Golden Book of Sint Maarten and neighboring islands 2008

The Golden Book of

Sint Maarten 8th edition 2015

w w w. g o l d e n b o o k s x m . c o m

I N V E S T M E N T

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T R A D E

•

T O U R I S M

Sint Maarten ~ Saint Martin ~ Saba ~ Sint Eustatius ~ St. Barthelemy

The Golden Book of

Sint Maarten 8th edition - 2015 www.goldenbooksxm.com

INVESTMENT • TRADE • TOURISM THE INVESTMENT GUIDE A COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUAL FOR BUSINESSMEN, INVESTORS & TOURISTS

Sint Maarten ~ Saint Martin ~ Saba ~ Sint Eustatius ~ St. Barthelemy The Golden Book of Sint Maarten, 8th edition, is published by:

MEDIA PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL N.V. #44 Welfare Road, Laguna View Commercial Center, Suite 2D, 2nd Floor, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 527-5111 • Fax: 1 (721) 544-3462 Readers of the Golden Book of Sint Maarten are referred to the Government of Sint Maarten website: www.sintmaartengov.org

the golden book of sint maarten table of contents government of sint maarten Honourable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Marcel Gumbs..............................................................................7 The Council of Ministers..........................................................................................8 The Parliament of Sint Maarten..............................................................................9

Overlooking Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon - Photo by Emile Cukier

Country Sint Maarten Government Structure & Ministries......................... 10

Map of the Island................................ 6

Registration of a New Business....44

The Government of Sint Maarten.................................12

Taxation..............................................45 Princess Juliana International Airport...............................................46

General Information..........14

Harbour..............................................50

General Information........................14

Gebe...................................................57

Contacts.............................................16

Telecommunication in St. Maarten....................................60

The St. Maarten Museum...............22

Great Bay beach Š R.A.R. de Bruijn Holding BV - Shutterstock.com

The Boardwalk, Philipsburg - Photo by Emile Cukier

Education System.............................24 University of St. Martin...................25

investment guide....................28 Department Of Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (EVT)..............28 Investment Opportunities..............29 Economy.............................................30 Financial Services.............................34 Incentives...........................................38 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (Shta).........................39 Establishing a Business in St. Maarten....................................40 Sint Rose Arcade, Philipsburg Š Shutterstock.com

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten table of contents Tourism............................................................................. 62 Philipsburg............................................................................ 64 Map of Philipsburg.............................................................. 74 Tourism Activities............................................................... 75 Helmet Diving and Snorkeling......................................... 76 Simpson Bay........................................................................ 77 Map of Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Maho, Mullet Bay........ 85 Maho Village......................................................................... 86 Cupecoy ‘The Riviera’....................................................... 87 St. Maarten Tourism Bureau............................................. 89 Medical Tourism.................................................................. 94 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta......................................... 95

The Neighbouring Islands................................. 97 French Saint-Martin........................................................... 97 Saba..................................................................................... 100 © Ruth Peterkin - Shutterstock.com

St. Eustatius........................................................................ 104 Saint Barthelemy.............................................................. 106

Advertiser’s Index................................................... 108

This book has been published by Media Publishing International N.V. on behalf of the Government of Country Sint Maarten.

Media Publishing International N.V. #44 Welfare Road, Laguna View Commercial Center Suite 2D - 2nd floor, Cole Bay, Sint. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 527-5111 Fax: 1 (721) 544-3462 www.goldenbooksxm.com General Manager & Publisher: Emile Cukier E-mail: emilecukier@gmail.com Layout & Design: Estrelinda Rollan-Mc Quilkin - lindarollan@gmail.com

The Courthouse on Front Street, Philipsburg - Photo by Emile Cukier

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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.

2015 © Media Publishing International N.V.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten government of sint maarten Honourable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten,

Marcel Gumbs

The Golden Book of St. Maarten is many things wrapped in a package of investment opportunities.

The book not only outlines key principles that might be considered when developing an investor relations strategy, but it’s a remarkable promotional tool for our island paradise.

It highlights our vibrant tourism industry, our premier ports of entry, our attractive duty free status and our willingness to work with potential investors. It provides practical assistance to potential future partners.

St. Maarten, ideally located geographically in the North Eastern Caribbean and having continously improved structure and functionalities, stands ready to meet the different demands of different investors.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Honorable Marcel F.A. Gumbs Prime Minister, St. Maarten

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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the golden book of sint maarten government of sint maarten The Council of Ministers

Hon. Marcel Gumbs Prime Minister -In the interim- Acting Hon. Marcel Gumbs Minister of Housing & Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure Hon. Martin Hassink Minister of Finance Hon. Claret Connor Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs,Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Dennis Richardson Minister of Justice -In the interim- Acting Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen Minister Plenipotentiary, Sint Maarten House,The Hague, the Netherlands -PendingDeputy Minister Plenipotentiary, Sint Maarten House,The Hague

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten government of sint maarten The Parliament of Sint Maarten There are five factions represented in the 15 member chamber of parliament. The five factions are the United Peoples party UP) which has seven (7) members, the National Alliance (NA) four (4) members, the Democratic Party (DP) with one (1) member, the United St. Maarten (US) party with one (1) member and two (2) independent Members of Parliament Leona Marlin-Romeo and Cornelius de Weever.

Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson (UP) President of Parliament Franklin Meyers (UP) Faction Leader Member of Parliament Silvio Matser (UP) Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger (UP) Member of Parliament

Leona Marlin-Romeo (Independent) Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever (Independent) Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams (DP) Faction Leader Member of Parliament

Johan Leonard (UP) Member of Parliament

William Marlin (NA) Faction Leader Member of Parliament

Tamara Leonard (UP) Member of Parliament

George Pantophlet (NA) Member of Parliament

Maurice Lake (UP) Member of Parliament

Silveria Jacobs (NA) Member of Parliament

Frans Richardson (US) Member of Parliament

Christopher Emmanuel (NA) Member of Parliament

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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the golden book of sint maarten government of sint maarten Country Sint Maarten Government Structure & Ministries Governor 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 & Labor Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs,Transport & Telecommunications Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure Minister Plenipotentiary Seat of Government: P.O. Box 943 Government Administration Building Clem Labega Square Philipsburg Sint Maarten Tel. 1 (721) 542-2233 / 542-2534 / 542-2535 10

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden of book of sint maarten the government sint maarten Introduction

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.

Welcome to Sint Maarten!

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.

The session year of parliament commences on the second Tuesday of September. During this session, the Governor provides an explanation of the policy to be pursued by the government.

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 Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers comprises of seven ministers.

The ministers are answerable to the Parliament. The Prime Minister chairs the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers shall debate and determine government policy in order to promote the cohesion of that policy. If the Governor attends a meeting of the Council of Ministers, he/she shall do so in an advisory capacity.

The Prime Minister and other ministers shall be appointed and dismissed by national ordinance. If a minister no longer enjoys the confidence of the Parliament, he/she shall surrender his/ her office.

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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 of the Netherlands is Head of State and is represented by the Governor.

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

The Judiciary

The courts forming part of the judiciary are: the Court at First Instance; the Common Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands in relation to legal cases in Sint Maarten shall be regulated

by Kingdom Law. The responsibilities of the judiciary are: the adjudication of disputes on civil matters; the trial of criminal offenses; and the adjudication of disputes on administrative law matters.

Constitutional Court

The duty of the court is to assess the compatibility of any applicable statutory regulations. The constitutional court consists of three members, including a president and a vice president, and three substitute members.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten general information

Overlooking Cay Bay and Simpson Bay Š Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

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.

Population

The population of Sint Maarten is approximately 50,000 comprising of more than 150 nationalities. 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 the island are: Dominican Republic, Haiti, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, India, Great Britain, France, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia. The next national census to be carried out by the Department of Statistics is schedule for 2011. The last census was carried out in 2001.The average population growth rate in 1999 was 2.3 per cent.

Time Zone

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

Languages

Dutch is the official language of the Dutch side of the island and French on the French side, also commonly referred to as the North side of the island. English is widely spoken on both sides of the island. Other languages commonly heard are Papiamento and Spanish.

Currency

The official currency of Sint Maarten at this time remains the Netherlands Antillean Florin (Guilder; Naf./Fls.) and is fixed to the U.S. Dollar at an exchange rate of 1.79 and 1.82.

The official currency of the North side of the island is the Euro. No official rate exists. The Euro value depends on the international exchange rate and is between 1.25 and 1.40 US$ The US Dollar is widely accepted on both sides of the island.

Electricity

110 volts A.C. (50 cycles) on the Dutch side or 208/220 volts (60 cycles) on the French side.

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general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten general information Telecommunications

Telephone service is all over as well as cellular phone, BlackBerry services and internet.The island is well connected with the international community.

2015 Public Holidays

All government offices and businesses are officially closed on the following annual public holidays: • New Year’s Day

Thursday

January 1, 2015

• Good Friday Friday

April 3, 2015

• Easter Sunday

Sunday

April 5, 2015

• Easter Monday

Monday

April 6, 2015

2015 public holidays (cont’d)

• Kings Day

Monday

April 27, 2015

• Emancipation Day

• Carnival Day

Thursday

April 30, 2015

• Sint Maarten’s Day Wednesday

November 11, 2015

• Labour Day Friday

May 1, 2015

• Kingdom Day

December 15, 2015

• Ascension Day

Thursday

May 14, 2015

• Christmas Day Friday

December 25, 2015

• Whit Sunday

Sunday

May 24, 2015

• Boxing Day

December 26, 2015

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Bobby’s Marina and the Boardwalk © Emile Cukier

general Information

Wednesday

Tuesday

Saturday

July 1, 2015

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the golden book of sint maarten contacts telephone code for sint maarten:

1-721

Useful addresses & Contacts Government Administration Building Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, PO Box 943, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2233 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-4884 Cabinet of the Governor General Falcon Drive 3, Harbor View, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-1160 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-1185 Bureau of Foreign Relations & Protocol Imperial Building,WJA Nisbeth Road, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: .............................................................................................. 542-0640 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-0649 Management Resources Administration Building, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-8360 Fax: .............................................................................................. 543-7935 Department of Communications Harbor View, Jobco Building #2, level 1, Unit 4E, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ....................................................................... 542-4119 / 543-1162 Fax: .............................................................................................. 543-1169 Legal Affairs WJA Nisbeth Road, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-4701 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-9514 Parliament of St. Maarten Parliament Building,Wilhelmina Str. #1, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2606 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-2611 Labour & Social Affairs Zout Steeg 3, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-3561 Fax: .............................................................................................. 543-7511 Economy & Tourism Walter Nisbeth Road 57, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 543-7821 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-3111 Department of Tourism Vineyard Building,W.G. Buncamper Road 33, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2337 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-2734 16

general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Mullet Bay Beach © Emile Cukier

the golden book of sint maarten contacts Department of Economic Affairs,Transportation & Telecommunication Juancho Yrausquin Blvd. #6, 2nd Floor, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 549-0220 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-3111 Department of Business License & Permits Bico Building, Zout Steeg 3, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2986 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-7822 Department of Finance E.C. Richardson Street 23, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2458 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-3319 The Chamber of Commerce Cannegieter Street 11, P.O.Box 454, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ...................................................................... 542-3590 / 542-3595 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-3512

Any additional information that you may require can be obtained by calling the following numbers: Tel: 542-2233 โ ข Fax: 542-4884 at the Government Administration Building Reception Desk 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, Pondfill, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-3520 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4307

Central Mortgage Bank WJA Nisbeth Road 97 A, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-0442 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-0443 Bank of Nova Scotia Back Street 54, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................... 542-2262 / 3317 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-2435 18

general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint contacts maarten Bank of Nova Scotia Simpson Bay Yacht Club, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................... 544-3390 / 3392 Fax: .............................................................................................. 544-3396 Website:................................................................... www.scotiabank.com First Caribbean Int’l. Bank Back Street 38, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ..................................................................542-3511 / 2491 / 2567 Fax: .............................................................................................. 542-4531 Website:.................................................... www.firstcaribbeanbank.com Windward Islands Bank Ltd. Head Office, Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: ............................................................................................... 542-2313 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 E-mail:....................................................................... info@orcobank.com

RBC Royal Bank C.A. Cannegieter Street 24, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-5908.

Fax:................................................................................................ 542-5964 Website:................................................................................. www.rbc.com

Overlooking Philipsburg in the evening © Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

general Information

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the golden book of sint maarten contacts Other Contacts AIRPORTS Princess Juliana International Airport Tel: ....................................................................... 546-7542 / 546-7713 Fax: .............................................................................................. 546-7550 Esperance Grand Case Airport Tel:.........................................................................................590 87 53 03 Fax:........................................................................................590 87 09 71 PORT ST. MAARTEN Chief Executive Officer: Mark Mingo mark_mingo@portofstmaarten.com P.O. Box 5185, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:.................................................................................. 542-8504 / 8503 Fax................................................................................................ 542-5048 GEBE Water and Electricity Company Tel:................................................................................................. 542-2213 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4810 24/24 Emergency:....................................................................544-3100

Wonderful Great Bay, Philipsburg - Photo by Emile Cukier

CARIBSERVE.NET Codville Webster Road 2, Suite 3, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-4233 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-4229 TELEM GROUP Soualiga Bldg. #5, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Te.................................................................................................. 546-0200 Fax................................................................................................ 542-9170 Website:..................................................................... www.telemgroup.an 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 20

general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint contacts maarten Immigration Service Princess Juliana International Airport Tel:................................................................................................. 545-3012 Fax:................................................................................................ 545-3011 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

Emilio Wilson Park - Photo by Emile Cukier

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Notary Office Steeman Professional Office Park, Point Blanche, Sint Maarten Tel:................................................................................................. 542-9926 Fax:................................................................................................ 542-9929

general Information

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the bookmuseum of sint maarten the golden st. maarten

A model of the Proselyte, a ship that sank here in 1801 © St. Maarten Museum / St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation

I

n this museum (the only museum on the Dutch side of the island) that is part of the Sint Maarten National Heritage, the history, nature and geology of the island is presented to the public.

The display on the Arawaks tells you about the way of life of these Amerindians that originated from the Orinoco Basin in Venezuela and traveled in piroques along the islands of the Lesser Antilles.

Written information is complemented with artifacts and tools, clothing and jewelry.

The plantation period has examples of agriculture, fishery, cattle raising and the salt industry, together with objects and illustrations depicting the life of planters and enslaved Africans.

The Fort Amsterdam display presents the visitor with excavated artifacts dating from the presence of Dutch, Spanish and English occupation as of 1631.

Very interesting are the exhibits from “Grandmothers time” and Antillian stamps and coins. New are the Cottage Industry and “10-10-10 Country St. Maarten” displays.

The second room of the museum contains exhibits on maritime history: artifacts and ship models such as a piroque, a schooner, a slave ship and the famous 3-masted warship “Proselyte” built in the Netherlands in 1770, that sank in the Great Bay in 1801, while sailing under British Flag.

Other displays in the museum depict the Nature and the Environment, Geology, and a collection of dried medicinal herbs.

Very impressive is the information, photographs and video tapes about the devastation several hurricanes have brought to Sint Maarten in the past decade. Especially the video of hurricane “Luis” 1995 gives the visitors a clear picture

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Children who visited the museum sign the Guest Book © St. Maarten Museum / St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation

about what exactly took place and how much the island has recovered since then.

The Museum has a videotheque and a reference library.

Materials and books can be viewed and studied in the reading corner. Many students and scholars made good use of this facility.

The Museum shop sells local arts and crafts. Also books (history, poetry, biology and children literature from Caribbean and local authors) and reproductions of antique maps and prints are available. The profit from sales, and donations from museum visitors, are of utmost importance to safeguard the continuation of the activities of the Heritage Foundation and Museum.

The offices of the foundation and the Museum are located at Front Street #7 in Philipsburg.

Opening hours are: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Special arrangements can be made to have a personal guided tour in the museum during opening hours or at other times.

During your visit, friendly volunteers in the museum shop are available to answer questions on island matters and ecotourism activities, while museum brochures in 7 languages enhance the quality of your visit to the museum.

There is no entrance fee, but being a non-profit organization, donations are very much appreciated.

Elsje Bosch, Director St. Maarten Museum / St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation Front Street #7, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel/Fax: 1-721-542-4917 E-mail: heritage@caribserve.net Website: www.museumsintmaarten.org

general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the goldensystem book of sint maarten education

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

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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.

general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the goldenuniversity book of sint maarten of st. martin

UNIVERSITY OF ST. MARTIN The University of St. Martin (USM) is one of the main higher education providers on St. Maarten offering a variety of associate, bachelor, and non-degree programs. Our diverse academic and non-academic community has a student body that is distributed among the programs in business (with concentrations in accounting and business management), business information management, liberal arts, education, hospitality, continuing education (CEP), English as a Second Language (ESL), and the General Education Development (GED) tutorial.

USM’s campus is centrally located in Philipsburg and is within walking distance from business and government offices, banks, stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. USM’s architecture is simple, blending into the niche on the entrance to Soualiga Road, and offering an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Its intimate and picturesque garden also offers a soothing tranquility conducive to studying and learning.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

general Information

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the goldenof book of sint maarten university st. martin

The Key to a Brighter Future

Our degree programs include:

Founded in 1989 on the principle that education can improve the quality of life for people on St. Martin and the region, USM continues to be steadfast in its commitment to the community. For over 22 years, USM, with its knowledgeable and qualified pool of instructors, has been offering students the opportunity to discover their potential and helping them realize their academic and professional goals.

Associate of Arts in Business: • Accounting • Management

The future of the University of St. Martin continues to be shaped by its values 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.

AT USM IT’S ALL ABOUT BENEFITS

Associate of Applied Science: • Business Information Management • Hospitality & Tourism Management

• The benefit of being able to choose from a variety of and

Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts

• The benefit of a quality academic and adult education.

Bachelor of Arts in Education

• The benefit of being at home in the Caribbean with

degree programs.

family and friends while pursuing an education.

Certificate in Teaching

• The benefit of affordable tuition and small classes where

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management

Rooted in the tradition of the University of St. Martin is its relationship with business, civic, and community organizations.

The university, while offering special programs and services to institutions and corporate partners, gains strength from these partnerships and derives benefits for its students especially from the networks these relationships provide.

USM, with its motto “The Key to a Brighter Future,” enrolls close to 200 full-time and part-time students in the degree programs and over 150 in the non-degree programs. The university continues to offer an affordable liberal arts education in a culturally diverse environment. USM prides itself on having more than 500 alumni, many of whom continue 26

to excel as accountants, managers, teachers, business owners, government administrators, and other professionals.

personalized attention is the norm.

• The benefit of having a variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs to participate in.

• The benefit of transferring to several schools in the

region, U.S., Europe, or Canada if students choose to do so.

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. usmonline.net

general Information

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten department of economic affairs, transportation & telecommunication (evt)

V

ision To play a central role in providing available information

Responsibilities/Tasks • Development of socio-economic policies which promote

and developing the economy by means of diversification of

managed, strategic, sustainable economic growth and

industries which are complementary to an economy based

stimulate the economy;

• Advice on socio-economic issues; • Provide statistical information and analysis; • Support other departments.

on tourism.

Mission Our aim is to be the primary institute for delivering policy for the stimulation and facilitating of a sustainable economic development of Sint Maarten and to provide it in a swift and professional manner, to be analytical, objective, thorough and provide reliable information.

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investment guide

Contact information:

Lucy Richardson, Head EVT lucy.richardson@sintmaartengov.org Juancho Yrausquin Blvd. #6, Second Floor Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Tel: 1-721-549-0220 Fax: 1-721-542-3111

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of opportunities sint maarten investment

Great Bay © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

T he Economy

• Development of the IT-sector

St. Maarten’s economy is almost totally dependent on the tourism industry. A relatively large share of the economic activities on the island are geared towards the tourism industry. Complementary to the tourism industry, the other sectors that contribute to the economy are construction, trade, banking and wholesale. Based on the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP), St. Maarten is looking at diversifying the economy within the tourism industry and additional industries, however not as a replacement of the tourism industry.

One such industry is the trade industry, of which St. Maarten plays an instrumental role as a hub for the regional islands.

Because of St. Maarten’s duty free status and strategic location, St. Maarten adds reasons to be chosen as a distribution hub for container traffic for the following reasons namely, as a result of: 1. It’s close proximity to USA, creating savings of approximately 20% as compared to the southern Caribbean islands.

2. It offers excellent transshipment opportunities with the newly renovated harbor facility to the surrounding islands.

3. Falling outside the USA customs Zone, foreign vessels or US vessels under a foreign flag are permitted.

The Government has approved the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP) for St. Maarten with the focus on diversifying the economy.

1. Diversification geared towards expanding the economic bases by focusing on the development of other economic sectors.

2. Diversification within the tourism sector thereby identifying what other types of industries within the tourism sector can be developed i.e. marina/yachting, conference/group travel.

Based on this approach the Government has approved certain priority areas of economic diversification, which are presented in the CEDP as follows:

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

1. E-business related industries 2. Trade center services 3. Learning centers

• Regional distribution center for trade, information and services

• Light manufacturing

Possible joint ventures and operations with other islands, also possible and encouraged if the infrastructure developments are not in favor for St. Maarten.

St. Maarten produces very little products due to the lack of human resources therefore, the Island Government is looking at ways of diversifying the economy. Since St. Maarten is dependent on tourism, the CEDP focuses on industries that complement and do not effect the tourism industry.

Preferential trade agreement

Foreign companies that manufacture in St. Maarten have preferential access to US and European markets due to the status as an Associate Member of the European Community.

Associate member of the EC

St. Maarten has preferential access to the European markets.

The European Community is a single market of more than 350 million customers, therefore, St. Maarten companies which export to the community can experience economies of scale.

Trade preferences and free access is given to products originating in St. Maarten, which have added value by being produced or processed locally and have provided employment.

International manufacturers and trading companies exporting to the EU could see financial advantages by diverting their exports via St. Maarten and by doing minimal processing on the island could change the country of origin status and benefit from this arrangement.

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the golden book of sint maarten economy O

ur economy’s distinguishing characteristic is the dominance of a single industry; tourism. This has been both a blessing and a curse.

St. Maarten has experienced explosive economic growth and prosperity, but occasionally the island has suffered the consequences of the vulnerability inherent to this particular economic activity. Notwithstanding this economic paradox, tourism will remain the main pillar of the local economy for the foreseeable future. The Government will therefore continue to implement policies and programs, to sustain and improve the tourism infrastructure. But in addition, policies and programs to stimulate diversification will be put into place.

Ultimately, the diversification must broaden the economic activity on the island while supporting improvement and rejuvenation of the mainstay activity.

The CEDP will receive a central role in this regard as

Great Bay © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

this program proposes strategies, programs and projects specifically crafted to achieve the twin goals of redeveloping the tourism sector and expanding the economy by introducing new activities.

With respect to the diversification efforts, the Government has identified two primary areas of development, based on the potential for job creation and revenue generation. The two areas are E-business development and Light manufacturing.

Both sectors are very labor intensive and considering that the main income for government comes from the collection of wage tax, these industries will definitely boost St. Maarten’s economy and strengthen government’s financial position.

For this reason, stimulation incentives will be developed in support of the attraction of these industries.The Government will see to it that packages to promote E-business and Light manufacturing are developed within short.

The enabling environment to complete the promise of E-business is being put in place. With the completion of the fiber optic cabling project, St. Maarten will boast sufficient high quality bandwidth to support and promote 30

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint economy maarten investments in and around the Lagoon progress. The marineservices industry will be stimulated by means of a sensible approach that incorporates economic development and environmental protection. This new industry segment will offer services to the mega-yachting community that will lead to a lengthening of their stay in St. Maarten.The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation receives the support of our Government to insure that these objectives are attained.

Cruise Ships in port © Emile Cukier

the sector. In addition, the Government will re-double its efforts to establish the Information Technology Institute on St. Maarten so that our human resources will be equal to our technological assets. Programs to sustain and improve tourism will be continued by this administration. The aggressive pursuit of the yachting industry, as started in 2002 with the refurbishment and lengthening of the Simpson Bay Bridge, will be given new dimension as improvement

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Traditional tourism covers a substantial portion of St. Maarten’s hospitality industry. The Government promotes the rejuvenation of the stay-over tourism segment by stimulating improvement of the island’s accommodation plant and increasing airlift capacity to the destination.

Analysis bears out the need for the so-called “brand name” properties. The presence of these “premium” marques can be achieved in two ways: upgrading of existing properties and construction of new accommodation plants.

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the golden book of sint maarten economy The Government fully intends to pursue both tracks. Work has already begun on the development of an incentive policy to allow for the upgrading and “branding” of existing properties. To meet the standards of an international chain, upgrades will be required in the physical infrastructure and human resources.

Incentive programs that extend the attractiveness of the Tax Holiday Hotel development program are based on the experience of the Hotel Room Tax Exemption to attract international hotel chains. To maximize the benefit to our tourism sector, prerequisites will be set for companies with the desire to make use of the incentives. Some of the criteria investors have to meet include establishing training programs to upgrade the level of service, quotas for management positions and management training for St. Maarteners, and independent audits to insure that companies are and remain in compliance.

With the establishment of the NTO, the Government fully

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expects the promotion of the destination to improve. The Tourism Master Plan will be executed by the NTO and will be geared towards the improvement of the tourism product.

Promotional activities to attract new international chains to the island will also be part of the NTO’s assignment. The Tourism Master Plan will provide the road map for expanding beyond the traditional offerings and adding new segments such as: • Conference tourism (corporate, education, NGO’s) • Festival tourism (music, shows) • Competition tourism (tournaments, sports) A complement to an upgraded and expanded accommodation plant is increased airlift. The goal of this Council is to achieve an increase in the mix of airlines to the destination allowing for additional competitive fares and ultimately increased stayover visitation. The St. Maarten Air Access Study carried out in 2002 makes recommendations for a structural approach in targeting and attracting airlines. The Government intends to develop programs to increase capacity.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint economy maarten Accommodating the increased airlift will be critical for the success of the policy. As such, the Government will take an active role in the realization of the long awaited airport complex. The new airport must be able to service the added number of aircraft and airlines and provide unrivaled comfort, safety and efficient service to the users (visitors and residents alike).

Cruise tourism remains a bright spot in the broader tourism economic overview; however, the Government will not rest on its laurels. Investments in facilities to complement the modern Cruise Facility will be developed, including the commencement of the boardwalk.

Winair plane landing © Emile Cukier

interest of all concerned.

The development of the Waterside area will receive careful attention from this Government to guarantee that future development will provide maximum benefits to the broad community and to our tourism sector. A vision for this development has been developed in close collaboration with the EDC and in keeping with the plan for the total development of Philipsburg. In this regard, this administration will see to it that initiatives identified in the Development Vision for the Greater Philipsburg area are realized.

The integrated approach among the various tourism subsegments requires that a balance be found between day trip and stay-over visitation. As such, the cruise conversion program will be intensified in this governing period.

The rejuvenation of St. Maarten’s tourism product cannot be complete without a solution for the closed properties which influences the image of St. Maarten as a premiere destination in the region. A structured approach towards a solution for the Mullet Bay Resort property was initiated by the previous administration and will be vigorously pursued by this Government. Elements of the approach are currently being carried out including: • A carrying capacity study • A zoning plan • An assessment of the economic impact of the area of the island • A legal assessment of the alternatives, including expropriation Developers and investors with solutions for the problem of the closed properties (Mullet Bay and Dawn Beach) will be afforded the benefit of incentives; however, the Government’s primary objective is to reach a solution that is in the best The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

A modern economy cannot survive without the entrepreneurial spirit of its small and medium sized business sector. St. Maarten is no exception. The Government will execute policies and implement programs aimed at lowering the barriers to entry for this segment. Focal areas of this Council’s economic policy for small business development are: • Stimulation of micro and small business with special attention given to female and young entrepreneurs; • Establishment of an apprenticeship program; • Stimulation of agriculture and local food production programs.

The Small Business Development Foundation is being given new life with the appointment of a new board and its collaboration with the SESNA program.

Licensing and permit issuance are fundamental elements of a general economic policy, moreover, this Council considers such policy indelibly linked to the creation of new opportunities, employment and revenue generation.

In other words, the Government will seek balance in this area in order to manage, not suppress, economic growth.

Bottlenecks which currently hamper the application and approval process will be eliminated through the development of a new streamlined administration. The new system will include checks and balances to guarantee equity and fairness in the process.

This entire initiative must occur in close cooperation with the business sector. Understanding of the licensing policy can be enhanced through the use of informative communication materials and technological means.

