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Kerry urges "genuine democracy" at US flag ceremony in Cuba

HAVANA--U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declared a new era in relations as he celebrated restored diplomatic ties in Havana on Friday, but he also urged political change in Cuba, telling Cubans they should be free to choose their own leaders.

The first U.S. secretary of state to visit the Caribbean island in 70 years, Kerry presided over a ceremony raising the U.S. flag over the newly reopened American embassy.

His comments drew a firm riposte from Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, who defended his Communist government at a joint news conference and criticized the United States' own record on rights Read more

Ministers to visit FCCA, discuss tourism, security

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Claret Connor and Justice Minister Dennis Richardson plan to meet soon with Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) officials in Florida, United States, to update them on new security measures resulting from the fatal shooting of Police Officer Gamali Benjamin, as part of efforts to curb further negative impacts the tragedy can cause to the tourism industry.

Minister Connor said during Wednesday's press briefing that he, Richardson and Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs had been continuously discussing steps to take in following up on the "life-changing" and "historic" incident.

Connor was on his way back to the island on the day of the shooting, but he contacted FCCA President Michele Paige the next day to inform her that Government "was doing everything within its power to apprehend, in first instance, those responsible, in addition to trying to save the officer's life .. Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Officer Benjamin Know That Your Legacy Will Remain As A Beacon For A Country That Needs One

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs delivered the following speech on Thursday, 13 August at the funeral of Police Officer G. Benjamin.

“Good afternoon family, in the past week, we as a country have felt anger, despair, sorrow and confusion over the untimely and tragic death of Officer Gamali Benjamin. Law enforcement, much like the fire brigade or the military, comes with the willingness to risk one's life each and every day, in the pursuit of doing the right thing. 

“Today, as we lay him to rest and begin the healing process, I am hopeful that we remember to reflect on Officer Benjamin's character and conduct, and that we do our utmost to always do the right thing Read more

Mike Ferrier About The Aftermath Of The Shooting: “Hopefully, Parliament Will Get A Grip On Reckless Spending”

Michael Ferrier. File photo Today / Leo Brown

St. Maarten – Businessman Michael Ferrier, a former president of the Democratic Party – as party he left in disgust last year – analyzes in this article the situation the country finds itself in in the wake of the shooting that cost sergeant Gamali Benjamin his life.

Last week’s shooting of a police 0fficer by a coward with a gun has brought our once tranquil “Friendly” Island to an all-time new low in societal behavior Read more

DP supports call for statue of slain cop

~ Weighs in on crime ~

PHILIPSBURG--The Democratic Party (DP) supports a call made by the general police union NAPB for a statue to be erected of bike patrol officer Gamali “Benji” Benjamin, who was gunned down at the scene of a robbery at a Front Street jewellery store on Wednesday, August 5 Read more

NA, DP call on Government to rework Governing Programme

PHILIPSBURG--Opposition National Alliance (NA) and Democratic Party (DP) have called on Government to rework the “Ready to Work for You” Governing Programme of the United People’s (UP) party-led coalition into “an executable and accountable programme.”

Debating the Governing Programme in Parliament would “inevitably lead to much rhetoric, but little substance,” said the two parties Read more

Notices August 11

Kickboxing Classes

Kickboxing is offered for Adults (Age 15+) Tuesday and Thursday 7:00-8:15pm at Renzo Gracie St Maarten. For more information call 559-7852 or email \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots Read more

The Up-Coalition Governing Program 2014-2018 Is Definitely Not A Program For The People Of St. Maarten, So Who Is The Government Really Working For?

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Opposition parties National Alliance and Democratic Party met recently to discuss the governing program presented to parliament by the current United People's Party-led coalition.

The first impressions of this program leave a lot to be desired and much more was expected, not only after the long wait, but especially after the many promises that were made by the United People's Party, leading up to and during the 2014 electoral campaign.

However, more disturbing than that is the fact that the program as presented provides no basis for a constructive discussion in Parliament about government's plans, its priorities, available and needed resources.

The people of St Read more

Officer Benjamin's sacrifice

Dear Editor,

Last week's shooting of a police officer by a coward with a gun has brought our once- tranquil "Friendly" island to an all time new low in societal behaviour. Killing any human being is bad; however, being mentally capable, and physically prepared and able to actually shoot a police officer, a representative of the law, is a whole other matter! In the rawness of such a tragedy we, (the collective we), seem to be seeking serious debate on this "national" issue.

The evidence can be found in both traditional print and social media that has been "lit up"! We are learning that compassion is alive and well in our society Read more

Notices August 10

Kickboxing Classes

Kickboxing is offered for Adults (Age 15+) Tuesday and Thursday 7:00-8:15pm at Renzo Gracie St Maarten. For more information call 559-7852 or email \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots Read more

>SIMPSON BAY:----- The group of international aviation and travel writers that will be arriving here Monday, August 10 for a three-day media tour organized by the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, are drawn from nine different destinations in four countries.
The writers will be submitting their stories to more than 30 international media outlets, both print and electronic and should therefore offer an unprecedented exposure for the airport, the entire island, and the hub partners Read more

Mp Tamara Leonard Calls For 'Straight Outta Compton' To Not Be Screened Here

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Do not screen the biopic "Straight Outta Compton" in St. Maarten. This was the message communicated to Caribbean Cinemas and the Censorship Committee of St. Maarten by United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard Read more

After Trump and Bush's stumbles, will Fiorina ride to the rescue?

CLEVELAND--Donald Trump's caustic confrontation with Fox News Channel presenter Megyn Kelly at Thursday's Republican presidential debate couldn't have come at a less opportune time for a party trying to increase its appeal to women voters.

Kelly, a debate moderator, grilled Trump on his history of debasing statements about women. Trump appeared unapologetic, dismissing the critique as "political correctness," and accused Kelly of mistreating him.

Democrats were quick to try and seize advantage Read more

Philipsburg shuts down, injured cop arrives safely at trauma centre in DR

PHILIPSBURG--Philipsburg was transformed into a ghost town on Thursday, as a large cross-section of the business community in town as well as in other parts of the country closed their doors in firm solidarity with Police Officer Gamali “Benji” Benjamin who was shot and seriously wounded in the line of duty on Wednesday.

The businesses wanted to send a firm message that they are against all forms of criminal activity and hold hope for Benjamin’s recovery.

Benjamin arrived safely at a trauma centre in the Dominican Republic last night after being flown out of St Read more

Notices August 7

School Uniforms and Books

Sundial School makes known that parents/guardians can pass by Caribbean Embroidery and Screen Printing (542-7362) on the Cannegieter Street to have their child(ren) fitted for uniforms and place orders for the 2015/2016 school year. School books for the upcoming school year 2015/2016 can be picked up on August 10 and 11(1 and 2 Forms) and August 12 and 13 (3rd&4th Forms).

MAC Store

Methodist Agogic Resource Centre is open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm Read more

Notices August 6

School Uniforms and Books

Sundial School makes known that parents/guardians can pass by Caribbean Embroidery and Screen Printing (542-7362) on the Cannegieter Street to have their child(ren) fitted for uniforms and place orders for the 2015/2016 school year. School books for the upcoming school year 2015/2016 can be picked up on August 10 and 11(1 and 2 Forms) and August 12 and 13 (3rd&4th Forms).

MAC Store

Methodist Agogic Resource Centre is open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm Read more

Les Fruits De Mer Share Media Expertise At 20Th International Meeting Of Birdscaribbean In Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Every two years, bird educators, scientists and conservationists from throughout the Caribbean and beyond gather for BirdsCaribbean's International Meeting.

At this year's meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, over 200 international delegates from 33 countries/islands gathered to share the latest in Caribbean bird science, conservation and education. Representing St. Martin, Les Fruits de Mer co-founder Mark Yokoyama facilitated two media-related workshops during the meeting and released a free ebook, Look Sharp! Promote Your Organization with Great Photography.

Birds—Connecting Communities and Conservation was the theme for the meeting, and the event photography workshop presented by Mark Yokoyama focused on forging that emotional connection through the power of great images Read more

Notices August 5

Wednesday, August 5

HEART LECTURE

Organised by JCI St. Maarten and the Methodist church

Place: Methodist church Front-street

Time: 7:30pm

Lecturer: Cardiologist Mrs Emiko Bird –Lake.

NOTICES

Writing Session

Samenwerkende Fondsen (Cooperating Foundations) invites interested persons to a project writing session, Friday, August 7 at Philipsburg Jubilee Library, from 3:00 – 5:00pm. For more information on see the website of the Samenwerkende Fondsen or call your local project advisor 586-0808).

Female Soccer Team

FC Soualiga is looking for ladies to join their female soccer team Read more

Mp Lake Went Shopping At French-Side Super U “A Plus For The Community”

St. Maarten – United People’s (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake says it is high time government sits down with supermarkets and distributors of food products to get a grasp on why consumer prices on the Dutch side are so high compared to the French side.

“The cost of living on St Read more

Notices August 4

Wednesday, August 5

HEART LECTURE

Organised by JCI St. Maarten and the Methodist church

Place: Methodist church Front-street

Time: 7:30pm

Lecturer: Cardiologist Mrs Emiko Bird –Lake.

NOTICES

Pool Closure

Carib Swim Team, Cole Bay will be closed for renovation during the month of August 2015. Practice re-starts on Monday August 31. Registration and try-outs for Swim Team and Swim Lessons will take place on Saturday August 29, from 10:00am-2:00pm Read more

Notices August 3

Pool Closure

Carib Swim Team, Cole Bay will be closed for renovation during the month of August 2015. Practice re-starts on Monday August 31. Registration and try-outs for Swim Team and Swim Lessons will take place on Saturday August 29, from 10:00am-2:00pm. For more information, visit http://www.caribswimteam.org

Baseball Clinic

Rafel Skeete and Andrew Dee Dixon is hosting a baseball clinic starting August 3 to 10 at John Copper Jose Lake Sr. Ballpark starting 9:00am to 2:30pm Read more

Notices August 1

Pool Closure

Carib Swim Team, Cole Bay will be closed for renovation during the month of August 2015. Practice re-starts on Monday August 31. Registration and try-outs for Swim Team and Swim Lessons will take place on Saturday August 29, from 10:00am-2:00pm. For more information, visit http://www.caribswimteam.org

Baseball Clinic

Rafel Skeete and Andrew Dee Dixon is hosting a baseball clinic starting August 3 to 10 at John Copper Jose Lake Sr. Ballpark starting 9:00am to 2:30pm Read more

Notices July 31

Spay/Neuter Campaign
St. Maarten Animal Welfare Continuing through August their $25 pet spay or neuter sterilization for Dutch-side pets. Tel: 520-8887 for information and certificates. Young animals may reserve for future use.

First Responder

WIEMS is now registering for the annual First Responder (EMR) course at the Dutch Quarter Community Centre starting Tuesday, September 1, 7:00pm. For more information: www.wiems.org . To register: email \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots Read more