Roxxy Beach: a one million dollar investment
PHILIPSBURG - Al Wathey is going to invest around $1 million in the development of Roxxy Beach, located right next to the Royal Palm in Simpson Bay. The project consists of a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Project manager Gerald Ravel says that...
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Dear Reader
Carnival is here!
Smoke problems, noise pollution and mosquitoes.
It's all here in this edition.
Have a great weekend!
The Publisher
StMaartenNews.com
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StMaartenNews.com Feature Articles
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Mosquito stakeout
by Chris Morvan ~ I don't know where the mosquito stands on the conservationists' list of protected species, but I would hope it's very near the bottom. Do they do any good to anybody or anything? Seriously, if they don't, why hasn't mankind...
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TIMESHARE BARKERS
By Hilbert Haar
The timeshare-industry is important for St. Maarten because timeshare owners spend a lot of time on the island and – more importantly – they are spending a lot of money here. These people love our island, otherwise they would not come to our shores year after year and – in many cases – decade after decade.
Unfortunately, this industry comes with marketing activities that regularly get on people’s nerves. Sometimes these marketing activities infringe on the lives of residents, but mostly they make the lives of cruise visitors rather unpleasant.
OPC is the confusing alphabet soup that stands for Off Premise Consultant. If we’d just call them timeshare-barkers, everybody would understand what OPCs are doing on our island. They are mostly drifters without work permits who roam the streets of Philipsburg and Marigot looking for unsuspecting tourists with only one goal in mind: to get these people to visit the timeshare project that has unleashed them.
The other day, when I returned a lease vehicle to my garage, I found the instructions for these timeshare-barkers in the glove compartment. It’s interesting reading and I want to share some of the contents with my readers here; not for entertainment purposes, but to explain what they are up against.
The OPC-training gives timeshare-barkers pointers for their job. The first challenge for OPCs is to stop people and engage them in conversation. The suggestions from the training manual are rather mundane: “Folks, come on over!” or “Come and get your free map and activity guide.”
Next the OPC will ask how long their target is staying on the island, where people are staying and what they are planning to do. At this stage, the OPC will also start talking about a gift.
All the while, tourists are left in the dark about the real purpose of this generosity. The OPC has to establish that their target is qualified. I figure that you qualify for a visit to the timeshare project once it becomes clear that you have a big enough income to spend some dough on the product.
The training provides a qualification list but that was not part of the papers I found in my car. But I did find this apparently important hint: “The pitch does not tell them that this is a timeshare presentation or that it takes at least 90 minutes. They must be told this before they leave as a part of your qualifying process.”
The OPC also has to show that he believes in the product he (or she) is selling. “Getting sales makes you a more valuable OPC,” the training manual states the obvious.
There are also some suggested one-liners to stress this point. “If you see something you like go for it. You only live once!” And: “Come back and let me know how many weeks you bought,” followed by what must be a comforting message: “All we ask is that you have a good time, and keep and open mind.”
OPCs want to make sure that their targets really go to the timeshare project. How does that work? Well, in the manual I saw the OPC asks for a $20 deposit.
From the manual: “Look them in the eyes and say (use the man’s first name) – What I do here is take a $20 deposit to hold your spot. It’s given right back to you as soon as you walk in the door. Then break eye contact and keep typing. Do not wait on a response.”
I won’t bother my readers with the one-page pitch other than, according to the manual, it has to be “delivered with excitement and enthusiasm.” And then there is that last line: “You guys are going to love it. What’s you last name?”
Of course, the OPC is going to love it even more once a target bites, hands over the $20 deposit and heads for the timeshare project. Because, last thing I heard, the OPCs earn $100 for every tourists who buys the story and goes through a one-and-a-half hour timeshare presentation.
Don’t get me wrong – there are plenty of happy timeshare owners on our island and our economy needs them. On the other end of that equation you’ll find cruise visitors who are constantly bothered by timeshare-barkers while they are strolling down the city center.
There must be a better way to sell this product.
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Sound levels
By Hilbert Haar ~ It's that time of the year again. Carnival. Come and enjoy life. But don't forget your earplugs. The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are on to it. Last week the department sent out a press release "urging the population to be..
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StMaartenNews.com Carnival News
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The 2018 Carnival season officially opened
FESTIVAL VILLAGE, PHILIPSBURG - The 2018 Carnival season was opened officially with a twist last evening when the SCDF allowed the trucks that provided music for the thousands of revellers to drive across the tarmac after the traditional 'Key'...
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Road March Competition ends on a bitter sweet note
PHILIPSBURG - "I would never wish the level of embarrassment and heartache I went through last night on my worst enemy! What happened and how it happened was very unfortunate, but hey, c'est la vie." Rumari V. Rogers was quoted as saying the...
