previously the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles) is the central bank

of the former Netherlands Antilles. It is responsible for issuing the Netherlands Antillean guilder.

The Bank’s most important objectives are to maintain the external stability of the NAf. and to promote the efficient functioning of the financial system in the Countries Curacao and St. Maarten.To realize these objectives, the Bank, as supervisory authority,

has frequently recurred to credit control measures and/or to changing the discount rate. The functions of the Bank, explicitly summed up in the Bank Charter, are: First, the Bank is the only institution entitled by law to issue paper money in the Countries Curacao and St. Maarten.The Bank also is charged with the circulation of coins.

Second, the Bank supervises banking and credit institutions to guarantee depositors and other creditors funds at banking and credit institutions in particular and the soundness of the financial sector in general.

Third, the Bank manages the foreign exchange reserves of the Netherlands Antilles, which includes regulating of the transfer of payments between residents and nonresidents of the Countries Curacao and St. Maarten.

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financial services Finally, the Bank acts as the government’s treasurer by receiving and making payments from and to the public through the tax collector’s accounts at the Central Bank.

To strengthen the Central Bank’s independent position visà-vis the government, the Bank Charter limits the monetary financing of budget deficits to 10% of the central government’s revenues in the previous year. This limitation must be seen in the context of an overdraft facility to meet liquidity deficits of the public sector that result from seasonal variations in government revenues.

Monetary and Banking Supervision Two of the Bank’s basic tasks are to control the amount of liquid assets in circulation (monetary supervision), and to act as the supervisory body for credit and banking institutions operating in the Countries Curacao and St. Maarten (prudential supervision). Furthermore, the Bank is one of the government’s main advisors on financial and economic affairs.

The monetary policy of the “Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten” during the last two decades has been geared toward promoting a stable value of the NAf with respect to the US dollar. Since 1971 the official NAf/$ rate of 1.79 has been firmly supported by the monetary authorities. The Bank’s main reason for pegging the NAf to the US dollar is

analysis of the solvency and liquidity development of banking and credit institutions.

that over the years, more than 60% of its international trade relations have been conducted with the United States or in US dollars. To maintain the dollar standard, the Bank must ensure a sufficient supply of foreign exchange. To manage the foreign exchange reserves of the Netherlands Antilles, the Bank in the past has exerted control over the credit extended by commercial banks.

The prudential supervision of banking and credit institutions is aimed at controlling the soundness of the financial system in the Countries Curacao and St. Maarten and at safeguarding the deposits of creditors at commercial banks.

Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten P.O. Box 193,WJA Nisbeth Road, Pondfill, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-3520 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-4307

This supervision is pursued mainly through the Bank’s

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financial services RBC Royal Bank CA Cannegieter Street 24, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-5908 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-5964 Airport Road, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 545-380 | Fax: 1 (721) 545-3692 Union Road, Colebay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 544-3076 | Fax: 1 (721) 544-3074 Windward Side, Saba Tel: (599) 416-2454 | Fax: (599) 416-2452

First Caribbean International Bank LTD Backstreet 38, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-3511 / 2491 / 2567 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-4531 © thierry dehove /Shutterstock.com

Card Services: Tel: (Collect 0210) 001-246-431-5490 | Fax 001-246-228-3996 Windwarde Side, Saba:

Republic Bank Philipsburg

Tel: (599) 416-2216 | Fax: (599) 416-2475

Back Street #62, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Oranjestad, St. Eustatius:

Tel: 1 (721) 542-2262 / 3317

Tel: (599) 318-2392 | Fax: (599) 318-2734

Transit Number: 71605

The Windward Islands Bank LTD

Republic Bank Simpsons Bay

Main Office, Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Simpson Bay Yacht Club, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

Tel: 1 (721) 542-2313 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-4761

Email: republicbank.an@rfhl.com

Bush Road Branch, Bush Road, St. Maarten Orange Grove Branch, Cole Bay, St. Maarten

Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel Sint Maarten - BECM Bank

Tel: 1 (721) 544-5490 | Fax: 1 (721) 544-5491

Tamarind Plaza, Union Road #133, Cole Bay, St. Maarten

Airport Road Branch, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

Tel: 1 (721) 546-0609

Tel: 1 (721) 542-7950 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-7953

Tel: 1 (721) 545-3063 | Fax: 1 (721) 545-2130 Loan Center, Bush Road, St. Maarten

ORCO BANK

Tel: 1 (721) 542-9537 / 9536 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-9258

Union Road #139 f, Union Plaza, Cole Bay, St. Maarten

Insurance Services, Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Tel: 1 (721) 544-4744

Tel: 1 (721) 542-0000 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-5613

Fax: 1 (721) 544-4745

Bankcard Services:

Email: info@orcobank.com

Codville Webster Road 2, Office space 2, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-3940 / 3422 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-3251

Banco di Caribe

Investments Services Office, Airport Road, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

Airport Boulevard 15, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

Tel: 1 (721) 545-3608 | Fax: 1 (721) 545-3589

Tel: 1 (721) 545-5002

Telebanking: 100 | 1 (721) 543-7969 (international)

Fax: 1 (721) 545-5036

Emal: info@wib-bank.net

Email: info@bancodicaribe.com

Website: www.wib-bank.net

Web: www.bancodicaribe.com

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history of sint maarten

“the island is certainly a treasure trove of history.” © starryvoyage /Shutterstock.com

S

t. Maarten was one of the 5 islands that formed the Netherlands Antilles. This unique island is located approximately 280 miles east of Puerto Rico or 18.1 degrees north and 63.3 degrees west. St. Maarten is unique in that it shares the island with St. Martin, a French dependency that occupies 21 square miles on the northern part of the island.

St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoys the perfect blend of two European cultures, namely the French and the Dutch, with the beauty of a Caribbean paradise. The island of St. Maarten also boasts a captivating historical background. Christopher Columbus discovered St. Maarten in 1493, on the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, and in the 140 years that followed, it changed flags many times.

The Spanish, French, Dutch and English have all claimed possession. In 1648, the island was divided in two by a Treaty of Concordia, which was signed on March the 23rd, 1648. The Dutch received 16 square miles and the French received 21. Today, the inhabitants of this friendly island are proud of their 350 year coexistence and, have never constructed an official border, only a symbolic border between the island’s two countries. There is no border control (i.e. Checkpoint) between the two parts of the island; there is free access and movement between the two. Monuments and border signs indicate the entrance from one side to the other.

There are many historical sights to see and to photograph. Indians, pirates, smugglers, slaves, soldiers, merchants and mariners have all left their mark here. Be that as it may, the island is certainly a treasure trove of history.

St. Maarten, with its capital Philipsburg, occupies the southern part of the island’s 16 square miles. Philipsburg is one of the major commercial centers of the island. In Philipsburg, one can find a concentration of jewelry stores, clothing stores, souvenir stores, restaurants and tourists attractions.

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Š Nenad Basic /Shutterstock.com

Š Steve Heap /Shutterstock.com

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education system “It is safe to state that anyone who moves to St. Maarten will be able to find a school for their children that will meet their need”

© Sensay /Shutterstock.com

S

t. Maarten has a varied system, with a number of schools from nursery to higher education, nursery (2 - 4 years old); kindergarten schools (4 - 6 years old); primary (5 - 12 years old); secondary schools (12 - 18 years old). At the secondary levels schools are divided in academic and vocational schools.

There is flexibility with these schools and students can transfer in based on their grades.There are tertiary vocational schools and higher professional education schools. At the tertiary education students learn various professions such as secretaries, executive assistants, nurse’s assistants, clerks, carpentry, electrical work, mechanic, welding plumbing, boating, etc.

All schools use either Dutch or English as the medium of instruction and most schools are subsidized by the government, both public and private. Private schools have a religious foundation such as the Catholic, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, etc.

Notwithstanding their religious background, these schools are subsidized by the government. There are also non-subsidized private schools which operate independently and are mainly based on the American system with American history. Their language of instruction is English.

The higher education on St. Maarten includes the Teacher Education program and the Business program. The University of St. Martin has collaborated/partnered with various other universities in the Netherlands and Curaçao to ensure that programs provided have an accredited partner.

It is safe to state that anyone who moves to St. Maarten will be able to find a school for their children that will meet their need, as there is a variety to choose from and of good quality.

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university of st. martin

“your key to a brighter future”

T

he University of St. Martin (USM) is one of the main higher education providers on St. Maarten offering a variety of Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and non-degree programs. USM, with its motto “Your Key to a Brighter Future,” enrolls

over 300 full-time and part-time students in the degree programs and over 150 in the non-degree programs.

The University offers enrichment courses such as the GED (General Education Development), the Pre-USM (a preparatory program which prepares students for academic programs, with a number of skills courses and completed with GED exams), ESL (English as a Second Language) and Dutch Naturalization.

The University continues to offer accredited programs such as an Associate of Arts Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management via the UK (BTEC) accreditation and an Associate of Arts Degree in General Liberal Arts, in a culturally diverse environment. USM prides itself in having over 800 alumni, many of whom continue to excel as accountants, managers, teachers, business owners, government administrators and other professionals.

The business arm of USM, “The School of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning” (SCELL), provides a winning mix of workshops and courses, geared toward improving professionals in the business community at large. Among collaborations with institutions of higher learning on a global level, The University of St. Martin is collaborating on a regional level with the University of the Virgin Islands under the moniker (UVI@USM) whereby, persons can earn NCATE accredited Bachelor and Master degrees in Business and Education.

USM’s campus is centrally located in Philipsburg and is within walking distance from businesses and government offices, banks, stores, supermarkets and restaurants.

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university of st. martin USM’s architecture is simple, blending into the niche on the entrance to Pond Island, Soualiga Boulevard; offering an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Its intimate and picturesque garden also offers a soothing tranquility, conducive to studying and learning.

AT USM, IT’S ALL ABOUT BENEFITS!

• The benefit of being able to choose from a variety of accredited degree programs;

• The benefit of quality academic and adult education; • The benefit of being at home, in the Caribbean with family and friends while pursuing an education;

• The benefit of affordable tuition and small classes where personalized attention is the norm;

Founded in 1989 on the principle that education could improve the quality of life for people on St. Martin and the region, USM continues to be steadfast in its commitment to the community and aims to work towards developing an educated nation whereby, every household will have a member with an Associate’s degree or higher. For over 25 years, USM, with its knowledgeable and qualified pool of instructors, has been offering students the opportunity to discover their potential and assist them in achieving their academic and professional goals.

• The benefit of having a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs in which to participate;

• The benefit of transferring to several schools in the

region, U.S., Europe or Canada if desired by student.

St. Martin continues to be shaped by its value, while catering to the needs and expectations of the students and the community. By providing students with focused instruction and personal attention, USM offers the virtues of a small college, with curricular richness and disposition of a large university.

Rooted in the tradition of the University, is its relationship with business, civic and community organizations. The University and corporate partners, gain strength from these partnerships and derive mutual benefits from the networks these relationships provide. The future of the University of

University of St. Martin 1 Soualiga Road P.O. Box 836 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1-721-542-5171 / 542-3156 / 542-3674 Fax:1-721-542-5226 www.usm.sx

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SPRING: November 8th

SUMMER: April 8th

FALL: July 8th

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Visit us #1 Soualiga Boulevard, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten + (721) 542 5171 | www.usm.sx | admissions@usm.sx investment guide

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Princess Juliana International Airport

Artist impression of the 2022 completion © Corgan

H

er majesty, Princess Juliana International Airport is once again making the necessary preparations to make its return to regional leadership…and the whole world is watching.There are ongoing plans to ensure that a “state of the art” airport is unveiled in 2022, as the start of the reconstruction of the terminal building project is scheduled

to be in full swing during the third quarter of 2020.

Currently, the airport’s “Package 1 – Temporary Operations” have returned into the terminal building since December 15, 2018. The accomplishment was realized over a year after hurricane Irma, Maria and Jose devastated the roof and the terminal

building on September 6, 2017. The natural disaster forced the airport community to utilize several makeshift facilities from October 10, 2017 through late 2018.

Today, only 35% of the terminal building is being used to accommodate commercial travelers, however the temporary operations are fully air-conditioned and consists of 10 boarding gates, 32 common use check-in counters, a variety of concession stands and both in and out bound immigration check points. Following the natural disaster, the Managing Board now has the daunting task

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to reverse the gears of the award-winning airport and return

cargo operators, Police team, car rental agents, immigration,

to a reconstruction phased plan approach. Furthermore, the

customs, wheelchair services and airline security, in addition

Project Management team with the assistance from the Royal

to retail and food and beverage concessions. The island’s

Schiphol Group stands accountable for the project entitled

central and strategic geographic location in the region, has

“Package 2 – Reconstruction of the Terminal Building.”

resulted in its airport becoming a primary hub, connecting St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands, particularly

The ultra-modern international airport on the island of St.

Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barth, Tortola, St. Kitts and

Maarten, handled an average of 1.8 million people annually

Nevis to the rest of the world. Its latest campaign post

with approximately 170 aircraft movements a day before the hurricane, making it one of the busiest in the region, served by 22 scheduled airlines and a dozen charters with direct service to some 33 destinations/cities. The airport is responsible for 60% of the GDP of the island, which is significant for the economic growth. The airport is owned by a government holding company (PJIAH) and operated by PJIAE N.V, each with its own Supervisory Board of Directors.

With a staff complement of approximately 269 employees, the airport community, however, consists of about 1,000 persons working for some 80 businesses that includes airlines and aviation service providers, VIP’s, bus services,

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Princess Juliana International Airport hurricane is “Rebuild. Recover.

