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Ppa Hopes New Parliament, Ministers Address Core Issues

Gracita Arrindell

PHILIPSBURG--Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) leader Gracita Arrindell on Sunday expressed hope that the incoming Members of Parliament (MPs) and new Council of Ministers continue working on pending core issues including much-needed electoral reform that doesnt tolerate any more delays.

She said in a press release on Sunday that most importantly, we need political stability, and continuity in government.

PPA was not successful in its bid to obtain a seat in the new Parliament during last Thursdays snap parliamentary elections.

Arrindell congratulated the parties that obtained seats in Parliament Read more

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Wycliffe Smith.

PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) on Friday said it is proud of the work that it has done in Parliament and in government to serve the people of St. Maarten and expressed hope that the new coalition and opposition will put aside their differences and work together in the interest of St Read more

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Smcp Congratulates Winning Parties

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) would like to thank the voters of Sint Maarten for going out and exercising their democratic right and voting in the next parliament. The election took place peacefully and orderly. As we know, the ballot is the way the people speak and certainly the people have spoken today. SMCP certainly respects the voice and the decision of the people Read more

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PHILIPSBURG--Interim Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher said in her New Years address on Monday she looks forward to new opportunities that offer hope and optimism for the new year.

Now that we have entered the new decade 2020, may we be blesse Read more

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Part 3: The Conspiracy To Ruin Mp Christopher Emmanuel

If you stick a knife in my back 9 inches and pull it out 6 inches, thats not progress. If you pull it all the way out, thats not progress. The progress comes from healing the wound that the blow made. They havent begun to pull the knife out They wont even admit the knife is there.
Malcom X

I would like to start by thanking Raeyhon Peterson for finally admitting publicly and in writing that, as I had set out to bring to light, the accusations levied against MP Christopher Emmanuel and his Chief of Staff were a fabrication!

The additional colorful statements made by Peterson and the written attack on Emmanuel and his Chief of Staff by one of his supporters and another person in the newspaper are of no relevance to me, as Peterson with his statement has already proven that he lied to everyone involved or at least to the judicial authorities.

There are now public statements by the current Minister of VROMI Chris Wever (on video), the previous Minister of VROMI Miklos Giterson (on video), the Secretary General of the Ministry of VROMI Louis Brown (written documents) and Raeyhon Peterson (press release), verifying that there is no policy or structural procedures as it relates to the issuance of government long lease land.

And so, we move on.

Today we will delve into the screening process for ministers and the manner in which it is directly tied into the conspiracy to ruin MP Emmanuel Read more

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MARIGOT/PHILIPSBURG:--- While it is not common practice that we here at SMN News credit protesters or persons that may cause instability in one way or another we are obliged to recognize the persons that that participated in the protest strike that ended up in a riot on St. Martin against the Plan de Prevention des Risques Naturels. (PPRN).
SMN News does not condone any type of violence and or destruction to properties. The only reason these protesters are being recognized is that they stood together and managed to pull off one of the largest marches on St Read more

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Philipsburg Lights Up For Christmas

~ Boardwalk Festival ushers in the Season ~

GREAT BAY – The country’s capital will come alive on Saturday night with the lighting of Front Street, Back Street, and the Boardwalk Boulevard in the spirit of Christmas. Adding to this festive display, the Boardwalk Christmas Festival is about to launch to further bring in the holiday season.

On the initiative by the Minister of TEATT Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher, town will shine bright to lift the spirits of visitors and residents alike Read more

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New General Hospital Will Come With International Quality Standards.

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten —  With the financing agreements for the new general hospital signed on Friday February 23rd, it is important for the general public to understand how health care will be improved. Although the new hospital is critical for the country, the agreement by all parties to work towards JCI or Joint Commission International Accreditation is also an important milestone accomplishment.

Acquiring the financing for the new hospital was one of the many phases outlined in the business plan that was developed by the Tripartite members; Ministry of VSA, SMMC and SZV Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- With the financing agreements for the new general hospital signed on Friday, February 23rd, it is important for the general public to understand how health care will be improved. Although the new hospital is critical for the country, the agreement by all parties to work towards JCI or Joint Commission International Accreditation is also an important milestone accomplishment.
Acquiring the financing for the new hospital was one of the many phases outlined in the business plan that was developed by the Tripartite members; Ministry of VSA, SMMC and SZV Read more

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PHILIPSBURG--Ten days after his arrest, United St. Maarten (US) party leader Frans Richardson was released from pre trial detention on Friday– three days before the parliamentary elections, which he is contesting as the number one candidate on the US slate.

