INDEPENDENT NEWSLETTER

S TATIA N EWS
V OLUME 1, ISSUE 8 J UNE 15, 2009

Bonaire and Statia,

E DITORIAL page 2

Kamps´ job, page 2

Water Distribution
System, page 3, 4

Kwartiermaker
Vrom Saba and
Statia, page 5

Dualims and a
Stronger Govern-
ment, page 5

The First of July,

page 6

Koos Sneek: New

Tax Laws for the
Bes islands 2 Page
7,8

Carla Schelling and

The Island Council meeting of Wednes‐ events in perspective. Also one of the  the Statia Summer
day, June 10th, was covered in the Daily  reasons not to dig too deep in  things said  school, page 9
Herald of June 11th. Statia News will try  in that Island Coucil meeting.  
to give some background to some of the    Sports, football-
things that were mentioned in the Is‐ Statia News wants to thank Mr. Koos  camp and IBOS;
land Council meeting. Mr. Van Putten  Sneek, Lady Alida Francis, the Youth Soc‐ page 10
provoked Mr. Hooker by stating that  cerclub and Mrs. Joyce Wijshake for their 
Mr. Hooker doesn´t stand up against  contributions. Lenora Cannegieter does  Letters to the editor,
the Dutch, Mr. Hooker said he had  some editotial work for the paper.   page 11
stood up against the Dutch. He had pro‐  
tested against two things: `Dualism` and  Many local people come up with issues  Announcements,
`Finances`. `Dualism` is part of the con‐ and stories. I want to thank in particular  page 12/15
stitutional affairs and as such, not in Mr.  Joshua Spanner, Mr. Sneek, Mr. Woodley 
Vacature, page 16
Hookers´ portfolio, but in Mr. Woodleys  and Mr. Zaandam for being patient with 
portfolio. Everytime Mr. Woodley appe‐ me and explaining when I want to know 
ars in public, he repeats how good it is  things.  
for Statia that we will have `Dualism`.   
(about Dualism, page 5)  In the meantime everybody on Statia was 
  watching the Lakers beat the Magics last 
Statia News  tries to be a reliable source  night and the July trees blooming in fla‐
for people that search for the truth.  ming orange and red everywhere! 
Statia News is puting opinions and   
P AGE 4 P OLITICS June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

B ONAIRE AND S TATIA

On Statia, the majority of the people voted for 
On Bonaire, Jopie Abraham and Anthony Nicolaas 
`remaining with the Dutch Antilles´. There is still 
want a new referendum about the ties with the 
some resentment on Statia about how things went 
Netherlands. Today, Monday June 15, Jopie Abraham 
back then. In 2004, the DP, with Mr. Roy Hooker in 
and Anthony Nicolaas are starting a new government 
the limelight and the PLP, with Mr. Clyde van Putten 
in Bonaire. This is the third time since the 2004 refer‐
as a spokesman and the SEA, with Mrs. Ingrid Whit‐
endum that Bonaire is `reshuffling`.  
field as a spokeswoman, promoted the option: 
Bonaire has a vivid public debate about the ties with 
`Remaining with the Dutch Antilles`. At that time 
Mr. Ralph Berkel was in the referendum committee, 
he was and still is the president of the board of the 
DP and he also promoted `staying with the Dutch 
Antilles`. Not everybody in the DP agreed with that. 
Joshua Spanner did not and Julian Woodley did say 
that it was necessary to have a public debate about 
all the different options. The SAM, with Nora Sneek 
as a spokeswoman, promoted `direct ties`.  
 
In the interview Joshua Spanner had with Anthony 
Nicolaas, Nicolaas said that he was surprised to see 
Statia sign the agreement for direct ties with the 
Netherlands.  
 
In Statia´s local government, you hear no call for  a 
Jopie Abraham and Anthony Nicolaas signing the  new referendum. Mr. Reginald Zaandam, who is an 
“Akkuerdo di Passangrahan” June 12.  Island Councilmember for the governing party DP 
and who is also senator, did say that it is important 
to have the local people voice their opinion about 
the Netherlands. They voted in the 2004 referendum  
the integration in Holland. He explains that need as 
for direct ties, but now they say that during the refer‐
follows: `I was a teacher, I know that when you 
endum it was not clear what these direct ties would 
hush up your students and you don´t let them speak 
mean. Abraham and Nicolaas say that Bonaire voted 
out their minds, you can´t teach. People must be 
for a `association with the Netherlands’, and did not 
given the opportunity to speak out in a public de‐
realize back then, that it was going to be `integration` 
bate.`  
with the Netherlands. 