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the goldenservices book of sint maarten financial

© Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

he Central Bank of Curaçao and TSint 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.

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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.

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 visàvis 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.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the goldenservices book of sint maarten financial 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 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.

This supervision is pursued mainly through the Bank’s analysis of the solvency and liquidity development of banking and credit institutions.

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 RBC Royal Bank CA Cannegieter Street 24, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-5908 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-5964 Emmaplein, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-3505 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-2564 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

The Simpson Bay Bridge from Port de Plaisance © Emile Cukier

First Caribbean International Bank LTD Backstreet 38, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-3511 / 2491 / 2567 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-4531 Card Services: Tel: (Collect 0210) 001-246-431-5490 | Fax 001-246-228-3996 Windwarde Side, Saba: Tel: (599) 416-2216 | Fax: (599) 416-2475 Oranjestad, St. Eustatius: Tel: (599) 318-2392 | Fax: (599) 318-2734 The Windward Islands Bank LTD Main Office, Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-2313 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-4761 Bush Road Branch, Bush Road, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-7950 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-7953 Orange Grove Branch, Cole Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 544-5490 | Fax: 1 (721) 544-5491 Airport Road Branch, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 545-3063 | Fax: 1 (721) 545-2130 Loan Center, Bush Road, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-9537 / 9536 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-9258 Insurance Services, Clem Labega Square, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-0000 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-5613 Bankcard Services: Codville Webster Road 2, Office space 2, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-3940 / 3422 | Fax: 1 (721) 542-3251 Investments Services Office, Airport Road, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 545-3608 | Fax: 1 (721) 545-3589 Telebanking: 100 | 1 (721) 543-7969 (international) E-mal: info@wib-bank.net Website: www.wib-bank.net

View of the Pondfill and the Harbour from Madame Estate hill - Photo by Emile Cukier

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten financial services Bank of Nova Scotia Backstreet 54, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-2262 / 3317 Fax: 1 (721) 542-2435 Simpson Bay Yacht Club, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 544-3390 / 3392 Fax: 1 (721) 544-3396 E-mail: bns.stmaarten@scotiabank.com BECM Bank Tamarind Plaza, Union Road #133, Cole Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 546-0609 Fax: 1 (721) 546-0618 Website: www.becm.an ORCO BANK Union Road #139 f, Union Plaza, Cole Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 544-4744 Fax: 1 (721) 544-4745 E-mail: info@orcobank.com Banco di Caribe Airport Boulevard 15, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 545-5002 Fax: 1 (721) 545-5036 E-mail: info@bancodicaribe.com Website: www.bancodicaribe.com

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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the golden book of sint maarten incentives

I n c e n t i ve s The Government of St. Maarten has created a wide range of incentives to attract international investors.

Tax Holiday

• The company must stimulate economic activity in St.

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 of development that are specified for which a Tax Holiday can be considered.

• Hotels and other Rest & Recreational Accommodations • Land Development • Industrial The specific conditions that apply to each area are: Hotels and other Rest & Recreational Accommodations • 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;

• 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;

• There must be a creation of permanent employment of at least 5 persons.

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

Land Development • There must be a minimum investment of $1.100.000 excluding the value of the land;

• The land must be fallow; • 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;

• Real estate must be developed 38

Maarten

• The company must stimulate employment in St. Maarten • The company’s goal must be land development These requirements are also cumulative.

Industrial • There must be a minimum investment of $83.303.330

• 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.

Application Procedure • 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.

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.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten shta “Bringing Quality to St. Maarten”

T

he St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is the largest private sector business representative on the island, representing more than 160 hospitality and trade companies.

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.

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.

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 star resorts with full service amenities, such as spas, fine dining restaurants, etc.

The four main activities of the association are listed below:

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

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

• Tourism Promotion focuses on marketing of 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.

• 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.

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 inhibits this development. Event organizers are also lacking for developing annual events, sports competitions, music and gastronomic festivals, etc.

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

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

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 Experience St. Maarten publication.

Membership is not limited to businesses on the island but is also all businesses that have a direct interest in the economy of St. Maarten.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

For further information, please contact:

St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association WJA Nisbeth Road 33A, P. O. Box 486 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Phone: 1-721-542-0108 • Fax: 1-721-542-0107 E-mail: info@shta.com • Website: www.shta.com www.visitstmaarten.com

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the goldena book ofinsint maarten establishing business st. maarten

St. Rose Arcade in Philipsburg Š Emile Cukier

(Public) Limited Liability Company Procedures for doing business on St. Maarten For persons interested in investing in a business on St. Maarten, the government welcomes you and your inquiries about setting up said business. A business can be established in the form of a sole-proprietorship or in the form of a limited liability corporation (N.V.) for which a business license is required. Sole-proprietorships are for persons born on the island and at least 21 years of age.

The most commonly used legal business entity on the island is the limited liability company (Naamloze Vennootschap or N.V.). These businesses must have a minimum of two founders. Upon incorporation, at least 20% of the authorized share capital should be issued.

With the assistance of a Notary or Trust Company, an N.V. shall be legally incorporated by deed of incorporation. Before the passing of the deed of incorporation, the above mentioned offices will present a draft of the articles of incorporation to Department of Justice on behalf of the incorporators to obtain a declaration of no objection, which will be formalized through notarial deed. The Council of Ministers will review the business objectives and credentials of the founders and they make a decision based on the advice of the various government departments.

Work permits are issued by the Immigration Department through the Minister of Justice’s declaration of No Objection.

The residence permit is then simultaneously granted for directors, which is limited to the term of the work permit.

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However, non-national employees will only be granted work and residence permits if qualified employees can not be found locally.

For some types of businesses an additional license is required: an operational license (example restaurant, hotel/ guest, casino, car rental) which covers mostly the safety considerations needed to be operational. Usually both the business and operational licenses are issued simultaneously.

If not, one can not operate with a business license and no operational license if the latter is required. The request for this license must also be submitted to the Council of Ministers.

Registration Once approved, the corporation is required to register the company and its employees with the Inspectorate of Taxes and the Social Security Bank. In addition, the corporation needs to register the company at the Chamber of Commerce.

Annual Fees Chamber of Commerce: An annual fee has to be paid in order to keep the business registered. This fee is dependent on the total outstanding capital.

A Business License extension fee is also required and is the same as the cost of the business license of the first year. (See section on registration of new businesses) A business may be started and conducted in the form of: A) A Sole-Proprietorship B) A Limited Liability Corporation (N.V.)

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the goldena business book ofinsint maarten establishing st. maarten A) Sole-Proprietorship To start a sole-proprietorship the following steps are necessary: A letter directed to the Council of Ministers containing: • Purpose of the business • Location of the business • The person(s) who want to conduct the business • The period the aforementioned person(s) residing on St. Maarten • The address and telephone number The letter will be submitted with the following: • An application form from the Chamber of Commerce • A copy of the applicant’s passport • A copy of the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae, diploma’s, certificates etc.

• A copy of the police record Time period: Under normal circumstances, the process of the license should take no longer than three months.

© fotofactory /Shutterstock.com

B) Limited Liability Company Based on the previous information, the request is filed by the Notary or Trust Company and after receiving a Declaration of No Objection by the Department of Justice, a request will be forwarded to the Council of Ministers by the Notary or Trust Company.

• A limited liability company is established by a public notary; • The articles of incorporation are prepared and the required Ministerial Decree is requested by the notary; • The notary submits to the Council of Ministers, on your behalf, the request for a Business and Director’s License; • The acquisition of the Director’s License does not allow you to work on the island; a request must be submitted to the Immigration Department for residence and work permit; if granted then you are allowed to work.

Director’s License Each director who is nominated in the deed of incorporation when establishing a limited liability corporation has to request a Director’s License.

Requirements The Minister of Justice and the Immigration Department handle the request for the Director’s License. The following documents are required: • A copy of the applicants passport • A copy of the applicants Curriculum Vitae, diploma’s, certificates etc.

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theestablishing golden book of sint maarten a business in st. maarten • A copy of the police record The request is studied by the Immigration Department and the Minister of Justice is then advised on the request.

Replacement of Managing Directors If after a Business License is approved a Managing Director needs to be replaced, then a request has to be sent in to register the new Managing Director.

Note: No business or Managing Director is allowed to engage in business before having been granted a Business License from the Council of Ministers.

Work/Residence Permit The person(s) that is requesting a Work/Residence permit needs to be residing outside of St. Maarten while the application is being processed.

The required documents must be accompanied with the application when applying for a Work/Residence permit: • One recent passport picture of holder and family • A copy of passport of the employee (and family) • A birth certificate of the applicant and his/her family (translated in Dutch or English) • A certificate of good conduct pertaining to the applicant, not older than six months (and family) • A medical certificate not older than two months (in Dutch or English) • A copy of the Marriage Certificate/ Marriage Book of the employee if he/she is married or a certificate of bachelorhood / spinsterhood (not older than six months) or an agreement of concubinage made up by an acknowledged notary, if the employee is living together with someone or a copy of a certificate of divorce.

(Translated in Dutch or English) • A stamp on the Declaration of Guarantee from the future employer • A copy of the passport, residence permit and registration form from the Census Office of the employer/interested party • Receipt of payment of processing • A copy of the Business and Director’s License obtainable from the Business License Department • A copy of the registration form from the Chamber of Commerce (current year) • Proof of Labour Registration obtainable from the Department of Labour and Social Affairs Building Permit If you would like to build your own building here on St. Maarten, the following are the procedures that you would need to follow for acquiring a building permit: The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Cruise ship in the harbour © Emile Cukier

An application for a building permit should be submitted and accompanied by the following documents: • 1 copy of a notarial deed or title; • 3 planning permits; • 3 subdivision plan; • 3 foundation plan; • 3 site plans; • 3 structural drawings; • 3 electrical plans; • 3 plumbing plans; • 3 floor plans; • 3 site plans

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the golden book of sint maarten registration of a new business A

fter the granting of a business license by the Government, the business would have to register or verify whether they are registered by the following departments and institutions.

Chamber of Commerce #11 Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1-721-542-3595

The following documents are required: • Foreigners: Business License, Director’s License • N.V. (Limited Liability): Business License, Director’s License; Deed of Incorporation • Persons not residing on St. Maarten: Passport/Valid Driver’s License

Labour Department

The required documents: • Deed of Incorporation • Business License • Director’s License • Proof of registration at the Chamber of Commerce • Name of bankers

© Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

Social Security Bank (SVB)

(Refer to the section on taxation) The required documents: • Deed of Incorporation • Business License • Director’s License • Proof of registration at the Chamber of Commerce • Name of bankers

Inspectorate of Taxes

To register your Limited Liability Company (N.V.) The required documents: • Deed of Incorporation • Name(s) of the director(s) or owner(s) • Business location and telephone number(s) • Number of employees • Proof of registration at the chamber of commerce Inspectorate of Taxes Vineyard Building W.G. Buncamper Road 33, P.O. Box 1026 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1 (721) 542-2143 / 542-5301

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the golden book of sinttaxation maarten T

he 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 Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, and Foundations that take aim at profit making. The on-shore 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 A.O.V. A.W.W.

Employer 6% 0.5%

Employee 5% 0.5%

The A.O.V / A.W.W. premiums are paid in the same manner of the Wage Tax payment schedule.

Medical Insurance Premium ZV/AVBZ

The Vineyard Office Park - Photo by Emile Cukier

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 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, 2.1% employee contribution, and 2.1% government 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.

• The services of banks and other financial institutions for

The ZV/AVBZ premiums are also paid in the same manner of the Wage Tax payment schedule.

There are two tax rates for turnover tax: • 1%: Due on certain basic necessities, however, turnover realized by hotels and catering establishments will be taxed at a rate of 3%.

Turnover Tax (TOT)

Turnover Tax is a tax on business-sales realized by entrepreneurs or businesses in accordance with their The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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.

• 5%: Due on all other deliveries of goods and services.

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the golden book of sint maarten Princess Juliana International Airport

Check-in Hall © SXM Airport

W

hen the first KLM commercial flight, a Kolibrie aircraft, touched ground at the Princess Juliana International Airport on December 3, 1943, nobody could have foreseen that this would be the beginning of a phenomenal transformation of the island. At the time, the airport had served as an airstrip for the US Armed Forces, deeply engaged in a fierce war against Hitler’s Germany that would change the world. Two years later, World War II would come to a victorious end for the Allied Forces, and that military airstrip would set out to be one of the leading airports in the Caribbean 70 years later.

Eastern Caribbean. These are St. Martin (French part of the island), Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths, Anguilla, Dominica, and Tortola.

If 1963 - considered by some historians as the beginning of Modern St. Martin - could be used as a base year in terms of the construction of terminal buildings, then SXM Airport has seen three major changes in this regard, culminating in the new, US$100 million ultra-modern Terminal Building, with an expanded apron and new car park, which became

According to historian Will Johnson, the flight brought Princess Juliana of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the island from Canada, where she was briefly exiled. At the time, it took eight hours to fly from St. Maarten to Miami, hence Her Royal Highness and her small entourage had to set out as early as 6:00 AM! The airport was named after her the following year.

Twenty years later, the incipient tourism industry began to take root. Air arrivals in 1960 amounted to 9,286 passengers, an average of 774 passengers per month! This skyrocketed to 137,421 passengers in 1970, a jump of about 1,400%.

To accommodate this incredible increase in traffic, a new terminal building had to be built. As tourism grew by leaps and bounds, SXM Airport became the principal gateway to this part of Paradise, serving as a regional hub and now as the international airport of seven destinations in the North 46

Early terminal building © SXM Airport

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the golden book of sint maarten

Princess Juliana International Airport

operational on November 10, 2006, the eve of St. Martin Day, with once again the royal presence in the person of Queen Beatrix who performed the official opening. No wonder it is said that “the way Princess Juliana International Airport goes, so goes the island.”

Safety, Job #1

With a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower and Radar facility, Category 9 Fire and Rescue Service, and General Security and Centralized Pre-screening, safety is, without doubt, top priority at SXM. In fact, the safety record of the airport is among the best anywhere in the region and even beyond.

Meeting modern day safety standards led to the construction of two Runway End Safety Areas (RESA), one at the East end of the runway and one at the West end, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. This is aimed at minimizing the risk of damage to an aircraft undershooting or overrunning the runway.

In addition, the taxiway has been modified to allow larger commercial aircraft to have better access to the ramps and shorten the backtracking on the runway prior to take off.

