INFORMATION BULLETIN OF THE ISLAND GOVERNMENT OF ST. EUSTATIUS PIPE DORMOY GIVEN A WORLDWIDE FLIGHT AGAIN

THE INFORMER INFORMATION BULLETIN OF THE ISLAND GOVERNMENT OF ST. EUSTATIUS Volume 1, Issue 3

NOVEMBER ISSUE , 2009

‘PIPE’ DORMOY GIVEN A WORLDWIDE FLIGHT AGAIN in walked the management of the Post Office. The subsequent talks and discussions that day led to the Foundation submitting a request to have a series of stamps issued in honor of aviation pioneers of the three islands. Statia’s Lieutenant‐Governor, Mr. Hyden Gittens, was able to make a surprise announcement as that same morning, the Executive Council of Statia confirmed that they are open and interested to talk to the Founda‐ tion about their role in making possi‐ ble a flight school in Statia. (continue on page 5)

Inside this issue: Official launch of the stamps ‐ from left: Franklin Sluis (Nieuwe Post NA), Elly Deliën, Brenda Wathey, Patsy Johnson, Terrance Rey, Walter Hellebrand

Article by Walter Th. Hellebrand Long time St. Eustatius resident and a leg‐ end in his own time, the late José ‘Pipe’ Dormoy, has been immortalized on a stamp thanks to an initiative of the Statia based Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Founda‐ tion. The stamp is one of a series of three issued by Nieuwe Post Nederlandse Antillen N.V. in cooperation with the Foundation. The series was launched to recognize the aviation pioneers of the Windward Islands who opened up the islands and thereby contributed to their development. The other two stamps feature ‘Freddy’ Johnson from Saba and ‘Chester’ Wathey from St. Maarten. The stamps and special first day envelopes, were presented to the families

of the honored pioneers and to represen‐ tatives of the governments of the islands by Mr. Franklin Sluis, General Managing Director of Nieuwe Post N.A., during a special event on 10 November in St. Maarten. Statia’s Lieutenant‐Governor Mr. Hyden Gittens accepted a specially framed presentation of the first day en‐ velope on behalf of the island territory. Mr. Terrance Rey, managing director of AirStMaarten (a company specializing in private charters throughout the Carib‐ bean) and current president of the Avia‐ tion Pioneers of the Caribbean Founda‐ tion, looked back on the lunch he had in Statia with Ms. Elly Deliën, who started the Foundation. While discussing ideas to honor aviation pioneers of the Caribbean,

Pipe Flies again

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Health issues

2

Tenth EDF

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Water Distribution on Statia

7

Statia Day in Review

8-16

Water Crisis

17

Vacancies

20

V OLU ME 1, ISSU E 3

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DIABETES A LEADING DESEASE ON STATIA

In the shedding Light programme with Dr. Baboe-Kalpoe talked about diabetes and the foot care programme. Although she already created a leaflet with this information at the Public health Department, we decided to promote this information which she created.

WHAT IS DIABETES ?

It is a disease that is characterized by chronic(long duration) hyperglycemia (high bloodsugar) and disturbances in processing carbohydrate(carbs),lipid(fat),and protein in the body due to defects in insulin secretion and / or insulin action. Simply said : it is an illness that occurs as a result of problems with the production and supply of insulin in the body. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, a form of sugar. We use glucose as a source of energy to provide power for our muscles and other tissues.Our bodies transport glucose in our blood. In order for our muscles and other tissues to absorb glucose from our blood, we need a hormone

paired glucose tolerance is a level of blood glucose which is higher than normal, but not high enough tobe in the range where doctors classify this as diabetes.

SYMPTOMS /CLINICAL PRESENTATION : ACUTE Hyperglycemia : CHRONIC Hyperglycaemia:

- lots of drinking /thirsty feeling (polydipsia) - generally in

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES :

- TYPE 1 : JUVELNILE ONSET:usually occurs in children and young adults,but can affect people of any age; these people need daily insulin injections in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood. If people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to insulin, they die. - TYPE 2 : ADULT ONSET: is most common in people older than 45 who are overweight. However, as a

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Monthly Health updates with Dr. Sharda Baboe-Kalpoe.

called insulin. Without insulin, our bodies cannot obtain the necessary energy from our food. Insulin is made in a large gland behind the stomach called the pancreas. It is released by cells called beta cells. When a person has diabetes, either their pancreas does not produce the insulin they need, or their body cannot use its own insulin effectively. As a result, people with diabetes cannot use enough of the glucose in the food they eat. This leads to the amount of glucose in the blood increasing. This high level of glucose or “high blood sugar” is called hyperglycaemia. High glucose in the blood can lead to serious complications AT PRESENT THERE IS NO CURE FOR DIABETES

WHO ARE AT RISK ?

- a first-degree relative with diabetes (parent or sibling) - overweight (BMI ≥ 25) or who have central obesity (around the belly) with a normal BMI(18.5-24.9) - habitually sedentary lifestyle :

older people with lethargy - often urinating of large quantities of urine (polyuria) (drowsiness) and fatigue (exhaustion) - weight loss - disturbance/impairment of growth - sometimes excessive appetite or eating - susceptibility to infection - blurred vision - slow wound healing - itching

physical inactivity - have delivered a baby weighing > 9 lb (4 kg), have experienced unexplained perinatal (around birth) death, or who have been diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) - hypertension (high blood pressure) ≥ 140/90 mmHg - high cholesterol - damage of the organ (pancreas) that produces the insulin (e.g., infection, alcohol abuse ,drug or chemicals - impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) A healthy person’s blood sugar is usually between 70 and 110 mg/dL (milligrams of glucose in 100 millilitres of blood) or, in millimols,between3.9 and 6.0 mmol/L. Im- Fasting blood sugar test - Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) : test after administering a certain amount of sugar - Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) : this test is being used for monitoring glycemic (bloodsugar) control(over a period of 3 months)

NORMAL FASTING BLOOD SUGAR : 85 -106 MG /DL (3,5-6,1 MMOL/L)

HOW TO SCREEN : consequence of increased obesity among the young, it is becoming more common in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes. - GESTATIONAL DIABETES : DEVELOPS DURING PREGNANCY - DIABETES DUE TO DESTRUCTION OF THE INSULINE PRODUCING PANCREAS

but effective treatment exists. If you have access to the appropriate medication, quality of care and good medical advice, you should be able to lead an active and healthy life and reduce the risk of developing complications.

TREATMENT :

CONTROLLED DIET : Food raises blood sugar levels. People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else, that is to say, a

Today, there is no cure for diabetes,

Good diabetes control means keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved by a combination of the following:


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THEME: Building Capacity for Co-ordinating and Managing European Community The European Union Commission and TAO jointly organized through the Department for Development Cooperation (deputy-Territorial Authorization Office) a one week workshop in Saba from November 9th through 13th .

This workshop is a sequence of earlier organized workshops held in Curacao and St. Maarten. The main objectives of these workshops are: To build island level awareness and knowledge on issues related to EC-OCT cooperation, including challenges and opportunities for the new upcoming entities; To build commitment and cooperation of the relevant authorities in the further formulation and implementation of the 10th European Development Funds; To identify good practices, processes and mechanisms to strengthen the programme management capacities of the newly-designated EC focal points and other island authorities in St. Maarten, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. M. Timber at work in Saba

Statia participants at work in Saba

Simmons, Alida Francis, Maldwyn Timber and S. Dijkshoorn. One of the major changes in the 10th EDF is the switch from project aid to budgetary aid. The General Island Government budget must reflect the focal sector priority. The 10th EDF will stimulate the budget based on policies. It is significant for Government to maintain a good financial administration. The Island government will be financially accountable to the European Union for result based on the budgetary aid. This new financial aid is welcomed in our community to support the island in the structural developments.

Participants at the 10th EDF workshop in Saba Mr. Maldwyn Timber has been appointed as the European Union technical focal point for St. Eustatius. Commissioner Roy Hooker is the political Focal point for Statia.

The Statia team has done a tremendous job at the workshop. The participants from Statia are: Winston Tear, Myrurgea Schmidt, Ivan Blijden Austin van Heijningen, Derrick


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STATIA GOVERNMENT PRACTISING SLOPPY ADMINISTRATION St. Eustatius- A motion was presented by the leader of the opposition not to extend the term of the present Lt. Governor accompanied with two names for the position of Lt. Governor namely Mr. Frederick Gibbs and Mrs. Monique BrownJames, in an Island council meeting of May 25th 2009. In the Island Council Meeting of November 9th 2009, the members of the house were astounded to learn that the official document was not sent out to the different entities such as Prime Minister, of the Netherlands Antilles,Mrs. Elhage; The Prime Minister of the Netherlands ,Mr. Balkenende;Commissioner of the BES islands, Mr. Henk Kamp and Statesecretary of Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld. An email of the official motion was sent to the Gover-

nor of the Netherlands Antilles, Excellency Frits Goedgedrag, by the honourable Lt. Governor Mr. Hyden Gittens in June 2009. The members of the council in the Island Council Meeting of November 9th 2009 were outraged when they learned that the documents were not officially sent out. It is still unclear to everyone how this blunder could have occurred. It was clear in this Island Council Meeting that a number of assumptions were misinterpreted simply because the motion was not sent to the designated individuals. The community depends on the island government to lead by example. We need to shape up and civil servants in general need to take their responsibility more serious. Moving forward we hope to improve on the

Monthly updates with the Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Julian Woodley

level of service which we share to the people of Statia.

