SXMElections.com

~From GDP to inclusive broad prosperity~

WILLEMSTAD:---  The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaao today, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, presented its 2022 annual report to the full Council of Ministers of the Leeward Island.
At a time when many countries and institutions use Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the primary indicator of prosperity, the SER's 2022 Annual Report offers an innovative alternative in the specific Curaao context Read more

Democratic Party Registers To Run In 2024 General Election

Democratic Party leadership at the Electoral Council on October 6, with party leader Sarah Wescot Williams (right) signing the registration for the 2024 general election

PHILIPSBURG--The Democratic Party is registered for the upcoming elections. DP president Achken Roberto Richardson and leader Sarah Wescot-Williams received the partys official registration at the Electoral Council of St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Although Its Momentum Has Eased: Economic Recovery On Track Across The Monetary Union

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  The economies of Curaao and Sint Maarten continued to recover from the pandemic at the beginning of 2023, stated the president of the Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Richard Doornbosch, in the CBCSs September 2023 Economic Bulletin. The actual figures of the first quarter show that real GDP growth in both countries was driven primarily by increased stay-over and cruise tourism activities Read more

Given Their Small Size And High Degree Of Openness: Policy Actions Needed To Reduce Vulnerability To External Shocks In Curaao And Sint Maarten.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  As small and open economies, Curaao and Sint Maarten are vulnerable to external shocks. The effects of external shocks on the monetary union are reflected in, among other things, fluctuations in our balance of payments, stated president of the Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Richard Doornbosch, in the CBCSs September 2023 Economic Bulletin. This edition of the Economic Bulletin highlights the monetary unions vulnerability to shocks with a textbox on the effect of NAf.- Euro exchange rate fluctuations on trade flows Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The recently generated 2023 economic indicator table report for the first half of 2023 paints an encouraging picture of St. Maarten's economic landscape, showcasing growth and resilience across key indicators. 

Real GDP Estimate 

St. Maarten's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecasts a growth rate of 4.6% in 2021 Read more

Small Businesses To Benefit From Access To Financing For 3 More Years.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Based on the success of the Enterprise Support Project and the evident need for further assistance to entrepreneurs in the local market, the National Recovery Project Bureau (NRPB) is pleased to announce that the project has been extended until June 2028. This extension will provide local businesses with more time to apply for grant funding, thereby fostering further growth and development in the sector.

With this extension, businesses can now apply for grants and low-interest loans until June 30, 2025 Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:---  Based on the success of the Enterprise Support Project and the evident need for further assistance to entrepreneurs in the local market, the National Recovery Project Bureau (NRPB) is pleased to announce that the project has been extended until June 2028. This extension will provide local businesses with more time to apply for grant funding, thereby fostering further growth and development in the sector.
With this extension, businesses can now apply for grants and low-interest loans until June 30, 2025 Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

In Line With The Rise In Interest Rates In The International Financial Markets: Cbcs Increases The Pledging Rate

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to tighten its monetary policy stance further by raising the pledging rate1 by 25 basis points to 5.75%. This decision was taken in response to the increase of the Fed funds rate in July and a possible further increase in September. Even though gross official reserves and import coverage have increased in the first eight months of this year, they are still expected to decline towards the end of 2023. The decline will be, however, less pronounced than in 2022 Read more

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article: