SXMElections.com

Lewis Message To TeachersOn World TeacherS Day

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Demissionair Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Lyndon Lewis over the weekend extended best wishes to all teachers as the world celebrated World Teachers Day.

World Teachers’ Day is an international day held annually on 5 October to celebrate the work of teachers. Established in 1994, it commemorates the signing of recommendations by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

As we mark World Teacher’s Day this year, though it falls on the weekend, its significance is not diminished in the least Read more

SlaS With School Bus Operators, StudentTransportation Management System Approved

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Demissionair Minister Lyndon Lewis has signed several Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with bus operators providing school transportation services on St. Maarten. These agreements aim to standardize and improve the management of school bus services on the island.

The SLAs are comprehensive and address key issues such as:

Established routes Standards for both buses and drivers Responsibilities regarding bus operations and the supervision of students Remuneration and insurance requirements Other relevant operational matters

In addition to the signing of the SLAs, Minister Lewis is also pleased to announce that the Council of Ministers has approved the introduction of the Student Transportation Management System Read more

Lewis Receives Quality Inspection Report ForPublic Schools: Urgent Improvements Needed

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — A comprehensive Quality Inspection Report has been conducted and presented to Demissionair Minister of Education Lyndon Lewis by the Inspectorate of Education. The report, finalized in June 2024, examines the quality of education in public schools across St. Maarten and provides detailed recommendations for improvement.

The inspection, which took place between October 2023 and March 2024, included lesson observations, interviews, and desk research Read more

Lewis Announces Subsidy ForSt. Maarten Folksong Project

Anastacia Larmonie

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Demissionaire Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport Lyndon Lewis has announced the approval of an incidental subsidy for the amount of ANG 129,682.08, which will be used to produce a book of original St. Maarten folksongs, record these songs, and document the process, including interviews with renowned music educator Mrs Read more

Unbelievable ~~~To Say The Least~~~

Dear Editor,

It is with great admiration that I watch the interview done by Mr. Oral Gibbs with the Minister of Justice Mr. Lyndon Lewis a few days ago. It was interesting to listen to all that the Minister had to say regarding his position after the results of the last election.

What baffled me (and I guess many others) was the expression by the Minister about the performance of the Chief of Police, Mr Read more

Caretaker Minister Of Justice Meets WithNewly Formed Customs Management Team

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Caretaker Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis, held a meeting with the newly appointed management team of the Customs Department. The meeting included Mr. Anthony Doran, who has resumed his position as Head of Customs, and Mr. Rogerrel Mauricia.

During this important meeting, Minister Lewis engaged with the new leadership to discuss the strategic direction and priorities for the Customs Department Read more

Pwas, Mlk Students To School On Tuesday,Lewis Hosts Motivation Session For Staff

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis announced on Thursday that students of the Prince Willem Alexander School (PWAS) and Martin Luther King School (MLK) will attend school at the Alma Fleming Care Center in Belvedere as of Tuesday, August 20. And, hopefully if all goes as planned, the MLK students (three classes) could even probably could at MLK campus.

The delay allows relevant authorities, school management and security providers to develop enhanced security arrangements following the recent break-ins at the schools Read more

Schools To Be Assessed, Cleaned On Wednesday, Open On Thursday

~ Lewis thanks first responders ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis has announced that the official start of the 2024-2025 school year will start on Thursday, August 15.

After the passing of tropical Storm Ernesto on Tuesday, Wednesday will be dedicated to assessment and clean-up of the various schools Read more

Buncamper Praise Plan To Turn Courthouse Into National Heritage Center In Philipsburg

~ Wants more protection for monuments ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports has initiated a significant cultural initiative led by Minister Lyndon Lewis: the establishment of a National Heritage Center in Philipsburg, with the historic Courthouse serving as its centerpiece. This development signifies a major step in preserving and showcasing our rich heritage and history.

The decision to repurpose the Court House as the National Heritage Center has garnered enthusiastic support, particularly from the Deputy Leader of the National Opportunity Wealth Party (NOW), Claudius Buncamper Read more

Lewis Updates On Works At Public Schools As Smooth Start To School Year Expected

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — As we approach the commencement of the 2024-2025 school year, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Lyndon Lewis on Wednesday announced that the opening of the new school year is anticipated to be smooth and efficient. Significant efforts have been made over the summer to prepare the schools for the arrival of students.

This week, the Department of Public Education completed a deep cleaning of all public schools to ensure a safe and healthy environment Read more

Lewis: Congratulations To Keacy Carty On Historic Test Cricket Debut

Minister of Justice, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Honorable Lyndon Lewis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Honorable Minister of Sport Lyndon Lewis on Wednesday extended heartfelt congratulations to Keacy Carty, who has made history as the first cricketer from Sint Maarten to play Test cricket Read more

Statement From The Minister Of Justice On Dutch Quarter Incident

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In the early hours of Monday morning Dutch Quarter experienced a riot involving a group of young men, causing significant disruption and posing a threat to community safety. The incident is currently under investigation.

