SXMElections.com

Witness Says Frans Got Large Commission For Btp Building But Also Other Former Politicians

The Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) building in Cannegieter Street.

~ Including $200k in political contributions to Ohndhae ~

PHILIPSBURG--Two witnesses testified under oath in open court on Wednesday as part of former Member of Parliament (MP) Frans Richardsons appeal of his 2021 conviction for bribery and abuse of position in the so-called Aquamarine II investigation Read more

Wicsu-Psu Engages In Productive Meeting With Coast Guard Management On Function Book.

Willemstad, Curacao:---  Windward Islands Public Service Union (WICSU-PSU) recently convened meetings on November 27 and 28, 2023, in Curacao with the Coast Guard transition team and Human Resource Manager, Mr. Berenos, along with his team. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the function book of the Coast Guard, addressing long-standing concerns raised by union members.

In attendance were representatives from various unions, including SEPPA Aruba, STRAF, ACOM, ABVO, and SAP Read more

~Presents Five-Point Platform dubbed #BlairCares~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The youngest candidate on the United Peoples Party UPP list Kimberly A. Blair (25), a distinguished graduate of Mercy University in Criminal Justice with a Forensics concentration, steps into St. Maarten's political arena with a committed vision and a comprehensive platform aimed at addressing critical issues in justice and education.
Having returned to St Read more

 PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sport drs. Rodolphe Samuel in collaboration with the St. Maarten Christian Council, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Church will host the 24th annual service with the theme Come together and magnify the Lord with Thanksgiving on the grounds of the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023.

In acknowledgment of St Read more

58 Women From Across The Caribbean Region Graduate Cohort 2 Of The Ebb Programme For Women Entrepreneurs Republic Bank And Bdp Associates Champion Her Success

Port of Spain, Trinidad:--- Fifty-eight successful participants of Cohort 2 of the Entrepreneurs Business Builder (EBB) programme graduated in a moving virtual ceremony hosted by Republic Bank in collaboration with EBB partner BDP Associates
Under the theme, Championing HER Success" the event celebrated and encouraged the graduating women entrepreneurs to continue in the pursuit of their goals, by championing their own success.

The programme, which was launched earlier this year on International Womens Day, saw more than 500 women entrepreneurs submitting their applications for selection Read more

Youth Activist From Sint Maarten Travels To Un Climate Conference Thanks To Local Support From Nagico, Grant Thornton.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Riddhi Samtani, a youth activist and Sint Maartener will be representing the island at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023. Part of the 35-strong Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) founded earlier this year by Island Innovation and the Open Society Foundations (OSF), Samtani was one of 10 cohort members selected to take part at COP28. While in Dubai the group will participate in panel discussions, meet international delegates, and interact with other young climate leaders, providing them with additional skills and experience they can leverage to further their own work in the Caribbean.

Keen to support local activists representing their communities on the international stage, is NAGICO Insurances, a leading insurer in the Caribbean that paid almost 1 Billion USD to the Caribbean community after Hurricanes Irma and Maria and contributed significantly to an improved and more resilient region Read more

Sarah: The Outcome Of The Dutch Election Not Necessarily All Doom And Gloom.

Over the weekend, the DP leader shared her thoughts on the results of the election in the Netherlands.

The results of the November 22nd Dutch election are in and many words have been used to describe the unexpected outcome. Political pundits are hard at work, analyzing the political shifts that seemed to have occurred in the last weeks leading up to the election, the MP stated.

In the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom and in many European countries, the election outcome, which has put Wilders and his PVV on the center stage, has generated much anxiety.

WILDERS and the PVV are not exactly friends of any of us, MP Wescot opined.

For years, Wilders has been a hard right-wing politician, who now finds himself in a position to do what he has constantly accused his opponents of not doing and he has been propelled into a position to uphold his views and execute his agenda Read more

National Alliance Failed Education; 21.2% College Rate Is Poor

Dear Editor,

I write this letter with deep concerns about the state of our country’s education sector, particularly in light of recent revelations about the low percentage of adults who have completed tertiary education. The statistics from the 2022 population census, presented by the Department of Statistics STAT, are alarming. Only 21.2% of adults in St. Maarten have completed tertiary education, while 54% have finished secondary school. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, especially considering its substantial allocation in the national budget.

