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That the financial state of the country is worrisome is a no-brainer. But we all should be alarmed.
This dismal picture is all the more clear with the presentation of the amendments to the 2017 budget by the Minister of Finance. These amendments have been in the make for some time, but the format had to be changed from one that amended a proposed pre-hurricane Irma amendment, to one that amended the approved budget 2017. At least, this is what government says.
However, Government’s tardiness with the 2017 budget amendment has more to do with government’s reluctance to concede
that while they engaged in a shouting match of “over my dead body”, the country financially was bleeding to death Read more

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Sarah: “The Fall Of The Marlin Cabinet Justified By The Horrific Financial And Economic Outlook Of St. Maarten”

PHILIPSBURG - That the financial state of the country is worrisome is a no-brainer. But we all should be alarmed, Leader of the Democratic Party (DP), Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Friday.

“This dismal picture is all the more clear with the presentation of the amendments to the 2017 budget by the minister of Finance Read more

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~ Irma and Maria showed the vulnerabilities of Caribbean Islands ~

ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN:--- The 2017 hurricane season was undoubtedly the worst season in decades, especially since the monster hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated several Caribbean Islands that depend solely on tourism. Some of the islands/ countries that were crushed are Barbuda, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Puerto Rico.
When it comes to St. Maarten/St. Martin hurricane Irma showed how important it is to not place all of one's eggs in one basket, and even though an eye opener for many, politicians on St Read more

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Culture Minister Silveria Jacobs Issues Christmas Message

Christmas is a time of joy, peace, family gatherings, food and celebration. Culturally and traditionally we would herald the season with many church services, cantatas, choirs caroling, programs depicting and celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus, who we learned from childhood came into the world to save us all, food, drink and merry making. In thinking of what Christmas truly means, we must reflect on who Jesus is – the son of God, the Messiah, the chosen one, a curious and respectful child, a humble man who showed love and compassion for all, even the ones we would usually turn our backs on.

From the wonderful words of scripture, we learn that his birth heralded a new beginning of Peace, of the one who came to save the world Read more

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Christmas is a time of joy, peace, family gatherings, food, and celebration. Culturally and traditionally we would herald the season with many church services, cantatas, choirs caroling, programs depicting and celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus, who we learned from childhood came into the world to save us all, food, drink, and merrymaking. In thinking of what Christmas truly means, we must reflect on who Jesus is - the son of God, the Messiah, the chosen one, a curious and respectful child, a humble man who showed love and compassion for all, even the ones we would usually turn our backs on.
From the wonderful words of scripture, we learn that his birth heralded a new beginning of Peace, of the one who came to save the world Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The latest spiritual child of author Loekie Morales, ‘Chella and the Weird Woman/Chella en het vreemde vrouwtje’, was distributed last week to ALL the primary schools on Sint Maarten. ‘It was a great pleasure to donate a box of 27 books for comprehensive reading to the schools. Each one of them has received a visit from the Beyond Kultura Foundation’s representative/project leader Ingrid Holaman, who sometimes was accompanied by some sponsors Read more

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Minister Jacobs Hosts Attitude Of Gratitude Thanksgiving & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Philipsburg – Today Dec 3rd, the Government of St. Maarten in collaboration with the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation (SMUMF), Christian Council (CC) successfully hosted and celebrated the annual Thanksgiving Service and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony heralding the end of the Hurricane Season 2017. His Excellency Governor E.B. Holiday and Mrs. Holiday, Chairlady of Parliament S. Wescott-Williams, Honorable Prime Minister R Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Today Dec 3rd, the Government of St. Maarten in collaboration with the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation (SMUMF), Christian Council (CC) successfully hosted and celebrated the annual Thanksgiving Service and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony heralding the end of the Hurricane Season 2017. His Excellency Governor E.B. Holiday and Mrs. Holiday, Chairlady of Parliament S. Wescott-Williams, Honorable Prime Minister R Read more

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Minister Jacobs Presents Proposal To Usm To Provide Financial Injection To Prevent Closure

~ Minister Jacobs; Awaits decision of the Board ~

PHILIPSBURG — On Tuesday November 28th, the Council of Ministers (CoM) gave the go ahead to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, to meet with the University of St. Martin Foundation (USMF) to propose a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to grant incidental subsidy (amounting to NAF. 690K- 920K over three/four months) in the interest of preventing the closure of the USM as well as preparing for the continuity of the institution in a transparent, accountable, efficient and effective manner Read more

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Awaits decision of the Board

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, November 28th, the Council of Ministers (CoM) gave the go ahead to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, to meet with the University of St. Martin Foundation (USMF) to propose a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to grant incidental subsidy (amounting to NAF. 690K- 920K over three/four months) in the interest of preventing the closure of the USM as well as preparing for the continuity of the institution in a transparent, accountable, efficient and effective manner Read more

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~ Man of Integrity and Transparency fleeced government to keep his hotel open ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of VSA Emil Lee who refused to take responsibility for not providing assistance to the people of St. Maarten after the passing of hurricane Irma has to explain the people of St. Maarten how it was possible for him to take off the MR.4 license plate from government vehicle and place it on his private pick-up truck that he used along with government bonds to purchase diesel at the Bush Road Gas station on September 12th, 2017.
Minister Lee was caught at the gas station where he filled two large drums almost every day with government bonds and he took the much-needed fuel to his Princess Heights hotel to run his generator.
Diesel was supposed to be used for government operations and for the vehicles that were busy providing emergency operations as well as cleaning up the debris left behind by Irma.
SMN News managed to secure photographs with the Minister in his pick-up truck that had a large black drum that was filled twice the morning of September 12th, 2017.
Persons who witnessed the Minister use government bonds for the purchase of the diesel once confronted the Minister since they believe that the Minister was abusing government while the country was devastated by hurricane Irma.
Several Ministers and other civil servants openly stated that Minister Lee did not even check in on the civil servants that work in his Ministry and had the responsibility to provide social assistance and aid Read more

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St. Martin Day Celebrations In Recap.

