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No Plans For Waste Treatment Facility In Cay Bay

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the Honorable Marcel Gumbs made clear on Wednesday that the government is not aware of any plans to realize a Waste Treatment Facility in Cay Bay, as there has been no proposals put forward to government regarding the involvement of GEBE in such a project.

However, in the even Read more

Mlk Host Mock Election

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - This week students of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School were given the opportunity to cast their ballots in a 'mock election', which was part of the Project Approach on Citizenship/Government.

The Cycle 2 year 2 students along with their classroom Teacher Tracy Joseph worked diligently to create manifestos which highlighted the goals each party expected to achieve if they win the election.

The aim of this project was to enable students to be active learners as they demonstrate an understanding of some fundamental rights of the Dutch citizen, that is, the right to vote and be voted for.

This activity also developed awareness of the election process and how a government is formed.

"We are equipping our students with the educational experiences to be ready for the democratic and political responsibilities of continuing to lead this country forward in the coming years," remarked School Manager Stuart Johnson.

As students campaigned throughout the school the core social values, such as, respect and fairness among peer were reinforced Read more

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Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Names Industry Veteran Frank Comito Ceo, Director General

CORAL GABLES, FL - The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has appointed hospitality and tourism industry veteran Frank J. Comito as the new CEO and Director General. He assumes the post March 9, 2015.

As CEO, Comito will work to raise CHTA's profile as the leader for the Caribbean hospitality industry and along with the CHTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors he will develop a strategic plan for the association that serves the needs of its entire membership comprised of over 600 hotels and 300 allied members.

Comito replaces Jeff Vasser who stepped down as CEO/Director General at the end of December 2014.

"Frank Comito brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to CHTA, most recently as Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and other tourism-related organizations," said Emil Lee, president of CHTA adding:

Comito most recently served as Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, a position he held for over 10 years, and was responsible for guiding and managing the organization's range of activities in advocacy, business development, workforce improvement and organizational development.

Comito brings to his new role with CHTA over 30 years of experience in economic development, organization management, government affairs, project management, workforce development, research and analysis, and providing business and investor support in the Bahamas, U.S Read more

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Minister Fleming-Artsen Meets With Board Of St. Maarten Student Support Services

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen recently met with the board of St. Maarten Student Support Services (S4) to get an update with respect to S4 activities for 2015.

Minister Fleming-Artsen at the same time introduced herself to the board who was represented by Rinaldo Hassell, President, Genevieve Mourillon, Secretary, Gino Rombley, Treasurer, as the new minister plenipotentiary who took the oath of office on December 19, 2014 in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Hon Read more

Central Committee Meeting Scheduled For Friday Regarding Non-Payment Of Bills By Szv And Government For Health Care

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on January 30 at the request of the National Alliance (NA) faction.

The Central Committee meeting is set for Friday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda for the meeting is the non-payment of bills by the Social Health Insurance (SZV); the non-payment of premiums by Government to the SZV, and the consequences to health care in the country.

This meeting has been requested by NA Members of Parliament (MP) Hon Read more

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Nature Conservation Gets A Huge Boost From The Dutch Postcode Lottery

BES Islands - On behalf of the parks and nature conservation organisations on Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, DCNA was proud to receive an annual contribution of Euro 500,000 on from the Lottery at their Goed Geld Gala event, which will be used to help create a sustainable funding future for parks throughout the region and to support regional conservation activities.

On Monday 26th January 2015 the annual Dutch Postcode Lottery Charity Gala (Goed Geld Gala) was held in Amsterdam.
During the charity gala, the lottery proudly announced that thanks to its 2.5 million participants, who bought more than 4 million lottery tickets collectively, a total of 312 million euros will be distributed to non-governmental organisations in 2015.

The Dutch Postcode Lottery has been raising funds since 1989 to support organisations working towards a fairer and greener world Read more

Minister Plenipotentiary Fleming-Artsen Meets With Chairlady Of Dutch Second Chamber Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen on Monday, January 26 met with the Chairlady of the Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament Hon. Anouchka van Miltenburg regarding current affairs.

Minister Plenipotentiary Fleming-Artsen stated that the meeting was of an introductory nature and also part of her plan to rebuild relations between the two countries, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands.

"We had a very open discussion. Van Miltenburg visited Sint Maarten in 2014 and she now has a better understanding of the diversity of the various countries, and also the complexities of small scale societies.

