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Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament, Good Morning,

As stipulated in our constitution, I now stand before you on this second Tuesday in September, to set out the policy to be pursued by the Government in the coming parliamentary year 2023-2024.

Since 2021, reform measures have been established as part of the mutual agreement with the Netherlands in exchange for financial support, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Structural reforms for the improvement and restructuring of government are in the areas of Financial Control, Cost and Effectiveness of the Public Sector, Taxes, Financial Sector, Economic Reforms, Health, Education, and Strengthening the Rule of Law.

From the very beginning, the Government of Sint Maarten has stressed the importance of the National Development Vision as instructions for all of Sint Maarten's development, including these reform measures Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  September 1, 2023, is the day by which constitutionally the countrys budget 2024 should be at the Parliament. In the next few days on September 12th, a new parliamentary year will be upon us with the constitutional obligation for the Governor or someone designated by him to present the governments intentions for the year 2024, the DP leader stated in a release issued on September 1st.

This crop of ministers is famous for scorning our high councils of state on numerous occasions, and they continue to thumb their noses at the parliament Read more

12 Business, Vending Licences Issued And 23 Loan Applications Submitted During Sedp Programme

Sitting (from left): CoESL founder Dr. Marcia Brandon and Pearl Hendrickson. Standing (from left): Ann Marlin-Evans and Avril Isaac.

PHILIPSBURG--Twelve business and vending licences were issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Business License Department through an expedited procedure for participants in the small and medium enterprise (SME) Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SERead more

PHILIPSBURG:--- MINISTRY OF Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) held its Closing and Certification Ceremony of the SME Entrepreneurship Development Program (SEDP) and launched the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) on Friday, August 25th, 2023.

The structured one-year Business Support and Entrepreneurship Development Training Program which targeted both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs funded by the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) and executed by A & A Accounting and HPS Consulting, cumulated with a grand successful finale on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Belair Community Center.

A sense of accomplishment was felt during the evening as the participants in the program displayed their products and/or services and vividly networked with all invited guests.

Over the one-year training and coaching period, the program boasts of its Key milestones achieved
The number of existing businesses registered with the program grew from 43% (16) to 92% (42) Read more

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Brug Submits National Decree For Government Subsidized School Food Program

PHILIPSBURG Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) prospective candidate Richinel Brug submits in accordance with article 7 of the Law on Compulsory Education a National Decree containing general measures regulating a Government subsidized school food program for students Read more

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The Democratic Party (Dp) Extended Warm Congratulations To National Airline Winair

The Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday extended warm congratulations to national airline WINAIR as it commemorated an impressive 62 years of unwavering dedication and outstanding service to St. Maarten and to the Caribbeans aviation industry. Party Leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said that this remarkable milestone is a testament to the airline’s enduring commitment to excellence, sound management and leadership, and recognizing the crucial role it plays in connecting people throughout the Caribbean.

The success of WINAIR can be attributed to its incredible team, loyal passengers, and visionary management, all of whom have played an integral role in shaping the airline’s journey to success, MP Wescot-Williams said.

The MP recalled the days of significant financial struggles for the airline, with many opining that St Read more

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Dp Leader Congratulates Winair On Its 62 Anniversary.

PHILIPSURG:--- The Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday extended warm congratulations to national airline WINAIR as it commemorated an impressive 62 years of unwavering dedication and outstanding service to St. Maarten and to the Caribbeans aviation industry. Party Leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said that this remarkable milestone is a testament to the airline's enduring commitment to excellence, sound management and leadership, and recognizing the crucial role it plays in connecting people throughout the Caribbean.

The success of WINAIR can be attributed to its incredible team, loyal passengers, and visionary management, all of whom have played an integral role in shaping the airline's journey to success, MP Wescot-Williams said.

The MP recalled the days of significant financial struggles for the airline, with many opining that St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  A representative from the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Dr. Daphne Illis, recently attended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Regional Health Security (RHS) Planning Meeting in Trinidad & Tobago.

The two-day meeting discussed the transboundary spread of infectious diseases as a threat to regional and global health security. The devastating global impact of COVID-19 and other
public health concerns, reiterate the necessity for regional and global health security to protect and improve health.

RHS encompasses the capacities required for the Caribbean to prepare for and respond to public health threats, risks, priority issues, and concerns that transcend national boundaries and potentially impact on economic stability, trade, tourism, and access to goods and services in the Region Read more

Sarah: Pm Sends Knee-Jerk Reaction Letter On Hiring Locals At Govt-Owned Companies

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams says she has been reliably informed that government has sent a letter to all government-owned entities regarding their employment policie Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) August 24, 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy with local showers possible. 

Forecast High: 33C / 91F             Forecast Low: 28C / 82F 

Sunset Today: 6:33 P.M.                Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:56 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS: 
This afternoon through Thursday midday: Light and variable breeze of 01 to 07 mph, becoming calm at times. 

SYNOPSIS:   

A combination of daytime heating and available moisture embedded within light winds could trigger local showers Read more

~Increase in the interest rates, if conditions are not met, is exacerbating the already precarious situation of the countries and AGAINST our development.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- In assessing where we are financially and economically, the DP leader did not mince any words when she first directed her view to the Dutch government: Even though they are in a caretakers state, I continue to remind the Dutch government of their responsibility to assist in our countrys sustainable growth Read more

Dp: Govt. Weighing When ItS Politically Favourable For Them To Give Election Date

DP Leader Sarah Wescot-Williams.

