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THE HAGUE:--- Alexandra van Huffelen, the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, will pay a working visit to St. Maarten, Curaao and Bonaire from the 30th of September to the 5th of October. The visit will be made primarily in the context of the Slavery Past Memorial Year. In St. Maarten, she will take part in a Catshuis session with representatives from all six islands, while she will visit Curaao to attend Tulas rehabilitation. In addition, the State Secretary will hold administrative talks about the laws regulating the administrative and financial relations between the European Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands, the WoIBES, and FinBES.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, the Sint Maarten Task Force of the Dutch armed forces in the Caribbean, consisting of fourteen (14) executives, visited the Point Blanche Prison and House of Detention for an introductory meeting with the Prison director, Mr. Steven Carty and the Prison Management Team.

The Sint Maarten Taskforce, which provides assistance to Sint Maarten when struck by a disaster such as a hurricane, is currently in Sint Maarten as part of their annual visits to the Caribbean.

Earlier this year, the Prison Director, Mr Read more

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Landmark Research Report On Legislative Function In Sint Maarten Approved.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs are pleased to announce the approval of the comprehensive research report titled, Legislative function in Sint Maarten. This landmark report was given the green light by the Council of Ministers at the end of July.
The research was conducted in collaboration with the Caribbean Centre for Leadership (CCL) and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, as stipulated in the Country Package. The primary objective of this ambitious project was to conduct a thorough analysis of the legislative function in Sint Maarten Read more

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PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, is very concerned to learn of the decision taken by the School Bus Owners Association and their membership as it related to a planned Go Slow today, Friday, September 22, 2023, that could affect approximately 2,000 school-aged children.

The safety of the students involved is of paramount importance to the Ministry Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attended a high-level side event yesterday on the critical importance of early warning systems. The event was hosted the Permanent Mission of the Independent State of Samoa to the United Nations as a discussion on how to mitigate the impact of climate change-related disasters Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- A World Bank mission, led by Mr. Alex Kamurase visited Sint Maarten from September 11 to 15, 2023 to assess the progress of the Resources for Community Resilience program (R4CR). The delegation also included Ms. Natalia Bavio, a Financial Consultant, and Ms. Chanelle Fingal, a Social Development Consultant. Their primary objectives were to evaluate the overall progress, operational implementation, and compliance of the R4CR program with the World Banks standards in the key areas of financial management, procurement, and social and environmental safeguards.

During their visit, the World Bank team engaged with various other stakeholders, including the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and R4CR's Project Technical Committee Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is excited to share the rescheduling of our Read to Me Dutch is Fun Puppet show for Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Sint Martin University, from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Peggy Nibte, a performer and a great storyteller, will serve as the puppeteer for the Dutch Is Fun Puppet Show.
Ms. Nibte was born in Paramaribo, Suriname, into a family of seven. She is the youngest of four girls and three boys. Her mother worked as a teacher, while her father served as a police officer Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The political landscape in St. Maarten is buzzing with excitement as a fresh face enters the arena with a bold vision for the future. Juanly Abel-Ramirez, a dynamic and forward-thinking candidate, has officially announced her candidacy on the United People's Party (UP) slate, and she's bringing a message of proactivity, innovation, and change.
"I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Parliamentary Election in 2024 with the United People's Party," said Abel-Ramirez on Tuesday Read more

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~(SMDC) Sees 60 plus patients on its first day.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Friday, September 15th the SMDC officially opened its doors to the public. The center will offer after-hour general practitioners (GP) service to the general public, Monday through Friday 6 pm - 12 am, Saturday 8 am - 12 pm, and on Sunday 10 am - 12 pm. The initiative was brought to the Ministry of VSA by Doctors Michael and Danny Dennaoui as an initiative that would improve access to quality health care. The project was approved by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development Labor, Omar Ottley with hopes that it would alleviate the long waits at the St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) would like to announce the well-deserved retirement of one of its longest-serving and most employees, Miss Deborah Ann Rombley. With a remarkable career spanning 43 years and six months, Miss Rombley has been an invaluable member of this organization.

A surprise retirement party for Miss Rombley took place last Friday in the presence of esteemed guests, including the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna Richardson, and the Chief of Police, Mr Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  Based on the success of the Enterprise Support Project and the evident need for further assistance to entrepreneurs in the local market, the National Recovery Project Bureau (NRPB) is pleased to announce that the project has been extended until June 2028. This extension will provide local businesses with more time to apply for grant funding, thereby fostering further growth and development in the sector.
With this extension, businesses can now apply for grants and low-interest loans until June 30, 2025 Read more

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In Line With The Rise In Interest Rates In The International Financial Markets: Cbcs Increases The Pledging Rate

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to tighten its monetary policy stance further by raising the pledging rate1 by 25 basis points to 5.75%. This decision was taken in response to the increase of the Fed funds rate in July and a possible further increase in September. Even though gross official reserves and import coverage have increased in the first eight months of this year, they are still expected to decline towards the end of 2023. The decline will be, however, less pronounced than in 2022 Read more

Court Of Appeal Rules In Favor Of Mer. Telem Ordered To Respect Arbitral Award.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Below is the free translation of the verdict pronounced in by the Court of Appeals.

