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Major Houtenbos New Commander Of The Marine Detachment Of Sint Maarten

Major of the Marines Niels Houtenbos (left) and Major of the Marines Arie Noordam (right).

POINT BLANCHE Major of the Marines Niels Houtenbos took over command of the Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

He took over command from Major of the Marines Arie Noordam. This happened during a ceremonial meeting on board HNLMS Holland.

Several dignitaries were present during the ceremony, including the Governor of Sint Maarten, Mr. Ajamu Baly, President of Parliament Sarah A Read more

Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Celebrates Its 20Th Anniversary With A Grand Gala

Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club (SCTMC) proudly Celebrated its 20th anniversary Saturday November 23, 2024, at the Paradise Hall. Among the guests were the keynote speaker, the founding members and First president the Honorable President of Parliament Sarah A, Wescot Williams, past presidents and members of the Club.

Celebrating milestones is one way that Toastmasters reflect on the progress made over the years and as well as consider opportunities for the future.

As our Keynote Speaker, the President of Parliament said that it is an incredible honor to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our beloved Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club! Two decades have passed since we first came together with a visionto cultivate communication, leadership, and personal growth in a supportive community.

Speech by MP Sarah Wescot-Williams on the 20th anniversary of the Soualiga Corporate TM Club.

As the founder of this club, she remembers our initial meetings filled with excitement and a hint of uncertainty Read more

Cbcs Reduces Both Reserve Requirement Percentage And Pledging Rate

Influenced by domestic and global financial market developments

Willemstad / Philipsburg The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has decided to reduce its reserve requirement by 0.50 percentage point to 18.50% while the pledging rate was lowered further from 5.25% to 4.75%. The decision to adjust monetary policy is anchored by the normalization of economic and monetary conditions across the union. This easing of monetary policy is supported by a solid and stable foreign exchange position and adequate import coverage in the monetary union Read more

Plenipotentiary Minister Arrindell Opens Job Fair

Plenipotentiary Minister Gracita Arrindell delivering the opening address on November 28.

 THE HAGUE--Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell on Thursday last opened the Working in the Caribbean 2024 job fair aimed at showcasing St Read more

Claret Connor delivering his address.

CAY HILL--St. Maarten Small Properties Association (SMSPA) hosted a membership mixer at LEsperance Hotel in Cay Hill on Wednesday, November 20.

Under the theme Power in Unity the event emphasised the importance of collaboration among small property owners and showcased strategies for growth and sustainability in the local tourism industry.

The highlight of the evening was a keynote address delivered by National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) Director Claret Connor, who provided actionable suggestions aimed at strengthening the associations collective impact Read more

Lions Club To Host Its Annual Christmas Bingo Spectacular

Lion Wally Havertong calling the bingo balls at last years Lions-held Christmas Bingo.

 PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Lions Club is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Annual Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular. This years event will take place on Saturday, December 14, at the Aleeze Convention Center in Madame Estate. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the bingo games starting promptly at 8:00pm.

Lion Ketty Paines, Fundraising Chairperson for Sint Maarten Lions Club, confirmed that preparations are in their final stages Read more

Beatrix Spots Birds, Visits Mullet Pond And Little Key

Princess Beatrix witnesses the signing of a letter of intent by VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs and Nature Foundation Director Leslie Hickerson to establish legislation that would designate Little Key Island as a protected area. Afterwards, attendees raised their glasses to commemorate the occasion.

 

~ Letter of intent for terrestrial protection signed ~

PHILIPSBURG--On the second day of her official visit, Princess Beatrix visited the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform and explored Simpson Bay, Mullet Pond and Little Key on a boat, highlighting the importance of environmental awareness and coastal protection.

The princess kicked off the second day of her official visit as patroness of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) at the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform, where she spotted birds with Cornelis Binkie van Es, avid birding guide and Chairman of St Read more

French Ambassador At The Hague St. Maarten Day Celebration

THE NETHERLANDS, THE HAGUE St. Maarten/St. Martin Day was celebrated in the Netherlands on Monday with a reception at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten in The Hague. Guests included the French Ambassador to the Netherlands His Excellency Mr.FranoisAlabrune, his colleague from Germany His Excellency Dr. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba His Excellency Mr Read more

French Ambassador At Celebration Of St. Maarten Day In The Hague

St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell (centre) flanked by Ambassador of Germany Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut (left) and Ambassador of France Franois Alabrune.

 

THE HAGUE--St. Maarten/St. Martin Day was celebrated in the Netherlands on Monday with a reception at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 31st October 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Variably cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 5:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:12 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph.SYNOPSIS: Increased instability due to an upper level trough will cause isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms Read more

Vromi To Sell M/V Island Scout (Imo Number: 9215220)

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) announced during Wednesdays press briefing its intention to sell the Island Scout (IMO number 9215220). Under Article 13, Section 1 of the Landsverordening houdende maatregelen tot opruiming van schepen en wrakken in zee en op het zeestrand (National Ordinance containing measures for the removal of ships and wrecks at sea and on the sea beach)

The Island Scout is a 69-meter-long tug/supply ship that was beached and successfully salvaged, with efforts from both the Ministry of VROMI and TEATT following the passing of Tropical Storm, later Hurricane, Ernesto Read more

St. Maarten 37Ers Youth Baseball Team Shines In Opening Game At Aruba Tournament

Aruba The St. Maarten 37ers U10 baseball team has kicked off their campaign in Aruba with an impressive 7-2 victory over the Aruba Stars on Monday. Competing at the Xander Bogaerts Baseball Field, the young athletes delivered a standout performance in their first game of the annual Baseball in Paradise tournament.

