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Wescot-Williams: “I Hope The French/Dutch Op Program Can Still Be Salvaged, After More Than A Year Of Deliberate Inaction.”

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — It might have come on a quiet Sunday afternoon, but the revelation that the governments of French and Dutch St. Maarten have picked up the pieces of the OP cooperation agreement for St. Maarten/St. Martin is most welcomed news.

In August 2014, in my former capacity of Prime Minister, I signed the letter of intent with French St. Maarten for cross border cooperation between both sides, the so-called ETC operational program. Very specific procedures needed to be followed, amongst which making the proposed projects public.

After years of negotiating this breakthrough cooperation agreement, this project was torpedoed by former Prime Minister William Marlin due to his aversion to French/Dutch Cooperation Read more

Minister Of Telecommunications De Weever Commends Local Radio Stations On World Radio Day

Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever

POND ISLAND, Sint Maarten — The Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever, would like to congratulate radio station owners, staff and listeners on the occasion of World Radio Day which is being observed around the globe today, Tuesday, February 13.

The theme for World Radio Day 2018 is “Radio and Sports.”

“Radio is a very powerful tool, and we once again experienced that on September 6, the day hurricane Irma made landfall and caused catastrophic damage to our beloved island.

“For several weeks, several radio stations served as beacons of hope as they provided information to the community and to loved ones abroad who were following developments on the island right after the hurricane.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend our radio stations, the owners, the staff, technicians, program producers and hosts for the very important role that they played after the hurricane.

“In the past, pre-Irma and today, radio continues to perform a very important role and this will continue for the foreseeable future.  Thank you for what you do every day 365 days a year,” Acting Minister of Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

Radio has shaped lives across many countries around the world.

Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium there is, adapting to 21st century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate.

World Radio Day was first celebrated in 2012, following its declaration by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) General Conference.

It was subsequently adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly Read more

POND ISLAND:--- The Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever, would like to congratulate radio station owners, st, ff and listeners on the occasion of World Radio Day which is being observed around the globe today, Tuesday, February 13.
The theme for World Radio Day 2018 is “Radio and Sports.”
“Radio is a very powerful tool, and we once again experienced that on September 6, the day hurricane Irma made landfall and caused catastrophic damage to our beloved island.
“For several weeks, several radio stations served as beacons of hope as they provided information to the community and to loved ones abroad who were following developments on the island right after the hurricane.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend our radio stations, the owners, the staff, technicians, program producers and hosts for the very important role that they played after the hurricane.
“In the past, pre-Irma and today, radio continues to perform a very important role and this will continue for the foreseeable future Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- It is being rumored that the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) is an off-shoot of the DP, a satellite of the NA and that it is financed by the UPP Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister and National Alliance candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election, William Marlin says housing in the reconstruction phase of the country, will be one of the top priorities that the party will continue to focus on in the new governing period.

Marlin said in a press release on Monday that the urgent need for proper and affordable housing and the improvement of communities have become clearer as the various communities are canvassed.

Making affordable housing available for persons to own their own homes and proving economical options for persons interested in renting are areas that the party will continue to build on.

“The National Alliance will focus quite a bit on making homes available for our people to purchase and for that quite some work needs to be done because presently too many of our people are on contracts and don’t qualify for mortgages at the bank to get an opportunity in their young age to purchase a home with a mortgage of 30 to 35 years so that when they reach the age of retirement, they are not saddled with the problem of still having to pay a mortgage or a high rent".

Marlin said former National Alliance Minister of VROMI Christophe Emmanuel had engaged in talks with property owners with the intention of developing properties in a public/private partnership for persons to be able to purchase their own homes Read more

Who Is Francelise Mauricia-Peterson Candidate #7 On Smcp

As a God-fearing woman, wife, mother of three, I decided to take up this challenge once again to run for parliament in the upcoming election on February 26, 2018.

My reason for doing so is the fact that through the years I have seen a lot of changes in Sint Maarten. Some good and some extremely bad that were not in the best interest of our people. Sint Maarten has become a country of many surprises, especially by those in whom we have put our trust, whereas you can wake up one morning and hear that the government has fallen.

You sit to listen to a parliamentary debate and suddenly votes of non-confidence are passing Read more

Cbcs Introduces Cbcs Economic Research Award.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- On the occasion of the 190th anniversary of the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) on February 6, 2018, the CBCS introduces the CBCS Economic Research Award. The award is an annual prize to promote research on the economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. HAVO and VWO students in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, as well as local and international university students, are invited to participate in this competition.
The award will be presented in four categories:

Best Economic Research Award on HAVO level Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson on Monday questioned what the role of the Post Office will be in distributing voting cards for the February 26 Parliamentary election.
Richardson was reacting to information from the Prime Minister and Civil Registry that voting cards would be distributed via the community centers in the various districts, with several voting districts grouped together Read more

Minister Of Tourism De Weever Updates International Media About Destination Recovery At Caribbean Travel Marketplace

PUERTO RICO – Destination Sint Maarten is being represented at the Caribbean’s largest and most important marketing event this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico, namely the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever on Wednesday said, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation travel.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is holding its Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan from January 30 to February 1.

Minister De Weever on Wednesday morning briefed the regional/international travel media about the status of the destination.  He started off his presentation by describing the destination as Magical, Sensational, Captivating and Amazing.

Minister De Weever told the media that, ‘We are open for business!’  He went on to give a detail update that the country is steadily recovering and rebuilding, and showing viable and visible signs of progress.

He added that the country is serene and safe, the road network is clean of any debris; Bars and restaurants are open; Beach access is free and clean; the country’s cruise sector is a step ahead with the main cruise lines having returned to the destination, adding that it’s not too late for those who would like to book a cruise.

Minister De Weever also pointed out the importance of the Mega Yacht sector and the vessels have also returned to the destination; marine service sector businesses are open to cater to the needs of the rich and famous.

Visitors can also experience watching planes land at SXM Airport down at Maho Beach; the destination is receiving daily flights out of Miami and New York, and there will be a phased reopening of the terminal building in the second half of 2018.

The Minister also provided an update about electricity, water, and telecommunications; a number of boutique hotels and guesthouses are open; several of the larger hotel properties are scheduled to be open throughout the latter half of 2018; the Caribbean’s #1 shopping area, Philipsburg is 95 per cent open; and one of the destinations newest attractions is Rockland Estate Zipline which is open to visitors.

Minister Cornelius de Weever also updated the international media bout the St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- I have now served as your minister of education, culture, youth and sport for two weeks and two days. These two weeks have been challenging as many things have been happening simultaneously. The primary task of this interim Romeo-Marlin cabinet is to bring St. Maarten through these critical months ahead as we recover from one devastating hurricane season and prepare as a nation to face the seasons ahead. As I have indicated before, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport has been significantly hit in terms of damages to our infrastructure Read more

PUERTO RICO:--- Destination Sint Maarten is being represented at the Caribbean’s largest and most important marketing event this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico, namely the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever on Wednesday said, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation travel.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is holding its Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan from January 30 to February 1.
Minister De Weever on Wednesday morning briefed the regional/international travel media about the status of the destination Read more

Cc1 St. Maarten Introduces A Limited-Edition Coca-Cola Can For St. Maarten.

Cay Hill:--- CC1 St. Maarten, the exclusive distributor of Coca Cola®, has commissioned a Limited Edition 12oz Coca-Cola can for St. Maarten. In the aftermath of “Irma”, CC1 wanted to do something to commemorate the strength and resilience of St. Maarten and its people and so the idea to immortalize the phrase “#SXMSTRONG” on the world-famous Coca-Cola can be born. In addition to “#SXMSTRONG” the Limited Edition can also feature the St. Maarten flag and the iconic Coca-Cola wave is depicted by two hands reaching out to help each other.
On hand to witness the arrival and opening of the first shipped containers were St Read more

Former Pm William Marlin Reacts On The Ruling Given By The Kingdom Government

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Across the length and breadth of Sint Maarten citizens are concurring that former Prime Minister William Marlin had it correct and best understands governance.  Yet again William-Marlin has shown that his choices were in the best interest of the people of Sint Maarten. Citizens were heard chiding “I told you William-Marlin know the right thing”.

William Marlin expressed that he was always confident of the ruling given by the Kingdom, responding to the news that the Kingdom Government had turned down the request of Interim Prime Minister Mrs Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Across the length and breadth of Sint Maarten citizens are concurring that former Prime Minister William Marlin had it correct and best understands governance. Yet again William-Marlin has shown that his choices were in the best interest of the people of Sint Maarten. Citizens were heard chiding “I told you William-Marlin know the right thing”.

William Marlin expressed that he was always confident of the ruling given by the Kingdom, responding to the news that the Kingdom Government had turned down the request of Interim Prime Minister Mrs Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Disciple Peter said, “use your God-given gifts to serve others”. Solange Ludmila York-Duncan; a young, strong and progressive professional has made the ultimate decision and postulated herself as #10 on the National Alliance slate. Ludmila was born and raised on St. Maarten and currently holds the position of Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Education Read more

Mp Drs Rodolphe Samuel Visit Nipa

CAY HILL, Sint Maarten — As a result of the passing of Hurricane Irma many areas on the island were severely damaged.

Besides the enormous damage to homes and school buildings many of our hotel properties have also sustained serious damage forcing their closure in order to repair and rebuild.

Knowing that it would be impossible for all the workers in the Hospitality trade to find work elsewhere the Government devised a plan / solution to remedy this negative situation.

The previous Minister of Finance – former Minister Richard E Read more

Dear people of Sint Maarten,

There is a time for hellos, and a time for farewells.
As my tenure as Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten has come to its end, l say farewell with a heart full of gratitude.
Gratitude for the opportunity to have served my people and my island, and above all, gratitude to God for allowing me to take on this very challenging task, with dignity and integrity, with humility and determination, with faith and conviction, especially at a time as this.
When I was approached in 2015 to take on this role, l saw it as a great challenge that I could not resist.
A task that I knew I was well able to take on and execute to the fullest expectations of the people of Sint Maarten.
The title of “Minister Plenipotentiary” evokes a diplomatic language, with “representation” as its key meaning.
Being part of the Dutch Kingdom Council of Ministers, meant representing St Read more

Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin 1St Official Address To The People Of Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG –  Let me commence by sharing a few of the  lyrics of a song called Not alone for mighty empire. Written by William P. Merrill, in 1911.

Not alone for mighty empire,

Stretching far over land and sea,

Not alone for bounteous harvests,

Lift we up our hearts to Thee.

Standing in the living present,

Memory and hope between,

Lord, we would with deep thanksgiving,

Praise Thee more for things unseen.

God of justice, save the people

From the clash of race and creed,

From the strife of class and faction,

Make our nation free indeed;

Keep her faith in simple manhood

Strong as when her life began,

Till it find its full fruition

In the brotherhood of man!

I want to give thanks for this opportunity presented to me to represent St Maarten as the second female Prime Minister of this young nation Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten (US) party MP Frans Richardson describes the list of the party as “one in which the people of St. Maarten can see themselves reflected” and one that is ready and capable to govern.
Speaking over the weekend, Richardson lauded the fact that once again the USP has given capable young professionals the opportunity to seek higher office to continue serving St Read more

History Made….United Democrats Launched!!!!

Philipsburg– Leaders of the United People’s Party (UP) and the Democratic Party (DP) have unified under one banner and founded the United Democrats, a powerhouse political movement formed to take St. Maarten through the critical reconstruction phase the island faces in 2018. The newly formed party, United Democrats is the historical joining of UP Honorable Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger and DP Honorable President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams. “If we take a look at the unaddressed realities since the passage of Hurricane Irma, of our crippled economy and our people desperately needing leadership and hope, all lead to the coming together of the United Democrats.” Leading the United Democrats will be MP Theodore Heyliger, with MP Sarah Wescot-Williams as the number two candidate. St Read more

History Made With The Launch Of The United Democrats

PHILIPSBURG - Leaders of the United People's Party (UP) and the Democratic Party (DP) have unified under one banner and founded the United Democrats, a powerhouse political movement formed to take St. Maarten through the critical reconstruction phase the island faces in 2018.

The newly formed party, United Democrats is the historical joining of UP Honorable Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger and DP Honorable President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams.

"If we take a look at the unaddressed realities since the passage of Hurricane Irma, of our crippled economy and our people desperately needing leadership and hope, all lead to the coming together of the United Democrats."

Leading the United Democrats will be MP Theodore Heyliger, with MP Sarah Wescot-Williams as the number two candidate.

St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leaders of the United People's Party (UP) and the Democratic Party (DP) have unified under one banner and founded the United Democrats, a powerhouse political movement formed to take St. Maarten through the critical reconstruction phase the island faces in 2018.

The newly formed party, United Democrats is the historical joining of UP Honorable Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger and DP Honorable President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams.

"If we take a look at the unaddressed realities since the passage of Hurricane Irma, of our crippled economy and our people desperately needing leadership and hope, all lead to the coming together of the United Democrats."

Leading the United Democrats will be MP Theodore Heyliger, with MP Sarah Wescot-Williams as the number two candidate.

St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- It is like the day of yesterday, that I recall the establishment of the Beyond Writing Foundation in 2003, now named Beyond Kultura Events Foundation’s with the most important aim to enhance reading and Storytelling amongst the youth, Loekie Morales stated. We have accomplished that with tangible results over the course of the years, not only for Sint Maarten but for the other Dutch Windward Islands and Leeward Island as well.
She is the founding mother of this foundation and of the Caribbean Living Statues Festivals, as a unique festival with many aims Read more

Google Is Sending Internet Balloons To Puerto Rico To Bring Communication Back To The Island

After Hurricane Maria left Puerto Rico without clean drinking water, limited forms of communication, and 80% of the island without electricity, people all over the country, including big name celebrities, banded together to raise funds for the ravaged U.S Territory. Now, Google is stepping up efforts to help with Internet balloons.

Google’s parent company Alphabet announced last Friday that their stratospheric balloons are currently bringing Internet service to areas of Puerto Rico with non-functioning cellphone towers Read more