145 foreigners interviewed on naturalisation requests
PHILIPSBURG–A total of 145 foreigners have been interviewed in six days concerning their requests for naturalisation. The interviews had to take place in light of the new naturalisation regulation that will go into effect as of Monday, October 1.
Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards told The Daily Herald that, because the new regulation did not provide for a transitional period, all the requests for naturalisation that already had been submitted had to be handled before October 1.
“If we had not dealt with the requests these persons would not have been able to do the interview after October 1,” Richards said.
Four persons of the Central Government Directorate of Judicial Affairs in Curacao were sent to St. Maarten to help in conducting the interviews. Richards said he was very pleased with the assistance received after he had taken up the matter with Justice Minister David Dick.
The assistants went back to Curacao on Friday and Richards said they had indicated all the interviews had gone well. In general the applicants were well informed about St. Maarten, but lacked knowledge about the Netherlands Antilles and the Dutch Kingdom.
Richards said he would be informing all of the persons interviewed next week about the result of their interviews and whether they passed the test. The naturalisation test will no longer be taken in the form of an oral interview after October 1, but will be a written examination consisting of two parts.
Source: The Daily Herald St. Maarten
Curacao Red Cross called to action after ship explodes
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Emergency volunteers of the Curaçao Red Cross were called into action after a ship docked for repairs exploded on the morning of September 20. The accident left five dead and 18 wounded.
Volunteers who rushed to the scene immediately assisted in transporting two of the wounded to the hospital.
Throughout the day, 40 volunteers cared for dock workers suffering from shock, and worried family members. Some of the volunteers recently received training in First Aid psycho-social assistance, and put into practice what they learnt. Other volunteers assisted in tracing for family members.
Volunteers remained on the scene till 1 a.m. the following day at the request of Fire Brigade officials. The Red Cross was praised by officials and the local media for their quick response.
Source: Caribbean Net News
Intelsur-UTS telecom provider in Suriname set to launch in October
Filed under: Business and Economy, Internet and Technology, Press Releases
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Intelsur-UTS, one of two new wireless GSM communications operators in Suriname, is set to launch its services in October under the brand name ‘Uniqa’ company officials have announced. At the launching ceremony of the new brand name here in Paramaribo, officials disclosed that the company will invest up to US$ 20 million in its operations.
Intelsur-UTS, a Suriname-Curacao joint-venture, several months ago won a licence to provide GSM communications services in Suriname. UTS holds 51 percent of the shares in Uniqa, while Intelsur holds the remaining 49 percent. The second license was awarded to Digicel.
Intelsur president Eric Leliënhof remains CEO of the joint-venture, while Tyrone Alberto of United Telecommunications Services (UTS) has been appointed as president of Uniqa.
During the launching ceremony UTS president and former prime minister of Curacao Anthony Godett disclosed that all is set to start operations in October. He further noted that one of the main targets of the new company is community development. In accepting their licenses the new telecom providers agreed to provide services all over the country including the rural areas and remote interior of Suriname.
Currently Intelsur-UTS and Digicel are negotiating an interconnection agreement with incumbent Telesur. Several weeks earlier the minister of Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Authority Suriname (TAS) intervened after state-owned Telesur was being accused of stalling the negotiations.
Liberalisation of the telecommunication sector in Suriname took effect in April this year when the new Telecommunications Act was published.
Digicel is awaiting completion of the interconnection negotiations to launch its services. Reports indicate that Digicel has already completed logistics set up of its network.
According to Leliënhof, Uniqa will provide, amongst others, internet, GPRS and SMS services with competitive tariffs. He noted that the negotiations to reach an interconnection agreement with the two other providers are going very well.
“It’s just a matter of talking care of the commercial aspects,” said the Intelsur president. Alberto noted that Uniqa will distinguish itself from the other companies by providing a quality service.
Currently UTS has operations in Curacao, the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands.
Curacao minister of Telecommunications and Transport Maurice Adriaans was also present at the Uniqa launching ceremony and told reporters that the investments of UTS in Suriname are a step in the right direction for closer economic cooperation between Suriname and Curacao.
By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Source: Caribbean Net News
Curacao Sex Education
A report out of Curacao that one out of ten sexually active schoolgirls is a teenage mother is reason for concern for several reasons. First, it should be realised that the situation in St. Maarten is not much different. A survey among local secondary school students by Loma Linda College in association with Sector Health Care Affairs a few years ago also concluded that unprotected sex and teenage pregnancy were big problems.
