St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2015 IN THE SPOTLIGHT ANASTACIO BAKER

CONTENT: -Foreword by the President…………………………………………………………..................2 -Our Economy Part 2- The Elephant in the room………….…………………………….3 - Why is gossip so much more powerful than real news today?…….…………….6 -Spotlight on Anastacio Baker…………………………………………………………………...8 -Business Profile of the Month………………………….……………………………………….9 -Employee Profile of the Month……………………………………………….………………10 -COCI Highlights……………………………………………………………………….……………..11 -St. Maarten Tourism Product …………………………………………………………………12 -COCI advices and remarks: Flag Etiquette …………………………………………………………………………………………13 Newspaper headlines and Articles that make you go Hmmmmm……….……...14 -Upcoming Event………………………………………………………………………....................14 -COCI Services…………………………………………………………………………………………15

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

Foreword by the President

has a dual function, as apart from being the commercial registry for the country, COCI also undertakes activities in many formats to aid and support economic development in Sint Maarten. COCI whilst working towards enhancement of its product throughout the year has also undertaken collaborations with stakeholders aimed at economic development. COCI and its partners work to achieve a better business climate, required to attract investors to the country. COCI believes that its critical stances taken must serve as an encouraging tool to businesses and entrepreneurs so that a continued improvement of products and services can be realized. Highlighting areas of improvement permits entities to timely reassess and reformat business approaches so sustainability of businesses can be enhanced and as an end result the most enhanced customer experience. In its newsletter of October, 2015 COCI highlighted INSEL AIR. We are most happy to report that following our article a very constructive meeting was conducted with Mr. Heerenveen of INSEL AIR, on the request of INSEL AIR. In this open dialogue we explained the objective of our article. We acknowledged that as with all businesses INSEL AIR and COCI both have challenges to overcome and must continuously work towards a better product, and from that common departure point were able to obtain a re-affirmation of INSEL AIR that this company is committed to St. Maarten and committed to further enhancement of its product and services to our consumers. The quote is of the month chosen prior to this meeting is so befitting as this quote describes best the basis for the promise made by INSEL AIR not address issues and enhance customer care. The response of INSEL AIR to COCI and the commitment to the Country is what COCI qualifies as the continued effort that counts and which will bring ultimate success. COCI shall continue to highlight certain ills, based on experiences of its members and/or that of consumers in the hope that entities will bring positive change when faced with constructive criticism. We hope you enjoy this edition of our Newsletter. The President.

2

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

The Elephant in the room

Source: elephant pic: http://tapoueh.org/ Source: NV GEBE pic: http://www.nvgebe.com/contact-us/

On a daily basis the business community is impacted negatively by many factors, which we in fact condone or permit to continue. Even though the complaints are voiced daily, we must wonder if our words uttered are just intended to be hot air and part of an ongoing conversation. Is there real action placed behind those complaint to bring about a change. In many settings the dissatisfaction with the performance of our utility company is uttered. These are nice words used to describe the very aggressive tones often used when left without current or appliances burnt in the process. One would think that after being in existence for decades NV GEBE would have found a way to provide continuous service to the country. A visit to the website of the company suggests such a capability. NV GEBE presents a state of the art power system, with a power plant for a reliable power generation. A fast glance over these words does create the impression of an entity capable 3

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

of generating reliable power through its state of the art power system. At a closer look NV GEBE does not try to indicate that it is capable of distributing and so delivering that reliable power generated through its power system to the consumers. None of the words on the website relate to the distribution of power on which we all depend. So NV GEBE is not conducting false advertisement on its capabilities, it is in fact quite truthful to us the general public in admitting that it can generate reliable power. Can implies a capability to do yet does not automatically result in the execution of that capability. In order for us to assess the true issue with the poor provisioning of power in St. Maarten, which by no means can be qualified as reliable power, we look at the reasons for the failure of power distribution. Most peculiar are: Rodents: We live in a Caribbean country and have all learned how to keep rodents out of our homes. NV GEBE however seems to have been saddled with our successful ban of rodents from our homes as many failures/outages were blamed on these creatures. Generator: Generator problems were also to blame for the many outages, even after investment was done through acquisition of new generators or at least larger capacity generators. Did we indeed acquire the generators that could support an ever growing population and increasing electricity demand, or was the forecasting done incorrectly? Preventive maintenance structurally executed should at least redress the rodent issue, but also the generator issues. So why is it that NV GEBE has yet to master its power system in maximizing its potential to generate reliable power and its distribution system to the consumers? Is it that NV GEBE more focused on mastering its billing and disconnections capabilities and has yet to tend to the power generation and distribution? The many outages, now called load shedding, are not just an inconvenience they are costly and hamper business operations. If as a business owner you were not able to install a generator as a back-up power supply for your business, your operation will be halted many a day, sometimes multiple days in the month but in any event every single month of the year. Establishments loose customers who are not willing to sit out a load-shedding period with a business owner. As a tourism destination we invite tourists to the Island, yet many of the smaller hotels and hotel boutiques see even their return customers departing because of the many outages in any one week. So precious investment dollars go wasted, as without utilities not even the nicest room and the best customer service are considered. Workers sit idle, waiting on electricity and/or water to return and are anything but productive. Apart from the loss of revenues and the operational expenses many business owners face the costs for replacement of appliances as well. NV GEBE mastered yet another skill and that is to exclude its liability. So whilst it is more plausible that poor fore-sighting, planning and maintenance is at the core of NV GEBE’ failure, this failure is causing immense damage to business operations daily. NV GEBE is also stimulated to continue down this path as there are no penalties for its failures. Has the Government ever made an actual assessment on the loss of revenues by businesses and so a loss of tax income for the Government to understand the true impact of NV GEBE on our economy? One would think not as through the years not much has been undertaken to ensure that NV GEBE starts providing service of standard it so aggressively and costly collects for.

