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Wilson Warns Gebe Against Water Disconnections In Households With Children And Seniors

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Gromyko Wilson, an advocate for social justice and a candidate (#16) on the Nation Opportunity and Wealth (NOW) warns the current GEBE management and the government of Sint Maarten against disconnection of water in households with children and seniors.

Wilson highlights the recent court verdict in the Netherlands as jurisprudence in handling these cases going forward on Sint Maarten.

In the verdict of March 19th, 2024, the Judge ruled that water disconnections due to default in payment is illegal based on the Human rights Organizations Defense for Children when minors are part of the households in question.

Wilson goes further to plead for the application of this verdict to not only households with minors but also senior citizens Read more

Telem Said ItS Making Solid Progress Stabilising Systems

TelEm Group CEO Kendall Dupersoy (left), inspects a battery replacement operation at the company SMITCOMS location in Harbour View, Friday, led by the companys Power Department team.

 

POND ISLARead more

Grisha Advocates Return To Previous System Of GovernmentTo Reduce Political Instability

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten Electoral reform should not only address the topic of integrity and so-called ship-jumping; it should first and foremost focus on what appears to be the main cause of political instability on all islands of the former Netherlands Antilles since 10-10-10. This is the opinion expressed recently by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten.

According to the minister, the main cause of political instability is the switch to a dualistic system of Government.

Before 10-10-10, with one or two exceptions, (coalition) Governments on the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles always lasted a full term of four years Read more

Langlais: Environment, Energy Solutions Requires Political Will

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Marie Claire Langlais, #14 on the NOW (Nation Opportunity Wealth) party list, pointed out over the weekend that the island faces unprecedented challenges in the midst of a global climate crisis, and that the environment should not be an empty election talking point. Additionally, she stressed that being realistic about sustainable energy solutions requires political will.

Langlais asserts that St Read more

Caribbean Airlines Inaugural ServiceTo Puerto Rico Takes Flight

Piarco, Trinidad & Tobago, —Caribbean Airlines inaugural flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico left the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad at 10.50 a.m. on Sunday July 14. This new route is part of the airline’s strategic plan to enhance connectivity within the Caribbean region. Flights to San Juan will operate three (3) times per week (Sunday, Tuesday & Friday) from the airline’s base in Trinidad, with convenient connections to other destinations.

The first flight to San Juan was marked with celebrations for the passengers, who received goody bags with Caribbean Airlines branded items and were entertained by the talented Leandra Head Read more

High Court Backs Same-Sex Marriage

Celebrating the outcome.

THE HAGUE--Same-sex couples are now permitted to marry immediately in Aruba and Curaao, as decided by the High Court in the Netherlands on Friday. It affirmed an earlier ruling by the Joint Court of Justice for the Dutch Caribbean.

The latter determined on December 6, 2022, that marriages between people of the same sex must be permitted in Aruba and Curaao. Both governments turned to the High Court, which has now rejected their appeals.

The case was brought by Fundacion Orguyo Aruba and Human Rights Caribbean (HRC) in Curaao Read more

Victim Support Services Report On Six Months Service

On July 10th, Victim Support Services St. Maarten hosted a presentation for the Honorable Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis and various stakeholders, reviewing the organization’s services over the past six months.

Victim Support Services St. Maarten provides optimal assistance to individuals affected by serious assaults, human trafficking, or severe accidents.

Minister Lewis delivered an introductory speech, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the organization Read more

Prime Minister Dr. Luc MercelinaS Meets New State Secretary Mr. Zsolt Szab

The Hague The Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has successfully concluded a historic and successful meeting with Mr. Zsolt Szab, the newly appointed State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of The Netherlands. This significant event marks the first official meeting of Mr. Szab in his new role, highlighting the pivotal importance of the relationship between St Read more

Soab: Szv 2023 Financial Statements Are Accurate And Transparent

~ SZV receives a clean audit report for the third consecutive year ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten For the third consecutive year, Social & Health Insurances SZV received a clean audit report for its financial statements. The clean audit report was issued by the government audit bureau, Stichting Overheids Accountants Bureau (SOAB). A clean audit report also termed an ‘Approved Control,’ means that the auditors found that the financial reporting by SZV was accurate and transparent Read more

Lewis Announces 1% Cola, 1% Vacation Allowance In 2024 Budget Amendment

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis on Thursday announced that the outstanding amount for the 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the 1% vacation allowance will be included in the 2024 budget amendment.

A meeting was held with the board of the WITU on Wednesday to express the governments commitment to include the 1% Read more

4 Graduate With Geds, 2 After Vocational Training

Master of Ceremonies Alex Lindo addressing the graduates.

 ST. EUSTATIUS--New Challenges Foundation (NCF) held a graduation ceremony at William and Christine Flanders Community Centre on July 3 for four students who received their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas and two who completed vocational training.

This celebration is a testament to the power of second chances, said NCF Director Francine Foe at the ceremony. Our graduates have shown that with grit, determination and the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.