Also, the existing airfield ground lighting has been replaced with the more economical and environmentally-friendly LED lights and an entirely new remote system has been installed in the control tower. This is a first in the Caribbean.

In recent years, SXM Airport has implemented additional security procedures, personnel and screening equipment and security training programs. In addition, the airport has adopted an Aerodrome Manual in accordance with the Standards and Recommended Practices developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the national regulations of the Directorate of Civil Aviation Netherlands Antilles (“DCANA”). The Aerodrome Manual defines and outlines the procedures, rules and regulations

Ms. Regina Labega Managing Director Princess Juliana International Airport N.V.

necessary to ensure the highest safety and efficiency standards at the Airport. DCANA evaluated and approved the Airport’s Aerodrome Manual in December 2003. The pertinent airport certificate was issued in May 2004 and was re-issued in July 2007.

SXM Airport has also concluded Phase One of the installation of what is considered “the most sophisticated security system in the whole Caribbean.” The system consists of ultra-modern, weather-tested CCTV cameras supplied by Bosch, a global leader in this field. Furthermore, in 2014, SXM Airport held a Safety and Security conference under the theme: “Prioritizing Safety, Security and Revenue Growth to Maximize Aviation Efficiency in the Caribbean.” All of these underline SXM Airport’s commitment to safety. As its managing director, Regina LaBega put it: “For us, safety is Job Number One.”

Facilities and Amenities Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana officially declared the airport open on March 4, 1944 © SXM Airport

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

SXM Airport’s four-level, fully air-conditioned, and spacious modern terminal facilities span an area of 30,500m2 and consist of 12 boarding gates, including four passenger loading investment guide

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Princess Juliana International Airport jet bridges; 46 check-in positions all equipped with CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment) and eight CUSS kiosks or self-service check-in systems. The Terminal Building, designed to handle about 2.5 million passengers annually, has a remodeled, spacious Departure Hall with seven large dutyfree retail outlets, as well as nine food and beverage units including two kiosks and one bar. The Arrival Hall has three baggage carousels and Baggage Information Display System (BIDS) monitors.

Other facilities and services include the Executive Lounge, and a Food Court with ample comfortable seating offering a wide range of culinary choices. SXM Airport offers banking services with two ATM machines in the check-in hall, one ATM in the Departure Hall and one drive-through ATM east of the “meet-and-greet” area. Similarly, taxi and VIP services are readily available while car rental services are offered in the meet-and-greet area.

Capital Improvement Program

With 1,761,763 passengers passing through SXM Airport in 2013 and with this figure projected to rise to a possible 1,950,500 in terms of scheduled and charter passengers by 2020, (excluding FBO traffic), it has become necessary for SXM Airport to move to the next level by upgrading its facilities and offering major new ones, relocating some structures and investing in real estate for the needed expansion.

This phase has already begun with the Capital Improvement Program funded through the successful floating of a bond issue of US$132 million, thanks to the published Moody’s rating of Baa2, which SXM Airport acquired in 2012. The Capital Improvement Program includes the rehabilitation of the runway, which has been completed (including the construction of a helipad for helicopters at the southeasterly end of the runway), the relocation of the Fuel Farm and the construction of a new one with increased storage capacity, the construction of a new FBO and Fire Fighting Facility, a new Technical Building, and the renovation of the Cargo Building as well as a new Commercial Strategy. It also involves land reclamation and acquisition that would facilitate the execution of the above-mentioned projects and the beautification of the roundabout, with the erection of three bronze statues of St. Maarten’s national bird, the Brown Pelican, which was completed in 2014.

Artist’s rendering of new FBO building © SXM Airport

Environmental Sustainability

SXM Airport was a designated Blue Flag company in 2012 and has worked with Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) and Nature Foundation to plant trees along some of the island’s roads. However, charity begins at home, so the airport has embarked on improving the landscaping of its premises in a process dubbed the “greening of SXM.” SXM Airport has undertaken an energy efficiency study 48

Blue Flag tree planting © SXM Airport

geared toward conserving energy and reducing energy consumption. The airport is set to begin construction of a 2000m2 solar panel field in 2015 while the rooftops of the

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Princess Juliana International Airport renovated Cargo Facility, the new Rescue and Fire Fighting facility, the FBO and the Technical buildings will feature solar panels as well. Similarly, SXM Airport is upgrading its irrigation system with the aim of decreasing water consumption.

All of this is in tune with one of the objectives the UNWTO said sustainable tourism development should accomplish, which is to make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.

Leader in General Aviation Services in the Caribbean SXM Airport has become a leading private jet destination in the region.To maintain its leadership position and in response to the growth of this sector, construction is scheduled to begin shortly of a new, state-of-the-art Fixed Base Operator (FBO) building complete with office space, private lounges and dedicated Customs. This is expected to become operational by mid-2016. In fact, SXM Airport has signed a new Concession and Lease Agreement with Signature, the world’s largest fixed base operation (FBO) and distribution network for business aviation services, to continue to provide certain passenger, ground handling and into plane fuel services for General Aviation at the new facility.

Jean Christian Aviation Scholarship Award recipient, Kevin Jeffers © SXM Airport

SXM Airport at 70

On December 3, 2013, SXM Airport began a year-long celebration of its 70th anniversary with a Symposium held under the theme: “Leveraging your airport for nonaeronautical revenue and economic development.” Prof.

Dr. John Kasarda, world-renowned expert on airport and aviation development, and director of the Center for Air Commerce at the University of North Carolina, was the special guest presenter.

During the year, SXM Airport launched its “Jean Christian Aviation Scholarship Award,” which was won by Kevin Jeffers, a commercial pilot student at the Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The US$28,500 scholarship will allow him to achieve his Commercial Pilot License.

The curtain came down on the 70th anniversary celebrations in 2014 with the Toppix Aviation Photography Competition, which was first held in 2013. The brainchild of ace photographer, Robert Cijntje, the competition drew over 40 participants in its second edition, including some from the UK, Germany, Panama, The Netherlands, and the USA. The best six photographs will be displayed at SXM Airport.

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

SXM Airport became the first Caribbean Airport to receive the prestigious International Transport Award granted by the 35-year-old Global Trade Leaders’ Club, with a membership of over 7,500 businesses worldwide. Prior to this award, The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Winning photo in the Toppix Aviation Photography Competition © SXM Airport

Privatefly.com had declared SXM Airport the “Most Stunning Landing Approach” in the world in 2013. In that same year, SXM Airport also received the International Award for Business Leadership in Image and Quality. SXM Airport was recognized for “the quality and excellence” of its services.

The awards continued to pour in during 2014 with the European Awards for Best Practices granted by the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) and the International Award for Business Excellence. These came as the icing on the cake as SXM Airport celebrated its 70th Anniversary.

Written by Fabian Adekunle Badejo for House of Nehesi Publishers, © 2014

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the golden book of sint maarten harbour

Welcome to Port St. Maarten! © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

“A World Leading Cruise Destination”

Terminal & Cargo, Commercial and Operations.

T

St. Maarten First to Handle New Genesis-Type Vessels

The operations of the Harbour Group 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.

St. Maarten’s duty-free status has always been a marketing advantage for visitors and shippers alike. In addition, the Harbour Group wants to take things to the next level.

Never content to rest on its laurels, it is always seeking new opportunities to deliver a wider range of quality services to its partners.

he development of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities is overseen by the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies, a government-owned consortium of 13 companies responsible for part of the maritime operations of the country.

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.

SMHG employs 65 people in 11 departments: Accounting, Human Resources, Executive, Clearance, Maintenance, Information Technology, Safety & Security, Maritime, 50

It was one of the first ports in the region 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 transshipment sub-hub they can rely on.

In order to achieve this, the Harbour Group keeps in close contact with cruise lines, shipping lines and other industry players to keep informed about what they need and when they will need it. By staying ahead of the game, the Harbour Group is always in a good position to accommodate new vessels and new customers.

In addition, environmental responsibility and green issues

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the golden book of sint harbour maarten are a priority for the Harbour Group, with a number of innovative initiatives including wind and solar power systems within the port. The Group also plays a leading role in the wider community, both in terms of beautification of the island, which ultimately attracts more cruise ships, and in various social development programs. Putting something back is a key part of its business.

SMHG has maintained St. Maarten’s competitive 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 decade 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 time frame the Group has been transformed into a much more commercially orientated operation, including a refinancing package of US$150 million by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten.

At the same time, the Group has a strong corporate social responsibility program. This includes investing in St. Maarten as a destination by rejuvenating parts of Philipsburg and giving priority to environmental concerns.

A milestone was reached in 2013 when 1.7 million cruise passengers were received – and even higher numbers are forecast in the years ahead. 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 the St. Maarten Harbour Group, which is keen to provide the best facilities in the industry.This is one of the benefits of holding long-term agreements with the major lines.

In 2007, with one berth already in operation capable of accommodating four cruise ships simultaneously, the Harbour Group took the port to the next level and built a second cruise pier. St. Maarten is now one of the few ports in the Caribbean capable of receiving the world’s largest cruise ships. These are the Genesis-class vessels of over 220,000 gross tons each with a capacity of more than 6,000 passengers and crew.

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 can now accommodate 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 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.

Dutch Villlage

Visitors can look forward to a totally new experience as the result of an innovative move by the Harbour Group to bring a bit of Dutch flavour back to St. Maarten. One of the common observations from visitors is the lack of a Dutch atmosphere. To put that right, the Harbour Group plans to develop a so-called Dutch Village, a new attraction to be built next to the cruise ship piers on land reclaimed during construction of the second pier.

While final decisions are still to be taken on the actual facilities, the intention is create an area of traditional Dutch buildings such as a windmill and church, perhaps alongside a French area, to represent the dual-nation character of the island, as well as a range of restaurants and high-end retail outlets. In addition, there will be a pool area with water features and bars. Located on a 14,000 square meter site, the proposed village would represent an investment of US$ 40 million.

Homeporting

© St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

With some of the best cruise ship facilities in the region, St. Maarten offers excellent opportunities to operators for home porting. The island not only has a first-rate transport investment guide

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the golden book of sint maarten harbour infrastructure, but is ideally located within the region.

Cargo and Handling Sector at Port of 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 transshipment, serving a wide range of carriers as well as the all-important domestic market.

The cargo sector is a vital part of the nation’s economy, not only in terms of generating revenue, but also because most of the food and consumer goods needed by islanders are imported by sea. For this reason, it is vitally important for the whole operation to be streamlined and well managed.

Facilities The Captain David Cargo Quay is 540 meters long with a depth alongside of 10.5 meters, having been extended from 270 meters under the 2007-9 expansion program. Container storage areas have been expanded to 3,000 teu.The facility is served by two Gottwald HMK 260E 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 75,000 teu 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 and there is a plan to extend the breakwater westward to further reduce wave impact.

There are two ro-ro berths, at the southern and northern ends, as well as an Inter-Island Pier serving the local region, alongside a 444 square meter warehouse.

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

Transshipment The main focus of the Harbour Group in the coming years will be on transshipment. This is on the increase again and is forecast to dominate cargo growth. St. Maarten offers numerous advantages over its competitors. In addition to its central geographic location, there has been considerable investment in new infrastructure, equipment, the Global Logistics System (GLS) software platform and streamlining of crane operations. All these improvements have helped to make St. Maarten a competitive as well as an efficient choice for shippers. The port operates on a 24/7 basis and there is easy deep-water access to the berths.

Transshipment was up slightly from 2010 to 2011 and further increases are expected through 2012-14 as new lines come to realize the benefits of transshipping via St. Maarten. In addition, increased construction on the island and on neighbouring islands means increased volumes of project cargo will be shipped through St. Maarten. Domestic imports are set to improve, too, as a result of increased local consumption of goods as well as the needs of the expanding stay-over and cruise tourism sector.

Last but not least, the harbour is gearing up for the opening of the expanded Panama Canal in 2015, which will place much greater emphasis on feeder ports such as St. Maarten.

Talks are already under way with several major shipping lines to move their existing transshipment services to St. Maarten.

The port is undertaking studies so that, when this happens, the depth alongside the cargo quay can be increased to 12.0 meters.

Services Port St. Maarten became a landlord port in 2001. The aim was to give the port greater commercial flexibility as well to create and maintain a competitive edge. As a result, cargo handling operations are now carried out by the port’s two stevedores, St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV (SSS) and St. Maarten Port Services. A wide range of equipment is available at the quay including reach stackers, top lifters,

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the golden book of sint harbour maarten yard mules, chassis, trucks as well as fork-lifts and other equipment. Island-wide transportation services are readily accessible using a large fleet of chassis and trucks. In addition there are many related services such as container repair, warehousing and logistics services.

Cargo services have grown in parallel with the volumes handled as the port aims to meet all its customers’ needs.

One of the first liner services chose to call at St. Maarten due to the port’s flexibility and the willingness to expand together. This partnership is typical of the symbiotic relationship that exists between the port and many of the lines that call. For some lines, St. Maarten is the first port of call from Europe and this situation means that it fulfills a vital role as a feeder port for inbound cargo that is destined for other local islands.

The introduction of the GLS software allowed the whole port to be fully automated. Containers are tracked and monitored using mobile tracking devices, and all documentation and invoicing is carried out in real-time. Containers and trucks are scanned when entering and leaving the port to create a full picture of port operations at all times. Other services including water provision, bunkering, waste oil and glass recycling can all be booked through the online GLS portal.

of service companies and suppliers. 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 is a subsidiary of Port St. Maarten 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.

Productivity One of the key elements of the port’s success is the close cooperation between the stevedores and the port management as they work towards a common goal, investing as demand dictates. The result is a high level of customer satisfaction among the lines using the port’s services.

Following the latest changes to operations and infrastructure improvements, St. Maarten now offers some of the best productivity ratings in the region. Its GLS software has improved the speed of clearance from days to just minutes, while crane operations are achieving rates of up to a maximum of 23 moves per hour, while the average is about 18 moves per hour. All things considered, the future for St. Maarten’s cargo sector – and its transshipment business – is bright indeed. The port is seen as a facilitator of growth for the island and there is widespread optimism that this growth will continue.

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 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

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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the golden book of sint maarten harbour

Š Emile Cukier

Port St. Maarten has worked in partnership with the fuel supplier Sol to install a fuelling station at the Windjammer berth. The Harbour Group subsidiary St. Maarten Harbour Fuelling Company 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 Lagoon owing to depth restrictions.The facility has three 20,000 litre tanks for storage of fuel for delivery at the berths. Larger volumes can be delivered by road tanker. The fuel station is already proving so successful that an upgrade is planned in the near future. In 2011 the port delivered 5 million litres of fuel to mega yachts and giga yachts.