Reinvent – Forward Together” After 75 years of evolution, the SXM Airport transformed from a humble World War II air base for the US military, into an ultra-

Designed to handle about 2.5 million passengers annually,

modern, world-class facility which went through

management are preparing for the increased passenger

“generational changes” such as the construction of

capacity as they’ve constructed the “Package 1A” project,

new terminals which also cements its role as the major

which is a temporary expansion of the make-shift area,

engine moving the island’s tourism economy forward and the

offering an additional 250+ seating expanse. The area is fully

economies of some of the neighboring islands it serves as a

air-conditioned and has an additional 3 boarding gates.

hub.

The airport has an airside Departure Hall with a complete Safety and security are the two main pillars of operations

duty-free retail and food & beverage concession layout.

at SXM Airport. It has an impeccable safety record and is

Returning concessions like Subway, AMA Duty Free, Dutch

constantly upgrading its staff and equipment to ensure that

Delight, Domino’s Pizza, Market by Villa, Taloula’s Flights,

those who use its facilities feel safe and secure. Equipped

Relay, ESCA, Shipwreck Shop, Gouda Liquor Store, Le

with a state-of-the-art ATC Tower and Radar facility,

Bistro by Bacchus, ILTT Duty Free, Aunt Clara’s Ice Cream

Category 9 Fire and Rescue Service, and General Security

and Johney Burgers are all available to the travelers and

and Centralized Pre-screening, safety is top priority. The

partially to the public. The new F&B concept includes food

safety record of the airport is among the best anywhere in

trucks on the land side of the property. The airport also

the region and beyond.

features the immigration and emigration booths, offices, the reinstatement of the existing air-conditioning and sprinkler

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

Princess Juliana International Airport

systems, the installation of the fire alarm and public-address

the principles of good corporate governance as stipulated

systems, CCTV surveillance and IT systems.

in the Corporate Governance code and the internal Code

The Baggage Claim area has one carousel with Baggage

of Conduct policy. Its philosophy also embraces the notion

Information Display System (BIDS) monitors. Car rental and

of good corporate citizenship, not only as a part of the

VIP services are also offered near the arrival area.

Corporate Social Responsibility but also more importantly in being actively involved in the social, educational, cultural and

SXM Airport offers airside passenger transportation by bus,

sporting development of the island. It makes its community

Aircraft Fueling, Ramp Handling Service (push-back), and

identifying the airport as its own, as well as an integral part

General Aviation services for the private and corporate jet

of the socioeconomic development of the island.

sector. In order to accommodate the tremendous growth in this aviation segment, the airport has a Fixed Base Operations (FBO) building complete with office space, private lounges and dedicated customs and security screening.

SXM Airport is a leading private jet destination in the region, handling over 6,500 private jets annually.The airport was once again successfully short-listed in the 2019 PrivateFly Scenic Airport poll. The future goals include the reconstruction of the Fixed Base Operations (FBO) building and the anticipated Pre-Clearance project, which will enable SXM Airport to increase its market share in this sector.

A separate cargo facility exists near the terminal building, it was designed to handle more than 10,000 tons of cargo per year. SXM Airport is a strategic institution owned by the Government of St. Maarten, dedicated to upholding The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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Š Brad Chapman /Shutterstock.com

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Port St. Maarten

“A World Leading Cruise Destination”

© Port St. Maarten

T

he development of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities is overseen by the Port St. Maarten Group of

Companies (PSGC), a government-owned consortium of 13 companies responsible for part of the maritime operations of the country.

The operations of the consortium can be neatly summarized as what it calls the ‘four pillars’ of Cruise, Cargo, Yachting and Real estate. The Group operates and has responsibility for the Dr A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility at Point Blanche, the Harbour Pointe Village, the Captain Hodge Pier in Philipsburg, the fuel station at Great Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority, which is responsible for the Simpson Bay Bridge.

The Group has diversified its activities into real estate ownership and port consultancy as well as owning and operating the port’s two mobile harbor cranes.

PSGC employs 75+ people in 11 departments: Accounting, Human Resources, Executive, Clearance, Maintenance, Information Technology, Safety & Security, Maritime, Terminal & Cargo, Commercial and Operations.

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Port St. Maarten ST. MAARTEN FIRST TO HANDLE NEW GENESIS-TYPE VESSELS It was one of the first ports in the Caribbean to be able to handle the new Genesis-type cruise ships, the largest in the world. It is also attracting a growing number of shipping lines looking for a transhipment sub-hub they can rely on.

St. Maarten’s duty-free status has always been a marketing

© Port St. Maarten

advantage for visitors and shippers alike. In addition, the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies wants to take things to the

players to keep informed about what they need and when

next level. Never content to rest on its laurels, it is always

they will need it. By staying ahead of the game, Port St.

seeking new opportunities to deliver a wider range of quality

Maarten is always in a good position to accommodate new

services to its partners.

vessels and new customers.

In order to achieve this, Port St. Maarten keeps in close

Port St. Maarten has maintained St. Maarten’s competitive

contact with cruise lines, shipping lines and other industry

edge in the north-east Caribbean through constant research and strategic planning as well as through partnerships and collaborations with leading industry players. These associations have led to dynamic growth in all sectors.

Over the past decades the Group has invested more than US$100 million into infrastructure and equipment and the focus for the future is on investing in personnel and processes to continue to improve efficiency. Over the same timeframe Port St. Maarten has been transformed into a much more commercially orientated operation.

A milestone was reached in 2014 when over two million cruise passengers were received.This success is not so much an accident of location – although that helps – but more the result of a systematic approach and good customer focus by Port St. Maarten, which is keen to provide the best facilities in the industry. This is one of the benefits of holding longterm agreements with the major lines.

In 2007, with one berth already in operation capable of accommodating four cruise

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93

Port St. Maarten ships

simultaneously,

Port St. Maarten took

and services available in several ginger-bread houses that reflects the national heritage of destination St. Maarten.

the facility to the next level and built a second cruise pier. St.

WPS is complete with the essential amenities: bar/restaurant,

Maarten is now one of the few ports

arts and crafts, and a beautiful water fountain adorned by

in the Caribbean capable of

palm trees; splash pool for kids; toilet/bathroom facilities;

receiving the world’s largest

disabled accessible and much more.

cruise ships. These are the Genesis-class

vessels

of

Come and experience the Walter Plantz Square at Down

over 220,000 gross tons

Street next to the beach promenade with easy access to

each with a capacity of

Front Street – duty-free shopping mecca of the Caribbean.

more than 6,000 passengers and crew. © Por t St. Maar ten

Pier 1 is 545 metres in length and can accommodate up to four vessels simultaneously. Pier 2, with a length of 445 meters, was opened in 2009 and can accommodate two Genesis-class vessels. It also has two booths for screening passengers as this cannot be carried out on board owing to the large number of passengers.

The port accommodates six cruise ships, with the terminal handling anything from 6,000 to more than 20,000 passengers in a single day. Immediately on coming ashore, passengers are welcomed into the Harbour Point Village to the sound

© Port St. Maarten

of steel pans being played. Built in an architectural style reminiscent of old Philipsburg, the Village contains duty free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls as well as bars and a restaurant.

Harbour Point Village is also the pick-up and drop-off point for most of the tours and excursions. Visitors will find tour bus stands and a taxi rank here. There is also a regular water taxi service to Philipsburg. Friendly harbour staff is on hand to assist visitors and there is an information centre in the main building to provide advice to visitors.

Homeporting – North Eastern Caribbean Port of Choice Based on various homeporting case studies, Port St. Maarten has been ranked as one of the top cruise port destinations in the Caribbean where quality of facilities is concerned.

Destination St. Maarten came in top ranking for shopping experience, and port/destination services that are offered to

Walter Plantz Square

the cruise industry. Port St. Maarten has developed a long-

The Walter Plantz Square (WPS) at Down Street offers cruise

time is the north eastern Caribbean homeport of choice.

term working relationship with cruise brands and at the same

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Port St. Maarten Homeporting generates more airlifts in and out of the

The cargo sector

destination; brings additional business for local service

is a vital part of the

providers; and creates the potential for pre- and post- cruise

nation’s

extension visits.

only in terms of generating

economy,

not

revenue, but also because most of Port St. Maarten has placed emphasis on luxury cruise brands

the food and consumer goods needed

that translate into more spending power of passengers based

by islanders are imported by sea. For this

on their higher disposable income levels. This also shifts the

reason, it is vitally important for the whole

destination from quantity to quality cruise tourism therefore

operation to be streamlined and well managed.

increasing the destination value due to attracting other highend brand lines.

FACILITIES The Captain David Cargo Quay is 540 meters long with a

Home porting is nothing new for the destination as the

depth alongside of 10.5 meters, having been extended from

country has had the opportunity to handle smaller vessels of

270 meters under the 2007-9 expansion program. Container

under 500 passengers.

storage areas have been expanded to 3,000 teu.The facility is

CARGO AND HANDLING SECTOR AT PORT ST. MAARTEN Effective and efficient cargo handling comes as standard at Port St. Maarten’s Captain David Cargo Quay located at the Dr A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility. The terminal has expanded symbiotically with its customers’ needs over the years and is now a regional sub-hub for container transhipment, serving a wide range of carriers as well as the all-important domestic market.

Port St. Maarten The©Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

served by two Gottwald HMK mobile harbour cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes. These perform a range of duties in the port, not least of which is container handling.

Each year the port handles about thousands of teu’s and acts as a feeder port for many of the smaller islands nearby.

At the southern end of the port a breakwater protects the container yard from the worst of the storms and hurricanes that occasionally hit the island.There are two ro-ro berths, at the southern and northern ends, as well as an Inter-Island Pier

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Port St. Maarten serving the local region, alongside a 444 square meter warehouse.

As well as handling inter-island vessels, St. Maarten serves as a transhipment hub for the islands of Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Barths, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda. © Port St. Maarten

TRANSSHIPMENT The main focus of Port St. Maarten continues to be on

together. This partnership is typical of the symbiotic

transhipment. St. Maarten offers numerous advantages

relationship that exists between the port and many of the

over its competitors. In addition to its central geographic

lines that call. For some lines, St. Maarten is the first port of

location, there has been considerable investment in new

call from Europe and this situation means that it fulfils a vital

infrastructure, equipment, the Global Logistics System (GLS)

role as a feeder port for inbound cargo that is destined for

software platform and streamlining of crane operations.

other local islands.

All these improvements have helped to make St. Maarten a competitive as well as an efficient choice for shippers. The

The introduction of the GLS software allowed the whole port

port operates on a 24/7 basis and there is easy deep-water

to be fully automated. Containers are tracked and monitored

access to the berths.

using mobile tracking devices, and all documentation and invoicing is carried out in real-time. Containers and trucks

In addition, increased economic activities on the island and

are scanned when entering and leaving the port to create

on neighbouring islands means increased volumes of project

a full picture of port operations at all times. Other services

cargo will be shipped through St. Maarten.

including water provision, bunkering, waste oil and glass recycling can all be booked through the online GLS portal.

SERVICES Port St. Maarten became a landlord port in 2001. The aim

PRODUCTIVITY

was to give the port greater commercial flexibility as well

One of the key elements of the port’s success is the

to create and maintain a competitive edge. As a result, cargo

close cooperation between the stevedores and the port

handling operations are now carried out by the port’s two

management as they work towards a common goal, investing

stevedores. A wide range of equipment is available at the

as demand dictates. The result is a high level of customer

quay including reach stackers, top lifters, yard mules, chassis,

satisfaction among the lines using the port’s services.

trucks as well as fork-lifts and other equipment. Island-wide transportation services are readily accessible using a large

Following the latest changes to operations and infrastructure

fleet of chassis and trucks. In addition, there are many related

improvements, St. Maarten now offers some of the best

services such as container repair, warehousing and logistics

productivity ratings in the region. Its GLS software has

services.

improved the speed of clearance from days to just minutes, while crane operations are achieving high rates of moves per

Cargo services have grown in parallel with the volumes

hour. All things considered, the future for St. Maarten’s cargo

handled as the port aims to meet all its customers’ needs.

sector – and its transhipment business – is bright indeed.The

One of the first liner services chose to call at St. Maarten

port is seen as a facilitator of growth for the island and there

due to the port’s flexibility and the willingness to expand

is widespread optimism that this growth will continue.

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98

© Port St. Maarten

Port St. Maarten PORT ST. MAARTEN CATERS TO GIGA YACHTS St. Maarten has developed into one of the Caribbean’s premier yachting destinations, hosting some of the most exclusive and luxurious vessels in the world as well as having Š Port St. Maarten

a thriving long-term and stopover cruising sector.

The main facilities for yachts are in Simpson Bay Lagoon, in the west of the island. The national frontier passes through the lagoon, which has both Dutch and French sides. The Dutch side includes most of the major marinas and a wide range of service companies and suppliers.

NV operates this facility and handles all the refuelling operations.

FUEL STATION The fuel station, which opened in 2011, was set up specifically to handle giga yachts unable to enter the Simpson Bay

Yachting is regarded as a major growth area and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) has plans to further market and expand this sector. The SLAC

Lagoon owing to depth restrictions. The facility has tanks for storage of fuel for delivery at the berths. Larger volumes can be delivered by road tanker.

is a subsidiary of the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies with responsibility for the lagoon and the John Sainsborough Lejuez Bridge, which spans the only channel in Dutch St. Maarten between the lagoon and the sea.

There is a packed sailing program all year round organized by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, the principal event being the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, which brings together yachts of all sizes from across the region for a week of competitive racing.

Yachts up to a maximum beam of 56 ft (17 meters) and a maximum draft of 17.0 ft (5.0 meters) can enter the Simpson Bay Lagoon through the John Sainsborough Lejuez Bridge.

GIGA YACHTS Giga yachts and vessels too large to enter the lagoon can be catered for elsewhere, including at designated Windjammer berths beside at the cruise facility in Great Bay, or can berth alongside the cruise pier depending on the cruise ship schedule.