Health Issues (Continued from page 2) well-balanced diet. PHYSICAL EXERCISE : Exercise lowers blood sugar. Like insulin, it also helps your body use its blood sugar efficiently. It may also help insulin work more effectively. Exercise will also help you to lose weight MEDICATION : Insulin lowers blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes require multiple daily insulin injections for

include sties and boils. Fungal infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm and vaginal infections. Long-term complications: - eye disease (retinopathy) : visual impairment; blindness - kidney disease (nephropathy) : kidney faillure - nerve disease (neuropathy) : lack of sensation/pain in the feet, in the hands and problems with functioning of different parts of the body - disease of circulatory system : coro-

survival. People with type 2 diabetes may require oral hypoglycaemic drugs to lower their blood sugar and some may need insulin injections at some point. It is important to achieve the right balance of the above elements. Too much or too little of either can impact upon how you feel. Achieving this balance is a life-long commitment on the part of the person with diabetes.

nary heart disease - amputation For more information contact the Public Health Department at telephone number 3182891.

NOTICE Soon the doctors & nurses of the Q.B.M.C. will start with a diabetic Foot Care Program. This program will be carried out in the Q.B.M.C

COMPLICATIONS : Diabetes is a chronic, life-long condition that requires careful control. Without proper management it can lead to various complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage. Short-term complications: - Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) - Bacterial /fungal infection:People with diabetes are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial infections

BURNING HEALTH QUESTIONS You don't need to waste another second wondering and worrying. Dr Baboe will take you right to the bottom line Email your q u e s t i o n s t o : [email protected]


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‘PIPE’ DORMOY GIVEN A WORLDWIDE FLIGHT AGAIN (continued from page 1)

The special first day envelope with illustration from José Dormoy’s logbook

Establishing such a school is one of the goals of the Foundation. Mr. Gittens added: “We hope to talk to Elly and Terrance shortly so that we can build on this and make it possible ‐ and in this way continue the legacy of these three great men and other pioneers of this era.” As secretary and resident historian of the Foundation I was asked by Elly De‐ liën to speak on her behalf and ac‐ knowledge the recognition shown to Jose Dormoy, her partner of many years. I was not the only one to speak of his feats and commitment to the people of Statia and Saba. St. Maarten’s commissioner for aviation, Mr. Frans Richardson, recalled how Dormoy would take off from the taxi‐ way instead of using the runway, something he found difficult to believe until Henkie Rivers (then Winair pilot) showed him how ‘Pipe’ had taught him to do the same. And senator Will John‐ son from Saba told the audience how he even became the subject of ser‐ mons on Saba, when Father Jacobs explained the difference between

hope and certainty: “When you got in a plane and you saw ‘Pipe’ in the cock‐ pit you were certain you would reach your destination while with other pi‐ lots you could only hope and pray that you would get there.”

Future projects include education material for schools, a TV documentary and book. Donations to the Foundation can be made on the account of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation nr. 105805306 at the Windward Islands Bank. Also, And now ‘Pipe’ will be flying around checks can be mailed to the treasurer, the world again – on letters, packages Elizabeth M. Delien c/o Mazinga Gift Shop, and postcards. The stamps are avail‐ Mazinga Square, St. Eustatius. able from all post offices in the Netherlands Antilles and also from postal agents such as Maz‐ inga Store in St. Eustatius, where the special first day envelopes can be ordered as well. The stamps are the latest project of the Foundation. Earlier initia‐ tives are displays at Saba’s airport and Winair’s sales office in St. Maarten. And last September a comprehensive, twelve panel display highlighting the aviation history of Saba, Statia, St. Barth’s and St. Maarten was unveiled in the departure lounge of Statia’s airport.

For the full story of local aviation history, you can visit the 12 panel display at Statia’s airport


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TAX INFORMATION Information Center of Taxes Sint Eustatius. Assistance in payment of your tax arrears Over the last period of months many citizens of Statia have received assessments regarding to back/ outstanding taxes. (Income tax, Turnover tax, Wage tax and Profit tax.) In cases where it is not possible for you to pay the taxes within the stipulated period of time, we urge you to get in contact with us at the information center. We will then make an appointment where we will consider, along with you, what is the best way to pay the outstanding taxes.

We can help you if you contact us.

INSPECTORATE OF TAXES WINDWARD ISLANDS INFORMATION CENTER ST.EUSTATIUS

H.M.Queen Beatrixstreet ( former GEBE office ) Oranjestad St.Eustatius Tel:3183325/26 Fax:3183327 email-address: [email protected]

The Island Government of St. Eustatius, through the Planning Bureau is inviting the entire community to a Town Hall Meeting about the Development Plan for St. Eustatius. Date: December 1st 2009 Time: at 7.30 pm Location: Ernest van Putten Youth Center (a.k.a. Lions Den) The consultant bureau RBOI will present their Preliminary findings to the Community and everyone will get the opportunity to contribute ideas of how you would like to see your Island develop