4

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

The Government claims not to be able to issue directives to NV GEBE because of the at armslength functioning of government owned companies in relation to Government. This may be so, however the Government is obligated to ensure the due provisioning of power to the population. NV GEBE merely executes this task. That the performance and growth of the company seems not to be the most important focal point of the company may be derived from the fact that al internal woes of this company, are placed on public display. In so many ways this simply underscores why this entity is not able to perform a decent and acceptable standard of utilities provisioning. None of the antics of Management and/or the Board of Directors diminish the negative impact on our economy, and that is all the business sector is really interested in. In fact the responsibility of a proper performance of this company does not only lay with the Government (oversight body) or its Management (daily executioners), but also with its Supervisory Board of Directors, these supervisors all responsible by law for a proper functioning of the company. Whilst pointing out the failures of Government, Supervisory Board of Directors and Management of NV GEBE, we must also acknowledge our failure as a business community and population in this regard. We all literally run diligently every month to pay high bills, which never reflect the outages suffered in a given month. Outages do not affect the monthly consumption so it seems as we continue to pay high bills even when we have not enjoyed the electricity. We do not question this, and we permit the practice to continue. No credits are issued, however disconnection occurs in a nondiscriminatory manner. Whilst we can continue this article with highlights on meter issues, failed meter readings, meter tampering etc. we have addressed the elephant in the room. This article must serve as a departure point for actions to be undertaken by Government and NV GEBE, due to pressure from the business community and population at large, result in the delivery of reliable electricity to the consumers in Sint Maarten.

Quote of the Month “Success is not final Failure is not fatal It is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill. 5

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

GOSSIP THEN versus GOSSIP NOW

Source:

There are so many things we take for granted, accept or tolerate these days that we fail to realize how much we have changed; the latter not for the better.

over time and influenced by perceptions of persons who undertake the transfer of that information are never the same at the end of the chain. Gossip was qualified as a shameful and dangerous act for that reason. Idle gossip is a concept that developed out of the sentiment that this was not something done by all, but a petty few.

Gossip used to be a shameful act one would not want to be caught in. Gossiping was mostly done in a secretive manner and in a low voice. The first known use of this word dates back to 16271and describes the act in which the personal life of others is discussed. Whilst gossip may on the long run proof to have some truthful aspects, this fact does not make gossip the truth. Gossip is also a relay of information taken out of context or placed in a certain context to capture the interest of others, to secure their continued participation in the act or simply to cause harm and pain. Misconstrued information is never the truth, no matter how long and often we repeat it. The whispered words carried

1

Knowing that one must wonder why gossip has now developed into this powerful news format that sets aside real news daily? Considering that real news is an investigative product that can be substantiated by documentation and research, that can be verified and that contains multiple sides of the story one must wonder why gossip which is never truly verified, or mostly not verifiable, often misconstrued information or even fabricated information is believed over real news.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gossip[1]

6

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

Is it because gossip does not require investigation and verification? Is it because the manner in which the gossip is distributed it is difficult to pin point the person responsible? Or maybe it’s simply the go to tool because harm and damage can be caused without any exposure or liability. In this age of social media gossip has found and excellent transportation medium, with a reach far greater than real news published in traditional media formats. Is this media form the reason why gossip is so powerful? That the media form needs to be considered an attribute is a given, however the power of gossip comes from a change in principles and values. Gossip is no longer perceived to be a shameful act, it is no longer a whispered communication, it is an in your face, harsh merciless, and accepted communication

form. Important and confidential information is now whispered so some information can remain personal. Given that we will never have all the information on a person, gossiping on a person is always a fractured, perception of the one gossiping, and so does not bare truth. Yet repeated gossip becomes fact in our world because it is so easily transmitted and absorbed and it feeds a need within many. A need to learn that others are worse off than us, that others struggle or misfortune is upon them. In fact the saying: “Do on to others as you would have others do on to you” has long been left behind. The power of gossip over real news is not in the medium used, but is created by a departure from principles and values. Tales are fact and facts become tales.