Innovative Green Thinking

Wind and solar energy are being harnessed by the St. Maarten Harbour Group as it embraces new and innovative ways to exploit different sources of alternative energy in its day-to-day operations.

With its cruise and cargo operations in close proximity, anything that can be done to reduce carbon dioxide emissions can only lead to a better working environment and a more pleasant experience for cruise passengers. In addition cruise passengers are becoming more environmentally aware of the impact of cruise ships and tourism, so anything the port can do to minimize its impact will have a positive reflection of the industry.

The six turbines are located on a man-made dyke in an area with almost guaranteed wind in a channel between two hills, as well as being away from operational areas of the port.

They also take up much less space than standard windmilltype turbines and are virtually silent – an important factor when considering the passenger experience in the port.

Solar Power In addition, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the cruise terminal. Also connected to the national grid, they generate 3 kW. In a sunny location such as St. Maarten, the panels are proving to be efficient providers of alternative energy, even when it is cloudy. More panels are expected to be installed in the near future.

Electric golf carts, charged nightly through power points, are widely used in the port area to limit pollution. With 18 carts already in operation, there are plans to expand the fleet to 25 in 2012. These carts may be driven by solar power in the future under plans to fit them with solar panels. This means they will be able to operate largely independent of a power source, further reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Wind Power St. Maarten is the only Caribbean port to use wind turbines as part of its environmental strategy following the installation of six 4 kW vertical axis turbines in April 2012. These are linked to the national grid and when the wind is available to drive the turbines, the authority is able to reduce its energy bills by putting power back into the grid.

The innovative design and the decision to used vertical axis turbines were driven by aesthetic and spatial requirements.

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the golden book of sint harbour maarten Port St. Maarten Details Authority Port St. Maarten Group of Companies A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities J.Yrausquin Boulevard P.O. Box 5185, Harbour Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 8503 / 542 8504 Fax: 1 721 542 8506 E-mail: buzz@portofstmaarten.com Web: www.portofstmaarten.com 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.

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.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Š Emile Cukier

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 Available from port authority.

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

Handling Equipment 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.

Largest Vessel 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.

Pilotage 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. investment guide

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

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

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

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

Water Fresh water is available.

Working Hours The port operates on a 24/7 basis.

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the golden book of sint maarten harbour PORT ST. MAARTEN DIRECTORY For more information contact:

IT DEPARTMENT A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 8503 / 8504, ext. 222 Fax: 1 721 542 8506

THE COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT E-mail: buzz@portofstmaarten.com Tel: 1 721 542 8503 / 8504 Fax: 1 721 542 5048 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mr. Mark Mingo A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 8503 Fax: 1 721 542 8506 E-mail: mark_mingo@portofstmaarten.com CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 8503 Fax: 1 721 542 8506 HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 8504, ext. 300 Fax: 1 721 542 5048 MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 8504, ext. 240 Fax: 1 721 542 5048

SAFETY & SECURITY DEPARTMENT A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 2307 / 2348, ext. 235 Fax: 1 721 542 1141 MARITIME DEPARTMENT SMPA - St. Maarten Ports Authority NV A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 2307 / 2348, ext. 223 Fax: 1 721 542 3271 TERMINAL & CARGO DEPARTMENT SMPA - St. Maarten Ports Authority NV SMHC - St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company NV A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche, St. Maarten Tel: 1 721 542 2307 / 2348, ext. 224 Fax: 1 721 542 3271 SIMPSON BAY LAGOON AUTHORITY CORPORATION (SLAC) E-mail: info@sxmlagoonauthority.com VHF Channel 12

© Emile Cukier

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the golden book of sint maarten gebe

© Emile Cukier

NV GEBE

GEBE (Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden) was established in 1960 to supply the islands of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius with electricity.

GEBE celebrated 50 years of existence in 2010. A new ownership structure was implemented in 2006 when NV GEBE was established and 100% of the shares in the company were transferred from the Government of the Netherlands Antilles into a Shareholder Foundation which is owned by the three islands of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. NV GEBE produces and distributes electricity on St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius and distributes water on St. Maarten.

The GEBE Vision

“To be the leading utility company in the Caribbean by providing high quality and reliable electricity, water and waste water management services to the Dutch Windward Islands, in a customer oriented and cost effective manner, The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

with a skilled team of professionals that strives to exceed expectations, taking safety and the environment into account.”

Electricity Production

GEBE utilizes the 120/220 Volt, 60Hz standard common in North America. GEBE supplies electricity from the power plant in Cay Bay as alternating current (AC) at a frequency of 60Hz. The voltage in the low voltage system is: • Nominally 120 Volt between a phase conductor and the neutral conductor.

• Or nominally 220 Volt between the phase conductors together.

•

The voltage in the high voltage system amounts to nominally 12,600 Volt between the phase conductors together, which

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the gebegolden book of sint maarten

Š Emile Cukier

voltage can be altered with regard to the whole high voltage system or part of it to the insight of the electricity company.

Recent investments into two new radiator cooled generators have expanded GEBE’s generation capacity in March 2010.

Investments have been made for new Caterpillar generators in Saba and Statia to increase the generation capacity there as well.

of the electrical grid can be made. This transmission system GEBE consists of the substations (4) and the power plant while the distribution system is made up of the high/low voltage network supplied from the substations.

The price of electricity ranges between $0.30 and $0.35 per kilowatt-hour depending on the fuel prices.

Investments have been made in the past years to put all transmission cables and approximately 90% of the high tension cables underground. This makes most of the High Tension system hurricane resistant and enables GEBE to restore power sooner after a major storm or hurricane.

Electricity Distribution

Water Distribution & Testing

A distinction between the transmission and distribution part

The price of water ranges between $3.30 and $11.70 per cubic meter for commercial connections depending on the price of fuel.

Electricity is supplied as alternating current (AC) at a frequency of 60Hz.The existing electrical distribution system on St. Maarten consists of a 12.6-kV switchgear in the power plant to which the generators are connected. Electricity is transmitted via 30kV underground cables to substations and distributed at 12.6kV to the transformer houses throughout the island. In the transformer houses the 12.6kV current is transformed to 127/220 Volt and transported at this voltage to the different homes and businesses.

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GEBE was requested by the Island Government of St. Maarten to distribute potable water to the community. The water is produced by AirFin NV using the reverse osmosis process to purify seawater. GEBE is currently upgrading the large water distribution network of pipes to improve water quality and reliability. The potable water is also tested by the GEBE lab to control the quality of potable water that is distributed.

investment guide

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the golden book of sint maarten gebe

Š Emile Cukier

Seeking Alternatives to Oil

While our immediate future is tied to oil and the rising oil prices, the company recognizes the need to diversify the electricity supply away from this single source. During the past years, much effort and investment have gone into researching and pursuing other sources of energy to meet the growing demand for electricity whether solar, wind, or geothermal energy.

FACTS & FIGURES Company

Electricity Distribution

Population Served

47,677

Service Area

68 sq. km

Customers

19,710

Customers per km

289.50

Residential Customers

84%

Commercial & Industrial

16%

Employees

250

2

12,600 V

Network Length

175 km

Percentage High Tension Underground Number of Electricity Meters Installed

90% 19,710

Water Distribution

Electricity Production Peak Electricity Demand

53 MW

Consumption

31,8000 MWh

Generation Capacity

84 MW

Frequency

60 Hz

Voltage

120 V

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Distribution Voltage High Tension

Water Demand

15000 m3/day

Number of Water Meters Installed

18,660

More information about GEBE’s services can be found at www.nvgebe.com investment guide

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the golden book of sint maarten telecommunication in st. maarten

t. Maarten Telecommunication S Holding Company N.V. (TelEm Group) The Sint Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. is a government-owned company established in 2007 with 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.

The companies falling under the umbrella of the Sint Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. are referred to jointly under the brand name TelEm Group.

The brand is charged with providing a range of telecommunication services to residential and commercial 60

properties on St. Maarten. These services include land line and PBX services, Internet and Data services, Mobile and Mobile Data services, International Telephone, Lease Line and Broadband services.

As the incumbent carrier, the Sint MaartenTelecommunication Holding Company N.V. plays a significant role in the economic development of the island by 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 Sint Maarten Telecommunication Holding Company N.V. 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.

The company is presently managed by a Management Board

investment guide

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the telecommunication golden book of sint maarten in st. maarten consisting of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Mr. Eldert Louisa and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Mr. Brian Mingo. The Executives are expected to be joined this year by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) whose appointment was awaiting at the time of printing of this publication.

The Management Board is governed by the Supervisory Board of Directors, under the chairmanship of Mr. Rafael Boasman. As of December 2010, Mr. Boasman sits on the board, with Attorney, Mr. Jairo Bloem, Administrator, Mr. Paul Marshall, Banker, Mr. Steven Constance and IT specialist, Mr. K. Kendall Dupersoy. There is currently one vacant position on the Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board of Directors is answerable to the Shareholder Representative, in the person of Prime Minister and Shareholder Representative for TelEm Group, Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams.

With the changes that have come into effect as a result of St. Maarten attaining its new status as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a Minister responsible for Telecommunication has been appointed in the person of, Mr. Franklyn Meyers.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

While Minister Meyers holds the 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, Mrs. Sarah WescottWilliams.

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the golden book of sint maarten tourism

philipsburg.............................................................................................................................................64 map of philipsburg.........................................................................................................................74 tourism activities...........................................................................................................................75 helmet diving and snorkeling........................................................................................76 simpson bay...........................................................................................................................................77 map of simpson bay, cole bay, maho, mullet bay...............................................85 maho village.......................................................................................................................................86 cupecoy ‘the riviera’....................................................................................................................87 st. maarten tourism bureau.................................................................................................89 medical tourism..............................................................................................................................94 st. maarten heineken regatta...........................................................................................95 the neighbouring islands...................................................................................................97 french saint-martin....................................................................................................................97 saba...........................................................................................................................................................100 st. eustatius........................................................................................................................................104 saint barthelemy.........................................................................................................................106 62

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten

Maho Beach © Ivan Cholakov /Shutterstock.com

Great Bay Beach © mffoto /Shutterstock.com

Overlooking Philipsburg © Sean Pavone /Shutterstock.com

Sandstone cliffs at Cupecoy Beach © BlueOrange Studio /Shutterstock.com

Cruise ship terminal in Philipsburg © B. Franklin /Shutterstock.com

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the golden book of sint maarten philipsburg Shopping Mecca of the Northeastern Caribbean

Sint Maarten is a Duty Free Shopper’s Paradise Front Street, Philipsburg © Ruth Peterkin /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.

terms of relative duty free performance with regard to the geographic size of the region.

The Caribbean provides some of the best shopping experiences in the world, but Sint Maarten is different. One of the joys of vacationing in Sint Maarten is that it is duty free! Great values can be had because prices are among the lowest in the Caribbean. Certainly much less than prices you

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 64

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the golden book of sint maarten philipsburg

Welcome to the Capital of Duty Free Shopping

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

With no duties on jewelry, leather goods, cameras, gold, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, china, crystal, linen and much more from around the world, Sint Maarten is a duty free shopper’s paradise. The best places to shop on the Dutch side are Philipsburg’s Front Street and Old Street, Simpson Bay, Maho Reef, and Cupecoy.

New additions to duty free shopping have been added such as the “Puerta Del Sol Plaza,” a new extension to the Simpson Bay Yacht Club Shopping open mall area; “Blue Mall,” down at Cupecoy; and “Porto Cupecoy.” Wherever you go, you’ll find the best products the island’s expanding duty-free sector has to offer.

Travelers in the know are taking a close look at the goods being produced by local artisans. Caribbean crafts people bring to their work a rich and colorful blend of African and European influences that make up their culture.

Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten is built on a sand ridge. From the sleepy village to the bustling town with over a mile of duty free stores mainly jewelry, electronics, local Caribbean arts and crafts, watches, alcohol and tobacco, fine cigars, camera’s, perfumes, art galleries, and much more.

Boardwalk, Philipsburg © ChristinaMuraca /Shutterstock.com

The town has a lot to offer the visitor. Shopping is one of the best reasons to take a break from the beach and water sports to explore what Philipsburg has to offer.

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.

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.

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the golden book of sint maarten philipsburg

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.

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 Island.”

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

Town clock in Philipsburg © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

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

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

philipsburg Town, which Philipsburg is also referred too, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Transportation

Essential Services

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

Philipsburg is the base for all major services such as notaries, law offices, banking institutions, government departments and much more. All the aforementioned are in walking distance from each other. Whether you’re an investor or a visitor, Philipsburg has something to offer everyone.

Shopping Hours

Bus Service You also have the option to travel via bus. In this case you will

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the golden book of sint maarten philipsburg Parking The most convenient parking lot is located in front of the Government Administration Building at the Clem Labega Square which is located across from the Windward Islands Bank. Additional parking lots have been built across from the Post Office, the Police Station and the temporary Ring Road parking area.

Philipsburg Rejuvenated The Government embarked on a number of projects to rejuvenate the capital town of Philipsburg. Plans for beautifying Front Street date as far back as 1999. The first part of the rejuvenation of Philipsburg entailed beach replenishment, where tons of sand were pumped from the seabed onto the Great Bay Beach.

Very few islands can boast of a beach in town, like the size of the one in Philipsburg. Since the beach replenishment, more restaurants and beach bars have opened, and there are a lot more activities for visitors to enjoy on the beach and the promenade.

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Great Bay beach, Philipsburg Š Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

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philipsburg

The Boardwalk, Philipsburg © Ruth Peterkin /Shutterstock.com

From the beach replenishment followed the construction of a seaside beach promenade, then by the beautification of Front Street, Back Street and sections of two secondary streets in the town. The entire process of development and rejuvenating the city capital is all related to improving the overall visitor experience.

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 Hotel. However, the beautification program continued down to the former Paper Garden Book Store. The Government recognizes that further upgrading and improvement of the tourism product is necessary if Sint Maarten wants to continue to remain one of the main tourism destinations in the Caribbean.

The upgrading of Front Street fits into the Government’s development vision policy document, “A Development Perspective for Philipsburg and the Greater Great Bay Area,” The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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philipsburg an avenue of indigenous trees, a fishing deck, customized street lighting and much more.