Fueling services are also available to giga yachts in Great Bay. Port St. Maarten has worked in partnership with the fuel supplier Sol to install a fuelling station at the Windjammer berth. The subsidiary St. Maarten Harbour Fuelling Company

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Port St. Maarten PILOTAGE

PORT ST. MAARTEN DETAILS AUTHORITY Port St. Maarten Group of Companies Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities J.Yrausquin Boulevard, PO Box 5185 Harbour Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: + 1 721 542 8503, 542 8504 Fax: + 1 721 542 8506 Email: buzz@portstmaarten.sx www.portstmaarten.com www.facebook.com/portstmaarten

APPROACH Deep-water approach to all terminals.

Only hazard on approach is the Proselyte Reef.

FACILITIES Captain David Cargo Quay: 500 meters (1,642 ft) long with 10.5 meters (34.5 ft) draught alongside. In the future, the draft will be increased to 11.5 meters (39.5 ft) to accommodate the FLV vessels.

Inter-Island Cargo Facility: Berthing space for inter-island vessels of 100 meters (328 ft) length.

Ro-Ro (North) Berth 1: 12 meters length, with 10.5 meters (34.5 ft) depth.

Ro-Ro (South) Berth 2: 12 meters length, with 10.5 meters (34.5 ft) depth.

Cruise Pier 1: 545 meters (1,790 ft) long, 691 meters (2,270 ft) including dolphin, 12.0 meters (39.5 ft) depth alongside.

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Cruise Pier 2: 445 meters (1,460 ft) long, 12.0 meters (39.5 ft) depth alongside.

WINDJAMMER BERTHS: Windjammer West: 65 meters (213 ft) long, 6.5 meters (21.5 ft) depth.

Windjammer North: 100 meters (328 ft) long, 6.5 meters (21.5 ft) depth.

There is a fuelling station for mega yachts near the windjammer berths.

Water taxi berth: 5 berths

AIRPORT Princess Juliana International Airport is about 20 minutes from the seaport area with connections to Europe and the USA as well as regional services.

ANCHORAGE Good anchorage can be found in 12.19 meters (40 ft) of water in Great Bay.

BUNKERS

Pilotage is compulsory through the St. Maarten Port Authority. Vessels should await pilot at a maximum distance of half a mile from Point Blanche-Fort Amsterdam.

RADIO INFORMATION VHF Channel 12.

RO-RO FACILITIES Ro-ro berths are available at the north and south ends of the main cargo quay.

STORAGE There is a container yard with a capacity of 3,000 teu and 30 reefer plugs.

STEVEDORING Stevedoring is available in the port.This service has been outsourced to two private companies.

TIDES

Available from port authority.

Negligible tide in St. Maarten: maximum of 1 ft.

CRANES

TOWAGE

St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company owns and operates two 100 tonne Gottwald harbour cranes.

Towage is available in the port. This service has been outsourced to a private company.

HANDLING EQUIPMENT

TRANSPORT

Two Gottwald 100 tonne capacity harbour cranes owned and operated by St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company St. Maarten Ports Authority works in partnership with two main stevedoring companies, which operate a range of handling equipment at the port.

Overland transport is provided by both stevedoring companies using a large fleet of trucks and chassis.

LARGEST VESSEL

WATER

The cruise piers can accommodate vessels of up to 220,000 gt. The cargo quay can accommodate vessels of up to 10,000 to 12,000 gt.

Fresh water is available.

INVESTMENT GUIDE

WASTE Waste oil and black water removal and glass recycling services are available.

WORKING HOURS The port operates on a 24/7 basis.

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Port St. Maarten

© Port St. Maarten

nv gebe

© NV GEBE

N

V GEBE – History Synopsis NV GEBE, the Government owned utility company, charged with the production and distribution of electricity and the management of the distribution of drinking water on the island, on behalf of the government, celebrated

its 59th anniversary on September 16 last. GEBE, short for Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden, and

formerly known as GESM (Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf St. Maarten), changed its name in the 1960s to include the establishment of the company on the other two Dutch Windward Islands; of Saba and St. Eustatius.This constellation remained intact until January 01, 2014 when the division of shares took place on December 13, 2013 and the government of each island became the rightful owner of its local electricity company.

NV GEBE Vision In executing its vision to provide the 16 square mile community of Dutch St. Maarten “with regionally competitive, qualityefficient, sustainable and reliable services and products,” the company employs some 238 employees, and is headed by a Managing Board, of CEO Kenrick Chittick, CFO Iris Arrindell and COO Veronica Jansen-Webster. The trio was appointed to the positions on November 01, 2016 and considers the restoration of the company after the damage wreaked by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, their greatest test.

NV GEBE Production The production capacity of NV GEBE hit its highest point of 57 MW between September and October 2016! The installed operational capacity, however, peaks at 81 MW. 102

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The Production Plant located in Cape Bay, is predominantly

additional 11.3 MW dual fuel diesel generator set. Invitations

outfitted with Wartsila diesel engine generator sets with

for tenders had already been sent out on August 17, 2017

nameplate capacities between 8 and 11.3 MW. Our two

and a site visit completed on September 01 when just five

Caterpillar generators consisting of our smallest load of

days later Hurricane Irma struck St. Maarten, plummeting our

1.6 MW combined, are our Black Start engines. The 2016

output and any immediate need for a new engine.The engine

purchased dual fuel diesel generator set is equipped to

is, however, still scheduled to be purchased and should be

perform on LNG and plans are again in motion to purchase an

operational in the short term future.

Š NV GEBE

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nv gebe

NV GEBE Distribution

maintaining the frequency of 60 Hz throughout the network.

Electricity Transmission and Distribution

Distribution High Voltage

12,500 V

Network Length

320 km

Our largest cables are the transmission cables which carry

Electricity Meters Installed

20,893

a transmission voltage of 12,500 volts. Post Hurricane Luis of September 05, 1995, and with St. Maarten being

The underground laying of our high voltage distribution

in the hurricane belt, all transmission cables were placed

system still needs to be finalized.The high voltage distribution

underground.These cables deliver power to four sub stations

system is 97% underground, and by the end of 2020 will be

strategically located throughout the community; Cape Bay,

totally underground. Our low voltage distribution system is

Mullet Bay, Zagersgut and Philipsburg.

80% underground, and by 2024 will be totally underground.

This project, though costly, will allow the distribution network

The four stations deliver the electricity to the 480

to recover more quickly after a hurricane wreaked damage.

transformers around the island through our distribution network, also at 12,500 volts. The transformers break

NV GEBE will in the nearest future upgrade the high voltage

down the voltage to 220 and 127 volts for residential and

transmission system to a higher voltage level, resulting in

commercial clients, and 460 volts for some industrial clients,

a capacity increase of 100%. This upgrade will extend the

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© NV GEBE

operational life of our transmission system for at least 30

network that distribute the water and fill the storage tanks.

more years. Our transformer houses will also be upgraded

Our pump houses are scheduled to undergo an upgrade

to accommodate the demands of the existing and new

to best suit our existing and future demand. The estimated

customers. This upgrade has been given a time frame of 5

completion of this upgrade is 2024.

years.

The transportation of water occurs via the main water

Water Distribution

network, which consist of the coated ductile iron (CDI) pipes,

In 1996, NV GEBE signed an agreement with Government

with sizes from DN100 (4”) to DN400 (16”) in diameter.

to manage the distribution of potable water, produced by Air

Our secondary network supplies the water to our clients,

Fin NV.Through these years NV GEBE increased the number

consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) flexible pipes.

of water storage tanks to 17. Today, post Hurricane Irma, there are a total of 10 water tank in operation with 7 tanks

Water Demand

16,500 m³/day

being repaired or under construction. NV GEBE is in motion

Network Length

270 km

to regain the number of 17 water tanks in operation by the

Water Meters Installed

20,292

end of 2021. The new tanks are being built of Glass Fused to Steel bolted sheets, which offer the highest quality of water to our customers.

The major base of our customers receive the NV GEBE distributed water by gravity from these storage tanks, while others receive it directly from pumps. NV GEBE has an amount of 27 pump houses throughout its water distribution

© NV GEBE

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nv gebe Commercial NV GEBE services a total number of 41,277 customers which are divided into two groups; domestic and commercial.

NV GEBE and Renewable Energy In 2016, NV GEBE entered into an LOI with Sunshine Real Estate to develop a 2 MW solar park.The solar park is set to

Domestic Customer

35,345

Commercial customer (including 18 large consumers

5,932

Electricity Meters

20,975

Water Meters

20,302

adorn the government owned car parks in the capital area of Philipsburg. The Managing Board has already requested Government the rights of way to install the park on the property.

Our Customer Care is devoted to providing the overall great experience to our customers. Our employees, both in the field and office, are called to go above and beyond the call of just mere courtesy and to carry out their duties beyond the expectation of the customer. The ever changing times, has today invoked and sometimes, rightly so, a demanding society and therewith a need for NV GEBE to stay abreast with the market solutions for more efficient means of producing and distributing our services, and a more customer preferred method of executing these services.

Words from the CEO While our immediate future is still tied to fossil fuels, NV GEBE continues to strive towards diversifying its electricity production to Renewable Energy, more particularly, solar energy. Unfortunately, this transition is reliant on land area and solid contracts for use of roofing space of office buildings,

An overhaul of our metering system is on the table. New electricity and water meters will be changed out over a course of 3 years, including the infrastructure to read, disconnect and reconnect these meters remotely. Another feature that will be included is the prepaid option for the electricity meters. The top-up for these meters will have several options to best suit our customers.

schools, homes or any available space that can be fitted with solar panels.

The intention is also to acquire Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) to operate the Production Plant engines on. LNG is a much cleaner fuel with lower maintenance costs and is more environmentally friendly than the current fuel being used.

NV GEBE has to keep up to date with the current industry

NV GEBE and Hurricane Irma

standards in terms of technology and equipment, and with the investments scheduled for the near future, NV GEBE will be doing just that.

On September 06, 2017, Hurricane Irma, packing winds of more than 190 mph devastated St. Maarten and with it, NV GEBE. Water storage tanks were heavily dented; office buildings were left without roofs and walls; the production plant, though considerably damaged, was luckily spared enough to run an output of 10 MW three days later, the distribution network was left in chaos and employees were left astonished.

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For more information about NV GEBE, visit their website at: www.nvgebe.com

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telecommunication in st. maarten

St. Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. (TelEm Group) Š TelEm Group

A

s the incumbent carrier, the Sint Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. (more popularly referred to under the brand name, TelEm Group) continues to play a significant role in the economic development of Country St. Maarten, providing a modern telecommunication infrastructure onto which other telecommunication providers

are able to operate and in some cases even compete against the incumbent’s own services.

Over the years, the company has pioneered the introduction of various new technologies to the island more specifically in the field of High-speed Internet, Digital Mobile Telephony, International Telephony and Bandwidth capacity supply.

During the past two years, TelEm Group has been developing new telecommunication infrastructures to set the foundation

for an island-wide fibre optic network that will radically change and enhance telecommunication opportunities throughout the island.

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telecommunication in st. maarten At the start of the year 2017, the company announced the purchase of local Cable company St. Maarten Cable TV, along with plans to provide subscribers with an IPTV network to provide more online entertainment possibilities to customers.

The company is presently managed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) along with a Management Board consisting of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

is a government-owned company established in 2007 with

The Management Board is governed by a Supervisory Board of Directors,

which is answerable to the Shareholder

Representative, in the person of Prime Minister and Shareholder Representative for TelEm Group.

As

of

May

2017,

the

Minister

responsible

for

Telecommunication has been appointed with a brief to also take responsibility for telecommunication policy and regulatory matters. Direct responsibility for the Sint Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. falls under the portfolio and charge of the Shareholder Representative.

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The Sint Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. the Island Government of St. Maarten as sole shareholder.

The main office location is Pond Island in the heart of the capital, Philipsburg.

There are other company locations and sub-stations in several areas including: Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Le Grand Marche Shopping Center and Point Blanche Harbour Facility.

telecommunication in st. maarten

Š Suwit Luangpipatsorn / Shutterstock.com

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Bureau Telecommunications & Post Š pathdoc /Shutterstock.com

A

bout Us

Having such an infrastructure will not solely serve to enhance

Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP) is the independent regulatory authority for

the Telecommunications and Post industry in St. Maarten.

the quality of life on St. Maarten but shall also enhance the overall business viability within the industry even in a small economy of scale.

The Geographic location of St. Maarten and the demographics

Who are we?

BTP regulates telecommunications and post industries to maintain a competitive environment in St. Maarten. We consult with industry participants and stakeholders, focusing on attaining quality and affordable services for all.

of St. Maarten present the potential for St. Maarten to position and establish itself as a leading Telecommunications Hub in the region. Such an achievement would enable service offering exceeding national borders. This vision is being executed in line with the direction stipulated by the

BTP commenced its task on October 10th, 2010 as the independent regulatory authority of new country St. Maarten.

BTP strives to attain a balanced environment in which consumer interests are protected. We create and maintain the foundation to support the introduction of new technologies and services which will promote socioeconomic development and overall growth of the nation.

Government of the Island Territory of St. Maarten, formulated in its 2008 Telecommunications policy: “A competitive and NGN supportive environment which shall attract investments for further growth; Universal Access to all, establishment and promotion of E-Commerce, Health, and Education, research, training and Development in ICTs. The establishment of St. Maarten as regional telecommunications hub, serving as the connecting link between the Caribbean

Vision

and the United States of America.�

BTP regulates and guide the telecommunications, post and

The vast telecommunications developments over the

utilities infrastructures and their developments. We maintain proper grounds and standards to stimulate and facilitate the continued introduction of new technologies and services on short and long term.

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years on St. Maarten are indicative of our potential and capabilities, to serve a much larger market than our own. This Telecommunications Policy, which is the first Telecommunications Policy for the Country St. Maarten,

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Bureau Telecommunications & Post serves as the basis for a competitive, consumer and provider friendly telecommunications environment. Enhancing the quality of life through telecommunications is the ultimate

• Issuance of approvals for test standards.

