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PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister and National Alliance candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election, William Marlin says housing in the reconstruction phase of the country, will be one of the top priorities that the party will continue to focus on in the new governing period.

Marlin said in a press release on Monday that the urgent need for proper and affordable housing and the improvement of communities have become clearer as the various communities are canvassed.

Making affordable housing available for persons to own their own homes and proving economical options for persons interested in renting are areas that the party will continue to build on.

“The National Alliance will focus quite a bit on making homes available for our people to purchase and for that quite some work needs to be done because presently too many of our people are on contracts and don’t qualify for mortgages at the bank to get an opportunity in their young age to purchase a home with a mortgage of 30 to 35 years so that when they reach the age of retirement, they are not saddled with the problem of still having to pay a mortgage or a high rent".

Marlin said former National Alliance Minister of VROMI Christophe Emmanuel had engaged in talks with property owners with the intention of developing properties in a public/private partnership for persons to be able to purchase their own homes Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former St. Maarten Prime Minister William Marlin believes that the move by The Hague to dissolve the St. Eustatius Island Council, send the Executive Council and Acting Island Governor home and replace them with a Dutch Government-appointed Commissioner, is a dangerous precedent.

“It is sad that in the 21st Century, we still have this form of colonial developments in the region and so close to home where the elected representatives of an island is put aside by others”, Marlin said on Sunday, while responding to a question on the radio programme Breakfast with de Robert on The Voice of St Read more

William: Draft Law Short Term Contracts Watered Down To Primarily Benefit Businesses

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Former Prime Minister William Marlin says the draft national ordinance to amend the civil code to stem the abuse of short term labor contracts has been watered down to such an extent that the original intention of the law is no longer visible.

The current draft on the table, he adds, primarily benefits businesses and seems to make a mockery of the system Read more

William Calls For Extension Of Time For Voters To Collect Voting Cards In Districts

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Former Prime Minister and number 23 candidate on the National Alliance slate, William Marlin is calling on authorities to extend the period within which voters can pick up their voting cards from polling substations within the various districts.

He also urges authorities to, in extending the time, also seriously consider opening the polling substations after hours as well as on weekends to better accommodate persons who work late and those available only on the weekend.

Voters in some districts were given just five days, 5th of February to 9th of February (9am to 5pm), to collect their voting cards at locations in the various districts Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister and number 23 candidate on the National Alliance slate, William Marlin is calling on authorities to extend the period within which voters can pick up their voting cards from polling substations within the various districts.

He also urges authorities to, in extending the time, also seriously consider opening the polling substations after hours as well as on weekends to better accommodate persons who work late and those available only on the weekend.

Voters in some districts were given just five days, 5th of February to 9th of February (9 am to 5 pm), to collect their voting cards at locations in the various districts Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister William Marlin says the draft national ordinance to amend the civil code to stem the abuse of short-term labor contracts has been watered down to such an extent that the original intention of the law is no longer visible.

The current draft on the table, he adds, primarily benefits businesses and seems to make a mockery of the system Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister William Marlin on Thursday attempted to clear the air on what he says are outright lies being planted in the community by members of the United Democrats to gain political mileage in the run-up to snap parliamentary elections.

Marlin made clear that his intention is to simply correct the lies being peddled by the party to gain sympathy from the electorate.

Members of the party have been using issues such as the container at the border, the 2017 St Read more

Marinka Gumbs: The Way I See It….

Is this what the former Prime Minister Mr. William Marlin resorted to?

I have mentioned this before on the Facebook post of a candidate on the NA, where I asked what was the added value in this so-called ‘scandal video’?
It is certainly old news that back in October 2014, I a member of the Democratic Party tendered my resignation, and seeing that this is/ was my prerogative, I gave full disclosure to my Leader and board of my reasons and stood firm of my decision.

This is not even news worthy, further more to belittle one self by forwarding this ‘scandal video’ to your contacts on whatsapp gives me pause.

So much happened since then, I not only reapplied to become a member of the Democratic Party, but postulated myself, and became the party’s President, in addition to running  as the Anchor, the #18 candidate in the September 26, 2016 Parliamentary Election.

My suggestion to you Mr Read more

Smcp Candidates Pledge To Reduce Mp Salaries

On January 30th 2018, candidates of the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) gathered at the Party’s Headquarters in the Backstreet for their usual Tuesday evening meeting. However, on this night, these loyal and enthusiastic candidates were going to do something that had never been done before by a political party or its candidates. The candidates, all of them prospective members of parliament, agreed, that when elected, they will submit a motion in Parliament, to lower the salary of parliament members by 15%.

