SXMElections.com

Power Barge Too Expensive, No Longer Being Considered

Caretaker Prime Minister Dr. Luc Merclina (centre) flanked by Ministers Veronica Jansen-Webster (left) and Grisha Heyliger-Marten (right).

~ Containerised energ Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Monday, 17 June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 18 June 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:50 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East-southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 12 mph, becoming variable at times.SYNOPSIS: Increased moisture associated with an approaching tropical wave will produce isolated showers towards the end of the forecast period Read more

Distribution Of Additional License Plates Announced By Minister Of Finance

GREAT BAY The Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, is pleased to announce that additional license plates have been received and are now ready for distribution.

The distribution process will take place from Monday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 19. Individuals with temporary plates are requested to come forward to exchange them for the correct plates.

Please note that temporary plates must be handed in at the time of collecting the new plates Read more

Political Party Sam Approved For Participation In Parliamentary Snap Elections

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — The newly formed political party, Soualiga Action Movement (SAM), has officially been approved by the Electoral Council to participate in the upcoming Parliamentary snap elections scheduled for August 19, 2024. The leadership of SAM was formally notified of this significant milestone via letter, marking the beginning of SAMs journey towards reshaping the political landscape of St. Martin.

Party leader Franklin Meyers expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement, emphasizing SAMs commitment to presenting a roster of candidates who have St Read more

Winair Acquires Twin Otter Aircraft To Enhance Operations

Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Winair announces a significant milestone in its history, transitioning from a fully leased fleet to ownership with the acquisition of a Twin Otter DHC6 aircraft. This investment marks a strategic move towards greater operational control and efficiency, solidifying the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service in the Caribbean.

Demonstrating the aircraft’s importance to our operations and the current economic climate, a strong business case was presented to our shareholders Read more

Mp Kotai: Aps Funding Possible Solution To Gebe Crisis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Member of Parliament Viren Kotai (Democratic Party) proposes seeking funding from the General Pension Fund (APS) to acquire new generators for the ailing utilities company GEBE. Kotai will present the proposal and other points during the parliamentary meeting scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2024, about the ongoing GEBE crisis.

Kotai said in a press statement on Sunday, “By collaborating with the Council of Ministers (COM), APS, and GEBE, we can address the funding needs for new generators.” He emphasized that APS, as a government-funded pension fund, and GEBE, being entirely government-owned, make this collaboration both logical and feasible.

According to MP Kotai, GEBE has not invested in new engines, resulting in inadequate electricity production amidst the growing demands of the St Read more

Minister Lewis Meets With School Bus Operators

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Justice, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Honorable Lyndon Lewis described his meeting with school bus operators on Sunday as very fruitful and one of the final steps towards finalizing a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the operators. The SLA is important to professionalize the school bus transport system up to improved and acceptable standards.

It also means the eventual realization of the school bus management system to streamline and optimize the management of the school transportation services Read more

Teatt Minister Holds Strategy Meeting To Coordinate Fcca Conference

GREAT BAY The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will be celebrating its 35th anniversary with a conference, hosted by St. Maarten from October 21 to 25, 2024. The conference is expected to attract between 800 and 900 participants.

Noting that some stakeholders like the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), were unaware of this conference until recently, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten held a strategic planning meeting Friday with representatives of Port St Read more

Grisha Discusses Product Enhancement With Shta Executive Board

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications, Grisha Heyliger-Marten met with the Executive Board of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) on Friday, June 14, 2024.

During the meeting, part of the ministers continued efforts to engage all stakeholders in her plans to revitalize the islands economy, she outlined her primary goals, focusing on product enhancement and beautification efforts to improve St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Friday 14th June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 15th June 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly to occasionally cloudy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:49 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Saturday midday: East to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 10 mph; becoming variable and calm at times.SYNOPSIS: A trough is affecting the region by increasing moisture levels, and triggering showers Read more

Sint Maarten Secures Scholarships From India

The Hague — The Government of Sint Maarten has been awarded two training slots for participation in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program. Operated by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ITEC is a program that offers both onsite and online courses and trainings. It also provides for exchange of technical expertise and capacity building.

In this pilot stage, Sint Maarten will have access to the short-term courses. The Government, through the Department of Foreign Relations, has been lobbying with the Indian Government through its Embassies in Venezuela, Panama, and the Netherlands for inclusion in the program.