• Inspections and examination of telecommunication equipment and infra structure.

• Issuance of compliance certificates.

• Issuance of certificates and letters of authorization for

goal.

What we do

telecommunication educational programs.

• Set guidelines to prevent and resolve network quality issues and complaints.

General:

• Issuance of warnings, fines and attachments/ liens on

• Development of policies for the telecommunication and

equipment in case of non-compliance or violation with telecommunication require and regulations.

post industry.

• Implementation and execution of task as established by the Minister of telecommunication.

• Preparation of the rules and regulation and laws for telecommunication and post for country St. Maarten.

• Execution of responsibilities and task according to the

• Revoking of licenses.

• Issuance of certification and letters of authorization for specific maritime radio communication.

• Administration, issuance of invoices and collection of payments related to the telecommunication sector; including legal collection measures.

“landsverordening” telecommunication and post.

• Where necessary on instruction of the Council of Ministers, represent and defending the interest of country St. Maarten related to telecommunication and post; national, regionally and internationally.

In the area of Post:

• Issuance of licenses and permits according to article 13.1

• General advice to the minister and members of parliament.

• General advice and execution of responsibilities and task

• Administration, issuance of invoices and collection of

for government services and third parties related to the

payments related to the Post sector; including legal

minister and members of parliament.

collection measures.

“Postlandsverondering” 1998.

• Execution of other activities as instructed by the Minister of telecommunication.

• Execution of other activities in accordance with the “landsverordening”.

In the area of Telecommunications:

• Issuing licenses for radio frequencies and telecommunication equipment and infrastructure.

• Managing of radio frequencies.

• Issuance of numbers and managing the number plan for St. Maarten.

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Contact Us: Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten Cannegieter Street #15 - Unit 5.1, Phillipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: +1(721) 542-4699 Fax: +1(721) 542-4817 Email: info@sxmregulator.sx

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sHTA

© SHTA

T

he St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is the largest, private sector business representative on the island, representing close to 180 hospitality and trade companies.

The SHTA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. 85% of the GDP is generated by the tourism industry; the main economic pillar of our island. Many projects were developed geared towards stimulating tourism and enhancing the economy.

The four main activities of the association are:

• Tourism Promotion focuses on marketing the destination to travel trade professionals and consumers, as well as the local promotion of the importance of tourism for the island of St. Maarten.

• Association Management focuses on creating, delivering and communicating benefits to member companies.

• Advocacy and lobbying to government defends the rights and interests of the business community and achievements are reflected in sound economic and development policies, social partner cooperation and private and public sector partnership.

• Product Development strives for sustainable tourism development by upgrading the quality of life with training and community-focused programs as well as protecting the natural environment.Through its NGO status, the SHTA continues to seek development funds to support these projects.

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sHTA These activities include Marketing & Destination Promotion, Trade Representation & Advocacy, Product Development & Improvement, Education & Human Resources, Research & Statistics, Sustainability & Environment, Government Cooperation, Local Awareness & Communication, and Policy & Strategic Planning.

hotel operations and rental programs to minimize investment and increase return to the investor as well as to the island.

The present real estate boom may develop opportunities for supporting industries such as landscapers, interior designers, property management companies, etc.

Membership Benefits are Business Support, Tradeshow and Marketing Promotion Participation, Regional and International Membership and Representation, SHTA “Dollar-a-Day” Development Fund, Information Distribution and Updates, Networking Events, Conference & Seminars, Member Discounts, Trade and Consumer Website Presence, and Visit St. Maarten in-room and digital publication.

There is also the opportunity for conference and banqueting facilities opening the meetings and incentives market more to the island which is tax deductible for U.S. companies.With the many attractions the island has to offer, there is a potential to attract more of this market to St. Maarten, but lack of facilities inhabits this development. Even organizers are also lacking for developing annual events, sports competitions music and gastronomic festivals, etc.

Membership is not limited to businesses on the island; membership is open for all businesses that have direct interest in the economy of St. Maarten.

Being such a small island, waste management is essential and therefore offers possibilities for investment in recycling, garbage collection and disposal, and waste control.

The island’s main source of income is tourism from the cruise. Hotel and vacation ownership, and yachting industries.

As a result, these areas and their supporting sectors are also the main industries for investment.

Trends can be identified towards a higher-end market with the multi-million dollar yacht industry with private jet service, the booming real estate and villa sale industry. This opens opportunities for upscale 4 and 5 start resorts with full service amenities, such as spas, fine dining restaurants, etc.

Other opportunities for investors are real estate development projects that can be combined with 4 or 5 star

For further information, please contact: W.J.A. Nisbeth Road 33A P.O. Box 486, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: +1(721) 542-0108 Email: info@shta.com Web: ww.shta.com | www.visitstmaarten.com

© SHTA

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tourism philipsburg.............................................................................................................. 122 map of philipsburg............................................................................................. 144 simpson bay............................................................................................................. 147 map of simpson bay, cole bay, maho, mullet bay........................... 163 maho village......................................................................................................... 164 cupecoy ‘the riviera’........................................................................................ 165 st. maarten tourism bureau........................................................................ 166 epic trail hikes...................................................................................................... 172

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philipsburg

shopping mecca of the northeastern caribbean

Sint Maarten is a Duty Free Shopper’s Paradise © Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

D

uty Free Shopping According to a study on Duty Free Shopping in the

Caribbean, the global duty free trade has developed rapidly over the past 50 years, from a very modest beginning in 1947 to a multi-billion dollar industry today.

Fifty-two years ago the duty free industry saw the light of day for the first time when a small whiskey and tobacco store opened at Shannon Airport, Ireland. At that time, just after World War II, it was logical that Shannon’s advantageous and strategic position on the west coast of Ireland should be the final refueling stop, before the final 2500 mile trip to New York.

From this point onwards, airport authorities in Europe and elsewhere started realizing the potential of non-aviation income that could be generated by duty free shops.

The Americas now represents more than one quarter of global duty free sales of which the Caribbean alone stands for an impressive and important close to half the share. Very few regions in the world can compete with the Caribbean in

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Š El Greco 1973 /Shutterstock.com

philipsburg [Welcome to the Capital of Duty Free Shopping] terms of relative duty free performance with regard to the

side are Philipsburg’s Front Street and Old Street, Simpson

geographic size of the region.

Bay, Maho Reef, and Cupecoy.

The Caribbean provides some of the best shopping

New additions to duty free shopping have been added

experiences in the world, but Sint Maarten is different. One

such as the “Puerta Del Sol Plaza,” a new extension to the

of the joys of vacationing in Sint Maarten is that it is duty

Simpson Bay Yacht Club Shopping open mall area and “Porto

free! Great values can be had because prices are among the

Cupecoy.” Wherever you go, you’ll find the best products the

lowest in the Caribbean. Certainly much less than prices you

island’s expanding duty-free sector has to offer.

would pay in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Travelers in the know are taking a close look at the goods With no duties on jewelry, leather goods, cameras, gold,

being produced by local artisans. Caribbean crafts people

perfumes, cosmetics, watches, china, crystal, linen and much

bring to their work a rich and colorful blend of African and

more from around the world, Sint Maarten is a duty free

European influences that make up their culture.

shopper’s paradise. The best places to shop on the Dutch

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philipsburg

© El Greco 1973 /Shutterstock.com

Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten is built on a sand

The town has a lot to offer the visitor. Shopping is one of

ridge. From the sleepy village to the bustling town with over

the best reasons to take a break from the beach and water

a mile of duty free stores mainly jewelry, electronics, local

sports to explore what Philipsburg has to offer.

Caribbean arts and crafts, watches, alcohol and tobacco, fine cigars, camera’s, perfumes, art galleries, and much more.

There are approximately 500 duty free shops on the island.

Duty-free stores are mainly located on Front Street. The Front Street location offers various stores, great access to the cruise ship passengers that arrive via three cruise ship tender jetty’s, namely the Capt. Hodge Jetty centrally located in Philipsburg, Bobby’s Marina Jetty, and Walter Williams Tender Jetty in front of Sea Palace hotel.

Competition between merchant’s guarantees that the customer gets what they bargained for with great prices on emeralds, set diamonds, rubies, sapphires, cultured pearls, gold, silver and much more.

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philipsburg Philipsburg stores also offer a wide selection of fine jewelry and watches from such well-known designers as C2K, Caribbean Hook, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Atencio, John Hardy, Kabana, Roberto Coin, Starnight, White Diamonds, Alfex, Concord, Faconnable, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, Michele, Movado, Wenger, La Nouvelle Bague and more.

Sint Maarten has some of the most famous duty free shopping in the region. Many of the stores have branches at the airport, cruise terminal, Maho Shopping Center, and Cupecoy.

Getting to Philipsburg It is easy to get to the capital town of Sint Maarten.Whether you are driving your own rental car, taking a taxi cab, or using private public transportation, getting there is not a problem.

There is one main road with some secondary roads, the latter giving you quicker access into Philipsburg.

Night Life There are a number of casinos throughout the town. For those who are into gambling, Philipsburg has much to offer.

Due to the town’s proximity to the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise

Whether arriving by plane, cruise ship or mega-yacht, the visitor will find an endless selection of gift items to carry back home as reminders of their vacation on the “Friendly

& Cargo Facilities, thousands of cruise ship passengers and crew visit the casinos on an annual basis to try their luck and many become winners.

Island.”

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© CKP1001 /Shutterstock.com

philipsburg Town, which Philipsburg is also referred to, offers lively beach bars, night time activities on the beach promenade where you can meet visitors and locals and hang out in a friendly environment.

Dining / Restaurants Philipsburg would not be the capital of Sint Maarten if you couldn’t find great food.Town offers a variety of international cuisine and you won’t be disappointed.

Shopping Hours Stores on Front Street open at 9:00 am until 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. Occasionally some stores would open on Sunday when there are several cruise ships in port.

Transportation Taxis Finding a taxi in Philipsburg is not a problem. Taxis are available to take you wherever and whenever you need to go.

Bus Service You also have the option to travel via bus. In this case you will need to go to Back Street and search out a bus that is going in your direction. If you are traveling from Caravanserai/ Maho Reef/Mullet Bay/Cupecoy, then you will have to check the directional sign which is usually at the front section of a bus telling you in which direction the bus is heading in order for you to reach your destination.

Busses travel from Philipsburg to the main tourist areas namely, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Caravansarai, Maho and Cupecoy, where one finds the majority of hotels.You can also get out at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club Shopping Center, and cross the street walking in the direction of Pelican, where you will find a number of hotels, timeshare properties and vacation villa rentals.

Essential Services Philipsburg is the base for all major services such as notaries, law offices, banking institutions, government departments

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Š El Greco 1973 /Shutterstock.com

philipsburg

Š El Greco 1973 /Shutterstock.com

and much more. All the aforementioned are in walking

Front Street date as far back as 1999. The first part of the

distance from each other. Whether you’re an investor or a

rejuvenation of Philipsburg entailed beach replenishment,

visitor, Philipsburg has something to offer everyone.

where tons of sand were pumped from the seabed onto the Great Bay Beach.

Parking The most convenient parking lot is located in front of the

Very few islands can boast of a beach in town, like the size of

Government Administration Building at the Clem Labega

the one in Philipsburg. Since the beach replenishment, more

Square which is located across from the Windward Islands

restaurants and beach bars have opened, and there are a lot

Bank. Additional parking lots have been built across from the

more activities for visitors to enjoy on the beach and the

Post Office, the Police Station and the temporary Ring Road

promenade.

parking area.

From the beach replenishment followed the construction

Philipsburg Rejuvenated

of a seaside beach promenade, then by the beautification

The Government embarked on a number of projects to rejuvenate the capital town of Philipsburg. Plans for beautifying 134

of Front Street, Back Street and sections of two secondary streets in the town. The entire process of development and

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philipsburg rejuvenating the city capital is all related to improving the

Hotel. However, the beautification program continued down

overall visitor experience.

to the former Paper Garden Book Store. The Government recognizes that further upgrading and improvement of

Beach Promenade The beach promenade starts at Passangrahan Guesthouse near Bobby’s Marina and stretches as far as Sea Palace Hotel.

The promenade has become a hive of activity. It allows one to leisurely stroll along the waterfront enjoying the ambiance of Philipsburg. One also has easy access to restaurants and main street – Front Street, where you can find all your duty free shopping experience.

Beautification of Front Street The first phase of the beautification of Front Street started from Passangrahan Hotel and went as far as Sea Palace

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philipsburg the tourism product is necessary if Sint Maarten wants to

an avenue of indigenous trees, a fishing deck, customized

continue to remain one of the main tourism destinations in

street lighting and much more.

the Caribbean.

The beautified area of the Tourist Corridor stretches The upgrading of Front Street fits into the Government’s

from the Buncamper Road, Point Blanche to the Keys in

development vision policy document, “A Development

Suckergarden.

Perspective for Philipsburg and the Greater Great Bay Area,” which outlines a particular framework on how the capital town should be developed.

All Roads Lead to Philipsburg – The Tourist Corridor

Harbour Point Village – An Addition to Shopping in the Capital In addition to Philipsburg is Harbour Point Village, which opened in May 2003 at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo

In keeping with the vision of continuing to upgrade the island’s

Facilities in Point Blanche. This five acre development was

tourism infrastructure, another project that Government

designed in the traditional Caribbean flavour of architecture.

embarked upon was the busy thoroughfare which connects Philipsburg to the French side of the island.

