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DATE ISSUED: Thursday 9th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) November 10, 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Friday midday: Generally cloudy with isolated showers. 

Forecast High: 31 C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

   

Sunset Today: 5:37 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:16 A.M.   

   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 14 mph. 

  

SYNOPSIS:   

The atmosphere is stabilizing, and the pressure gradient will sustain light to moderate winds across the region Read more

What Separates A Democracy From A Dictatorship?

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs failed to get SER up and running as prescribed by law.

It is very unfortunate that our Minister of General Affairs, the Honorable Prime Minister
Jacobs, deemed it necessary to create such a burden on the employers and employees
associations to nominate people to the SER. However, after the nomination of members
to the SER by these organizations, there is still no clear indication on when the
appointments will take place.

In the past, the SER has been instrumental in giving advice to the government of St.
Maarten by keeping them in check with the positive and negative advice Read more

Sint Maarten Community Fights Back Gebe

PHILIPSBURG, SINT MAARTEN — After receiving numerous verbal and social media complaints about the harsh collection method of GEBE and taking into account that there is no active Consumers League in Sint Maarten, Mr. Gromyko Wilson approached a local independent consultancy firm, (Prudential Tax Services), specialized in International Corporate Standards Auditing with the petition to prepare a community pilot case against the collection policies and procedures of GEBE.

This is the first time a Community legal claim will be filed against a Federal Institution in a matter related to their collection method in the Dutch Kingdom.

It is no secret that GEBE was victim to cyber hacking and an administrative chaos manifested itself thereafter Read more

Democratic Party (Dp) Responds To Hillaire.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Its not the intention of the Board of the Democratic Party (DP) to join the political frays that mar our country today. Political candidates and hopefuls are seeking where to position themselves, as to get on a list, one needs to align oneself with a political party. A political party that, according to our laws, must be an association with political objectives, vision, and platform Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 08th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) November 09, 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy and slightly hazy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers. 

Forecast High: 32 C / 90F             

Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

   

Sunset Today: 5:37 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:15 A.M.   

   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: East-southeasterly to easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 05 to 12 mph. 

  

SYNOPSIS:   

Weak instability along with available moisture will cause isolated showers across the region Read more

Continuation Urgent Public Meeting Of Parliament Regarding The Proposed National Health Insurance (Nhi) Rescheduled.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The urgent Public meeting no. 04 that was adjourned on October 12, 2023 in the first round with as agenda point:
Deliberations on the proposed National Health Insurance (IS/059/2023-2024 dated September 29, 2023). This agenda point was requested by MP S.A. Wescot-Williams, MP G.S. Heyliger-Marten, and MP C.T Read more

~Financial Literacy Month Event Deemed a Success~

PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of the ongoing Financial Literacy Month, a highly informative information session titled, "Taxation Explained," was successfully hosted at the Government Administration Building on November 6th, 2023. This event, organized in collaboration with The Ministry of Finance and Ms. Ife Badejo of Islandpreneur, aimed to provide the public with comprehensive insights into various tax obligations and the critical role of the Tax Administration in promoting compliance and cooperation Read more

Continuation Urgent Public Meeting Of Parliament Regarding The Proposed National Health Insurance (Nhi)

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on November 8, 2023.
The Public meeting which was adjourned on October 12, 2023, will be reconvened on Wednesday at 09.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Deliberations on the proposed National Health Insurance (IS/059/2023-2024 dated September 29, 2023)
This agenda point was requested by MP S.A Read more

Us-Party Unprecedented Means Of Communication By Chris Is Deceitful

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The board of the US-Party in an invited comment expressed disappointment in an article released by the leader of the start-up political party NOW, but was not surprised.

President of the US Party board, Mr. Cecil Nicholas said, He was not surprised by the misleading content, and underlying tone of hypocrisy and deceitfulness that motivated the article.

The leader of the NOW party publicly reminded that, He has always stood by the USP and was supportive of the party joining any governing coalition he was a part of.

Chris further stated, When he was a member of the National Alliance, he did not sign the governing accord between the National Alliance and United People Party strictly out of principle and a sense of loyalty to the USP.

Nicholas, questioned Chris definition of the words, principle and loyalty Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  Sint Maarten will work to advance its progress towards sustainable and resilient management of the islands coastal and marine environment through a 633,000 research-based project supported by the RESEMBID grant programme.

The Coastal Resilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) project is a partnership between the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), and the non-profit conservation organization Nature Foundation St Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 07th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) November 08, 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and slightly hazy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers. 

Forecast High: 31 C / 88F             

Forecast Low: 26C / 79F 

   

Sunset Today: 5:38 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:15 A.M.   

   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 5 to 10 mph. 

  

SYNOPSIS:   

Available moisture may cause periods of cloudiness and isolated showers across the local region Read more

~Cooperation between Police and Prison Management is essential to ensure effective execution of roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and secure society.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice wishes to clarify the distinction between Police Holding Cells and Detention Facilities, the historical context, and the recent ministerial decision to address the urgent need to return police cells to the management of the police. This decision is vital to meet the pressing needs of the Point Blanche Prison while ensuring the safety and security of our community.

Definition of Terms
Police Holding Cells:
These holding cells are secure rooms in a police station whereby suspects are detained temporarily but for no longer than ten (10) days in Sint Maarten.

Detention Facility:
This term refers to any location used for detention and can include jails or prisons, whereby inmates are forcibly confined under state authority, typically as a form of punishment following convictions for crimes, or an extended term of pre-trial detention.

