st. maarten chamber of commerce and industryst. maarten chamber of commerce and industry february...
TRANSCRIPT
St. Maarten Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
FEBRUARY 2016
NEWSLETTER
In this Edition:
-Our Economy Part III CAT I- budget cuts -Commercial Registry (the importance of) - Higher Tax compliance -Spotlight: New businesses -COCI profile of the month -COCI Highlights -COCI Advises/remarks -COCI statistics
COCI SERVICES
Quote of the Month
“You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something,
sometime in your life.”
Winston S. Churchill
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Through its Board of Directors will formulate its action plan and activities for 2016, all geared towards stimulating and
propelling economic development in St. Maarten. COCI believes that every step taken, regardless of its size, every initiative
developed and deployed will create the foundation for long term growth. Wait on no one, but undertake and act and all others
will follow.
In its newsletter of February 2016 COCI follows through in highlighting our areas requiring improvement and our positive
developments. Whilst cautioning that budget cuts must be undertaken due consideration of the country’s continued compliance
with international regulations, improvement of local compliance will result in new revenue streams and an increased income to
support the country’s growth. New business initiatives are highlighted as such businesses provide the opportunity to attain
economic diversification within our country.
COCI promises to follow developments closely and share information on local and regional trends across business sectors, as in
doing so regional destinations may become a viable option for export of our services and products. Knowledge is key for
sustainable growth of any business, both internal and external.
We, the COCI Board of Directors, hope you enjoy this edition of our Newsletter.
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OUR ECONOMY PART III
CATEGORY I
(CAT I)
What is affected by budget cuts?
The first idea that may come up when reading this
heading is that this article pertains to the strength
category of a hurricane. A Cat I hurricane we simply do
not fear anymore in St. Maarten, as after Luis and
Marilyn in 1995 we learned how to prepare. CAT I in this
article has no relation to the tropical storms we face.
Category I is the status our Civil Aviation Authority
must have and maintain, if there is a desire by the
country to maintain commercial flights to the United
States or maintain codeshare arrangements with US
partner airliners. The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) assesses the ability of the country’ civil aviation
authority to oversee air carriers in its territory. This
ability is measured based on the compliance with the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety
standards for the industry. The assessment is executed
through the International Aviation Safety Assessment
program (IASA) and focusses on eight (8) key elements
of aviation safety as set forth in the ICAO Safety
Oversight Manual- document number 9734. The eight
(8) key requirements of compliance are:
1] Primary aviation legislation; 2] Specific operating regulations; 3] State civil aviation system and safety oversight functions; 4] Technical personnel qualification and training; 5] Technical guidance, tools and the provision of safety critical information; 6] Licensing, certification, authorization, and approval obligations; 7] Surveillance obligations; and 8] resolution of safety concerns.1
1 FAA website: IASA program; http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/iasa/
The Netherlands Antilles enjoyed the category I status
as being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but
that all changed in 2010 when Curacao and St. Maarten
attained separate status within the Kingdom. The
Curacao Civil Aviation Authority needed to undergo an
inspection, and the deficiencies found resulted in a
downgrade in 2012 to a category II status. This
downgrade affected St. Maarten as well, due to the fact
that the country’s the (PJ) aircraft registry prefix.2 Even
though this downgrade does not affect flights in
operation, it does mean that no new flights/service can
be undertaken by airlines from St. Maarten to the US
and its territories. It is therefore of essence that a
category I status is regained, since our economic
development is contingent hereon. In this context we
must realize that this young country having assumed
the Civil Aviation Authority for the first time after the
dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, by far did not
have the developed framework in place as was the case
in Curacao. Yet with the limited means available the
start-up of this entity commenced. The St. Maarten Civil
Aviation Authority is functional today, yet not much