Fiscale voorstellen voor de BES Bron: Antilliaans Dagblad Willemstad – Hieronder volgt een weergave van de belangrijkste aspecten van de fiscale voorstellen voor de BES-eilanden, zoals in kaart gebracht door de belastingadviseurs van PwC Nederlandse Antillen. Inkomsten- en loonbelasting: Na advies van de Raad van State is besloten om voorlopig de Antilliaanse inkomsten- en loonbelasting te handhaven. Wel zal een nieuwe tariefstructuur worden ingevoerd met een integrale heffing van inkomstenbelasting en premies AOV en AWW en waarbij de bestaande heffingskortingen worden vervangen door een belastingvrije som van USD 9.000, ofwel circa ANG 16.000. De kinderaftrek wordt per kind gesteld op USD 1.250, maar maximaal USD 2.500 per belastingplichtige. Het tarief wordt gesteld op 3,6 procent voor de eerste USD 26.396 (gelijk aan circa ANG 47.500) en 30,4 procent voor het meerdere. In de eer-

ste tariefschijf moet echter nog het premiepercentage volksverzekeringen worden toegevoegd. Het nieuwe tarief zal, aangezien ook de premies nu pas worden geheven boven de belastingvrije som, een lastenverlichting betekenen voor inkomens van ongeveer ANG 20.000 tot ANG 25.000. Ook voor 60-plussers betekent het een lastenverlichting, aangezien zij in de eerste schijf slechts 3,6 procent verschuldigd zullen zijn. De aftrek voor studiekosten van studerende kinderen blijft gehandhaafd evenals de hypotheekrenteaftrek voor de eigen woning. De penshonadoregeling komt te vervallen. Dit betekent dat penshonado’s ook naar een tarief van 30,4 procent belast zullen worden. In de huidige situatie bedraagt het tarief 10 procent vermeerderd met - voor penshonado’s jonger dan 60 jaar – 14 procent premies AOV/AWW tot een inkomen van circa ANG 75.000. Pensho-

nado’s boven de 60 jaar zullen overigens een voordeel genieten vanwege het lagere 3,6 procent tarief in de eerste schijf. Hoewel in eerste instantie het voornemen bestond om vermogensinkomsten niet te belasten, worden vermogensinkomsten op basis van de nu voorgestelde wetgeving wel belast, met uitzondering echter van onroerend goed omdat daarop reeds de vastgoedbelasting drukt. De vrijstelling voor rente op overheidsobligaties en het lage tarief voor rente op lokale banktegoeden van 5 procent plus opcenten komen te vervallen. In plaats daarvan wordt een vrijstelling ingevoerd voor de eerste USD 5,000 aan rente en eveneens de eerste USD 5,000 aan dividenden. (continued on page 19)

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WATER DISTRIBUTION SOON TO BE A REALITY ON STATIA The Planning bureau met with Mr. Vogelesang from the Netherlands. He is employed at Vitens Evides International, an advice bureau for the production and distribution of drinking water. He was on the Island from October 8th to the 16th 2009.

During this period he met with stakeholders, like G.E.B.E, Statia Oil Terminal and the Planning Bureau. He

advised the Planning bureau about the aspect of the St. Eustatius drinking water programme. He will write the policy and business plan for St. Eustatius. The discussions with the Statia Oil Terminal was among others to make assessment of a possible cooperation to ensure the supply of water in case of emergency. The discussion was held with GEBE because they are presently operating the water plant. They are also a possible candidate in the future to take care of production and distribution and collection. The community of Statia has been patiently awaiting the establishment of the water distribution network to get clean running water from their faucets. This has been a long road but the people of Statia are resilient. Despite the fact that Statia is an

island within the Country Netherlands Antilles, this aspect of having running water was considered too expensive for the people of Statia. In 2003 the Island Government held the ground breaking ceremony down at Gallows Bay. The temporary solution of the water supply was completed in 2004. It is comprised of water tanks at lodi, two water trucks for water distribution and the building down at Gallowsbay. The Island Government was responsible for the establishment of a government owned company to manage the production and distribution. This did not materialize, but presently the distribution network is now in progress. The Institutional aspect is another area that needs to be put in place. This project is financed by the European Union 9 -EDF

WHAT CONSEQUENCE DOLARIZATION HAVE FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY Starting January 2010 the US dollar will become the official means of payment on St. Eustatius. The department of Economic Affairs will have a significant role in preventing price increase overall on the island. The private sector will have to adjust their administration to meet the requirements set, like pricing the groceries from the guilder value to the dollar amount. The exchange rate of 1.79 which is upheld by the central bank , will

be used. Presently the islands of the Netherlands Antilles use the federal ordinance to keep track of certain basic goods. This ordinance will be used as point of departure in the new constellation. The Vice President of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ludwig Quenniche expressed his concern in the daily herald of October 26th 2009 of the dollarization. He said that a study is needed to evaluate the effects of any changes in the present monetary system on the way of do-

ing business of the various entities. He said that history has proven that quite often changes in the monetary system come with an increase in the cost of living and conducting business. The island Government of St. Eustatius is in the process of hosting a number of informative sessions and town hall meetings to get feedback and answer any questions from the community. We encourage the business and private sector to participate in these upcoming sessions.

