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Parliament Approves Budget, Government Elated To Move Towards Ratification

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Parliament of St. Maarten approved the countrys National Budget for 2022, on Monday, January 24, with nine MPs for and four MPs against as government awaits the deviation approval by the Kingdom Council of Ministers (RMR). In her opening remarks to Parliament, during the start of the budget debate, Prime Minister Jacobs addressed the concerns of several Members of Parliament about the handling of the budget without having the deviation from article 25 granted by the RMR.

Prime Minister Jacobs stated, Government has a legal obligation to submit the budget to the Parliament Read more

Prime Minister Jacobs: Covid-19 Is Still With Us. St. Maarten Continues To Be Most Resilient

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Prime Minister of St. Maarten Hon. Silveria E. Jacobs in her opening address in the House of Parliament on Wednesday related to the continuation of debating the draft 2022 national budget said COVID-19 is still with us.

I join with the Minister of VSA in commending all those who have helped us to continue to grapple with the rising active cases. I must say that the Minister and the Ministry of VSA, together with all their stakeholders are doing a wonderful job of ensuring that we as a community are doing what is needed Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Parliament of St. Maarten approved the countrys National Budget for 2022, on Monday, January 24, with nine MPs for and four MPs against as the government awaits the deviation approval by the Kingdom Council of Ministers (RMR). In her opening remarks to Parliament, during the start of the budget debate, Prime Minister Jacobs addressed the concerns of several Members of Parliament about the handling of the budget without having the deviation from article 25 granted by the RMR.

Prime Minister Jacobs stated, Government has a legal obligation to submit the budget to the Parliament Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten Hon. Silveria E. Jacobs in her opening address in the House of Parliament on Wednesday related to the continuation of debating the draft 2022 national budget said COVID-19 is still with us.

I join with the Minister of VSA in commending all those who have helped us to continue to grapple with the rising active cases. I must say that the Minister and the Ministry of VSA, together with all their stakeholders are doing a wonderful job of ensuring that we as a community are doing what is needed Read more

Emmanuel Says Airport Board Must Go, Challenges Integrity Chamber

~ Reminds Lawrence he is accountable ~
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday called for the Supervisory Board of the Directors (SBOD) of the airport operating company (PJIAE) to be replaced and stressed that accounting firm BDO should be restricted from engaging in any inquiry or investigation into anything at the airport henceforth.

He also challenged the Integrity Chamber to get involved, put governments money to work, take initiative and finally do something for once Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  President of the Windward Island Teachers Union (WITU) Stuart Johnson is calling on all members of the WITU to attend an important General membership meeting.

Johnson is keeping his word will be hosting a virtual general membership meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. via the platform ZO Read more

~ President Gibbs does not care, else he would have acted earlier.~

MARIGOT:---- Territorial Councilor Louie Mussington founder of the Rassemblement Saint Martin (RSM) made clear on Monday and again on Tuesday that the territorial council meeting that is being held today Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 is a total waste of time and will not assist the Webster family that are now protesting the auction of their land by blocking the main road in the vicinity of Gedimat.
The President of the Collectivity Daniel Gibbs does not have any political will to solve this problem, if he had he would have done so before because he had ample time to prepare for the auction slated for January 25th, 2022, Mussington said.
The law allows the Collectivity of Saint Martin to pre-empt the sale Read more

Pfp: Passing Of 2022 Budget Marks A Low Point In Modern Sint Maarten History

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Despite having independent legal advice demonstrating that the countrys draft 2022 budget is in contravention of Sint Maartens Constitution, a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday night still passed the draft legislation.

Party for Progress (PFP) MPs Melissa Gumbs and Raeyhon Peterson were among the four (4) MPs who voted against the draft legislation.

The legal advice – which was discussed by MPs during Mondays public meeting of Parliament – was compiled and signed by former Secretary-General of Parliament Nancy Joubert, LL.M, on January 7, 2022 Read more

Mp Arrindell Comes Good On Funding For Road Repairs

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a follow with concerns posed to Minister Vromi concerning deplorable roads, MP Akeem Arrindell comes good on his word and in Fridays Budget meeting brought forward an Amendment for the first time since being in office in regards to allocating additional funds for repairs/resurfacing the roads of St. Maarten. Together with MP Rolando Brison we looked for ideas for re-allocation of funds to ensure monies could be made available. We found ways to make this a reality, which the cost for restoration and beautification of the Marketplace in Philipsburg which was part of budget 2022 will now instead be released by investment from Port St Read more

Motion Passed To Increase Subsidy For Turning Point

NA MP William Marlin

~ Richardson: Adjustments will be made ~

PHILIPSBURG--A motion by National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Motion Passed For Motorists To Be Fined Instead Of Losing Plates

NA MP Angelique Romou.

