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

===============================================================================

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.

===============================================================================

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/

===============================================================================

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

===============================================================================

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.

===============================================================================

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.

7

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.

=================================================================================================

8

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

=================================================================================================

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.

=================================================================================================

10

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...”

_________________________________________________

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.

=================================================================================================

11

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.”

=================================================================================================

12

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.

=================================================================================================

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.

=================================================================================================

14

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.

=================================================================================================

15

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 info@chamberofcommerce.sx

Annuska Illis-Friday

Ruth Patrick-Solomons

Peggy Ann Brandon

Peggy Ann Brandon

newsletter@chamberofcommerce.sx

www.facebook.com/sxmcoci

(721) 542-3512 Toll free: (844) 796 2024/ 1-844-SXM-C0CI

Contributor

Anastacio Baker