K AMPS ’ J OB
In a written interview with Mr. Kamp about his job on  the Central Antillean Government. During 2010 the Dutch 
Statia, he wrote: (translated from Dutch) `The Netherlands  Antilles will be dismantled and the Bes Islands will be‐
has approved money for social economic development,  come part of the Netherlands as public entity. The Neth‐
education, healthcare and strengthening good governance.  erlands will take over the tasks of the Antillean govern‐
In cooperation with the islands´ government, we are look‐ ment. To prepare this, all 15 departments will send civil 
ing at the best way to apply the money for the benefit of  servants to the Bes Islands to set up a `overseas´ office` 
Statia´s inhabitants`  (een overzeese afdeling)`…. `Kamp coordinates the activi‐
   ties of the departments and makes sure the island gov‐
He also writes:  `I think that infrastructural improvements,  ernments are linked in with these activities. (In Dutch:  
using the potential for tourism and efficiënt execution of  stemt deze af met de eilandsbesturen)` 
government tasks are important for Statia.`   
  In the interview with Joshua Spanner, Abraham said that 
In the Antilliaans Dagblad, April 4th, 2009, there is some  these civil servants must have a `local counterpart`, be‐
clarification about Kamps´ job: (translated from Dutch)  cause `we have to do it on our own when these civil ser‐
`Commisaris Henk Kamp will, on behalf of the Dutch gov‐ vants leave`.  Jopie Abraham wants to start a public de‐
ernment,  build a second government. At the moment,  bate with Bonaire, Statia, Saba and the Netherlands.  
there are two levels of government: the Island Council and 
P AGE 3 I SSUE June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

W ATER D ISTRIBUTION S YSTEM

Friday June 12th, there was a meeting about the  tenderer documents preparation plan has to be 
ready before December, otherwise the EU money 
will not come. 
 
The current situation is this: Gebe has a plant for 
reversed osmoses with a reservoir behind the har‐

This is the reservoir by the harbor, from where the 
pipes go through Lower Town going up to the Lodi 
reservoir.  

technical aspects of our future water distribution  This is the plant, where the seawater is made into 
system.   drinking water through reversed osmoses techni‐
Consultants from “Witteveen & Bos” were given the  que. 
assignment to prepare the water distribution system 
on St. Eustatius.   bor. The hotels and other facilities in Lower Town 
  are connected with the water distribution already. 
In 2000, they already made a plan for that, and now,  The main pipeline goes up around the Old Gin‐
with some changes, they can implement that plan.  house, through Claes Gut, to Oranjestraat. The area 
Money for the consultants comes from the SEI (there  we call “the historic core” has smaller distribution‐
has been some “reshuffling” for that purpose), 
money for the water distribution system (approx. 3.8 
million euros) comes from the ninth EDF (Economic 
Development Fund) from the EU. The EDF gives 
money for “deprived urban areas”, and therein lie 
the limitation of the plan. The water distribution sys‐
tem is to be used for “urban areas” only, areas for 
farming will not have a connection to the system.  
 
Since St. Eustatius has not made a final development 
plan with zoning for urban areas, touristic areas, 
farming areas, etc., it´s not easy to get an answer  
about the areas that will be covered. The pipelines 
for the water distribution system will go to White 
Hook, Zeelandia and Bengal, because these are areas 
that will most probably end up being urban areas in  The pipeline from where the Gebe trucks load 
the far future. It is unfortunate that the  drinking water for empty cisterns. Water for buil‐
“bestemmingsplan” or zoning plan is not in place  ding is usually rainwater that is collected in Lower 
before the water distribution system will be installed,  Town by Claes Gut and water for farming usually 
but there is no time: the tenders must have their  comes from wells.  
P AGE 4 I SSUE June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