He remains a suspect in the “Squid” and “Emerald” investigations. In a press release issued after his release, Richardson’s attorney Sjamira Roseburg of Sulvaran & Peterson Law Firm, said her client’s detention was not necessary at this time and indicated that his detention seemed to be aimed at undermining his campaign and intended to influence the outcome of Monday’s snap parliamentary elections.

“The investigation has been running since 2016 and the co-suspects are already free Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Frans Richardson has been released from pretrial detention today Friday, February 23rd, 2018/ Richardson has spent 10 days behind bars as the TBO team investigates his role in the Squid and Emerald Investigation.

Suspect F.G.R. (1968) was released from pre-trial detention today but still remains a suspect in the “Squid” and “Emerald” investigations.

F.G.R., was arrested on St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister William Marlin in a press release on Sunday expressed hope that residents who are in need will soon receive the 12 container homes he had ordered, when he had been in office, for persons who lost their residences during hurricane Irma.

The homes are sturdy 20-foot collapsible containers that are fully isolated and can be assembled in five minutes with a crane Read more

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William Marlin Hopes Govt Releases Container Homes To Residents Soon 

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Former Prime Minister William Marlin in a press release on Sunday expressed hope that residents who are in need will soon receive the 12 container homes he had ordered, when he had been in office, for persons who lost their residences during hurricane Irma.

The homes are sturdy 20 foot collapsible containers that are fully isolated and can be assembled in five minutes with a crane Read more

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Telem Group, Regional Telcos Testing Disaster Management App.

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - St. Maarten telecommunication provider, TelEm Group is joining other Telcos in the Caribbean in the testing phase of a disaster management App that could soon hit the global market.

The App, called SONAR, can make it possible for general populations in the region to receive up-to-the-minute information about upcoming storms and natural disasters, view weather patterns and obtain various information from government and disaster preparedness offices including information about shelters and their state of readiness.

It also advises on recovery efforts after a natural disaster by sending targeted information before, during and after a major incident.

Both users and government can benefit from another feature of the SONAR App that focuses on the recovery effort following any natural disaster with contact information for donations and other supplies that might be needed at the time.

The developers say their App is designed for governments and national disaster organizations to serve the population Read more

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Wescot-Williams: “I Hope The French/Dutch Op Program Can Still Be Salvaged, After More Than A Year Of Deliberate Inaction.”

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — It might have come on a quiet Sunday afternoon, but the revelation that the governments of French and Dutch St. Maarten have picked up the pieces of the OP cooperation agreement for St. Maarten/St. Martin is most welcomed news.

In August 2014, in my former capacity of Prime Minister, I signed the letter of intent with French St. Maarten for cross border cooperation between both sides, the so-called ETC operational program. Very specific procedures needed to be followed, amongst which making the proposed projects public.

After years of negotiating this breakthrough cooperation agreement, this project was torpedoed by former Prime Minister William Marlin due to his aversion to French/Dutch Cooperation Read more

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Minister Of Telecommunications De Weever Commends Local Radio Stations On World Radio Day

POND ISLAND, Sint Maarten — The Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever, would like to congratulate radio station owners, staff and listeners on the occasion of World Radio Day which is being observed around the globe today, Tuesday, February 13.

The theme for World Radio Day 2018 is “Radio and Sports.”

“Radio is a very powerful tool, and we once again experienced that on September 6, the day hurricane Irma made landfall and caused catastrophic damage to our beloved island.

“For several weeks, several radio stations served as beacons of hope as they provided information to the community and to loved ones abroad who were following developments on the island right after the hurricane.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend our radio stations, the owners, the staff, technicians, program producers and hosts for the very important role that they played after the hurricane.

“In the past, pre-Irma and today, radio continues to perform a very important role and this will continue for the foreseeable future.  Thank you for what you do every day 365 days a year,” Acting Minister of Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

Radio has shaped lives across many countries around the world.

Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium there is, adapting to 21st century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate.

World Radio Day was first celebrated in 2012, following its declaration by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) General Conference.