The SMCP’s prospective parliamentarians are of the opinion that, given the financial predicament that the country finds itself in during the period of post-hurricane Irma, members of parliament ought to be sympathetic towards our citizens who are suffering and in a symbolic gesture of empathy should demonstrate their care and concern for the people of Sint Maarten Read more

On January 30th, 2018, candidates of the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) gathered at the Party’s Headquarters in the Backstreet for their usual Tuesday evening meeting. However, on this night, these loyal and enthusiastic candidates were going to do something that had never been done before by a political party or its candidates. The candidates, all of them prospective members of parliament, agreed, that when elected, they will submit a motion in Parliament, to lower the salary of parliament members by 15%.

The SMCP’s prospective parliamentarians are of the opinion that, given the financial predicament that the country finds itself in during the period of post-hurricane Irma, members of parliament ought to be sympathetic towards our citizens who are suffering and in a symbolic gesture of empathy should demonstrate their care and concern for the people of Sint Maarten Read more

Ex Primer Ministro William Marlin Reacciona Ante El Fallo Del Gobierno Del Reino

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – A lo largo y ancho de Sint Maarten, los ciudadanos parecen estar de acuerdo en que el ex primer ministro William Marlin, hizo un correcto al tener un mejor entendimiento del gobierno. Una vez más, William-Marlin ha demostrado que sus decisiones fueron en el mejor interés del pueblo de Sint Maarten. Hoy se escucha a los ciudadanos reprendiéndose unos a otros “: Te dije que William-Marlin hizo lo correcto”.

William Marlin expresó que siempre había confiado en la decisión del Reino, respondiendo a la noticia de que el Gobierno del Reino había rechazado la solicitud de la Primera Ministra interina, Leona Marlin-Romeo, de aplicar el decreto de disolución que había firmado cuando él era Primer Ministro, y que había discutido en una reunión del Consejo de Ministros del Reino con la intención de anularlo.

Fue muy vergonzoso escuchar a nuestra primera ministra interina, Marlin-Romeo, afirmar que ha jurado respetar y defender nuestra Constitución, pero luego ha demostrado claramente a través de sus acciones que ella no comprende nuestra Constitución y probablemente nunca se tomó el tiempo de leerla.

La primera ministra interino, Marlin-Romeo, cree que decir que tiene la obligación de aplicar y defender la Constitución es simplemente una retórica vacía pronunciada por ella, pero que claramente no entiende lo que significa Read more

Former Pm William Marlin Reacts On The Ruling Given By The Kingdom Government

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Across the length and breadth of Sint Maarten citizens are concurring that former Prime Minister William Marlin had it correct and best understands governance.  Yet again William-Marlin has shown that his choices were in the best interest of the people of Sint Maarten. Citizens were heard chiding “I told you William-Marlin know the right thing”.

William Marlin expressed that he was always confident of the ruling given by the Kingdom, responding to the news that the Kingdom Government had turned down the request of Interim Prime Minister Mrs Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Across the length and breadth of Sint Maarten citizens are concurring that former Prime Minister William Marlin had it correct and best understands governance. Yet again William-Marlin has shown that his choices were in the best interest of the people of Sint Maarten. Citizens were heard chiding “I told you William-Marlin know the right thing”.

William Marlin expressed that he was always confident of the ruling given by the Kingdom, responding to the news that the Kingdom Government had turned down the request of Interim Prime Minister Mrs Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The people of Sint Maarten deserve much better than this, was the reaction of former Prime Minister William Marlin, to statements made by Interim Prime Minister Leona Marlin-Romeo that she had sent a letter to the Kingdom Government regarding the National Decree to hold snap elections on February 26, 2018.
It is either that our Honourable Interim Prime Minister doesn’t have a clue as to how government really functions, or she is clearly and openly demonstrating that her cabinet doesn’t want to deal with his Excellency our Governor Drs Read more

Dear people of Sint Maarten,

There is a time for hellos, and a time for farewells.
As my tenure as Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten has come to its end, l say farewell with a heart full of gratitude.
Gratitude for the opportunity to have served my people and my island, and above all, gratitude to God for allowing me to take on this very challenging task, with dignity and integrity, with humility and determination, with faith and conviction, especially at a time as this.
When I was approached in 2015 to take on this role, l saw it as a great challenge that I could not resist.
A task that I knew I was well able to take on and execute to the fullest expectations of the people of Sint Maarten.
The title of “Minister Plenipotentiary” evokes a diplomatic language, with “representation” as its key meaning.
Being part of the Dutch Kingdom Council of Ministers, meant representing St Read more

Minister Silveria Jacobs Addresses Gathering At National Day Of Prayer 

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The theme of this National Day of Prayer “Repentance will result in the Glory of God in the Land” and I daresay St. Maarten is so fitting for the time we are in. This morning in service I was blessed by this word by the boys and l again to recognize the power of God and the  power of prayer, the power of a praying people. A praying people are a people of faith, a people of Love for God, who is Love and his mercy endures forever!!!! He doesn’t take us through it without a purpose – each diamond must go through much stress in order to shine – and God has allowed us to go through the experiences of 2017 for a reason, and I pray that we take stock of ourselves – each and everyone one of us, to reflect, repent, ask for forgiveness and turn away from any thoughts and acts that are not acceptable to him – let all we do glorify him here on St Read more

The theme of this National Day of Prayer “Repentance will result in the Glory of God in the Land” and I daresay St. Maarten is so fitting for the time we are in.

This morning in service I was blessed by this word by the boys and l again to recognize the power of God and the power of prayer, the power of a praying people.
A praying people are a people of faith, a people of Love for God, who is Love and his mercy endures forever!!!!

He doesn’t take us through it without a purpose - each diamond must go through much stress in order to shine - and God has allowed us to go through the experiences of 2017 for a reason, and I pray that we take stock of ourselves - each and everyone one of us, to reflect, repent, ask for forgiveness and turn away from any thoughts and acts that are not acceptable to him - let all we do glorify him here on St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The leaders of six political parties submitted their lists to the Electoral Council on Friday paving the way for them to contest the upcoming Parliamentary Elections slated for February 26, 2018. They are SDM, SMCP, PPA, USP, NA and the UD.
The United People's Party and Democratic Party joined forces hoping to garner enough votes for a majority in Parliament Read more

Marlin gets astounding support from party supporters.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The National Alliance board introduced seven new candidates that will be contesting the snap election called on February 26th, 2018. The NA held its congress Wednesday evening, two days ahead of Postulation Day. The new candidates are: Solange Lyudmila Duncan-York, Anna Rabess-Richardson (former USP candidate), Read more

End Of Year Address Of Former Prime Minister William Marlin

Fellow St. Maarteners and residents of our beautiful Island,

For many of us, 2017 could not end fast enough. It has been a year of unprecedented disaster in the form of Hurricanes Irma and Maria; a year in which many of our plans and even successes were blown away in six hours of pounding by a monster storm the likes of which have never been recorded in the history of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. But we are alive, by the sheer grace of God, and we hold on tenaciously to that saying that as long as there is life, there is hope.

Hope indeed is what we cling on to in these last days of 2017, as we welcome the New Year with renewed faith, and prayers that God would shower us with His mercies and spare us the nightmare of another hurricane strike in 2018.

For me, personally, it is with heavy heart that I remember all those who we lost not only as a result of the hurricanes, but also the many others who have transitioned to meet their Maker in the course of the year Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the One St. Maarten People Party Lenny Priest, says he will be contesting the coming elections on the ballot of the National Alliance.
Priest has over the years been very vocal about issues he deems pertinent to the St. Maarten community including the introduction of a loan guarantee program for local entrepreneurs which would allow them the funds for start-up while stimulating the economy and a scheme to help low-income families own their own homes.
“If ever there was a time to put our differences aside and work together in the interest of rebuilding our island home it is now and I am dedicated to working with all who have the same goal and are willing to put egos and personal interests aside to do what is best for St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- As a board, we wanted the people of St. Maarten to know that we are EXTREMELY proud of our leader Prime Minister William Marlin. We realize that some people have been trying to discredit him as a politician and a person. We know the real man, the man devoted to family and friends and loyal to St. Maarten. We also felt the need to remind ourselves of some of his many accomplishments.

Many politicians can claim to have vision or a record of accomplishments but upon scrutiny, their claims are easily discarded Read more

Response To Usp

The Democratic Party has been one of the longest serving parties in the history of St. Maarten.  We have had our ups and downs, but we have been there for the people of St. Maarten, now more than ever before. Our main goal was and continues to be, “how can we make our island a better place for the people of St. Maarten”.

To hear a political party, who welcomed the leader of the Democratic Party as the chairlady in one breathe and denounce her in the next, say some of the most unprofessional things is a shame to say the least.  This berating article from the USP board comes as no surprise, because the same lowdown type of message was previously shared in the NA/USP/DP coalition WhatsApp chat.

Yes, the “testicular fortitude” message from the hand of a TEATT cabinet staffer, singling out 2 leaders of the coalition and calling the other (female) leader “spineless” Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister William Marlin who is presently off island said on Friday morning that he had never given permission to Minister Lee to put the MR-4 number plate on his private vehicle.
Marlin said he needed to make a public statement about this as he has been receiving messages asking if he did, as seemingly Minister Lee has been making statements that Marlin had given him permission to do so.
Marlin said that when it was discussed in a COM meeting at the Cabinet of the Governor he could recall telling the Minister that it was actually illegal and that if he was to get in an accident it would pose a problem Read more