W ATER D ISTRIBUTION S YSTEM

pipes too, all the way to Wilhelminapark. To finish  pipes and their location, the pressure that has to be 
this system of pipes, some parts of the roads in that   on the water and the quality of the drinking water 
area have to be broken up. The main pipeline goes  are investigated now.  
through Oranjestraat to the Lodi reservoir, so Oran‐  
jestraat will be broken up and inaccessible some time  Then the actual design of the water distribution 
during 2010 or 2011.    system must be approved by the Executive Council 
  of the island territory.  
By May or June next year, the process of preparing   
for this water distribution system will be finished. By  Before December 2009, the tenderers must be sent 
then a tenderer must be found and a plan must be  their tender documents. In February 2010 the ten‐
made, so we can expect the actual digging in the  derers are invited to an information meeting. By 
roads to start in August or September 2010.   May 2010, suitable tenderers are chosen and the 
Approximately 75% of Statia’s households will have  contracts must be signed. 
two tabs in their houses that are connected to the  The planning bureau and Bos & Witteveen will work 
drinking water distribution system.   with other stakeholders to ensure continuation of 
The technical aspects must be decided upon by Octo‐ preparing for the actual work on the water distribu‐
ber of this year. Aspects like the diameter of the  tion system.  

Planning bureau, Witteveen en Bos, Gebe and VROM are stakeholders that work on the technical aspects of 
the water distribution.  
P AGE 5 L OCAL N EWS June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

I NTRODUCING M R . W IM H OFMAN ,
K WARTIERMAKER VROM S TATIA AND S ABA
Mr. Wim Hofman will be the kwartiermaker for 
VROM (Verkeer, Ruimtelijke Ordening en Milieu, 
which means: traffic, spatial structure (housing, 
roads and so on) and the environment) for Saba 
and Statia. He and his wife Wilhelmien will live on 
Statia for the next three years. He will be working 
in the RSC office from August the first. Mr. Hof‐
mans’ main focus will be on the environment, that 
is his specialty since 1975.  
 
He did the very first “HBO opleiding” chemical 
technology, that taught about the environment 
and has been working for private companies and 
public offices in the Netherlands. His wife Wil‐
helmien is a nurse and is looking forward to doing 
voluntary work in her field of interest. 
 
Hofman be backed up by the Ministry of VROM in  Wim Hofman and his wife Wilhelmien will live on 
the Netherlands for “wonen en wijken”, and he  Statia for the next three years. 
will work closely with DROB.  Mr. Hofman will be 
busy with waste management, the drinking water,  eration, and other means of waste management. 
asbestos, cfk’s and also with the Terminal, be‐ Glass, paper, organic waste and iron all can be recy‐
cause the Terminal will fall under the responsibil‐ cled.  
ity of VROM as well. Statia has to live up to Dutch   
standards, so especially in waste management  To tackle these waste management issues, a plan has 
there are going to have to be some changes  been made, we will most likely hear the content of this 
made. VROM will have to look for possibilities to  plan from our local responsible ccommmisioner/
work together with surrounding islands for incin‐ department. 

D UALISM AND A S TRONGER G OVERNMENT

In 2011 there will be new Island Council elections. From  our system of governance can best be compared: the Island 
that date, dualism will be in effect. That means that com‐ Council is the Gemeenteraad in that analogy and the com‐
missioners and Island Councilmembers are separate enti‐ missioners and governor can be compared to the 
ties. Commissioners cannot vote as Councilmembers. This  wethouders and the burgermeester in a Dutch community . 
will mean for Statia that we will have two commissioners 
and at least 5 Councilmembers. We can have more, but 5  Dualism only recently is implemented in the Dutch munici‐
will be the minimum. 3 island councilmembers is less de‐ palities. Before, the Dutch municipalities were governed 
mocratic, because then it´s always 1 councilmember that  the same way as the island territories of the Dutch Antilles, 
will be crucial in the voting. In dualism, if one of the com‐ with wethouders being part of the gemeenteraad.  
missioners wants to pass a bill, for example he wants to 
The `Vereniging Nederlandse Gemeenten` is helping the 
install landtax as part of the local tax policy, he will need a 
Bes Islands with strengthening government. That´s why our 
majority of 3 votes out of 5 in the Island Council. The com‐
Governor was in Holland last Wednesday to meet with 
missioners cannot vote for or against that bill, the bill 
Kamp, the Governors of Saba and Curacao, the VNG and 
comes from “government”, that is: “Bestuurscollege”. In 
the mayor of Dordrecht and of another municipality that 
Dutch municipalities, you have “wethouders”, as part of 
plays a role in this process.  
the “Bestuurscollege”. The “Gemeenteraad” can vote for or 
against a bill. It is to the Dutch community (gemeente) that 
P AGE 6 D ISCUSSION June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