PHILIPSBURG--Although no rocket science is needed to determine when the 2024 parliamentary election will be, the government of St. Maarten seems to be weighing the scales to determine when Read more

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Sarah: Pm Has No Haste With Announcing Election Date And No Haste With Electoral Reform.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Democratic Party had a party briefing on Sunday, August 6th at the Simpsonbay Resort. During this meeting, I outlined to DP candidates the process of election for parliament. This was part of the briefing on the partys key issues for this campaign, on the campaign itself, and other urgent matters to be dealt with during the coming months, the DP leader explained.

I did so, because last week was abuzz again with rumors of an early election Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party had a party briefing on Sunday, August 6th at the Simpsonbay Resort. During this meeting, I outlined to DP candidates the process of election for parliament. This was part of the briefing on the partys key issues for this campaign, on the campaign itself, and other urgent matters to be dealt with during the coming months, the DP leader explained.
I did so because last week was abuzz again with rumors of an early election Read more

Attorney At Law Sjamira Roseburg Inspires & Motivates St. Dominics Fifth Formers

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Tuesday, August 8th, URSM Candidate, Ms Sjamira Roseburg, was invited to St Dominic High School to speak to their current Fifth Formers. The topic of her speech incorporated the theme Preparation For the Real World with International Sights. Ms. Roseburg commenced by sharing her inspirational journey towards becoming a successful attorney which in turn led to the establishment of her very own law firm Consider It Solved by Roseburg and Partners Read more

~ Internal protocols discussed ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- "I am truly surprised by the recent public remarks made by a member of the Teaching fraternity of St.Maarten. Even more surprising is these remarks are from an educational assistant, Ms. Glenda Mussen who also is the General Secretary of WITU," said Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Read more

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~ Says confidential information regarding teachers and students is leaked by DPE to WITU President and Vise Versa.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Local Teacher Glenda Mussen who has been teaching at the Prins Willem Alexander School (PWAS) decided to speak out on Friday after she was informed that she will be transferred to the Marie Genevieve de Weever School as of Monday, August 7th, 2023.
Mussen said that she has been working at PWAS for the past four years and that a number of teachers filed complaints against the School Manager Norma Barry, these complaints she said has gone on deaf ears, she explained that the Department of Public Education had a mediator intervene in issues the teachers are having at PWAS and instead of DPE or the mediator contacting her and informing her of the outcome of the mediation, she only got word on Thursday that she would no longer be teaching at PWAS but instead be moved to Marie Genevieve de Weever School.
Mussen maintained that she will not be going over to the school she has been assigned as the manager of the Department of Education did not inform her in a timely manner Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Thursday, August 03, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) August 04, 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Friday midday: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers and possible isolated thunder. 

Forecast High: 32C / 90F             

Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

Sunset Today: 6:46 P.M Read more

Dp Lashes Back At BrisonS Disgraceful Assault On Senior Politician, Former Pm

DP leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

PHILIPSBURG--A disgraceful assault on one of St. Maartens senior politicians and former prime minister was one of ways the Democratic Party (DP) described what it ca Read more

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Bearing Point Scandal: A Tale Of Blame Shifting And Evasion Of Accountability

In a shocking display of political maneuvering, MP Rolando Brison recently wrote an article in the Daily Herald, attempting to shift the blame for the Bearing Point scandal onto the shoulders of the previous DP/UD minister Read more

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Dp Leader Wescot-Williams: If You Tell A Lie Often Enough, You Start To Believe It Yourself.

I was forewarned, but the question still remains, Why DP and me?

When asked to explain her statement , MP Wescot mentioned the veiled threat she received of, Are you sure you want to do this? Its going to get nasty! A clear reference to the DPs announced return to the political field.

We see this threat manifesting itself from many angles. Some of it for money, some for sensation and yet others from an angle of plain and self-consuming hatred.

With respect to MP Brison latest disgraceful assault on one of St Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Bearing Point Scandal: A Tale Of Blame Shifting And Evasion Of Accountability

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a shocking display of political maneuvering, MP Rolando Brison recently wrote an article in various media attempting to shift the blame for the Bearing Point scandal onto the shoulders of the previous DP/UD minister Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Integrity Chamber Provides Integrity Sessions To Political Parties

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In light of the upcoming elections, the Integrity Chamber provided integrity sessions to political parties as part of its public awareness campaign. Invitations were sent to all active political parties that are known to be contesting the upcoming elections. The sessions took place in June and July of 2023 with candidates and board members of the Democratic Party (DP), Party for Progress (PFP), National Alliance (NA), and United St Maarten Party (USP) Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- When asked to explain her statement, MP Wescot mentioned the veiled threat she received,   Are you sure you want to do this? Its going to get nasty! A clear reference to the DPs announced return to the political field.

We see this threat manifesting itself from many angles. Some of it for money, some for sensation, and yet others from an angle  of plain and self-consuming hatred.

With respect to MP Brison's latest  disgraceful assault on one of St Read more

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Candidates in this article: