March Newsletter 2015
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
(COCI)
11 C.A. Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: (721) 542-3590/ 542-3595 Fax: 542-3512
www.chamberofcommerce.sx
Mission: To promote and accelerate the economic growth by educating the
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business community and stimulating inward investment.
Values:
o Promoting the general interest of the business community in St. Maarten
o Informing enterprises about doing business in and through St. Maarten
o Keeping the Commercial Register and the Foundations Register
o Issuing documentary evidence: certificates of origin, extracts, legalizations and other
statements
o Offering solicited and unsolicited advice to Government on matters concerning the
economical development
To access our Donation Policy:- W: www.chamberofcommerce.sx
acebook: www.facebook.com/sxmcoci
Empowering
Young Entrepreneurs
Contents
Page 2 Board Attends CIBC
Seminar
Page 2 Launch of Complaint Box
“Our mission as a Chamber is to help and
guide our aspiring entrepreneurs to transform
their great ideas, concepts and goals into a successful
business venture in the future, Art Saves Lives Sumer
Program and Entrepreneurship Workshop is a great
example” stated President Brandon.
Page 2 Board Member Profile
Page 3-4Entrepreneur Spotlight
Page 5 Exec Board Attends Trade
Mission in Dom. Republic
Page 6 Investing in Our Future
Page 7 Courtesy Visits- Hon.Min.
Claret Connor & CIBC’s
Mr. W.Wright, Mr.T Peterson
Page 8 Upcoming Events
Students participating in this 2015 program
will be offered a nurturing learning environment and be exposed to: communication,
critical thinking, academics and creative
development.
In 2014, COCI’s generosity was extended to the
Art Saves Lives Entrepreneurship Workshop
students at the 2nd “Girls Night Out” event at
the Maho Convention Center. They were able
to showcase and sell their designs during the
event.
Board of Directors:
Peggy Ann Brandon – President
Stanley Lint- Vice President
Anastacio Baker – Treasurer
Charlise Philips – Assistant Treasurer
Art Saves Lives Director Nicole
deWeever (2nd from left) with aspiring
entrepreneurs. Courtesy of Facebook.
Sidharth “Cookie” Bijlani
Louis Bute
Pamela Annuska Illis-Friday
Nzinga Lake
Ajay Rawtani
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March Newsletter 2015
Board Members Attend CIBC
Financial Seminar
On Wednesday 11th February, 2015, COCI board attended a
Financial Seminar on “Accounting Advice for Better
Business Management” hosted by CIBC First Caribbean
Bank. The representatives of BDO group presented at this
very informative session. We would like to take this
opportunity to applaud CIBC First Caribbean for their
approach in educating and providing the St. Maarten
business community with the proper tools to help ensure
L - R: The representatives of BDO , Mr. Judd ( Managing Director of
fiscal discipline while launching new business activities.
CIBC), Mr. Wright (Regional Director of Business Banking) next to the
COCI Board members. Courtesy of Pete’s Photo.
On Friday 20th March 2015, COCI President Peggy Ann Brandon,
members of the Board and Operations Manager Ruth Patrick
officially launched a Complaint/Suggestion Box. The purpose of
this Complaint/Suggestion Box is to facilitate open
communication for all Chamber stakeholders, be it externally or
internally. Anonymous feedback, suggestions and grievances can
be placed in the box during hours of operations, Monday -Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. COCI encourages its members to make use
of this excellent source of information sharing.
Board Member Profile:
Aliquam scelerisque sagittis erat.
Sidharth “Cookie” Bijlani
Sidharth ”Cookie” Bijlani is a consummate entrepreneur who has established three successful
businesses on St. Maarten namely: Om Jewelers, Gemsland, and Dutch Delight and he take his
ownership very seriously. As a member of the new wave of business owners on Frontstreet, Philipsburg,
Cookie, as he is fondly called by everyone, tries his best to do everything within his powers to meet his
customers’ shopping needs. Cookie’s affable and personable nature allows him to easily identify and
satisfy his clients’ shopping needs.
In addition to his business life, Cookie devotes his leisure time rendering services to the island’s
wider community through his positive outlook and ambition as a member of the St. Maarten Chamber
of Commerce and Industry’s Board of Directors, Treasurer of the Indian Merchants Association (IMA)
and Treasurer of the Rotary Club.. In addition, he is past President of the Rotary Club St. Maarten
Sunrise and past Director for Merchants on the Board of the SHTA.
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St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March Newsletter 2015
“Entrepreneur Spotlight”
“Getting business is a
hustle and there is little
room for mistakes!”
Entrepreneur: O. York
Business Name: Blue Collar Construction N.V.
Business Category: Construction / Contractors
Established Since 2011

part is managing taxes and understanding
the tax structure. Taxes must be paid but
it takes up a lot of revenue. There are
definitely struggles complying with the
tax system.
Tell me how you first got involved with
Entrepreneurship?
I attended high school in St. Maarten and
studied in the Netherlands like most
people my age. Eventually, I got a
regular job working for the man and
gained experience, however one day I
just decided to do something on my own.
My father had a construction company
so I took it over and rebranded it.