Finance Department Improving it’s Image The Island Government Finance Department is in the process of making a number of adjustment to improve the level of service to the community but also to create a better working relationship internally with all government workers. They are in the process of planning a week full of events where they hope to give the general public an idea of what their new tasks are. An open house is also

scheduled with the intention that the public come in and familiarize with the workers and see what their new assignments really entails, review outstanding bills and come to an agreement for payment arrangement. The workers of Finance intend to do some community service like visiting the senior citizens at the Auxiliary Home, supporting senior citizens residing at home, doing shopping, visiting the

schools to inform them about the work at Finance and encourage them to enter into that field of work. This initiative with the goal to change the way people may view the Finance Department. Other activities are working on the colour of the building and adding some plants to beautify the surroundings. If members of the community have ideas they are welcome so submit them to the email address. [email protected]


STATIA DAY WEEK IN REVIEW

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STATIA DAY NOVEMBER 16, 2009

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SPORT ACTIVITIES

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WATER DEMAND EXCEEDS THE WATER SUPPLY The public pool at the cottage ball field is closed to the public since mid September up to the beginning of November 2009 as a result of a variety of factors. The GIS in an interview with Mr. Carlos Lopes learned that the pool is inadequate for use because the bottom of the pool is in a dirty state and it is lacking water. Due to the lack of water the workers were unable to clean the dirt at the bottom of the pool.

When asked why await so late to order water, we were informed that the St. Eustatius Housing Foundation (who is responsible for the Pool) pre-pays for 20 loads of water per month. Mr. Carlos Lopes averaged out that 4 loads are needed per week. The water arrangement is not carried out which results is closure of the pool. Government pays for a service to deliver water, but it seems that the business of water distribu-

Photo displaying hole where buffer is located.

If management was informed about the work carried out at the cottage ball field, they would have taken the necessary action to prevent the amount of dirt which ended up in the pool. Sadly, some of the pumps got damaged because of the dirt content in the water. Mr. Wim de Jong was able to adjust the situation for the pumps to be operational. Another factor for the dirt at the bottom of the pool is the excavating works on the field, like excavating and moving 25 truck loads of dirt and leveling the ball field. During the interview the water truck was in the process of delivering water.

tion cannot keep up with the demand. According to Mr. Carlos Lopes to meet the demand one cannot depend on 1 truck with one driver. Mr. Carlos Lopes went on to explain the importance of the buffer having sufficient water for the pool to be operational. The pool is an Olympic type pool, the water flows over both sides when swimming to avoid waves when one is swimming. If the pool is not flowing over no water will go into the buffer. In turns the pumps pump it out of the buffer and filters it and returns the water to the pool. This process is like a circulation of water.

The terminal is always willing to give their support when the water supply becomes a problem, but sadly it is not permitted by government.

CULTURE: The great law of culture is; let each become all that he was created capable of being; Thomas Carlyle


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SPORT

On November 1st 2009 Mr. Rob de Waal started his employments as Head of the Sport Department at Island Government.

tournaments and creating a healthy environment where young and old are encourage to be active. Mr. Rob de Waal is no new comer to the Sport world. He was respon-

He looks forward to creating one unit with all the existing sport facilities at the ball field. He believes as one force you can achieve so much more, like the organization of

sible for the organization of the Kingdom games in 2007 in The Hague. Participants came from the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and the Netherlands. He worked at the University of the Hague as a senior Sport Manager . There he worked with students to organize great events. He had the opportunity to work with many Antillean youth. He is also the Chair of a Foundation in Curacao for the Development of multiple Sport Health complex. One of his many goals is to create the same idea on Statia. He can be reached on 318-2085. [email protected]

COACHING COURSE IN THE NETHERLANDS

Mr. Wilfred James known to the locals as Bonzo was given the opportunity by the Island Government to do an International coaching course in the Netherlands In August of 2009. Mr. Wilfred James is the sports trainer at the sports department on St. Eustatius. He is actively involved with the youth soccer foundation. He is on the ball field Mondays and Wednesdays training the youth in the age range of 6 to 9, and 10 to 13 years. Having attended this training in the

Netherlands is a positive attribute to that what he is doing locally with the youngsters. The coaching course was for a period of one month at the KNVB (The Royal Dutch Foot Ball Association). The participants came from St. Eustatius, Aruba, Africa, Bonaire and England. In the interview with Wilfred he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity of being able to coach both young and old at the KNVB. Wilfred explained how intense it was daily to be involved in the coaching course. They started at 8.30 am until 12 o’clock. The break was for an hour, after which they were in training until 4.30 pm. Wilfred looks back on this experience with much enthusiasm. He also talked about the occasion when he went to the Netherlands for two weeks at the KNVB to do scouting. Mr. Errol Santiago from Bonaire employed at KNVB organized the scouting on the job training. Wilfred says he is grateful to have been exposed to this experience and looks forward to more opportunities that may come his

way. When you are doing scouting you become knowledgeable by observing the players ability, meaning you need to be able to detect which player is so improved that they can move to another level. He hopes that moving forward the Sport department may play a more significant role in the lives of the youth.