Harbour Point Village is a mini-Philipsburg – a small shopping arcade consisting of 12 shops and 12+ market stalls. Harbour

Part of the Tourist Corridor beautification project has been

Point is meant for cruise visitors who stay onboard the

executed. It features a running/walking track for visitors and

vessel; the individual can take a stroll into the little village

residents. It also features specially constructed stone walls,

which is not far from the cruise pier; or those who go on an

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© Darryl Brooks /Shutterstock.com

philipsburg

© Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

© NAPA /Shutterstock.com

island tour and return to the cruise port without having the

All government offices will be housed in this building. It will

experience of shopping in Philipsburg, can still do that last

be more investor and customer friendly as all government

minute shopping at the Harbour Point Village.

departments will be centrally located at one location.

There are already several traditional, high quality shopping centers on the island. The Harbour Point Village is a reminiscence of the days gone by, but not forgotten.

Center of Town Capt. Hodge Wharf The Capt. Hodge’s Wharf was renovated. The pier in Philipsburg at the Cyrus Wathey Square is an important

Pond Island

transportation link between cruise ships docking at the Dr.

Pond Island is a new development. It is surrounded by the

A. C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility and the island’s main

historical salt ponds and is linked to Philipsburg. It is also part

shopping center, Front Street.

of the Development Vision of the Government.

It accommodates water taxis and tender vessels to off load There are existing buildings such as the University of St.

and take on passengers simultaneously. It houses a Tourist

Martin, Telecommunications Earth Station, Turning Point

Information Office, and a Police Sub-Station.

Rehabilitation Center, the Sint Maarten Receiver’s Office, Little League Ball Park, Festival Village and the Government Office Complex.

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Š Media Publishing International N.V.

simpson bay The New Strip of Entertainment

© EarthScape ImageGraphy /Shutterstock.com

U

ntil 1933, Simpson Bay Village was completely isolated. A lot has happened and developed since then.Today the Village is well and alive bustling with activity. The new strip of entertainment offers all the essential services that a visitor to the “Friendly Island,” would require in order to enjoy themselves.

Simpson Bay is also home to the mega-yacht sector of the island’s tourism oriented economy. The Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the biggest natural assets, a natural area for marinas and other marine sector services. The Simpson Bay Lagoon caters to the Palapa Center and Marina, Simpson Bay Yacht Club, Isle de Sol Yacht Club, and the Princess Yacht Club at Port de Plaisance.

Simpson Bay Village has a lot more to offer the visitor. It has restaurants, art galleries, international fast food establishments, hotels, liquor & tobacco stores, real estate agents, casinos, doctor’s offices, brand-name stores, and much more. The beaches are just a stone’s throw away.

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simpson bay Essential Services The strip also offers the services of a number of financial institutions on the island. The island’s main banks which have their head offices in Philipsburg, have branches and ATM machines throughout the Dutch side of the island. Some of them have branches in Simpson Bay, namely Windward Islands Bank, RBC Bank., Republic Bank and First Caribbean International Bank. They provide a whole range of services for visitors.

Watersports Diving/snorkeling, kayaking, banana boats, sport fishing, sunset trips, day trips, bike riding are just some of the things that are available in the village. There is so much to do including boat trips to the neighboring islands. You will always find something to do.

Dining/Restaurants The Simpson Bay strip caters to approximately 50 restaurants, snacks and eateries. The island is recognized as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean boasting over 350 restaurants. The strip offers some of the finest dining on the island. Dining on the strip is exquisite. You will find a variety of gastronomic possibilities such as Italian, Continental, French, Creole, Brazilian and much more.

Š Laila R /Shutterstock.com

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simpson bay Puerta del Sol Plaza at Simpson Bay In Sint Maarten you always find something new on your next visit. Puerta del Sol Plaza is an addition to the Simpson Bay Yacht Club. The plaza has been described as having shady courtyards with a collection of chic boutiques, hair salons/ day spa, yacht brokers, real estate agents and restaurants.

Once again it is in easy walking distance to everything else.

Š Emile Cukier

Airport The Princess Juliana International Airport is right next to the Simpson Bay Village. The airport is ideally located just a few minutes away from the main hotels and timeshare properties located in the areas of Beacon Hill-Caravansarai, Maho Reef, Š Thiago B Trevisan /Shutterstock.com

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Cupecoy, Simpson Bay and Pelican.

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simpson bay

L

ee’s Roadside Grill is back with a brand new location

Lee’s accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Cards.

across from the Atrium Resort in Pelican. If you’re planning a trip to St. Maarten then Lee’s Roadside Grill

is where you can find some authentic Caribbean cuisine. We serve everything from mouth-watering grilled lobster and

LEE’S ROADSIDE GRILL & BAR Located across the Atrium Resort in Pelican Tel: +1 721 544 4233 www.leesfish.com

fresh fish to BBQ ribs and chicken. All cooked on a charcoal grill giving the food that great flavor that keeps you coming back. Our local fishermen keep us fully supplied with the best Snappers, Mahi-Mahi, Grouper, Wahoo, Tuna and of course Lobster.

We are open daily (Closed Mondays) for lunch and dinner from 11 am to 11pm. Don’t forget our Happy Hours from 2pm to 7pm and 10pm to 11pm daily. © Lee’s Roadside Grill

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simpson bay

Š Media Publishing International N.V.

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maho village

Maho Reef Shopping and Dining Plaza

© Mayskyphoto /Shutterstock.com

T

he Maho Reef Shopping & Dining Plaza is part of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino which is nestled between Beacon Hill, Mullet Bay and the Princess Juliana International Airport.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is an all-inclusive property and considered by many as a “destination within a destination.”

The property offers two swimming pools, swim-up pool bar, four tennis courts, a lively children’s program and an array of water activities.

The resort caters to couples, families and groups and is considered the largest all-inclusive hotel on the island.

The resort offers five restaurants and five bars, a casino and nightclub to keep you entertained.

Maho Reef Shopping & Dining Plaza is designed to provide you with the ideal shopping experience.Various outlets are spread across a space which is both airy and contemporary.You can leisurely stroll around and look for whatever it is that suits your tastes and needs.

The plaza offers a variety of fine cuisine restaurants from French to Italian food, American, Japanese, and Creole.

You can also find a medical pharmacy, doctor’s office, jeweler, perfumery, clothing/resort wear, souvenir shop, hair salon, adult entertainment club, ice cream parlour, supermarket and yogurt shops.

There is also adequate parking in order to enjoy the shopping and dining experience at Maho Village. Parking can be found next to the property, the underground parking at the La Terrasse Suite Hotel, and at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort parking garage.

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cupecoy ‘the riviera’

Shopping Attraction & Entertainment Center

© Emile Cukier

A

s Sint Maarten continues to develop, investors are looking for new opportunities and they have over the past few years discovered the Cupecoy area.

The “Riviera,” in Sint Maarten, Porto Cupecoy, is one of the newest developments on the island along with “Blue Mall.”

Porto Cupecoy ‘A Mediterranean Village’

Described as living in a seaside village, near the Dutch/ French border, Porto Cupecoy features private condominiums, international boutiques, renowned restaurants, full service fitness center, pool, tennis court, supermarket and a deep water marina with 54 slips.

Porto Cupecoy’s website describes the property as a Mediterranean village-inspired layout, with a blend of classic sophistication and Caribbean comfort with modern convenience.

This vibrant community is set around a bay-front promenade ringed by luxury boutiques and top-rated restaurants.

© BlueOrange Studio /Shutterstock.com

Porto Cupecoy is more than a prized vacation spot; it’s a twenty-first century port of call.

st. maarten tourism bureau

EXPLORE A HISTORY OF DIVERSE CULTURES LIKE NO OTHER IN THE WORLD.

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he smallest island in the world shared by two sovereign powers, St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoys the perfect blend of two European cultures with the beauty of a Caribbean paradise. The island of St. Maarten also boasts an intriguing historical background. Christopher Columbus discovered it in 1493, on the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, and in the 140 years

that followed, it changed flags many times. The Spanish, French, Dutch, and English have all claimed possession. In 1648, a treaty divided the island in two; the Dutch received 16 square miles and the French, due to a superior naval presence at the time, received 21. Today, the cosmopolitan inhabitants of this friendly island are proud of their over 350-year coexistence and, as if to prove a point, have never constructed an official border between the island’s two countries. There are historic forts to see and architectural gems to photograph. Indians, pirates, smugglers, slaves, soldiers, merchants, and mariners have all left their mark here. And rumors of buried treasures still persist. Be that as it may, the island is certainly a treasure trove of history.

WITH 37 BEACHES, WHEN IT COMES TO FUN, THE WETTER THE BETTER. When it comes to water activities in this picturesque paradise, the recipe for fun is this: simply add water. In fact, the wetter and wilder the water sport, the better. The island offers not only the turquoise Caribbean sea but tranquil lagoons as well.

Enthusiasts can snorkel, windsurf, waterski, sail, jet-ski, and parasail. Fishing charters for marlin, king fish, tuna, and wahoo, 166

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st. maarten tourism bureau plus day sails to our neighboring islands, are also readily available. The beautiful island of St. Maarten is encircled by 37 magnificent beaches. While some invite you to endless stretches of powder white sands shaded by swaying palms, others lure you to enchanting coves or a scuba diver’s dream sheltered by colorful coral reefs. Nice to know is the fact that our beaches are never crowded, even in season. So those who prefer the sensual privacy of a secluded beach in paradise can become lost in fantasy and intrigue. For those who wish not to get their feet wet, there’s horseback riding, tennis, and golf. Most hotels have tennis courts or access to them, and arrangements can be made for you to play golf on Mullet Bay’s 18-hole championship course. Whatever your whims, the island of St. Maarten offers more activities than imaginable to have total fun in the Caribbean sun.

of golf versus tennis and scuba versus snorkel, they all agree on one thing: the dining on St. Maarten is exquisite.

The cuisine can be described in many ways. French, Italian Continental, Creole from beluga to zucchini mousse. St. Maarten sets a table that’s unique in the Caribbean. Where else in the world will you find a 37-square-mile island boasting over 350 tantalizing restaurants. Here you can enjoy a Cuban or Mexican appetizer, a Brazilian or Indonesian entrée, and a Vietnamese dessert. Frankly, the gastronomic possibilities are endless.

But of course, there’s more to dining than simply the food.

There’s the ambiance, the view, and the atmosphere of many different cultures. Whether you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner in a sophisticated restaurant in Philipsburg or a bistro meal in

NONSTOP ACTION THAT’S WORLD-CLASS

a sidewalk café on one of Marigot’s colorful avenues, dining in St. Maarten is like dining no place else. ~ Bon appétit!

If exciting night life and gaming tickles your fancy, the Dutch side of the island can deal you a winning hand every time.

Seasoned high rollers and spirited amateur shooters can try their luck at roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack, and slots at any of our glamorous casinos.

In addition to popular local hot spots, the island’s many and varied hotels also offer entertainment of their own; you will not have to look far to enjoy an evening of limbo fire dancers, folkloric, and the calypso beat of a Caribbean revue.

On lively St. Maarten, disco lives! Wherever the excitement draws you, it is a sure bet that you’ll find enough Las Vegasstyle entertainment and casino action to keep you rolling all night long. In the wee hours of a starry night, there’s always romance, a stroll in the surf, a balmy breeze and the scent of wild orchids.

IN THE GOURMET CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN, YOU’LL FIND FINE EUROPEAN DINING.

SOFT ADVENTURES Your trip to St. Maarten offers many opportunities such as: Hiking along lush, scenic trails, Kayaking along our gorgeous beaches. Also one can enjoy our numerous cycling routes along both roads and mountainous trails.

Food, delicious food! While our guests may argue the merits The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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HORSEBACK RIDING

CHARTER FISHING

The island has several stables at which persons rent horses.

Charters, available for half or full-day hire, usually include

Arrangements for guided horseback tours can also be made

tackle, bait, food, and refreshments. Your hotel will tell you

at the stables.

where the best fishing is.

BEACHES

SAILING

Vacation on St. Maarten and the sand will always be between

Internationally renowned for hosting the famed Heineken

your toes. We have so many wonderful beaches. On the

Regatta and the 12-metre Challenge, St. Maarten fascinates

Dutch side, Cupecoy beach is picture-perfect. Mullet Bay

boaters of all sorts with crystal blue waters, brisk trade

and Maho Bay offer shimmering sands and family facilities.

winds, secluded beaches, and first-rate mariners’ services. St.

Simpson Bay and Great Bay offer suntans and water sports.

Maarten also offers various yacht chartering services, from

Anywhere you travel, a beach is not far away.

day trips to neighboring islands to sunset cruises boasting the best view of the island.

WATER SPORTS The island offers excellent diving and snorkeling locations.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

And with so many multicolored tropical fish, you’d think

One of the joys of vacationing in St. Maarten is that it is

Picasso had been painting them. Underwater visibility runs

duty-free!

from 75–200 feet depending on conditions. Windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing have enjoyed rapid growth over recent

You can get many bargains because prices are among the

years and instructors are usually available.

lowest in the region. Certainly much less than prices you pay

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in the U.S. and Canada.The best places to shop on the Dutch

Canadian citizens entering St. Maarten for 14 days or less

side are Philipsburg’s Front Street and Old Street, Simpson

must bring: a valid passport, birth certificate, or naturalization

Bay, and Maho village. Wherever you go, you’ll find clothing,

certificate. Return travel tickets, documents for next

leather goods, jewelry, gold, watches, perfumes, cosmetics,

destination, and sufficient funds are also required.

china, and crystals from around the world.

United Kingdom citizens or British-protected persons All famous brand names are well represented. St. Maarten

entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a

plays hosts to a number of fascinating art galleries and studios

valid passport, return tickets, documents for next destination,

featuring the finest local, International and Caribbean works.

and sufficient funds.

CASINOS

Citizens of other countries should check with a travel agent

No vacation on this island is complete without a visit to one

or a St. Maarten Tourist Office on the appropriate documents

or more of our spectacular casinos. All are located on the

necessary to enter St. Maarten.

Dutch side and are open from noon until 3 am.

AIRLINES

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

The island is serviced by a number of major carriers and charter flights.

