SXMElections.com

Havana sees no sign Obama will change policy on Cuba

HAVANA--Cuba has received no indication the Obama administration might change U.S. policy toward Cuba despite increasing support within the United States for closer ties, a top Cuban official said on Wednesday.

"We don't have those indications (of any policy change)," Josefina Vidal, chief of the Cuban foreign ministry's U.S. division, told reporters in Havana after attending a forum discussing the U.S Read more

Second Chamber ready to pass islands’ electoral law

THE HAGUE--The road has been cleared for the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament to approve the law proposal enabling non-Dutch nationals in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba to vote in the March 2015 Island Council elections and to also be elected into the Island Council until Island Council members acquire the right to co-elect the members of the First Chamber, the Senate, once the Dutch Constitution has been amended.

Voting on the law proposal to amend the Electoral Law (Kieswet) and the law regulating the public entities Bonaire, St Read more

Dock Maarten launches long-awaited expansion

POINTE BLANCHE--A long-awaited extension of Dock Maarten is underway, currently in the initial phase of expanding a breakwater, originally built in 1984. The project will entail creating a deeper basin for the facility that services ultra- or giga-yachts, which require deeper waters than that of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, and cannot always fit through the bridge width-wise.

The project will result in additional protection of boat slips belonging to the company as well as Bobby's Marina, said Dock Maarten Managing Director Brian Deher, who is heading the project with his father, Dock Maarten owner Michel Deher Read more

Proposals tabled at symposium to enhance situation of elderly

CAY HILL--Promoting the independent and assisted living of the elderly was one of three proposals made to enhance the situation of the ageing population in St. Maarten during the Symposium on Ageing held at the Belair Community Centre on Wednesday.

Social Development official Bernadette Barry, who presented the recommendations towards the end of the forum, said the elderly population would like to live as long as possible at home in the environment with which they are familiar. They do not want to be placed in a home Read more

UP willing to install neutral committee

~Law firm weighs in~

PHILIPSBURG--Sulvaran and Peterson law firm, which represents the United People's (UP) party led by Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger, has weighed in on the vote-buying case involving UP.

The firm said UP was willing to call a neutral committee when it takes office to "tackle this matter with all the political parties." The aim will be to "separate fact and fiction and, if necessary, to make recommendations."

The firm said, "Finding a correct balance with this topic will in itself be a challenge," but noted that it was something "local politics itself will have to tackle first Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday October 5th, 2014 The official opening ceremony was held at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex in Sucker Garden.

The day was filled with an all female event to showcase the talented and educated girls and ladies on the island.

The opening ceremony started off with a wonderful march around the building lead by an all female cast of the Generation New Status Drum Band with all 5 teams which are Bush Tea Remedy, Lava Girlz, Learning Unlimited, Lightning and Thunderz and referees and table officials of LBC.

The program then started with a beautiful opening prayer by apostle Ms Read more

St. Maarten’s Chief Prosecutor off Island Indefinitely --- Prosecutors Office down to four while crime escalates.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- A press release from press Prosecutor Tineke Kamps stated that the country's Chief Prosecutor Erick Noordhoek is now off island for an indefinite period of time due to serious private circumstances in his family. Kamps said during Noordhoek's absence he will be replaced by Prosecutor Karola van Nie. It should be noted that while St. Maarten's Prosecutors Office has been crying out loud that they lack staff and that they are unable to conduct necessary investigations, the country's prosecutors are constantly off island or on vacation.
It is understandable that Noordhoek had to leave his post due to family related matters, however, it behooves the people of St Read more

Two Vehicles Turn Over Wednesday Night, Drivers Escape Without Injuries

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Seemingly it was another busy night for the St. Maarten police force Wednesday and not so much of a good night for MP the Honorable Roy Marlin.

The MP who was driving his jeep into Pointe Blanch late Wednesday evening, in the vicinity of the entrance to the St. Maarten Harbor Facility, had an accident after he tried to avoid hitting a white Ford Explorer that was driving in-front of him at the time.

According to the MP, the white jeep suddenly stopped at which point he initiated an evasive maneuver to avoid hitting the jeep.

He maneuvered to the left while slamming the brakes of his vehicle.

His wheels hit the rocks located on the opposite side of the rode causing his black Hyundai Santa Fe jeep to over turn.

The MP was checked out by Ambulance personnel who arrived on the scene of the jeep crash on Wednesday evening Read more

Court Puts Vorst-Ruling On Ice

Family has to wait for decision on appeal

St. Maarten – The government does not have to pay the Vorst-family immediately for the estate in Cay Hill for which Vromi-Minister Maurice Lake signed a purchase agreement for $5.5 million. On August 21, the Court in First Instance ruled in summary proceedings that the Vorst-family had a valid purchase agreement and that the country had to pay $3 million within four days and the remaining $2.5 million according to the contract Read more

Shta Appoints New Board Members

GREAT BAY – The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), elected a 15-strong new board during its second annual general meeting on September 30. New on the board are Debby Lind-Steyn, Managing Director at Aquamarina, Drs. Francio Guadeloupe, Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin, Michael Cleaver, CEO at WINAIR, Jeffrey de la Combe, Island Manager at Tropical Shipping, and Jan Peter Holtland, Financial Controller at Windward Roads Read more

Cruise Conference Opens At Port Facility “St. Maarten Earned These Passengers”     

St. Maarten – Michele Paige, President of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, opened the 21st Annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade show Opening Ceremony last night at the Port of St. Maarten, saying, “The event comes with a lot of hard work. It’s with your hard work that the FCCA exists.” This is the second time St. Maarten has played host to the FCCA event. Kevin Sheehan, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line/FCCA Chairman took the stage to discuss the cruise industry and St Read more

Theo Heyliger Confirms He Is The Next Prime Minister Of St. Maarten

St. Maarten – United People’s party leader Theo Heyliger confirmed in the Oral Gibbes Live TV-program on Monday that he will be the country’s next Prime Minister. While others on the UP-list may also take up a post in the new cabinet, Heyliger’s move makes it certain that the controversial candidate Maria Buncamper-Molanus will become a Member of Parliament.

