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Mp De Weever: 554 Days With No Resolution To Gebe Crisis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Independent member of Parliament Ludmila de Weever issued a media statement on the status of NV GEBE, St. Maartens sole electricity provider. De Weever, who has spoken passionately about the situation at GEBE since the March 2022 cyberattack, didnt mince words when she said that GEBE is a matter of national security Read more

Mp Wescot-Williams Shares Her Thoughts At The Closing Of The Parliamentary Year 2023-2024.

MP Wescot: On Monday, September 11, we close the 2022-2023 parliamentary year and as customary, Members of Parliament are given the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and provide some thoughts for the coming year. On Tuesday, Governor Ajamu Baly will present the Governments Statement for the coming year.

In MP Wescots view, this presentation comes at a peculiar time, with elections scheduled for January 2024; no budget for 2024 and the usual behavior of the ministers towards parliament.

Of course the absence of an amended 2023 budget and the tardiness in submitting the 2024 draft budget do not faze this government one bit.

Nevertheless our constitution prescribes this presentation Read more

Investments In Mental Health Sector Will Improve Access And Service Delivery

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Sint Maartens healthcare sector will receive a 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

Joining The Party For Progress

Dear fellow Sint Maarteners,

I want to start by addressing those of you who might be feeling indifferent about casting your vote as we stand at the crossroads of another crucial election season. It’s not uncommon to hear the sentiment that all politicians are the same, and that regardless of who you vote for, nothing truly changes. I understand this feeling of disillusionment, as I, too, have felt the despair that many of us on the island feel.

Instead of merely complaining about it, I chose to take action several years ago and started writing articles that focused on raising awareness on crucial topics such as integrity, accountability, good leadership, and vision Read more

The Democratic Party (Dp) Extended Warm Congratulations To National Airline Winair

The Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday extended warm congratulations to national airline WINAIR as it commemorated an impressive 62 years of unwavering dedication and outstanding service to St. Maarten and to the Caribbeans aviation industry. Party Leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said that this remarkable milestone is a testament to the airline’s enduring commitment to excellence, sound management and leadership, and recognizing the crucial role it plays in connecting people throughout the Caribbean.

The success of WINAIR can be attributed to its incredible team, loyal passengers, and visionary management, all of whom have played an integral role in shaping the airline’s journey to success, MP Wescot-Williams said.

The MP recalled the days of significant financial struggles for the airline, with many opining that St Read more

Paco Isenia Declares Candidacy For Upcoming Parliamentary Elections With Ursm.

EMPOWERING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO BELIEVE IN A BRIGHT FUTURE

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten– An aspiring young professional, dedicated to fostering positive change and championing the aspirations of the next generation, URSM Candidate Paco Isenia, is proud to announce his candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections with the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) Read more

Dp Leader Wescot-Williams: If You Tell A Lie Often Enough, You Start To Believe It Yourself.

I was forewarned, but the question still remains, Why DP and me?

When asked to explain her statement , MP Wescot mentioned the veiled threat she received of, Are you sure you want to do this? Its going to get nasty! A clear reference to the DPs announced return to the political field.

We see this threat manifesting itself from many angles. Some of it for money, some for sensation and yet others from an angle of plain and self-consuming hatred.

With respect to MP Brison latest disgraceful assault on one of St Read more

Integrity Chamber Provides Integrity Sessions To Political Parties

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In light of the upcoming elections, the Integrity Chamber provided integrity sessions to political parties as part of its public awareness campaign. Invitations were sent to all active political parties that are known to be contesting the upcoming elections. The sessions took place in June and July of 2023 with candidates and board members of the Democratic Party (DP), Party for Progress (PFP), National Alliance (NA), and United St Maarten Party (USP) Read more

New Us Party Leadership: Educating Its New Candidates

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Leader of the US Party, Mrs Pamela Gordon Carty, recently declared that she was content to see that a valiant attempt is being made by the other political parties to educate their incoming potential candidates. On the other hand, she remains skeptical as it appears to be a copycat phenomenon that seems to have been initiated as of late. The USP has been providing informative sessions to the citizens of St. Maarten under its new leadership team since November of 2021 Read more

Chris: Vanity Projects Still Being Prioritized Over Public Interest

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Leader of the NOW party (Nation, Opportunity, Wealth) MP Christophe Emmanuel on Sunday said that the National Alliance led government of St. Maarten has clearly prioritized political vanity projects over issues that matter most to the population. So much so, he said, that the government sees no need to provide relevant and factual information on ongoing projects such as the hospital and the airport, but choose instead to roll-out projects meant to distract people over the summer break.