~ Irion to look at creating vanity plates ~

PHILIPSBURG--Parliament on Monday evening approved a motion tabled by National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) Angelique Romou for motorists who are late with paying their motor vehicle tax to be fined instead of losing their licence plates.

Read more

Pfp: Passing Of 2022 Budget Marks A Low Point In Modern Sint Maarten History

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Despite having independent legal advice demonstrating that the countrys draft 2022 budget is in contravention of Sint Maartens Constitution, a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday night still passed the draft legislation.

Party for Progress (PFP) MPs Melissa Gumbs and Raeyhon Peterson were among the four (4) MPs who voted against the draft legislation. 

The legal advice – which was discussed by MPs during Mondays public meeting of Parliament – was compiled and signed by former Secretary-General of Parliament Nancy Joubert, LL.M, on January 7, 2022 Read more

MARIGOT: --- The protestors that are supporting the Webster and Beauperthuy families that are facing the possibility of losing their lands blocked the road on Monday as they continue to put pressure on the State of France and the Collectivity of St. Martin to intervene in the ongoing land saga.
On Monday morning the family along with several politicians gathered on the property that is located next to Gedimat and just below Leader Price. On the scene was President Daniel Gibbs who spoke at length to Rudy Webster and his sons and other members of the family Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a follow with concerns posed to Minister Vromi concerning deplorable roads, MP Akeem Arrindell comes good on his word and in Fridays Budget meeting brought forward an Amendment for the first time since being in office in regards to allocating additional funds for repairs/resurfacing the roads of St. Maarten. Together with MP Rolando Brison, we looked for ideas for the re-allocation of funds to ensure monies could be made available.

We found ways to make this a reality, which the cost for restoration and beautification of the Marketplace in Philipsburg which was part of budget 2022 will now instead be released by investment from Port St Read more

St. Maarten Babe Ruth Leagues Hosts Its First Open House Event At Motorworld Show Room

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The St. Maarten/ St. Martin Babe Ruth League (SXM Babe Ruth League)hosted its first Open House at Motor World in Cole Bay. The aim of the Open House was to introduce the Board Members, players, coaches, and volunteers of the SXM Babe Ruth League to the general public, dignitaries, media, and prospective sponsors. Information was provided regarding the aims, goals, and vision of the league which include the commencement of the SXM Babe League on February 5th, as well as, participation in the Babe Ruth League Caribbean tournament which is scheduled to be held in the Bahamas in July of this year.

The SXM Babe Ruth League would like to thank Motor World, Monster Factory, Babe Ruth Inc, Babe Ruth Caribbean, St.Martin Baseball/Softball Association Core Media and VID Media Solutions for contributing towards the SXM Babe Ruth League Open House.  We encourage parents, players, coaches, and volunteers to get involved with the SXM Babe Ruth League as we prepare to develop and enhance St Read more

Grisha: Dossier Might Give Reason For Parliamentary Inquiry At Pjia

Parliament President Grisha Heyliger-Marten

~ Chris says dossier purposefully buried ~

PHILIPSBURG--The former secretary of former President of Parliament Rolando Brison< Read more

Brison Tables Five Draft Motions In Parliament

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UP MP Rolando Brison

~ Wants CBCS to create banking protection law ~

PHILIPSBURG--Requesting Finance Minister Ardwell Irion, as shareholder representative of the Central Bank of Curaao and St Read more

Ottley: Self-Isolation Period For Asymptomatic Persons Reduced

VSA Minister Omar Ottley

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley confirms a reduction in the self- isolation period for asymptomatic perso Read more

Prime Minister Jacobs Profiles Trust Fund Financial Allocations

SINT MAARTEN, PHILIPSBURG The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Hon. Silveria Jacobs in the House of Parliament on Wednesday provided information to Members of Parliament (MPs) during the parliamentary session that is handling the draft 2022 national budget about the Trust Fund portfolio which comprises ten (10) projects that are currently in implementation as well as three (3) projects under preparation.

The prime minister stated that the Government of Sint Maarten has strategically prioritized these projects geared at recovery, reconstruction and building resilience of the countrys institutions.

In 2018, the Government of the Netherlands committed an amount of US$554 million to the Trust Fund program, which was aimed at: The recovery and reconstruction of Sint Maarten following the devastation caused by the September 2017 Atlantic hurricanes; and

Strengthening the countrys resilience to future natural disasters.

The Government of the Netherlands had previously transferred US$515.35 million to the World Bank and in December 2021, the Netherlands transferred the final tranche of US$139 million.

As a summary of the Trust Fund projects, the prime minister informed the MPs as follows:

US$515.36 million has been transferred to the Trust Fund, this amounts to the total to be transferred figures. 10 projects are under implementation for US$311.3 million, of which US$146.3 million has been disbursed to date, and US$122.2 million spent.

For the overview of the Trust Fund program, the prime minister added:

That the Investment income to date is approximately US$13.7 million, which reflows to the Trust Fund for projects. At this moment the entire Trust Fund has been allocated to existing or future projects by the Steering Committee.