If, as is to be expected, Franklin Meyers becomes the new minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Jules James will return to parliament for a second 4-year term.

“I made a promise to the population of St Read more

Editorial - Not for too long

There can be little doubt anymore that the announced UP/De Weever government will become a reality, now that UP leader Theodore Heyliger has been appointed "formateur" and a governing accord has been signed (see related article) Read more

SP motion to investigate Heyliger shelved for now

~ Plasterk disagrees with ordering criminal investigation ~

THE HAGUE--Member of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament Ronald van Raak of the Socialist Party (SP) temporarily shelved his motion calling for a criminal investigation of United People's (UP) party leader Theo Heyliger on Tuesday.

Van Raak announced the wish to shelve the motion at the start of Parliament's voting session Read more

UP/De Weever coalition signs Governing Accord

~ Portfolios to be decided on 'collectively' ~

PHILIPSBURG--The eight Members of Parliament (MPs)-elect forming the United People's (UP) party/De Weever coalition signed their 2014-2018 Governing Accord on Friday, October 3. This accord and its attached division of portfolios for the incoming cabinet were submitted to Governor Eugene Holiday by informateurs Joseph Richardson and Marcel Gumbs last week.

Formateur UP leader MP Theo Heyliger continues his work to formalise the incoming government.

Both the Governing Accord and the Division of Portfolios documents were signed by all eight coalition members – MPs-elect Heyliger, Cornelius de Weever, Franklin Meyers, Silvio Matser, Tamara E Read more

FCCA Conference officially opened, picking up steam

POINTE BLANCHE--The 21st Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show was opened officially yesterday, as the conference started to pick up steam.

The previous day had seen the various exhibitors and delegates arrive and set up shop, some of them already coveted one-on-one professional meetings. The second day of the conference was much busier, with a wide array of exhibitors showcasing their products, learning about others, networking and attending special events.

The wide variety of exhibitors included many tourism boards and port authorities, plus a wide variety of businesses that have strong albeit indirect links to tourism such as locally-made food products, a recycling company and restaurant supplies.

Tourism Minister Ted Richardson, members of his Cabinet and French St Read more

Heyliger confirms he will be Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG--United People's (UP) party leader MP Theo Heyliger confirmed on Monday evening that he will be the next Prime Minister of St. Maarten. His announcement on the Oral Gibbes programme put to rest any and all questions about whether he would be.

"I made a promise to the population of St Read more

>SIMPSON BAY:--- Educator Dr. Rhoda Arrindell will be the featured guest of the "Afternoon With the Authors" here at Royal Palm Hotel, on October 12, from 4 PM–6 PM, said Arrindell's publisher HNP.
The Melly Mel book club will host the affair. "Guests will have the distinct privilege of hearing the author share highlights about her new book, Language, Culture, and Identity in St Read more

SHTA Elects New Board for 2015.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, held its second Annual General Meeting on September 30, 2014 at the offices of the association. The new board, 15 strong, welcomed new comers: Mrs. Debby Lind-Steyn, Managing Director at Aquamarina, Drs. Francio Guadeloupe, Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin, Mr. Michael Cleaver, CEO at WINAIR, Mr Read more

style="text-align: center;">Harbor Group of Companies surpassed its 3.5 million dollar budget to host 4-day conference

POINTE BLANCHE:--- The 21st Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference got the largest turn out ever in its history of organizing conferences in the Caribbean. Some 11 years ago St. Maarten hosted the FCCA conference announced President of the FCCA Michel Paige on Wednesday.
The St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies lead organizer Ichel Moeslikan told SMN News that the conference currently being held on St Read more

Shta – Elects New Board For 2015

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, held its second Annual General Meeting on September 30, 2014 at the offices of the association.

The new board, 15 strong, welcomed new comers: Mrs. Debby Lind-Steyn, Managing Director at Aquamarina, Drs. Francio Guadeloupe, Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin, Mr. Michael Cleaver, CEO at WINAIR, Mr Read more

Tamara Marks Breast Cancer Presentation To St. Dominic

SOUTH REWARD, St. Maarten - Breast Cancer survivor Member of Parliament (MP)-Elect Tamara Leonard made a presentation about breast cancer to St. Dominic Primary School fifth and sixth graders last week as a way to equip the pupils to encourage family and friends to take part in the #CheckYoBreast Challenge.

Leonard led the pupils in role played about how they can approach adults about checking their breasts for possible breast cancer lumps.

"I did not do a full awareness presentation, because other foundations do that.

I agree that one message should be sent to the community as far as educating people (adults and children) on the topic of breast cancer awareness."

St Read more

Heyliger Confirms He Will Be Pm

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Leader of the United People (UP) the Honorable MP Theo Heyliger, confirmed on Monday evening that he will be the next Prime Minister of St. Maarten.

His announcement on the Oral Gibbes program puts to rest any and all questions about whether he would be.

"I made a promise to the population of St Read more

Editorial - Staying on top

Today is the official opening of the 21st annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference and tradeshow. For the second time St. Maarten has the honour of hosting this important gathering bringing about 1,000 industry professionals to the island.

The latter not only confirms the leading role of the destination regarding cruise tourism, but expresses confidence in the Harbour Group of Companies to be able to stage this event that has grown enormously over the years. In fact, due to its sheer magnitude nowadays a huge temporary hall had to be set up from scratch.

The port has been in a few news reports lately that were not without controversy, but one hardly can deny that the development of Dr Read more