The beautified area of the Tourist Corridor stretches from the Buncamper Road, Point Blanche to the Keys in Suckergarden.

Harbour Point Village – An Addition to Shopping in the Capital

Harbour Point Village © Emile Cukier

which outlines a particular framework on how the capital town should be developed.

All Roads Lead to Philipsburg – The Tourist Corridor In keeping with the vision of continuing to upgrade the island’s tourism infrastructure, another project that Government embarked upon was the busy thoroughfare which connects Philipsburg to the French side of the island.

Part of the Tourist Corridor beautification project has been executed. It features a running/walking track for visitors and residents. It also features specially constructed stone walls,

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In addition to Philipsburg is Harbour Point Village, which opened in May 2003 at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities in Point Blanche. This five acre development was designed in the traditional Caribbean flavour of architecture.

Harbour Point Village is a mini-Philipsburg – a small shopping arcade consisting of 12 shops and 12+ market stalls. Harbour Point is meant for cruise visitors who stay onboard the vessel; the individual can take a stroll into the little village which is not far from the cruise pier; or those who go on an island tour and return to the cruise port without having the experience of shopping in Philipsburg, can still do that last minute shopping at the Harbour Point Village.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

philipsburg

Captain Hodge Wharf © Emile Cukier

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.

All government offices will be housed in this building. It will be more investor and customer friendly as all government departments will be centrally located at one location.

Pond Island

Center of Town Capt. Hodge Wharf

Pond Island is a new development. It is surrounded by the historical salt ponds and is linked to Philipsburg. It is also part of the Development Vision of the Government.

The Capt. Hodge’s Wharf was renovated. The pier in Philipsburg at the Cyrus Wathey Square is an important transportation link between cruise ships docking at the Dr. A. C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility and the island’s main shopping center, Front Street.

There are existing buildings such as the University of St. Martin, Telecommunications Earth Station, Turning Point Rehabilitation Center, the Sint Maarten Receiver’s Office, Little League Ball Park, Festival Village and the Government Office Complex (still to be completed).

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

It accommodates water taxis and tender vessels to off load and take on passengers simultaneously. It houses a Tourist Information Office, and a Police Sub-Station.

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Š Media Publishing International N.V.

the golden book of sintactivities maarten tourism

© kuznetcov_konstantin /Shutterstock.com

© Rich Carey /Shutterstock.com

© devy /Shutterstock.com

T

ourism encompasses all activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment.

Sint Maarten has a host of activities to offer the visitor.

scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, sailing and deep sea Caribbean fishing are some…of the most popular activities on the island.

The destination has an unlimited range of tourist attractions and activities, located throughout the country.

During the evenings, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of casinos, steel bands, dance clubs, discotheques, open air cafes and incredible fine dining in Philipsburg, Simpson Bay Strip, Oyster Pond, Grand Case, Maho Reef, Cupecoy, and Marigot.

Whether you are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure, or a relaxing game of golf, there is an activity or attraction to suit everyone’s tastes, age, culture and budget in Sint Maarten.

On the Dutch side of the island, a 16 square mile area, you will be surprised by the breath-taking landscape, the colourful fauna, blue turquoise waters, beautiful white sand beaches, delicious food, and to top it off Duty Free and Tax Free shopping.

Whatever your Caribbean vacation desires, Sint Maarten has it for you. The listing of activities is just some of what there is to do on the island.

We at the Golden Book of Sint Maarten wish you a wonderful stay in Sint Maarten, the Gem of the Caribbean.

Besides Caribbean sunshine beaming on you during the day and a vibrant nightlife at night...Sint Maarten/St. Martin, both Dutch and French, offers a broad array of entertainment for everybody from singles, families, seniors to honeymooners.

Throughout the day, you can do almost anything from relaxing by your hotel, or lying on the white sand coral beach with a good book.

There are so many different activities available, there is one just for every interests, from horseback riding to snorkeling, Sonesta cave © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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the golden book sint maarten helmet diving andof snorkeling TREK ST. MAARTEN AND SEA TIKI HUT SNORKEL & RELAX

St. Maarten’s crystal blue waters are not only beautiful to look at; they are home to incredible color and life.There are many ways to experience our Big Blue Ocean…

The Tiki Hut Snorkel & Relax tour is designed for you to enjoy Your Day Your Way! The floating Tiki Hut is located in Little Bay – a scenic, sheltered and calm area where you can do what you want – when you want. Relax, snorkel or just float on a noodle while you enjoy a nice cold drink and freshly prepared food.

We also invite you to Take a Walk on the Wild Side and experience shipwrecks, historical canons, a sunken submarine and a variety of fish, corals and sea life with our Helmet Dive at Sea Trek Underwater Park… the safest and easiest way to experience the underwater world.

Experience the ocean with Sea Trek St. Maarten and Tiki Hut Snorkel & Relax.

For more information please call +1-721-520-2346/520-8180 or email us at info@seatrekstmaarten.com

Photo by Mike Szekely

Photo by J.Techera Photo by Mike Szekely

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simpson bay

The New Strip of Entertainment

Overlooking Simpson Bay and Cole Bay - Photo by Emile Cukier

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.

Super Yachts in Simpson Bay Lagoon © bcampbell65 /Shutterstock.com

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Beacht in Simpson Bay Lagoon © Travel Bug /Shutterstock.com

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simpson bay

The Simpson Bay Causeway completed - Photo by Emile Cukier

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 and the RBC 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.

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Simpson Bay beach Š jessicakirsh /Shutterstock.com

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simpson bay

Puerta del Sol Plaza - Photo by Emile Cukier

Puerta del Sol Plaza at Simpson Bay

Airport

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.

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, Cupecoy, Simpson Bay and Pelican.

Š Princess Juliana International Airport

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The Simpson Bay Bridge - Photo by Emile Cukier

© Nancy Hixson /Shutterstock.com

simpson bay

Š Media Publishing International N.V.

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maho village

Maho Reef Shopping and Dining Plaza

Maho Bay © ATGImages /Shutterstock.com

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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.

Maho Bay © Shackleford-Photography /Shutterstock.com

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, swimup 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.

Maho Village Main Road - Photo by Emile Cukier

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.

Maho Village - Photo by Emile Cukier

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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. tourism

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

cupecoy ‘the riviera’

Shopping Attraction & Entertainment Center

Porto Cupecoy entrance - Photo by Emile Cukier

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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 Marina - Photo by Emile Cukier

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

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.

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

Cupecoy Beach © BlueOrange Studio /Shutterstock.com

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cupecoy Blue Mall – Largest Indoor Shopping Center in Sint Maarten

Blue Mall is destined to be a landmark of architectural design and excellence, standing majestically atop Cupecoy on the southern tip of Simpson Bay Lagoon and offering luxurious residential and commercial space.

Expansive views of the Caribbean Sea and over the Cupecoy Yacht Club into Simpson Bay Lagoon are enhanced through the extensive use of floor to ceiling glass.

Blue Mall also features 36 luxury apartments; residing on the top two floors, select residences will offer both ocean and lagoon views and all will be completed in the finest finishes.

Blue Mall also features a 100,000 square foot of exclusive retail and commercial space which will accommodate the finest restaurants and luxury shops and is considered the largest indoor shopping mall on the island.

Sampling a tasty delicacy at a market café, pampering yourself at the salon or browsing some of the world’s finest diamonds is as simple as a short descent from your residence in the glass encased elevator or perhaps it’s a leisurely walk to the sand stone cliffs of Cupecoy Beach for a day of sun.

The Blue Mall - Photo by Emile Cukier

Mullet Bay Golf Course - Photo by Emile Cukier

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten st. maarten tourism bureau

Great Bay © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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

The 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 treasure still persist. Be that as it may, the island is certainly a treasure trove of history.

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.

NONSTOP ACTION THAT’S WORLD-CLASS

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

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, 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 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Dancing in Tantra Night Club © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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the goldentourism book ofbureau sint maarten st. maarten 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.

Horseback riding © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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

Food, delicious food! While our guests may argue the merits 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.

Jet Skiing © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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

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.

Mullet Bay beach © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

HORSEBACK RIDING

The island has several stables at which persons rent horses.

Arrangements for guided horseback tours can also be made at the stables.

BEACHES

Vacation on St. Maarten and the sand will always be between your toes. We have so many wonderful beaches. On the Dutch side, Cupecoy beach is picture-perfect. Mullet Bay and Maho Bay offer shimmering sands and family facilities.

Simpson Bay and Great Bay offer suntans and water sports.

Anywhere you travel, a beach is not far away.

Duty-free shopping © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Scuba diving © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

WATER SPORTS

The island offers excellent diving and snorkeling locations.

And with so many multicolored tropical fish, you’d think 90

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the golden book of sint maarten st. maarten tourism bureau Picasso had been painting them. Underwater visibility runs from 75–200 feet depending on conditions. Windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing have enjoyed rapid growth over recent years and instructors are usually available.

CHARTER FISHING

Charters, available for half or full-day hire, usually include tackle, bait, food, and refreshments. Your hotel will tell you where the best fishing is.

SAILING

Internationally renowned for hosting the famed Heineken Regatta and the 12-metre Challenge, St. Maarten fascinates boaters of all sorts with crystal blue waters, brisk trade winds, secluded beaches, and first-rate mariners’ services. St. Maarten also offers various yacht chartering services, from day trips to neighboring islands to sunset cruises boasting the best view of the island.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

One of the joys of vacationing in St. Maarten is that it is duty-free!

You can get many bargains because prices are among the lowest in the region. Certainly much less than prices you pay in the U.S. and Canada.The best places to shop on the Dutch side are Philipsburg’s Front Street and Old Street, Simpson Bay, and Maho village. Wherever you go, you’ll find clothing, leather goods, jewelry, gold, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, china, and crystals from around the world.

All famous brand names are well represented. St. Maarten

plays hosts to a number of fascinating art galleries and studios featuring the finest local, International and Caribbean works.

CASINOS

No vacation on this island is complete without a visit to one or more of our spectacular casinos. All are located on the Dutch side and are open from noon until 3 am.

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

U.S. citizens entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport or proof of U.S. citizenship, return travel tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds.

Canadian citizens entering St. Maarten for 14 days or less must bring: a valid passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Return travel tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds are also required.

United Kingdom citizens or British-protected persons entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport, return tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds.

Citizens of other countries should check with a travel agent or a St. Maarten Tourist Office on the appropriate documents necessary to enter St. Maarten.

AIRLINES

The island is serviced by a number of major carriers and charter flights.

Holland House Hotel view © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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the goldentourism book ofbureau sint maarten st. maarten

St. Maarten aerial photo © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

AIRPORT

BANKING HOURS

Flight Information: 1 (721) 545-5757 Information Desk: 1 (721) 545-4211

CURRENCY

Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Dutch side near Simpson Bay.

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.

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 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.

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8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Hours vary from bank to bank.) ATM machines are available throughout the island.

Dutch side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Antillian Guilders (Naf./Fls./ Ang.). One U.S. dollar equals approximately Naf.1.82 French side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Euros (€).

CLIMATE

Annual averages: Temperature - 80°; rainfall - 40”; water temperature - 78°

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).

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 São Paulo, 1,225 miles from Miami, 3,612 miles from Buenos Aires, and 4,314 miles from Amsterdam.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten st. maarten tourism bureau For more information, call your travel professional or the St. Maarten Tourist Offices:

Cupecoy beach © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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.

St. Maarten Vineyard Building W.G. Buncamper Road #33 Philipsburg, St. Maarten Phone: 1-721-542-2337 Fax: 1-721-542-2734 Website: www.vacationstmaarten.com

Argentina Calle Florida, 890 – 2nd Floor – Of. “G” C1005AAR - Buenos Aires, Argentina Phone: 54 11 4313 4400 Fax: 54 11 4313 4466

United States 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, NY 10017, USA Phone: 1-212-953-2084 Fax: 1-212-953-2145 1-800-ST. MAARTEN 1-800-786-2278

Brazil Av. Ipiranga 318 bl. A-5 Andar São Paulo – SP-CEP 01046-010 Brazil Phone: 55 11 3214 5588 Fax: 55 11 258 3575

Canada 703 Evans Avenue, Suite 106 Toronto, ONT M9C 5E9, Canada Phone: 1-416-622-4300 Fax: 1-416-622-3431

Boardwalk © St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

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the golden book of sint maarten medical tourism

The St. Maarten Medical Center - Photo by Emile Cukier

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edical tourism or health tourism is a term used to describe the rapidly growing practice of traveling across international borders to obtain health care well below what you would pay for in the United States, Canada or Europe.

Orthopedic and spinal surgeries are also common reasons for medical travel. These surgeries can be prohibitively expensive in some countries but they can have the surgery performed for a fraction of the amount.

Health care providers from the US and Europe also travel internationally to deliver health care.

Cosmetic surgery is also a reason for medical tourism, especially in nations where cosmetic procedures are not covered by private insurance or national health care plans.

Patients go abroad for everything from breast augmentation to face lifts and liposuction because the procedures are cheaper and in some cases, patients can get more unusual surgeries such as very large breast implants that are not available for safety reasons elsewhere.

Even with the cost of travel, medical tourists can save thousands of dollars on some procedures, or receive the procedure months or even years faster than they would in their home country.

Cardiac surgery is another driving factor behind medical travel. Cardiac surgery is one of the most expensive forms of surgery in the US, Canada and Europe, and it can be done much more cheaply.

Medical tourism is attracting more and more patients for high specialty services such as knee and hip replacements, cardiac care, spinal surgery, and bariatric procedures.

Over 50 countries have identified medical tourism as a national industry. However, accreditation and other measures of quality vary widely across the globe.

Dental care is one category of procedures that drives medical tourism. Patients travel abroad to receive crowns, to have full mouth reconstructions, to have dental implants, or even just to have dentures made.

Interests have been shown in developing wellness and medical tourism that would complement the existing tourism industry. More information will be provided as this sector slowly gets off the ground.

The destination country in a number of cases is less developed, but can still offer top of the line medical care services. The physicians and medical care staff working in medical tourism facilities are often highly qualified in many cases.

