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Soab: Szv 2023 Financial Statements Are Accurate And Transparent

~ SZV receives a clean audit report for the third consecutive year ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten For the third consecutive year, Social & Health Insurances SZV received a clean audit report for its financial statements. The clean audit report was issued by the government audit bureau, Stichting Overheids Accountants Bureau (SOAB). A clean audit report also termed an ‘Approved Control,’ means that the auditors found that the financial reporting by SZV was accurate and transparent Read more

Lewis Announces 1% Cola, 1% Vacation Allowance In 2024 Budget Amendment

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis on Thursday announced that the outstanding amount for the 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the 1% vacation allowance will be included in the 2024 budget amendment.

A meeting was held with the board of the WITU on Wednesday to express the governments commitment to include the 1% Read more

DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 11 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 12 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy at times with brief isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 17 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Patches of low-level clouds drifting with the easterly wind flow will produce isolated showers across the local area Read more

4 Graduate With Geds, 2 After Vocational Training

Master of Ceremonies Alex Lindo addressing the graduates.

 ST. EUSTATIUS--New Challenges Foundation (NCF) held a graduation ceremony at William and Christine Flanders Community Centre on July 3 for four students who received their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas and two who completed vocational training.

This celebration is a testament to the power of second chances, said NCF Director Francine Foe at the ceremony. Our graduates have shown that with grit, determination and the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.

The ceremonys theme Dont Watch the Clock, Do What It Does, Keep Going was a fitting tribute to the graduates, emphasising the importance of perseverance, resilience and staying focused.

The ceremony started with a rousing rendition of the St Read more

Taxi Associations Present Proposal For Tariff Change To Teatt Minister

From left: Andrew Royer of the Dutch Taxi Association, TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Maya Friday of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association and Glen Emers of Down Town Taxi Association.

~ Want ride sharing initiative permanently abolished ~

PHILIPSBURG--Five taxi associations operating on Dutch St. Maarten have proposed a change to the existing tariffs, according to them, due to the increased cost of living and inflation.

In a letter to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, the associations said the proposed amendments to the current tariffs are also to synchronise tariffs with the French-side Taxi Association which is presently in negotiations to increase their tariffs.

We met last week to discuss, among other things, their proposal to change the current tariffs for different districts, Heyliger-Marten said in a press release Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 11 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy, hot, humid, and slightly hazy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: East-northeasterly to east-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: A drier atmosphere is settling over the local region, limiting shower activity Read more

Mp Emmanuel Had An Electricity Solution Since 2016

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that had political maturity prevailed in 2017, St. Maarten would have had a groundbreaking project to establish a state-of-the-art waste processing plant with an integrated energy-generating component. This initiative would have been a pivotal move towards enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency on the island.

There was an approved Council of Ministers decision for a proposal Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 9th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday morning (06:00 LST) 10th July 2024  WEATHER:This Afternoon: Hazy and warmTonight, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy with isolated showers possible.  Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This Afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph.  SYNOPSIS: A drier and more stable atmosphere will settle over the region today Read more

From left: Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs, TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Chairperson of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and Member of Parliament Viren Kotai.

 PHILIPSBURG--The decision on whether St Read more

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Meets With The Mayor Of The Hague

The Hague The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, held a significant meeting with the Mayor of The Hague, Jan Hendrikus Cornelis van Zanen during his important working visit to The Netherlands. The discussions focused on critical issues affecting students from Sint Maarten, including housing and technical assistance for professionals.

Housing for Students

One of the key topics discussed was the urgent need for housing solutions for Sint Maarten students studying in The Hague Read more

Vromi Minister Provides Updates On Broken Culvert, Welgelegen Road

PHILISPURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs issued an update statement to the public regarding two ongoing roadworks situations: the status of running water on the Welgelegen Road in Cay Hill and the status of the broken culvert on the A.J.C. Brouwers Road, on the Cole Bay hill. Both situations have caused significant concern as the country approaches the peak of hurricane season.

After requesting and receiving updated information from the Department Head of Infrastructure, Minister Gumbs stated, I can provide the public with a comprehensive update on both matters.

When addressing the matter of the broken culvert on the A.J.C Read more

Deputy Prime Minister Calls For Respectful And Peaceful Campaign Season

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Minister Patrice Gumbs wishes to extend his congratulations to all parties and their candidates on taking the step forward to represent our people at the upcoming snap parliamentary election. While the campaign season is well underway, Gumbs reminded candidates that St. Maartens political culture has always been one of tolerance and respect Read more

Draft Legislation For Crime Fund, Presented To Minister Of Justice, Lyndon Lewis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Justice reached a significant milestone, as the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, was presented with the draft legislation for the Crime Fund. This development marks a crucial step towards modernizing and improving the management, supervision, and accountability of the Crime Fund, an area identified as lacking in the current, outdated legislation. This initiative is also a part of the broader country package measure aimed at enhancing the efficiency and oversight of the Crime Fund.

The draft legislation was prepared by a dedicated group of civil servants, who undertook this project as their final assignment to achieve certification as legislative lawyers, a program offered to them by the Caribbean Center for Legislation.