The Honorable Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis, has confirmed that his ministry is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to maintaining peace and order in all neighborhoods.

Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to investigate the root causes of the riot and bring those responsible to justice.

Minister Lewis has issued a stern message to the young men involved, emphasizing that violence and destruction are never the answer and urging them to reflect on the consequences of their actions.

Minister Lewis highlighted the importance of seeking peaceful and constructive ways to express frustrations and grievances.

In acknowledging the deeper societal issues that may contribute to such incidents, Minister Lewis affirmed the government’s commitment to engaging with community leaders, social workers, and other stakeholders to find long-term solutions.

The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, and where opportunities for growth and development are accessible to all.

Minister Lewis sympathized with those affected by the events and assured the residents of the Dutch Quarter that efforts are being made to restore normalcy and safety to the area as quickly as possible.

Minister Lewis called for unity and cooperation, stressing the importance of building a community based on mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration Read more

Lewis Announces Air Conditioning Units For Four Elementary Schools

PHILPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Education, Mr. Lyndon Lewis, has announced the purchase of air conditioning units for four elementary schools in St. Maarten. This significant step underscores Minister Lewiss commitment to fulfilling his promises to both the schools and their union, ensuring that the well-being of students and educators remains a top priority.

The four schools are Martin Luther King Jr School, Dr Read more

Meeting Between Ecys And Nsi

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Cabinet of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) met with the National Sports Institute (NSI) and its new Director Jisk Goslinga this week. The cabinet on behalf of the Minister of ECYS Lyndon Lewis.

The meeting focussed on the structure of the NSI, but particularly on the upgrading and maintenance of the sporting facilities Read more

Unified Against Violence: Ensuring The Security Of St. Maarten

My dear people of St. Maarten, Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart to address a grave and tragic event that has shaken our community to its core. Last evening, starting in the Cupecoy area, an act of violence was committed against the leader of the Oualichi Movement for Change (OMC), Mr. Olivier Arrindell, and his family. At noon today, I met with the Public Prosecutor, management of KPSM (Police Department), the VSDM (National Security Service), Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis, and President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams to receive a full debrief and discuss the most recent developments. Mr Read more

Minister Lewis Strongly Condemns All Forms Of Violence

The Honorable Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis was briefed by the Acting Chief of Police, inspector Shadira Gysbertha regarding a distressing shooting incident that occurred *yesterday evening*. The event left four victims; three were urgently transported to Sint Maarten Medical Center for medical attention, while tragically, one individual was found deceased at the scene. “It appears that these heinous acts may have been politically motivated,” as one of the victims includes Olivier Arrindell, the leader of the Oualichi Movement for Change (OMC) party. Minister Lewis strongly condemns all forms of violence, particularly if it was driven by political motives. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into this matter, and we will ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law 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

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

Draft Legislation For Crime Fund, Presented To Minister Of Justice, Lyndon Lewis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Justice reached a significant milestone, as the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, was presented with the draft legislation for the Crime Fund. This development marks a crucial step towards modernizing and improving the management, supervision, and accountability of the Crime Fund, an area identified as lacking in the current, outdated legislation. This initiative is also a part of the broader country package measure aimed at enhancing the efficiency and oversight of the Crime Fund.

The draft legislation was prepared by a dedicated group of civil servants, who undertook this project as their final assignment to achieve certification as legislative lawyers, a program offered to them by the Caribbean Center for Legislation.

The Minister of Justice expressed profound gratitude to the civil servants for their hard work and dedication 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

Minister Lewis Meets With Halt Foundation Representatives

THE NETHERLANDS — On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Honorable Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Lyndon Lewis, accompanied by his delegation in the Hague, the Netherlands, held an introductory meeting with representatives from the Halt Het Alternative (The alternative) foundation, Ms Read more

Minister Lewis To Host MeetAnd Greet In The Netherlands

The Honorable Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Culture Lyndon Lewis will host a meet and greet at the St. Maarten House in the Netherlands.

The Minister is looking forward to meeting with St. Maarteners in general in the Netherlands, students included. The session will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Read more

Minister Lewis Re-Assures Prison Personnel,Says Political Game-Playing Has No Place

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis re-assured personnel at the Point Blanche prison, as he did when he took office, that all their concerns have his fullest attention and to be careful with politicians who will seek to gain political mileage on the serious issues they (prison personnel) are contending with.

One of the first things the Minister did when taking office was to meet with prison management about several pressing issues and seek a responsible and prudent way forward 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