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Government Seeks To Make October 10Th A National Holiday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The government of St. Maarten is now in the process of changing at least one of the islands National Holidays.

Prime Minister the Honorable Marcel Gumbs confirmed that the Holidays that will be switched is that of December 15 Kingdom Day, paving the way for October the 10th to become a National Holiday. Read more

Up Mp Lake Would Like To See Stakeholders For Waste To Energy Plant Project Getting Together To Move Project Forward

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People’s (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake sent a letter to the Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, and also publicly made a statement on July 13th, 2015 requesting an update on the Solid Waste Ordinance and the progress of the long awaited Waste to Energy Plant to address the â€˜growing garbage mountain.’

“As the former Minister of VROMI, my ministry and the Steering Committee was very much involved with the final stage the bidding process which was won by a company to build the plant Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Expresses Condolences To The Government And People Of Dominica

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, has forwarded a letter to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit expressing condolences to the people and Government of Dominica with respect to the damage left behind by Tropical Storm Erika.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Restaurants And Casinos Can Open Thursday Evening. Schools, Businesses And Government To Reopen On Friday

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), in an update on Thursday afternoon, August 27, says, based on an assessment of the current weather situation regarding Tropical Storm Erika:

“Country Sint Maarten remains under a Tropical Storm Warning.  The country will continue to Read more

Postal Services St. Maarten (Pss) Closure For Passage Of Tropical Storm Erika

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten -- Postal Services St.Maarten (PSS) hereby reminds the general public in keeping with the rule  of business closure by the Honorable Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs that closure of operations will only be on Thursday, 27th August, 2015.Management of PSS hopes to resume normally on Friday with operations and working h Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses, Schools And Government Offices Closed On Thursday Due To The Arrival Of Erika

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Wednesday, August 26 with respect to the approach of Tropical Storm Erika.

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address: 

Audio file:

“The country of Sint Maarten is under a Tropical Storm Warning.  Tropical Storm Erika at 11.00AM Wednesday morning was located 335 miles east south-east from Sint Maarten.  Some slow strengthening is possible.

“The current forecast as of Wednesday morning, has Tropical Storm Erika passing just south of Sint Maarten on Thursday. 

“Tropical storm force winds are expected in our area from late tonight through Thursday.

“Erika is to produce rain of 2 to 4 inches with a maximum amount of 8 inches across the islands.  This can lead to flooding and land slippages and mudslides, and therefore residents in hillside areas should exercise caution after heavy rainfall.

“Erika is expected to produce waves up to 13 feet near the center of the storm.  Some coastal flooding and beach erosion is possible on Thursday as the storm passes at its closest to the country.

“Residents living along coastal areas should take measures to protect property.

“All citizens, residents and businesses should make final preparations to protect life and property and have these completed by early this evening.  You recently had the experience of preparing for Danny, those same preparations are also required for Tropical Storm Erika.

“The Government of Sint Maarten Emergency Disaster Management system has taken all necessary measures to safeguard the country.  These measures were taken prior to Tropical Storm Danny and remain in place with respect to the approach of Tropical Storm Erika.

“A request for military assistance has been requested.

“The White & Yellow Cross reports that its two day care facilities will be closed on Thursday.  Reopening on Friday will be determined based on weather conditions.

“Contractors and builders are called upon to secure building sites this afternoon before the end of the day.  Implement your hurricane plans as you did prior to Danny.

“Schools and day care centres are to be closed on THURSDAY, August 27 due to the passing of the tropical storm Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses Can Reopen; Schools And Government Offices Open On Tuesday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday, August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics. 

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address: 

“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure. 

“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.

“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:

“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.

“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.

“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious. 

“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure. 

“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future. 

“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses To Close By 10Pm Sunday Evening Including Restaurants And Casinos Until Further Notice

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. 

The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature.  The Prime Minister gave a national address with respect to the current decisions that have been taken. 

“Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Sint Maarten as a precautionary measure Read more

State Of Readiness Being Maintained, Prime Minister Addresses Nation

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Marcel Gumbs addressed the island of St. Maarten on Sunday afternoon.

During his address the Prime Minister confirmed that the state of readiness will be maintained while confirming that essential services will be provided, based on the emergency preparedness of the respective public and business entities Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Meets With St. Martin Prefete Laubies Regarding Preparations For Hurricane Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, on Friday afternoon met with the Prefete of St. Martin and St. Barths Anne Laubies and Vice President Guillaume Arnell regarding preparations for Hurricane Danny.

The Prefet and the Prime Minister briefed each other on the preparations that have been taken so far in preparation for Hurricane Danny.

A number of points were agreed upon with respect to the coordination and synchronization of certain activities in times of pre- and post-natural disaster events.

After each Emergency Operations Center or Disaster Committee meeting, the government representatives will exchange decisions that have come out of those meetings.

The closure of businesses was also another point to be coordinated between both sides of the island; closure of airports will also be coordinated; and both sides will also exchange communications that are disseminated to the public with respect to information and actions that need to be taken.

“The meeting with the Prefet was very informative.  As one island there should be some coordination at the disaster management level and this was what this meeting was about,” Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said on Friday.

In Photo: Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs (left), Paul Martens, Office of Disaster Management, and Prefete Anne Laubies (right), Chef Cabinet Emmanuel Effantin and Vice President Guillaume Arnell Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Military Assistance Requested As Danny Approaches. Nation Continues To Prepare For The Passing Of Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

Here is the audio file of the national address by the Prime Minister: https://www.sendspace.com/file/g33f1r

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.

“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.

“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure. 

“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary.  We have to review the latest weather reports that come in over the weekend to determine further actions.

“The various trenches and drains have been cleared to allow the free flow of storm water that could be expected.  The pumps are operational and on standby.

“In connection with low lying areas around the ponds, the overflow system of the Fresh and Little Bay Pond will be prepared for a fast-run off of excess water.

“A request for military assistance by the local marines has been requested by the Ministry of General Affairs.

“The listing of hurricane shelters are: New Testament Baptist Church (A.C Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Appraised Of Measures Taken By Ministry Vromi In Relation To Tropical Storm Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Wednesday about pre-storm/hurricane preparations by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) in connection with any possible threat that Tropical Storm Danny could pose to the country.

Tropical Storm Danny is forecast to become a hurricane later in the week prior to it reaching the Lesser Antilles.  On Wednesday Danny was more than 1300 miles away.

“The preparations underway by Ministry VROMI takes into consideration the amount of time to prepare for any possible weather from Danny.  We have the lead time to prepare in the event we are confronted with a hurricane several days from now. 

It’s better to prepare now then wait until it’s at our doorstep Read more

Prime Minister And National Disaster Coordinator Calls On Nation To Re-Check Hurricane Season Preparations As Tropical Storm Danny Churns Out In Atlantic

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the National Disaster Coordinator Fire Chief Clive Richardson, are calling on residents to re-check their preparations for the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season, adding that this should have been done since June 1st when the season started.

The fourth storm of the season has formed, Tropical Storm Danny.  It is forecast to become a hurricane.  Residents and visitors are advised to monitor the progress of Danny closely even though it’s over 1300 miles away from the Lesser Antilles.

Coordinators from the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) of the country’s disaster management system have been instructed to review implementation action plans and to start pre-preparations in the event Danny should pose a threat to the country.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) and the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten will be keeping the public informed as this storm approaches the Lesser Antilles.  The Governments Emergency Radio Broadcast System is also operational and on standby if necessary.  Radio listeners can tune in to 107.9 FM.

Residents, vacation-home owners, businesses and the yachting community are advised to use the next couple of days to check their hurricane preparation plans; review hurricane shutters and check what furniture and outdoor items should be removed in the event of a hurricane threat; use the time now to repair or purchase any items needed to secure your home or business; villa/home rental management agencies should check the aforementioned to make sure they are storm-ready; livestock owners should review their own storm preparations; warehouses/storage depots should check their surroundings and make sure they are storm ready in the event of a threat to the country.

Contractors and builders should review their site hurricane preparation plans as was already advised by the ODM back in July; review what items at the building site may need to be secured in the event of a threat; residents of homes along the coasts are requested to review their plans and to be ready to take action in the event of a passing storm/hurricane.

“Residents, vacation-home owners, businesses as well as the yachting community should use the next couple of days to review their preparations for the hurricane season.  We have Danny out in the Atlantic and the aforementioned should be ready to take the necessary action when required to do so. 

“Everybody should have learnt from the past.  Don’t wait until the last minute to check around your home and business or check your boat.  Do so in the coming days as it is better to be safe than sorry.  We have now entered the busy part of the hurricane season which runs from mid-August to mid-October.  Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Make sure you are ready and prepared,” Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said on Wednesday.

The 10 ESFs are: GEBE/ESF-1, TelEm Group/ESF-2, Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI)/ESF-3, Fire Department/ESF-4, Police Department/ESF-5, Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour/ESF-6 and 7, Department of Communication/ESF-8, Ministry of General Affairs/ESF-9, and Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT)/ESF-10. 

The remaining storm names for the Atlantic season are Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicolas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

The 2015 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.

In Photo: File Photo: Seated at the head of the table is National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson (left) and Prime Minister Hon Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Expresses Condolences To The Mingo Family

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs expresses his deepest sympathy to the Mingo family with respect to the passing of former Minister of Finance of the Netherlands Antilles Frank Mingo from 1998-1999.

Frank Mingo also served as Senator in the former Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles representing Sint Maarten from 1999 to 2002.

Mingo passed away on Friday night.

“It was indeed sad to learn about the passing of Frank Mingo.  I worked with him when I was State Secretary of Justice, General and Interior Affairs from 1998 to 2002.

“On behalf of the Council of Ministers, I extend our condolences to the immediate family and friends of Frank Mingo during their time of bereavement,” Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said on Sunday Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Clarifies Statements And Stands By Message

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs offered some clarification for statements he made at the bi-weekly Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday, 12 August. The Prime Minister said that certain terms he used were indeed not necessary nor were they entirely representative of his own personal beliefs. He attributed his outburst to frustration with what he has called the ongoing destructive conduct of certain media and community elements.

The Prime Minister had the following message for the country:

“Indeed, my life has been touched by the tragedy of suicide Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Officer Benjamin Know That Your Legacy Will Remain As A Beacon For A Country That Needs One

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs delivered the following speech on Thursday, 13 August at the funeral of Police Officer G. Benjamin.

“Good afternoon family, in the past week, we as a country have felt anger, despair, sorrow and confusion over the untimely and tragic death of Officer Gamali Benjamin. Law enforcement, much like the fire brigade or the military, comes with the willingness to risk one's life each and every day, in the pursuit of doing the right thing. 

“Today, as we lay him to rest and begin the healing process, I am hopeful that we remember to reflect on Officer Benjamin's character and conduct, and that we do our utmost to always do the right thing Read more

Democratic Party Questions Government On The Pension Age Increase To 62 Years

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - In a letter dispatched to Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, the Democratic Party points out what in the party's belief is a case of misleading parliament and the people of St. Maarten.

The decision to raise the pension age to 62 has been taken quite some time ago by the (former) government of St Read more

Council Of Ministers Saddened By Senseless Killing Of Police Officer Benjamin

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Council of Ministers of St. Maarten Wednesday resumed their press conferences, providing information to the community from the seat of government in Philipsburg.

The resumption of the information sessions comes at a time when the St. Maarten community is mourning, mourning the violent death of a young police officer who served the community of St. Maarten well, at the hands of young bandits.

Minister responsible for Justice the Honorable Dennis Richardson was obviously broken at the senseless killing of Officer Benjamin who was gunned down last Wednesday during a Philipsburg robbery.

He died on Saturday at the St Read more

Condolence Book For Officer Gamali Benjamin Being Signed

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - On Tuesday many persons were seen in the Philipsburg Police Station signing the Condolence book for the late Gamali Benjamin.

The Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, Minister Rita Bourne Gumbs, Minister Read more

Cdfha Hosts Award Ceremony For Ngos & Community Councils

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten — On Friday August 7th 2015, the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) honored members of various NGOs and Community Councils that successfully completed the Capacity Building Program that took place in 2014, with a continuation in 2015 with accredited courses at the University of St. Martin.

Sixty Four (64) participants successfully completed the program which was originally sponsored by USONA and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor.

The primary objective of the Capacity Building Program is to offer support and to enhance the skills and performance of NGOs and Community Councils.

The training was given free of charge and focused on "Financial Management", "Subsidy Ordinance", "Governance", "Tax administration for NGOs", "Program Development", "Marketing & Public Relations" and "Strategic Alliance Formation".

Reverend Baptiste did the Invocation and Ms Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Strong Public Services Are A Powerful Development Resource

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – "The Public Service Center (PSC) at Simpson Bay and the one to be established in the New Government Building, is a representation of promoting better service to the community.

Strong public services are often society's most powerful development resource," Prime Minister/Minister of General Affairs Marcel Gumbs said on Thursday.

Gumbs adds that a strong public service can build institutions that play a huge role in enabling people to fulfil their potential within an environment where their ideas, actions and society as a whole can flourish.

The PSC which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, should be seen in the light of Government's first steps in becoming a leader in public service excellence based on the one-stop service provider concept.

"We are in the process of building a professional public service with integrity, diversity and a focus on clients and result oriented Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Endorses The Start Here Campaign To Tackle Employment Challenges

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – "As Prime Minister it's my distinct honor to extend my support to the staff of the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services for the upcoming Start Here Campaign, which as I understand aims to boost the jobseekers database to meet the very diverse needs of the local labor market," Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs pointed out recently.

"It is an initiative that I fully encourage as we have made tackling employment challenges an important part of the governing program 'Ready to Work for You' Read more

Mp Tamara Leonard Calls For 'Straight Outta Compton' To Not Be Screened Here

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Do not screen the biopic "Straight Outta Compton" in St. Maarten. This was the message communicated to Caribbean Cinemas and the Censorship Committee of St. Maarten by United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard Read more

Up Mp Lake Commends Act. Minister Of Vromi Gumbs And Gebe For Quick Action In St. Peters Community

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake wrote a letter to the Acting Minister of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Marcel Gumbs, addressing the concerns of residents of Marigot Hill regarding the placement of a NV GEBE street light at Soursop Road #42.

"In that specific area at night it's very dark and is well-known for car stripping by criminal elements Read more