There are so many issues that affect our people direct and indirectly that this government is willfully and strategically ignoring due to the fact that elections are on the horizon Read more

Home Foundation Proudly Sponsors Test Your Skills Invitational Boxing Event

A Tribute to Louis Gibs and Alfonso Blijden

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — HOME (Helping Others Mean Everything) Foundation, a dedicated sponsor and supporter of community and sport initiatives, proudly sponsored the exhilarating “Test Your Skills Event” held this past weekend (Saturday June 3rd) at the Sports Auditorium. This remarkable evening of boxing brilliance served as a tribute to the legacies of Alfonso Blijden and Louis Gibs, leaving spectators entertained, impressed and hungry for more.

The “Test Your Skills Event” brought together a powerhouse lineup of talented boxers from Antigua, Curacao, Anguilla, Aruba, and St Read more

When Will The Illegal Rip Off Finally Stop?

Several months ago, I wrote an article about the local banks ripping off cardholders on this island.The world, including St. Martin, is rapidly doing away with cash transaction and going over to electronic transaction.

So, I have decided to bring up this topic again, in hope that as elections are less than a year away, somebody who isdesirous of being elected, or re-elected, (including the minister of finance) will eventually do something about it.

Cardholders with US Dollars bank accounts are at the mercies of some of the banks on this island Read more

Say No To Brown Sack Is Only Offensive To Those Who Love Crooked Money.

I know my campaign will not stop this overnight, but somewhere and somehow we need to start Breaking the Cycle. The road to be elected is rough, as many politicians and some voters love this old way.

I will stand in Faith and Prayer with the hope that I can convince the ones who are fed up with this give me something for my vote” attitude, and the ones seeking donation money by the Brown Sack lovers. Their only intention is control of elected officials and running the Country in any direction they want.

Too many voters are tired of this and refuse to come out to vote because we (Sint Maarten) have – for sure – about 5000 people thinking this way Read more

Sarah: Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban Hits Another Hurdle?

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The latest statement from the Minister of TEATT regarding the law banning the use of single use plastic bags, plastic straws and styrofoam containers raises more questions than it provides answers. This is the opinion of the initiator of the law, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

I have over and over been asking about the enforcement of this law Read more

Brug Says Teachers Should Not Be Held Hostage In Their Current Salary Scales.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Richinel Brug says teachers should not be held hostage in their current salary scales. As a person vying for legislative office, Brug proposes an amendment to article 2 of the Bezoldigingslandsbesluitonderwijs. This amendment would allow teachers who are stuck in their current salary scale, to go over to the next scale Read more

Dr. Mercelina Is Concerned About The Current Situation Within The Ministry Of Justice

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Leader of the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) Dr. Luc Mercelina expressed his concerns with the current situation concerning the placement and retroactive payment of Justice workers.

It is my hope that we are truly nearing the end of this unfortunate and unnecessary process. For too long our men and women in the Police force have sacrificed their lives, their own families to protects the people of Sint Maarten, while their employer continued to neglect and disrespect them Read more

Grisha: Again, Ipko Has Proven Our Main Focus Should Be Amending The Kingdom Charter

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press statement released on Monday March 6, 2023, evening, Member of Parliament, Grisha Heyliger-Marten elaborated on her statements made during the IPKO which took place in Curaao last week.

During her opening remarks at the IPKO, Heyliger-Marten expressed her discontent and impatience with the fact that, as she participated in her fourth IPKO, the discussion about changing the Kingdom Charter seems to be avoided.

Despite the fact that all governments within the Kingdom continue to complain about its structure and deficient articles, nobody seems to want to address the problems, Heyliger-Marten stated during her address.

We keep beating around the bush IPKO after IPKO, without making any changes for the betterment of the lives of our people Read more

Witu Proposes Adjustments To Salary Scales

— Laptops should be delivered soon —

Philipsburg The board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) submitted a proposal for an adjustment to the Salary Scales of employees in Education.