CIVIL MATTERS FOR 2023 RULING: September 13, 2023

CASE NO.: SXM202200845 - SXM2022H00180

JOINT COURT OF JUSTICE

from Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and from Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

ORDER

regarding:

the public limited company

SINT MAARTEN TELEPHONE COMPANY N.V.,

located in Sint Maarten,

defendant at first instance, now appellant, hereinafter referred to as: Telem,

representatives: mrs Read more

Wib Announces Launch Of Bankomatiko+ Mastercard Debit Card.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank and Mastercard proudly launched Bankomatiko+ (Bankomatiko plus) Mastercard debit card, which will replace the current Bankomatiko/Maestro card. The launch took place at Emilios restaurant in the landmark Flamboyant rich Emilio Wilson estate. Several prominent members of the community as well as bank managers were invited to this event.
The new Bankomatiko+ Mastercard debit card brings more of the best to the cardholder with a number of additional benefits such as: Wider acceptance anywhere in the world; the possibility to also make online purchases with One Time Passcode (OTP) technology & continued earning of Fun Miles on all local purchases Read more

Allegations Of Mismanagement At Nipa, Students Are Forced To Leave Due To The Lack Of Teaching Staff, 2023 Graduates Still To Receive Their Diplomas.

~ WITU refused to represent its teachers at NIPA. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Several students at the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA) have been left in limbo since the management of NIPA has refused to hire core teachers who would teach them level 3 in their career path. Many of the students found out this school year that they do not have the teachers to teach night classes or even some day classes.
The students who contacted SMN News said that while they were taught general subjects such as mathematics and English during the day classes, they do not have teachers to teach level 3 in the evenings Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is starting a new initiative aimed at facilitating the return of lost personal effects and official documentation to their rightful owners. These items encompass essential documents such as identification cards, bank cards, travel documents, number plates, and other personal records.

In recent weeks, the KPSM made a list of all these lost items, ranging from identification cards to indispensable travel documents. These items have been voluntarily brought to the police station by concerned individuals and conscientious residents Read more

BONAIRE:--- Monday, the 11th of September 2023 marked the official kick-off of the two-year police training program for the Dutch Caribbean. During the opening ceremony, the 24 new aspiring officers were welcomed by the Chief of Police, Mr. Alwyn Braaf. Afterward, the students received an introduction to what awaits them for the next two years in the presence of the Force Management Team (KMT), the team chief Caribbean of the Police Academy, Mr Read more

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament, Good Morning,

As stipulated in our constitution, I now stand before you on this second Tuesday in September, to set out the policy to be pursued by the Government in the coming parliamentary year 2023-2024.

Since 2021, reform measures have been established as part of the mutual agreement with the Netherlands in exchange for financial support, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Structural reforms for the improvement and restructuring of government are in the areas of Financial Control, Cost and Effectiveness of the Public Sector, Taxes, Financial Sector, Economic Reforms, Health, Education, and Strengthening the Rule of Law.

From the very beginning, the Government of Sint Maarten has stressed the importance of the National Development Vision as instructions for all of Sint Maarten's development, including these reform measures Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maartens healthcare sector will receive significant investment in the coming years through the Improving Mental Health Services Project with a goal to sustainably improve the entire mental healthcare chain. The project will seek to improve access and quality in service delivery and contribute to the construction of a new mental health facility geared towards future demand.

Recognizing the urgent need for more effective and accessible mental healthcare, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley is pleased that this project is well on its way to successful implementation.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and it is imperative that the national mental health system is robust and adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for mental health services Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- After a 15-month hiatus, KFC has stepped up to the plate to assist in the revival of organized cricket as the title sponsor of Cricket St. Maarten's T-20 Tournament. The action bowls off on Sunday, September 10, from 12:00 PM at the Caribe Lumber Ball Park, located on L.B. Scott Road in St. Maarten. 

PHILIPSBURG:---  "On behalf of Cricket St. Maarten, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to KFC for their timely sponsorship support in bringing organized cricket back to the Caribe Lumber Ballpark!" states Bharo Raghubir, President, of Cricket St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Thursday, September 7th, a heartwarming discussion was held between NV GEBE's Special Representative/Temporary Manager, Troy Washington, Commercial Manager Iris Arrindell, and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), the Honorable Omar Ottley Read more

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Upp Party Board Pays Tribute To The Legacy Of Roberto Arrindell.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United People's Party (UPP), extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Roberto "Celestino" Arrindell, an influential presence in the St. Maarten community who will be laid to rest today. In celebrating the life of Roberto Arrindell, UP Part President Eugene Heyliger acknowledged Arrindells multifaceted contributions that enriched the island's cultural and educational landscape.
In a statement issued by UP Party, the Board conveyed its deep sorrow at the passing of Roberto Arrindell, underscoring Arrindell's roles as a community advocate, educator, and cultural luminary Read more

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Witu Is Concerned About The Proposed National Health Insurance For St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), Stuart Johnson, has voiced serious concerns about the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) in St. Maarten. Mr. Johnson's concerns highlight issues related to public awareness, the quality of healthcare services, access to preventative care, medication policies, and the impact on the vulnerable in our country.

One of the primary concerns raised by Mr Read more

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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:--- Minister of Justice Anna Richardson spoke at the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin American and the Caribbean Read more

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