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Minister Silveria Jacobs Emancipation Day Address

Black National Anthem
"Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers died

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forgot Thee, Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land."
- James Weldon Johnson

Having learned this song as a young adult during Caribbean History, it touches my soul every time I hear it and I am reminded of the battle that was fought for freedom.
Today July 1st 2016 as we celebrate Emancipation Day for only the 5th time- I call on all people to remember the atrocities of the past, of how a people were enslaved and fought to be free, declared themselves free and today can say we have achieved what our ancestors have dreamed, prayed and fought for Read more

Award And Promotion Day Ceremony At Mlk Primary

DUTCH QUARTER – The staff and students of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School celebrated in grand style on Wednesday morning, June 29, during a special award and promotion day ceremony.

“I am so proud of the great strides our school continues to make notwithstanding the unique challenges we face at times. Also, I wish to thank the staff for their commitment and unwavering support,” remarked School Manager of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School Stuart Johnson.

The Award and Promotion Day ceremony was to highlight student achievement in the areas of academics, sports, music and behavior.

Another highlight in the program was a gospel presentation by the G.I.F.T.E.D Foundation and a presentation by Community Police Officer Arcella Leonard.

“We hope today’s special ceremony shall inspire our students to continue excelling both inside and outside of the classroom Read more

Award And Promotion Day Ceremony At Mlk Primary

DUTCH QUARTER – The staff and students of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School celebrated in grand style on Wednesday morning, June 29, during a special award and promotion day ceremony.

“I am so proud of the great strides our school continues to make notwithstanding the unique challenges we face at times. Also, I wish to thank the staff for their commitment and unwavering support,” remarked School Manager of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School Stuart Johnson.

The Award and Promotion Day ceremony was to highlight student achievement in the areas of academics, sports, music and behavior.

Another highlight in the program was a gospel presentation by the G.I.F.T.E.D Foundation and a presentation by Community Police Officer Arcella Leonard.

“We hope today’s special ceremony shall inspire our students to continue excelling both inside and outside of the classroom Read more

GREAT BAY:--- On Tuesday, NAGICO Insurances; awarded six (6) students with a one year scholarship, from the Methodist Agogic Center MAC (Reverend John A Gumbs Campus located in Betty's Estate) under the NAGICO Little Stars Educational Program.
The students were the top achievers and overall the most outstanding students in their respective groups, ranging from groups 1-6 and were rewarded with a full scholarship for the next school year to cover their tuition, book list and school uniforms."We are very proud at NAGICO to be able to reward these students for their hard work throughout the school year," Lisa Brown; Marketing Manager of NAGICO Insurances said Read more

Mlk Host Award Ceremony

DUTCH QUARTER, St. Maarten -- The staff and students of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School celebrated in grand style on Wednesday morning during a special award and promotion day ceremony.   "I am so proud of the great strides our school continues to make notwithstanding the unique challenges we face at times. Also, I wish to thank the staff for their commitment and unwavering support," remarked Stuart Johnson School Manager of Dr Read more

Nature Foundations Increases Sea Turtle Conservation Work

PHILIPSBURG – St. Maarten has recorded its first successful Sea Turtle nest of the 2016 Sea Turtle Nesting Season, with a successful nest being recorded at Gibbs Bay Beach recently.

The Foundation has also been collaborating with the University of Groningen (NL) and IMARES Wageningen UR (NL) on a Dutch Caribbean sea turtle project funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research in measuring and tagging green and hawksbill turtles foraging in the waters around St. Maarten.

“This project is a part of our work to conserve and protect these endangered species from extinction, and we hope that with the results we can conduct better management actions to ensure that these very important animals make a successful recovery,” commented Nature Foundation Manager Tadzio Bervoets.

Sea turtle population numbers have plummeted to dangerously low numbers throughout the past century due to human impacts, bringing many species close to extinction and causing them to be listed as critically endangered Read more

New Politicians Complete Good Governance Course

Party leaders Wycliffe Smith and Mercedes van der Waals-Wyatt show their certificates. Photo contributed

St. Maarten News – Party leaders, Mercedes “Elektra” van der Waals-Wyatt of Hope and Wycliffe Smith of Sint Maarten Christian Party, were part of the first graduating class of Scell’s good governance course offered by the University of St Read more

Corruption Is Not My Culture. Don’T Let It Be Yours

Claude Peterson SMCP Candidate

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone so far that have sent their best wishes via Facebook, WhatsApp, cell and in person. This will not be an easy journey, but I am energized by the positive support and the prayers for my candidacy.