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Beau Beau is back, 17 in Nagico Calypso Eliminations tonight
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Seventeen calypso singers will face off on Monday night, April 16 in the Nagico Senior Calypso Eliminations in Carnival Village. The event will begin 8:00pm. Ten of the seventeen will advance to the Nagico Calypso...
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PM Romeo-Marlin calls on Insurance Sector to settle claims
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - With the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season less than two months away, Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin during the weekly Council of Ministers press briefing, and called upon the Insurance Sector to speedily settle...
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StMaartenNews.com Headline News
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PM Romeo-Marlin discusses internal Integrity Bureau
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - On Friday April 13 th, Moniek Bouland, Partner in the organization Governance & Integrity paid a working visit to Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin as a follow up to an inquiry made on exploring the possibility of...
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4.6 Earthquake occurs on Friday North of Anguilla and...
SINT MAARTEN/CARIBBEAN - The University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre (SRC) announced that an earthquake occurred early Friday morning at around 4.01am north of the islands of Anguilla and Sint Maarten/St. Martin. The quake...
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StMaartenNews.com Business News
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FOR SALE: Genuine Leather Bifold Wallet with Coin Pocket
Handmade RFID Blocking Genuine Leather Bifold Wallets with Coin Pocket Designer Engraved Fashion with Card Pockets for Billfolds Cash (Dark Brown) By Rustic Town ~ Great Gift for Men ~ Available for US$70. Email info@anykeyservices.com to order.
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HONDA AIRBAG INFLATOR REPAIR-A-THON HAILED A SUCCESS
SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - After completion of three grueling but rewarding days of the airbag inflator recalls at the Repair-A-Thon, the Honda team is pleased to announce that 171 airbag inflators have been replaced in 121 vehicles, some of which ...
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TELEM & SIMPSON BAY RESORTS PARTNER WITH VLF's...
SINT MAARTEN (BELAIR) - For the sixth year, Victorious Living Foundation (VLF) will host Leadercast, the world's largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast LIVE from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world. For the...
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FREE AIRBAG REPAIR-A-THON FOR HONDA & ACURA OWNERS FROM...
SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - Honda is going to great lengths to ensure the safety of Honda (and Acura) vehicle owners. In particular, there are select Honda and Acura vehicles (2001-2016), that are equipped with recalled Takata airbag inflators,...
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StMaartenNews.com Police News
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Several Merchants reclaim looted goods
PHILIPSBURG - On Friday, April 6th, 2018, a number of rightful owners of confiscated items, which were looted during and in the aftermath of hurricane Irma, were able to reclaim their goods, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) announced on...
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Police take additional temporary traffic measures...
PHILIPSBURG - As additional temporary traffic measures in connection with the ongoing trench work on the W.G.
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SAFETY TIPS CARNIVAL 2018 AND ROBBERY AWARENESS
PHILIPSBURG - The Police Force of Sint Maarten is without any doubt doing its utmost, to protect you, your family and your property, in combating crime and criminals. The Public Relations Office of the Sint Maarten Police Force is therefore...
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Preventive searches during Carnival
The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) in cooperation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten, will carry out preventive searches during the 2018 Carnival season.
In accordance with the Firearm Ordinance, at predetermined locations, vehicles, bags and clothing of individuals will be searched for firearms.
This measure is being taken in consideration of the high number of illegal firearms in circulation on the island and past statistics which point out an increase in robberies before and during the Carnival season.
The Public Prosecutors Office Sint Maarten and KPSM are mindful that such a measure will impose on the privacy of residents and visitors. However it is in the interest of the general public and tourist visiting the island to heighten safety and security during the upcoming festive season.
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StMaartenNews.com Social News
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Mental Health Foundation presents "Within the Dark"
SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) presents "Within The Dark", an art, writing, and video competition created to raise mental health awareness, MHF announced in a press release over the weekend. "Though people are...
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StMaartenNews.com Tourism News
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Carnival Fascination still makes port call on Saturday
PORT ST. MAARTEN - On Saturday morning, the Captain of the cruise ship Carnival Fascination took the final decision to still call at the port and to disembark passengers after assessing the situation regarding the fire at the landfill. Port St.
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StMaartenNews.com Legal Reviews
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Our Electoral System
Democracy is a system of government in which the citizens exercise their power directly by electing representatives via political parties, to form a governing body, such as Parliament. An electoral system is the set of rules outlining how...
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StMaartenNews.com Dutch Caribbean News
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Social Affairs & Employment launches awareness Campaign...
SABA/ST. EUSTATIUS - On Monday April 16 th the RCN Unit of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) will be launching a social media awareness campaign on Saba and St. Eustatius. SZW will be launching two infomercials starring local actors/actresses...
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Rules are meant to be adjusted when necessary.