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book heineken of sint maarten st. maarten regatta

Serious Fun! Š Bob Greiser of Outside Images

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he Event

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will, in 2015 celebrate its 35th year of world class sailing and parties. Running from the 5th – 8th March the Island of Sint Maarten will once again welcome thousands of sailors and spectators to its shores for this uniquely Caribbean event. With over 30 years of success under its belt the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has developed a distinctive event combining competitive world class sailing with the famous parties that have sailors and spectators a like dancing in the sand with an ice cold Heineken in hand.When the rest of the world is dealing with snow and icy cold winds the Caribbean is enjoying warm trade winds and turquoise waters. With an average temperature of 25 ºC and a steady north easterly breeze the conditions are perfect. These conditions also help to make the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta a truly international event, with sailors coming from over 32 different countries all over the world.

This gives the Island of Sint Maarten the opportunity to be on the world stage and help promote it as a destination as well as an ideal sailing location.

The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Caribbean Racing at its Best Everyone can participate in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the level of racing has reached great heights and has met the levels of international racing standards in both monohull, as well as multi-hull racing.The competitive cruising class is also well represented, with participants who enjoy a more leisurely race. Furthermore, approximately 70 participating

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the goldenheineken book of regatta sint maarten st. maarten boats are chartered by individuals or companies and sail in the bare-boat division. This year El Ocaso took home the overall prize after hoisting the trophy for the 2nd time. Not to be missed in their matching blue Hawaiian shirts this team races hard and parties hard too, a perfect example of the Regattas motto ‘Serious Fun’.

On Tuesday March 4th the island was treated to the Budget Marine Match Racing cup, a pre-event dedicated to the top match racers of the world. With many of the match racers participating in the main regatta this is an ideal way for them to show off their world class skills in a contained but challenging environment. Held in the tricky and shifting conditions of the lagoon this is an ideal spectators sport which is hard to come by in sailing. Guests came aboard the spectator boat completely free of charge to check out the action. Eight teams battled it out this year to see Ukrainian sailor Radion Luka and his team take home the title.

On Thursday March 6th the Commodore’s Cup took place.

Sponsored by Gill for a number of years this event is an ideal opportunity for the spinnaker boats to shake loose the nerves and race competitively without the result going towards the main event. As one of the world’s leading sailing clothing manufacturers, Gill are an ideal sponsor for this preevent. With 50 boats entered theday of racing was a huge success and the organization is hoping to expand on this by opening up the event to all classes except lottery for the 2015 event.

© Tim Wright

© Tim Wright

followers, over 70 media representatives and hundreds of sailing enthusiasts make the trip to St. Maarten for the annual event. With all of these people making their way to the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta,it has an enormous financial spin-off on the local economy. The event contributes to an increase in revenue for many airline companies, car rental companies, hotels, the local bar and restaurant business, taxis and so forth as well as the local government and the airport which see an increase in taxprofits (turn-over tax) and collected departure tax.

The event also offers St. Maarten a large amount of local, regional and international media coverage throughout the year. The event is promoted in magazines such as Seahorse, Sail Magazine and Yachting World. All of this generates the much needed and vital publicity for the island as an appealing vacation destination.

Onshore Venues

With a title sponsor like Heineken, which has been a part of the Regatta since the inception, the onshore events are always something to look forward to. With party locations all over the island this is a great opportunity to experience the fantastic nightlife the island has to offer. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has a great track record in providing great artists and an atmosphere to die for every night of the regatta.

With artists such as Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, The Commodores and Red Foo and the Party Rock Crew revelers can party away with a cold Heineken in hand and sand between their toes.

© Jan Paul Heijmans and Bestway

Economic Impact

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has in recent years hosted approximately 2000 sailors originating predominantly from Europe, USA, the UK and the Caribbean region for the past couple of years. This year saw a massive influx of Russian sailors who travelled all the way to St. Maarten to experience the island and the Regatta. These sailors also bring their followers, which can be estimated at another 1000 extra visitors to the island. In addition to the sailors and their 96

With over 30 years of experience the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has established a standard that cannot be beaten, but which can only get better. Organizers are working year round to ensure that the next 30 years will continue to bring St. Maarten, her beaches, culture, food and fun to the entire world through the sport of sailing.

Sailor or non-sailor, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an experience that you have to cross off your bucket list!

For more details please contact the Regatta Office at regatta2@heinekenregatta.com or visit the website www.heinekenregatta.com

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

french saint-martin

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aint-Martin is a friendly and authentic small island, surrounded by 37 white sandy beaches, turquoise water, cradled by the beautiful Caribbean sun.

The Friendly Island is known for its picturesque landscapes and its captivating nights but also for its charming inhabitants.

This fame is also due to the coexistence of France and the Netherlands on 75 km2, in perfect harmony.

The French side is in the North and depends on the overseas country of France. The Dutch side is pegged to the group of Netherlands. In recent years both sides’ statuses have evolved allowing them more freedom to collaborate with their counterparts and giving them more control over local issues.The most common languages spoken on the island are French, English, Creole, Spanish and Dutch.

© Horizon Bleu

the golden of sint maarten thebook neighbouring islands

island alive night and day. Despite the success of tourism, the island has preserved its authentic Creole charms: natural islets, colored wooden houses, mountains walks, all in a beautiful protected area. Carnival, Christmas or Easter are part of traditions. Melodies and dances with traditional costumes, parades, glitters and feathers, all together on the sweet rhythm of the Caribbean music.

The island invites visitors to experience what we call the “Friendly Island”, for an unforgettable stay.

This small tropical island invites visitors to float in the Atlantic Ocean on the east side, and sip a cocktail in the Caribbean Sea in the west side, with many different water sports such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing or diving.

Saint-Martin welcomes guests for an unforgettable stay, in an amazing melting pot, where more than 70 nationalities live together. The traditional craft market welcomes visitors everyday, where they meet very talented local artists. Grand Case, the culinary capital offers typical and local cuisine but also French gourmet restaurants with varied atmospheres: festive, romantic, local etc. Marigot, which is the Capital of the French side, is ideal for shopping, relaxation and refreshment.

Pic Paradis, the highest peak of the island is famous for its natural activities and its wonderful rain forest.

Music has a precious place in Saint-Martin, soca, zouk, reggae, salsa but also soul and jazz that are the sounds that keep the The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

© Horizon Bleu

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the golden book of sint maarten french saint-martin Topography

One can enjoy the many bays and creeks along the shores of Saint-Martin where several water sports can be enjoyed. Pic Paradis, the highest summit culminates at 424 metres (1392 feet) in the centre of the island.

Simpson Bay lagoon, one of the largest within the Caribbean, is an ideal place for water sports boat trips and special cruises.

Climate

Average temperatures vary between 66 and 82° F in January and between 72 and 89° F in July. The most important rains occur between August and November of each year and the drought is serious during February, March and April.

Flora

Beaches

37 beaches of white sand, each one with its own charm and beauty, wild islets and coral reefs.

Art

If many international artists have migrated to Saint-Martin in search of new sensations, the native painters of the Caribbean and of the island undoubtedly hold the island heritage through a combination of the genuine values of the Caribbean islands in their works.

Roland Richardson has a gift for grasping nature as a whole and deeply seizing environment. This Saint-Martin artist understands that the subject appeals to you and not the other way around; that is why he tries to go far beyond personal expectations and respect nature’s gifts and offerings.

The island is covered with a variety of tropical flowers which make the landscape a delight to look at. The thicker forest occupies the more mountainous areas.

In Saint-Martin, art is linked to collective life and the artist expresses the surrounding energies, namely the beauty of the scenery, the glistening of colors and the variety of lights.

Fauna

Although the island has experienced a galloping development toward urbanization, the work of the artists continues to restore the very essence of the Caribbean world through an original luxuriant nature. Saint-Martin will live, breathe and rise thanks to their talent.

Many pelicans, herons, aigrettes, waders and gulls live around the salt ponds and one can easily see mongooses crossing the streets, lizards, iguanas and turtles along the trails. Humming birds and sugar birds are common in the gardens.

Lodging

Diversity is the word by which one could describe lodging on Saint-Martin. The island offers a great variety of places that accommodate visitors from the world around throughout the year. The choice of hotels is wide, unique in the Caribbean and covers numerous sites, styles, sizes and moods according to the taste of the clients. On the beach side or up on the hillside to discover the magnificent views, close to the shopping centres or facing the splendour of the Caribbean, sports and leisure lovers will find a wide variety of activities they can practice, whereas lovers of Caribbean mildness will appreciate the charm and the calm of the more intimate places.

Whatever the size or style of the hotel, the owners are professional, strict and concerned about preserving a great quality of equipment and services, they have an innate sense of reception and this Caribbean kindness distinctive of the friendly island.

For approximately 20 years the Hotel Association in SaintMartin has grouped together the main and best hotels of the French side. The hotels being a part of this association enjoy experience and skill, on this account, you can trust them for your stay in Saint-Martin. The hotel manager is a host who can guide you for gastronomy, in organizing your leisure, tell you about the traditions and customs of the island and also in turn initiate you to the mild Caribbean nonchalance.

Our binding character is one of happiness, each one is convinced that our hosts are first of all friends and everyone would like you to fall in love with Saint-Martin and welcome you to Paradise!

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten french saint-martin Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin (Head Office) Route de Sandy Ground, 97150 SAINT-MARTIN Tel: 0590 87 57 21 Fax: 0590 87 56 43 E-mail: contact@iledesaintmartin.org Website: www.st-martin.org Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin (Europe) 54, rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Tel: +33 (0)1 53 29 99 99 Fax: +33 (0)1 42 96 15 16 E-mail: contact@iledesaintmartin.org Website: www.st-martin.org Escritorio de Turismo de Saint-Martin (South America) Cap Amazon, Rua Cristiano Viana, 1126 - Pinheiros Sao Paulo, SP - CEP 05411 - 002, Brazil Tel: (11) 4508 8465 E-mail: america@st-martin.org

© Horizon Bleu

© Media Publishing International N.V.

© Media Publishing International N.V.

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the sabagolden book of sint maarten

It’s a little adventure... © Cees Timmers Photography - www.tvc-advertising.com

Saba - It’s a little adventure...

An emerald island in an aquamarine sea. Far from the cares of the modern world. Seductive. Unforgettable. This is Saba. Once you’ve visited our island, you’ll understand that there’s nothing else like it in the world. A paradise for divers and hikers, and for those who seek only rest. An island where time stands still. Hike to Saba’s highest point, Mount Scenery, nearly nine hundred metres (3,000 feet) above the Caribbean Sea, its slopes clothed in lush, verdant woods. A veil of cloud mist often drapes the summit. Unlock Saba’s treasures. Its stunningly beautiful natural habitat and fabulous underwater world have long been cherished by its islanders, as they will be cherished by you. So if you’re looking for luxury hotels, shopping districts, discos, casinos and amusement parks, please pass us by. On Saba, only unspoiled nature awaits you.

Getting around on Saba

No matter how you arrive on Saba, on the island there’s only one road to travel. Travelling by taxi along “the road that couldn’t be built” brings you to your destination within twenty minutes. The road begins at Fort Bay harbour and ends at the airport’s spectacular landing strip. On your way you’ll find out what it means to travel back in time. No one’s in a hurry. The taxi driver is busy greeting friends and making small talk with everyone who passes by. The houses are pleasingly uniform, their architecture harmonious.

‘The Unspoiled Queen’

Saba has a population of only 1400, so the island’s surface of 13 square kilometers (5 square miles) is scarcely inhabited.

The people of Saba proudly refer to their island as “The Unspoiled Queen.” Imagine an island largely untouched by the 21st century, with the year-round climate of your dreams.

Imagine landscapes that resemble those encountered by the earliest explorers. Lush, pristine, mysterious, alluring. English is the principal language spoken on Saba and our islanders will make you feel at home every minute of the day.

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© Cees Timmers Photography - www.tvc-advertising.com

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The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

the golden book of sint maarten saba You’ll stay in one of the four small and charming villages.

Saba is a magical place for scuba diving, hiking, eco-touring and (not surprisingly) honeymooning. The people of Saba are happy to recommend the best ways to experience the island.

And everyone seems to have a different idea, so you’ll have no shortage of things to do. Ask for a map at the tourist office in Windwardside. Check the events calendar to be sure that your “things to do” list is complete. And don’t forget that fewer than 25,000 tourists visit Saba each year.

Those who do, treat the island with respect. Even though Saba has modern facilities and technology, the focus of the island is nature and conservation. So add Saba to your list of eco-tour destinations.

Climbing Mount Scenery

Follow the trail and be sure not to miss any of the 1,064 steps that form Saba’s “stairway to heaven.” Start your trip early in the morning in Windwardside. Climbing Mount Scenery is one of the principal attractions of Saba, an adventure you’ll never forget. Visitors are advised, however, that because of the altitude and the demands of the climb, only those in peak physical condition should attempt the trek. Good hiking boots are recommended as well as sunblock/ sunscreen, and a raincoat. Last but not least: be sure to take plenty of water with you.

that you’re in heaven as you gaze over the island. Observe the unique transition from cloud forest to secondary rainforest, and in the distance the isles of Saint Kitts and Saint Eustatius.

A tour guide (optional) will be happy to answer your questions about Saba’s abundant flora and fauna. There’s much to see so be sure to pack a camera! The Mount Scenery forest is an example of the evergreen mountain forests characteristic of tropical areas, where local climatic conditions include cloud and mist formation, especially around mountain peaks such as that of Mount Scenery. The island supports ecosystems of distinctive floristic and structural form and contains a disproportionately large number of the world’s endemic and threatened species.

Nature Trails & Walks

Hikers from all over the world are attracted to Saba. The island features a network of trails, carefully marked and maintained. Some are designed for easy trekking, others require a guide, enriching the experience through a greater appreciation of Saba’s botany and history. Everyone can hike to the trail-head then into Saba’s rain-forest, tide pools, historic ruins and rich nature wonderland. Even a walk along Saba’s winding road will lead you through many breathtaking and memorable views.

© Cees Timmers Photography - www.tvc-advertising.com

Mount Scenery 877 metres (2877 feet) is not only the highest mountain on the island, it is the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.The trail is well defined and has stone steps conveniently placed every few metres. Hikers are advised to travel together and to pay attention to all signage. When you reach the summit, indulge yourself in the breathtaking view. The volcano crater contains a rain-forest jungle of ferns, tropical flowers and mahogany trees You’ll feel The Golden Book of Sint Maarten

Diving

Saba is a volcanic island that rises steeply from the ocean.