It is disheartening to note that our tax dollars, which contribute significantly to the education budget, are not yielding a satisfactory return on investment Read more

~ Statements made against Ottley were made to harm Ottley. Ordered to rectify or face penalty ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- A packed courtroom with relatives and supporters of Minister of VSA Omar Ottley witnessed as the judge ruled against Olivier Arrindell on Friday morning.
Arrindell was ordered to make specific rectifications within 24 hours of the verdict being served to him or face a penalty of USD Read more

~ Rectification must be made within 24 hours or face a penalty of USD 5000.00 per day with a maximum of USD 1M.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The court of First Instance has condemned Olivier Arrindell on all counts brought against him by Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs in an injunction case that was before the court on November 3rd, 2023. The courtroom was packed to capacity with supporters who attended the session Read more

Collectivit And Partners Sign Local Health Contract To 2025

Signing the Local Health Contract between partners Collectivit, Regional Health Agency ARS and Social Security Department CGSS).

MARIGOT--The Collectivit, Agence Rgionale de Sant (ARS) and Caisse Gnrale de Scurit Sociale (CGSS) have signed a Local Health Contract (Contrat Locale de Sant (CLS)) valid until 2025 Read more

The Democratic Party (DP) says their slate of 23 candidates are passionate and dedicated to being that change for St. Maarten. The party made a grand entrance on nomination day, parading down Front Street as the last party to submit their list of candidates.

The parade was a spectacle of Moko jumbies, drums, and percussion, with the song "My Team Lit" playing as the candidates and their supporters marched up the street Read more

Armand Meda To Run On Upp Slate, Resigns From Democratic Party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, November 19th, 2023, Democratic Candidate Armand Meda resigned from the party. This took place on the same day as the Democratic Party Candidate & Manifesto launch.

The former number 14 candidate on the DP list, has had a vigorous campaign under the slogan Forward, for almost a year that became very popular on Social Media and households on St Read more

Official Outline For Campaign Material For January 11 2024 Parliamentary Elections

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of General Affairs alongside the Central Voting Bureau is pleased to update the public on the rules for political campaign material for the Parliamentary Elections slated for January 11, 2024.

The Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, Honorable Anna Richardson recently announced that a general permit is granted concerning the placement of Political Campaign Material in Public Spaces with a view to the Elections of the interested political parties for the placement, installation, or possession of Political Campaign Material in Public Spaces during the period from 00:00 on November 22 to January 13, 2024.

This general permit is granted under the following conditions:

The instructions of the police regarding traffic safety and prevention of disorders regarding the placement of Political Campaign Material must be followed.For the sake of traffic safety, it is prohibited to place Political Campaign Material on roundabouts on the island or 10 meters before the start of roundabouts.Political Campaign Material must not impede or endanger traffic by placing it on or at Traffic Facilities.Political Campaign Material must not be placed:on top of Political Campaign Material from another political party.on or at the property of others without the owner's or user's permission.in a way that obstructs or makes public traffic unsafe; andwithin five (5) meters from the polling station, measured from the entrance.The content of Political Campaign Material must not be offensive in any way.The political party is liable for damage, nuisance, or inconvenience caused by or because of the placement or installation, as well as for the risk associated with any police measures regarding Political Campaign Material, and is obligated to remove the Political Campaign Material placed on public roads by January 13, 2024, at the latest.Political Campaign Material placed or installed by anyone other than a political party, on behalf of a specific political party, is deemed to have been placed by or on behalf of the latter party, pursuant to this permit, to the extent that this is the case in Public Spaces.The Minister can revoke the individual permit right to place Political Campaign Material from the political party that does not comply with the conditions of this general permit.In this general permit, the following terms are understood as:Public Spaces: all public roads as described in Article 1 sub i of the Traffic Regulation of Sint Maarten and all public places as described in article 1 sub b of the Public Manifestations Regulation.Political Campaign Material: all material in the broadest sense used for conducting a political campaign, including, but not limited to, posters, stickers, posters, signs, flags, brochures, and flyers.Traffic Facilities: the traffic signs and signals as described in Article 2 of the Traffic Regulation of Sint Maarten.Elections: the elections on January 11th, 2024, for the election of members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

This information was previously sent by the Minister of Justice to the political party leaders to ensure transparency Read more

Cbcs Best Economic Research Award 2024.

~Research competition for HAVO and VWO students in Curaao and Sint Maarten~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces the kick-off of the fourth edition of the Best Economic Research Award (BERA) at HAVO and VWO level. Final-year students from all HAVO and VWO schools in Curaao and Sint Maarten are invited to submit an economic research paper on a topic that is relevant to the economies of the monetary union. The CBCS will award both the winning student(s) and school(s) an attractive prize Read more

Gastronomy Village Opening, An Eagerly Awaited Festival Highlight

The Gastronomy Village on the waterfront is declared open on Friday with ribbon-cutting by festival patron Chef Patrick Jeffroy as Tourism Office President Valrie Damaseau (left), President Louis Mussington (centre) and Second Vice President Bernadette Davis (right) look on Read more

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of VSA Omar Ottley tells the court on Friday morning that he will not be a scapegoat or posterchild for corruption on St. Maarten, corruption that took place in the past or present Ottley addressed the court in the defamation case he brought against businessman Olivier Arrindell for slander and defamation. In addressing the court, he said the only thing he had was his name and he worked very hard for the assets he obtained in life Read more

Jubilee Library InsuranceSettlementMoney Disappears!

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Gromyko Wilson candidate on the USP party for the upcoming election January 11, 2024 is worried that the insurance settlement payout for the Public Library was spent on other things, instead of on rebuilding the library Read more

Fabio Doralice Advocates For Special Need Policy & Vision On Sint Maarten

Philipsburg, As we approach the close of the year, there is an urgent plea for updates on the progress of the Special Needs Policy for Sint Maarten.

In a parliamentary meeting on February 13th, the Minister of ECYS expressed an active commitment to developing a special needs policy. However, as we near the end of November, the community, parents, and educators are eager to understand the strides made thus far and if there are concrete plans in place.

While I commend the Minister of VSA for unveiling the “Improving Mental Health Services” project, it is crucial not to overlook the equally vital aspect of special needs education.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2023-2024 school term, transparency is needed regarding expectations for the 2024-2025 school year Read more

A Worrisome Justice Apparatus

Dear Editor,

In the Daily Herald of Thursday, August 12th, 2021 an elaborated article was dedicated to the Carbon Grove Estates in Cole Bay. The article with title Developer of Carbon Grove ordered to deliver apartments, mentioned two separate summary proceedings, whereby the Court of First Instance ordered Melbon Enterprises to deliver the rights to three apartments in Carbon Grove Estates in Cole Bay. The Judge describes the case as all time low, it reads. The Court stated that Carbons course of action resembles a so-called Ponzi scheme.

According to different media houses, on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 searches were conducted at four locations connected to a suspect in a fraud and money laundering case named Koruna Read more

Cancer Charity Marathon Event Move For A Cure Set For November 18Th.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Move for Cure encourages movement, brings awareness, and focuses on prevention and support for cancer the charity event is now set for this Saturday, November 18th. Due to the past weeks' weather, the CIBC FirstCaribbean event was postponed; however, the bank and its partners remain unswerving in their pledge to support cancer patients and the education and awareness of the disease.

This years walk will benefit the Positive Foundation, Still Beautiful, and Elektralyets Foundation in their collaborated cancer support, education, and awareness efforts Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten stands together on World Diabetes Day 2023, emphasizing this years theme: "Access to Diabetes Care." Our community is committed to raising awareness and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

On this World Diabetes Day 2023, the Honorable Minister Omar Ottley extends heartfelt greetings to each of you. Today serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in promoting a healthier future for our community.

Diabetes is a global challenge, but through unity, awareness, and informed action, we can make a significant impact Read more

From left: Darion Cornell and Khaleed Spanner from Food and Cookery CVQ, Drejean Canwood and D-Vonte Fleming from Academic and Jee-von Redan from General Construction CVQ.

ST. EUSTATIUS--From Boys to Gentlemen foundation, in collaboration with the Public Health Department, successfully hosted a vibrant cooking competition at Gwendolyn van Putten Schools kitchen on Thursday, November 9.

The event, organised by Shanna Mercera-Gibbs of the Public Health prevention clinic, witnessed the participation of talented individuals from various fields.

The jury panel consisted of Carlos Antonio Martiens, a seasoned chef from St Read more

The Na/Upp CoalitionS Love-Hate Relationship With The Integrity Chamber Of St. Maarten.

They have to make up their mind what it is.

MP Wescot over the weekend issued a statement regarding the meeting of parliament to approve the change to the Integrity Chamber law. In her view, the uneasy relationship in the NA/UPP coalition was again manifested during the meeting of parliament, which was convened to finalize the proposal by government to increase the age of the members of the integrity chamber.

This draft proposal of law was already handled by the central committee of parliament and the government had provided written answers to the few questions posed Read more