Mr. Elvin Henriquez President of the St. Eustatius Volley Ball Association (continued on page 21)


Evenals onder de huidige wetgeving is sprake van een aanmerkelijk belang indien een belastingplichtige 5 procent van de aandelen of winstbewijzen heeft in een NV of BV of een ander lichaam met een in aandelen verdeeld kapitaal. Inkomsten uit een dergelijk aanmerkelijk belang worden belast tegen 5 procent, een aanmerkelijke verlaging ten opzichte van het huidige tarief van 15 procent plus opcenten. Voor werknemers die een aanmerkelijk belang hebben in de rechtspersoon waar zij in dienstbetrekking zijn, wordt een gebruikelijkloonregeling ingevoerd. De werknemer wordt geacht een loon van ten minste USD 20.000 te genieten, tenzij aannemelijk wordt gemaakt dat voor soortgelijke dienstbetrekkingen een lager salaris gebruikelijk is. Vastgoedbelasting: De vastgoedbelasting wordt geheven over de waarde van onroerend goed. De waarde wordt evenals nu telkens voor vijf jaar vastgesteld. De heffing bedraagt 20 procent over een grondslag van 4 procent van de waarde. Effectief wordt derhalve 0,8 procent van de waarde geheven. Vrijstellingen gelden onder meer voor de tot hoofdverblijf dienende eigen woning, onroerend goed met een waarde van ten hoogste USD 50.000 (de kunuku woning), en ten behoeve van land- of bosbouw bedrijfsmatig geëxploiteerde grond. Voorts is vrijgesteld onroerende zaken die tot het ondernemingsvermogen behoren van een ondernemer in de inkomstenbelasting, aangezien over de inkomsten uit dit onroerend goed reeds inkomstenbelasting wordt geheven. Opbrengstbelasting: De opbrengstbelasting wordt geheven over de opbrengst van aandelen en winstbewijzen alsmede over uitkeringen uit een stichting, doelvermogen of fonds voor gemene rekening. Het tarief van de opbrengstbelasting is 5 procent. De opbrengstbelasting is van toepassing op lichamen die op de BES zijn gevestigd. Teneinde te voorkomen dat de BES een grote aantrekkingskracht zullen uitoefenen op bedrijven om door winstoverheveling de belastinggrondslag van andere landen (zoals Neder-

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land, Aruba, Curaçao, en Sint Maarten) uit te hollen, wordt elk lichaam geacht in Nederland te zijn gevestigd tenzij voldaan wordt aan specifieke criteria die moeten waarborgen dat er een zakelijke binding is met de BES. Een lichaam wordt op basis van de volgende criteria niet geacht in Nederland te zijn gevestigd. a. het is toegelaten tot een handels- en dienstenentrepot; b. de aandelen of het stemrecht zijn direct of indirect voor ten minste 95 procent in handen van een inwoner van de BES en het lichaam neemt deel in een lichaam als onder a bedoeld, of in een lichaam dat een beschikking van de Inspecteur heeft als hierna onder c bedoeld; c. het beschikt over een voor bezwaar vatbare beschikking van de Inspecteur dat het geacht wordt op de BES te zijn gevestigd. Een beschikking wordt afgegeven indien: 1. de bezittingen doorgaans ten hoogste voor 50 procent bestaan uit beleggingen, deelnemingen, liquiditeiten, activa waarvan het gebruik ter beschikking wordt gesteld aan personen buiten de BES, en bezittingen die worden aangewend voor het direct of indirect financieren van personen buiten de BES; of 2. het lichaam doorgaans blijvend werk verschaft aan ten minste drie op de BESeilanden wonende personen die zich zelfstandig bezighouden met werkzaamheden die betrekking hebben op de hiervoor onder 1e genoemde bezittingen en hun verantwoordelijkheid in overeenstemming is met de aard en functie; en het tevens voor een periode van ten minste 24 maanden een op de BES gelegen onroerende zaak ter waarde van ten minste USD 50.000 ter beschikking heeft voor de activiteiten en daarin kantoor wordt gehouden met faciliteiten die in de financiële sector gebruikelijk zijn. Lichamen die niet voldoen aan deze criteria, worden geacht in Nederland te zijn gevestigd hetgeen tot gevolg heeft dat zij onderworpen zijn aan de Nederlandse