The best thing consisted of the
opportunities given by clients, the
relationship that develops and the trust
that is built when offering my services.
The worst thing is when third parties are
involved with contractor negotiations
and they use their connections to give
competitors the business instead.
What has surprised you most about
working as an Entrepreneur?
The thing that surprised me the most is
the level of competition. There are many
difficulties getting and keeping contracted
projects in the construction field. Prices
fluctuate and getting the best deals on
materials is an ongoing process. When
securing a job, prices are discussed, both
parties begin to approve but then a
competitor offers a better rate and you
lose the client easily.

What's the best thing to happen since
you started your own business?

Tell me about some of the people you've
met while working as an Entrepreneur.
I’ve met a gentleman from England who
does construction and engineering
projects for a well off local family.
Overall, meeting different people from
different parts of the globe and listening
to them share their perspectives are
worthwhile. I’ve gained a considerable
amount of experience working with local
and foreign industry players.
What do you find most challenging
about having your own business?
After securing a job, the most challenging
3

Tell me about someone who has
influenced your decision to start your
St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March Newsletter 2015
Continued from page 3

What's your personal philosophy on starting and running your
own business?
My personal philosophy is that to survive in this business you have
to be very strong, have good management skills, be administrationsavvy and maintain a no nonsense attitude when it comes to your
employees. Getting business is a hustle and there is little room for
mistakes or your career can be over in a split second.

Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to start
your own business?
My father heavily influenced my decision to start Blue Collar
Construction. I naturally inherited a great interest for the
construction industry. It runs in the family, so many things came
naturally to me, being a trade person.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing
instead, or what would your life be like?
If I wasn’t doing this, I would probably be working at a regular job
and would consider opening a small restaurant.

