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All Businesses Told To Close, Essential Services Can Open

PHILIPSBURG--In an effort to ensure the safety of the public and employees of businesses during the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten decided that all businesses, with the exception of essential services, had to close by 11:00pm Monday night to minimise movement on the public road.

Essential services that can remain open are emergency services; gas stations that service vehicles needed for essential services; pharmacies (concerning the sale of medicines/medical products); hotels and guesthouses, including stores and restaurants located in them; funeral parlours; the airport and the harbour, including the stores located in them.

Public transportation was allowed to operate until 1:00am Tuesday, August 13.

In a national address on Monday evening, Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina said the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) had met at midday Monday to assess the current situation and to review national preparations.

Schools are to remain closed on Tuesday Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 12 August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 13 August 2024TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN...A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICEWEATHER:This afternoon: Partly cloudy with light haze, becoming cloudy and breezy at times with brief local showers.Tonight through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:41 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:54 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East-northeasterly to northeasterly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 10 to 20 mph, and occasional higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Patches of moisture tracking over the island, ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone #5 will cause brief showers across the local area Read more

Audience member Carlvin Brooks asks a question about the role and future of the islands university, during Fridays session at USM. The candidates who attended the session signed a pledge to publicly support USMs advancement.

PHILIPSBURG--University of St. Martin (USM) Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Gale Rigobert urged the countrys leaders to support the advancement of the university, declaring, USM cannot continue to be held hostage by its past.

She made the remarks to candidates vying for seats in the upcoming St Read more

VROMI Cabinet Policy Advisor Luciano Nicholls inspecting the landslide from the roof of a home in Ebenezer.

PHILIPSBURG--The Cabinet of the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI on Sunday inspected two areas in South Reward and Ebenezer where a road and a retaining wall collapsed following heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Cassava Road in South Reward was one of several roads that were recently paved in the governments hard-surfacing programme, but this road and parts of the area have partially collapsed, according to a press release issued by the VROMI Cabinet on Sunday night.

The press release cited pooling water on the road surface, lack of a retaining wall and proper drainage, and a large amount of rainfall within a short period of time as reasons for the collapse Read more

...CAZADORES DE HURACANES DE LA NOAA QUE INVESTIGAN ACTUALMENTE EL PERTURBACIN...

Potencial de Cicln Tropical Cinco Advertencia Intermedia Nmero 3A

Centro Nacional de Huracanes del SNM Miami FL AL052024

800 AM AST lunes 12 de agosto de 2024

 RESUMEN DE 800 AM AST...1200 UTC...INFORMACIN

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UBICACIN...14.6N 54.3W

ALREDEDOR 525 MI...845 KM ESE DE ANTIGUA

ALREDEDOR 830 MI...1335 KM ESE DE SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO

VIENTOS MXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...30 MPH...45 KM/H

MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...O 280 GRADOS A 26 MPH...43 KM/H

PRESIN CENTRAL MNIMA...1009 MB...29.80 PULGADAS

VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS

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CAMBIOS CON ESTA ADVERTENCIA:

 El gobierno de Antigua ha actualizado la Vigilancia de Tormenta Tropical a un Aviso de Tormenta Tropical para Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St Read more

...NOAA HURRICANE HUNTERS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING THE DISTURBANCE...

 Potential Tropical Cyclone Five Intermediate Advisory Number 3A

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL052024

800 AM AST Mon Aug 12 2024

 SUMMARY OF 800 AM AST...1200 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...14.6N 54.3W

ABOUT 525 MI...845 KM ESE OF ANTIGUA

ABOUT 830 MI...1335 KM ESE OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 280 DEGREES AT 26 MPH...43 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1009 MB...29.80 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The government of Antigua has upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St Read more

New Fleet Of 10 Emergency Vehicles Delivered To Ambulance, Fire Dept.

One of the new vehicles.

 

CAY HILL--A new fleet of ten emergency vehicles has been delivered to the St. Maarten Fire and Ambulance Department, marking another milestone in the countrys recovery and disaster preparedness, the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) has announced.

The fleet includes seven specialised command, fire brigade and fire service vehicles and three vehicles for the ambulance service.

The Fire Department has received four Toyota Land Cruisers, two Toyota Hilux and one Toyota Hi-Ace, whilst the ambulance department has received three Toyota Land Cruisers Read more

St. Maarten Now Under Ts Watch, Parties Asked To Remove Billboards

Potential rainfall

 

PHILIPSBURG--A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for St. Maarten late Sunday afternoon as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five races toward the Leeward Islands as a developing storm.

As of 11:00pm Sunday, the centre of Potential Tropical Cyclone Five was located near latitude 14.1 North, longitude 50.1 West, or approximately 910 miles east-southeast of St. Maarten.

The system, which is expected to become Tropical Storm Ernesto by late Monday, is moving toward the west-northwest at a brisk 23 miles per hour (mph) and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days.

Based on the current forecast track, its closest point of approach will be approximately 30 miles south of St Read more

Opening Of School Delayed Due To Expected Inclement Weather

PHILIPSBURG--The scheduled reopening of schools on Monday has been delayed as a result of the inclement weather that St Maarten is expecting.

 The closure was announced by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis on Sunday.

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 DATE ISSUED: Friday, 09 August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 10 August 2024 WEATHER:This afternoon: Partly cloudy and slightly breezy with light haze and brief isolated showers.Tonight through Saturday midday: Cloudy and slightly breezy with scattered showers. Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79F Sunset Today: 6:43 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:54 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Saturday midday: East-northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph, and higher gusts possible. SYNOPSIS: Increased moisture and instability associated with a passing tropical wave will account for isolated showers Read more

Grisha Grants Ezair Route Authorisation

PHILIPSBURG--The apparent stand-off between St. Maarten and Curaao over route authorisation for EZAir B.V. seems to have come to an amicable solution.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has granted the Curaao airline, EZAir BV route authorisation to fly to St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Thursday 8th August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 9th August 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot and humid.Tonight, through Friday midday: Warm and hazy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:43 P.M.                    Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 14 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: The concentration of Saharan dust starts increasing gradually from this evening, reducing both visibility and air quality Read more

Gumbs Announces 2.1% Aps Pension Increase

APS building

CAY HILL--Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs on Wednesday morning announced that APS pension will be indexed by 2.1% retroactively to January 1.

  She told reporters at the live Council of Ministers press briefing that the adjustment is a result of APS coverage ratio of 109% at the end of 2023.

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

Nrpb Clarifies Misinformation About Public Tender For Repair Works

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Questions have been recently raised about a foreign company being awarded a contract by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) to repair twelve (12) school gyms, but much of the information circulating regarding the process has been misleading or inaccurate.

The NRPB finds it unfortunate that some have implied a breach of integrity by its staff, as by law the organization and its personnel have strictly adhered to the World Banks rules when awarding contracts, selecting the most suitable bidder for the job Read more

Emmanuel: Waste To Energy Will Solve Energy And Landfill Crisis, Create Jobs

We should not move in the opposite direction of the world

The islands growing waste and energy crisis not only threatens its ecological health and the overall economy, but the very well-being of its residents. To address this, St. Maarten should be turning to an innovative solution: waste-to-energy (WtE) technology. This technology promises not only to manage waste sustainably but also to generate clean energy, reduce landfill volumes, and create hundreds of jobs, providing a much-needed economic boost.

MP Christophe Emmanuel, leader of the Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Party, the driving force behind the EnviroGreen Project initiated in 2016, has long championed the waste-to-energy solution Read more

Containerised Generators Should Be Operational Aug. 13, Says Pm

The containerised generators.

CAY BAY--The seven containerised 10MW engines that arrived in St Maarten mid-July are
expected to be put into operation by August 13, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced on
Wednesday.

Read more

Mercelina Discussing What Relief Is Possible For Gebe Consumers

PM Dr. Luc Mercelina.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said on Wednesday that he is cognizant of the
impact that the current energy crisis is having on consumers and as a result he has been engaged
in discussions with utilities company GEBE to see what relief is possible for clients.
He made the remarks in response to a question from The Daily Herald during the live Council
of Ministers press briefing.
We realise that the people of St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 7th August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 8th August 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot and humid.Tonight, through Thursday midday: Warm with isolated showers.Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:43 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 6 to 16 mph.SYNOPSIS: Generally stable conditions restrict significant shower activity and support hot and humid conditions across the region Read more

Ottley Facilitates Meeting Among Dq Leaders, Lewis And Top Cop

A member of the Dutch Quarter community (third left) shaking hands with Police Chief Carl John (second right) following the meeting between community leaders and police on Tuesday, while UP leader MP Omar Ottley who facilitated the meeting (second from the left) looks on.

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DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 6th August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 7th August 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot and humid.Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Hot and humid. Brief showers are possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:44 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 16 mph.SYNOPSIS: Stable conditions persist and limit showers Read more

A.T. Illidge Road Reopened-Dutch Quarter Moves Closer To Upgraded Sewage System

DUTCH QUARTER, Sint Maarten — One week ahead of schedule, the public is able to drive the complete length of A.T. Illidge Road once again. Following a 4-week long closure, which diverted traffic through Middle Region, the Ministry of VROMI is proud to announce the completion of planned works as part of the larger Dutch Quarter Sewage Project.

The project included cutting and excavation works of road pavement and trenches, demolishing part of the road, demolishing and removing the old pump pit 2, backfilling demolished pump pit 2, installing sewerage pits and sewerage pipes as well as sewerage pressure lines, update electrical, water and fiber utilities, backfill and compact trenches and pits, and installing road pavement and sidewalks.

In the coming weeks a few enhancements will be made including the installation of mirrors and speed bumps Read more