"Van Miltenburg also known as the Speaker of the House of Representatives has a very open mind for Sint Maarten's viewpoint regarding the Integrity Chamber when we discuss integrity.

"The Dutch Speaker of the House would also like to meet with Sint Maarten ministers when they come to the Netherlands on a working visit Read more

Caribbean Energy Security Summit Joint Statement

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao - The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, together with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Caribbean Development Bank, European Union, Inter-American Development Bank Group, International Renewable Energy Agency, Organization of American States, and the World Bank Group:

1 Read more

Suspect Arrested For Breaking And Entry Into Grand Case Kindergarten School Back In 2013

MARIGOT, St. Martin - On the night of 4th to 5th of September 2013, a burglary with extreme damage to the public kindergarten School in Grand Case was committed.

The person responsible for the crime, after climbing the gate of the school, had broken all the doors of the class rooms as well as the director's office.

Numerous items were stolen including the schools computer equipment.

Technicians of the Criminal Identification of Proximity (TICP) of the Community of St. Martin gendarmerie managed, after careful observations, obtained a biological sample and two footprints, palms and forehead traces which were discovered on a windows of one of the classrooms which was visited by the criminal.

These traces allowed the investigators to identify the alleged perpetrator who is known in the national database of DNA (FNAEG).

The suspect is also known as an individual who has committed multiple aggravated theft.

The suspect has been placed in custody on January 22, 2015 by the investigators from the gendarmerie of French Quarter.

The suspect was a minor (16) at the time of the crime and as a result, he has been notified of his summons before the juvenile court in St Read more

Integrity Remains Priority For Gumbs Cabinet: Plans Of Approach For Integrity Reports, Approval Of Integrity Chamber Ordinance, Nomination Of "Kwartiermaker"

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Government on Monday, January 26th submitted to Parliament the plan of approach to implement the recommendations of the three integrity reports as instructed by Parliament in a motion that was unanimously passed by Parliament on October 22, 2014.

The plan addresses the General Audit Chamber Report, the Wit-Samson "Doing Things Right" and the PwC report on Integrity

The Council of Ministers also informed Parliament on Monday that it has approved a draft ordinance to establish an Integrity Chamber for Sint Maarten as well as nominated a so called "Kwartiermaker" by resolution (landsbesluit) who will be charged with preparing the implementation of the aforementioned ordinance.

The ordinance has been forwarded to the Council of Advice in the regular trajectory to request advice.

The draft ordinance is of the utmost importance as it will establish an institution based on article 98 of our constitution to investigate breaches of integrity and will function as an advisory body for the Government in matters related to Integrity.

"This ordinance has been submitted today to the Advisory Council and we hope that within short the draft will reach Parliament for debate in order to be decided upon," Prime Minister the Hon Read more

Mp Lake Commences With District Visits As Part Of Back To Basics In 2015

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake, this past weekend commenced with his district observation visits in his capacity as MP to see where and how he can assist Sint Maarten communities.

MP Lake said he started his back to basics district visits 2015 with his home district of St Read more

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It's Time To Pay Back, In Politics There Is Nothing Call A Free Lunch

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – It has been rumored for some time that the US party was planning to support the UP led coalition but I had to read it to actually believe it.

Now we can understand why during the election so many voters stick their hands out and say give me something for my vote now. Because after the election the horse trading will continue and all the elected officials are thinking about what and how much they can get for their seat.

It is never about improving the quality of life of the people Read more

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Mp Emmanuel Keynote Speaker At Plp Annual Party Convention On Statia Next Month

ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius - The Progressive Labour Party on Sunday evening announced in a press release that the Party will be holding its Annual Party Convention on Thursday February 5th, 2015 under the theme: "PLP THE VOICE WE DESERVE".

The Keynote speaker for this event will be freshman member of Parliament of St. Maarten the Honourable Christopher Emmanuel of the National Alliance.

During the convention the PLP list of Candidates that will contest the March 18th, Island Council Election on St Read more

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Shta - Remains Opposed To Counterpart Program

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, SHTA has taken notice of the remarks made, with respect to the implementation of the Counterpart Policy (CPP), by the honorable Members of Parliament Cornelius de Weever and Maurice Lake (in support of CPP) as well as the published opinion of the leader of the OSPP Mr Read more

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New Vromi Minister To Meet Gebe Soon

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The decrease in the cost of fuel use to generate electricity should be passed on immediately to the people of St. Maarten, echoed Prime Minister with the responsibility for General Affairs, the Honorable Marcel Gumbs.