As a businessperson, what sorts of trends do you see in your
field?
I’m seeing a lot of new design trends in this field. For example,
building styles are a lot more modern and clients’ tastes are
becoming more contemporary. Modern structures have more open
floor concepts and indoor washrooms. On a less positive note,
there is a trend of underbidding on behalf of the contractor and
insufficient funds on behalf of clients. As a result, many
projects/buildings remain incomplete. Hopefully this is a trend of
the past because cheaper pricing can affect productivity and
outcome.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about starting
his/her own business?
First, have a particular amount of start-up capital and second, have
good financial backing. A project may get started and you might
need to cover some minor costs to complete it before you can get
paid for your services. Lastly, always invest in the right tools and
equipment in order to increase efficiency and reliability.
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St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March Newsletter 2015
Executive Board Members Attend Dominican Republic
Trade Mission
On February 22, 2015 VP Mr. Stanley Lint
and Treasurer Anastacio Baker traveled to
the Dominican Republic (D.R.) to attend
the Mercado Karibe Trade Mission.
The objective of this trip was to explore the
possibilities on opening regular trade
between the Dominican Republic and St.
Maarten. The Trade Mission and match
making seminar was organized by the
Dutch Dominican Chamber of Commerce
in Santo Domingo and headed by the
Minister of Economic Affairs in Curacao,
The Honorable Mr. Stanley Palm.
The Benefits of Doing Business with
Dominican Republic:1) Commitment from DR Government
2) ISO certified products
3) Direct buying resulting in lower
costs
4) 4 days shipping time
Action Points Taken Thus Far:
Above: Brand Name Products made in the D.R. for the U.S. Market
 St. Maarten Government to
 Delegation of local businesses to a
facilitate the trade with easier
travel for DR businesses in
regards to Visa requirements
 Ministry of TEATT sent a proposal
to Ministry of Justice in regards to
this, allowing DR businesses to
travel to St Maarten with
approval from COCI
follow-up Trade Mission to see the
various facilities, products and
control systems
 Department to provide control of
products and also determine product
grades to the island
(Grade "A" and "B").
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St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March Newsletter 2015
Investing in Our Future –
Pre-USM Preparatory Program
In 2014, the “Home Is Where I Prosper” project was launched by the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (COCI) in collaboration with our top sectors. This project has four main objectives for economic
development for St. Maarten: Tourism, Trade, Policy; and Education development. The element ‘Education’
focuses on the development of our human capital as it relates to our overall sub hub expansion.
Towards the establishment of this vision we have introduced a “Work Experience Program”, for students
enrolled in the Pre University Preparatory Program at the University of St. Martin (USM). Via this program,
local students are given the opportunity to receive training and develop their competencies. The focus is to create
environments where adolescents acquire a good and sound education thus producing an enhanced workforce,
properly develop professionals and the maturation of strong and successful entrepreneurs.
Throughout this period, March, 2015 until May, 2015, the Pre-USM students have been attending class at USM
and are receiving training on the job once a week.
COCI will like to thank all parties involved for exercising their social corporate responsibility by participating in
this initiative which will strengthen and develop St. Maarten’s human capital: The Future of St. Maarten.
Special Thanks to All our Corporate Partners:
N.V. GEBE -- Windward Island Bank -- Maduro & Sons Inc. -- Leonard Enterprises N.V. -Henderson Insurances -- Baker Suites -- Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten -Womens Health Services N.V. -- Telem Group of Companies -- Antek IT Solutions -Brison Tax & Accounting -- Department of Economic Licenses (TEATT)
Additional Thanks to All Who Supported This Program:
Harbour Group of Companies-- Princes Juliana International Airport -- Imbrace -- University of St. Martin
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St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March Newsletter 2015
Courtesy Visits at the Chamber of Commerce
Honorable Minister Claret Connor Meets with COCI Board of Directors
COCI Board of Directors met with Minister C.
Connor on March 3rd, 2015. Having met prior
with the COCI Executive Board, the Minister
joined the COCI Board meeting where he
outlined his vision on economic development
and the role of COCI. The members of the
COCI Board were very pleased to have this one
on one exchange with the Minister, and
requested further meetings and exchanges.
The COCI Board members undertaking the
activities for the execution of this year’s theme:
“Better Business in St. Maarten”, were elated
to receive the positive feedback from the
Minister and pledged their support for a close
working relationship with the Ministry of
TEATT.
Chamber Board of Directors with Minister Connor &
Cabinet member J.James
CIBC First Caribbean’s Mr. William Wright
and Mr. Terry Peterson Pays COCI a Visit
On February 11th, 2015 CIBC First Caribbean’s Mr.
William Wright, Regional Director of Business Banking
and Mr. Terry Peterson, Business Banking Manager, paid
a courtesy visit to the COCI Headquarters . Mr. Wright
championed the cause of both organizations working
hand in hand to further stimulate the business economy
and promote public/private partnerships.
Chamber Board Members (center) with Mr.
W. Wright (L) and Mr. T. Peterson (R)
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St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry
March 2015
Upcoming Events
Trade Mission to Panama & Miami
Date: April 12th - April 15th, 2015
To Miami on April 16th – April 17th, 2015
The Netherlands Consulate General in Panama and
Miami and the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (COCI), has extended an invitation to the
business community of St. Maarten to attend
the “Maritime Expo”, themed “Next Round of
Investments; Building The Logistic Hub.”
Objective
The objective of the Maritime Expo is to expose the
Dutch Kingdom to the emerging investment
opportunities and developments in Panama, due to the
expansion of the Panama Canal in 2016. During this
trade mission Panama’s role as the logistic hub for the
Latin American region (LATAM) and the benefits for
participating countries will be accentuated. The Expo
includes a three (3) day matchmaking program,
network events, high-level meetings and seminars.
Delegation
The delegation will be headed by the Minister of
Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic &
Telecommunications (TEATT), the Honorable Claret
Connor and the President of COCI, Ms. Peggy Ann
Brandon.
Benefits for St. Maarten
This trade mission will allow our
top sectors to access Panama’s
market and implement practices,
that will strengthen our services
to this region, embrace economic
diplomacy and create a stable
and sustainable economy for the
Caribbean.
Importance for country St.
Maarten
St. Maarten serves as a primary
aviation and trans-shipment Hub
for the North Eastern Caribbean.
Due to our geographic location
we are in a key position to
compete on the international
markets by reinforcing and
increasing our services. This
expo places St. Maarten in a
key position to deliver a strong
presentation and receive
international recognition for our
country’s outstanding and
growing services.
Contact
Please contact the Chamber for more information
Contact :
about the
participating
Panama.
Please
contact the companies
Chamber for in
more
information about the participating companies in Panama.
Websites: For more information….
Websites Trade mission Panama & Miami: http://www.rvo.nl/trade-mission-panama-miami-aprilof Panamanian exhibitors Maritime Expo: http://panamamaritimeconference.com/en/exhibitor-list-0
ForList
more
information about the trade mission please
List of companies based in Panama: http://camaramaritima.com/directorio.php
refer to the links
below: