Transferal of state tasks to start in April 2009

The central government, Curaçao and St.Maarten, have signed a list of decisions about the phased dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles and the construction of the new entities. The transferal of state tasks must be implemented by the State Ordinance and can thus only start in April 2009. Curaçao will take over the tasks in three phases: July/August, September and 31 December 2009.

Negotiations with Jamaica postponed

The negotiations regarding a fiscal treaty between the Netherlands Antilles and Jamaica have been postponed. So reports the State Secretary of Finance Alex Rosaria.

Court of Appeal denies appeal of Divi

Divi St. Maarten Holding N.V. (“Divi”), the international hotel chain owner and operator had initiated administrative proceedings against the Island Government of St. Maarten, on the basis of damages incurred by Divi as a consequence of the determination by the Island Government as conservation area, of a parcel of land on which Fort Amsterdam, a 400 year old Fort is situated.

Panama Canal chooses financial backers

The first stage of a US$2.3 billion syndicated loan package to finance the expansion of the Panama Canal, a US$300 million loan from the International Finance Corporation, has been announced.

High Council annuls travel ban again

The High Council has annulled the travel ban for convicted drug traffickers again yesterday because the current Antillean legislation does not permit such a travel ban.

Governing Body (BC) must bend to Knip option

The Governing body has to give it’s opinion about the option which has currently been taken by the foundation Stichting Particulier Fonds Cori about a piece of property at Grote Knip. That is what the judge found yesterday after handling the case which developer Randy Neuman brought on against the island territory.