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Pm Orders Audit After One Minister Racks Up $8 Million Cell Phone Bill

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered an audit of all cell phone bills of Cabinet Ministers.

Holness, who issued the order ahead of Tuesday’s sitting of Parliament, said the issue of communication costs and high cellular phone bills being incurred for roaming and data charges, had to be addressed.

This comes in the wake of a recent report that Finance Minister Audley Shaw had cell phone bills amounting to J$8.3 million.

Coming from the meeting, it was acknowledged that there was no standard, clear and consistent policy being applied across government regarding the treatment of communication expenses for Ministers and Ministers of State.

According to Holness, the situation is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately in order to confirm the accuracy of information in the public domain.

He has also directed the Ministry of Finance to review and report on the respective policies for the provision of communication services including cell phones, operating in the various Ministries.

The Prime Minister added that this will allow Cabinet to make a comprehensive decision on how communication services and expenses for Ministers are treated.

He also directed that cellular phone expenses be capped.

The Ministry of Finance has been tasked to advise the Prime Minister, within a week, on the appropriate amount for the cap to be paid by each ministry for the Minister’s cellular phone bills Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Why even bother at this time to write about the qualifications of a parliamentarian when the next parliamentary election is all the way in 2020? Sadly, this has been the mentality in the past that has led us to vote for persons based, on friendship, family ties, and family tradition, instead of looking at the qualifications, qualities, and experience of the candidates.

One of the reasons why we have not paid much attention to the qualifications of parliamentarians is because, during election time, our politicians campaign as if they were running to become ministers in government Read more

Premiums will increase which the private sector has problems with --- Finance Minister --- SHTA objecting to high cost.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Health Emil Lee reacted to the statements made by the SHTA on the implementation of the National Health Insurance ( NHI) which they also requested be postponed. Minister Lee made clear that he do believe the discussion on the NHI is a good discussion because everyone deserves to have quality healthcare Read more

Sewage Truck Driver Demanding Apology, Possible Court Case Pending.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of VROMI Christopher Emmanuel shed some light on the video and photograph that was taken of a sewage truck driver that was seen dumping on the landfill. Emmanuel said after conducting an investigation it turned out that the truck driver in question was not dumping raw sewage on the dump but in fact, the driver was working for government who contracted him to clean drainage pit in the Dutch Quarter/ Belvedere area in preparation for the 2017 hurricane season.
The Minister said that the driver was dumping on the landfill legally because he pays to sludge in a specific area Read more

The project will take 18 months to construct--- Agreement with Synergy annulled.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of VROMI has made some headway in getting a waste to energy plant on St. Maarten which would probably eliminate the fires at the dumpsite and also decrease the size of the ‘hill’ on Pond Island. The Minister announced on Wednesday that he signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with a company to deal with the garbage situation on St. Maarten. In a separate interview with SMN News Minister Emmanuel said that some 17/18 companies submitted proposals to the Department of VROMI but only four of them really mentioned the landfill (dump) in their proposals in terms of remediating and taking care of the landfill Read more

[Video] Speech Of Prime Minister Marlin At The United Nations

Below is the speech of Prime Minister William Marlin at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in New York.

Mr. Chairman,

Ladies and gentlemen

I bring you greetings from Sint Maarten one of the 4 autonomous countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Each of the four countries wholeheartedly embraces the Agenda 2030 and has its own political reality and therefore faces its own peculiar challenges, but we all share the belief that the key to success in attaining the SDGs lies in our willingness to form partnerships at the national, regional and international levels.

We have just presented our Voluntary National Review to the United Nations, which outlines the steps we have taken in implementing the SDG’s.

St Read more

New York/ PHILIPSBURG:--- Madam Chair, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
I bring you greetings from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and particularly from Sint Maarten one of the 4 autonomous countries of the Kingdom.
Each of the four countries wholeheartedly embraces the Agenda 2030 and has its own political reality and therefore faces its own peculiar challenges, but we all share the belief that the key to success in attaining the SDGs lies in our willingness to form partnerships at the national, regional and international levels.
We have just presented our Voluntary National Review to the United Nations, which outlines the steps we have taken in implementing the SDG’s.
St Read more

The St. Maarten Community Collective Signs Agreement With Mpc For The Use Of The Outdoor Basketball Court

SOUTH REWARD – The St. Maarten Community Collective, South Reward celebrated another milestone event for the community on Sunday afternoon when the MOU between the community association and the Milton Peters College was finally signed for the use of the outdoor basketball court. Speeches were done by Community Collective South Reward’s President Mrs. Zahira Hilliman-Marmar, facility manager Mr Richard Woods, Professional basketball player Mr. Patrick Hilliman and community collective treasurer Ms Read more

SOUTH REWARD:----The St. Maarten Community Collective, South Reward celebrated another milestone event for the community on Sunday afternoon when the MOU between the community association and the Milton Peters College was finally signed for the use of the outdoor basketball court.

Speeches were done by Community Collective South Reward's President Mrs. Zahira Hilliman-Marmar, facility manager Mr. Richard Woods, Professional basketball player Mr. Patrick Hilliman and community collective treasurer Ms Read more

MULLET BAY:--- Marc van Iersel has won the 2017 Club Champion Match Play competition of the St. Maarten Golf Association SMGA. This annual tournament, better known as the ‘Thomas R. Smith Challenge Cup’ is named after one of its founders and honorable member Tom Smith.

During a very exciting final between Marc Van Iersel and Jan Peter Holtland, Van Iersel was able to clinch the title and go 2UP with one hole to play after winning both holes 16 and 17 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Philipsburg - The Ministers of Finance of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, as representatives of the Entitled Asset holders, as well as the other ministers of the government and the members of the parliament of Sint Maarten, were offered a walkthrough of the Central Bank’s office in Sint Maarten, which is currently being renovated.

With the introduction of the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten on October 10, 2010, the CBCS office on Sint Maarten was established to carry out the tasks specified in the Central Bank Charter for Curaçao and Sint Maarten Read more

History Of The Concrete Road Divider At Maho Beach

Firstly, my deepest condolences to the family of the lady that tragically lost her life last week attempting to “surf the jet blast.” It is hoped that their loss will serve as a reminder to all who HAVE ventured and to those who undoubtedly WILL venture to participate in this dangerous “sport,” that this can be deadly!

Standing on the actual beach sand West of the road according to me, will give you the same “rush” and if you get “blown,” you will fall on sand. In a worst case scenario, you may get blown into the Caribbean Sea.

So all you Jet Blast Surfers that cannot swim, WEAR A WATER LIFE JACKET before attempting the jet blast thrill.

I am not a lawyer (obviously) and certainly not an “ambulance chaser,” but for the life of me I cannot understand how anybody else except the adult that engages in the “sport “ is responsible for such an accident, taking into consideration all the signs and precautions put in place by the SXM Airport PJIA Read more

Marcellia Henry, New Rotary Assistant Governor For St. Maarten, St. Martin, St, Barth And Anguilla

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Marcellia Henry, a two time President of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, is the new the Assistant Governor for St. Maarten, St. Martin, St, Barth and Anguilla Areas.

Ms. Henry who has been a Rotarian since July 2008, is a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and was honored by her club with the Rising Star Award in 2008 and Rotarian of the Year in 2010, will be functioning in this capacity for the Rotary year 2017-2018.

As Assistant Governor some of her responsibilities will include: visiting each club regularly, and meeting with the club president and club leadership to discuss the business of the club and resources available to them; assisting club leaders in scheduling and planning for the governor’s official visit; keeping the governor informed on progress of the clubs and suggesting ways to enhance Rotary development and address concerns/problems; monitoring each club’s performance with respect to service projects; and identifying and encouraging the development of future district leaders.

As Assistant Governor, Marcellia Henry will support District  Governor Dr Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Posh Productions welcomed Mrs. Haiti International Judith “Judy” Leger to an intimate discussion on her platform "Domestic Violence" last Friday at the Carl & Sons Lounge in Philipsburg.

“Mrs. Leger, Mrs. Haiti International 2017/2018 reached out through mutual parties and advised that she was coming to St. Maarten and would like an opportunity to meet with the reigning Queens and or any young ladies who are a part of Posh programs.
I decided to create the opportunity for the queens and those aspiring to compete for the 2018 crowns, an opportunity to meet a Queen who will be competing on an international level” explained Founder and CEO of Posh Productions Mrs Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Marcellia Henry, a two time President of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, is the new the Assistant Governor for St. Maarten, St. Martin, St, Barth and Anguilla Areas.

Ms. Henry who has been a Rotarian since July 2008, is a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and was honored by her club with the Rising Star Award in 2008 and Rotarian of the Year in 2010, will be functioning in this capacity for the Rotary year 2017-2018.

As Assistant Governor some of her responsibilities will include: visiting each club regularly, and meeting with the club president and club leadership to discuss the business of the club and resources available to them; assisting club leaders in scheduling and planning for the governor’s official visit; keeping the governor informed on progress of the clubs and suggesting ways to enhance Rotary development and address concerns/problems; monitoring each club’s performance with respect to service projects; and identifying and encouraging the development of future district leaders.

As Assistant Governor, Marcellia Henry will support District Governor Dr Read more

St. Maarten At High Level Un Forum.

Prime Minister Marlin forms part of Dutch Kingdom delegation

Great Bay:--- St. Maarten is joining other countries comprising the Dutch Kingdom, attending the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) being held in New York. This United Nations event serves as a central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed upon in 2015. Some forty-four UN member States are represented at this event and will be presenting their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) of the 2030 Agenda.

Conference Theme
The theme of the conference is “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world".

The set of goals being reviewed in depth will be to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalizing a Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

National Reviews
During the forum, countries present their VNRs, wherein their state and means of implementation of the SDGs agenda are documented Read more

Update: Gold And Silver Found At Lagoon Entrance And Beacon Hill Area

UPDATE MINISTER PRESS RELEASE: (click here) Underwater Cultural (Archaeological) Heritage

~ A source told us: It’s not April 1st fool story but real gold and silver found in St Maarten waters ~

SIMPSON BAY – On July 14, a man with the Facebook name Capi PirateMarko, posted that he was detained questioning, and held for approximately 2 hours at the police station in Simpson Bay.

In his Facebook post, Capi PirateMarko said he was arrested on July 13, for 2.5 hours after he and some students were practicing open water dive skills in an area at the entrance of the Simpson Bay lagoon Read more

The Rotary Club Of St. Maarten-Mid Isle Change Of Board

SIMPSON BAY, St. Maarten - As the end of ‘The Rotary Year 2016-2017’ came to an end Mid Isle held their Change of Board celebration at ‘The Zoo Rock Café’.

President Veronica Jansen-Webster had several personal and career challenges to face this year and thanked her outgoing board and fellow members of Mid Isle for their unimaginable and overwhelming support for helping her to pull off a successful year.

President Veronica reflected on some of the club’s achievementS for the year Read more

The Rotary Club Of St. Maarten-Mid Isle Change Of Board

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — As the end of ‘The Rotary Year 2016-2017’ came to an end Mid Isle held their Change of Board celebration at ‘The Zoo Rock Café’.

President Veronica Jansen-Webster had several personal and career challenges to face this year and thanked her outgoing board and fellow members of Mid Isle for their unimaginable and overwhelming support for helping her to pull off a successful year.

President Veronica reflected on some of the club’s achievementS for the year Read more

Organic Law can work for St. Martin – people have to come together in the interest of the country.

Marigot:---- Dignitaries that attended the Bastille Day celebration on Friday braved the rain and walked from the Catholic Church to the Collectivity of St. Martin with their umbrellas to lay wreaths at the memorial site in the garden of the Collectivity of St. Martin after which they moved to the Marigot waterfront where the official speeches were pronounced as St. Martin celebrated the annual Bastille Day and its 10th anniversary since gaining their new status.
Those that joined the French dignitaries for the annual celebration where Governor Eugene Holiday along with First Lady Marie- Louise, President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams and Deputy Prime Minister Rafael Boasman.
Wreaths were laid by the representatives of the veterans, President of the Collectivity Daniel Gibbes, Senator Guillaume Arnel, Deputy Claire Javois, and Sous Prefette Anne Laubies.
President Daniel Gibbs said that an audit will be done for the Collectivity both for the staff and finances in order for his government to execute the projects they committed themselves to Read more

Pond Island:---TELEM Group workers, both old and new put on an amazing show of affection for retiring colleague, Stanley David, during a heartwarming surprise celebration Friday last.

Billed as a small farewell event from his co-workers in the company’s Customer Care Department, the event turned into a “Hollywood-type” production with photo slide shows, video tributes, recorded messages from overseas, songs and kind words from family, friends and TelEm Group’s top executives, including CEO Kendall Dupersoy.
The highlight of the gathering, however, was the attendance of many of Mr Read more

POND ISLAND:--- On Friday, July 7th, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), Ms. Silveria Jacobs met with Mr. Ki-Mani Olivacce, founder of the Back 2 School Drive, to discuss the vision and projection of the project. The Back to School Drive is a project, 16-year-old Ki-Mani Olivacce began in 2016. The drive is geared towards students who are in foster care, as well as for students whose parents are unable to provide the school materials and supplies every year for their child or children Read more

The Ministry Of Education, Culture, Youth And Sport Supports The Back To School Drive

POND ISLAND – On Friday, July 7th, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), Ms. Silveria Jacobs met with Mr. Ki-Mani Olivacce, founder of the Back 2 School Drive, to discuss the vision and projection of the project. The Back to School Drive is a project, 16-year-old Ki-Mani Olivacce began in 2016. The drive is geared towards students who are in foster care, as well as for students whose parents are unable to provide the school materials and supplies every year for their child or children Read more

Trinidad Pm Warns West Indies Cricket Could “Destroy” Caricom

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has warned that the situation regarding the state of West Indies cricket had the potential to “destroy” the regional integration grouping, CARICOM, because of the differences among the regional leaders on the issue.

Rowley said he was surprised when he did not see the matter of West Indies cricket on the agenda for the just concluded 38th meeting of Heads of Government in Grenada last week and “I tried to ask whether it could be put back on the agenda and interestingly enough when I raised it Read more