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>PHILIPSBURG:--- President Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson on Monday morning met with Curacao's Prime Minister Hon. Ivar Asjes at the House of Parliament.
The President and the Prime Minister's (PM) discussions focused on cooperation and areas of mutual interests.
The discussions started off about the outcome of the Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) that was held in Oranjestad, Aruba from January 6 to 9, PM Asjes was very interested in learning more from a Sint Maarten perspective about how the cooperation is viewed.
Some of the issues discussed were the resolution that was signed between Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten at the IPKO to set up an independent entity for the settlement of disputes between the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The costs of healthcare is a concern for both countries, and Dr Read more

President Richardson Discusses Cooperation And Areas Of Mutual Interests With Prime Minister Asjes

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson on Monday morning met with Curacao's Prime Minister Hon. Ivar Asjes at the House of Parliament.

The President and the Prime Minister's (PM) discussions focused on cooperation and areas of mutual interests.

The discussions started off about the outcome of the Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) that was held in Oranjestad, Aruba from January 6 to 9, PM Asjes was very interested in learning more from a Sint Maarten perspective about how the cooperation is viewed.

Some of the issues discussed were the resolution that was signed between Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten at the IPKO to set up an independent entity for the settlement of disputes between the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The costs of healthcare is a concern for both countries, and Dr Read more

Gumbs and Asjes want to continue good relations

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Curaçao Prime Minister Ivar Asjes are committed to continuing good relations between the two Dutch Caribbean countries. Asjes is on a three-day working visit to St. Maarten that concludes today, Tuesday.

It is important to have and maintain good relations between kingdom partners, said Gumbs in a Press Secretariat release Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs and Prime Minister of Curacao Ivar Asjes both dubbed the latter's visit as important in establishing a basis for continued good relations between the two countries.

PM Asjes continued his working trip to St. Maarten on Monday by meeting with Governor Eugene Holiday, President of Parliament Dr Read more

President Of Parliament Condemns Charlie Hebdo Attack

St. Maarten – President of parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson has expressed deepest sympathy to the Republic of France, its people and Government during these trying times on behalf of the people and the members of the Parliament of St. Maarten.

“The event in the French Republic hits very close to our hearts as part of our island, the Northern half is part of France.  We express our sympathies to the President of the Collectivite, the Territorial and Executive Councils and to the people of St Read more

Curacao’S Prime Minister Asjes Pays A Working Visit To St. Maarten

WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Ivar Asjes is on Sint Maarten for an official working visit until January 13. This will be the first time the two Prime Ministers of the former Netherlands Antilles islands will meet. Marcel Gumbs was recently sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, four months after the parliamentary elections were held Read more

Gumbs, Asjes Focus On Continued Good Relations

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs and Prime Minister of Curacao Ivar Asjes both dubbed the latter's visit as important in establishing a basis for continued good relations between the two countries.

PM Asjes continued his working trip to St. Maarten on Monday by meeting with Governor Eugene Holiday, President of Parliament Dr Read more

Parliaments demand more cooperation in health care

THE HAGUE--More cooperation in the area of quality health care and inspection, less waste through the joint purchase of medication, reducing cost by clustering specialist care and the reduction of medical referrals.

These are the main objectives that the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands would like to see worked out at the Kingdom Health Care Conference which will be held in Aruba early June 2015.

The four Parliaments sent a joint letter to the Ministers of Public Health of Aruba, Curaçao, St Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Hon. Marcel Gumbs on Sunday welcomed Prime Minister of Curacao Hon. Ivar Asjes to St. Maarten for his official working visit. Prime Minister Gumbs met Prime Minister Asjes as he arrived at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

PM Asjes official working visit to St. Maarten is from from January 11 to 13 where he will be discussing issues of mutual interests Read more

Lloyd condemns attacks on democracy, free expression

PHILIPSBURG/ARUBA--"The event in the French Republic hits very close to our hearts as part of our island, the northern half is part of France," said Parliament Chairman Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Lloyd Richardson in a condolence message to the government and people of France, after the tragic attack in Paris on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on January 7.

"The fundamental right of the freedom of expression is at stake Read more

Parliaments agree on dispute arrangement

~ Consensus reigns at IPKO ~

THE HAGUE/ORANJESTAD--The Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands closed off a very successful Inter-Parliamentary Consultation of the Kingdom IPKO in Aruba on Friday.

Consensus was reached on several topics, including establishing of a dispute arrangement "geschillenregeling" for the Kingdom, the broadening of the request for advice of the Council of State on applying of Regulation of the Governor by the Kingdom Council of Ministers, use of Dutch study financing in the Caribbean region and repayment of study debts in local currencies of Dutch Caribbean countries.

All delegation leaders were highly positive about the level of talks in Aruba this week and the willingness to cooperate and to find solutions for pressing matters in the Kingdom Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- President Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson on behalf of the people and the Members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, expresses deepest sympathy to the Republic of France, its people and Government during these trying times.

"The event in the French Republic hits very close to our hearts as part of our island, the Northern half is part of France Read more

President Of Parliament Condemns Attacks On Democracy And Freedom Of Expression. Offers Condolences On Behalf Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson on behalf of the people and the Members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, expresses deepest sympathy to the Republic of France, its people and Government during these trying times.

