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Dp: We Mourn With You And Wish You Strength To Restore Trust And Tranquility In Anguilla.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press release over the weekend, the Democratic Party of St. Maarten reacted to the horrific killings that shocked the community of Anguilla mid-week. The DP leader, herself of Anguillan descent was clearly distressed at the news.

It is with profound sadness we learned of the senseless killings that occurred in Anguilla last week. The shock of this heartless act at an emotion-filled time of burial of a loved one reverberated throughout our communities Read more

Sint Maartener At Un Climate Summit Calls For Equitable, Climate-Resilient Future Ahead Of Final Negotiations

 DUBAI:--- United Nations Climate Conference, COP28, is set to come to a close this week as countries negotiate the next set of climate change goals. Among the attendees of the conference is Riddhi Samtani, a youth activist from Sint Maarten part of Island Innovations Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) cohort. Representing her community on the global stage, Samtani has participated in speaking engagements and discussions with other delegates and heads of state, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Curaao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.

Having youth delegated from underrepresented communities is key to developing inclusive climate policies, something Samtanis sponsors NAGICO Insurances and Grant Thornton are keen to support as it aligns with their companys corporate social pillars Read more

Usp President Cecil Nicholas Officially Announces His Candidacy

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The USP established in 2014 has been a contender in every election since it was established, winning 2 seats in every election held since, with 3 seats being the highest awarded to the party in the 2016 election campaign.

Nicholas a founder and first president of the US Party first ran in 2016 at the bottom of the list as candidate number 19. In this upcoming election, he is running as the number 2 candidate behind his new leader Mrs Read more

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Chokehold Movie Delivers The Message That Domestic Violence Is Unacceptable

The Chokehold cast at the Friday press conference: from left; Simeon Henderson, Enyinne Nwigwe, Director Joel Ayuk (standing), Kenneth Okolie, Oremeyi Kareem, and Sherando Ferril. (Robert Luckock photo).

 MARIGOT--Timed to coincide with International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women, the premiere of locally-produced and -directed film Chokehold, written and directed by Joel Ayuk, took place at Caribbean Cinemas on Saturday night with the main actors in attendance.

Replicating a Hollywood premiere with red carpet, photo calls and a VIP reception, the international cast were dressed to the nines for the occasion.

Among prominent personalities from the community, Vice Presidents of the Collectivit Alain Richardson, Bernadette Davis and Dominique Louisy were present to support the film, as well as Territorial Councillor Martine Beldor.

Anticipating a large turnout, the 1-hour film produced by CANI TV Studios was shown in two theatres Read more

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Armand Meda To Run On Upp Slate, Resigns From Democratic Party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, November 19th, 2023, Democratic Candidate Armand Meda resigned from the party. This took place on the same day as the Democratic Party Candidate & Manifesto launch.

The former number 14 candidate on the DP list, has had a vigorous campaign under the slogan Forward, for almost a year that became very popular on Social Media and households on St Read more

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Strong Correlation Between Homelessness, Poverty And Mental Illness

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — There is a strong correlation between homelessness, poverty and mental illness. For years, government has stated that it would create a country-wide plan of action for the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders.

This is just what we need for when we look around our beautiful island, so many people are walking the streets with hopelessness in their eyes, hoping for hope again. We need to stop the quick fixes and temporary remedies, and examine the role of society in preventing and responding to mental health problems beyond the health system.

To protect people’s mental health, we need a country plan that focuses on prevention in schools, and the lingering social issues that plague our communities leading up to intellectually disabled people.

We see homelessness, poverty and mentally disabled people highlighted right now in our communities Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has resumed its operations today after a temporary disruption caused by employee unrest. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley, has successfully intervened and initiated discussions between relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the employees.

On Monday, November 13th, Minister Ottley held a virtual meeting with Ms Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  Sint Maarten will work to advance its progress towards sustainable and resilient management of the islands coastal and marine environment through a 633,000 research-based project supported by the RESEMBID grant programme.

The Coastal Resilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) project is a partnership between the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), and the non-profit conservation organization Nature Foundation St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Wescot in her statement explained that NAF. 60 million guilders have been approved as loans for the budgeted capital projects in 2023 and it is remarkable that the CFT recently admonished the Finance Ministry to make haste with the projected capital loans and projects.