attention is given to this entity. As a tourism destination
and tourism being the main pillar of our economy one
would think that the Government would take this
matter on as a priority. The safety of our aviation
industry is at stake here, yet we must fear that budget
cuts may result in this matter not promptly being
addressed. It is a known fact that many new authorities
assumed since 10-10-10 placed a real burden on the
country as many institutions were not present in the
country before, the human resources and expertise
2 Curacao Chronicle December 2014. http://curacaochronicle.com/politics/sint-maarten-approves-aviation-regulations-curacao-none-yet/
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often yet to be acquired. Yes we all know that Curacao
did not keep its promises to help set up the many new
institutions country St. Maarten would require, and may
still not have transferred our share of the moneys out of
the division of the Netherlands Antilles Estate, but if we
follow the words of the Minister of Finance we can
forget that our share will be released any time soon. So
with a strapped budget, cuts left and right, healthcare
requiring urgent attention, one can only assume that
budget cuts will also affect the quest of the Civil
Aviation Authority to regain a category I status. The
hiring and training of staff may not be possible, the
acquisition of equipment required may be delayed, the
much needed regulations, which must undergo legal
screening by Legal affairs, may follow a slow process as
this division neither has the manpower nor the aviation
expertise to truly execute a prompt screening. So how
will this category I status be regained, if the importance
hereof is not understood or simply mitigated? Yes we
need to tighten our belt, but we also need to ensure
that we are a safe destination for incoming and
outgoing aircrafts, as we depend on this means of
transportation for our entire socio-economic growth.
The tourism industry- the aviation industry- brings us
the much needed revenues, and these revenues will not
grow if we are unable to meet aviation safety standards.
If expansion of airlift to US territories is deemed part of
our further development as a destination, then we need
to get our priorities straight. So maybe it is time to set
the politics aside. Budget cuts, should go hand in hand
with the clearing of a polluted Government payroll, and
hiring should be done in areas most needed. Maybe
those still on the Government payroll who have not
worked for the administration in years and are
generating income through other jobs as well, should
be taken off that payroll. In the interest of the country
those who are needed and are willing to work should
be hired. If a clean-up is undertaken this Government
would be surprised at the amount of revenues it would
have to hire qualified, young St. Maarteners who are
hungry to contribute towards their country. Yet this
clean-up should not be expected in an election year.
Considering all of the afore the question remains: “are
the budget cuts undertaken the right ones, in the right
areas, without creating additional liabilities?” For if
these cuts are the sole basis for the Government to
operate on a balanced budget, areas requiring urgent
attention and staffing will be left unattended. Whilst
balancing a budget on paper the reality will be that
fragmented budget cuts will harm us in the long run,
and will prevent economic growth. Category I will
remain a desired status by the Civil Aviation Authority
to be attained.
Picture below by: Dotcom Marketing
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THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMMERCIAL REGISTRY
Too often you can hear the sentiments of people
in society that the Chamber of Commerce serves no
purpose in their opinion. “All they do is charge annual
fees and you get nothing for it”. Surely we all have
heard these words echoed once or twice if not more, with
no real response to render. Some of us may ponder on
the topic, but most of us will dismiss the topic by saying:”
for real” and continue on to a next topic. In fact no one
should skid over this topic so lightly, as it implies that the
importance of the registry maintained by the Chamber
of Commerce and Industry in St. Maarten is not known or
misunderstood.
Creating a safe and secure environment to do
business in is a must for any country. Imagine a wild west
in which anyone could open shop anywhere, do business
anywhere and leave anytime without any consequences.
No one would want to do business in such an environment.
Investors for sure, unless undertaking shady practices,
would not consider such an environment. So in fact our
economic growth is contingent upon a commercial
registry, which permits us to distinguish the legitimate
official businesses from the illegitimate unofficial
businesses.