"The event in the French Republic hits very close to our hearts as part of our island, the Northern half is part of France Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- A delegation of six Members of Parliament (MPs) will be representing Sint Maarten at the Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation in Oranjestad, Aruba from January 6 to 9.

On Monday, January 5, the Presidents of the three parliaments within the Kingdom of the Netherlands will have their Tripartite Meeting at the House of Parliament of Aruba, namely Aruba's President Hon. Marisol Lopez-Tromp, Curacao's President Hon. Marcolino 'Mike' Franco, and President Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson representing Sint Maarten Read more

Parliamentary Delegation Departs Over The Weekend For Aruba To Attend Inter-Parliamentary Kingdom Consultation

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – A delegation of six Members of Parliament (MPs) will be representing Sint Maarten at the Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation in Oranjestad, Aruba from January 6 to 9.

On Monday, January 5, the Presidents of the three parliaments within the Kingdom of the Netherlands will have their Tripartite Meeting at the House of Parliament of Aruba, namely Aruba's President Hon. Marisol Lopez-Tromp, Curacao's President Hon. Marcolino 'Mike' Franco, and President Hon Read more

Answers Will Have To Wait Until Mid-January: Parliament Wants Clarity About Housing Foundation

St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs answered the call to appear in Parliament as the acting minister of public housing within 72 hours after he was sworn in on Friday. Members of Parliament appreciated that, even though Gumbs sent them on their way with a flea in their ear, after listening to questions about the chaos of the St. Maarten Housing Development foundation for more than two hours.

The minister brought to mind the words he spoke on Friday in the constituting meeting where his team officially took over the reins: “The country needs tranquility, stability, civility and prosperity.”

Furthermore, Gumbs noted: “Integrity has been a buzz word this year Read more

Parliament in recess until January 1st. Meetings resume in the week of January 12

>PHILIPSBURG:---  President of Parliament, Hon. Lloyd Richardson, MD informed Members of Parliament that the House as of December 22 is in Christmas holiday recess until January 1st.

Parliamentary sessions are to resume in the weeks of January 12 and January 26.

A parliamentary delegation will be traveling to Aruba for the Ki Read more

Parliament In Recess Until January 1St. Meetings Resume In The Week Of January 12

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President of Parliament, Hon. Lloyd Richardson, MD informed Members of Parliament that the House as of December 22 is in Christmas holiday recess until January 1st.

Parliamentary sessions are to resume in the weeks of January 12 and January 26.

A parliamentary delegation will be traveling to Ar Read more

President Of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson Christmas Message

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President of Parliament, Hon. Lloyd Richardson, MD released the following Christmas Message for the nation.

Fellow St. Maarteners, citizens and residents. On behalf of the members of Parliament of St. Maarten and my family I would like to extend our warmest greetings to you during this festive season.

We've been blessed during this year to have been spared serious natural disasters Read more

MPs to get answers about housing foundation in Jan.

PHILIPSBURG--Members of Parliament (MPs) will have to wait until mid-January for answers about the suspension of St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) Director Henry Lynch and two other members of the management team. Prime Minister/Ad Interim Housing Minister Marcel Gumbs said he required time to gather the facts about the investigation ordered by the foundation's supervisory board and the other actions leading to the suspensions.

Gumbs, who had only been in office for a mere 72 hours, was before Parliament on Monday in an urgent plenary session requested by opposition MPs Sarah Wescot-Williams (Democratic Party), Frans Richardson (United St Read more

We need a reduction in the fuel clause now

Dear Editor,

Please allow me some space in your newspaper to share OSPP’s written request, on December 19, 2014, to President of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson, that a meeting be called with NV GEBE to discuss a reduction of the fuel clause in our energy bills. The fact that a new government was sworn in Friday and a new minister will assume the responsibility of energy is no excuse to delay a reduction in the fuel clause.

The cost of living on St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The cost of living on St. Maarten is amongst one of the highest within the region and the cost of energy is one of the main proponents of that cost. A reduction of the cost of energy will result in food prices as well as many other prices on the island to drop, and thus providing the consumers a much needed relief. Every political party and all the candidates during the last campaign have promised the people some type of relief. Today, we have a golden opportunity to make good use on at least one of those promises and that should be by reducing the fuel clause on our energy bills Read more

Ospp Leader Sends Letter To President Of Parliament Seeking Meeting To Discuss Gebe Fuel Clause

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – The cost of living on St. Maarten is amongst one of the highest within the region and the cost of energy is one of the main proponents of that cost.

A reduction of the cost of energy will result in food prices as well as many other prices on the island to drop, and thus providing the consumers a much needed relief.

Every political party and all the candidates during the last campaign have promised the people some type of relief. Today, we have a golden opportunity to make good use on at least one of those promises and that should be by reducing the fuel clause on our energy bills Read more

MPs will propose review of Dutch nationality rescinding

PHILIPSBURG--The rescinding of the Dutch nationality of a number of people in the Dutch Caribbean due to administrative errors, and the subsequent statelessness of those persons as well as their children and in some instances grandchildren, is an issue Members of Parliament (MPs) want on the table for the Inter-Parliamentary Affairs Contact Meeting IPOK in Aruba January 6-9.

Parliament's Permanent Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Kingdom Relations met in Parliament House on Thursday afternoon to review the draft agenda and preparations for the meeting of members of the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Read more