I am pleased to announce that the Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) will be proceeding with a number of entrepreneurship training programs for the first half of 2009. Reda Sosial has extended the deadline for the funds earmarked for the SBDF to allow the SBDF to proceed with the trainings. The Entrepreneurship Training Courses are already fully booked for the first course due to start January 12.
For the remaining balance of the funds, SBDF will submit programs that will hopefully meet the approval of Reda Sosial. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Director of Reda Sosial Mr. Herman George for the extension of the deadline which will definitely give the SBDF ample opportunities to continue servicing the St. Maarten entrepreneurs who are so grateful for your assistance and understanding.
As you know, The main objective of the SBDF is to help the sustainability of the local SMEs and the creation of new ones. The Entrepreneurship Trainings play an instrumental role in achieving that goal. In fact, it has been proven that the configuration of our economy, which favors several business opportunities, has triggered an entrepreneurship spirit among the local residents.
This was seen through their regular demand for regular and affordable courses. The target group for the courses consists of existing SME’s and individuals who would like to become self employed. The group of individuals wanting to start their own business is showing a steady increase, most of them coming from the public sector such as the banking institutions, civil servants and some that are currently employed in the business sector but are fixed on being entrepreneurs.
SPORTS
I was also very happy to note that Governor of the Netherlands Antilles Mr. Frits Goedgedrag echoed the numerous statements I’ve been making over the past year pertaining to the importance of sports to a community and for the overall development of young people. Since taking office I have maintained and tried to emphasize to our community not to underestimate the power of sports. During the course of 2008 the Island Government, individual athletes and sports organization have taken significant steps forward and look to continue progressing in 2009. To mention but a mere few:
– The interscholastic Games which brought young people of secondary schools of the Netherlands Antilles together in friendly competition.
– Elementary school children actively and successfully took part in various sporting activities surrounding the Rights of the Child events.
– The Johan Cruijff Football Tournament was again a great success.
– St. Maarten’s Taw Kwon Do Athletes continued to excel in competitions abroad.
– Boxing made a successful comeback and is on the rise.
– The St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation hosted a successful female and male soccer tournament.
– Young Soccer players and coaches from a Canadian school came to St. Maarten to participate in friendly matches with our young soccer players. Youth from Anguilla was also invited to take part in this event. International and/or regional initiatives such as this one will be cultivated to give St. Maarten’s young players the opportunity to not only build relationships, but to sharpen their skills against different competition.
– Different sporting events also held successful tournaments including basketball, tennis, Futsal, softball and baseball.
In terms of government:
– A new board to the Foundation Upkeep Sport Facilities was appointed to manage and maintain our sport facilities.
– An assessment of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex was taken and the articles of incorporation revamped to give government more say in the operations and functioning of the complex. This process continues and should some to fruition this year.
– Appointment of a project leader to prepare a plan of action for RISC and cricket. The plans for RISC are in the process of being finalized.
– We continue our meetings with various stakeholders such as the St. Maarten Sports Federation and Association of Coaches and Trainers for Excellence in sports.
– My office developed the project proposal for the Ansary fund for St. Maarten and as a result received school sporting material for primary schools. These were subsequently distributed to various schools.
– Additional school sporting material went to the public primary schools to increase movement among the youth and counter obesity. While Government started a school sports education program in public schools three years ago, the program can now come to its full potential as approximately Naf 43, 200 of material was provided to the public as well as other subsidized primary schools.
– The Island Government also gave approximately Naf 50,000 in subsidies to various organizations including:
· The St. Maarten basketball Association
· Pony League
· St. Maarten Traffic Park Foundation
· Little League
· Baseball agents and players who traveled to the Dominican Republic.
· St. Maarten Pool Association
· St. Maarten Body Building and Fitness Association
Lastly, although somewhat delayed, the development of the Comprehensive Sports Policy is in its final stages. Governor Goedgedrag mentioned a number of things that this policy will support and encompass. It will reflect the interests and concerns of government, the sport community, and of the countless other organizations that influence and benefit from sport in St. Maarten. This sports policy, the first of its kind on our island, will be a measure of the collective determination of government and the sporting community to provide greater patronage to sports.