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PHILIPSBURG:--- Belair Community Center was the center of attraction on Saturday, March 11, 2023, as it hosted the first annual Miss Essence and Mind. The Center was packed with pageantry lovers and supporters of the 6 beautiful ladies who graced the stage in various swimsuit segments of the show.

Pageant organizer Paula Gordon and her team Essence and Mind Committee left no stone unturned as everything was well planned out for the audience to enjoy from you entered the transformed Center you felt Royal with a welcome drink provided by sponsor LaMarca to pictures taken by Ronchi James to a well-decorated stage.

The show started on time with a beautifully choreographed dance by former Queen Melissa Boasman and Shanice Powell then to the opening segment of introduction that was not judged to the various segments which were

1 Identical Swimsuit

2 Creative Swimsuit

3 Carnival Swimsuit

4 Glits and Glam

Receiving sashes for the various segments were

Best Identical Swimsuit went to Tasyanna Clifton who also captured Best Carnival Swimsuit  

Best Creative Swimsuit went to Miss Patara Davis who also captured Best Question and Answer

Best Glitz and Glam went to Miss Jessenia Jessica Lazaro

Placing 3rd runner up was Miss Richallien York who was also sashed with Miss Social Media  

2nd runner-up went to Miss Jessenia Jesecia Lazaro, and 1st runner-up went to Miss Tasyanna Clifton.  The first Miss Essence and Mind Swimsuit Queen was Miss Patara Davis

The crowd was pleased with the results as it was echoed throughout the hall that the show was judged fairly Read more

Thirty volunteers clean up Fort Amsterdam

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday 10th of March, 30 volunteers gathered early in the morning at Fort Amsterdam for a clean-up event organized as part of SXM DOET. After two hours, participants were proud of the large pile of trash collected, including car parts, beach chairs, cables, and zinc debris left over from previous storms as well as bottles and parts of Styrofoam scattered in the dense vegetation. After the clean-up, participants gathered to listen to the EPIC team discuss the Caribbean brown pelican and the importance of its habitat Read more

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Louis Mussington Attends 16Th Regional Cooperation Conference In Guadeloupe

President Louis Mussington (third right) with other delegates at the Regional Cooperation Conference.

MARIGOT--President of the Collectivit Louis Mussington was in Guadeloupe Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Peridot Foundation President Gracita R Arrindell said: International Womens Day March 8th event hosted on Tuesday, March 7th was celebrated together with a very appreciative audience. Persons in attendance included former Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin, Honorable MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, Dr. Luc Mercelina and his wife Dr Read more

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The Importance Of Proper Waste Management

NOTE: *** Video attached to this letter is to illustrate that I have been talking about the dump as far as 2016. ***

Dear Editor,

Or should one ask: why is a proper waste management solution essential?

Over the years St. Maarten has seen an increase in its population, and seen its waste double as well.

The ever-increasing landfill has affected the lives of people residing on the island, especially those individuals/ families who live on the landfill, and reside in nearby neighbourhoods like Sucker Garden, Fort Willem, Over the Pond, Madame Estate, just to name a few.

By living in close proximity to the landfill, these individuals/ families are prone to diseases, methane gases, soil and air pollution, and general health risks that come along with years of exposure Read more

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Dr. Mercelina Is Concerned About The Current Situation Within The Ministry Of Justice

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Leader of the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) Dr. Luc Mercelina expressed his concerns with the current situation concerning the placement and retroactive payment of Justice workers.

It is my hope that we are truly nearing the end of this unfortunate and unnecessary process. For too long our men and women in the Police force have sacrificed their lives, their own families to protects the people of Sint Maarten, while their employer continued to neglect and disrespect them Read more

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Three (3) Men Arrested And Three (3) Firearms Seized During Traffic Controls.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Sint Maarten police have been are busy with general controls at various locations across the island.

These controls that are being carried out are related to technical requirements of vehicles as well as violations of the Opium and Firearms Law. Vehicles were checked in the vicinity of the Bellevue Border, Harold Jack and on Nisbet road.

While controlling the Nisbeth road on March 09, 2023, a white Kia Picanto with French plates and dark windows was pulled over Read more

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Herbert Martina Joins Ursm Party

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Monday March 6th, 2023, Herbert Prince Martina officially announced his candidacy on the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM). Martina, affectionately known as Prince, has been working behind the scenes as a member of URSM since the beginning of 2022. Martina is also a co-host on the Live URSM Facebook Table Talk program that airs every Monday at 6:00 p.m.

As leader of URSM, it is my pleasure to have Mr. Herbert Martina as one of our candidates for the upcoming elections Read more

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Protected Monument List To Be Revisited This Year

ECYS Minister Rodolphe Samuel addressing MPs.

~ 50 buildings, ruins on Monument List ~

PHILIPSBURG--The Protected Monument List/Register will be revisited this year, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) Dr. Luc Mercelina expressed his concerns with the current situation concerning the placement and retroactive payment of Justice workers.

It is my hope that we are truly nearing the end of this unfortunate and unnecessary process. For too long our men and women in the Police force have sacrificed their lives, and their own families to protect the people of Sint Maarten, while their employers continued to neglect and disrespect them Read more

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~1400 volunteers completed 91 community projects during the two-day event~

PHILIPSBURG---  The SXM DOET Project Coordination team is proud to announce that this years event was a huge success, as an estimated 1400 volunteers completed 91 community enrichment projects over the weekend.

About 1400 volunteers displayed love and gratitude for their communities by making a positive difference throughout various communities and neighborhoods. A combined total of 91 projects were organized and executed: 40 projects on Friday, March 10th, and 51 projects Saturday, March 11th.

This year, the project coordination team introduced a new spin to doet-ing while being sustainable with a DIY T-shirt decoration competition Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten police have been busy with general controls at various locations across the island.
These controls that are being carried out are related to the technical requirements of vehicles as well as violations of the Opium and Firearms Law.
Vehicles were checked in the vicinity of the Bellevue Border, Harold Jack, and Nisbet road.
While controlling the Nisbeth road on March 09, 2023, a white Kia Picanto with French plates and dark windows was pulled over Read more

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Mps Want The Diamond Estate Ruins Rebuilt At Offenders Expense, Rubble On Monument List

MPs preparing to vote on the motion during Thursdays meeting.

~ Pass motion to this effect ~

PHILIPSBURG--Taking legal action against the persons who demolished the Diamond Estate ruins, rebuilding the historical site at the offenders expense and having government expedite efforts for the area and the remaining rubble to be placed on the protected monument list were among the actions Members of Parliament (MPs) want to see executed in a motion passed on Thursday.

  The motion, which was tabled by United Peoples (UP) party MP Rolando Brison, was passed by 10 MPs voting in favour and none against Read more

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~Building Stop issued to Court House renovations.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People's Party Rolando Brison presented a motion on the floor of parliament on Thursday when the continuation of the  public meeting resumed.
Brison through his motion mandated the government of St Read more

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~Building Stop issued to Court House renovations.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People's Party Rolando Brison presented a motion on the floor of parliament on Thursday when the continuation of the  public meeting resumed.
Brison through his motion mandated the government of St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, March 6th, 2023, Herbert Prince Martina officially announced his candidacy for the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM). Martina, affectionately known as Prince, has been working behind the scenes as a member of URSM since the beginning of 2022. Martina is also a co-host on the Live URSM Facebook Table Talk program that airs every Monday at 6:00 p.m.

As the leader of URSM, it is my pleasure to have Mr. Herbert Martina as one of our candidates for the upcoming elections Read more

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Sundial School Staff Enjoy 6Th Annual Retreat In Saba

PHILISPURG, Sint Maarten — Sundial School staff went on their 6thannual retreat with their School Coach on Friday, February 24, 2023.

The Retreat started after the passing of Hurricane Irma to facilitate teachers and staff of Sundial School strengthening interpersonal connections. The yearly activity is highly anticipated and facilitated by the School Coach who plans and organizes this annual event.

The Retreat this year went to Saba on the Edge ferry!

On hand to bid staff a good day, were ORCO Banks Branch Manager Judy King and Orco Banks Junior Officer Aldith Williams Read more

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Sundial School Staff Enjoy 6Th Annual Retreat In Saba.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sundial School staff went on their 6th annual retreat with their School Coach on Friday, February 24, 2023.

The Retreat started after the passing of Hurricane Irma to facilitate teachers and staff of Sundial School strengthening interpersonal connections. The yearly activity is highly anticipated and facilitated by the School Coach who plans and organizes this annual event.

The Retreat this year went to Saba on the Edge ferry! On hand to bid staff a good day were ORCO Banks Branch Manager Judy King and Orco Banks Junior Officer Aldith Williams Read more

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Mp De Weever Finds New Political Home With Pfp

From left: PFP MP Raeyhon Peterson, independent MP Ludmila de Weever and PFP MP Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party of Sint Maarten proudly salutes all women on this day of global recognition of the position of women as equal partners in development and sustainable advancement for all humankind.

On days like IWD, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and we also echo the call for the elimination of inequalities, discrimination, and prejudices against women and girls, that permeate societies today.

On days like this, we are most proud of our leader and her steadfastness, never giving up and riding the rough waves of political life, with dignity and poise, a role model for aspiring politicians.

When we are able to break down the inequalities that women face in their homes, their workplaces, and their communities, through understanding the different dimensions that stand in the way of gender equality, only then can we construct the paths of equity, the DP leader stated.

IWD is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women throughout the world, past and present.

Our celebrations are through the lenses of the St Read more

Grisha: Again, Ipko Has Proven Our Main Focus Should Be Amending The Kingdom Charter

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press statement released on Monday March 6, 2023, evening, Member of Parliament, Grisha Heyliger-Marten elaborated on her statements made during the IPKO which took place in Curaao last week.

During her opening remarks at the IPKO, Heyliger-Marten expressed her discontent and impatience with the fact that, as she participated in her fourth IPKO, the discussion about changing the Kingdom Charter seems to be avoided.

Despite the fact that all governments within the Kingdom continue to complain about its structure and deficient articles, nobody seems to want to address the problems, Heyliger-Marten stated during her address.

We keep beating around the bush IPKO after IPKO, without making any changes for the betterment of the lives of our people Read more

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Message From The Democratic Party On International WomenS Day (Iwd) 2023.

The Democratic Party of Sint Maarten proudly salutes all women on this day of global recognition of the position of women as equal partners in development and sustainable advancement for all humankind.

On days like IWD, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and we also echo the call for elimination of inequalities, discrimination and prejudices against women and girls, that permeate societies today.

On days like this, we are most proud of our leader and her steadfastness, never giving up and riding the rough waves of political life, with dignity and poise, a role model for aspiring politicians.

When we are able to breakdown the inequalities that women face in their homes, their workplaces and their communities, through understanding the different dimensions that stand in the way of gender equality, only then can we construct the paths of equity, the DP leader stated Read more

Justice Personnel To Receive Placement Offers Next Week

On June 25, 2021, police protested en masse in Philipsburg for the lack of their placement offers and adequate pay since 10-10-10. In photo: Minister of Justice Anna Richardson (right) was met by angry police officers as she left the Parliament building.

PHILIPSBURG--The Placement Committee of the Ministry of Justice will begin issuing placement offer letters to all justice personnel starting on March 15, Minister of Justice Anna Richardson announced on Monday Read more

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St. Maarten Debate Team Is 2023/2024 Leeward Islands Debating Champions

The St. Maarten Debate Team won the first round of the 51st annual Leeward Islands Debate Competition. In photo: The St. Maarten Debate Team, their coaches and MP Hyacinth Richardson (far right).

PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Debate Team, under the guidance of Hyacinth Richardson Education Awareness Foundation, emerged victorious in the first round of the 51st annual Leeward Islands Debate Competition held at John E Read more

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