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>PHILIPSBURG:-----  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, spoke at the opening of the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA) at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.
The IACA is being hosted by St. Maarten from July 19-25. The IACA Congress is the largest gathering of professional archaeologists specializing in Caribbean studies in the world, with representatives from over 23 countries and over 300 delegates; it is the place to be for cutting-edge research information about heritage in the Caribbean.
Minister Connor during his address stated: “It is remarkable to observe that 26 years ago to be exact was the last time since this Congress was held on Dutch soil, and today you are here on St Read more

Cruise Ship Passenger Hospitalized after hitting Taxi on Beacon Hill Road --- Jet Blast Experience leaves visitor with broken collar bone and injured forehead.

style="text-align: center;">Taxi Driver cooperated and settle for less than cost of damages.

Cay Hill:--- A female passenger from Liberty Cruise line that was at the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) to experience the jet blast from departing aircraft ended up hitting a taxi and broke its front lights. The passenger also suffered injuries to her forehead that had to be stitched while she also suffered with a broken collar bone.
The incident took place sometime on Monday Read more

International Association For Caribbean Archaeology Opens 26Th Congress On St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The 26th congress of the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology was officially opened on St. Maarten Monday morning.

Hundreds of delegates from the wider Caribbean are currently on the island for the congress which opening ceremony was attended by officials from Host St. Maarten north and south, Anguilla and Guadeloupe.

Prime Minister the Honorable Marcel Gumbs in his opening address welcomed the congress attendees to the island whilst sharing with them information on the strong bonds that exist between the islands.

Also in attendance on Monday morning was Cathrine Questal, the honorable Minister of Culture on St Read more

International Association For Caribbean Archaeology Opens 26Th Congress On St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The 26th congress of the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology was officially opened on St. Maarten Monday morning.

Hundreds of delegates from the wider Caribbean are currently on the island for the congress which opening ceremony was attended by officials from Host St. Maarten north and south, Anguilla and Guadeloupe.

Prime Minister the Honorable Marcel Gumbs in his opening address welcomed the congress attendees to the island whilst sharing with them information on the strong bonds that exist between the islands.

Also in attendance on Monday morning was Cathrine Questal, the honorable Minister of Culture on St Read more

Multi-Annual Programme Caribbean Netherlands 2015- 2018

BES Islands - The Public Entity of Saba has indicated during the CN Week that, as for matters relating to content which specifically concern Saba, the Multi-Annual programme (MAP) underlines the importance of the island's further development.

Many projects in the area of economic development, children's rights and poverty reduction are either in progress or will be launched. Therefore the MAP is a basis for a joint effort, the Netherlands and Saba, to increase Saba's level of provision.

The Public Entity has also expressed the wish to evaluate the CN Week and to engage a more bilateral conversation with the Netherlands.

Finally, Saba is appreciative of the investment assignment which the MAP entails but it has underlined that a decision on structural financing of the maintenance costs has not yet been reached.

Introduction
This is an initial integrated Multi-Annual Programme of the Cabinet and Executive Councils Read more

Multi-Annual Programme Caribbean Netherlands 2015- 2018

BES Islands - The Public Entity of Saba has indicated during the CN Week that, as for matters relating to content which specifically concern Saba, the Multi-Annual programme (MAP) underlines the importance of the island's further development.

Many projects in the area of economic development, children's rights and poverty reduction are either in progress or will be launched. Therefore the MAP is a basis for a joint effort, the Netherlands and Saba, to increase Saba's level of provision.

The Public Entity has also expressed the wish to evaluate the CN Week and to engage a more bilateral conversation with the Netherlands.

Finally, Saba is appreciative of the investment assignment which the MAP entails but it has underlined that a decision on structural financing of the maintenance costs has not yet been reached.

Introduction
This is an initial integrated Multi-Annual Programme of the Cabinet and Executive Councils Read more

Sarah gets 'favourable reaction' to electoral reform proposal

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams said Sunday that her proposal on electoral reform has met with a "favourable reaction" from the Presidium of Parliament and as a result it will be taken up for discussion in the legislature Read more

Work to resume on bank building by mid-August

PHILIPSBURG--Renovations to the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten building on W.J.A. Nisbeth Road are slated to resume with a new contractor in mid-August.

Central Bank President Emsley Tromp said on Thursday that the Bank "hoped to finalise a contractor by the end of this month."