Historical Background:
The issue of detention and cell capacity has been a long-standing concern in Sint Maarten Read more

Decision By Minister Of Justice Will Have Serious Consequences To CountryS Security. Possible Strike Looming, Says Napb.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Following a recent decision by the Minister of Justice, it has been ordered that the detention center, at the Police station Philipsburg, will be officially transferred to the police with effect from November 11, 2023, specifically under the executive support department. This transfer means that we as a police organization will bear full responsibility for the management and operations of the detention center. It is essential that we make this transition smooth and efficient to ensure the safety and security we provide to our community.

The board of the N.A.P.B Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Monday 06th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) November 07th, 2023

WEATHER:    

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 32 C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

  

Sunset Today: 5:38 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:14 A.M.  

  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Easterly to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 5 to 12 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

A surge of moisture will account for isolated showers across the region Read more

Sjamira Roseburg: Urgent Reassessment Needed By Ministry Of Justice

~ Sint Maarten’s Safety Threatened by Hasty Police Cell Transfer Decision ~ PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — As the attorney of the inmates association in Sint Maarten and as an candidate on the URSM slate, I am deeply concerned about the recent decision by the Ministry of Justice to transfer the detention center at Philipsburg Police Station back to the police, effective November 11, 2023 Read more

Continuation Urgent Public Meeting Of Parliament Regarding Nv Gebe.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on November 6, 2023.
The Public meeting, which was adjourned on October 11, 2023 will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Deliberations on NV GEBE (IS/060/2023-2024 dated September 29, 2023)
This meeting was requested by MP S.A. Wescot-Williams, MP G.S Read more

Benae Dawkins Fitzpatrick, Deveshi Varidani Win 4Th Annual Courtney Gibson Spelling Bee

Winners Benae Dawkins Fitzpatrick (fourth left front row) and Deveshi Varidani (third left front row) are holding up their trophies along with the runners up in the two categories. They are flanked by Finance Minister Ardwell Irion, judges, announcer and representatives of the St. Maarten Guyanese Association and Tzu Chi Foundation.

 

PHILIPSBURG--St Read more

Highlights From The Big Live Nature Quiz Kids Edition.

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) recently hosted the annual Big Live Nature Quiz (BLNQ) Kids edition.  With 185 teams, each comprising of one to four students in primary school grades 5 and 6 (equivalent to group 7 and 8 in the Dutch school system) competing from the six Dutch Caribbean islands, the event brought nature in the classrooms and connected the islands. Aruba emerged victorious as the winning team, demonstrating their nature knowledge and teamwork in an exciting competition.

Fostering Nature Education and Island Connections

On November 2, 2023, the DCNA hosted the Big Live Nature Quiz-Kids Edition, an engaging and educational event designed for primary school students in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaao, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  In an ongoing effort to alleviate traffic congestion during school rush hours, the Ministry of Justice hosted a vital transportation meeting on Sunday, November 5th, 2023, at the Government Administrative Building. The meeting gathered school bus owners, drivers, and key stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and to discuss potential solutions to the ongoing traffic issues.

The meeting also saw active participation from a diverse group of attendees, including the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports (ECYS), Drs Read more

PHLIPSBURG:--- As the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, and someone who has held public office in this great nation, I stake my reputation on passion and dedication to service in the political arena. I have never wavered in my integrity and service to the people of St. Maarten. Because of this, I initially had no intention to respond to the ridiculous allegations being made against me.
Contrary to what has been promoted by Mr. Arrindell, this civil case is to ensure the freedom of speech as guaranteed by our constitution in article 10, cannot lead to a violation of other human rights an individual has, such as the right to privacy and family life Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  Shirley Hilaire has joined the United People's UP Party to contest the 2024 Parliamentary Elections on St. Maarten after serving for several years as executive assistant to Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and running as a United Democrat candidate.
Hilaire cited irreconcilable differences with "new blood" entering the Democratic Party whose approach and policies do not align with her beliefs as the main reason for leaving Read more

Cibc Firstcaribbean Has Announced That It Is Rebranding To Cibc

Re-brand to be completed during the banks new financial year

Bridgetown, Barbados —As it enters a new financial year, FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited has announced that the leading Caribbean bank is re-branding its business to adopt the name of its parent, CIBC. Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mark St. Hill, made the announcement to his staff this morning.

St. Hill noted that the adoption of the CIBC brand is a show of confidence of the banks parent bank, and a sign of its commitment to the Caribbean region Read more

Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake Will Be The New Acting Governor Of Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Silveria Jacobs, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, is pleased to congratulate Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake on the approval of her nomination as Acting Governor of Sint Maarten. In her function as Acting Governor Dr. Bird Lake will replace His Excellency Ajamu Baly, in his duty as Governor of Sint Maarten, in the event he is unable to perform them. Born on Sint Maarten, Dr Read more

Businessman Oliver Arrindell Did Not Appear In Case Brought Against Him Pm Jacobs.

 ~ Defense admits that Arrindell went too far. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Court of First Instance had to make two courtrooms available on Friday afternoon to accommodate members of the public who showed up at the Courthouse in support of Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs who filed a civil case against businessperson Olivier Arrindell for slander and defamation.
Arrindell who is currently in Congo Africa, was supposed to attend the hearing virtually but he did not do so because he claimed that his internet connection in Africa was not stable Read more