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vennootschaps- en dividendbelasting. Algemene bestedingsbelasting: De algemene bestedingsbelasting (ABB) wordt ingevoerd als vervanging van de heffing van invoerrechten, alsmede de huidige OB op Bonaire en de BBO op Saba en Sint Eustatius. Het tarief zal 8 procent bedragen te Bonaire en 6 procent op Saba en Sint Eustatius. Voor verzekeringen is het tarief respectievelijk 9 en 7 procent. Voor auto’s geldt een tarief van 25 procent, tenzij het gaat om een zeer energiezuinige auto, in welk geval het tarief nihil bedraagt. De ABB wordt geheven over: - levering van goederen door producenten; - levering van diensten binnen het heffingsgebied; - invoer van goederen. Over de levering van goederen wordt derhalve slechts eenmalig geheven, namelijk bij de producent of bij invoer. De levering van brood is vrijgesteld, evenals nu het geval is. Daarnaast worden ook de levering van graan, aardappelen en rijst vrijgesteld. De overige vrijstellingen zijn vergelijkbaar met die van de OB en de BBO nu. Overige wijzigingen: De Overdrachtsbelasting wordt verhoogd van 4 procent naar 5 procent. Het onderscheid tussen Bonaire enerzijds en Saba en Sint Eustatius anderzijds ten aanzien van de accijnzen blijft bestaan. Wel wordt het benzineaccijns op Saba en Sint Eustatius verhoogd naar het huidige niveau van Bonaire, maar op Bonaire wordt de bestaande accijnsheffing nog verhoogd als compensatie voor het wegvallen van het invoerrecht, dat nu niet wordt geheven op Saba en Sint Eustatius. Op Saba en Sint Eustatius zullen evenals nu geen andere accijnzen worden geheven. Op Bonaire zal de heffing echter worden uitgebreid met accijns op wijn, rooktabak, sigaren en cigarillo’s.


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JOB OPPORTUNITIES VACATURE Bij de afdeling Financien op St. Eustatius wordt een kandidaat (m/v) gezocht die zal worden opgeleid tot: MEDEWERKER INVORDERING De medewerker Invordering zal werkzaam zijn binnen het Ontvangkantoor van de Afdeling Financiën. Deze dienst heeft in hoofdzaak tot taak de invordering van de belastingen. De medewerker invordering heeft tot taak om met behulp van een geautomatiseerd systeem op efficiënte en adequate wijze de ter incasso ontvangen invorderingsopdrachten uit te voeren. Hiertoe behoort het in ontvangst nemen van betalingen en in opdracht van het hoofd van de afdeling Financiën verrichten van betalingen alsmede het nemen van invorderingsmaatregelen ten aanzien van schuldenaren die niet uit eigen beweging tijdig aan de vordering voldoen en het verlenen van uitstel van betaling.

• Het voeren van correspondentie naar klanten, andere overheden en bedrijven.

Opleiding. De nieuw te werven medewerker(ster) zal door “training on the job” opgeleid worden aangevuld met een theoretische opleiding. Tijdens de opleidingsperiode zal er sprake zijn van een directe begeleiding door ervaren collega’s.

Sollicitatie procedure: U stuurt uw sollicitatiebrief met uitgebreid CV, kopieën van diploma’s, een foto en referenties uiterlijk 27 november 2009 per brief, email of fax, gericht aan mevr. Florence V. Marlin. Adresgegevens: Godet House, Fort Oranje Sint Eustatius Tel: 03182931

Aan het einde van de opleiding en bij voldoende resultaten is de medewerker(ster) benoembaar in tijdelijke dienst conform de bezoldigingsregeling van het Eilandgebied St. Eustatius. Na 1 jaar goed functioneren is betrokkene benoembaar in vaste dienst. Functie-eisen: • MBO-opleiding of gelijkwaardige combinatie van opleiding en ervaring; • Enige ervaring met de werkterreinen van de overheid in het algemeen en de belastingdienst in het bijzonder;

Fax: 03183391 Email: [email protected] The Labour Department hereby makes it known that petitions have been submitted by employers to obtain work permits for foreigners in the functions mentioned below.

•

Full time clerk

Administrative

The applicant should be able to work with Quick books, Internet Explorer, Taxation forms, book keeping, write and read Dutch language.

Taken en werkzaamheden:

• Bij voorkeur ervaring met en kennis van de Nederlands Antilliaanse fiscale wetgeving en eilandelijke heffingen;

•

• Het zelfstandig nemen van invorderingsmaatregelen bij openstaande debiteuren;

• Bij voorkeur ervaring met en kennis van de invordering;

The applicant should be able to speak English and being able to articulate in Spanish is a plus.

• Het beoordelen van verzoeken om uitstel van betaling en binnen het geldende beleid verlenen van betalingsregelingen; • Het beoordelen en adviseren over complexe invorderingsposten; • Het bijhouden van een actiepuntenlijst (to do lijst); • Het bewaken van wettelijke termijnen; • In overleg met teamleider en deurwaarder beoordelen op afwikkeling van gelegde beslagen roerende zaken.(openbare verkoop);. • Het overleggen met inspecteur en afdeling financiën omtrent afdoening van bezwaarschriften e.d.;

• Goede beheersing van de Nederlandse en Engelse taal; • Stressbestendig; • Discreet;

Part Time Clerk

Administrative

To acquire more information about these vacancies you may contact the Labour department by phone 318– 2881 to make an appointment. Email: [email protected]

• Klantvriendelijk.