The Minister of Justice expressed profound gratitude to the civil servants for their hard work and dedication Read more

Minister Of Justice Lyndon Lewis Addresses Increase In Gun Violence

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis has issued a statement addressing the recent increase in gun violence on the island. This follows a series of troubling incidents that have raised concerns within the community.

“The KPSM has begun their investigation into the recent surge in gun violence,” said Minister Lewis Read more

Lewis Condemns Gun Violence, Says Culprits Will Face Full Extent Of Law

The wave of fear in the community intensified on Monday when news started circulating that a fourth shooting had occurred, this time on Bush Road. The shooting occurred around 3:20am. A male was injured. He was transported to St Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and had been undergoing treatment. His condition was listed as serious, but stable. Mondays shooting followed three shootings in two districts on Saturday: two in Dutch Quarter and one in Simpson Bay in which three males were injured and nursing gunshot wounds in SMMC Read more

Open Letter To Our Honorable Minister Of Justice Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis

It is with great admiration that the people of Sint Maarten are experiencing the vigor which you put in your work for this country and it is therefore that we believe that you have the courage to take eventual unpopular decisions if needed.

For the last few years Sint Maarten has experienced some brutal murder cases, most of which remain unsolved and as an officer of the law yourself, this is a disturbing factor. One reason for this might be the shortage of staff to conduct a proper investigation and the tools available for such Read more

Reunification Of Ana Carolina Lazaro Cuevas And Her Children.

Good day to the people of Sint Maarten.

Today, I extend my heartfelt strength and love to the people of the Cayman Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Grenada, and the Carriacou Island. Additionally, I wish a happy Fourth of July to all American citizens residing in Sint Maarten.

Turning to today’s topic, I want to address the recent return of Miss Anna Carolina Lazaro Cuevas, who was reunited with her children yesterday, July 3rd, 2024. There has been considerable discussion surrounding this event, and I would like to provide some clarity.

Ms Read more

Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell Attends Several Commemoration Events

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Honorable Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, attended several formal events related to the transatlantic slavery commemoration and wreath-laying.

There was a march through the streets of The Hague which she attended followed by an extensive commemoration program organized by the National Institute for the Dutch Slavery History and Heritage (NiNsee).

During this annual commemoration we reflect on the very painful history of the transatlantic slavery past Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 8 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 9 July 2024 THE FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED WEATHER:This Afternoon: Generally cloudy and hazy with few showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and hazy with brief showers possible.  Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77F Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:43 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This Afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeasterly to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Moisture and instability associated with a tropical wave will continue to affect the local area Read more

First Strike Of Commemorative Farewell Antillean Guilder Coin

The 5-guilder Farewell NAf. commemorative coin.

PHILIPSBURG--The inaugural strike of the five-guilder Farewell NAf. commemorative coin was celebrated at the Royal Dutch Mint (KNM) in Houten, the Netherlands recently.

Read more

Mercelina: Down Payment Made, Generators Should Arrive Mid-July

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina

PHILIPSBURG--Utilities company NV GEBE has made the initial down payment for the rental of ten-megawatt (MW) container generators and the generators are expected to be delivered to the country by mid-July provided there are no unforeseen delays.

Read more

GovT Asks Pjiae To Pay Overdue Passenger Security Fees Enacted By Law Since 2019

GREAT BAY The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has requested the Princess Juliana International Airport operating company (PJIAE), to make overdue payments to government derived from the security fee of one dollar per passenger, established by law since 2019 as a critical financial support to enhance the Ministrys civil aviation activities.

Heyliger-Marten explained the importance of this fee when she said: The contributions from the security fee are vital for our civil aviation activities, which ensure the safety and security of our airport operations.

Besides, achieving Category 1 status is a top priority, and continued support from PJIAE, which will also benefit from it, is essential to realizing this goal.

According to the Minister, previous administrations were apparently preoccupied with introducing other levies that threatened to cripple the economy Read more

A Message From Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina On Hurricane BerylS Impact

Philipsburg — “Hurricane Beryl has tested our resilience in the Caribbean region, but in the face of this adversity, our unity and strength shine through,” declared Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

He added, “You are not just enduring this storm; you are standing together, stronger than ever.”

“I urge everyone to extend a helping hand to those in distress and I wholeheartedly applaud our local community initiatives to support those affected,” emphasized Prime Minister Mercelina Read more

Szv Hosted Workshop On Managing Pension Benefits And Holistic Health & Wellness

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten SZV Social and Health Insurance hosted a workshop for a mixed group of persons on retirement and preparing for retirement on Friday, May 31, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Library. The workshop, held at the St. Maartens Library satellite location in Belvedere, aimed to empower participants with information and practical tips about managing their pension benefits, maintaining health and wellness while on retirement, eating and sleeping well, and taking care of their brain health.

SZV’s Manager of Pension & Cessantia, Renatto Rodriguez, alongside Corporate Communications Manager Charonne Holder, provided tips and reminders to improve financial planning before and during retirement and important administrative obligations when receiving AOV pension benefits from SZV Read more