SXMElections.com

New YearS Message And Conference Update From Csa President Rhoda Arrindell

Dear CSA Members and Friends,

On behalf of the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA), I extend warm wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year. May 2025 bring harmony and inspiration to our lives and communities.

As we prepare for the upcoming CSA annual conference in St. Martin, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates. The Executive Committee, Program Committee, Local Organizing Committee, and many others are working tirelessly to create an unforgettable conference experience.

Our host venue is the Simpson Bay Resort (SBR), which is offering anearly-bird specialon room rates Read more

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Smfc Wishes Everyone A Positive, Energetically Whealthy And Prosperous New Year..

St Peters, Sint Maarten SMFC would like to wish the general public a Blessed & WHealthly 2025.SMFC would like to wish everyone a positive, energetically WHealth and prosperous 2025.

On Saturday Jan11, 2025, The St Maarten Farmers Cooperative will be hosting its first official market for 2025.This weekend, the community will be able to get their hands on great wholesome produce and products once again from their dedicated community farmers and product developers.

At the market this Saturday, a variety of items will be available such as, fresh cold press juices, local eggnog, banana bread, baked jonny cakes with chick peas, veggie soup, plants and gardening materials Read more

Former Mp Akeem Arrindell Sentenced To 18 Months, Banned From Holding Public Office

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten A former St. Maarten Member of Parliament (MP) has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from serving as a civil servant or standing for elections for six and a half years in a vote-buying case. The ban period is the maximum as set out in the countrys criminal laws.

The Court of First Instance delivered its verdict on Wednesday morning in the case brought by the Prosecutors Office (OM SXM) against former MP A.A. and two co-suspects. The sentences reflect the gravity of the offense and its significant impact on public trust in democracy.

M, a co-suspect, received a 12-month sentence, with four months conditional, and a three-year probation period.

F, another co-suspect, was ordered to complete 180 hours of community service, with 90 hours conditional, along with a three-year probation period.

OM SXM believes the courts ruling sends a stern warning against attempts to undermine democracy in Sint Maarten Read more

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Minister Brug Warns Against Unnecessary Unrest In Our Community

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug warns against unnecessary unrest in our community. As flu season is upon us, rumors and misinformation can easily spread panic. However, Minister Brug emphasizes the importance of relying on accurate information backed by data from the ministry of Public Health, specifically from the department of Collective Prevention Services (CPS).

Amidst the current flu season, parts of China are dealing with what is referred to as the HMPV outbreak Read more

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Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten Signs Agreement For Philipsburg Beautification Masterplan

Philipsburg In a step towards ongoing efforts towards the revitalization of St. Maarten as a premier tourist destination, the Minister Heyliger-Marten proudly announces the signing of an assignment with Designers Choice. This decision follows a public tender process aimed at selecting a qualified vendor to execute two projects: the Philipsburg Beautification Masterplan and the Soualiga Routes initiative.

The Beautification Masterplan is set to inject new life into Philipsburg through strategic design enhancements and artistic features, making the town an appealing hub for locals and visitors Read more

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Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina New YearS Address 2025

By the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina

Good day to my people of St. Maarten, this great nation of ours.

Happy New Year to you and our visitors!

The clock has struck midnight, and we have officially welcomed 2025. I greet you with warmth and gratitude as we embark on this new journey together, full of hope and determination Read more

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Half-Masting Of Flags On Monday In Tribute To Former Prime Minister Don Martina

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The Government of Sint Maarten expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Dominico Felipe Martina, better known as Don Martina, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, a statesman whose legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and vision left an indelible mark within the former Netherlands Antilles. In honor of his contributions, the national flags at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg will be flying half-mast on the day of his funeral being Monday, December 30, 2024.

The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr Read more

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Voluntary Interruption Of Drinking Water Production In Saint-Martin

An unacceptable hostage of the population and the tourist economy

The SAUR Group strongly condemns the voluntary interruption of drinking water production on the island of Saint-Martin, which occurred on December 23, 2024 This action was carried out by seven SAUR Saint-Martin agents following instructions from UGTG Guadeloupe, resulting in the shutting down of the island’s only water production plant.