Lava tunnels and hot springs remind divers of the island’s dramatic origins. Depths of 300 metres (1,000 feet) and more are found within almost a kilometer/half a mile of the shore. The near shore environs offer very interesting and extremely varied diving, while the offshore dives will leave you absolutely speechless. A busy population of colourful

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the sabagolden book of sint maarten tropical fish as well as large groupers and jacks inhabit the waters around Saba.Along the edge of Saba’s sheer wall dives, divers can sight turtles and rays of all shapes and sizes. The small leeward side hosts gentle, medium-depth, spur- andgroove formations.

Saba Marine Park

Saba Marine Park was established in 1987 with permanent moorings, regulations for its use and maintenance and a very positive attitude toward conservation. At the time very few divers knew about Saba.Then its legend grew.Those who visit will encounter undamaged reef life, a pristine environment appreciated both by locals and by divers.

Impressed by the effort and achievement of creating the park, the Dutch navy donated a four-person hyperbaric chamber, operated by Saba Marine Park staff and by volunteers from the dive shops. All dive operations abide by the rules of the park and benefit from its ongoing research and education programs. Weekly slide shows entertain and inform divers of Saba’s special marine life. Saba’s marine park has received several honours and remains one of the few parks of its kind in the world to be completely self sufficient in its operation.

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The marine park surrounds the entire island and includes the waters and seabed from the high-water mark down to a depth of 60 meters (200 feet) as well as offshore sea-mounts.

A zoning system has been applied to achieve the best possible compromise between different uses of the marine environment. Since the island is small, dive boats can reach all sites within minutes. Saba’s beauty extends below the waterline into an exciting marine environment rich in corals and active Diving with fish life.

Shopping

Saba Lace a.k.a. Spanish work is one of the island’s most popular purchases and can be found at various gift shops around the island.A large selection is also available along with the island’s famous liqueur “Saba Spice” at the Saba Artisan Boutique in The Bottom, Tel: 599-416-3260.

Economic Affairs

The Dutch Government Ministry of Economic Affairs will contribute to a prosperous, sustainable and enterprising economy of Saba in an open global economy. This entails that companies receive more and more room to engage in entrepreneurial activities and innovation. Focus will also be on clean energy, maintaining postal services, a secure, safe and

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Š Cees Timmers Photography - www.tvc-advertising.com

reliable telecommunications sector. The Dutch Government also favors a business climate that is competitive and attractive internationally.

Currency

As of January 1, 2011, the US Dollar was introduced as the official currency of Saba replacing the Netherlands Antilles Guilder.

Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce in Saba has opened their new office at: Windwardside Saba, Dutch Caribbean Contact Person: Mrs. Alida Heilbron Tel.: 599-416-2554 Email: coc.saba@gmail.com Website: www.statiasabachamber.com

The system used for immigration control is the Foreigner Management System (FMS). Applications for admission and a work permit are based on the one-stop counter system in order to ensure speedy and professional service.

Labour Related Matters

The Dutch Government Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) has assisted the Island Government with the following matters: minimum wage, labour permits, complaints about wages, holiday regulations, working hours, field safety inspections, and illegal accommodation including of foreign employees. The RCN is responsible for carrying out these matters on the island. Those seeking information and assistance should contact the aforementioned office.

Tax and Customs

The Dutch Ministry of Finance Tax and Customs Administration will be responsible for levying, checking and collecting taxes and premiums. The aforementioned will also issue refunds. The administration will supervise the import, export and transit of goods, and supervise the compliance with tax laws and regulations.

Tax System

A simplified tax system will be introduced based on Saba’s own characteristics as a small island with less than 2000 persons. The system will be service and customer oriented under one roof offering entrepreneurs and investors a onestop shop policy.

For more information about Saba, The Unspoiled Queen, please contact the tourism office below.

Immigration

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) are now responsible for the admission and deportation of aliens on behalf of the Dutch Minister of Justice. A close working relationship exists between the IND and the Saba Population Affairs Desks, Saba Department of Labour Affairs, the Police Force and other authorities. The IND coordinates matters with the Royal Military Constabulary.

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Tourism

Saba Tourist Bureau P.O. Box 527, Windwardside, Saba, Dutch Caribbean Tel.: 599-416-2231 / 2322 Fax: 599-416-2350 E-mail: tourism@sabagov.nl Website: www.sabatourism.com

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© Alexander Brittel – Caribbeam Journal

T

he town of Oranjestad is a winding, cobblestonecovered collection of mostly 18th century Dutch colonial buildings and scattered small homes.

There are just a few black-sand beaches, one on the Caribbean side and another on the rough currents of the Atlantic, none of note, though.

On a sunny Saturday, its stony streets have a certain opaque gleam. They are mostly empty.

Statia, then, is a rarity in the Caribbean: a place untouched by tourism, the region’s largest economic driver, but also by development. It is a blank slate, an empty canvas.

If you squint for a moment, you can see something else — a few outdoor cafes; a street trumpeter; a few tourists taking snapshots of the old walls; the hum of an art gallery.

You don’t see these things, because this town, and the island of St. Eustatius, has yet to be discovered.

While it’s just a 20-minute flight from St. Maarten, with five regular flights each day on regional carrier Winair, this island of around 4,000 people is not yet a tourism destination in any significant way.

It has the elements of one: crystal clear waters perfect for diving; a group of green small mountains ready to be hiked; a beautiful stretch called Gallows Bay that’s home to the island’s top hotel; the aforementioned, vast potential of the town of Oranjestad; and that quality so sought after in today’s world: quiet.

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Is it a full-fledged tourism destination? Not yet. In strict tourism terms, it needs a few more high-quality hotels, more restaurants, more attractions.

The island’s top hotel, the Old Gin House, is currently planning an expansion. So what’s next for the Caribbean’s undiscovered island?

Statia’s Director of Tourism, Charles Lindo, has made it clear the island wants its tourism to develop in a sustainable way, as all Caribbean destinations should.

This past week, the island held its third annual Statia Sustainable Conference, looking to gather ideas on how to bring itself forward and develop this nascent industry.

But driving and traveling the island last week reminded me of

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ScubAqua Beach © St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation

© St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation

a frequent point of contention in the Caribbean, something that strikes a chord with citizens, politicians and travelers alike: What is the right way to develop the Caribbean?

Often, travelers want places to be quiet, with untouched beaches, few tourists and small-scale hotels.

But that can be selfish, too: does not a lack of “development” also hinder the economic development of the very people who live there?

Then, of course, the people who live there may not want the change that comes with economic development.

Is there away to unite these competing factions? The thought that came to my mind, walking the streets of Oranjestad, was this: forget about the question of development. Forget about the question of tourism.

© Alexander Brittel – Caribbeam Journal

and boarded up brick buildings, has amazing potential.

Not as a destination, but as a place. It has the potential to be a great town, a great small city. A micro-hub of culture, arts and music.

And if you make a place great — if you make it a great place to live for the people who live here, you make it a great place to visit.

Indeed — making Statia into a great destination and developing Statia are not mutually exclusive.

So right now, the overwhelming character of Statia is not as a secret tourism destination. Not yet.

It’s an incredible opportunity.

By Alexander Britell

This old colonial town, with its empty cobblestone streets

© Alexander Brittel – Caribbeam Journal

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© Alexander Brittel – Caribbeam Journal

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the golden book of sint maarten saint barthelemy

The Art of Being an Island

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any people have heard of it, but aren’t sure exactly where it is. They know it’s an island, someplace in the Antilles archipelago. Do they imagine it to be hip and sophisticated, or more authentic, discreet, and laid back? This tiny rock, smaller and less populated than many villages in the French countryside, has few resources other than its charm, its perpetual sunshine, the underwater wealth of its Marine Park, and its protected landscapes.

© Comité du Tourisme de Saint-Barthélémy

Local Life and Heritage

An island that has been populated for only a few hundred years and prosperous only in the past few decades, Saint Barthélemy has maintained elements from its past, such as a pride in its origins, an authentic simplicity, and an open mindedness toward visitors from all other cultures.

Caribbean influences have blended harmoniously with colonial traditions to create a singular identity that continues

And of course, the island is an excellent tourist destination: one of the most varied and upscale, with villas, hotels, spas, some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, a wide choice of leisure activities and nautical sports, prestigious sailing regattas, a full calendar of cultural events, and the irresistible allure of great shopping…

From Christopher Columbus To The Present

From its discovery in 1493 to its evolution as a French Overseas Collectivity on July 15, 2007, Saint Barthélemy was at various times under the rule of Spain, France, England, Sweden… and a refuge for fortune seekers of all nationalities.

Definitively French as of March 16, 1878, the island’s multicultural background is reflected in its open attitude toward visitors from all four corners of the globe.

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© Comité du Tourisme de Saint-Barthélémy

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the golden booksaint of sint maarten barthelemy to thrive on an island that strives to protect its environment.

Euro and US Dollar.

Architecture: Past and Present Historic buildings, traditional houses, and contemporary architecture rarely coexist in such a harmonious manner as in Saint Barthélemy, where typical Creole style and local materials freely inspire the most prestigious villas.

And where controlled development has preserved the harmony and serenity of coastal villages, as well as hillsides on the interior of the island’s landscape.

Currency

Electricity

220 volts/60Hz. Most hotels and villas have 220V/110V transformers.

Water

Saint Barthélemy is a dry island without a natural source of fresh drinking water. City water is provided through desalination of ocean water.

Immigration

Identity papers and visas Citizens of the European Union must have valid passports.

© Comité du Tourisme de Saint-Barthélémy

Island Geography

At a distance of 8,500 km from Paris and 2500 km from New York, this small island floats in the Caribbean Sea at 17°55 North and 62°5 West. If the island of Saint Barthélemy, also known as Saint Barth, seems miniscule with its 25 square kilometers of rugged terrain, the most recent census revealed that there are 8,398 residents, or 335 residents per km2.

Citizens of the United States and Canada must have a valid passport as well as a return ticket or proof of continuation of travel. The passport must be valid for more than three months from the date of entry to Saint Barth. No other visa or paperwork is necessary for a stay of less than or equal to 90 days.

Citizens of other countries, except Brazil, must have a valid passport and a tourist visa provided by the French Embassy or Consulate closest to their home.

For more information about St. Barth, please contact:

Considered one of the oldest volcanic islands in the Lesser Antilles chain, its dry, rocky soil does not lend itself to agriculture. But its jagged coastline encircled with sparkling white sand makes the island one of the hottest vacation spots, aside from the large tourist destinations.

Comité du Tourisme de Saint-Barthélémy 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

Neighborhoods

The mountainous landscape of the island determined the creation of distinct neighborhoods, some of which encompass a beach, others offer a perfect little harbor for fishermen, or embrace the interior charm of the island. It wasn’t that long ago that the absence of roads and transportation made communication between villages difficult other than by boat, thus allowing each neighborhood to develop its own particular character.Whether one is looking for peacefulness or a lot of activity, someplace picturesque or unspoiled, there is always a neighborhood in Saint Barthélemy that suits the mood of the moment.

Weather

The air temperature only varies between 80°F in the winter and 86°F in the summer, or as high as 90°F in July and August, while ocean temperatures can rise as high as 86°F in the summer.

Languages

French. English widely spoken.

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© Comité du Tourisme de Saint-Barthélémy

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the golden book advertiser’s indexof sint maarten

© EQRoy /Shutterstock.com

ACE HOME CENTER................................... 43

GULF INSURANCE...................................... 74

RENTTASOUND........................................... 30

AIR ST. MAARTEN / LET’S TRAVEL.......... 79

HARRIGAN EXTERMINATING SERVICES......................................................... 83

SATEL N.V......................................................102

ANTEK......................................................... 3, 13 AUTO BOSCH............................................... 16 BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA......................... 37 BUILDERS PARADISE................................... 44 CARIBBEAN GRILLED FLAVOURS.......... 80 CARIBBEAN HOTEL.................................... 69 CARIBTECH................................................... 81 CARIBTRANS................................................ 27 CENTRAL BANK OF CURACAO & ST. MAARTEN............................................. 35 CONNECTING WAVES.............................. 80 COTTON COOL.......................................... 20 DE CROC TAXI SERVICES.......................... 18 DESK’OUNT.................................................. 81 DESSIREE FASHION GLAM........................ 64 DOUBLE DECKER........................................ 66 DUZON’S CATERING SERVICE............... 11 ELLE-SI-BELLE................................................. 16 FRICO AIR CONDITIONING................... 83 FUN ADVENTURES...................................... 78 FURNITURE 4 U............................................ 70 GEBE........................................................... 57-59 GIBSON & ASSOCIATES, LAW OFFICES................................................ 41

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HASSELL’S AUTO ZONE............................ 18 HVAC SOLUTIONS...................................... 81 ICC CARGO.................................................. 52 INTERNATIONAL LIQUOR & TOBACCO TRADING N.V........................ 5 KWIK BARGAINS / KWIK IDEAS............ 68 LEONARD ENTERPRISE N.V..................... 23 LEVTECH......................................................... 17 LICCOM.......................................................... 69 LOOKING GOOD....................................... 17 LUCKY WHOLESALE.................................. 69 MAN GEORGE AUTO REPAIR & CAR WASH................................................. 17 MNA DISTRIBUTORS.................................. 84 NO REST AGENCIES N.V............................ 18 ORCO BANK................................................ 37 PORT ST. MAARTEN.............................. 50-56 PRESTIGIOUS GIFTS & GEMS................... 67 PRINCESS CASINO........................................... ..................................... INSIDE BACK COVER PRINCESS JULIANA INT’L. AIRPORT..........46-49, BACK COVER PROFPAC......................................................... 84

SEA TREK ST. MAARTEN / TIKI HUT....... 76 SHTA................................................................. 39 SOL.......................... INSIDE FRONT COVER ST. MAARTEN CABLE TV............................ 71 ST. MAARTEN ELECTRIC CENTER.......... 84 ST. MAARTEN FLOWERS............................ 14 ST. MAARTEN OPTICAL............................. 16 ST. MAARTEN ZOO..................................... 70 SUPER JEWELERS.......................................... 65 TACKLING ASSURANCES.......................... 98 TELEM GROUP........................................60, 61 TERMINIX....................................................... 85 THE DAILY HERALD..............................31, 32 THE PRO ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL INSTALLER N.V.......... 21 TIREMAXX...................................................... 31 TONY’S AIRCONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION SERVICES................... 32 TONY’S PRINTING SHOP......................... 19 TOTAL SERVICES.......................................... 20 TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT CENTER........................................................... 42 VLAUN............................................................. 72 WINDWARD EXPRESS AIRWAYS N.V.... 15 The Golden Book of Sint Maarten