7

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

ANASTACIO BAKER

On Saturday November 14th 2015, Mr. Anastacio Baker received the YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TOURISM AWARD. Mr. Baker known for his calm, determined and no nonsense demeanor is one of our own. This award extended to Mr. Baker duly underscores his scholastic and business achievements, but far more his personality, perseverance and dedication which have made him the successful professional he is today. Mr. Baker serves as an excellent example for our youth, the role model much needed to day to stimulate young St. Maarteners that through hard work any goal set can be achieved. In an age where so much negativity is focused on we must counter that with positivity, for it is positivity that enables true success. This is the time to boost and place the spotlight rightfully and well deservingly on Mr. Baker, who through his work as a Board member of the Chamber of Commerce continues to contribute towards the economy of this Island in a positive and professional way. Whilst Mr. Bakers’ parents are proud of the achievement of their son, as St. Maarteners we must all draw from this story that we have capable, honest and humble young St. Maarten professionals who can and will take this country to the next level! Congratulations to OUR MR. BAKER.

8

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE OF THE MONTH 37 SQUARE MILES SXM

37 Square Miles SXM was established back in 2011 by student and entrepreneur Shawn York as a clothing apparel company based on St. Maarten/ St. Martin. In recent years the apparel brand has grown and expanded and its popularity is positioned to continue to climb. Printed in red, white and blue, a simple concept and phrase that was able to capture the hearts and imagination of the people on the island. The 37 Square Miles series has even spawned a succession series of shirts titled “Sunshine City SXM” another moniker the island is famously known for. 37 Square Mile SXM’s mission statement is “Embracing and promoting culture through fashion and art”. The company aims to be the top apparel line on the island that represents the culture and heritage of St. Maarten/ St. Martin, as well as collaborate with other organizations to educate the youth and adults about the islands history, culture, extracurricular fun activities that are traditionally marketed toward tourists. Shawn’s inspiration for the business came from simply walking through Philipsburg one day with the 37 Square Miles t-shirt he had made for himself. “The stares I got from people and also being approached, asking where they could buy this shirt inspired me to try to mass produce these cultural shirts.” Shawn says. Due to the fact that he lives in the Netherlands, his first 6 months was tricky as he had to have a couple shirts made and arranged for them to be sold via different store outlets locally while from the Netherlands, he focused on marketing and promoting the cultural shirts online to let people know where they can be purchased. Shawn realizes that he is constantly learning about the different facets of business including production, cost, budgeting, marketing and promotion. It is a constant learning experience that he balances with. The rewards for him though are seeing people wearing his t- shirts while promoting the cultural heritage of St. Maarten. To new entrepreneurs Shawn would encourage to “Do research, speak to people with experience, try and learn as much as possible about the many aspects of the field you want to enter in. There’s a lot of ground to be covered and areas you can optimize.” Shawn’s future plans are to open an online store so people from abroad can now order his apparel. He also wants to expand and optimize all aspects of the company so I can be a fully functional business with staff that stays true to its mission statement.

Purchases can be made via Upholstery World, Bush Road #53, Cul de Sac, St. Maarten www.facebook.com/37sqauremile --- [email protected]