Not only does having a child at such a young age and often not by choice make it much more difficult for a girl to complete her education successfully and have a chance at a decent career, it can be difficult for the child also, because such young girls are not always mature and emotionally ready to give it the care it needs.
What’s worse, the study confirms that many young people still don’t use condoms, despite all the campaigns and warnings about sexually transmitted diseases. With the deadly HIV/AIDS disease spreading more and more, it is all the more important for these youngsters to realise that one mistake can cost them their lives.
The current state of affairs requires that sex education become a part of what children are taught, especially at secondary schools. While some schools and teachers might touch on the subject, it is not in the curriculum of most and plans to include it so far have not produced any result.
Apart from schools, parents too should take a more active role in this respect. While many adults may not have been able or willing to speak with their parents about sex at a young age, times have changed. Not only are youngsters experimenting with sex at an increasingly younger age, but the consequences can be deadlier than ever before.
That should be enough reason for parents to talk to their children about sex, starting at a young age or at least when they become teenagers. The best form of prevention is to educate and to try to eliminate whatever ignorance on the subject may exist.
It should also be reason for some churches to change their stance on using contraceptives and to move away from the idea that the only reason for intercourse must be to make children, while abstinence must be practised in all other cases.
It’s pretty obvious, certainly in this day and age, that the vast majority act and think differently. It’s high time the church got on board and let common sense prevail, in the interest of saving lives along with souls.
Source: The Daily Herald St. Maarten
Curacao – “Holland In Miniature”
When asked about Caribbean architecture, many tourists might think of small, colorful houses and grass huts. In Curacao, however, the architecture is inextricably linked to the colonial past. Despite the sparkling Caribbean Sea and dry climate, much of Curacao resembles the great Dutch city of Amsterdam more than the picture book version of the region. Under control of the Netherlands since the 17th century, Curacao was constructed as a home away from home for colonizers. Throughout the years, the pervasive Dutch architecture adopted many Caribbean traits. The additions of such things as porches, verandas and bright exterior colors created the spectacular sites on view for today’s visitors. Though many call the island “Holland in miniature,” you will be greeted by a world that is uniquely Curacao.
Curacao was originally discovered by the Spanish expedition of Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. After gaining control of the island and ousting the native Arawak population, the Spanish ruled the island for over a century. However, in 1634, the Dutch invaded Curacao and quickly turned the island into a Caribbean version of Holland. Under the rule of Pieter Stuyvesant, the Dutch fought off invasion attempts by the British and French with the help of several forts along the coastline. Though many of these forts remain today – some of which have been converted into resorts and restaurants – the true architectural allure of Curacao came from everyday life.
The capital city of Willemstad dates to the Dutch invasion of 1634 and the outlines of its fortifying walls can still be seen. Following the signing of a peace treaty with Spain, the Dutch began constructing numerous houses and businesses throughout the island. The focus of Curacao and its Dutch rulers quickly turned from defense and fortification to the rapidly expanding trade market. By the early 18th century, nearly 200 homes and business had been constructed within the walls of Willemstad, each in the quaint Dutch style of the era.
In Willemstad, the best example of the “Holland in miniature” concept is the district known as Otrobanda. Constructed upon a winding grid of alleyways and narrow streets, this neighborhood most closely resembles the archetypal 17th century Dutch town. As the city developed throughout the centuries, Otrobanda eventually became the island’s cultural hotbed in the early 20th century. In fact, most of Curacao’s most recognized politicians, artists and musicians grew up in this truly unique part of the capital city. Today, Otrobanda continues to display both strong ethnic and cultural diversity – a trait seen inside local businesses and amongst the residents that stroll the maze-like streets.
Within the capital city, it is also recommended to walk through the areas known as Punda – also referred to as “old Willemstad” and known for its imposing fort – and Pietermaai – a neighborhood just outside of central Willemstad know for its colonial mansions. Perhaps the most interesting fact about Punda is that the first buildings constructed here were, in fact, perfect replicas of the homes and businesses that border the canals of Amsterdam. Today, Punda features architecture from several different eras of European design with each building painstakingly preserved. The neighborhood of Pietermaai dates to the early 18th century and marked the first residential expansion beyond the walls of Willemstad. Many of these stately European homes have since been converted into businesses, while others remain in their original state.