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Rules are meant to be broken
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Hurricane Pass Application Process Starts April 16
GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) - The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts June 1 and runs throu...
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GEBE temporarily closes Reverse Osmosis Water Tank at...
PHILIPSBURG - NV GEBE in a press release indicated that the (RO) Reverse Osmosis Water Tank located on Soualiga Boulevard in front of the Festival Village will be out of use as of April 16 for approximately 3 weeks. The closure of this tank is...
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CPS: Less Salt, More Health
GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) - Consuming excess salt contributes to high blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for death from heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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SZV ASKING EMPLOYERS TO DECLARE AND PAY PREMIUMS ONLINE
PHILIPSBURG - Social & Health Insurances SZV has introduced several online services in 2017, including the Employer Portal where companies can submit their ZV/OV declarations digitally. Employers are obligated by law to submit and pay their ZV/OV ...
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StMaartenNews.com Advertisement
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KWIKFIX HANDYMAN SERVICES
Kwikfix Handyman Services is offering quick repairs and handyman services. Contact
Kwikfix.com for a quotation for any repairs, renovations or small construction work needed.. Installation and store repair services are also offered for businesses, stores and commercial units.
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StMaartenNews.com Online News Stories
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WMO retires Irma, Maria, Harvey and Nate hurricane names
SINT MAARTEN/CARIBBEAN - Four names from the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has been permanently retired by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). They are Irma, Maria, Harvey and Nate. The aforementioned names won't be used again due to...
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Let's Cruise - Eastern, Western, Southern Caribbean...
Lets-Cruise.co is offering cruise vacations on the best and biggest cruise ships in the world with brand name cruises and destinations in the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean, ...
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Jamaica Attempts to Buy Back Shares Venezuela
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thursday April 12, 2018 - A team from Venezuela is expected to visit Jamaica to continue discussions on the proposal for Jamaica to repurchase the Spanish-speaking nation's 49 per cent shareholding in Petrojam Limited....
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www.caribbean360.com
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Minister De Weever talks to stakeholders during session...
SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Stakeholders recently attended a monthly "stakeholder's session" convened by the Managing Board of SXM Airport Ravi Daryanani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief...
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Ministry of ECYS wishes all a safe and enjoyable carnival
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Honorable Drs. Jorien Wuite, Minister of Culture and Department of Culture Head Clara Reyes would like to wish the general public a happy and safe Carnival 2018! Carnival in St. Maarten has become a cultural force to...
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Minister of Justice De Weever meets with Coast Guard...
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Minister of Justice, Cornelius De Weever recently met with the Deputy Director of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, accoriding to a statement from the Minister of Justice Cabinet. The Coast Guard in the Caribbean...
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AIRPORT SECURITY EMPLOYEES COURT CASE A GOOD EXAMPLE OF...
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Emil Lee extends congratulations to the nine former airport security officers; employees of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) who were...
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St. Thomas Port Officials Meets with Minister De Weever
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Representatives of the harbor in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, "The West Indian Company Limited," paid a courtesy visit to Interim Minister of Tourism, Cornelius De Weever on April 12, 2018, according to a statement...
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AGENDA ANNOUNCED FOR 4TH INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND...
SINT MAARTEN/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - The Dominican Health Tourism Association (ADTS) and AF Comunicación Estratégica presented the agenda of the 4th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress, which will take place from September 5 to 7 at...
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Safe Food Preparation during Carnival Helps Prevent...
GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) - The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, said on Thursday in connection with safe food preparation at home, or grabbing a bite from food...
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Expert Says Blockchain Technology Could Help Barbados...
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Thursday April 12, 2018 - A regional technology industry expert is suggesting that Barbados' dwindling foreign exchange reserves could receive a much needed boost if the island were to increase its use of blockchain technology.
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www.caribbean360.com
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Weather Forecast: Monday to Wednesday
DATE ISSUED: Sunday April 15, 2018 @ 18:00 LST (22:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Monday evening (18:00 LST) April 16, 2018 ...A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL 6AM MONDAY... WEATHER: Tonight: Partly cloudy and breezy with isolated...
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StMaartenNews.com Advertisements
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StMaartenNews.com Dutch News
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Dutch terrorism threat level will remain at 4
SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS - The jihadist threat in the Netherlands is changing. Due to the collapse of the 'caliphate', ISIS has been weakened. Furthermore, there have been virtually no jihadist attacks in Western Europe since October 2017.
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Most discrimination complaints made by pregnant women
SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS - The Dutch human rights commission College voor de Rechten van de Mens received a record number of complaints about discrimination last year - a total of 4,259. This is up one third on 2016, the organisation said.
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TV Carib News - 13 Apr 2018
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With the high season upon us and more and more airlines are resuming flights to and from St. Maarten, we are also open to take your flight bookings to and from St. Maarten as well.
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