It was subsequently adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly Read more

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POND ISLAND:--- The Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever, would like to congratulate radio station owners, st, ff and listeners on the occasion of World Radio Day which is being observed around the globe today, Tuesday, February 13.
The theme for World Radio Day 2018 is “Radio and Sports.”
“Radio is a very powerful tool, and we once again experienced that on September 6, the day hurricane Irma made landfall and caused catastrophic damage to our beloved island.
“For several weeks, several radio stations served as beacons of hope as they provided information to the community and to loved ones abroad who were following developments on the island right after the hurricane.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend our radio stations, the owners, the staff, technicians, program producers and hosts for the very important role that they played after the hurricane.
“In the past, pre-Irma and today, radio continues to perform a very important role and this will continue for the foreseeable future Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- It is being rumored that the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) is an off-shoot of the DP, a satellite of the NA and that it is financed by the UPP Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister and National Alliance candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election, William Marlin says housing in the reconstruction phase of the country, will be one of the top priorities that the party will continue to focus on in the new governing period.

Marlin said in a press release on Monday that the urgent need for proper and affordable housing and the improvement of communities have become clearer as the various communities are canvassed.

Making affordable housing available for persons to own their own homes and proving economical options for persons interested in renting are areas that the party will continue to build on.

“The National Alliance will focus quite a bit on making homes available for our people to purchase and for that quite some work needs to be done because presently too many of our people are on contracts and don’t qualify for mortgages at the bank to get an opportunity in their young age to purchase a home with a mortgage of 30 to 35 years so that when they reach the age of retirement, they are not saddled with the problem of still having to pay a mortgage or a high rent".

Marlin said former National Alliance Minister of VROMI Christophe Emmanuel had engaged in talks with property owners with the intention of developing properties in a public/private partnership for persons to be able to purchase their own homes Read more

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Who Is Francelise Mauricia-Peterson Candidate #7 On Smcp

As a God-fearing woman, wife, mother of three, I decided to take up this challenge once again to run for parliament in the upcoming election on February 26, 2018.

My reason for doing so is the fact that through the years I have seen a lot of changes in Sint Maarten. Some good and some extremely bad that were not in the best interest of our people. Sint Maarten has become a country of many surprises, especially by those in whom we have put our trust, whereas you can wake up one morning and hear that the government has fallen.

You sit to listen to a parliamentary debate and suddenly votes of non-confidence are passing Read more

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Cbcs Introduces Cbcs Economic Research Award.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- On the occasion of the 190th anniversary of the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) on February 6, 2018, the CBCS introduces the CBCS Economic Research Award. The award is an annual prize to promote research on the economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. HAVO and VWO students in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, as well as local and international university students, are invited to participate in this competition.
The award will be presented in four categories:

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson on Monday questioned what the role of the Post Office will be in distributing voting cards for the February 26 Parliamentary election.
Richardson was reacting to information from the Prime Minister and Civil Registry that voting cards would be distributed via the community centers in the various districts, with several voting districts grouped together Read more

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Minister Of Tourism De Weever Updates International Media About Destination Recovery At Caribbean Travel Marketplace

PUERTO RICO – Destination Sint Maarten is being represented at the Caribbean’s largest and most important marketing event this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico, namely the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever on Wednesday said, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation travel.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is holding its Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan from January 30 to February 1.

Minister De Weever on Wednesday morning briefed the regional/international travel media about the status of the destination.  He started off his presentation by describing the destination as Magical, Sensational, Captivating and Amazing.

Minister De Weever told the media that, ‘We are open for business!’  He went on to give a detail update that the country is steadily recovering and rebuilding, and showing viable and visible signs of progress.

He added that the country is serene and safe, the road network is clean of any debris; Bars and restaurants are open; Beach access is free and clean; the country’s cruise sector is a step ahead with the main cruise lines having returned to the destination, adding that it’s not too late for those who would like to book a cruise.

Minister De Weever also pointed out the importance of the Mega Yacht sector and the vessels have also returned to the destination; marine service sector businesses are open to cater to the needs of the rich and famous.

Visitors can also experience watching planes land at SXM Airport down at Maho Beach; the destination is receiving daily flights out of Miami and New York, and there will be a phased reopening of the terminal building in the second half of 2018.

The Minister also provided an update about electricity, water, and telecommunications; a number of boutique hotels and guesthouses are open; several of the larger hotel properties are scheduled to be open throughout the latter half of 2018; the Caribbean’s #1 shopping area, Philipsburg is 95 per cent open; and one of the destinations newest attractions is Rockland Estate Zipline which is open to visitors.

Minister Cornelius de Weever also updated the international media bout the St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- I have now served as your minister of education, culture, youth and sport for two weeks and two days. These two weeks have been challenging as many things have been happening simultaneously. The primary task of this interim Romeo-Marlin cabinet is to bring St. Maarten through these critical months ahead as we recover from one devastating hurricane season and prepare as a nation to face the seasons ahead. As I have indicated before, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport has been significantly hit in terms of damages to our infrastructure Read more