The renovations were started in December by then-contractor Taliesin Construction. Work halted in April after the Bank terminated the contractor prior to completion.

The contractor has since taken the bank to court for damages and full payment Read more

Notices July 20

Educational Scholarship

Be the Change Foundation is accepting applications for the first Erika Cannegieter Dream Big Educational Scholarship. The scholarship this year is up to the amount of $1,500 for a student to help pay part of any educational expenses. Interested students must be legal residents and can apply by filling out the online form at: http://bethechangesxm.com/scholarship-application. The applications must be submitted by July 20 and the winner will be announced on July 27 Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Sarah Wescot Williams said in a press release on behalf of the Democratic Party faction of Parliament that she received a favorable response from the presidium of Parliament ( consisting of the Chairperson and his 2 deputies) Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:----  United People’s (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake congratulates Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake in her achievement of being the first Sint Maarten-born Cardiologist, adding that she is a role model for the nation’s youth.
MP Lake further added that he would like to see a better plan of action and incentives put in place by Government when it concerns local professionals returning home to work as well as those who are already here working on the island.
“We have a lot of local professionals who work in Government and the private sector who are still waiting to get some type of response or incentives from Government (especially from the Personnel Department) for returning back to the island after their studies to help build up this country.
“I am very concerned of this trend where we focus and give better incentives package for other professionals from abroad, rather than focus on what we can do for our own local professionals who come back home Read more

The unraveling GEBE saga is symptomatic of a larger problem.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams said she considers the conflict between the Supervisory Board of Directors and the MD/CEO of NV GEBE more of a labor issue or a conflict between employer and employee, the relationship between the Shareholder (the government of St. Maarten) and its company's supervisory board deserves closer scrutiny and should be a concern ti everyone on St Read more

11 Dutch Islands Where You Can Get Away From It All

HOLLAND - Looking for an island escape, but no time or money to head to the Caribbean? If you aren't too fussed about getting a tan, why not head to a Dutch island.

Fresh air, cycle paths, nature and long beaches – and most of the Dutch islands are only a short ferry ride away.

Pampus: an artificial island constructed in the late 19th century in the IJmeer lake, close to Amsterdam. One of four forts commissioned as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam (Defence Line of Amsterdam), it had the capacity to accommodate 200 men but was only fully utilised during WWI.

The Wadden Islands

Terschelling: with approximately 20,000 tourist beds, Terschelling is the largest and most visited Wadden Island.

Head west from the main town centre of West Terschelling to experience untamed nature and long white beaches.

In June, the island hosts the 10-day Oerol festival, attracting many visitors to the art and theatre performances taking place across the island.

Vlieland: smaller, less densely populated than the neighbouring islands, yet only 90 minutes by ferry from Harlingen in Friesland.

Vlieland entices visitors with its serenity and nature, extensive network of cycle paths, and the promise of 20% more sunny days than the mainland Read more

11 Dutch Islands Where You Can Get Away From It All

HOLLAND - Looking for an island escape, but no time or money to head to the Caribbean? If you aren't too fussed about getting a tan, why not head to a Dutch island.

Fresh air, cycle paths, nature and long beaches – and most of the Dutch islands are only a short ferry ride away.

Pampus: an artificial island constructed in the late 19th century in the IJmeer lake, close to Amsterdam. One of four forts commissioned as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam (Defence Line of Amsterdam), it had the capacity to accommodate 200 men but was only fully utilised during WWI.

The Wadden Islands

Terschelling: with approximately 20,000 tourist beds, Terschelling is the largest and most visited Wadden Island.

Head west from the main town centre of West Terschelling to experience untamed nature and long white beaches.

In June, the island hosts the 10-day Oerol festival, attracting many visitors to the art and theatre performances taking place across the island.

Vlieland: smaller, less densely populated than the neighbouring islands, yet only 90 minutes by ferry from Harlingen in Friesland.

Vlieland entices visitors with its serenity and nature, extensive network of cycle paths, and the promise of 20% more sunny days than the mainland Read more

Up Mp Lake Congratulates Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake. Mp Calls For Better Incentives For Local Professionals

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake congratulates Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake in her achievement of being the first Sint Maarten-born Cardiologist, adding that she is a role model for the nation's youth.

MP Lake further added that he would like to see a better plan of action and incentives put in place by Government when it concerns local professionals returning home to work as well as those who are already here working on the island.

"We have a lot of local professionals who work in Government and the private sector who are still waiting to get some type of response or incentives from Government (especially from the Personnel Department) for returning back to the island after their studies to help build up this country.

"I am very concerned of this trend where we focus and give better incentives package for other professionals from abroad, rather than focus on what we can do for our own local professionals who come back home Read more

Up Mp Lake Congratulates Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake. Mp Calls For Better Incentives For Local Professionals

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake congratulates Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake in her achievement of being the first Sint Maarten-born Cardiologist, adding that she is a role model for the nation's youth.

MP Lake further added that he would like to see a better plan of action and incentives put in place by Government when it concerns local professionals returning home to work as well as those who are already here working on the island.

"We have a lot of local professionals who work in Government and the private sector who are still waiting to get some type of response or incentives from Government (especially from the Personnel Department) for returning back to the island after their studies to help build up this country.

"I am very concerned of this trend where we focus and give better incentives package for other professionals from abroad, rather than focus on what we can do for our own local professionals who come back home Read more

Mp Wescot Receives Favorable Reaction To Her Proposal On Electoral Reform

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - I am pleased to note that the presidium of Parliament ( consisting of the Chairperson and his 2 deputies) has favorably decided on my request to have the proposals regarding electoral reform that I submitted in my capacity as prime minister in 2014, picked up again by Parliament.Given the sentiments of the public and the unanimous motion passed by Parliament in 2013 regarding electoral reform, back then I  had prepared a discussion paper, which I submitted to Parl Read more

Mp Wescot Receives Favorable Reaction To Her Proposal On Electoral Reform

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - I am pleased to note that the presidium of Parliament ( consisting of the Chairperson and his 2 deputies) has favorably decided on my request to have the proposals regarding electoral reform that I submitted in my capacity as prime minister in 2014, picked up again by Parliament.Given the sentiments of the public and the unanimous motion passed by Parliament in 2013 regarding electoral reform, back then I  had prepared a discussion paper, which I submitted to Parl Read more

Water Front Project Will Not Serve Its Purpose

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Former Councilor and leader of the MAP Party, Louis Mussington is of the opinion that the ongoing development at the Water Front in Marigot will not serve its purpose.

Up to this point in time, acco Read more

Water Front Project Will Not Serve Its Purpose

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Former Councilor and leader of the MAP Party, Louis Mussington is of the opinion that the ongoing development at the Water Front in Marigot will not serve its purpose.

Up to this point in time, acco Read more

Mp Emanuel Seeking Information On Gebe

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - MP the honorable Christopher Emanuel issued a call to the Prime Minister the Honorable Marcel Gumbs over the weekend to provide information on the matter of GEBE and the street lights project.

According to the MP, the legal battle involving the company is now over and that there is no more excuse for the Pr Read more

Mp Emanuel Seeking Information On Gebe

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - MP the honorable Christopher Emanuel issued a call to the Prime Minister the Honorable Marcel Gumbs over the weekend to provide information on the matter of GEBE and the street lights project.

According to the MP, the legal battle involving the company is now over and that there is no more excuse for the Pr Read more

style="text-align: center;">Who did you hurt 26 years ago?  and what about this “true love thing” are you referring to the young Guyanese woman you got deported after impregnating her in St. Kitts?

PHILIPSBURG:--- SMN News posted some questions to Mr. Alfred Harley last week Saturday and gave him on or before July 13th 2015 to respond to our questions. But instead of getting the answers to the questions that was posed to Mr. Harley last week. Harley posted this lengthy comment on his Facebook page.

Alfred Harley
9 hrs ·
I think about life and about the bad things that I have done and have had done to me and I wonder so often whether I am able to live through the rest of whatever it is that should or would happen in my life Read more

Stabbing

An alleged robber got more than he bargained for when attempting to rob Ho Chinese supermarket on St. Peters main road early Friday evening. The alleged robber stabbed the store's owner, and the store's owner stabbed him back in defence. The injured suspect staggered across the road and collapsed nearby on L.B. Scott Road, after nearly being hit by a car. Later that evening acting police spokesperson Inspector Steven Carty confirmed that a suspect had stabbed the store's owner, but had at the time been waiting to confirm the condition of both men Read more