9

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

Giselle N. York has been working at the Chamber of Commerce since April 2013 when she was hired as the Executive Assistant to then Director Claret Connor. As Executive Assistant Giselle has had the opportunity to perform many varied tasks which has helped her to grow into a more resourceful young professional. She has had the opportunity to meet ambassadors, government officials and business executives, represent the Chamber at several conferences and lectures and has had the privilege of being a part of teams that have hosted a number of lectures, ceremonies and other important events on behalf of the Chamber. Giselle has recently moved into the Chamber’s Biz Center department and works with young and aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their desired business goals. She also works on special projects and assists the Board of Directors with the execution of these projects. Giselle was born at the St. Rose Hospital in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. After attending the Methodist Agogic Center primary school and St. Maarten Academy high school she moved in 2000 to Rhode Island, USA to pursue higher education. At the New England Institute of Technology Giselle attained two degrees; an A.S. degree in Video & Radio Production and a B.S. degree in Telecommunications Technology. She then applied and was accepted in Rhode Island College’s graduate Media Studies program where in 2007 she earned her Master of Arts degree. Realizing that experience was just as important as education Giselle decided to delay returning to St. Maarten and chose to work a few years in the US to be a better rounded professional. She spent four years working at Axon Communications, Inc. a healthcare marketing agency located just outside Boston, Massachusetts. At Axon she was a part of a hardworking team that created exciting patient education pieces for some of the largest health-care companies in the United States. She joined as a video editor but was eventually promoted to Associate Project Manager and later Supervisor of the Quality Assurance/Quality Control department. Missing her family and island Giselle moved back to St. Maarten in 2012 and was hired at the Chamber in 2013. Giselle is encouraged with the recent initiatives, focusing on enhancing the customer experience at the Chamber. She also sees great potential in the Chamber’s Biz Center and looks forward to seeing the Chamber grow into one of St. Maarten’s top institutions.

10

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry November 2015 Newsletter

Pic 1: Ms. Rebecca Lindhout (KIWA Representative) met with COCI on ISO certification

Pic 2: Mr. Radke (country affairs officer for the Dutch Caribbean at the State department head quarters in Washington DC) visits COCI

Pic 3: COCI participates in information session with the Tax department and Economics Affairs

Pic 4: COCI-KPSM-VROMI and stakeholders continue with the fight on crime sessions. COCI has through formulated initiatives set the basis on which activities are undertaken to enhance compliance by businesses with legal requirements. Creating a safer and more secure business environment relates to ISO certification of businesses, Good standing certification of businesses, and a secure business environment in which the offering of products and services can be enjoyed. Under this heading COCI KIWA representative Ms. Lindhout, The Tax department of St. Maarten, KPSM and stakeholders. Establishing relations within the region and beyond is required for our continued growth. The courtesy meeting with Mr. Radke can be placed within this objective.

11

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry November 2015 Newsletter

ST. MAARTEN TOURISM PRODUCT For some time it has been echoed that not much attention is given to the St. Maarten Tourism product. That we have become a bit complacent and reliant on what we have offered over the past decades as a tourism destination, barely undertaken any effort to improve that product to continue the attraction for tourists. The fear is that the development in other destinations will cause St. Maarten to be set aside as it has no new offerings. One should never ignore concerns or criticism, but should analyze the information expressed, consider the context and all facts and then conclude whether or not our offering has improved, or more improvement is required. In assessing our Tourism product we must note the following: Improved infrastructure at our Harbor and in the Philipsburg area has resulted in a better handling of tourists visiting through the Cruise industry. One must note that our Harbor has developed along with the industry to support calls by larger vessels and greater amounts of travelers and has developed a well working security screening facility. Processing at our Port is by far one of the best working facilities in the Cruise Industry. The Boardwalk is another infrastructural improvement, and adding hereto is the Walter Plantz Pier, both of which contribute towards an expanded shopping

area. Improved shopping experience Store owners have through the years enhanced stores and store offerings. Many investments have been made in the Philipsburg area by business owners, who have further contributed to a more enhanced Tourism product. We offer an unmatched and not to be replicated experience offering a little bit of Caribbean and a little bit of Europe. This is our identity which makes us a unique destination to visit as we do offer the best of both worlds. Given that great investments have been made through the years, as a population dependent on tourism we must rise to the occasion to complement and complete our product.

Our Service: The Friendly Island is our slogan, but are we still friendly people? Do we still give a warm welcome to our guest? Do we go the extra mile in our service? Do we still give that personal touch that would stay positively on our customer’s minds? It is very import that we remain aggressive in ensuring that our service is the best it can be. As much as we have invested in beautifying our tourism product if our service is not in-line with our Friendly Island slogan, visitors may choose elsewhere to visit and to spend their hard earn money. Business owners should continue to monitor the service their employees provide to each visitor and adjust where needed. Perhaps, implementing recurrent customer service training programs is the way to ensure that service given to your customers is second to none. 12

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry Newsletter October 2015

It is no secret that our customer service is not what it used to be, nor is it what it is supposed to be. Our attitude must change, the love for our country must be the reason why we leave no stone unturned to showcase our Island in the best possible way. This means with a determined focus on the positive we must combat our negative. Knowledge is key as without it we will fail to realize that the manner in which we communicate in and about our country negatively impacts our tourism product. That our behavior becomes a characteristic of our tourism product. So it is on us all to make our Tourism product greater, to ensure that visitors will desire to visit us for many years to come. The business community as well as residents of St. Maarten can get this job done together.

FLAG ETIQUETTE Preamble: “Our flag will fly subordinate to the national flags until such time when it will fly over an independent island of St. Maarten. This will [be] come about when all cooperation with the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles has failed, when the domination of the Central Government is not lessened and colonial laws are not abolished and time in which our island can stand alone, standing on its own economy, deciding its own destiny and future “. (Dr. A Claudius Wathey, 1926 – 1998) Introduction: Our flag represents us. It represents our nation, our identity, our very being Observing our flag: 1. Residents are encouraged to fly the St. Martin Flag as their place of residence and place of business. In an office often a desk, the flag must be at the right of the person seated. 2. Facing away from your principal entry, the flag should be at your right and should fly free of obstacles. 3. Lift and hoist the St. Martin Flag with respect, avoiding the flag touching the ground. 4. The St. Martin Flag must be flown on national days but can also be flown at important and solemn events (weddings, anniversaries, funerals, births etc.). 5. The flag is to be flown from sunrise to sunset. If flown during nighttime, the flag must be well illuminated, respect the colors and official dimensions of our flag. 6. When the St. Martin Flag is flown on the island of St. Martin, then it should have an honorary place above the flag of the other island territories, local association and private organizations.

13

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry November 2015 Newsletter

7. To hang a flag in mourning, hoist the flag to the peak of the pole for a moment and then to half-staff. When lowering the flag, raise it to the peak briefly before lowering completely. 8. The St. Martin flag is meant to be a flag; do not use it for any other purpose. For example do not use it as drapery decoration. 9. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 10. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement. 11. During work days the flag is raised on buildings housing island government services from sun up to sun down. 12. The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse. 13. The flag when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right: that is, the flag’s own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. 14. When used on a speakers platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker, when displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of St. Martin should hold the position of the superior prominences, in advance of the audience and in the position of the honor at the clergyman’s or Speakers’ right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergy man or speaker or to the right of the audience. 15. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. 16. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor as any part of it, nor attached to it and mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature. 17. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. 18. The flag, when it is an in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way preferably by burning. 19. During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed all present except those in uniform should stand at the attention facing the flag. Men not in uniform should render the military salute at the first not of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. 20. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there. 21. Flag pins should be worn on the left side of the body, near the heart. 14

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry November 2015 Newsletter

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES AND ARTICLES THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMMMMM………….

The Today Newspaper on Thursday November 12th 2015 had the following headlines: WEBSITE VSDM POORLY SECURED

POSITION AIRPORT DIRECTOR LABEGA UNDER PRESSURE

Upcoming events: COCI ELECTIONS: 3 vacant positions in the upcoming elections for representatives from small and large businesses with 1 position for small business representative and 2 positions for large business representatives. Forms for postulation are available at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on C.A. Cannegieter street no. 11. Postulation commenced on November 17th and will close on December 1st at 12:00 noon.

COCI CHRISTMAS STREET FAIR: will be held on December 19th. Vendor sign-up forms are available now at the COCI Business Center. Limited spaces available and vendors are urged to come in and sign up now! Secure your spot and participate in the COCI Christmas Street Fair.

COCI SERVICES: COCI 24: our online request service GET COCI 2 U: our service where we come to you GET COCI in Simpson Bay: get COCI services through the Government Public Service Center These COCI services are designed with the customer in mind and intended to bring convenience to the customer.

15

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry November 2015 Newsletter

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Our Mission:  To promote and accelerate the economic growth by educating the business community and stimulating inward investment.

Our Values:  Promoting the general interests of the business community in St. Maarten  Informing enterprises on doing business in and through St. Maarten  Keeping the Commercial Register  Issuing documentary evidence: certificates of origin, extracts, legalizations and other statements  Offering solicited and unsolicited advice to Government on matters concerning the economical development

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry 11 C.A. Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Nzinga Lake Ruth Patrick-Solomons

C0CI

Annuska Illis-Friday

Toll free: 1-844-2024/ Telephone: (721) 542-3595/542-3590 Toll free: (844) 796 2024/ 1-844-S 1-844-SXM-C0CI Fax: +1(721) 542-3512

www.chamberofcommerce.sx [email protected]

Pam Brandon [email protected]

Chamber Board of Directors: President - Peggy Ann Brandon, LLM Vice-President- Stanley Lint Treasurer- Anastacio Baker

www.facebook.com/sxmcoci Louis Bute Sidharth ”Cookie” Bijlani 16 Annuska Illis-Friday Nzinga Lake Charlise Philips Ajay Rawtani