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A Robust Maintenance Program Needed At Cargo Facility, Says Grisha

GREAT BAY Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) and the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies have agreed on the necessity to implement a robust maintenance program at the Cargo facility to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and cost management.

At a meeting held recently, the port made a commitment to prioritize the issue of maintenance and will work closely with the Ministry of TEATT to ensure that its operations align with St Read more

Sint Maarten Prepares For Reconstruction Of Sint Maarten Library

Sint Maarten The NRPB is pleased to announce that several pre-demolition activities have commenced in preparation for the reconstruction of the Sint Maarten Library, formerly known as the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. These preliminary steps include issuing several tenders, erecting fencing to section off the location, and ensuring safety once demolition begins.

On behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, the NRPB implements the Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP) to address the island’s educational needs after the destruction caused during the 2017 hurricane season Read more

Consistent With Global Market ExpectationsCbcs Keeps The Pledging Rate Unchanged

Willemstad/Philipsburg The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to maintain its current monetary policy unchanged. Hence, the pledging rate will remain at 5.75%. 1 This decision is based on the Federal Reserves (Fed) decision to leave its target policy rate unchanged until more confidence is gained that inflation is moving sustainably toward its 2% target. In addition, although the import coverage, which is the main operational target of the monetary policy conducted by the CBCS, is expected to drop slightly to 4.6 months in 2024, it will remain well above the norm of 3 months Read more

Distribution Of Additional License Plates Announced By Minister Of Finance

GREAT BAY The Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, is pleased to announce that additional license plates have been received and are now ready for distribution.

The distribution process will take place from Monday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 19. Individuals with temporary plates are requested to come forward to exchange them for the correct plates.

Please note that temporary plates must be handed in at the time of collecting the new plates Read more

Political Party Sam Approved For Participation In Parliamentary Snap Elections

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — The newly formed political party, Soualiga Action Movement (SAM), has officially been approved by the Electoral Council to participate in the upcoming Parliamentary snap elections scheduled for August 19, 2024. The leadership of SAM was formally notified of this significant milestone via letter, marking the beginning of SAMs journey towards reshaping the political landscape of St. Martin.

Party leader Franklin Meyers expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement, emphasizing SAMs commitment to presenting a roster of candidates who have St Read more

Winair Acquires Twin Otter Aircraft To Enhance Operations

Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Winair announces a significant milestone in its history, transitioning from a fully leased fleet to ownership with the acquisition of a Twin Otter DHC6 aircraft. This investment marks a strategic move towards greater operational control and efficiency, solidifying the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service in the Caribbean.

Demonstrating the aircraft’s importance to our operations and the current economic climate, a strong business case was presented to our shareholders Read more

Mp Kotai: Aps Funding Possible Solution To Gebe Crisis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Member of Parliament Viren Kotai (Democratic Party) proposes seeking funding from the General Pension Fund (APS) to acquire new generators for the ailing utilities company GEBE. Kotai will present the proposal and other points during the parliamentary meeting scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2024, about the ongoing GEBE crisis.

Kotai said in a press statement on Sunday, “By collaborating with the Council of Ministers (COM), APS, and GEBE, we can address the funding needs for new generators.” He emphasized that APS, as a government-funded pension fund, and GEBE, being entirely government-owned, make this collaboration both logical and feasible.

According to MP Kotai, GEBE has not invested in new engines, resulting in inadequate electricity production amidst the growing demands of the St Read more

Minister Lewis Meets With School Bus Operators

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Justice, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Honorable Lyndon Lewis described his meeting with school bus operators on Sunday as very fruitful and one of the final steps towards finalizing a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the operators. The SLA is important to professionalize the school bus transport system up to improved and acceptable standards.

It also means the eventual realization of the school bus management system to streamline and optimize the management of the school transportation services Read more

Teatt Minister Holds Strategy Meeting To Coordinate Fcca Conference

GREAT BAY The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will be celebrating its 35th anniversary with a conference, hosted by St. Maarten from October 21 to 25, 2024. The conference is expected to attract between 800 and 900 participants.

Noting that some stakeholders like the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), were unaware of this conference until recently, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten held a strategic planning meeting Friday with representatives of Port St Read more

Grisha Discusses Product Enhancement With Shta Executive Board

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications, Grisha Heyliger-Marten met with the Executive Board of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) on Friday, June 14, 2024.

During the meeting, part of the ministers continued efforts to engage all stakeholders in her plans to revitalize the islands economy, she outlined her primary goals, focusing on product enhancement and beautification efforts to improve St Read more

Sint Maarten Secures Scholarships From India

The Hague — The Government of Sint Maarten has been awarded two training slots for participation in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program. Operated by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ITEC is a program that offers both onsite and online courses and trainings. It also provides for exchange of technical expertise and capacity building.

In this pilot stage, Sint Maarten will have access to the short-term courses. The Government, through the Department of Foreign Relations, has been lobbying with the Indian Government through its Embassies in Venezuela, Panama, and the Netherlands for inclusion in the program.