However, Mr. Gumbs, who was at the time responding to a question put to the Council of Min Read more

Gebe Moving To Reduce Fuel Surcharge

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - In light of a continuous decrease in oil prices globally, GEBE is now taking steps to decrease the fuel clause.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, management of the company said that "the trickledown effect of these decreases takes an average 45 days before consumers can enjoy some much-needed relief.

This means based on present trends, by February's billing period, consumers will experience further relief." "The main objective of GEBE is always to ensure that the fuel clause is as low as possible," GEBE Chief Operations Officer and Managing Board President Romelio Maduro said.

According to data provided, prices have dropped and will continue to do so Read more

Parliament Handles 2015 Draft Budget

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The 2015 draft budget was debated in the House of Parliament Thursday.

The draft 2015 National Budget is set at Naf.445.000.000 with investments and capital goods set at Naf.111.031.451.

Whilst speaking on the floor of parliament earlier on Thursday, Member of Parliament and leader of the National Alliance, the Honorable Read more

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Nothing Granted To Rainforest Adventures Confirms Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - A press release issued on Wednesday states that in response to several questions from several media outlets regarding a media report on Rainforest Adventures, the Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the Honorable Marcel Gumbs, has not signed anything for or granted anything to Rainforest Adventures.

The latter, Read more

British Vice Consul Pays Courtsey Visit To Government

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Anne Marie Pieterz-Powell, the British Vice Consul for the Dutch and French Caribbean paid courtesy visits to Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Economic Affairs Clar Read more

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Member Of Parliament De Weever Defends Counter Part Policy

GREAT BAY, St. Martin - Independent Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever is defending the Counterpart Legislation, which is a law and not just a policy.

MP De Weever explained that the ministry used the law in one case.

"The company took us to court and government lost because according to the judge we did not have a policy on how the law would be used so the labor policy department wrote the Counterpart policy in consultation with the Social Economic Council and the Tripartite Committee.

"One business owner of this tri-partite committee volunteered to have this Counterpart Policy applied in his company," said MP De Weever Read more

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St. Maarten Pm Gumbs Calls On Holland To Have Better Relations Within The Dutch Kingdom

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Prime Minister, the Honorable Marcel Gumbs stated during a press conference on Monday that they have expressed to the Minister with the responsibility for Kingdon Relations and Interior Affairs, Ronald Plasterk and the Prime Minister of Holland, the Honorable Mark Rutte the need to have a better working relations Read more

Draft 2015 Budget Present To President Of Parliament By Finance Minister

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Minister of Finance the Hon. Martin Hassink on Friday, January 16, presented the 2015 draft Country Budget to Parliament.

Minister Hassink presented the budget to the Chairman of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson and the Presidium of Parliament in the persons of Member of Parliament Cornelius DeWeever and Read more

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Minister Fleming-Artsen Meets With Dutch Minister Plasterk. Discusses Relations And Improved Communications

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen recently met with Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Hon. Ronald Plasterk.

The meeting which took place at the Dutch Ministry for Interior and Kingdom Relations in The Hague, covered how the Kingdom partners can work better together and how relations can be strengthened.

The issue of "instructions" by the Kingdom Council of Ministers was also discussed and information was shared with respect to the basis of developing such for a particular country within the Kingdom.

One of the conclusions coming out of the meeting is to have quarterly sessions every two or three months between Minister Plenipotentiary and the Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations.

Minister Plasterk also discussed his working visit to Sint Maarten and how he was looking forward to meeting the new Council of Ministers and Prime Minister Hon Read more

Dutch Minister Welcomed To St. Maarten By Pm Gumbs Sunday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Marcel Gumbs welcomed Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk to St. Maarten on Sunday afternoon.

Minister Plasterk is on a working visit to St. Maarten, Saba and Statia from January 18 until January 21.

On Monday morning he will meet in a formal session with Prime Minister Gumbs.

Minister Plasterk will also meet with His Excellency the Governor Eugene Holiday, Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson, Minister of Finance Martin Hassink and with the Parliament of St Read more