While the amended budget 2023 is nowhere yet in sight, let alone the 2024 budget, the CBCS has published the loan offer and the minister of finance has announced most of the projected capital projects, which according to the 2023 budget notes should be ready to go, stated MP Wescot.

Singling out 2 projects as an example, the MP stated that we wouldve expected that projects such as the Dutch Quarter improvements and the Philipsburg Market would have been eagerly announced by name and date.

In the capital budget 2023, an amount of NAf Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heartwarming display of unwavering commitment to giving back to the community, popular Carnival band leader Omar Mr. Oezy Ottley of the TG Band, kept his word and on Sunday, October 29 and donated the entire sum of the Band Clash prize from Carnival 2023 to the Jason A. Peterson Foundation. Ottleys act of generosity comes as a testament to his belief that giving back transcends personal gain.
The prize of US $1,000 was won by Ottley and the TG Band in a fiercely competitive competition in Carnival Village Read more

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Upcoming Symposium On Nature Based Solutions.

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) are proud to announce a symposium on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation on the Dutch Caribbean islands. This event, scheduled for November 10th from 13:30 to 17:00 AST on Aruba, will provide a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in integrating innovative solutions to preserve and rejuvenate the diverse ecosystems of the Dutch Caribbean Read more

Drive With Extreme Caution. Avoid Flood Prone Areas.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs who is also chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), gave her second update for Monday, October 23rd.

A number of Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) have provided updates at midday with respect to post-Hurricane Tammy effects that are still impacting the country of Sint Maarten.

ESF-3 the Ministry of VROMI reports that water levels have started to subside Read more

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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

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PHILIPSBURG:---  The annual Police Week, serves to recognize and appreciate the unwavering dedication of the men and women who dedicate their lives as the vigilant guardians of our communities. A jubilant church service was rendered today at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church on Front Street, which immediately followed a parade and luncheon at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.

This year's Police Week brings together esteemed members of the Police Korps from Aruba, Curacao, the BES Islands, and the Netherlands, fostering unity, collaboration, and the celebration of shared commitment to safety and security.

Today, this solemn gathering, paused to reflect on the pivotal role police officers play in their daily lives Read more

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BONAIRE:--- The Bonaire Human Rights Organization delegation set out on their 3rd phase and is now 505 days on pilgrimage lobbying in Latin America and the Caribbean to put Bonaire on the list of Non-Self-Governing-Territories of the United Nations. Last Sunday the delegation traveled to Sint Maarten.
In December of 2022, the Dutch government openly promised a one-time handout of US$200 million for the crimes of slavery as compensation which has now been reduced to $5 million Read more

BONAIRE:--- The Kingdom of the Netherlands will ask for increased protection for the Caribbean reef shark during next months Conference of Parties for the Cartagena Convention (COPs) on Aruba.  Caribbean reef sharks play a critical role in maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem and building resilience within the oceans. This increased protection is critical for ensuring a sustainable future for this iconic species.

The Caribbean Sea is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a dazzling array of marine life Read more

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

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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

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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

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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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Prime Minister's Statement On The Anniversary Of Hurricane Irma.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Today, as St. Martin commemorates the anniversary of the passing of Hurricane Irma, our hearts are heavy with the memories of the destruction and loss that this unprecedented or category 5+ hurricane brought to our beloved island on September 6, 2017. This day marks not only a somber reminder of the challenges we faced but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience that defines us as St. Martiners.
Six years ago, Hurricane Irma ripped through our island, leaving a trail of destruction that was almost beyond comprehension Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Tina Hamm, an 11-year breast cancer survivor, was the guest speaker at the fourth monthly meeting of the Breast Cancer Support Group held on August 24, 2023.  The topic was The Journey from Loss to Purpose.

Ms. Hamm (mstinahamm@gmail.com) passionately brought her experience as a luxury travel concierge, podcaster, author, and international motivational speaker to a room filled with survivors (long and short-term), as well as supporters, caregivers, and a few women currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer Read more

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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

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