De arbeidsvoorwaardenregeling voor het overheidspersoneel van het Eilandgebied Sint Eustatius is van toepassing.

NOTICE Voor vragen over de inhoud van deze functie en de rechtspositie kan contact worden opgenomen met de heer G.P.H.Meijer, telefoon 5816281.

The Census Office is informing the General Public that A new Dutch passport has been introduced since September 21st 2009, containing finger prints and a scanned photo of bearer.


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Botanical Garden 10 Year Anniversary I wish to advise you of upcoming activities at the Miriam C Schmidt Botanical Garden to celebrate the 10 year anniversary in a few weeks' time. We have daily tours of the Garden from Sunday 29 November at 9am. In particular, I hope that many people will be interested to come to the Botanical Garden for a full moon tour at 6pm on Wednesday 2nd December, followed by food sale (wonderful food by Ruth Pandt of Ginger Chicken, Creole Fish, green salad, plantain and much more) from 7-8pm. Drinks will be on sale on the night. Tickets for the food sale (Naf 10) are on sale in advance at the National Park Visitor Centre, Intermezzo Coffee Shop, and Mazinga Gift Shop. We have a Children's Garden fete with games, fun and prizes on Friday 4th December, from 2.30-5pm, including opening of the Children's Garden at 4pm. The new Botanical Garden guide book will also be launched. Lastly, we invite you to test your writing talents and enter the competition. Looking forward to seeing you at the Botanical Garden. Regards Nicole

Photo by Michael Spanner

Commissioner R. Hooker in a delegation including the Island Council and the Lt. Governor made an emergency flight to Holland to discuss with the State Secretary of Finance, Mr. de Jager. Upon returning to the Island Territory the Commissioner in the Program of Shedding Light gave preliminary insights into the agreement. The commissioner plans to have a town hall meeting and other publicity meeting to give additional insights. Please stay tune for these.

(Continued from page 18) was among the attendees at the two day congress hosted by Guatemala Volleyball Association in the city of Antigua. Statia, St. Maarten, and Guadeloupe will become full members of the North Central America and Caribbean Volley ball Confederation. The territories will be able to represent themselves at the NORECA congress and participate in all tournaments overseen by NORECA. In the interview with Mr. Elivin Henriqeuz he explained that we wouldn’t have the right to participate in the Olympic Volleyball Games. He went on to say that this was a long fought milestone reached. He concluded expressing appreciation since this decision came with many advantages to develop volleyball.

The Informer, is the St. Eustatius Government Information Bulletin It is a monthly publication of the Island Territory of St. Eustatius. The objective is to inform residents of St. Eustatius about the developments that are taking place within Government and social matters on the island. Published by M.A. Lopes Chief Public Relations for the Island Territory of St. Eustatius Kennep Rd. z/n, Princes Garden, St. Eustatius, Neth. Ant. Telephone:599-318-2745 Fax: 599-318-2084 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Layout by D. Simmons Queries should be directed to the Office of the Lt. Governor, Mr. Hyden Gittens, under which he has the responsibility of Bureau Kabinet, St. Eustatius. Tel: 318 –2552 Fax: 318-2324

SHEDDING LIGHT Join us weekly on Wednesday morning, at 9 Am sharp, on the Government radio p ro g r am m e Sheddi ng Light, for a day of self discovery, sharing information, reviewing developments in our community, questioning our elected officials about important issues. If you have ideas, suggestions contact the host, Malvern on 318 - 2745 or email [email protected]

Please put your suggestions or opinions in the GIS idea box at our office at Princess.

NEVER LOSE A CHANCE AT SAYING A KIND WORD!

Honour where Honour is due We encourage Statians and residents alike to submit names of persons in the community that do exceptional or outstanding services in the community. If you want to nominate someone for a Royal Decoration it is advisable to contact the Decoration Committee for relevant island territory or the cabinet of the Lieutenant Governor. They will inform you whether the services rendered by the nominee are exceptional or outstanding enough to warrant a Royal Decoration. They will explain you exactly what you need to do, once you have collected the necessary information. Tel.nr.: 318-2552Fax.318 2324

Weekly Press Conferences The Government information Service is hosting weekly press conferences at the V.A. Lopes legislative Hall. These sessions will be held every Tuesday from 9.30– 10.00 am .We encourage all the media to participate in these session. GOODNESS IS THE ONLY INVESTMENT THAT NEVER FAILS!!!

We apologize that we were not able to host our weekly press conferences for the last few weeks due to the absence of our local representatives. Thanks for patience.

INFORMATION BULLETIN OF THE ISLAND GOVERNMENT OF ST. EUSTATIUS PIPE DORMOY GIVEN A WORLDWIDE FLIGHT AGAIN

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