A few weeks ago I was approached by Pastor Wycliffe Smith and Mr Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---- Candidate on the SMCP list Claude Chacho Peterson shared his views on his person in the article below is the full text from Peterson.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone so far that have sent there best wishes via Facebook, whatsapp, cell and in person. This will not be an easy journey, but I am ENERGIZED by the positive support and the Prayers for my candidacy.
A few weeks ago I was approached by Pastor Wycliffe Smith and Mr Read more

PHILPSBURG:---, St. Maarten (June 23, 2016) – Member of Parliament Maurice Lake and his appointed VROMI Minister were left totally out in the cold on Thursday afternoon when the majority of Lake’s coalition members failed to show up for a parliament meeting to pass a law brought by the MP’s minister, says United People’s (UP) party deputy leader MP Franklin Meyers.
“This is a very clear case of actions speak louder than words and the action in this case is a resounding vote of no confidence in MP Lake’s minister and a total lack of support for the MP himself Read more

Franklin Meyers (Up): “Coalition Left Mp Lake Totally Out In The Cold”

St. Maarten News – Member of Parliament Maurice Lake and his appointed Vromi-Minister Angel Meyers were left totally out in the cold yesterday afternoon when the majority of Lake’s coalition members failed to show up for a parliament meeting to pass a law brought by the MP’s minister, United People’s party deputy leader MP Franklin Meyers said in a press statement.

“This is a very clear case of actions speak louder than words and the action in this case is a resounding vote of no confidence in MP Lake’s minister and a total lack of support for the MP himself Read more

Mp Franklin Meyers: Coalition Leaves Mp Lake Out In Cold

PHILPSBURG, St. Maarten – Member of Parliament Maurice Lake and his appointed VROMI Minister were left totally out in the cold on Thursday afternoon when the majority of Lake’s coalition members failed to show up for a parliament meeting to pass a law brought by the MP’s minister, says United People’s (UP) party deputy leader MP Franklin Meyers.

“This is a very clear case of actions speak louder than words and the action in this case is a resounding vote of no confidence in MP Lake’s minister and a total lack of support for the MP himself Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- According to Fifteen-year-old Learning Unlimited student Ki-Mani Olivacce, Minister of Education and Youth Affairs Silveria Jacobs has endorsed his school supplies drive for students in need on St. Maarten. Olivacce and his team met with the Minister last week to brief her on the project at which time they received her encouragement and support.
Assisted by Jodecia Lamonte and Kendecia David, Olivacce says he is simply trying to apply what his parents have always taught him; to share and help whenever he can.
The back to school drive seeks to inspire the private sector and individual citizens to donate the most necessary and useful school items Read more

May-Ling Chun Joins Up

UP-leader Theo Heyliger shakes with his candidate May-Ling Chun. Photo contributed

St. Maarten News – Long time tourism and hospitality professional May-Ling Chun will contest the September 26 parliamentary elections with the United People’s (UP) party Read more

Minister Emil Lee Visits Members Of Second Chamber

THE NETHERLANDS – As part of his working visit to the Netherlands, Minister of Health Emil Lee paid a courtesy visit to Chairman of the permanent committee Kingdom Relations of Parliament Jeroen Recourt.

Minister Lee also met separately with a member of this committee MP Andre Bosman. “As we investigate opportunities for possible cooperation on health care between different countries within members of the kingdom, I felt it would be helpful to visit members of the second chamber (Parliament) to brief them on our discussions, vision and plans Read more

Tourism Professional May-Ling Chun To Contest Elections With Up

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Long time tourism and hospitality professional May-Ling Chun will contest the September 26 Parliamentary Elections with the United People’s (UP) party. This will be Chun's first bid for a seat in Parliament.

Chun said her decision to join UP is rooted in the party’s objectives, ideology, and always progressive vision of the country Read more

Netherlands/ PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of his working visit to the Netherlands, Minister Lee paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the permanent committee Kingdom Relations of Parliament, Mr. Jeroen Recourt. Minister Lee also met separately with a member of this committee, MP Andre Bosman.
"As we investigate opportunities for possible cooperation on Health care between different countries within members of the kingdom, I felt it would be helpful to visit members of the second chamber (Parliament) to brief them on our discussions, vision and plans Read more

Tourism Professional May-Ling Chun To Contest Elections With Up

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten  — Long time tourism and hospitality professional May-Ling Chun will contest the September 26 Parliamentary Elections with the United People’s (UP) party. This will be Chun’s first bid for a seat in Parliament.

Chun said her decision to join UP is rooted in the party’s objectives, ideology, and always progressive vision of the country Read more

Ihndhira Richardson-Marlin Receives Cultural Prize

Ihndhira Richardson-Marlin receives the award from Governor Holiday. Photo Today / Andrew Bishop

St. Maarten News – The Prins Bernhard Cultural Fund awarded Ihndhira Richardson-Marlin for her contributions to the Arts and Dance at the John Larmonie Center on Friday evening. Richardson Marlin is the daughter of Prime Minister William Marlin; she started to dance at a very young age where she was trained by several of the dance instructors that have graced the halls of the Motiance Dance Company.

Governor Eugène Holiday handed over the award and spoke of the extraordinary performance by the dancers and described them as extremely inspiring Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sports Silveria Jacobs was on hand at the Marie Genevieve de Weever School on Monday morning to witness the finalized works to the Playground / Basketball Court and addressed the students as well as management and staff.

The Minister Jacobs officially thanked the young, local contractor Mr Read more

Telem Reports “Healthy” Profit In 2015

~Praises staff for outstanding efforts~

POND ISLAND – TelEm Group has reported a “healthy” profit for 2015 despite dropping local and international call rates, and the widespread use of “free” calling services in St. Maarten.

The profit figure was announced to TelEm Group personnel by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Helma Etnel, during a general meeting at the Belair Community Center, on Friday, June 17.

According to Etnel, the profits are thanks to the combined efforts of TelEm Group management and personnel in all divisions despite a significant drop in revenues for the year 2015.

“So while we were getting less money in, we were very conservative with spending and using what we had much more efficiently,” said the CFO.

Etnel said the figures could not have come at a better time to boost the morale of personnel, as many negative things are being reported about the company in online and print media – a development that the CFO regrets.

She urged personnel and managers not to dwell on these negative reports, but to remember all the positive things they have done over the past several years to make the company viable, and to continue to provide jobs for St Read more

Democratic Party Remembering Those In Orlando

The Democratic Party, like most of the world, is shocked and immensely saddened by the horrendous carnage that took place in a nightclub in the city of Orlando.

Words cannot describe the feelings that the terrible scenes and heart wrenching accounts by survivors continue to evoke daily. Regardless of the motives, it is terribly, terribly wrong and must be condemned.

“It is unimaginable that a fellow human being could be so callous and without regard for the lives of others, in fact taking pleasure in the wanton destruction of human life,” said DP Leader Wescot-Williams.

We pray and hope for the full recovery of those persons who are injured, and for peace and strength for the families, friends and the entire community affected by this senseless act.

May we also on St Read more

Democratic Party Extends Condolences To The People Of Orlando.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party, like most of the world, is shocked and immensely saddened by the horrendous carnage that took place in a nightclub in the city of Orlando. Words cannot describe the feelings that the terrible scenes and heart wrenching accounts by survivors continue to evoke daily. Regardless of the motives, it is terribly, terribly wrong and must be condemned.

" It is unimaginable that a fellow human being could be so callous and without regard for the lives of others, in fact taking pleasure in the wanton destruction of human life ", said DP Leader Wescot-Williams.

We pray and hope for the full recovery of those persons who are injured and for peace and strength for the families, friends and the entire community affected by this senseless act.

May we also on St Read more

Minister Lee Discussed Hospital With Minister Plasterk

St. Maarten News – Minister Emil Lee (Public Health) headed a delegation that included Kees Klarenbeek, Director of SMMC, Henk de Zeeuw, Managing Director of corporate finance KPMG St. Maarten, and Perry Geerlings, Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary to meet with  Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Ronald Plasterk,  Erwin Arkenbout, Director of Kingdom Relations and Dr Read more