The importance of the registry is realized when
in doing business one desires to seek recourse satisfaction
in court. It is only the registry that can provide an excerpt
on which the legal name of the entity one seeks to sue is
reflected. In a court of law it is that legal name and not
the trade name we commonly know, that needs to be
reflected on court documents. The excerpt also provides
an address of the entity, which is also required to be
submitted on any petition filed in court. Now often
businesses fail to comply with the regulations and do not
register changes in addresses. This failure is for the risk
of that entity and a fine can be issued. In litigation the
court will deem the address as registered at the
Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the official
address of the business. This prevents businesses from
floating around and making it difficult to trace them.
The importance of the registry is also distilled from the
fact that now most businesses and citizens require
businesses to have their registration number made
known, so that it can be established that they are a
registered business in St. Maarten. KNOW WHO YOU
ARE DOING BUSINESS WITH is important. Many services
are not rendered if your business is not registered
and/or you are not in compliance with regulations
regarding that registration. Being able to submit a valid
excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is
evidence of the official status/being of a business and
its good standing with the entity.
And so the commercial registry plays its part in creating
a safe and secure business environment in St. Maarten.
The next time that that annual fee is due pay it with pride
as this small amount solidifies that your business is a
business to engage and do business with.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry does much more
than maintaining a commercial registry. The Chamber of
Commerce and Industry also actively works to seek
solutions to problems the business community faces,
contributes towards the training of human resources that
support, and actively undertakes sessions to engage
stakeholders and to promote business growth.
In 2015 the business plan competition was held to
stimulate young entrepreneurs and assist with the start-
up of their business concepts, a street fair was organized
to give small and big business an extra exposure during
the holiday season in an effort to enhance sales, and
banners were contributed for the street barricades
placed in town when ships are in Port to explain the
purpose of the barricades. So that businesses beyond the
barricades would not miss revenues.
Understanding its task within the business community and
its role with regards to supporting the economic growth
of the country the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
continuously works towards improvement of its services
and accessibility to its services. This growth process will
continue along with the growth of our economy.
This is why you register and this is why you pay an annual
fee.
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Tax payer vs Tax evader
During the recent budget deliberations in Parliament the
query on how a higher tax compliance would be ensured
was answered by the Minister of Finance along the lines
that prompter action would be undertaken after one
issued warrant of payment to the tax payer. This
response seemed to satisfy the Member of Parliament
who posted the question. This response however suggests
that higher tax compliance will be sought from those tax
payers who are already in the system and paying taxes.
These taxpayers are too often confronted with bogus
assessments on supposed late payments, simply because
the receiver and the tax department do not have a
synchronized system permitting the latter to
instantaneously view the payments made by the
receiver. Almost on a monthly basis tax payers are
forced to issue payment receipts, issued by the receiver,
to the tax department in protest of a baseless warrant
for payment (due to supposed non-payment or late
payment) issued by the tax department. If this protest
(sending a proof of payment from their own system
back) is not filed the promised new actions may not be
prevented.
Yes, at times the tax payer may not have paid enough
and receives a warrant for additional payment. In such
cases immediate real action to collect may be expected
sooner, well soon after all legal remedies have been
exhausted.
Yet this promise of prompter action alone will not
translate in enhanced tax compliance in the country. For
it is not only those who are registered and paying taxes
that are supposed to bring about a higher compliance.
Is it not a fact that currently a small portion of society is
carrying a far larger portion of not registered, non-tax
paying entities? Enhanced tax compliance should
coincide with the promise to broaden the tax payer base
and to ensure that those who are operating outside of
the system are introduced to the obligations others have
fulfilled for years.
To highlight a few examples of entities that should be
brought in to broaden the tax payer base:
1] There are so many entities who enjoy a tax holiday
without expiry date. The tax holiday was intended to
permit a viable start-up to these businesses. Being in
business for years now may be a reason to assume that
the tax holiday may now be withdrawn and these
businesses may now be included in the group of tax
payers.
2] Businesses, not registered or licensed, are offering
products and services, generating revenues outside the
system and having no contribution obligation as they are
not known. The fact that these businesses are undermining
our secure business environment is one consequence that
they are permitted to engage in unfair competition
practices is another.