The ceremonys theme Dont Watch the Clock, Do What It Does, Keep Going was a fitting tribute to the graduates, emphasising the importance of perseverance, resilience and staying focused.

The ceremony started with a rousing rendition of the St Read more

Taxi Associations Present Proposal For Tariff Change To Teatt Minister

From left: Andrew Royer of the Dutch Taxi Association, TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Maya Friday of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association and Glen Emers of Down Town Taxi Association.

~ Want ride sharing initiative permanently abolished ~

PHILIPSBURG--Five taxi associations operating on Dutch St. Maarten have proposed a change to the existing tariffs, according to them, due to the increased cost of living and inflation.

In a letter to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, the associations said the proposed amendments to the current tariffs are also to synchronise tariffs with the French-side Taxi Association which is presently in negotiations to increase their tariffs.

We met last week to discuss, among other things, their proposal to change the current tariffs for different districts, Heyliger-Marten said in a press release Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 11 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy, hot, humid, and slightly hazy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: East-northeasterly to east-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: A drier atmosphere is settling over the local region, limiting shower activity Read more

Mp Emmanuel Had An Electricity Solution Since 2016

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that had political maturity prevailed in 2017, St. Maarten would have had a groundbreaking project to establish a state-of-the-art waste processing plant with an integrated energy-generating component. This initiative would have been a pivotal move towards enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency on the island.

There was an approved Council of Ministers decision for a proposal Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 9th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday morning (06:00 LST) 10th July 2024  WEATHER:This Afternoon: Hazy and warmTonight, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy with isolated showers possible.  Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This Afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph.  SYNOPSIS: A drier and more stable atmosphere will settle over the region today Read more

From left: Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs, TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Chairperson of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and Member of Parliament Viren Kotai.

 PHILIPSBURG--The decision on whether St Read more

Vromi Minister Provides Updates On Broken Culvert, Welgelegen Road

PHILISPURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs issued an update statement to the public regarding two ongoing roadworks situations: the status of running water on the Welgelegen Road in Cay Hill and the status of the broken culvert on the A.J.C. Brouwers Road, on the Cole Bay hill. Both situations have caused significant concern as the country approaches the peak of hurricane season.

After requesting and receiving updated information from the Department Head of Infrastructure, Minister Gumbs stated, I can provide the public with a comprehensive update on both matters.

When addressing the matter of the broken culvert on the A.J.C Read more

Deputy Prime Minister Calls For Respectful And Peaceful Campaign Season

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Minister Patrice Gumbs wishes to extend his congratulations to all parties and their candidates on taking the step forward to represent our people at the upcoming snap parliamentary election. While the campaign season is well underway, Gumbs reminded candidates that St. Maartens political culture has always been one of tolerance and respect Read more

Minister Of Justice Lyndon Lewis Addresses Increase In Gun Violence

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis has issued a statement addressing the recent increase in gun violence on the island. This follows a series of troubling incidents that have raised concerns within the community.

“The KPSM has begun their investigation into the recent surge in gun violence,” said Minister Lewis Read more

Lewis Condemns Gun Violence, Says Culprits Will Face Full Extent Of Law

The wave of fear in the community intensified on Monday when news started circulating that a fourth shooting had occurred, this time on Bush Road. The shooting occurred around 3:20am. A male was injured. He was transported to St Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and had been undergoing treatment. His condition was listed as serious, but stable. Mondays shooting followed three shootings in two districts on Saturday: two in Dutch Quarter and one in Simpson Bay in which three males were injured and nursing gunshot wounds in SMMC Read more

Open Letter To Our Honorable Minister Of Justice Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis

It is with great admiration that the people of Sint Maarten are experiencing the vigor which you put in your work for this country and it is therefore that we believe that you have the courage to take eventual unpopular decisions if needed.

For the last few years Sint Maarten has experienced some brutal murder cases, most of which remain unsolved and as an officer of the law yourself, this is a disturbing factor. One reason for this might be the shortage of staff to conduct a proper investigation and the tools available for such Read more

Reunification Of Ana Carolina Lazaro Cuevas And Her Children.

Good day to the people of Sint Maarten.

Today, I extend my heartfelt strength and love to the people of the Cayman Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Grenada, and the Carriacou Island. Additionally, I wish a happy Fourth of July to all American citizens residing in Sint Maarten.

Turning to today’s topic, I want to address the recent return of Miss Anna Carolina Lazaro Cuevas, who was reunited with her children yesterday, July 3rd, 2024. There has been considerable discussion surrounding this event, and I would like to provide some clarity.

Ms Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 8 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 9 July 2024 THE FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED WEATHER:This Afternoon: Generally cloudy and hazy with few showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and hazy with brief showers possible.  Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77F Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:43 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This Afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeasterly to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Moisture and instability associated with a tropical wave will continue to affect the local area Read more

First Strike Of Commemorative Farewell Antillean Guilder Coin

The 5-guilder Farewell NAf. commemorative coin.

PHILIPSBURG--The inaugural strike of the five-guilder Farewell NAf. commemorative coin was celebrated at the Royal Dutch Mint (KNM) in Houten, the Netherlands recently.

Read more