The games winning pitcher, Kris-Anthony Williams, led the charge on the mound. A highlight moment came from Jadiel Williams, who smashed a pivotal three-run home run, sealing the win for the 37ers and setting the tone for the teams strong start.

“Were really proud of how the boys performed in their opening game Read more

Night time view of Dock Maarten filled with mega yachts. (Edward Penagos photo)

By Robert Luckock

PHILIPSBURG--The construction of Dock Maarten in Great Bay is nothing new. Its evolvement has been progressing steadily in different phases over the years, mostly unseen from the general public. While not fully completed in other areas on shore, the marina itself has now reached its zenith, poised to welcome to its newest slips some of the largest mega-yachts in the world for the 2024/25 season.

As of this writing, the marina is fully booked Read more

Praise For St. Maarten Project At Oranje Fonds Event

THE NETHERLANDS — The Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, supported the Sint Maarten finalists for the ‘Apples of Orange’ awards of the Oranje Fonds at the prize giving ceremony in The Hague. The Apples of Orange are a kingdom-wide annual award recognizing and rewarding three initiatives that successfully connect different groups, or that contribute to people being able to participate in society again.

The ‘Adopt a Grandparent Experience (AGE)’ project of Sint Maarten’s Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation was one of ten finalists out of a total of 212 entries Read more

Suspended Police Officer Gets 5-Years Sentence For Assault And Rape

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Court of First Instance has rendered its verdict in the case of suspended Sint Maarten Police Force officer R.J., sentencing him to five years in prison after finding him guilty of assault and rape of his stepdaughter. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, October 3, 2024, determined that the primary facts of the case were proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The testimonies of the victim, her mother, her sister, and school staff members who reported significant behavioral changes in the victim following the incident were crucial to the case Read more

Nv Gebe Hosts St. Maarten Parliament Members For Power Plant Tour

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, NV GEBE hosted several Members of the Parliament of St. Maarten for an insightful presentation and tour of the Power Plant.

The delegation in attendance included: the Hon. Chairlady of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, along with the following Honorable MPs: Melissa D Read more

Usm President Strengthens Ties With Dutch Universities Of Applied Sciences

POND ISLAND — University of St. Martin (USM) President, Dr. Antonio Carmona Bez, visited two leading universities of applied sciences in The Netherlands during the last week of September, furthering USM’s long standing relationships with Dutch higher education institutions Read more

Energynautics: Solar Panels Key To St. MaartenS Energy Future, But Diesel Generators Needed First

NV GEBE Temporary Manager Troy Washington (left) receives the Energynautics report from National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) head Claret Connor.

 PHILIPSBURG--NV GEBE has received a comprehensive report from Energynautics GmbH, an energy consultancy firm, detailing key recommendations to improve the utility companys energy i Read more

Lacroes Questions Pm On Health Risk For Civil Servants Working In Mould-Infested Govt. Bldg.

PHILIPSBURG--United Peoples Party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Lacroes has expressed concern regarding what he said is the health and safety of civil servants working at the Government Administration Building.

Read more

Mp Ottley Urges Minister To Move Vendors To Clem Labega Parking Lot

The tent in the distance is the temporary home of the Philipsburg Marketplace vendors.

PHILIPSBURG--United Peoples Party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley is urging Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Read more

Power Outages Disrupt Travelers At Princess Juliana Airport Once Again

Passengers at Princess Juliana International Airport are faced with delays due to a power outage on Saturday.

 

PHILIPSBURGOn Saturday, Princess Juliana International Airport was once again plunged into darkness, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated. This recurring issue raises serious questions about the reliability of our electrical supply and the maintenance of the airports infrastructure, said Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley Read more

In Light Of Global Financial Market Expectations Cbcs Reduces The Pledging Rate

Willemstad/Philipsburg The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to ease its monetary policy stance by reducing the pledging rate1 by 0.50 percentage point to 5.25%. This decision is based on the solid and stable foreign exchange position and import coverage in the monetary union, and the expected reduction of the federal funds rate. However, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBCS will continue monitoring the domestic and international economic developments closely, particularly the key indicators for monetary policy in the union, and will adjust its policy if necessary.

According to the latest projection, the deficit on the current account of the balance of payments of the monetary union is expected to drop from 15.8% of GDP in 2023 to 13.9% in 2024, due mainly to an increase in net current transfers from abroad, stated executive director, Dr Read more

Lewis Receives Quality Inspection Report ForPublic Schools: Urgent Improvements Needed

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — A comprehensive Quality Inspection Report has been conducted and presented to Demissionair Minister of Education Lyndon Lewis by the Inspectorate of Education. The report, finalized in June 2024, examines the quality of education in public schools across St. Maarten and provides detailed recommendations for improvement.

The inspection, which took place between October 2023 and March 2024, included lesson observations, interviews, and desk research Read more

Lewis Announces Subsidy ForSt. Maarten Folksong Project

Anastacia Larmonie

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Demissionaire Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport Lyndon Lewis has announced the approval of an incidental subsidy for the amount of ANG 129,682.08, which will be used to produce a book of original St. Maarten folksongs, record these songs, and document the process, including interviews with renowned music educator Mrs Read more