If you venture outside of Willemstad to the arid landscape of the island’s interior, you will most likely spot a number of plantation homes and Dutch windmills. Like many of the structures in Willemstad, most of the plantations date to the 18th century. While many plantation homes and their surrounding buildings have been reduced to rubble, some of the estates have been preserved as museums. If you are interested in how these people lived during colonial times, visit the Sorghum Stalk House Museum.
Many of the island’s most popular tours visit the most interesting architectural sites and several museums in Willemstad document the unique history of this Caribbean treasure. Even if you aren’t usually moved by architecture, it will be hard to avoid the charm of Curacao.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/curacao-holland-in-miniature-218281.html
About the Author:
Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Curacao for the Marriott Resorts.
Life can be a beach for kidney disease patients thanks to the Curacao Dialysis Center
Filed under: Health and Medicine, Press Releases, Travel and Tourism
Willemstad, CURACAO–Hit the beach in the morning, go for kidney dialysis in the afternoon and enjoy a gourmet dinner in the evening.
It’s certainly not the usual itinerary for a southern vacation, but it’s all possible at the Curacao Dialysis Center.
“It’s a concept that now makes it possible for people who could never travel, to enjoy a Caribbean holiday with their families,” says Joost van Pelt, manager of the centre, which is next to the Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino, one of this Dutch island’s most elegant resorts.
Those who live with kidney disease often require dialysis treatments that last as long as three hours, three times a week. It’s a gruelling schedule that tethers patients to their clinics, making travel virtually impossible.
That’s all changed – at least in Curacao – thanks to Jacob Gelt Dekker. An entrepreneur who has not only developed two of the finest hotels on the island, as well as the Museum Kura Hulanda, a world-renowned display of black history, Dekker saw a need and filled it.
Building the centre beside his luxury resort made it possible for travellers with kidney disease to enjoy all the amenities of a five-star hotel without missing a treatment.
Although the centre is equipped to handle 10 dialysis patients in each of three daily time slots and boasts cutting-edge equipment, it feels more like a chic private spa than a medical facility.
The furnishings are elegant, the music subdued and the trained staff as welcoming as any you’d find at the finest hotel.
A quick glance into one of the bright, spacious treatment rooms shows patients relaxing in large recliner chairs, checking email or watching flat-screen televisions while the dialysis takes place.
It’s an idea whose time has come – certainly in Curacao. Although originally designed to meet the needs of residents – there are now 44 regular patients – the tourist demand has been great.
“We’re planning an expansion in the near future,” says van Pelt.
Because Curacao is one of the lesser-known islands of the Caribbean, it offers a sense of away-from-it-all privacy. And that makes it ideal for those who prefer to receive treatments discreetly.
That air of seclusion has led clinic management to consider offering drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, believing that the combination of an upscale resort hotel and a top-quality clinic on a sunny, secluded island just off the coast of Venezuela, might have great appeal.
“We think,” says van Pelt, “that this is the beginning of a medical tourism trend in Curacao.”
Treatments cost about $400 U.S. per session, and there is a $95 doctor fee for each treatment. Special packages are available that include accommodation. For more details on the dialysis centre, see www.curacao-dialysis.com/english/index.html
Source: TheStar.com
Author: Liz Fleming
Dick blames 2000 changes for current police problems
Filed under: Government & Politics, Law Enforcement and Crime
WILLEMSTAD–The problems of the Police Force originate from the reorganisation that took place in 2000, according to Justice Minister David Dick.
He told a press conference held in Curacao Friday that not enough thought had been given to the reorganisation.
The minister, who during the last month has been under much pressure from police union NAPB to solve several problems, noted that especially in the area of salaries, many problems are being encountered and these are affecting the functioning of the police force.
Also, the police ranking system is not working and there is no dress code. Hopefully by December the dress code will be ready to be implemented.
Dick stressed that the past must be dealt with. There is a draft protocol and I hope the unions NAPB and ABVO will sign this. The protocol is for the development of the Police Force and proposes how to close off the past and start a new phase involving the unions.
The Minister gave as an example the fact that retroactive pay for police sergeants will cost government NAf. 9 million. He said that government doesn’t have that money and a solution should be sought to deal with this matter in the future.