The final remaining finances of the Trust Fund have been allotted by the Steering Committee in July 2021 Read more

Prime Minister Jacobs Profiles Trust Fund Financial Allocations

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Hon. Silveria Jacobs in the House of Parliament on Wednesdayprovided information toMembers of Parliament (MPs)during theparliamentarysession thatis handling the draft 2022 national budgetaboutthe Trust Fund portfoliowhichcomprises ten (10) projects that are currently in implementation aswell as three (3) projects under preparation.

The prime minister stated that the Government of Sint Maarten has strategically prioritized these projects geared at recovery, reconstruction and building resilience of the countrys institutions.

In 2018, the Government of the Netherlands committed an amount of US$554 million to the Trust Fund program, which was aimed at: The recovery and reconstruction of Sint Maarten following the devastation caused by the September 2017 Atlantic hurricanes; and 

Strengthening the countrys resilience to future natural disasters.

The Government of the Netherlands had previously transferred US$515.35 million to the World Bank and in December 2021, the Netherlands transferred the final tranche of US$139 million.

As a summary of the Trust Fund projects, the prime minister informed the MPs as follows: 

US$515.36 million has been transferred to the Trust Fund, this amounts to the total to be transferred figures Read more

Grisha Sets The Record Straight On Missing Dossier

~Hints at possible Parliamentary inquiry at PJIA~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten President of Parliament, the Honourable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, says the revelation of the existence of a “potentially damning” dossier on PJIA may well shed light on shortcomings at the top levels of the Government-owned Company,
The document will be formally booked into Parliament early this week, and Parliamentary officials indicate that this time around, the PJIA dossier will follow the proper channels for accepting official documents.

If the alleged contents are factual, uncovering these truths can result in swift action to remove any impediments to the long-awaited rebuilding of the Airport.
“The contents of the PJIA dossier might provide even more reasons for an urgent Parliamentary inquiry in the interest of transparency and good governance Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Hon. Silveria Jacobs in the House of Parliament on Wednesday provided information to Members of Parliament (MPs) during the parliamentary session that is handling the draft 2022 national budget about the Trust Fund portfolio which comprises ten (10) projects that are currently in implementation as well as three (3) projects under preparation.

The prime minister stated that the Government of Sint Maarten has strategically prioritized these projects geared at recovery, reconstruction, and building resilience of the countrys institutions.

In 2018, the Government of the Netherlands committed an amount of US$554 million to the Trust Fund program, which was aimed at The recovery and reconstruction of Sint Maarten following the devastation caused by the September 2017 Atlantic hurricanes; and

Strengthening the countrys resilience to future natural disasters.

The Government of the Netherlands had previously transferred US$515.35 million to the World Bank and in December 2021, the Netherlands transferred the final tranche of US$139 million.

As a summary of the Trust Fund projects, the prime minister informed the MPs as follows:  

US$515.36 million has been transferred to the Trust Fund, this amounts to the total to be transferred figures.     10 projects are under implementation for US$311.3 million, of which US$146.3 million has been disbursed to date, and US$122.2 million spent.

For the overview of the Trust Fund program, the prime minister added: 

That the Investment income to date is approximately US$13.7 million, which reflows to the Trust Fund for projects.At this moment the entire Trust Fund has been allocated to existing or future projects by the Steering Committee.

The final remaining finances of the Trust Fund have been allotted by the Steering Committee in July 2021 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- From the appearance of it, the draft budget 2022 for the country is set to be approved by Parliament this week, notwithstanding the blatant violations of the constitution. To add insult to injury, the constitutional obligation to allow the ombudsman time to assess the constitutionality of this ordinance is not specifically included in the enforcement article of the ordinance, MP Wescot stated over the weekend. And for her, the question remains why not.
The UP and NA factions act as if there is nothing wrong under the sun with approving a budget that is not ready for passing by parliament or do they care that this reflects negatively on parliament.
I get the distinct feeling that the rush is to get the budget over with and back to business as usual; we will cross the next bridge when we get there.
For unknown reasons, except maybe egocentric ones, the majority refused to even consider a postponement of the passing (voting) on the budget Read more

~Hints at possible Parliamentary inquiry at PJIA~

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament, the Honourable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, says the revelation of the existence of a "potentially damning" dossier on PJIA may well shed light on shortcomings at the top levels of the Government-owned Company,
The document will be formally booked into Parliament early this week, and Parliamentary officials indicate that this time around, the PJIA dossier will follow the proper channels for accepting official documents.

If the alleged contents are factual, uncovering these truths can result in swift action to remove any impediments to the long-awaited rebuilding of the Airport.
"The contents of the PJIA dossier might provide even more reasons for an urgent Parliamentary inquiry in the interest of transparency and good governance Read more