‘St. Martin Day for the People by the People’

POND ISLAND:--- The St. Martin Day events began with the traditional ecumenical church service at the New Government Administration Building. The church service was filled with praise, worship, dance, poetry and a thought-provoking sermon was delivered by Rev. Brissett. The official ceremony began thereafter with speeches from his Excellency Governor E. Holiday, Prefet Anne Laubies, Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, President du Collectivité Daniel Gibbes, Prime Minister William Marlin, 1st Vice President Madame Valerie Damaseau and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Silveria Jacobs.
Minister Jacobs and 1stVice President Madame Damaseau, addressed the attendees with a joint speech, as a symbol of their collaboration and unity in planning and execution of the St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, November 4th, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library had an amazing book sale. Your local library was able to raise NAF 733.62 throughout the day during its annual book sale. The funds raised will be used for new materials and activities hosted by the library.
This special book sale was intended to bring back some normalcy to the library and her fateful patrons Read more

Stressed "Unity"

THE HAGUE, Netherlands:--- On Friday November 10th 2017, the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, was the venue of the annual Sint Maarten Day Celebration, hosted by Minister Henrietta Doran-York.
The theme this year, was centered around Unity. This was evident in the turnout as Sint Maarteners of all age groups, traveled from the various major cities to The Hague to join in commemorating this special day.
Among the many guests were the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao, His Excellency, Mr Read more

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Prime Minister William Marlin Said That He Spoke To State Secretary Of Kingdom Relations, Mr. Knops Rearding The Recovery Fund And Aid

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Prime Minister William Marlin said that the first thing he did on Friday morning was call State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, Mr. Knops after receiving news that the Dutch government had taken a decision on the Recovery Fund and on the amount of 550 million Euros in recovery aid to Sint Maarten.

This is great news, he said, and he expressed a big Thank You to the government and people of the Netherlands for the relief aid received so far, amounting to over 50 million Euros and now the decision to establish the Recovery Fund with no less than 550 million Euros Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister William Marlin said that the first thing he did on Friday morning was call State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, Mr. Knops after receiving news that the Dutch government had taken a decision on the Recovery Fund and on the amount of 550 million Euros in recovery aid to Sint Maarten.
This is great news, he said, and he expressed a big Thank You to the government and people of the Netherlands for the relief aid received so far, amounting to over 50 million Euros and now the decision to establish the Recovery Fund with no less than 550 million Euros Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- “As a minister that believes in being accountable to the people and based on recent accusations by the Prime Minister, I am in the process of requesting that SOAB, Government’s Accounting Bureau, perform an audit of the receipt and distribution of relief goods by Government and in particular the Ministry of VSA,” stated Minister Lee.
“I am truly disheartened. It is so sad that in a time when the people need help and hope, politicians would fabricate stories for political gain Read more

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Mp Ardwell Irion Not In Favor Of New Elections

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – Member of Parliament (MP) Ardwell Irion has stated that given the current state of affairs, he is not in favor of new elections. He goes on to say “It is unfortunate that the former coalition could not dialogue and make things work, as the decision to form a new government also costs the people of Sint Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of the Pre-St. Martin Day events, the Department of Sports has been hosting various sporting events. This weekend, October 28 and October 29th, in collaboration with #SXMSTRONG and the various sporting federations, a #SXMSTRONG Knock-Out sporting tournament will be held at the Raoul Illidge Sport Complex. The sporting events will commence at 9am. Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Dominoes will be on the line up of sporting events. The Guardian Group approached the Department of Sports with their willingness to assist with the tournament Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister William Marlin said on Sunday afternoon following a phone call from Minister Ronald Plasterk, that it is not right for the Dutch government to hold the people of Sint Maarten hostage over the issue of establishing an Integrity Chamber controlled by the Dutch and reports to the Dutch. If that is not accepted Minister Plasterk said then there will be no aid from the Netherlands.

In the present draft legislation currently being advised on by the Council of Advice, the board of the Integrity Chamber will consist of three persons, each nominated by the Courts of First Instance, by the General Audit Chamber and by the Ombudsman Read more

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Frans: Shta Should Guard Its Tone In Addressing Its Government Partner

~ Govt. will not be irresponsible in talks with Dutch ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson believes the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) should guard its tone and refrain from levying insults towards Parliament and the government of St. Maarten. Richardson’s US party holds the political responsibility for the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Affairs and that of Justice.

He said St Read more

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~ Govt. will not be irresponsible in talks with Dutch ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson believes the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) should guard its tone and refrain from levying insults towards Parliament and the government of St. Maarten. Richardson’s US party holds the political responsibility for the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Affairs and that of Justice.

He said St Read more

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L.B. SCOT RD:--- On Tuesday, October 17th police received information about a large crocodile was being kept on the property of a home located on L.B. Scot road. After receiving this information an investigation was done by police to determine what this case was really all about. On the scene, the police discovered an approximately five-foot long crocodile which was being kept in a concrete water reservoir. The owner of this wild and very dangerous animal identified with initials S.B. stated that he has owned the animal for approximately 30 years Read more

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago:--- The 2nd Regional Bipartite Meeting of the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) and the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) took place in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad from September 26 to 29, 2017. The meeting was sponsored by the European Union (EU) and supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The Regional Meeting was an opportunity to assess progress made by the delegations along the path to stronger participation of CARIFORUM Civil Society in the Regional Development and Integration Process Read more