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Solar Energy Best Option For St. Maarten, Tno Concludes, But No Clear Plans In Sight

PHILIPSBURG--Solar energy appears to be the best option for increasing renewable electricity in St. Maarten, according to TNO, which studied the energy transition in Aruba, Curaao, and St. Maarten.

TNO, founded in 1932, is established by law as the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, an independent non-profit research institute.

Given that the demand peak in St. Maarten is between 10:00am and 2:00pm, solar panels are an attractive option, as their production peak aligns with this period Read more

Mp Emmanuel: 650 Thousand For SchoolRepairs Vanished, Calls For Investigation

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel has called on the Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis to investigate the disappearance of over Naf 650,000 that was meant for the reconstruction and repairs of schools. MP Emmanuel said it has come to his attention that this is the primary reason why repairs at seven schools, since the passing of Hurricane Irma, are still not completed Read more

Grisha Steps In To Aid Winair Increase Flights To CuracaoAmid Jetair Bankruptcy Impact

GREAT BAY Hundreds of passengers who were bound for St. Maarten are currently stranded in Curaao, because of the unexpected bankruptcy of JetAir, which was to fly them to Princess Juliana International Airport.

There are also numerous travelers in St. Maarten eager to visit family and friends in Curaao who have been affected by the demise of JetAir.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten swung into immediate action upon receiving information from the CEO of WINAIR regarding a critical situation affecting air travel between St Read more

Bocce Champion Receives New Book About Slavery

Bocce champion Jurgen Leon (left) receiving the book from author Walter Hellebrand (centre), with Leons mother Maya Pandt looking on.

ST. EUSTATIUS--Jurgen Leon, a gold and bronze medallist at the recent Special Olympics in the Netherlands, received a copy of the newly released book From Slavery to Freedom.

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A Robust Maintenance Program Needed At Cargo Facility, Says Grisha

GREAT BAY Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) and the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies have agreed on the necessity to implement a robust maintenance program at the Cargo facility to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and cost management.

At a meeting held recently, the port made a commitment to prioritize the issue of maintenance and will work closely with the Ministry of TEATT to ensure that its operations align with St Read more

Sint Maarten Prepares For Reconstruction Of Sint Maarten Library

Sint Maarten The NRPB is pleased to announce that several pre-demolition activities have commenced in preparation for the reconstruction of the Sint Maarten Library, formerly known as the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. These preliminary steps include issuing several tenders, erecting fencing to section off the location, and ensuring safety once demolition begins.

On behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, the NRPB implements the Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP) to address the island’s educational needs after the destruction caused during the 2017 hurricane season Read more

Consistent With Global Market ExpectationsCbcs Keeps The Pledging Rate Unchanged

Willemstad/Philipsburg The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to maintain its current monetary policy unchanged. Hence, the pledging rate will remain at 5.75%. 1 This decision is based on the Federal Reserves (Fed) decision to leave its target policy rate unchanged until more confidence is gained that inflation is moving sustainably toward its 2% target. In addition, although the import coverage, which is the main operational target of the monetary policy conducted by the CBCS, is expected to drop slightly to 4.6 months in 2024, it will remain well above the norm of 3 months 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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister Of Vsa Engages InAProductive Week Focused On Mental Health Initiatives

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Minister of VSA had a very informative week, beginning with a virtual meeting with the NRPB and the World Bank to discuss an update of the progress and pending next steps needed to ensure a positive outcome for the Mental Health Project. This meeting was crucial in setting the direction for future initiatives aimed at improving mental health services in Sint Maarten.

Following the virtual discussions, the Ministerof VSA Ms. Veronica Jansen-Webster, alongside the Minister of FinanceMs Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Friday 7th June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 8th June 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Saturday midday: Hot and humid daytime conditions, and a warm night.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:47 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:36 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Saturday midday: Southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 13 mph.SYNOPSIS: Moisture levels are slowly reducing over the area, welcoming stable weather this weekend Read more

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Concludes Urgent Work Visit To Washington, Dc

Washington, DC The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has successfully concluded his urgent work visit to Washington, DC, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure support for St. Maartens development initiatives. During this urgent work visit, PM Dr. Mercelina’s presence at the high-level meetings proved to be a game changer, highlighting his commitment to both the international community and St Read more

Generators No Longer Coming From Aruba, Curacao, Quantities Needed Not Available

Deputy Prime Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster.

PHILIPSBURG--The mobile generators that St Maarten was hoping to receive from sister islands Curacao and Aruba to help alleviate the energy crisis that the country currently faces will no longer be coming as the quantities that St Maarten needs is not available.

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 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 5 June 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 6 June 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers and possible thunder.Tonight through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy with brief local showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:46 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:36 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: East-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 13 mph.SYNOPSIS: Periodic clouds and isolated showers are expected across the local area today, due to lingering moisture and instability from a recent area of disturbed weather Read more

Lewis And Witu Board Hold Discussions On Overdue Issues

Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis (centre) with WITU members and members of his cabinet.

PHILIPSBURG--Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Read more

Acting Minister Of Ecys Lyndon Lewis Meets With Witu

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis recently met with the board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) to discuss several short- and long-term matters that require his attention.

Issues discussed included the repairs at the public schools, outstanding payments to teachers and school boards, proper placing of persons in correct scales with correct salaries among other things Read more

Brug Vows To Continue His Pledge To Take A Different Road

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Recently sworn in Member of Parliament Richinel Brug expressed in his first official press statement on Tuesday, 3rd June 2024 his dissatisfaction with all political parties. Over the past few weeks, there have been several political developments, some even making history, putting St. Maarten in a very unflattering spotlight Read more

Grisha Announces Return Of Air Caraibes From Orly, Paris To Sxm In December

GREAT BAY Starting from December 6, 2024, Air Caraibes, with its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-200, will launch a new direct service from Orly Airport (ORY) to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), said TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Monday.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) also said that Air Caraibes is offering a limited-time special promotional fare of 640 to celebrate the inauguration of the new route Read more