The problem with the police sergeants originated a couple of years ago when three sergeants were appointed. Now all the sergeants have the same right on receiving that pay.
Regarding a total of 50 functions in the Police Force that were not properly evaluated, he said that those have been solved and he hoped the Council of Ministers would approve the new evaluations next week.
Another existing problem is a group of sergeants who wants to be promoted to chief officers, Dick said. I cannot promote them, because based on the former ranking system that would mean that they will become chief inspectors automatically. So we have to create a new function to promote the sergeants, Dick said.
Source: The Daily Herald St. Maarten
Explosion in drydock kills 5
WILLEMSTAD. An explosion on board the vessel Seamec II in the Curacao ship repair company CDM killed five local workers Thursday morning. The youngest victim was twenty, but they were all experienced workers and some of them had been with the company for more than twenty years.
The workers had made a hole in the hull of the offshore oil platform support vessel to remove a machine that required electronic work. As usual, the company’s chemist checked for possible gasses or other dangerous substances and gave the green light.
What exactly happened is unclear, but the suspicion is that there was somehow a gas leak. The first explosion was followed by a second, and then a fire with a lot of smoke.
The Fire Department had to deal with the smoke and the fact that the fire heated up the boat’s steel construction. There was also the risk of more explosions.
Several people who were down in the hull were also injured, but their lives were not in danger. All work at CDM has been stopped until it is clear there is no longer any danger.
When the bodies were finally recovered, emotional family members came to identify their loved ones, after which the bodies were released to them.
Source: The Daily Herald St. Maarten
Photographs of Curacao Trees were added
A new category Curacao Trees were added to the photogallery today.
Acacia bushes, scraggly trees with small green leaves and long, hard thorns, are numerous in Curacao, as is aloe vera, with its pale green, waxy leaves.
The island is also home to the Divi Divi tree, the famous leaning tree of the ABC Islands that looks like a cartoon rendition of a stretched tree bowing to an audience. Indeed, the tree is bent by years of exposure to the trade winds that blow from east to west across the island. Por that reason, the tree always “points” to the west.
Other plant species include several types of palms, including the coconut, sabal, and manila palms, and an evergreen tree called the wayaca, an Arawak name. In the hilly, western end of the island look for more lush greenery, including the flowering plants and trees such as hibiscus, bougainvillea, poinsettia, allamanda, flamboyant, and oleander. Also found is the manzania tree, called manchineel in other parts of the Caribbean. This tree has rough dark bark and small green leaves. It’s fruit and sap are poisonous, and will cause skin burns if even touched. Avoid the tree during rains-water dripping from its leaves can cause burns.
Source: curacao-travelguide.com
Around the world in 7 days for Virgin blue
John Beveridge
September 12, 2007 12:00am
IT USED to be a race to go around the world in 80 days but Paul Considine has just done it in seven.
And before the year is out the experienced Virgin Blue pilot will have done it twice more.
The reason for his latest extraordinary journey is to deliver the first of what will eventually be 20 Embraer jets flying for the carrier.
To get the plane from its country of origin – Brazil – Paul flew it to Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles.
Then it was on to Texas, Seattle, Anchorage and Petropovlosk in Russia.
A flight to Osaka was followed by Guam then Cairns before finally landing in Brisbane yesterday.
“It was a really great flight, we got to see a lot of the world,” said Paul after he touched down yesterday.
“The whole thing was very interesting — seeing the Amazon from the air and Cuba and the Caribbean.
“Anchorage is a great place for an aviation nut because they have so many different types of plane there because it is a major freighter hub.”
However, it was touching down on the civilian part of a Russian military base that took the cake.
“It was very picturesque being surrounded by mountains with active volcanoes.”
Despite a fairly bumpy runway and a struggle converting metres back to feet and metres per second back to knots, the novel Australians got a warm welcome.
After the 22,691km odyssey, the best news for Paul was that the 78-seat plane “didn’t miss a beat”.
“The passengers really liked it because it is nice and quiet and there are no middle seats.”
Other than two seats either side of the aisle, the other advantage of the plane comes to those with a bit of width in the derriere.
Apparently the Brazilian jets which Virgin will fly on a various routes will have the widest economy seats in Australia.
Source: Herald Sun