The fight continues to ensure Education is truly prioritized in our Country as teachers should be respected and not be neglected, remarked Stuart Johnson President of the WITU.

Johnson submitted the proposal addressed to the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs on Friday, 24thFebruary 2023 Read more

Now Party Congress: A Suffering PeopleHave Enough Reasons To Vote For Change

~ Three new candidates introduced ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In front of an impressive crowd that brought MP Christophe Emmanuel to tears, the Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) political party held a successful congress at the Belair Community Center on Sunday evening which, according to MP Emmanuel, further energized him and his team in the lead-up to the upcoming Parliamentary elections.

An emotional Emmanuel was overwhelmed with emotion and had difficulty uttering his first few words Read more

Mp Gumbs Pleased With Prime Minister Response To Electoral Resolution Request

Requests Meeting of Ad-hoc Committee for Electoral Reform

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Party for Progress Member of Parliament Melissa Gumbs expressed her satisfaction with the response received from Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs regarding the MPs request to consider amending the countrys Kiesbesluit (Electoral Resolution).

Gumbs had submitted a letter to the Prime Minister on 13 September 2022 to request that the Prime Minister, and by extension the Government, consider amending article 12 of the Kiesbesluit Read more

Heyliger-Marten Questions Suspension Of Kadaster Director, Actions Of Supervisory Board

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Independent Member of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten has requested an urgent question hour on recent developments at Kadaster.
In a letter addressed to President of Parliament Bijlani on Wednesday, Heyliger-Marten requested a question hour with the pertinent Minister(s).

During a question hour, which is a public meeting of Parliament usually held on Mondays, the Minister or Ministers invited, give direct verbal answers to questions posed by Members of Parliament.

In her letter to the President of Parliament, MP Heyliger-Marten stated that it had been
brought to her attention that the Managing Director of Kadaster was recently suspended by the Supervisory Board of Kadaster.

Considering the fact that the Supervisory Board is appointed by the Government, that
Kadaster is responsible for executing national legislation, I requested the President of
Parliament to urgently submit twelve (12) questions related to the Directors suspension to the pertinent Minister(s), Heyliger-Marten said.

When I first heard the rumors about the suspension, my initial thought was that I hope that, if true, this was not another case of a local professional being victimized for political or other reasons, simply for doing his job, Heyliger-Marten stated in her press release.

So in order to establish exactly what happened, when, and why, I decided to immediately
request clarification from the Government, who appointed the Supervisory Board.

I recall that during the PJIA Holding Company saga, Government had indicated that laws,
rules and regulations, including the Corporate Governance Code had been violated by the
former Managing Director of PJIA Holding Read more

The United St. Maarten Party Introduces Its New Logo For Election Cycle 2023

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The United St. Maarten Party under the leadership of Mrs. Pamela Gordon-Carty introduced its new logo and party slogan Breaking the Cycle for the election campaign scheduled to be held in 2023. The party moved up its rebranding plans which was scheduled for its 10 year anniversary in 2024 to coincide with the current electoral of 2023.

We have always championed ourselves as solution orientated with practical and strategic plans that can transform the country and move it forward, said President Mr Read more

The Truth Of The Matter Is That This Government Is Being Governed By A Minority

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press release issued by the United Sint Maarten Party (USP) said the following: First of all the governor cant call elections, the governor represents the interest of the Kingdom and will handle in such capacity primarily thats his role.

Secondly the electoral laws nor the constitution doesnt speak of independent members but yet we have had for years that party candidates that got a certain amount of votes while being part of a party has been declaring themselves independent with no legal grounds to it and like everything else it continues its course Read more

Sint Maarten Trust Fund Shows Strategic Results For Long-Term Resilience

THE HAGUE, The Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience Trust Fund is advancing critical reforms needed to ensure long-term national sustainability and through its projects producing many positive outcomes. This includes enabling financial resilience with almost 2,000 people receiving support and skills training to enhance their income and building climate resilience with majority of the population now protected from future impact of disasters. In addition, over 500 homes, roofs, and other critical facilities serving the public are repaired, 139 shipwrecks removed, and over 10.5km of the countrys shorelines cleaned Read more