3] Some individuals, who should be part of the tax payer
group, simply abuse the dual tax system between Dutch
and French St. Maarten and ultimately do not contribute
in any jurisdiction. These individuals declare at our tax
department that they are declaring and paying on the
French side and on the French side they declare to have
a foreign income and are paying in a foreign territory.
The Tax department on the Dutch side seems to be
satisfied with that declaration and undertakes nothing to
verify with the French counterpart on this declaration and
payment. So many prominent and outstanding citizens,
misuse this dual tax system, generate an income and pay
no one.
4] Then there are the villa rentals conducted, through
which revenues are generated in the Island, yet it
remains unclear if this income is taxed in any jurisdiction.
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Is this not a tax compliance issue as well even if it can easily be
qualified as tax evasion? Yet no one deals with these forms of
tax evasion (permitted or not), and of course that is simply
because these evaders are not known. The promised actions
above can only help to enhance the tax compliance of the
known tax payer who did not file or pay correctly when
prosecuted for tax evasion. The real tax evaders look on,
comment and criticize those “caught” for improper tax
compliance.
The need for more revenues by the country should have placed a focus on this segment of society as well, instead of a
continued focus only on those known and within easy reach. Enhancement of tax compliance is therefore much more and
should be much more than the promised action against the known tax payers. Enhancement of tax compliance should
include all those businesses in operation under the radar and all those citizens who peddle between Dutch and French
side. A simple declaration that you are declaring elsewhere should not be sufficient, this declaration should at least be
supported by a copy of that foreign declaration filed. That is a start and not a costly one at that. We can only hope that
tax compliance from all will be sought and not just from a few.
The GET COCI sign now visible in Simpson Bay was placed to remind the
general public of the COCI services offered through the Government Public
Service Center in Simpson Bay at the Fish Market. GET COCI, can be used
in so many ways:
- Request at COCI in Philipsburg and pick up in Simpson Bay
- Request online or by fax and pick up in Simpson Bay
- Request in Simpson Bay and pick up in Simpson Bay
- Request in Simpson Bay and pick up in Philipsburg
The customer decides what works best on any particular day at any given
time. Most of our services can be combined. Just call and inquire, express
and we will do our utmost to serve you as you desire.
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NEW BUSINESS-
BUSINESS INNOVATION
On February 27th CIA launched its Boarding facilities. The Schoolmaster Mr. Klassen explained that CIA has truly
gone international, seeking students from around the world to come to Sint Maarten to further their studies. The
Facilities were dedicated to Geronimo Samson, in a touching tribute. This undertaking underscores fully the
importance of education, and encompasses economic development. St. Maarten known for sun, sand and sea, may
now gain recognition for the educational facilities the country offers. This initiative by the founder of the school Mrs.
Erato needs to be applauded and supported as such an endeavor is one that can bring about the economic
diversification desired. It’s the small initiatives that bring about larger undertakings and greater results. COCI hopes
that the example set here may result in the growth of a new industry in St. Maarten.
Caribbean International
Academy
Boarding Facility
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9
FLY ALLWAYS
This aircraft could be seen at the Princess Juliana Airport on February 27th. This this airline is expected to offer
services on the route St. Maarten-Suriname. One could only hope that this is a sign of additional airlift to be expected
between the countries mentioned on a long term basis, bringing much needed competition on the route. A direct
connection may also support the establishment of trade relations between the countries, and opening St. Maarten up
as a new tourist destination for the South American country. To date Curacao and Aruba of the Dutch Caribbean
have seen the most visitors from Suriname, because of the direct connection to these countries and the hub function
to US mainland and other destinations. May St. Maarten now develop its hub function within the Eastern Caribbean.
