SXMElections.com

Business Closures Adjusted. Complete Hurricane Preparations. Business Closures Now Set For October 21 Midday

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Leo Lambriex announced an update to opening hours which were previously set to close at 12a. Closing hours have now been adjusted to 12p tomorrow pending new updates whereby further decisions will be taken by the EOC

Minister Lambriex wants everyone to remain vigilant and be storm-ready just in case. Weather is very unpredictable and we as a Government are doing all the necessary to keep everyone's safety and readiness in mind.

Hurricane Tammy at 5:00 PM was located 365 miles southeast of Sint Maarten, according to the latest updates from the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten.

Sint Maarten is under a Hurricane Warning which means hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications, the Honorable Leo Lambriex, is reassuring the public that the Inspectorate of TEATT is out in full force checking prices against the recently published Hurricane maximum price list and updated price list for the Basket of Goods.
Both lists were approved and published earlier today by the Minister of TEATT, given the possibility of suppliers increasing prices, as a result of increased demand due to storm preparations Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Tammy Now A Hurricane. Hurricane Watch And Tropical Storm Warning Remain In Effect. Eoc Activated.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- At 11:00 AM Tammy was upgraded to Hurricane status and is now a Category 1 hurricane. Conditions are favorable that Tammy could strengthen further.

The EOC (Emergency Operation Center) has been activated as of 12:23 pm today, Friday, October 20, to centralize the management of disaster response for Hurricane Tammy, the Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said on Friday afternoon.

Hurricane Tammy at 2:00 PM was located 390 miles southeast of Sint Maarten, according to the latest updates from the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten.

Maximum sustained winds are 75 miles per hour with higher gusts Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Sint Maarten Now Under A Tropical Storm Warning/Hurricane Watch.

PHILIPSBURG:--- (DCOMM) Sint Maarten is now under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours while a Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours in the warning area.

Tropical Storm Tammy at 5:00 AM was located 425 miles southeast of Sint Maarten, according to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS).

Maximum sustained winds at this time are 60 miles per hour with higher gusts Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Tropical Storm Conditions Are Possible Within 48 Hours. Residents, Building Sites, Wholesaler Depots Requested To Take Precautions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- (DCOMM) Tropical Storm Tammy at 5:00 PM was located 525 miles southeast of Sint Maarten, according to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS). Sint Maarten remains at this time under a Tropical Storm Watch, Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said on Thursday.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Getting Ready For This YearS Big Live Nature Quiz Kids Edition

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — DCNA is preparing to host this years Big Live Nature Quiz (BLNQ) Kids edition. This online nature trivia game is open to all students in primary school in grades 5 and 6 (group 7 and 8 in the Dutch school system) in the Dutch Caribbean. The BLNQ is created to teach students about nature in a fun and interactive way, to instill pride in the islands wildlife, support nature-friendly practices, support the projects of the nature parks, and to bring kids of the Dutch Caribbean into contact with each other.

On Thursday, 2nd November 2023, from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM (AST), the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) will host the Big Live Nature Quiz-Kids Edition, an engaging and educational event for primary school students in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaao, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten.

Event Details

The Big Live Nature Quiz- kids edition is a live online nature trivia game hosted by DCNA and played in primary schools across the Dutch Caribbean.The quiz is a true multi-island team effort: created and supported by the six Dutch Caribbean islands including the nature conservation organizations (parks), primary schools, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and Dutch Caribbean TV Read more

PHILIPSBURG;--- In a remarkable display of accountability and transparency, the Honorable Omar Ottley, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), fulfilled his commitment on Tuesday by responding to a comprehensive list of 116 questions posed by civil servants represented by their unions just last week. This open and constructive dialogue marks a significant step in implementing the eagerly awaited SAAHA "Ottley Care."

On Tuesday, Minister Omar Ottley met with the union representatives from the Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU) and submitted via email the answers to the Committee of Civil Servants Union (CCSU) Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

BONAIRE:--- DCNA is preparing to host this years Big Live Nature Quiz (BLNQ) Kids edition. This online nature trivia game is open to all students in primary school in grades 5 and 6 (group 7 and 8 in the Dutch school system) in the Dutch Caribbean. The BLNQ is created to teach students about nature in a fun and interactive way, to instill pride in the islands wildlife, support nature-friendly practices, support the projects of the nature parks, and to bring kids of the Dutch Caribbean into contact with each other Read more

The National Alliance Extends A Warm Invitation To The St. Peters Community At The Rupart Maynard Community Center.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Alliance is excited to announce its upcoming presence in the Rupert Maynard community center. In St. Peters, demonstrate our commitment to connecting with the residents and addressing their concerns. We value the enduring support we've received from the St. Peters community and look forward to strengthening this bond during our visit.

Starting on Monday, October 16th, 2023, and continuing through Tuesday, October 17th, and Wednesday, October 18th, Party Officials, Candidates, and Government representatives will embark on a listening tour in St Read more

Sarah Calls On Ottley To Amend The Current Sickness Insurance Law Of The Szv To Include Vendors, Taxi And Bus Drivers And Sole Proprietors.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The call was made during a recent public meeting of parliament requested by members of parliament Wescot-Williams, Heyliger-Marten, and Emmanuel in the presence of Minister Ottley, who was asked about the national health insurance that was touted to be introduced on January 1, 2024.

It is during that meeting we learned that the national health insurance will not go into effect per January 1, 2024, as previously announced by the minister, but most other questions regarding the implementation of the general health insurance were not answered Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG--In a touching tribute to the "backbone of our educational system," United People's Party (UPP) Candidate and Policy Advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication Kevin Maingrette marked World Teachers Day with a heartwarming gesture of gratitude towards the educators of Leonard Conner Elementary School Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force announces that three of its officers are set to depart the island to undergo specialized training in Miami-Dade. These officers, in collaboration with counterparts from Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, will participate in a two-week training course to become certified "Driving Instructors." The purpose of this training is to equip these officers with advanced skills, enabling them to subsequently train our first responders effectively.

The Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna Richardson, extends heartfelt congratulations to these officers as they prepare to embark on this important training endeavor Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People's Party (UP), Rolando Brison, delivered a compelling address in Parliament today, shedding light on the pressing concerns surrounding the operations of GEBE, the utility company Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Climate Scenarios And A Climate Impact Atlas For Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, And Saba.

BONAIRE:--- The (Dutch) Caribbean islands are facing unprecedented challenges posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, intensifying hurricanes, heat waves, and heavy rainfall. In response to these threats, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has published climate scenarios for the BES islands. In addition, a collaborative effort is underway to develop a Climate Impact Atlas for the BES islands, providing a crucial foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable development Read more

Xtratight Entertainment Presents Calypso Lounge: A Night Of Kasio And Comedy.

Madame Estate Get ready for an unforgettable night of rhythm, laughter, and pure entertainment as Xtratight Entertainment proudly presents the highly anticipated Calypso Lounge, an event dedicated to celebrating the vibrant fusion of Kasio and Comedy. This one-of- a-kind extravaganza is set to take place on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM, at the prestigious Aleeze Convention Center.

Prepare yourselves for an evening filled with side-splitting laughter and soul-stirring music, featuring an exceptional lineup of entertainers Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Board of the National Alliance (NA) Political Party expresses dismay and disbelief at the current wave of rhetoric and negativity that has permeated our society, particularly on social media platforms, in recent weeks, the NA said in a press statement on Monday.
Of particular concern are the relentless verbal attacks aimed at members of our society, specifically women Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- After 3 months of rigorous training the second cohort of the Womens Basic Self-Defense Training came to an end on Thursday, October 05 at the Aziana Restaurant, Bobbys Marina. The celebrants enjoyed a relaxed and fulfilled evening in the presence of the Minister of VSA Hon. Omar Ottley, and the Dept. Head of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs/Womens Desk Chantale George-Groeneveldt Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

HARBOR VIEW:--- The Social Economic Council (SER) will host a symposium on Thursday afternoon, October 12th, 2023 at the Belair Community Center. The theme of the symposium is Protect and Preserve Our Paradise, Sint Maartens Ecological Treasures Unveiled. With this symposium, the SER has chosen to focus on the social and environmental impact and well-being of the community. The event will commence at 1 pm and conclude at 5.15 pm.

The SER is honored to present various expert speakers on the subject matter Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):---  The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, released his message on the occasion of World Teachers Day 2023.
World Teachers Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Opposition Members Want A Public Meeting On Gebe And On The Proposed National Health Insurance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of Parliament Wescot-Williams, Heyliger-Marten, and Emmanuel want parliament to urgently meet on GEBE and the National Health Insurance proposal, which is in the pipeline.
In their letter regarding GEBE, the MPs state that the public concerns regarding GEBE continue unabated and that government responses have been few and contradictory.
Issues mentioned in the letter of the opposition members are:
The status of data recovery
Billing
Outages and load-shedding
Financial viability of the company

We are trying every which way to get the attention of the government for the plight of the people, but we are being stonewalled at every turn, MP Wescot explained Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:---  Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Sint Maarten welcomes Margot Mesnard as Program Manager for the foundation. Ms. Mesnard served as Project Coordinator for EPICs recent pelican conservation project and has specialized in project management around ecosystem restoration and climate change-related projects, with 15 years of experience working in the Caribbean and Small Island States. Locally, she has worked with RESEMBID, Waste2Work, and serves on the Scientific Committee of the LIFE BiodivOm Project for St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School Leads The Way With Soualichi Stories

Philipsburg, St. Maarten Imagine a classroom where history comes to life, where lessons are woven into captivating tales, and where students eagerly embrace the art of storytelling. Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School has embarked on a journey that promises just thata journey powered by Soualichi Stories, where the age-old magic of storytelling meets modern education techniques.

Over 30 members of the school’s staff participated in a training workshop aimed at utilizing Soualichi Stories within their curriculum, thus starting an interesting chapter in enhancing education techniques using old-time storytelling.

In the wake of the Season Three launch of Soualichi Stories, Foresee Foundation and the team of Soualichi Stories have set out to make the island’s rich oral heritage an integral part of the local educational system.

The aim? To spark inspiration, cultivate imagination, and encourage meaningful dialogue among students Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- The First Annual Roberto Celestino Arrindell Domino Tournament was successfully organized on Sunday, October 1st by Cloyd Ohndhae Marlin, President of It's Time St. Maarten Foundation, along with Chantal Simmons-Bryan, the Lead Tournament Organizer.

With hundreds in attendance, the Tournament gathered top Domino players and teams from throughout North and South of St. Martin. These highly-spirited players, along with fully engaged onlookers filled the Tropicana Casino Ballroom with enthusiasm Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- What if I told you - that I am not the only guilty one?" asks 11-year-old actor Venndy Isaac in the new film What If I Told You?

Over the weekend, on Caribbean Youth Day, fifty students, ages 6 to 14, celebrated the premiere of the short film 'What If I Told You?' with their teachers, parents, supporters, and dignitaries. The film, written by teacher Rosan Hartley Gayle and acted by students of the MAC John A. Gumbs Campus (MAC JAG), touches on the importance of the support of parents, teachers, and the wider community in a child's development.

The script was first performed by students, including lead character Venndy, at a Spoken Word Competition at the Mens Mental Health Awareness event in May Read more

---

Candidates in this article: