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PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Today, Friday, September 29, 2023, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, along with her dedicated team, aimed to provide a crucial status update to all justice personnel and the public regarding significant developments within the Ministry of Justice.

Unfortunately, due to the absence of a quorum at the scheduled Justice Committee of Parliament meeting, the presentation could not be delivered as intended. However, Minister Richardson remains committed to ensuring that vital information reaches the justice personnel promptly.

The History

After more than a decade without a completed Function Book for the Ministry of Justice, the current administration, under the leadership of Minister Richardson, successfully undertook and completed this crucial task Read more

St. Eustatius To Participate In 2023 Tourism Youth Congress

Cher Woodley, who is St. Eustatius representative at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Turks and Caicos this October.

 ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius will be participating in the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress, which will be held in conjunction with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Turks and Caicos, October 10-13.

Cher Woodley has been selected as St. Eustatius representative by A Plus Academic and Professional Training Centre Read more

Dutch Government To Propose Higher Protection For Caribbean Reef Shark

Caribbean Reef Sharks. Photo by Jim Abernethy.

 BONAIRE--The Dutch government is set to officially propose listing the Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi) on Annex III of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) during the next conference of the parties for the Cartagena Convention on Aruba in October.

Annex III includes plant and animal species that require additional protection to ensure they are able to adequately recover their populations in the wild.

This increased protection is critical for ensuring a sustainable future for this iconic species, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) said on Thursday.

Caribbean Reef Sharks thrive in the warm, tropics waters of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with a distribution range that stretches from Florida to Brazil Read more

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:--- In a poignant celebration held on the morning of September 29, 2023, the Sint Maarten Police Force paid tribute to its retired officers and administration workers, acknowledging their immeasurable contributions. During this event, several former police officers, and immigration and administration workers, now retired, were honored with a special luncheon and an island-wide bus tour, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the organization.

The Chief of Police expressed profound gratitude to these retired individuals, recognizing their foundational influence on the Police Force of Sint Maarten Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday, September 29, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) September 30, 2023  

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN 

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

 WEATHER:  

This afternoon: Fair to partly cloudy with brief showers possible.
Tonight through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy, becoming occasionally cloudy with isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. 

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

Sunset Today: 6:03 P.M Read more

...SE ESPERA QUE SE DESPLACE AL ESTE DE LAS ISLAS DE SOTAVENTO NORTE HASTA EL FIN DE SEMANA...

Tormenta Tropical Philippe Advertencia Nmero 25

Centro Nacional de Huracanes del SNM Miami FL AL172023

Traduccin por el SNM San Juan PR

1100 AM AST viernes 29 de septiembre de 2023

 RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMACIN

-----------------------------------------------

LOCALIZACIN...18.3N 55.3O

ALREDEDOR DE 510 MI...825 KM E DEL NORTE DE LAS ISLAS DE SOTAVENTO

VIENTOS MXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...45 MPH...75 KM/H

MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...OSO O 245 GRADOS A 2 MPH...4 KM/H

PRESIN CENTRAL MNIMA...1003 MB...29.62 PULGADAS

VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS

--------------------

No hay vigilancias ni avisos costeros en efecto.

Los intereses en el norte de las Islas de Sotavento, las Islas Vrgenes Estadounidenses y Britnicas y Puerto Rico deben monitorear el progreso de este sistema.

DISCUSIN Y PERSPECTIVAS

----------------------

A las 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), el centro de la Tormenta Tropical Philippe estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 18.3 norte, longitud 55.3 oeste Read more

 ...EXPECTED TO DRIFT AROUND EAST OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS THROUGH THE WEEKEND...

Tropical Storm Philippe Advisory Number 25

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172023

1100 AM AST Fri Sep 29 2023

 SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

-----------------------------------------------

LOCATION...18.3N 55.3W

ABOUT 510 MI...825 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...45 MPH...75 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...WSW OR 245 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1003 MB...29.62 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

--------------------

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S Read more

THE HAGUE:--- Alexandra van Huffelen, the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, will pay a working visit to St. Maarten, Curaao and Bonaire from the 30th of September to the 5th of October. The visit will be made primarily in the context of the Slavery Past Memorial Year. In St. Maarten, she will take part in a Catshuis session with representatives from all six islands, while she will visit Curaao to attend Tulas rehabilitation. In addition, the State Secretary will hold administrative talks about the laws regulating the administrative and financial relations between the European Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands, the WoIBES, and FinBES.

St Read more

Bird Expert Shanna Challenger Shares Conservation Formula At Saba Bird Fest

Conservation biologist and bird expert Shanna Challenger (right) gave a presentation on Thursday evening as part of the first-ever Saba Bird Fest.

SABA--Conservation biologist and bird expert Shanna Challengers presentation during the first-ever Saba Bird Fest on Thursday evening raised awareness of the power of locally-led conservation actions.

Challenger, who is the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator at Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) of Antigua and Barbuda, shared how the organisations conservation work was able to restore Redonda, the small island which lies about 56 kilometres southwest of Antigua, between the islands Nevis and Montserrat.

In 2008, Redonda was deforested, eroded, and collapsing into the sea as a result of past human activity, when the island was used for guano mining during World War I, yielding up to 7,000 tonnes annually Read more

Patient In Dominican Republic Had Surgery At Smmc.

~ Doctor mocks patient at SMMC. No agreement in place between the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten.~

PHILIPSBURG/ Dominican Republic:--- The St. Maarten resident Egbert Hector Richardson who is currently a patient at CEDIMAT Dominican Republic went overseas on his own to seek further medical treatment after having surgery at the St. Maarten Medical Center.

Edison Adamus the Director and Pastor of Key to Freedom said that Richardson lives at Key to Freedom since he is in rehabilitation for substance abuse.
He explained that Richardson had a hernia and he was operated upon at the St Read more

DATE ISSUED: Thursday, September 28, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) September 29, 2023  

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN 

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with brief showers.  

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

Sunset Today: 6:04 P.M Read more

Centro Nacional de Huracanes del SNM Miami FL AL172023

Traduccin por el SNM San Juan PR

1100 AM AST jueves 28 de septiembre de 2023

 RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMACIN

-----------------------------------------------

LOCALIZACIN...18.6N 54.6O

ALREDEDOR DE 560 MI...895 KM E DEL NORTE DE LAS ISLAS DE SOTAVENTO

VIENTOS MXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...50 MPH...85 KM/H

MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...ONO O 290 GRADOS A 2 MPH...4 KM/H

PRESIN CENTRAL MNIMA...1002 MB...29.59 PULGADAS

VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS

--------------------

No hay vigilancias ni avisos costeros en efecto.

Los intereses en el norte de las Islas de Sotavento, las Islas Vrgenes Estadounidenses y las Islas Vrgenes Britnicas y Puerto Rico deben monitorear el progreso de este sistema.

DISCUSIN Y PERSPECTIVAS

----------------------

A las 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), el centro de la Tormenta Tropical Philippe estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 18.6 norte, longitud 54.6 oeste Read more

Tropical Storm Philippe Advisory Number 21

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172023

1100 AM AST Thu Sep 28 2023

 SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

-----------------------------------------------

LOCATION...18.6N 54.6W

ABOUT 560 MI...895 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 290 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB...29.59 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

--------------------

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S Read more

BONAIRE:--- The Kingdom of the Netherlands will ask for increased protection for the Caribbean reef shark during next months Conference of Parties for the Cartagena Convention (COPs) on Aruba.  Caribbean reef sharks play a critical role in maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem and building resilience within the oceans. This increased protection is critical for ensuring a sustainable future for this iconic species.

The Caribbean Sea is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a dazzling array of marine life Read more

Traffic Safety Concerns At Oranje Primary School Demand Immediate Action, Says Witu

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is deeply concerned about the ongoing traffic safety issues that the staff and students of Oranje Primary School face daily. The school has been grappling with these challenges for many years, and President Stuart Johnson has issued a pressing call for immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and staff. Johnson said, Every day, students and staff must navigate a precarious situation as they board school buses at the crossroads of C.A Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 27 September 2023 @1200 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (6:00 LST) September 28, 2023  

A HIGH SURF & SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Fair to partly cloudy, with isolated showers.  

Forecast High: 33 C / 91F             Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

Sunset Today: 6:04 P.M Read more

...LOS INTERESES EN EL NORTE DE LAS ISLAS DE SOTAVENTO, ISLAS VRGENES Y PUERTO RICO DEBEN MONITORIZAR SU PROGRESO...

Tormenta Tropical Philippe Advertencia Nmero 17

Centro Nacional de Huracanes del SNM Miami FL AL172023

Traduccin por el SNM San Juan PR

1100 AM AST mircoles 27 de septiembre de 2023

RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMACIN

-----------------------------------------------

LOCALIZACIN...17.5N 53.7O

ALREDEDOR DE 620 MI...995 KM E DEL NORTE DE LAS ISLAS DE SOTAVENTO

VIENTOS MXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...50 MPH...85 KM/H

MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...O O 280 GRADOS A 9 MPH...15 KM/H

PRESIN CENTRAL MNIMA...998 MB...29.47 PULGADAS

VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS

--------------------

No hay vigilancias ni avisos costeros en efecto.

Los intereses en el norte de las Islas de Sotavento, las Islas Vrgenes Estadounidenses y las Islas Vrgenes Britnicas y Puerto Rico deben monitorear el progreso de este sistema.

DISCUSIN Y PERSPECTIVAS

----------------------

A las 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), el centro de la Tormenta Tropical Philippe estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 17.5 norte, longitud 53.7 oeste Read more

...INTERESTS IN THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS, VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND PUERTO RICO SHOULD MONITOR ITS PROGRESS...

Tropical Storm Philippe Advisory Number 17

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172023

1100 AM AST Wed Sep 27 2023

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

-----------------------------------------------

LOCATION...17.5N 53.7W

ABOUT 620 MI...995 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 280 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...998 MB...29.47 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

--------------------

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S and

British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico should monitor the progress

of this system.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK

----------------------

At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located near latitude 17.5 North, longitude 53.7 West Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is deeply concerned about the ongoing traffic safety issues that the staff and students of Oranje Primary School face daily. The school has been grappling with these challenges for many years, and President Stuart Johnson has issued a pressing call for immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Johnson said, Every day, students and staff must navigate a precarious situation as they board school buses at the crossroads of C.A Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)   

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) September 27, 2023   

WEATHER:  

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Generally fair to partly cloudy with a few brief showers possible overnight.  

  

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

    

Sunset Today: 6:05 P.M Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, September 25, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) September 26, 2023

WEATHER: 

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with a few brief showers possible.

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

Sunset Today: 6:06 P.M.                 Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:02 A.M. 

SURFACE WINDS:   

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeasterly to easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 06 to 14 mph.

SYNOPSIS:  

A drier and more stable air mass is gradually moving over the region and will restrict shower activity.

Seas will remain slight to moderate, peaking at 6 feet during the next few days.

STATE OF THE SEA:  Slight to moderate        WAVES/SWELLS: 3 to 6 feet 

SPECIAL FEATURE:  At 11:00am, the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located approximately 1160 miles east southeast of St Read more

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, on Sunday in a statement said the Government of Sint Maarten has approved the highly anticipated Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Government and School Bus Operators.

This represents a significant milestone in the continuous efforts of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport to enhance the quality and efficiency of services provided to students and the public.

The journey towards the attainment of this milestone has been characterized by rigorous evaluation, collaboration, and a commitment to the betterment of education and student services within St Read more