Over the last few years, engagement with the Indian Government increased significantly, and the Cabinet (Sint Maarten House) worked tirelessly to support and nurture this relationship Read more

Sint Maarten Flag To Be Hosted On Cole Bay Hill For Flag Day

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis was very happy on Wednesday that efficient team-work led to the hoisting of the St. Maarten flag on Cole Bay Hill, affectionately also known as the Bell’s Lookout or Harold Jack Read more

Gevmin Announces Sint Maarten Diaspora Database Project

THE NETHERLANDS — In the margins of the annual Interparliamentary Kingdom consultations (IPKO), the Ministers Plenipotentiary Patrice Gumbs and Deputy Gracita Arrindell hosted a reception for the Members of Parliament and members of the Sint Maarten community at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary (Sint Maarten House), earlier this week, under the theme Connecting Horizons: Strengthening the Sint Maarten Community Abroad.

Chosen by the President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, the theme reflects the growing call for engagement with the Sint Maarten communities abroad (the diaspora) and the Government at home.

In his address, Minister Plenipotentiary Gumbs acknowledged the differences between the communities, but that opportunities existed if we found ways to bridge the gap Read more

Minister Jansen-Webster Calls For Adherence To International Labor Standards

Philipsburg The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, has issued a compelling call to action, urging all employers in St. Maarten to fully recognize and uphold the rights stipulated in the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 87. Known as the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, this critical international standard guarantees workers the right to form and join organizations of their choosing without fear of retaliation or punishment. Convention 87 is a cornerstone of international labor law, ratified by numerous countries, including St Read more

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Reaffirms Commitment To Workers Covenant

Philipsburg The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina dispatched a crucial letter on Tuesday to the board and members of the WICSU-PSU and WITU. This letter serves to reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to the covenant signed on April 29, 2024, reassuring that the sanctity of the agreement would be upheld with all due diligence required. In this letter, Prime Minister Mercelina underscored the Government’s steadfast belief in the vital role that the workers of St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Thursday 13th June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 14th June 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Hot and humid, with isolated showers.Forecast High: 33 C / 91 F              Forecast Low: 28 C / 82 FSunset Today: 6:49 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Northeast to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 6 to 12 mph.SYNOPSIS: A relatively stable atmosphere and gentle winds support hot and humid conditions across the region today Read more

Cooperation Agreement Announced To Boost Msme Support In St. Maarten

NRPB Director Claret Connor (centre, right) and SEDC President Pearl Hendrickson (centre, left) solidify the MOU signing with a handshake, observed by ESP Project Manager Anisa Dijkhoffz (right), and SEDC Vice President Avril Isaac (left).

PHILIPSBURG--National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Developme Read more

Ottley To Young Men: We Are Becoming Our Own Worst Enemy

PHILIPSBURG--United Peoples (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley has issued a passionate plea to the young men of St. Maarten, urging them to refrain from the senseless violence that has been plaguing the island.

Read more

Pm Outlines Options, Price Tags To Fix Power Crisis, Reaches Out To World Bank, Dutch Govt. For Help

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina speaking to reporters at the bi-weekly press briefing on Wednesday.

~ Talking to consortium, looking into Capex funds ~

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister (PM) Dr. L Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 12th June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 13th June 2024 WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Hot and humid daytime conditions, and a warm night. Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82F Sunset Today: 6:48 P.M.                    Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: Today through Thursday midday: Northeast to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 06 to 15 mph. SYNOPSIS: Stable conditions and gentle to moderate winds persist, supporting hot and humid conditions Read more

Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (Ursm) Denounces Misinformation By Mp Omar Ottley

Philipsburg The board of the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) has taken note of the recent remarks and media statements made by MP Omar Ottley, proclaimed leader of the UPP Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, 11 June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 12 June 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy, hot & humid, with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:48 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 16 mph.SYNOPSIS: Patches of low-level clouds moving in the mostly gentle wind-flow may cause brief local showers, particularly during the overnight hours Read more

Rhoda Arrindell Now Heading Caribbean Studies Association

New Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) President Dr. Rhoda Arrindell (left) and new CSA Vice President Dr. Raymond Laureano Ortiz (right) at the CSA conference closing gala in St. Lucia.

PHILIPSBURG--Local linguist, educator and author Dr. Rhoda Arrindell is now the President of the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA), having formally took over the post from Okama Ekpe Brook at the closing gala of the associations annual conference in St Read more

Vsa Minister Tours Smmc For Hospital Visit And Project Talks

Minister of VSA (centre) and her cabinet accompanied by SMMC management during the visit last week.

CAY HILL--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Veronica Jansen-Webster, along with members of the cabinet staff, visited the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for a tour of the facilities last Wednesday Read more