The gesture was accompanied by the illegal removal of essential boxes when the installation was restarted, putting the entire population in a situation of health, humanitarian and economic emergency.

Although pedestrian access to the Galisbay site was possible on December 23, the strikers proceeded the next day to complete and reinforced closure of the site, preventing any attempts to restart the water production plant Read more

Traffic Lights Up And Running

PHILIPSBURG Nearly 6 months following their damage, the traffic lights at the entrance to Philipsburg have been restored and enhanced.

The Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs was on hand last night to switch on the lights along with the Secretary General Kenson Plaisimond and Chief of Staff Luciano Nicholls.

Gumbs stated that the functioning traffic lights are not a milestone, but that the restoration includes a shift to renewable energy in the shape of an emergency back up system that will make use of solar energy Read more

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Vromi Booth Addresses Backlog, Draws Public Appreciation

PHILIPSBURG The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) reports a positive outcome from its participation in Philipsburg Becomes Magical on December 21st and 22nd at Cyrus Wathey Square.

Over the two-day event, the VROMI Booth attracted a steady flow of visitors who engaged with ministry representatives on a variety of topics. Attendees received updates on key projects, inquired about permit applications and long lease requests, and took advantage of the opportunity to have their questions addressed directly by VROMI staff.

The Permits Department handled 51 inquiries for status updates, 15 general questions, and the Domain Department (long lease) addressed 30 requests Read more

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Soul Beach Music Festival Returns To Its Roots In St. Maarten In 2025

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten The Soul Beach Music Festival is coming back to St. Maarten, where it began in the Caribbean as the Sinbad Soul Music Festival in 1995.

The popular music festival held usually during the US Memorial Day weekend, thereafter became an annual feature of Arubas tourism offerings for almost a quarter of a century.

We are most excited to welcome the Soul Beach Music Festival back to St. Maarten, announced Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.

Those who remember its beginning here as the Sinbad Soul Music Festival will recall the buzz and impact it had in attracting especially African-American tourists to our island Read more

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Extended Profit Tax Filing For Approved Taxpayers And Holiday Closure Announcement

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The Inspectorate of Taxes hereby announces that taxpayers who were previously granted an extension until Tuesday, December 31, 2024, for the filing and payment (if applicable) of their 2023 Profit Tax Return, are now provided an extended deadline of Friday, January 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Taxpayers who fall under this extension are urged to take note of this updated deadline and ensure timely filing and payment to remain in compliance.

The 2023 Final Profit Tax Return and 2023 Final Profit Tax Form are available on the Tax Administrations website at www.tax.sx under the Documents tab Read more

Inspectorate Vsa Conducts Inspection At Smmc

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On December 18, 2024, The Inspectorate of VSA conducted an inspection at the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) following a complaint received on November 28, 2024, regarding water issues in the sterilization room.

During the inspection water samples were taken from four tap-points in the sterilization room to determine if there was any form of cross-contamination in the water lines. The adjoining room, surrounding areas as well as the sewage water holding tank was inspected.

We were informed that indeed there was an incident with water getting into the sterilization room Read more

Kadaster Honors Marie De Weever, Austin Philips For Decades Of Dedicated Service

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Kadaster and Land Registry Office proudly celebrated the exceptional contributions of two of its longest-serving staff members, Marie de Weever and Austin Philips, whose combined service spans an impressive 80 years. De Weever, with 55 years of service, and Philips, with 25 years, were honored during a heartfelt staff appreciation evening at Simpson Bay Resort.

Recently appointed Kadaster Director, Benjamin Ortega, highlighted the importance of recognizing these milestones, which not only mark personal achievements but also symbolize Kadasters commitment to community and excellence Read more

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Minister Plenipotentiary At Opening Exhibition 70 Years Statute

THE NETHERLANDS, THE HAGUE Tuesday, 17 December, the exhibition ‘The Kingdom of the Netherlands: Connected in Diversity” was opened on the premises of the Second Chamber in The Hague by the Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Martin Bosman. St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell and Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao Carlton Emanuel were among the invitees.

The initiative celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Statute for the Kingdom of the Netherlands that still regulates the relationship between the constituent parts of the Kingdom, now consisting of the Netherlands and autonomous countries Curacao, Aruba and St Read more

The Wait Is Over: Pool Draw Results Announced For Business Hoops Sxm 2025!

PHILIPSBURG The stage is set, and the pools are locked in for Business Hoops SXM 2025, the premier business basketball competition scheduled to take place from January 26th to February 2nd, 2025 at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium.

Basketball enthusiasts, brace yourselves for the ultimate showdown as business teams take the court. The highly anticipated pool draw took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, determining the matchups and setting the stage for intense competition.

Assigned to Pool 1, Pool 2, and Pool 3, the race to the top begins now! Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, leading to the ultimate battle for the championship Read more

Pond Island, Philipsburg The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) has made history with its first-ever participation in the thrilling “Beat the Marines” challenge. The event brought together 15 teams to showcase endurance, teamwork, and resilience. The Honorable Minister of VSA, Mr. Richinel Brug and the Ministrys team proudly represented its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering team spirit and perseverance.

The team, consisting of Minister Brug alongside team captain Sharilyn Bryson, Jamie Mourilion, Cheyenne Gumbs, Shobhan Giterson, Michael Sommersal, and Herbert Martina, successfully tackled the demanding obstacle course Read more

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Ser Sint Maarten Pays A Visit To Ser Netherlands And Provides Updates On Pending Advice.

THE HAGUE— On December 6, 2024, a delegation led by Harlec Doran, Chairman of the Social Economic Council (SER) of Sint Maarten, made an introductory visit to the SER in The Hague. The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Kim Putters, Chairman of the SER of the Netherlands. This meeting marked another significant step toward reestablishing the close collaboration between the two advisory bodies, originally initiated in 2012 by Ren A Read more

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Seniors To Expect Increased Aov Pension Payment As Of January 1St, 2025

PHILIPSBURGMinister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug signs off on Old Age Pension (AOV) increase. The AOV pension increase is set to go into effect January 1st, 2025. The maximum payout for seniors will be raised from NAf1,338,- to NAf1398,-.

I am happy to announce that management of SZV confirmed that they are currently making the necessary changes to ensure timely payment Read more

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Chamber Of Commerce Election Results 2024

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry announces the results for the Board of Directors Election, which was held on Friday, December 6th, 2024.

The opening positions on the board were 1 Small Business representative and 2 Large Business representatives. There were four candidates vying for the Small Business category and two candidates for the Large Business category.

On completion of the analysis of the votes cast, the results were as follows:

For Small Businesses: Ms Read more

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Minister Brug Meets With Nrpb To Discuss New Mental Health Facility Construction

PHILIPSBURG — Recently sworn in Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug held an introductory meeting with Director and staff of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) last week.

The meeting focused on the construction of a new Mental Health facility for the Mental Health Foundation, a project under the purview of NRPB financed via the Sint Maarten Trust Fund Read more

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Concerns Over GreenpeaceS Actions In Bonaire

Subject: Concerns Over Greenpeace’s Actions in Bonaire

In commemoration with the United Nations International Human Rights Day, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization makes the following declaration:

We are writing to express deep concern over the recent activities of Greenpeace in Bonaire, particularly regarding their targeting of our vulnerable local population. Greenpeace has been operating for just a few years on Bonaire that raises serious questions about their intentions and methods Read more

Ministry Of Vromi Secures 1.9Million For StormwaterInfrastructure And Pumps

PHILIPSBURG The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce that it has successfully secured a 1.9 million subsidy from the Dutch Government. This funding represents a crucial step in addressing key operational and infrastructure challenges within the Ministry and underscores the ongoing partnership between our Government and the Netherlands.

Following a formal request submitted by the Ministry between June and August this year, the funds were transferred to the Government’s accounts Read more

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Court Of Appeal Upholds Prison Sentences In Seabass Fraud Case

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Court of Appeal has sentenced M.D. to 48 months in prison and J.C.L. to 21 months for their involvement in the Seabass investigation, a corruption case that exposed fraud and money laundering within the ICT Department of Sint Maarten government.

In the case of M.D. the Court of Appeal confirmed that the country was defrauded of approximately US$ 4.4 million and NAf 1.1 million over a nine-year period Read more