T HE F IRST O F J ULY
On the former English colonies in the Caribbean,  search yourself. With internet such research be‐
the first Monday of August has been a national  comes a distinct possibility and there are lots of 
holiday since long. It celebrates the end of slavery.  sites in English about the subject matter and 
The former French colonies also celebrate the end  about African and Caribbean history in general. 
of slavery. Some Caribbean islands even attract a  The BBC is doing great work and Simon Schama 
lot of tourists during this national holiday, with  recently got a lot of attention with his book and 
cultural festivals.    film “Rough Crossings”.  
   
On July first 1863, Holland ended slavery. The first  Actual celebration on July the First, where the 
of July is called “emancipation day”, but on none of  roots foundation fights for, can help to educate 
the Dutch Antillean island it is celebrated accord‐ the people and the children in school and give 
ingly. It’s only recently, that Tula, an important  some cultural impulse that is much needed.  
slave leader in the revolt against slavery,  is remem‐  
bered with the Tula March in Curacao. A march  In the conversation on Talkin’ Blues, last Thursday 
with music, costumes, dance and 
speeches.  
 
On July first, not only the end of 
slavery is celebrated, but also the 
emancipation of African people in 
the West and black people in gen‐
eral. There are many important 
people and events to recognize on 
July 1st, so besides a cultural as‐
pect, this celebration has an edu‐
cational aspect as well.  
 
Joshua Spanner has always voiced 
the opinion that the large amount 
of money spent on November the 
16th celebration, which marks 
Gov. De Graaff’s salute to a pro‐
voking American ship with the flag 
of the new independent United 
States is actually inapropriate in 
comparison to the very small 
amount of money spent on the 
July the First celebration, which 
marks the far more substantial celebration of the  Mr. Hooker said he remembered that when he 
end of slavery.   was a kid, everybody used to decorate their 
Joshua Spanner wants the young people to realize  houses with the July tree.  
where they come from. He thinks it’s important for   
them to know that their history started when their  He promised to look for a funding for this years’ 
ancestors were given a name when slavery ended.  first of July celebration.  
This is how far back the black people in the Carib‐  
bean can usually trace back their ancestors.   Next edition you will be informed about what is 
  going to happen on the First of July.  
If you want to know about slavery and Caribbean   
history, you have to be very inquisitive and do re‐
P AGE 7 T AXES
N EW T AX L AWS FOR THE BES I SLANDS 2
By Koos Sneek
In the last edition of Statia News I have stated that
representatives of the Dutch government are not in
agreement with a public discussion on the 3rd con-
cept tax laws for the BES islands. In the meantime
this has been confirmed to me by one of these repre-
sentatives. The explanation as to why, is that ac-
cording to this person there has been ample time to
discuss all three concepts. A number of sessions
have been held that ultimately led to the 3rd concept
now on the table. This concept has been discussed
in a video conference with the commissioners of
finance and Lieutenant Governors in March. After
this conference there still was time allotted to come
with comments and proposed changes. In the mean-
time the laws are approved by the Dutch Council of
Ministers and at present they are at the Council of
State for advice.
Recapitulating this means that our representatives
were negotiating the tax laws with the Dutch since
last year and at no point in time they deemed it fit to
consult with any stakeholder on the island. An ill
prepared and poor attempt of commissioner of fi-
nance Roy Hooker to hold a public meeting on the
issue in April was not only the wrong tool to obtain
objective and expert input but too late as well.
In this edition I want to shed some light on the Gen-
eral Spending Tax or “algemene bestedingsbelast-
ing” in short ABB.
The ABB is an 8.5% tax that will be levied on
goods and services. It applies to three different ar-
eas:
Levy on imported goods;
Levy on locally delivered services;
Levy on locally produced goods.
The tax on locally produced goods and services is
due on delivery of these goods and services. Tax on
imported goods is due at the time of entry into BES.
The advantage the lawmaker sees for the tax payer
is that opposed to the turnover tax, the ABB will
only be levied once and therefore is not cumulative.
I wonder if this is the case since most of our goods
are entering the island through St. Maarten, where
the wholesale companies are established. This island
most likely will remain with the turnover tax, which
means that at least 3% will already be included in
the price prior to entering our island as is now the
June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS
case. The statement by the lawmaker that in the pre-
sent situation no turnover tax is required by import
may be technically correct, but the wholesaler in St.
Maarten is obliged to pay 3% turnover tax to the In-
spection in St. Maarten and include this in his price for
the goods he exports to Saba and Statia.
A list of basic goods and services are exempted from
ABB such as:
Bread, flower, potatoes, rice;
Public transportation (does this include taxi ser-
vices, since this is the only public transporta-
tion available on Statia);
Medical cost and medications;
Post;
Water, electricity, gas;
Transaction for which transfer tax is required;
Life insurance, medical insurance;
When room tax is required;
When lottery tax is required;
Bank loans;
Airline tickets;
Deliveries to E-zones;
House rent.
For the import of passenger cars the ABB will be
40%. This will result in a price increase for cars of at
least 37%. For Bonaire this price increase will be re-
duced by 27% since for this island the present import
duties will be annulled. The real price increase for
Bonaire will thus be only 10%. This seems very unfair
for Statia and Saba since these islands will see at least
a full 37% price increase.
Exempted from ABB are extreme fuel efficient cars.
These cars presently are not available on the island,
since no importer in St. Maarten, where most of our
cars are coming from, sells these cars. It is the ques-
tion if St. Maarten car dealers will import these cars in
the future, since there will be no incentives for cus-
tomers to buy these cars in the St. Maarten. Also I
wonder if there has been any research into the quality
of fuel that is available here and if this fuel is suitable
for these hybrid cars.
For insurances a special tariff of 10% will be calcu-
lated. The reason for this is that the commission of
insurance brokers will not be taxed. The bottom line
however is that the consumer has to pay. Since Statia
and also Saba are located in the hurricane belt the pre-
miums for property insurance are already significantly
higher then in other parts of the world. Many people
P AGE 8 T AXES June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

