Press Release

The Law in Focus Press Release

Philipsburg, April 27, 2008

The Law in Focus commemorates International Day of the Family during the month of May

The importance of the family and family relations is globally acknowledged; hence May 15 is yearly celebrated as the International Day of the Family. The family forms the basic unit of society and as such needs the widest possible protection and assistance so that families can fully assume their responsibilities within the community. The family is the heart of society, law enforcement starts with discipline in the home and your home is your sanctuary, are just some of the expressions used to emphasize the sanctity of the family and our homes.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration on Social Progress and Developments and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against women are all geared towards the protection of the family. In light of International Day of the Family the Law in Focus will dedicate the entire month of May highlighting issues of importance surrounding the family, joining the efforts around the world to offer assistance in eradicating some ills within the family circle, which often prevent its proper functioning.

We start this series on the Family with excerpts of a forum, organized by Women's Desk and Safe Haven in their plight to bring about awareness regarding Domestic Violence in our society, with Attorney at law Dr. Nilda Arduin, host of The Law in Focus, and Public Prosecutor Dikran Sarian, followed by questions from the audience as the broadcast of this series progresses.

It is more than often not the victim or perpetrators who seek help for the family in need of assistance, but outsiders/bystanders aware that there is something not right in the home of a family or neighbor sound the alarm or provide a listening ear to address and alleviate the problem.

"The Law in Focus" is an informative and educational program for the entire family, aired every Thursday night from 9.30-10.00 p.m. on Sint Maarten T.V., Channel 15, with rebroadcasts on the Wednesdays following from 6.00 - 6.30 p.m., on Mondays on Cable TV Saba and Tuesdays on Cable TV Statia from 7.00 - 7.30 p.m. The program is aired on Radio 98.1 FM/ Pearl FM on Tuesdays at 1.30 p.m., on Statia radio on Tuesdays at 12.30 noon with a repeat on Sundays at 6.00 p.m., and on Channel 9, MSR Cable TV on French Saint Martin. The public is encouraged to send questions on legal issues to email: lawinfocus@ burofocus.com or Fax #547-3754.