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An Exclusive Interview by: Jimmy C. Challenger PART 1 of 2 February, 2016
Ms. Peggy Ann M. Brandon – A closer look at the woman holding the office of the presidency of the
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry “…We have to realize that we are a component of a much larger society. It’s not the business sector versus the citizens; it is not the business sector versus the government; it has to be all of us together pulling this off. We are way too small as a country to be only worried about what is happening to us as a business sector. That is not going to work, it hasn’t worked for us, and it shows that that is where our maturity needs to go to...”
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When one takes into account the vital role that a chamber of commerce should play to ensure that the interests of its
members and various stakeholders are met, a strong and capable Board of Directors, with a competent President at
the helm, is crucial to accomplishing any one task within the complexities thereof. For the St. Maarten Chamber of
Commerce & Industry it is no different and for this reason the Presidency is not a position that should be taken lightly.
Formal Education & Experience in the Private and Public Sectors
Recently Ms. Peggy Ann M. Brandon was re-elected to the position of President. And if one were to judge from her
past leadership style, formal education and work experience, St. Maarten can only expect more steps in the right
direction for the organization. Brandon, a graduate of the AMS (Algemene Middelbare School), obtained her
masters’ degree in Law and Litigation at the University of Amsterdam. In 1992 she visited St. Maarten for a 3 week
vacation, whilst in her final year of law school, and to this day has been “vacationing” on St. Maarten as a resident
for the past 24 years.
Brandon commenced her career in St. Maarten at the law firm Gibson, Duncan & Koeijers as a jurist, and became a
legal advisor to the Executive Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten in 1996. Realizing within a short period
that Government Administration was not a branch for her, she established in partnership with Roland Duncan, the
law firm Duncan & Brandon in 1997. The firm has served the communities of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius
and currently comprises of five (5) attorneys and six (6) support staff members.
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In 2008, after having served as a Supervisory Board of Director of SMITCOMS and the TELEM Group of
Companies, Brandon obtained a masters’ degree in Telecommunications Regulations and Policy at the University
of the West Indies. Brandon proceeded to be the main telecommunications consultant for the Island Territory of
St. Maarten on Policy and Regulatory matters and was awarded the contract to design the country’s first
telecommunications policy and its application for a new country code. Brandon whilst passionate about
telecommunications has now devoted her time to the Chamber of Commerce and industry. Elected in March 2014,
Brandon became the Chambers president in May 2014.
The Chamber Operations & Community Functions When asked about the responsibilities of the chamber, Ms. Brandon stated: “Citizens showing interest in the chamber, its role and how it functions, is a necessity, and much appreciated. Often there are misconceptions on the chamber and its functioning. Based on the law, the President of the COCI represents the chamber. A couple of years ago, a previous board determined that there was a need to create the position of an Executive Director, someone of a higher management who would oversee the operations and report to the office of the President and Board of Directors. Prior to this, board members were directly involved in the day-to-day operations and running of the chamber as a whole. But that is not what we do at this present time.
We make a clear distinction between what we call operations, which is the registry, the functioning of the registry itself and what the chamber does for the community in which it has been established – which means to us much more than just serving business interests. We look at the entire social economic impact of the island. We look at matters that affect both business and the citizens.”
The President gave a firm example of the link between business and community interests while referring to the monitoring of unemployment: “…unemployment for instance is something that affects us; it affects the economy because a high rate of unemployment means that there is less money in circulation resulting in a higher dependency. There might also be a correlation with a higher crime rate and that would then have an effect on the performance of the business sector. So you end up in a vicious circle where you have to realize that we are all components of a much larger being, of a larger society…”
Leadership Brandon continued: “As President of the chamber, I have the honor to be at the head of an organization that is required to
have a safe and secure business environment. I have the honor to lead, to chair a group of very distinguished St. Maarteners – Educated people, people who have businesses, people who are involved in the business sector or in regular life, in very many different forms, have something vital to contribute to the country – And have the opportunity through the chamber to make that contribution.
Young St. Maarteners Can Contribute for the Betterment of the Country Brandon emphasized on the importance of young St. Maarteners making contributions to the further development of the country, stating: “We all find our niche of contribution, you – referring to the writer – do it in writing; the politicians do it through politics, but there are so many young St. Maarteners who want to contribute and wouldn’t easily find a way to do so but can do so through the chamber. So my role is basically to oversee that everything goes well – Both with the registry side of things and with the functioning of the board. To make sure that the chamber as a whole is an entity that strives towards proper compliance with all regulations. That it will set the tone on how we have to conduct ourselves – aiding others on how to attain
higher compliance and ultimately a better functioning within St. Maarten.”
The Importance of the Registry & Compliance Together with her fellow Board of Directors and Management, her presidency focused on the improvement of the quantity, quality and enhanced access to the products and services of the chamber: “What this chamber has done in 2015 is to give extensive attention to its Registry Function – the operation side. Many people don’t understand how important
the registry is. Something that is commonly echoed is that the membership pays fees, and the chamber does not do anything for the membership in return. What people need to realize is that one should only do business with companies that are registered – the reason for this, is simply for your own safety and security. If one does business with an entity that is not known, not registered, an unofficial business, and something were to go wrong in the business relationship with that entity, you have no recourse because you would not be able to find them – they don’t exist! The chamber registration brings a secure environment to the country for us to conduct business in. That is what the chamber is –first and foremost.”
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With regards to meeting the challenges of having an updated registry, Brandon highlighted the obligations of the chamber’s membership to inform on a timely and accurate manner: “…there is an obligation, and the obligation dictates that anytime you make a change in your business, for example you move, you want to give it a different name, you want to close
it, you want to reopen it, you file for bankruptcy, etc., you must notify us of the change so that we can update our registry. Again, it is in the best interest of all parties concerned that the registry is up to date.” President Brandon gave a firm example to support the case for timely provision of information: “…sometimes we don’t take the time to visit the chamber and put in an address change but when we end up in litigation and we don’t have the correct address, we are fast to accuse someone or point fingers at someone else because we can’t
find the proper address stating: “that the chamber should have had the proper address”. We don’t stop to think that we at times don’t comply with the rules and regulations.”
2016 Focal Points – The Importance of Data Mining in Achieving Further Socio-Economic Development Going forward for the year, President Brandon gave a synopsis of what can be expected from the chamber: “This year we are focused on economic development. An economic development that goes hand in hand with social development
checking to see how we can improve our services – how can we improve our product, what kind of training do we need, how can we be instrumental into making that happen. What is going to be crucial for our economic development is that we, for once and for all, attain proper data and have the ability to analyze data. Just gathering data and not being able to analyze it has no meaning. I know that the Statistics Bureau has been occupied with surveys and getting information, and that there is a fortunate position whereby the law dictates that questions from that Statistics Bureau must be answered. But the gathering of information is only one part. Analyzing the information and putting it in proper reports is the next part – followed by the distribution of the information and the continuous update of that information. We are developing, we have a dynamic environment. Information from a survey done this year – cannot and will not last for ten years – as a result. Ultimately due to this lack of continuous timely data mining and analyzing thereof, we are not portrayed correctly as a country.”
What is important to you?
Family, trust and faith.
If you could ask for one thing what would that be and why?
Good health, for with that I can do everything else.
Do you consider yourself successful and why?
Yes, I do because I have achieved all I set my
mind to.
What is your biggest achievement?
Being a good mother.
What makes you happy?
Doing good to and for others.
What is your work Principle?
I am result oriented so: Get it done works.
Who or what keeps you grounded? My focus on the loving people in my life.
Describe yourself in 5 words or concepts Loving, dedicated, loyal, honest, workaholic.
What are you thankful for? My life with all that it brings.
What is in your future? Continue to give back, to share my knowledge
and wisdom, hopefully to have grandchildren I
can spoil, to see this country grow to its full potential
How can this country grow to such a potential? Assuming a positive attitude, so even the
negative can be converted into a positive,
structured approach to attaining results and
utilization of knowledge and experience within
the country.
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13
The French Chamber of Commerce, in executing its theme:
”EXPORT” held a session on February 26th 2016 with a focus
on Anguilla. Key note speaker Mr. K. Lake, President of the
Chamber of Commerce in Anguilla elucidated on the
possibilities of doing business in Anguilla to the attendees.
Our French counterparts are actively exploring different
destinations to which products and services can be offered.
Looking at your neighbors from an export perspective is not
only logical, but also refreshing.
In this Picture: Mr. J. Arnell President of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Martin, Mr. K. Lake President of the Chamber of
Commerce Anguilla, Ms. P. Brandon, President Chamber of Commerce and Industry St. Maarten, Mr.G. Gumbs, Ms. L.
Raspail, Mr. A. Baker and Mr. L. Bute.
USM launched its first Journalism Cohort earlier this year. A collaboration between USM, BTP and
COCI is aimed at developing interest in journalism and providing those interested in this field with a
study possibility at home. The picture was taken at the commencement of the course with students
who signed up to partake.
In the picture: The dean of USM, USM staff, students and COCI president.
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Safety and Security shopping tips.
1) Keep your cash and cards separate.
When walking in a crowed area, it is a good idea to keep your cash and cards in separate locations on your person. Perhaps having your cash in your wallet while having your cards your card holder in your
pocket. Never have your cards and ID in the same holder. 2) Try and keep your wallet, card holder and any valuable document in your front pocket/or in front of
you. Do not trust anyone who gets a little too close to you.
3) Do not buy more than you can carry. If you plan on doing a large shopping, bring a close friend to help.
Remember, always pay attention to your surrounding and report any suspicious activity to the police.
4) Ladies and keep your bags close, do not hang your bag on a chair at a restaurant, do not place it on
the floor or on a counter while in a fitting room, and do not keep it on your back or to your side.
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COCI Statistics:
ANNUAL STATISTICS:
REGISTRATION TOTALS BY YEAR:
Year Active Inactive Liquidation Bankruptcy
2010 928 67 0 1
2011
992 68 24 1
2012 1058 74 6 0
2013 1133 79 11 0
2014 1215 95 3 2
2015 1262 28 3 0
REGISTRATION TOTALS BY LEGAL FORM:
Active Registrations
2013 2014 2015
Sole Proprietors
340 368 379
Limited Liability
612 645 658
Private Limited Liability
24 30 41
Partnerships 2 2 2
Foundations 124 132 140
Associations 22 25 27
Foreign entities
7 9 11
2015 SERVICES TOTALS:
Service Type Total income
Annual fees 97%
Excerpts 2.1%
other 0.9%
New Registrations
Jan-Feb 2016
135
In-Active Registrations
2013 2014 2015
Sole Proprietors
9 29 10
Limited Liability
60 3 59
Private Limited Liability
1 1 0
Partnerships 0 0 0
Foundations 4 1 4
Associations 1 0 0
Foreign entities
0 0 0
Income
Annual fee Excerpts Other .sx
Ajay Rawtani
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Chamber Of Commerce and Industry of St. Maarten Board of Directors 2016
Executive Board 2016: Members:
P. Brandon: President N.Lake A. Baker: Vice President P. Illis-FridayL. Bute: Treasurer A. Rawtani S. Bijlani S. Lint K. Franca
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
C.A. Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, 11 St. Maarten
Telephone: (721) 542-3595/542-3590 - Fax:
8(721)
www.chamberofcommerce.sx [email protected]
Annuska Illis-Friday
Ruth Patrick-Solomons
Peggy Ann Brandon
Peggy Ann Brandon
www.facebook.com/sxmcoci
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Anastacio Baker