F OLLOW UP : N EW T AX L AWS FOR THE BES I SLANDS 2

are unable to pay these premiums already and are
therefore uninsured. An incentive to stimulate prop-
erty insurance may be to introduce a zero tariff for
property insurance in stead of charging a higher rate.
Small businesses with an annual revenue of US $
20,000 or less are exempted from paying ABB. In
case these entrepreneurs have paid ABB already they
will be refunded on their request.
gard to the collection of taxes reference is made to
the Douane&Accijns law. However it is not clear if
the ABB will also be charged for imported goods by
individual persons who are doing their personal
shopping in St. Maarten. If this is the case I wonder
how it will be collected. If this is not the case the
ABB will put the local entrepreneurs in a very disad-
vantaged position.

The concept law with regard to the ABB generally

speaks about entrepreneurs (ondernemers). With re-

I NSPECTORATE OF T AXES W INDWARD I SLANDS

Any questions about taxes: feel free to step in the new office in the old Gebe building, that was opened June 1st
2009.
P AGE 9 E DUCATION June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

C ARLA S CHELLING AND THE S TATIA S UMMER S CHOOL

Carla Schelling teaches Dutch at the Gwendoline van   
Puttenschool. Before she started teaching at the sec‐ In the first two hours, the focus will be on reading in 
ondary school level, she was working for different  Dutch and math. After the break, children will work 
elementary schools in Holland. She did 
research at the University of Amsterdam 
about children who had a different mother 
language then Dutch. 
 