U.S. citizens entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport or proof of U.S. citizenship, return

AIRPORT

travel tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient

Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Dutch

funds.

side near Simpson Bay.

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10 to 15 percent. Taxi Stations are located on the Dutch Side at the Airport, at the Cyrus Wathey Square, at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, at Diamond Casino on Front Street, and also on the waterfront on the French Side.

BANKING HOURS 8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Hours vary from bank to bank.) ATM machines are available throughout the island.

CURRENCY Dutch side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Antillian Guilders (Naf./Fls./ Ang.). One U.S. dollar equals approximately Naf.1.82 French Flight Information: 1(721) 546-7777

side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Euros (€).

Information Desk: 1 (721) 524-4569 For more information call your travel professional or the St. Maarten Tourist Offices.

CLIMATE Annual averages: Temperature - 80°; rainfall - 40”; water temperature - 78°

AUTOMOBILE RENTALS One of the best and most convenient ways to see the island is to rent a car. For about $35 to $55 per day, most rentalcar agencies offer unlimited mileage. Pickup and delivery service is usually available. All you need to rent a car is a valid driver’s license and a major credit card or cash deposit (about $350 to $600). Also available are scooters, bikes, and HarleyDavidson rentals.

DRINKING WATER Purified tap water. Local and imported bottled water also widely available.

ELECTRICITY Dutch side: 110 volts (50 cycles).

French side: 208/200 volts (60 cycles).

DRIVING LICENSE Both international and foreign licenses are accepted. Traffic on St. Maarten is right hand driving.

BUSES Public transportation runs regularly between the island’s two capitals for a moderate fee. Other buses travel hourly between Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, and Grand Case.

TAXIS Taxis on St. Maarten are not metered. Rates determined by the government are based on carrying two passengers per trip to their destination. Your driver will appreciate a tip of 170

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OFFICIAL LANGUAGES St. Maarten: Dutch St. Martin: French English is widely spoken on both sides of the island.

SIZE AND LOCATION The Dutch side is 16 square miles. The French side is 21 square miles. St. Maarten is located 195 miles from San Juan, 1,690 miles from New York, 1,989 miles from Montreal, 2,008 miles from Toronto, 3,065 miles from SĂŁo Paulo, 1,225 miles from Miami, 3,612 miles from Buenos Aires, and 4,314 miles from Amsterdam.

SHOPPING HOURS Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some shops and supermarkets are open on Sundays.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS Nothing makes for a more memorable wedding day than having your ceremony presided over by the serene surroundings and azure waters of beautiful St. Maarten.

Marriage licenses are easy to obtain and you can even be provided with a wedding coordinator to help facilitate your special day. For those who can’t wait to start their honeymoon, St. Maarten offers a wonderful variety of charming hotels and resorts so you can instantly be whisked off to your once-in-alife-time rendezvous. For complete wedding and honeymoon information, contact the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

For more information, call your travel professional or the St. Maarten Tourist Office: Krippa Commercial Building 6 Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1-721-5490200 Fax: 1-721-5422734 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

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EPIC Trail Hikes

10 hiking sites that would enhance your holiday experience on the ‘Friendly Island’

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he foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has completed a year-long project to clear and map ten hiking sites in Sint Maarten, place informational signs at trailheads, and provide free guided hikes along the trails, the organization said in a press statement.

The project has been very successful and gained support from the community.The work was made possible with funding from Tourism Cares and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association as part of their efforts to support post-hurricane rebuilding as many of the trails had been covered with debris.

EPIC selected a mix of urban, coastal, grassland and secondary forest trails. The trails give hikers the opportunity to enjoy the biodiversity and natural beauty of Sint Maarten. For example, in a dry, shaded area, hikers might find a Bearded Anole, found only on Sint Maarten.

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EPIC Trail Hikes The hikes are also of differing difficulties and rated by a threetiered scale as easy, moderate, or challenging. Some trails

All the trails can be found and downloaded free from

are flat while others are undulating or steep ascents to high

avenzamaps.com by searching for Sint Maarten or within

points on the island, giving spectacular panoramic views of

the free Avenza app. There hikers can find out the difficulty

Sint Maarten and neighboring islands. The diverse landscapes

and approximate amount of time needed to complete the

include walking on beaches or by the Natural Pool of Guana

trail. Maps of each trail can be downloaded onto a mobile

Bay, allowing hikers to take a dip in the sea to cool off.

device, allowing the hiker to follow the trail in real time.

The ten trails are:

The two most popular hikes are Guana Bay, with its sweeping

1 2 Cay Bay to Little Bay 3 Fleming Property 4 Guana Bay 5 Fort Willem 6 Naked Boy Hill 7 Point Blanche 8 Sentry Hill 9 West Coast (Kim Sha) 10 Vineyard Billy Folly

vistas, and Sentry Hill, which is one of the most difficult with its rocky climb to the highest point on Sint Maarten; however, some might say the Naked Boy Hill hike gives it a run for its money as the final ascent is very steep. Some participants enjoy easier routes, so the volunteer hike leaders alternate between difficult and easier hikes.

EPIC organizes hikes once a month. These will be held on the first Sunday of each month so they will be easy to remember.

The EPIC Facebook page, facebook.com/epicislands, will provide details on each event. And of course, hikers can always download the maps and go anytime.

Š A Samson /Shutterstock.com

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THE NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS french saint-martin........................................................................................ 175 map of marigit & grand case.................................................................... 180 saba.............................................................................................................................. 182 st. eustatius............................................................................................................. 190 anguilla................................................................................................................... 202 st. barths.................................................................................................................. 218

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french saint-martin

Welcome to St. Martin (French Caribbean) Š FredP /Shutterstock.com

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t. Martin is the French half of the island, which is considered the northern part, and is an integral part of the Republic of France, while Sint Maarten, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, occupies the southern half of the destination.

This unique island has a lot to offer visitors and investors and is one of the smallest land areas divided between two European countries.

Marigot is the capital of St. Martin. The French side of the island takes up 21 square miles and the southern part 16 for a total land area of 37 square miles.

The Euro is the official currency, but US$ are widely accepted. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

For more information about St. Martin, visit the tourist office website: www.st-martin.org or via Facebook: Destination Saint-Martin The Friendly Island

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CareAway

The Right Care Right Away

C

areAway is proud to offer innovative healthcare services tailor made for the tourism industry.

Seniors and travelers with health concerns can access both their own physicians as well as highly qualified

international providers who speak your native language- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Patients will no longer require unecessary trasnportation to off-site physicians allowing more time for vacation and less time addressing health concerns.

From the safety and comfort of their hotel rooms, instant access to local physicians eliminates the need to wait for appointments. Concerned travelers can also request international expertise from providers so that their needs can be efficiently met in a secure manner. INSTANT AND DIRECT access is the CareAway advantage!

Click.

Register and complete your profile on Careaway Family App.

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Connect.

International network of Medical concierges.

Care.

Access physicians, pharmacist and many other services.

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CareAway Centre Hospitalier Louis Constant Fleming La colombe - Concordia BP 381, 97150 Saint-Martin Tel: + 0590 590 522525 Sint Maarten Medical Center Welgelegen Road 30, Unit 1, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: +1 721 532 3111

Receiving healthcare in a foreign location can be scary for both the patient as well as the patient’s family. CareAway Family allows trusted persons to assist

families while

A.M. Edwards Medical Center The Bottom, Saba, Dutch Caribbean Tel: + 599 416 3288

receiving treatmen via video sessions. Both patient and family at ease and leads to a comforting healthcare experience!

Connect to your family from anywhere.

Download the mobile app

CareAway offer travelers secure connection with physicians

St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation H.M. Queen Beatrix Rd. 25 St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean Tel: + 599 318 2211

Hôpital de Bruyn Gustavia, 97098 Saint Barthélemy Tel: + 0590 590 276035

and healthcare facilities throughout the Caribbean.

CareAway empowers concierges and nurses to cater your health needs. They are conveniently located in places of

Clinic Saint Jean Centre Commerciale La Savanne, 97133 Saint Barthélemy

transit, administration, and accommodation.

Do not hesitate to contact us on CareawayVisio.com we will guide you safely.

Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire Route de Chauvel, Les Abymes, Guadeloupe Tel: + 0590 590 89 10 10 Hopital de Capesterre Bananier/Saint-Sauveur BP 68 Capesterre Belle-Eau 97130 Guadeloupe Tel: + 0590 590 559900 Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fort de France Fort-de-France, Martinique Tel: +596 596 55200

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Princess Alexandra Hospital The Quarter 2640, The Valley, Anguilla Tel: +1 264 2551

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CareAway

Valuable Medical Services

Traveller’s Memo

• SOS Doctors and Telemedecine Center,

Grand-case, Saint-Martin Tel: + 590 590 776868 • Dialysis Center Concordia, Saint-Martin Tel: +590 590 878496 • Radiology Center, MRI, Stroke management Concordia, Marigot, Saint-Martin Tel: +590 590 875995 • Sickle Cell Unit, STD Free Testing and Travel Clinic Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, Saint-Martin Tel: +0590 590 522525 • Women Health Services Yogesh Commercial Center, Sint Maarten

• Prepare your health kit at pharmacy/ Vaccination

• Be informed of all the health ricks of your final destination

• Keep note of your trusted persons and personal physician contact

• If you re traveling with health issues, please inform your company

• Seek for update information on the official website before traveling

• Look for a medical point of contact abroad

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french saint-martin

Š Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

Š Chiyacat /Shutterstock.com

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saba welcome to saba

© Kai Wulf

D

ear Visitor, I wish you a very warm welcome to our beautiful island Saba, the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean...

Our enchanted isle has always fascinated travelers and intrigued scholars. A green fortress unique among the islands

of the Caribbean.’

Saba’s volcanic geography and it’s relative remoteness in the open sea create a unique ecosystem and a monument to nature’s best.

She juts precipitously from the Caribbean Sea to an almost beach-less rocky shoreline and arid cactus-laden landscape which is quickly overtaken by rocky cliffs and tropical vegetation. Breathtaking views are everywhere, the storybook villagers, the quaint unique architecture, the road that couldn’t be built, all perched firmly on the side of the mountain some 1200 feet above the blue Caribbean sea.

Carved steps take you to the top, through a botanical display of tree ferns, banana plants, wild orchids, bromeliads and elephant ear philodendrons. Saba’s unique cloud forest Mount Scenery the highest point in the entire Dutch Kingdom at 877 meters or 2,877 feet.

Saba’s wealth stretches beyond its island boundaries. Its surrounding waters contain a unique marine ecosystem renowned for the biodiversity of its marine life and are recognized to be among the world’s finest marine parks and diving sites.

So whether you’re here to dive or to hike, rest and relax or rejuvenate and invigorate, we are pleased to have you visit us and hope you will return again some day !!

Glenn Holm Director of Tourism

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saba

© Kai Wulf

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saba

Saba: The Caribbean’s Rare + Unspoiled Jewel

© Kai Wulf

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aba sits majestically on the horizon like a rare green jewel floating on the shimmering blue tropical sea. It is a magical place that lures the adventurous traveler with her stunning verdant silhouette soaring 5000 feet from the ocean floor; 3000 feet sits above sea level. Although a mere five square miles, this extinct volcanic island is filled with extraordinary

natural wonders perfectly in harmony with its fascinating history and culture. Twice named “Best Caribbean Island” by Travel

+ Leisure Magazine, Saba is that rare place in the modern world that satisfies the intrepid soul as well as those seeking gentle pleasures. The island’s Old World Caribbean charm, lyrical pace and stunning beauty provide respite for those who desire to disconnect from life’s hectic pace.

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saba Getting There To explore Saba, you must get here. The most extraordinary approach is by air. Four times a day, WinAir pilots take off from St. Maarten for the twelve minute flight. It is simply poetic floating above the Caribbean Sea heading to Saba’s soaring peak on the horizon. Just as you can almost touch the mountain, the plane cuts a dramatic 180 degree on to Juancho E.Yrausquin Airport’s 400 meter runway, considered

wish to embrace nature, architectural beauty, cleanliness and a laid-back flow of life. It is not a closed community, far from it. Whether you are an expat or visitor, conversations begin the moment you hop in a taxi, enter a shop or stop for refreshment. Everyone here is your tour guide. It’s a safe and protected place where you can blend in and enjoy the island’s gentle pace for a day or lifetime.

the world’s shortest commercial air strip. Once past customs, just hop in a local taxi and begin to explore one of the earth’s most graceful places.

Island History As you ascend and descend the “Road”, you are surrounded

by Saba’s magnificent natural and man-made wonders. Lush tropical foliage, brilliant flowers and fairy tale architecture fill the mountainsides and valleys. The entire island is exceptionally unspoiled and beautifully maintained, reflective of the locals’ deep sense of pride in their home and history.

Many of the intrepid Sabans are descent from lineages dating to the 1600s when English sailors shipwrecked on the jagged shore. Over the centuries, Saba tossed between Dutch and

© Trent Reid

English ownership, with the Dutch winning out. Once a haven for marauding pirates, the island’s eclectic blend of Dutch, African, English, Scottish and Irish eventually settled into a quite harmony focused on seamanship and fishing. It was a rugged life as the only roads were stone trails leading up from the sea into the remote villages accessed only by foot and donkey. Until 1943, there was no proper road. Saban Josephus “Lambee” Hassel dismissed the Dutch and Swiss engineers who said a road could never be built. Via an engineering correspondence course and the help of fellow islanders, the “Road”, as it is affectionately known, was built in stages from 1943 to 1958.

Saba doesn’t have beaches; just one that appears a few months a year. It is part of the reason Saba is so pristine and unspoiled. This place doesn’t need beaches. The unsurpassed beauty both below and above the sea opens the door to endless adventures from exhilarating to romantic.

Below the sea, Saba’s explosive volcanic origins are as obvious; it is one reason the island is among the world’s top dive spots. Within Saba’s protected marine park, spectacular

Although their families have dwelled here for centuries, the English speaking locals are warm and welcoming to all who

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Exploring Saba Above and Below the Sea

formations and structures, alongside lava flows and hot springs, combined with pristine coral reefs and a brilliant

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saba aquatic

population

creates a diver’s paradise. Saba’s highly experienced dive companies bring you up close to spectacular watery beauty.

Above the sea, the focus is natural and man-made beauty. To fully enjoy the island, you should stay for a few days at one of the charming boutique hotels, quaint Saban cottages or elegant villas often just a short stroll to civilized amenities © Kai Wulf

such as the island restaurants ranging from casual to stylish.

With its abundant sea life, year round growing season and proximity to St. Maarten/St. Martin, dining on Saba is very

Perhaps hop in a taxi and let the driver take you on a tour

fresh and delicious, especially the famous Saba lobster, red

of the island, through the tropical forests, charming villages

snapper or locally grown produce.

and picturesque architecture.The frequent subjects of artists and photographers, Saba’s enchanting vernacular combines beautiful red zinc roofs, white clapboard or stone walls, pretty green shutters and Caribbean gingerbread trim with little porches and colorful gardens edged in native stone.

Some of the best examples of Saba vernacular are found in and around the charming village of Windward Side with its historic cottages and buildings. The island’s cottages were most often homes of sea captains; built to survive the elements yet compliment the island’s natural beauty.

An excellent example is the H.L. Johnson Museum, housed in a cottage built in 1840. Within this lovely and beautifully restored museum are the carefully curated elements of a traditional Saban family.

Shopping is one of Saba’s most charming adventures. Stores

© Cees Timmers

and galleries are scattered around the island, most often in the To explore the island up close, hike the old stone “roads” that evolved into stunning trails meandering up and down the volcanic peaks and valleys. From easy to challenging, the trails provide the best means to fully connect with Saba’s natural beauty and experience the breathtaking views. Or simply sit on a terrace, cold beverage in hand, and let your eyes wander to the stunning views that emanate from every angle. The ever evolving scene flows endlessly to the horizon from sunrise to sunset.

villages of Windward Side, Bottom and Hells Gate. Although you can certainly find a wonderful souvenir t-shirt, it is the artists and creators of Saba that offer the most unique items.

Saba lace is world renowned for its unique artistry. Since the 1870s, Saban sea captain wives and their descendants have sold their intricate handmade (Spanish) lace, a skilled first acquired by Mary Gertrude Hassell Johnson who attended a convent school in Caracas, Venezuela. Several island shops sell beautiful lace items for the home and personal use.

Another local product found in shops, bars and restaurants is

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saba

© Cees Timmers

Saba Spice, a rum based beverage loaded with tropical spice, perfect as an after dinner liqueur or poured over ice cream.

Saba is also a willing subject for painters, photographers and designers, inspired by the colors, forms and people of Saba.

Art galleries, primarily in Windward Side and the Bottom, feature the work of local creators whose artistic products range from a magnificent water color painting of tropical flowers to beautifully one of a kind jewelry at the Jewel Cottage, housed in a 150 year old cottage, or the handblown glass jewelry of JoBean.

Perhaps the best souvenir of Saba is the deep connection visitors often develop with the island, its people and the lyrical flow of daily life. This is a very special place that beckons you to return and settle into an unsurpassed tropical paradise. © Ingrid Zagers

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saba CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020 January January 1st New Year’s Day (Public Holiday) January 18th Saba Hell’s Gate Triathlon

April Saba Restaurant Week April 10th Good Friday (Public Holiday) April 12th Easter Sunday (Public Holiday) April 13th Easter Monday (Public Holiday) April 27th

© Ingrid Zagers

King’s Day (Public Holiday)

May Create & Learn May 1st Labor Day (Public Holiday)

July Last week of July the 45th anniversary of Saba Summer Festival (Carnival)

September © Cees Timmers

Saba Restaurant Week September 27th

World Tourism Day

October Sea & Learn Month © Kai Wulf

November Saba Rainbow Festival

For more information about Saba, The Unspoiled Queen, please contact the tourism office below.

December December 4th – 6th Saba Day weekend

(Public Holiday December 4th)

December 5th Wahoo Tournament December 6 Sea to Scenery Race th

December 25th Christmas Day (Public Holiday) December 26th Boxing Day (Public Holiday) 188

Saba Tourism Bureau P.O. Box 527, E.A. Johnson Road,Windwardside, Saba, Caribbean Netherlands Tel.: 599-416-2231 / 2322 Email: tourism@sabagov.nl Website: www.sabatourism.com

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saba

© Kai Wulf

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st. eustatius

Š Cees Timmers

O

Unhurried and Quaint: St. Eustatius is where you go to unplug

n the surface, St. Eustatius may not seem like a place that has a lot going on.

There are no malls, no cinemas, no traffic and at mid-morning on a Friday, the town centre has the vibe of a lazy Sunday afternoon.

But if you are looking for a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, a place with a vibrant history and exciting outdoor activities, then this might just be the island for you.

Statia, as the locals call it, is an eight square mile long rock nestled between Saba and St. Kitts.

The island is home to only 3500 people, very few of actual Statian roots.The Dutch island is a cultural soup of people from the

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st. eustatius Dominican Republic, the largest category of residents, the United States, the Netherlands, Curacao, Aruba, Suriname, Dominica and various other islands.

At the Taste of the Cultures Expo held on the night of the annual Statia Sustainability Conference on September 27, the cultural influences were proudly displayed in the cuisine. At the Suriname booth, a long line formed to eat Nasi, Bami and Teio Saltfish, by St Maarten’s, oxtail quesadillas, salmon sate and taco with barbeque chicken beckoned while chicken gizzard with fries and bifana homemade bread with Š Cees Timmers

pork steak starred over in the Portugal booth. Johnny cakes were a common sight throughout most of the 10 countries represented.

Many of the buildings in the heart of Oranjestad are required to maintain the traditional Dutch architecture Statia has been a melting pot since Christopher Columbus stumbled upon it in 1493. The island changed hands 22 times under different Empires until the Dutch officially claimed it in 1636.

For an island many of us in the Caribbean know practically nothing about, Statia has had a very important role in history.

According to tour guide Roland Lopes, the island was once the centre of international trade with over 2600 ships bearing merchandise from around the world, including slaves direct from Africa, making their way yearly to the Golden Rock - the name the island was given in that heyday.

Ruins from the warehouses and holding cells for the slaves dot the shoreline in Lower Town today, the coastal area that was once home to 6000 people.

Ruins also lay scattered under the pristine waters off the coast of Lower Town, making the island a favourite among divers today. Anchors, cannons, sunken ships and other

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archaeological treasures provide an attractive experience for

It is from that fort that Statia became the first country to

divers. But it is the blue beads that hold particular importance.

officially recognise the independent United States.

Manufactured out of glass and given to slaves to be used as currency, the beads, according to local myth, are believed to

Under Governor Johannes de Graaff, Statia played a

have been dumped in the ocean when slavery was abolished

central role in the American Revolution, supplying guns and

on the island in 1863. Today, it is said that if you find a blue

ammunition to Americans - much to the chagrin of Britain

bead, you will always return to St Eustatius.

and the Dutch government. On November 16, 1776, when a naval vessel flying the flag of the newly independent US

The only blue beads I saw were in the museum, but Statia is

arrived in Statia’s port and fired an official salute to greet the

littered with relics of a time far gone.

Dutch flag, de Graaff ordered that they reply, thus making Statia the first country to acknowledge the sovereign state.

Overhanging the Lower Town in Oranjestad, the capital,

Britain subsequently waged war with the Netherlands as

a well-maintained Fort Oranje holds one of the most

revenge and Statia’s demise began.

interesting stories on the island.

Two plaques from the Daughters of the Revolution and Sons of the Revolution hang in the entrance to the fort acknowledging Statia’s role in helping America free the shackles of colonialism.

In 1939, Franklin Delano Roosevelt presented the island with a plaque to recognise its ‘First Salute’. The airport, formerly known as the Golden Rock airport, was renamed after Roosevelt.

It is this history Statia hopes to push as one of its selling points as it looks to develop its tourism industry.

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View from The Quill Currently, the island depends on oil storage as its economic mainstay but since the turmoil in Venezuela, most of the storage tanks owned by Nu Star have been empty.

Director of Tourism Charles Lindo said a tourism marketing plan is being developed for the first time as the island seeks to attract very specific niche markets.

Diving forms the largest segment of the country’s underdeveloped tourism industry. The sector is slowly recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Irma last year which saw a cancellation of all bookings.

Traffic to Statia comes through neighbouring St Maarten via Winair and with the destruction of that island, including its famous Princess Juliana Airport, Statia felt the impact right in its pocket.

Sarah Helleveng, who runs the Golden Rock Dive Center with her husband David, said even the yachties are yet to return. The couple from Kentucky, USA, moved to Statia last year and opened their shop on the coast mere months before Irma passed over the island taking their shop with her strong winds.

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st. eustatius The couple now operates out of a converted container across the street conducting snorkelling and diving tours.

Sarah said that in the absence of mass tourism, the waters of Statia are clean and free of garbage. There are over 30 protected dive sites teeming with reef sharks, barracuda, turtles, sponges and corals among other things.

The centre of all activities in Statia is a hike up The Quill, the volcano that looms over the island. The Quill has been dormant for about 1600 years and there are a few trails of varying degrees of difficulty which have been cut through the forest to the crater. Medicinal plants and soldier crabs peeking out from their shells are abundant along the trail.

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st. eustatius The majestic Quill volcano The trail we did was well maintained and though it was a constant elevation, the trail was wide and flat in most places, easy for children and the not so fit alike.

and a various assortment of drinks while singing along to everything from rock to soca. Restaurant owner Lauris Reehius, a former singer, favours calypso from Singing Sandra.

Despite being a Dutch island, Statians are very West Indian.

The latest Soca blares everywhere and every one speaks English even if it’s not their first language.

For West Indians, of course, the biggest quest may be for the hottest lime on the island. At night, restaurants where you can dine on stewed oxtail, rice and peas, grilled Mahi Mahi and conchs, turn into hotspots.

Every July, Statia holds its annual Carnival, a typical West Indian styled parade with guest appearances from the hottest soca acts. It is perhaps the one time of year the sleepy island truly comes alive.

Ocean View Terrace, opposite Fort Oranje, is a big draw for karaoke lovers on a Friday night. Students from the

By Laura Dowrich Phillips LOOP TT

Netherlands, visitors and locals enjoy cold beers, rum

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anguilla

Š Anguilla Tourist Board

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About Anguilla

ucked away in the northern Caribbean,Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile.A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines, to be the most beautiful in the world. Anguilla is truly Beyond Extraordinary!

With accommodations ranging from ultra-luxury villas to traditional resorts, Charming Escapes hotels and guest houses, Anguilla offers a premium vacation experience at every price point. And when it comes to culinary experiences, Anguilla is second to none. There are over 100 restaurants on the island, everything from exquisite fine dining to beach bars to street food and roadside barbecues.

Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and appeal. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from two major gateways: Puerto Rico and St. Martin, and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away.

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Anguilla

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anguilla Exploring Anguilla The Valley Anguilla’s capital, The Valley, is located in the center of the island. It is the home of government and commerce, the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, and the Anguilla Tourist Board. Here you will also find the island’s only surviving plantation house, the beautifully restored Wallblake House, built in 1785, a glimpse into Anguilla’s colonial heritage.

Island Harbour This quaint fishing village sits on the East End of Anguilla.

Colorful boats moor in this protected cove, and the fishing pier juts out towards the conch-lined island of Scilly Cay. Island Harbour is home to the annual Festival del Mar on the Easter weekend, a celebration of all things from the sea that includes a seafood festival, culinary competitions, swimming and fishing tournaments, lots of music and the national pastime, Boatracing.

© Anguilla Tourist Board

Blowing Point The Blowing Point Ferry Terminal is the point of entry for most visitors to Anguilla, who arrive via the public or private ferries from St. Martin/Sint Maarten. The area is also home to some of the island’s finest villa estates, at Little Harbour and Lockrum.

© Anguilla Tourist Board

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West End

Customs and Immigration clearance takes place here, and

The West End is the heart of Anguilla’s tourism industry, home of many of the island’s traditional five star resorts.

It is also where Anguilla’s culinary fame was born, led by iconic restaurants such as Blanchard’s, and followed by establishments like Jacala, Straw Hat and more recently Julian’s at Quintessence.

The spectacular beaches of the West End -- Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Maundays Bay, Barnes Bay, Long Bay, Cove Bay – glistening arcs of powder soft sand framing azure seas, these are the hallmarks of the Anguillian vacation experience.

Sandy Ground A sleepy village by day, party central at night, Sandy Ground is “the entertainment capital of Anguilla”. The colorful beach bars, fun and casual restaurants come alive with music, dancing and lively conversation.

based at this location.

Our Off-Shore Cays “Anguilla by Sea” tours take you to one or more of these islands for a day of swimming, snorkeling and fantastic food.

Scrub Island is the largest of the offshore cays, your perfect private island. Activities here include wildlife observation over 34 species of birds that have been recorded - snorkeling with turtles, fish and stingray, and swimming in emerald glowing lagoons.

Sandy Island is a five-minute boat ride from Sandy Ground with Captain Jojo. An amazing restaurant and spectacular snorkeling make it a truly memorable experience.

Prickly Pear also offers a great selection of cocktails and

Road Bay at Sandy Ground is the entry port for private yachts and small luxury cruise ships that call on Anguilla.

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many of the yacht services and local provisioning agents are

seafood, bird watching, snorkeling, and stunning vistas of turquoise seas.

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Anguilla

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What To Do In Anguilla Anguilla’s pristine beaches and azure seas make it ideal for myriad water sports, ranging from snorkeling, kitesurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding, to scuba diving, deep sea fishing, body surfing and boat racing, the island’s national sport.

On land, there’s a championship golf course; a state of the art tennis academy, with experienced coaches offering lessons at all levels, and home to the annual Anguilla Cup in November; also caving, biking, and ATV rides that take you to every corner of the island.

globe for three exciting days of inspiring presentations and informative workshops.

Folk festivals such as Welches on Whit Monday, West Fest, and A Village Ting, celebrate Anguilla’s heritage and culture, showcasing our culinary, musical and sporting traditions.

Summer Festival in August is a ten-day spree of carnival activities by night, and traditional Boatracing by day, pageantry, music and street dancing, that started over forty years ago.

For tourism information on Anguilla please visit the official

Anguilla has an exciting calendar of events and festivities.

The Moonsplash music festival, hosted by Anguilla’s legendary Bankie Banx and celebrated at the full moon in March, is renowned for its very special vibes, found nowhere else on

website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com;

follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

earth.

Our literary festival in May brings together writers, poets, and musicians from Anguilla, the Caribbean and around the 212

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Š Anguilla Tourist Board

Investment Opportunities in Anguilla Investment Incentives

Anguilla is a low tax jurisdiction (having no sales, corporate, capital gains, estate or income tax). The concessions offered usually relate to discounts on the Alien Land Holding License (ALHL) and to discounts on importation of equipment and materials needed for construction and further refurbishments.

The Government also supports investors by facilitating the expedited processing of business licenses and work permits.

Anguilla Residency By Investment This program, presented by the Government of Anguilla, offers non-belongers of Anguilla the opportunity to acquire Permanent Residency in Anguilla by making a financial contribution to the Government’s Capital Development Fund (CDF), or investment into Real Estate, and proving to be of good health and good character. Permanent Residency 214

in Anguilla is an attractive option for persons who already have ties to the island and wish to formally make Anguilla their second home, by conferring the right to reside on island year-round without being subject to immigration control.

Additionally, the program is equally appealing to those who continue to live abroad, but desire an alternate country of residence for themselves and their family members for tax planning and other purposes.

Non-belongers of Anguilla who are legally owners/title holders of property in Anguilla valued at a minimum US$750,000, are immediately eligible for Permanent Resident status, as a Retroactive Applicant having already invested into Real Estate on Anguilla. Retroactive applicant investments must have been made prior to September 30, 2018.

For additional information on the ARBI and application, please visit http://www.anguillaresidency.ai/

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National Commercial Bank of anguilla and services, and a customer service strategy that will exceed ever evolving needs and expectations of its customers while contributing to the overall development of Anguilla. In terms of market share NCBA is the largest commercial bank operating in Anguilla.

At NCBA, our primary goal is to provide our valued customers with the resources needed to achieve financial

M

success. We are committed to serving our customers with

ission Statement Our Mission is to contribute to Anguilla’s socioeconomic development by enabling

our Customers’ financial well-being and security through the provision of tailored financial solutions while ensuring a fair return on our Shareholders’ equity.

products and services that are tailored to help manage their personal finances and create the foundation for continued financial growth.

Our Personal Banking offerings consists of a wide range of products and services including Deposit Accounts, Credit Cards, Mortgages and Personal Loans and general banking

Vision 2025

services.

By 2025 NCBA, an innovative, customer-centric, technology-

NCBA proudly serves our customers from two convenient

driven and socially-responsible employer of choice, will be the #1 Commercial Bank in the OECS in Customer Experience

locations at the St. Mary’s Street in the Valley and in West End. Both locations are open Monday to Thursday: 8am to

and Profitability.

2pm and Friday: 8am to 4pm.

Customer Service Value Proposition

In addition to these locations, NCBA has the largest network

We promise our CUSTOMERS an exemplary experience as

which provides 24hr banking to our valued customers.

of ATM’s on the island. NCBA also offers Online Banking

they achieve financial security by easily accessing our diverse product offerings delivered in a personalised manner while contributing to Anguilla’s development.

The National Commercial Bank of Anguilla Ltd was incorporated in December 2015, and began operations on April 25, 2016. With a staff complement of 90, our goal is to meet the financial needs of those we serve by providing a full range of retail banking services and products to our island community which has an estimated population of 15,000.

NCBA combines a well experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge of the banking industry with innovative products 216

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P.O. Box 44, 1 St. Mary’s Street, The Valley, Anguilla Tel: (264) 497-2571/2101 Fax: (264) 497-3570/3310 Email: service@ncbal.com Web: www.ncbal.com Facebook: ncbaltd Instagram: ncbaltd The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10

St. Barths

welcome to st. barths

Š Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

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t. Barths is one of several French islands in the Caribbean officially known as the Territorial Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy. The island is 9.7 square miles with a population of approximately 10,000. The capital is Gustavia.

Located in the North eastern Caribbean, the destination is a beehive of activity from the high-end luxury tourists who would like to get away from the daily hustle and bustle in Europe or North America.

The island has much to offer the visitor, with more than 20 beaches throughout the island. If you like watersports, the destination offers that along with diving, fishing, and boating. It has many Creole and French dining options. To learn more about the island, you can visit a number of historical sites such as Fort Gustav and the Wall House Museum.

There are no large chain resorts, more boutique type hotels and villas.

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st. barths The Euro is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted. French is the official language, but English is understood throughout the island.

The island can be reached very easily by ferry from Sint Maarten or St. Martin or by plane. Travelers are expected to have their travel documents in order for French Immigration and Border Control officers to review upon arrival which would be a valid passport and visa depending on your country of origin.

© Leonard Zhukovsky /Shutterstock.com

For more information about St. Barth, please contact: Quai du Général de Gaulle, Gustavia, B.P. 591 - 97133 Saint-Barthélémy Tél: 0590 27 87 27 Fax: 0590 27 74 47 Website: www.saintbarth-tourisme.com E-mail: info@saintbarth-tourisme.com © bcampbell65 /Shutterstock.com

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten 10 © Naeblys /Shutterstock.com

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advertiser’s index © NAPA /Shutterstock.com

5 STAR HARDWARE............................................144 ACE HARDWARE................................................... 90 AEGIS SECURITY SERVICES................................... 3 ANGEL MEDRANO CONSTRUCTION........124 ANGELS ATTIC THRIFT STORE......................... 35 ANGUILLA GREAT HOUSE BEACH RESORT....................................................203 ARENA BASE CAFE..........................................IFC* A STITCH AT A TIME...........................................156 AUTOBEV SYSTEMS............................................... 64 AUTO DEPOT.......................................................... 40 BAKER TILLY..........................................................171 BEIRUT LEBANESE CUISINE.............................157 BROTHERS TRADING........................................... 21 BROWN’S CAR RENTAL....................................194 CARAWAY..................................................... 177-179 CARIBBEAN ACCIDENT & ROAD SERVICES (CARS)....................................................................... 35 CARIBBEAN CONCRETE.................................... 55 CARIBTRANS.......................................................... 97 CARIBWORK IT..................................................... 67 CARL & SON’S......................................................132 CAROUSEL GELATERIA BAR............................159 CASINO ROUGE ET NOIR...............................142 CAY HILL PHARMACY.......................................... 43 CC1 ST. MAARTEN...........................................19, 76 CELINE CHARTERS..............................................152 CENTRAL BANK OF CURACAO & SINT MAARTEN.................................................. 71 CENTRAL MIX CONCRETE.............................128 CHECKMATE SECURITY SERVICES................121 CHRISTINA’S BOUTIQUE.................................122 CIREXPRESS...........................................................124 COLOSSEUM SXM................................................. 81 CTC ARCHITECTURE.........................................194 C&V GAS DISTRIBUTORS.................................201 DAILY HERALD, THE.............................................. 34 D&B MANAGEMENT & COLLECTIONS SERVICES................................................................... 44 DESIRE FASHIONS...............................................125 DESK’OUNT OFFICE FURNITURE.................114 DIGITAL GUMBS PHOTO STUDIO................... 13 DUZON’S CATERING SERVICE.............. 148, 149 EAZY IMPORTZ....................................................193 ELLE-SI-BELLE TOURS & SERVICES........... 39, 150 EN VOGUE BOUTIQUE......................................158 FALANA COUTURE.............................................. 29 FOURTEEN AT MULETT BAY........................ IBC* FREDDY FERNANDEZ........................................139 FRIENDLY ISLAND PHARMACY........................ 63 FROLIC.....................................................................152 GAS KING...............................................................141 GEBE................................................................ 102-107 GENERAL AUTO REPAIR...................................... 67 GEOTEC DEVELOPMENT.................................... 65 GIBSON & ASSOCIATES, LAW OFFICES.......... 11

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GOLDEN ROCK MINI MARKET......................201 GOLDEN ROCK PHARMACY..........................197 GREE HOME...........................................................127 HARRIGAN EXTERMINATING SERVICES....... 75 HD FACTORY FLOOR SPECIALIST................... 63 HEAVENLY COOL.................................................. 62 HEAVENLY WATERS.............................................137 HENDERSON INSURANCES................................ 8 ICC CARGO................................................... 93, 143 I.F. RIVERS ENTERPRISES.....................................197 INDEPENDENT CONSULTING ENGINEERS (ICE).................................................144 INTERMAR SHIPPING........................................... 99 INTERNATIONAL LIQUOR & TOBACCO TRADING (ILTT)...................................................143 ISABEL SALON SPA..............................................126 ISLAND CAR RENTALS......................................205 ITAL SHACK...........................................................136 J.D HARDWARE....................................................198 JOSHUA ROSE GUEST HOUSE & SUPERMARKET......................................................... 8 KARAKTER BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT...160 LEE’S ROADSIDE GRILL & BAR........................155 LEISURE CAR RENTAL........................................161 L’ESPERANCE HOTEL........................................... 39 LICCOM...................................................44, 136, 198 LIVVITT...................................................................... 73 LUCKY WHOLESALE............................................ 15 LYN’S DREAM BAKERY & DELI.......................... 26 MAHO PHARMACY.............................................133 MAKEUP BY FALANA........................................... 67 M.A.MCKENZIE ELECTRICAL SERVICES......... 42 MANSION ENTERPRISES...................................201 MARIO BISTROT...................................................165 MARVEL PAINT SUPPLIES...................................144 MARY’S BOON BEACH HOTEL.......................151 MEK TEK................................................................ 9, 77 MELANGE RESTAURANT..................................162 MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION.............. 82-85 MIXITALIA/ VINI D’ITALIA.................................... 57 MTECH ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES......................... 54 NAPA AUTO PARTS.............................................207 NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK OF ANGUILLA..............................................................216 NATURAL HEALTH CENTER............................. 45 OBERSI GROUP....................................................120 ODDS-N-ENDS.....................................................205 OFFICE WORLD...................................................131 OLD GIN HOUSE, THE.......................................196 OPTIQUE CARAIBES...........................................176 PARADISE INN......................................................123 PCMI.........................................................................133 PDG SUPPLIES......................................................... 23 PETRO PLUS...........................................................135 PHARO PRO GENERAL CONSTRUCTION.117 PHILIPSBURG AUTO & ACCESSORIES...........133

PHILIPSBURG PHARMACY................................133 PINNACLE PIZZA.................................................205 POLLOS HERMANOS........................................... 11 PPG PAINTS.............................................................. 41 PRINCESS JULIANA INT’L. AIRPORT.......... 86-89 PROPERTIES OF ST. MAARTEN.........................154 RED DIAMOND ADULT ENTERTAINMENT.. 45 RENDEZ VOUS LOUNGE..................................165 RICHARDSON’S CAR RENTAL AGENCY.....208 ROYAL PALMS HOLIDAY SUITES.....................208 SALE & PEPE MARINA RESTAURANT............158 SAVIE’S COURT YARD GUEST HOUSE..........217 SHTA................................................................ 115, 116 SIMPSON BAY RESORT & MARINA................153 SIMPSON BAY SUITES.........................................147 SKIP JACK’S RESTAURANT...............................150 SMART HOMES....................................................... 46 SMD ARCHITECTS & CONSULTANTS..........192 SOUALIGA GUEST HOUSE...............................129 STATIA PERSONAL HOME MAINTENANCE...................................................193 STATIA TOURISM......................................... 191, 195 ST. EUSTATIUS NATIONAL PARKS..................196 ST. MAARTEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY................................................................ 41 ST. MAARTEN CONCRETE................................145 ST. MAARTEN LABORATORY SERVICES.......... 16 ST. MAARTEN MARINE ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS (SMEC)....................................... 56 ST. MAARTEN OPTICAL.....................................133 ST. MAARTEN PLACEMENT NETWORK......... 32 ST. MAARTEN REALTOR....................................... 47 ST. MAARTEN SHIPPING & STEVEDORING.101 SUPER MARIO AIR CONDITIONING... 61, BC* SXM PARTY RENTALS........................................... 13 TELEM GROUP............................................. 108-111 TERMINIX...............................................................163 TIREMAXX..............................................................136 TIRE PRO................................................................... 47 TNT CAR/BIKE RENTAL & SALES...................217 TONY’S AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION SERVICES................................. 46 TONY’S PRINTING SHOP................................... 41 TOPPER’S RHUM DISTILLERY...........................146 TRAVEL INN HOTEL...........................................147 TRICIA’S CAR RENTAL......................................217 TRICO SUPPLIES...................................................199 TUTTI’S PIZZA......................................................132 UNCLE BOB’S PLACE.............................................. 5 VICTOR’S COSMETICS.......................................129 VINCULOS MAGAZINE....................................... 59 WINDWARD ELECTRICAL COMPANY.......... 17 WINDWARD ROADS.........................................128 WONDER HANDS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE................................................................. 30

*IFC = Inside Front Cover | *IBC = Inside Back Cover | *BC = Back Cover

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