Over the last few years, engagement with the Indian Government increased significantly, and the Cabinet (Sint Maarten House) worked tirelessly to support and nurture this relationship Read more

Sint Maarten Flag To Be Hosted On Cole Bay Hill For Flag Day

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis was very happy on Wednesday that efficient team-work led to the hoisting of the St. Maarten flag on Cole Bay Hill, affectionately also known as the Bell’s Lookout or Harold Jack Read more

Gevmin Announces Sint Maarten Diaspora Database Project

THE NETHERLANDS — In the margins of the annual Interparliamentary Kingdom consultations (IPKO), the Ministers Plenipotentiary Patrice Gumbs and Deputy Gracita Arrindell hosted a reception for the Members of Parliament and members of the Sint Maarten community at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary (Sint Maarten House), earlier this week, under the theme Connecting Horizons: Strengthening the Sint Maarten Community Abroad.

Chosen by the President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, the theme reflects the growing call for engagement with the Sint Maarten communities abroad (the diaspora) and the Government at home.

In his address, Minister Plenipotentiary Gumbs acknowledged the differences between the communities, but that opportunities existed if we found ways to bridge the gap Read more

Minister Jansen-Webster Calls For Adherence To International Labor Standards

Philipsburg The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, has issued a compelling call to action, urging all employers in St. Maarten to fully recognize and uphold the rights stipulated in the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 87. Known as the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, this critical international standard guarantees workers the right to form and join organizations of their choosing without fear of retaliation or punishment. Convention 87 is a cornerstone of international labor law, ratified by numerous countries, including St Read more

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Reaffirms Commitment To Workers Covenant

Philipsburg The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina dispatched a crucial letter on Tuesday to the board and members of the WICSU-PSU and WITU. This letter serves to reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to the covenant signed on April 29, 2024, reassuring that the sanctity of the agreement would be upheld with all due diligence required. In this letter, Prime Minister Mercelina underscored the Government’s steadfast belief in the vital role that the workers of St Read more

Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (Ursm) Denounces Misinformation By Mp Omar Ottley

Philipsburg The board of the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) has taken note of the recent remarks and media statements made by MP Omar Ottley, proclaimed leader of the UPP Read more

Minister Of Vsa Engages InAProductive Week Focused On Mental Health Initiatives

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Minister of VSA had a very informative week, beginning with a virtual meeting with the NRPB and the World Bank to discuss an update of the progress and pending next steps needed to ensure a positive outcome for the Mental Health Project. This meeting was crucial in setting the direction for future initiatives aimed at improving mental health services in Sint Maarten.

Following the virtual discussions, the Ministerof VSA Ms. Veronica Jansen-Webster, alongside the Minister of FinanceMs Read more

Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, New President Of Caribbean Studies Association

CASTRIES, St. Lucia On Friday, June 7, the 48th Annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) Conference concluded with the Award Ceremony and Closing Gala at the Razmataz Tandoori restaurant in St. Lucia.

After presenting awards and recognizing individuals, including past presidents, for their decades of service to CSA, outgoing president Okama Ekpe Brook handed over the presidency to Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, an educator, author, and leading linguist of St Read more

Grisha Says Canada Travel Advisory No Cause To Panic

GREAT BAY The Government of Canada has advised its citizens traveling to St. Maarten to expect nationwide power outages. However, in its color-coded risk level travel advisory, it still gave St. Maarten, a Green status, which means that travelers should Exercise normal security precautions.

Commenting on the advisory, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), noted that Green is the lowest risk level and indicates that the country is still safe for travel.

There is no cause to panic, Heyliger-Marten said Read more

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Concludes Urgent Work Visit To Washington, Dc

Washington, DC The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has successfully concluded his urgent work visit to Washington, DC, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure support for St. Maartens development initiatives. During this urgent work visit, PM Dr. Mercelina’s presence at the high-level meetings proved to be a game changer, highlighting his commitment to both the international community and St Read more

Grisha Welcomes Frontier Airlines From San Juan, Puerto Rico To Sxm

GREAT BAY Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), welcomed Frontier Airlines from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Princess Juliana Intl. Airport on its maiden flight 244 Monday afternoon.

This flight marks a new frontier for us in our efforts to expand our airlift and connectivity, the minister said in her welcoming address.

The San Juan route, she continued, was once the gateway especially to the US for us Read more

Acting Minister Of Ecys Lyndon Lewis Meets With Witu

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis recently met with the board of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) to discuss several short- and long-term matters that require his attention.

Issues discussed included the repairs at the public schools, outstanding payments to teachers and school boards, proper placing of persons in correct scales with correct salaries among other things Read more

Brug Vows To Continue His Pledge To Take A Different Road

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Recently sworn in Member of Parliament Richinel Brug expressed in his first official press statement on Tuesday, 3rd June 2024 his dissatisfaction with all political parties. Over the past few weeks, there have been several political developments, some even making history, putting St. Maarten in a very unflattering spotlight Read more

Grisha Announces Return Of Air Caraibes From Orly, Paris To Sxm In December

GREAT BAY Starting from December 6, 2024, Air Caraibes, with its state-of-the-art Airbus A330-200, will launch a new direct service from Orly Airport (ORY) to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), said TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Monday.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) also said that Air Caraibes is offering a limited-time special promotional fare of 640 to celebrate the inauguration of the new route Read more