She lives and works on Statia since 2007 
and observing the situation in Statia’s edu‐
cation, where the great bottleneck appears 
to be the difference in the language of in‐
struction between the elementary schools 
and the secondary school, she decided to 
make contact with the elementary schools. 
She was curious to see how well the chil‐
dren can read Dutch, and together with the 
elementary schools, she decided to test 
the children in technical reading. In the 
Netherlands, the most common method 
for teaching children to read is the “AVI 
method”. “AVI” has different levels in technical read‐ on a practical assignment. In these practical assign‐
ing. “AVI” also has standardized tests, so at any time  ments, the children will get acquainted with the 
during their school career, teachers can test pupils  different new subjects they will have in the secon‐
for reading skills. In the library, you can find the dif‐ dary school. The instruction will be in Dutch and in 
ferent AVI books, all categorized in the AVI levels.   English. Biology, history, geography, and other sub‐
  jects will be presented to the children.  
In Holland, when a child enters the secondary school,   
the level for technical reading should be AVI 9.  On Friday July 19th, the parents are invited for a 
  presentation by their children about what they have 
Carla tested 54 children from the Golden Rock  learned in these two weeks. 
school, Gov. de Graaffschool and the SDA Lynch Plan‐  
tation school. The Bethel Methodist school doesn’t   
have students that will go to the GVP next year yet.  
She will write a report about these tests and will 
present it to the different stakeholders. 
To prepare these 54 children for their entrance in 
the secondary school next year, Carla, together with 
a group of other volunteers,  will give a Summer 
School. One of the aims is to get the children  at the 
AVI 9 level of technical reading. Children who have   
reached that level will be tested and trained for com‐  
prehension: conceptional reading.    
  If  you want 
The Statia Summer School will take place from Mon‐ your  child to 
day until Friday in the two first weeks of the summer  join Statia’s Summer School, please contact the 
holidays: starting Monday July 7 until Friday July 19,  principal of your elementary school.  
every morning from 7.30 am – 11 am. The location 
will be the Gwendoline van Puttenschool.  
P AGE 10 S PORTS June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

S OCCER C AMP -O UT !
Statia Youth Soccer Foundation on Soccer Camp‐ ‘competed’ against each other with a score of 6‐2 
out!  for Statia and later that afternoon again a victory 
  for the Statia’s “Golden Rockers” of 4‐1.  
   
In the weekend of June 5‐7 twenty children from the  Our kids were really happy with their VICTORY, be‐
Statia Youth Soccer Programme Foundation along  cause last year’s game went the other way around. 
with the Coaches, Board members and parents went  Later that afternoon the Foundation organized a 
for a Camp‐out at the Terminal Playground.  Barbeque and movie evening. On Sunday morning 
  the camp was broken down and the weekend came 
On Friday at 4 pm. all children came and the camp  to an end with eating pizza at 12 noon. 
was set up with the help of all. Discussions took place  The Foundation wishes to thank the following com‐
about who will go in which tent and with whom.   panies/persons for their contribution towards this 
In the evening we sat together and all children were  event: 
‐ Golden Era hotel 
Golden Rockers ages 6‐9  ‐ Ocean View Terrace 
‐ Kingswell resort 
‐ Svitzer Caribbean 
‐ JENA Curacao 
‐ Nustar 
‐ Marlon Hook 
‐ Parents/ family members/ friends 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
asked why they choose to become a soccer player.   
We had a lot of fun and around 9 pm all went to   
‘sleep’.   
On Saturday we got up early in the morning (5 am.)   
and prepared breakfast.   
At 8 O’clock a team from Sint Maarten was picked up   
from the airport and the first game was played at  Statia & Sint Maarten guests playing cards in the 
10:30 am. Seven children from both Islands, ages 6‐9  tent 

IBOS HOSTING F RIENDLY F OOTBALL G AMES AGAINST S ABA

IBOS (International Brothers of Statia) footballteam is hosting two friendly games against 
Saba.  The Saba team will be on Statia on Friday June 19th and they will play Saturday af‐
ternoon at 5pm and Sunday morning at 10am.  
 
