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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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- After consultation with CPS and considering CDCs new guidelines, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley stated that after garnering the necessary information, he has decided to reduce the COVID-19 isolation time to 7 days. Minister Ottley emphasized that it is critical that persons continue to wear well-fitting masks and take additional precautions after leaving isolation or quarantine.

Please note that the new COVID-19 isolation rules do not apply to health care personnel, persons who are immunocompromised, or those with severe to critical illness Read more

Up Faction Presents Budget Amendment 2020.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Peoples Party Faction submitted a budget amendment and four motions on Friday as they continue to debate the 2022 budget. While there RMR has not given its approval for St. Maarten to submit a budget with a deficit it is expected that will be done in early February. 

Below you will find the summary for the budget amendment: Strengthen the high councils and advisory bodies:
The Ombudsman, Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, SER, and the National Security Service all receive an increase of up to 50,000 Nafl Each

The Ministry of VSA is given 200,000 to buy self-test to offer free of charge to Pensioners, those on onderstand and others with limited financial means to buy tests

The Ministry of TEATT will get funds to train more inspectors to the BAVPOL level, strengthening the law enforcement ability of the department Read more

Parliament Missing Documents Created Storm In Parliament.

~ Documents going missing is a concern for parliament~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Two files containing documents from the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) that were sent to the Parliament of St. Maarten some two years ago that are now missing created some confusion in the Parliament of St. Maarten.
On Wednesday Member of Parliament, Christopher Emmanuel questioned why all members of parliament did not receive the documents that were sent to parliament some two years ago when UPP Faction Leader Rolando Brison was the chairman Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- On behalf of the Government and the People of St. Maarten, the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs extended congratulations to newly sworn-in Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, the Honorable Mia Mottley following the overwhelming results of the recently held elections.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Mottley today, January 20, Prime Minister Jacobs stated, As a fellow female leader in the region, your exemplary form of leadership has become a beacon for many of us to follow Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- On January 20, the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs held a fruitful meeting with the newly appointed State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Alexandra van Huffelen via video conference call together with the Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion, Minister Plenipotentiary Rene Violenus and their respective support staff Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Hon. Silveria Jacobs in the House of Parliament on Wednesday addressed the concerns of Members of Parliament (MPs) about the fact that the House is handling the draft 2022 national budget without having the deviation from article 25 granted by the Kingdom Council of Minister (RMR).

Government has a legal obligation to submit the budget Read more

Gordon-Carty: Civil Servant Exodus Due To Victimization, Hopelessness.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) Pamela Gordon-Carty on Wednesday decried the amount of civil servants that are leaving government service and placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the National Alliance/UP coalition government. She said the government has created an atmosphere of hopelessness and victimization which is directly contributing to the exodus of public servants.

While I want to wish the entire population of country St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United People's Party is looking towards increased cooperation between the Legislative and Executive branches of the Government as key to implementing hard lessons learned from COVID-19 and the Island's economic reality ahead of the handling of St. Maarten's 2022 Budget.

In a press release issued on the eve of the budget for 2022, the UP Party outlined how its elected and appointed representatives intend to deal with several policy matters in Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

In close consultation and cooperation with its coalition party, the National Alliance NA, the UP-Party faction in Parliament will bring motions, amendments to current laws which LBham can change, and initiatives for new laws to the floor of Parliament, starting during the budget debate Read more

Usp: Ferrier Is The Kettle And Pot Having A Conversation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United St. Maarten Party (USP) on Tuesday reacted to Michael Ferriers criticism of the party as the proverbial kettle having a conversation with the pot, with both knowing each other well. The party board asked the public to consider the source of the criticism and dismissed Ferrier as a condemned crook who for some reason is still seeking to be relevant on the political landscape of St Read more

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Minister of Justice Hon. Ana Richardson visited the Asha Stevens Hillside Christian Schools on Friday, January 14.
After receiving an email and invitation on Thursday, January 13th, from the Executive Assistant at the Asha Stevens Hillside Christian Schools to witness an alarming practice that the school is seeking assistance with, I opted not to delay the visit and made it there this morning (Friday).
The remnants of Hurricane Irma are still visible throughout the island with what at times may appear as minute factors but carrying great significance for the safety and security of our daily lives Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) on Sunday said it is astounded by the governments lackadaisical approach towards what is happening at the hospital project, and questioned the status and security of the contract signed for the hospital project with INSO, now FINSO. The many financial setbacks reported at the project should be raising alarms within government, President of the USP Cecil Nicholas said.

The now confirmed reports about contractors and sub-contractors not being paid as well as the report of the recent resignation (forced or otherwise) of a financial executive attached to the project, is very concerning to our party in particular after the people of St Read more

Our Budget, Our Reality.

PHILIPSBURG:--- When 2022 was brought in with many fireworks and festive activities all around the island I wondered if this would be the year of recovery or if this would be another year of drama for the country. Will we allow our future to determine our present decisions and actions, or must our present time take precedence at the expense of our future? Based on our experience it would seem as though we as a country are incapable of creating a situation in which we do not suffer at present while actively enhancing the prospective future.

I believe some good news thus far for the Caribbean islands was the departure of State Secretary Raymond Knops whose own party told him there was no place for him in the new government moving forward Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Stuart Johnson in an e-mail to all school boards over the weekend reminded the parties to honor last months pact brokered at the University of St. Martin (USM).

I sent an e-mail correspondence to all school boards requesting our agreement be upheld, Johnsons missive said about the joint December 13th, 2021 pact among the school boards and WITU.

Johnson is concerned that the government has scheduled a meeting for early next week with the school boards while sidestepping two WITU correspondences seeking a meeting with the education ministry and finance ministry.

I took note of the apparent scheduling of a meeting on January 18th, 2022 by the Honorable Minister of Education drs Read more

~ Emergency Crew manning ATC~

AIRPORT:--- The Princess Juliana Airport Air Traffic Controllers are currently on strike as they protest various grievances, one being the 12.5% cuts in their salaries.
SMN News learned that the air traffic controllers are being supported by their unions the Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU) as they continue to protest the way their Collective Labor Agreement goes.

In a letter to the CEO Brian Mingo, the Union WICSU/ PSU informs Mingo that their members from the Air Traffic Control Department requested an urgent meeting with them on Saturday, January 15th which will begin from 7 am to 5 pm to discuss the frustration being experienced due to the indecisive communication that has been going back and forth between management and the union regarding the way forward.
"The union is hoping management and the board of PJIAE understand the serious effects their decisions are having on their members.
This should not be taken lightly as our members carry the title of Air Traffic Controllers and if they are frustrated they will not be able to perform their duties optimally Read more

~Law still at council of advice, hopefully with parliament soon for approval.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United Peoples Party, MP Rolando Brison has initiated a National Ordinance introducing a Health Levy on all tourists. The law, which he drafted himself, codifies the existing mandatory insurance for arriving tourists but adds basic accident insurance Read more

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, presented a plaque of recognition to 2021 Most Valuable Player of Dutch Baseballs Hoofdklasse Denzel Richardson.

Minister Samuel in his presentation of recognition stated: Now that you are here visiting for a few days, we have been reading about your success Read more

~ Official transfer from INSO to FINSO only finalized two months ago~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Health Omar Ottley said on Wednesday that he conducted some investigations to see what exactly was the problem with FINSO and the banks on St. Maarten. Ottley said that the transfer from INSO to FINSO was only completed two months ago. He said that the company has been trying to open a bank account on St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Health and Labor Omar Ottley did not mince with words on Wednesday when he called out the nightclubs and bars for not following protocols and set guidelines when the country reopened its business sector late last year. The Minister said that these establishments signed agreements and agreed to test and other guidelines but they simply did not follow through Read more

A Realistic Decision.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet disagrees with MP Sarah Wescot-Williams' remarks in her article Stop the cat and mouse game. MP Pantophlet insists that this is not a game Read more