Come out and watch young Statia guys like Romario and Fetcher demonstrate their foot‐
ballskills.  
P AGE 11 L ETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I have a minor comment on your current issue far-
ming article. A pH of 7.0 is by definition neutral. pH
values less than 7.0 are acid, while values greater than
7.0 are basic (alkaline). Different plants prefer diffe-
rent pH ranges, but most do better with a slightly acid
pH because this causes minerals in the soil to dissolve
more readily so that the plants can absorb them.
This was a fine article and I wish Mr. Lopes the best
in his farming endeavor. Statia needs many more local
farmers and more local food in the stores. My wife
Shelley and I operate our own small farm in Pleasures
raising lettuce, beans, tomatoes, peppers, pineapples,
papayas, mangoes, chickens (for eggs), goats and
cows. Like Mr. Lopes we use drip irrigation, but we
get our water from a very large cistern that we built
for the purpose.
Regards,
George Works
Thank you so very much for sending the Statia News. I
have read every copy I have received. It is truly wonderful
to be able to keep in touch with what is happening on
Statia.
I would like to make an observation. In the section that
deals with spaying or neutering one's pet, the only pets
mentioned are dogs. In my opinion, the greatest threat to
the indigenous birds and reptiles of Statia is not dogs but
rather cats. Because they are extremely efficient hunters,
feral cats have the ability to literally wipe out many of the
indigenous species of birds and reptiles that inhabit Statia
because cats are exotic species that the local faunal inhabi-
tants have no natural defense against. I believe the island
would be well served by a program to reduce the threat of
feral cats by either greatly reducing their population or elimi-
nating them from the island altogether with the exception of
those that are family pets, are spayed or neutered, and do
not go outdoors. I have nothing against cats as I am a cat
owner myself but my cat is a completely indoor cat, is neu-
tered, and never ventures outside.
As an example, the Galapagos Islands have had a terrible
time with feral cats whose presence had almost eliminated
many of the local species on the islands. They have insti-
tuted a vigorous program aimed at eliminating the feral cat
population on the islands because of the threat they pose to
the local birds and reptiles. If you would like to read about
what they are doing about feral cats in the Galapagos, go to
http://www.hear.org/Galapagos/invasives/topics/
management/vertebrates/projects/cats.htm.
If Statia wishes to preserve its natural fauna, which I would
think is one aspect of the island that attracts tourists, I be-
lieve immediate action should be taken.
Best regards; Chris Pederson
June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any
separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want
of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my
well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't
lock me up as punishment. You have your
work, your friends, your entertainment, but I
have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your
words, I do understand your voice when
speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will
never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me,
remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I
choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or unco-
operative, ask yourself if something might be
bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the
right food, I have been in the sun too long, or
my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old.
You too, will grow old.
10..On the ultimate difficult journey, go with
me please. Never say you can't bear to watch.
Don't make me face this alone. Everything is
easier for me if you are there, because I love
you so.
~Take a moment today to thank God for your
pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experi-
ence without God's critters.
~Now please pass this on to other pet own-
ers. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be
surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is
here on earth and has four legs!
Laura Piechutzki
P AGE 12 A NNOUNCEMENTS June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

The MCCA Women’s Commission

proudly presents
 
Sunday, June 28th Greenblend is selling vegetables 
In the Bethel Methodist Church at 5 pm from their farm at the Man  0’ War 
plantation on Wednesday mor‐
2009 Women’s Lord Day
nings, Friday afternoons and Satur‐
“Women on a mission: Making a Difference” day mornings.  

Saturday June 20,

In the Library at 8.00 pm

Le C h o c o l a t
Movie with Julliette Binoche, Johnny
Depp and Judie Dench
Entrance 3 naf
Guest speaker: First Lady Sylvana Gittens

Women of all walks of life, age and religion are

invited.

Come and learn how individually and collective-

ly women can make a difference in their home,
at work and within their community.

Contact person: Sis. Alida Francis.

Hollandse Nieuwe!!!!!!!!!

Joost Arends ordered Dutch haring, they

will be here from Thursday June 18.

If you want to order some,

please contact Joost
at 3181231

10 haringen: 35 dollar
1 haring: 7,20 naf
P AGE 13 A NNOUNCEMENT June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

 
Statia and Saba will have their Annual Summer Festivals by the end of July. Statia´s pre party´s  start in the 
beginning of July already. During this Carnival period, Winair tickets will be cheaper and the `Edge` will make 
trips from and to Saba and St. Maarten. On the next two pages, you can see the schedules of both islands. 
Statia and Saba are inviting each other and all surrounding islands to come and join the fun!  
P AGE 14 A NNOUNCEMENT June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

Slogan competition for this years’ Summer Fest is opened. Contact Bureau of 
Tourism at the Fort, or one of the Carnival Committee members. 
P AGE 15 A NNOUNCEMENT June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS

Statia News wrote about the song that was recorded recently with a big choir of local singers. The song is 
called `a Helping Hand` and when you sing it, it goes like `Save the Children`.  Everybody knows this tune by 
now. There was a videoclip made of that song and that clip will premier on July 11th. Everybody is welcome to 
come to the Fort to enjoy an evening of music.  
P AGE 16 V ACATURE June 15, 2009 S TATIA N EWS
Eilandgebied St. Eustatius Nederlandse Antillen

Het Bestuurscollege van het Eilandgebied St. Eustatius, Nederlandse Antillen, wenst op korte termijn
in contact te komen met kandidaten ter vervulling van een voltijdse betrekking bij het eilandgebied
als:

VACATURE
Medewerker Crediteuren Administratie/Kredietbewaker M/V
De werkzaamheden worden uitgevoerd binnen het Taakveld Financieel Beleid en Beheer van de Afdeling Financië-
le en Economische Zaken. De Afdeling richt zich op de instandhouding en verbetering van het bestuurlijk proces,
het zorg dragen voor de middelen, het behartigen en coördineren van de eigen aangelegenheden van het Eilandge-
bied St. Eustatius.

Functie-inhoud:
Draagt zorg voor de crediteurenadministratie door onder andere:
• Het verifiëren van de bestelopdracht, het coderen van de bon en het controleren van het beschikbare krediet;
• Het bij onvoldoende krediet in overleg treden met de Hoofdmedewerker Crediteuren Administratie;
Het aanmaken van computerbestelbonnen en het na accordering van de Hoofdmedewerker Crediteuren Admini-
stratie zenden hiervan naar de bestellende afdeling.

Draagt zorg voor de verwerking en betaling van financiële verplichtingen en declaraties in het kredietbewa-
kingssysteem, door onder andere:
• Het controleren van declaraties op volledigheid en juistheid, het aangeven van de begrotingsposten en het
inbrengen hiervan in het kredietbewakingssysteem;
• Het dagelijks boeken van alle kennisgevingen van financiële verplichtingen;
Het signaleren van geconstateerde afwijkingen bij standen van de kredieten aan het Hoofd, het bewaken van de
budgetten en aangegane verplichtingen.

Verricht overige werkzaamheden, door onder andere:

• Het generen van (kwartaal) overzichten ter controle van kredietstanden;
• Het bij (dreigende) overschrijdingen na overleg met het Hoofd aanvragen van kredietwijzigingen;
Het verstrekken van informatie aan crediteuren over openstaande declaraties.

Functie-eisen:
• Opleiding op MBO-niveau, bedrijfsadministratie of gelijkwaardige opleiding;
• Minimaal 5 jaar ervaring in soortgelijke functie bij de overheid of private sector;
• Kennis van (financiële pakketten): Exact, Excel, Word;
• Bereid om eventuele trainingen te volgen;
• Vaardig in het inboeken en controleren van declaraties;
• Vaardigheid in het opstellen van betalingsoverzichten;
• Kunnen omgaan met vertrouwelijke informatie;
• Goede beheersing van de Nederlandse en Engelse taal, zowel in woord en geschrift;
• Goede organisatorische, communicatieve (verbaal & schriftelijk) en contactuele vaardigheden;
• Een verantwoordelijke, kritische, accurate, creatieve en klantgerichte instelling;
• Zowel zelfstandig als in teamverband kunnen werken;
Goede beheersing van de Nederlandse en Engelse taal, zowel in woord en geschrift.

Aangeboden wordt:
Inschaling conform de Lands Bezoldigingsregeling 1998.
Salaris is afhankelijk van het aantal jaren werkervaring vermeerderd met bovenwindse toelage 16.3%, eventuele
kindertoelage, pensioenregeling, medische verzekering en vakantie-uitkering.

Schriftelijke reactie gaarne binnen twee weken na plaatsing van deze oproep richten aan:

Het Bestuurscollege van het Eilandgebied St. Eustatius

T.a.v. Mevrouw F. Marlin, Hoofd Personeel & Organisatie
Government Guesthouse
St. Eustatius
Nederlandse Antillen,Tel: 0318 2931 Fax: 0318 3391 Email: florence_marlin@yahoo.com
Voor meer informatie kan contact opgenomen worden met de afdeling Financiën (0318 2397).