SXMElections.com

Jansen-Webster: Permanent Damage Caused In Vromi Over Last Four Years

Deputy VROMI Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster.

~ VROMI completely without leadership ~

PHILIPSBURG--At a press conference on Tuesday acting Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Veronica Jansen-Webster painted a grim picture of the situation encountered when the new government took office.

She said the conditions under which the ministry was managed over the last four years have left permanent damage in the organisation and on civil servants Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 22nd May 2024 @ 11:50 LST (15:50 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 23rd May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Cloudy with scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms are likely.Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: East to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph and higher gusts in showers.SYNOPSIS: Unstable conditions associated with an upper-level trough results in cloudiness, rain-showers, and possible thunderstorms across the region Read more

Ursm Celebrates The Admittance Of Richinel Brug To Member Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG The leadership and board of the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) proudly announce the admittance of Mr. Richinel Brug as the newest incoming Member of Parliament once sworn Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 21st May 2024 @ 11:45 LST (15:45 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 22nd May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: East to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 7 to 14 mph.SYNOPSIS: The high-pressure system maintains hot, and humid conditions, and gentle winds across the region Read more

 PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTENDATE ISSUED: Monday 20th May 2024 @ 11:45 LST (15:45 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 21st May 2024 WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. Isolated showers are possible. Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F Sunset Today: 6:40 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:38 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 05 to 12 mph. SYNOPSIS: A high-pressure system continues to dominate and maintains gentle winds across the region Read more

The Daily Herald Sets Record Straight After Jacobs' Accusation Of Fake News

The VDSM letter regarding the screening of candidate-minister Raeyhon Peterson includes the signature of VDSM head Leijgrave on page two.

PHILIPSBURG--Former Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, now an opposition Member of Parliament for the National Alliance party, has accused The Daily Herald of publishing an unsigned letter from the National Security Services VDSM regarding the screening of candidate minister Raeyhon Peterson on May 4, 2024 Read more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

 

DATE ISSUED: Friday, 17 May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 18 May 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with brief local showers possible.

Forecast High: 32C / 90F              

Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 6:39 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:38 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Saturday midday: East-southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 05 to 10 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Generally fair weather will prevail across the local region Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Thursday 16th May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 17th May 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with isolated showers possible.

Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 6:39 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:39 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 05 to 11 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

A relatively stable atmosphere will continue to restrict precipitation across the region Read more

Ex-Cbcs President In Court On Charges Of Fraud, Money-Laundering And Bribery

Emsley Tromp

 ~ Lengthy prison sentence sought ~

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG--In a court appearance in Curaao on Tuesday, Emsley Tromp, former President of the Central Bank of Curaao and St. Maarten (CBCS), defended himself against allegations of fraud stemming from his involvement in the Curaao Fashion Group (CFG). Tromp emphasised that he has meticulously maintained a separation between his roles, establishing what he described as Chinese walls to ensure ethical integrity.

Tromp is a suspect in the Hercules case Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 15th May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 16th May 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Mostly fair.

Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 6:39 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:39 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 05 to 11 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

The Atlantic high pressure system will continue to dominate the weather pattern across the region Read more

Minister Of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis Union Meeting

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, convened a meeting with members of the Nationaal Algemeen Politiebond (NABP) and the Algemene Bond van Overheid & Overige Personeel Opgericht (ABVO) this Monday. The meeting, requested by the unions, served as an introductory platform for their boards and members to familiarize themselves with the Minister’s cabinet and receive an update on several pressing matters including the pending National Decrees for justice personnel. During the discussions, Minister Lewis, who has an extensive background in law enforcement and in handling HR legal issues related to the same, clarified the specifics of the phases Read more

Grisha Commends Organizers Of Pazzazz Sxm Experience

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, expressed heartfelt appreciation to both organizers and attendees of the recent Pazzazz SXM Experience. This dazzling event, held over the weekend, highlighted the island’s rich cultural tapestry and warm hospitality, creating unforgettable memories for all participants. During a signature moment of the festivities, Heyliger-Marten told the jubilant crowd, “Our island is a captivating blend of cultures, offering a unique fusion of European elegance and Caribbean vibrancy Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 14th May 2024 @ 11:45 LST (15:45 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 15th May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with light haze. Isolated showers are possible overnight.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:38 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:39 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Northeast to easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 12 mph.SYNOPSIS: A high-pressure system dominates, maintaining stable conditions and light to gentle winds across the region Read more

I Will Not Pay Lip Service To Agriculture, Says Grisha

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten We have treated agriculture like a bastard child, said Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications. In her inaugural address last Friday, the minister said, The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vulnerable we are when we depend almost exclusively on imported food to feed ourselves. I am announcing now that agriculture will receive the attention it deserves Read more

Cabinet Mercelina Prioritizes Inclusiveness And Communication With Public Servants

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Friday morning, May 10, 2024, the Council of Ministers (CoM) met with the newly proposed Employee Engagement Council (EEC), composed of 17 members from various departments and executing bodies within government. This initiative follows an independent employee satisfaction survey and recent exit interviews. The EEC analysed the survey results, which highlighted concerns over primary labor conditions, and has formulated 21 recommendations aimed at four specific target groups: colleagues, middle management, secretary generals, and political leaders, along with six general recommendations. Key priorities identified include enhancing open communication, implementing the full human resource cycle throughout the government, and increasing transparency through the publication of annual plans and quarterly progress reports, which are supported by monthly updates from middle management Read more

Grisha To Have Quick Scan Of Teatt, Says Economy Far From Its Best Shape

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has signaled that she will have a quick scan done to give a more realistic picture of what our current (economic) situation actually is.

In her inaugural address Friday, May 3, 2024, the new TEATT minister, the 12th since 2010, said, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that our economy is far from its best shape.

True, we have faced some unprecedented challenges in the last decade, including the incredible devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the global shutdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Monday 13th May 2024 @ 11:45 LST (15:45 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 14th May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with light haze.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:37 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:40 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Tuesday midday: East to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 12 mph.SYNOPSIS: A high-pressure system dominates, maintaining stable conditions and generally gentle winds across the region Read more

Grisha Hears Market Vendors Concerns Over New Marketplace

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, met Friday, May 10, 2024, with market vendors to hear their concerns about the proposed new marketplace.

The market project had already been awarded to J&J Construction for a total of Nafl 1.2 million, however many of the market vendors were not satisfied with the design.

During the meeting, the vendors highlighted the lack of storage facility for their wares, as well as the need for better lighting, bathrooms, and security Read more

Say One, Say Two, Say The Thing

Dear Editor,

The editorial in the Daily Herald newspaper of Friday, May 10th, 2024 titled Bad apples regarding what the editor considers a major decision of the new Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis (NOW) whereas he announced his decisive action to correct justice workers suspensions. In so doing the new Minister of Justice intends to alleviate staff shortages and ensure fair labor practices Read more

No Debt Restructuring

The new government has been sworn in. There is still a discussion ongoing as to the two other members Christoph Emanuel and Rayeon Peterson as to whether they will be sworn in as Ministers.The Parliament at present consists of 13 Members, hopefully sooner than later the other two seats will be filled by Richniel Brug and Viren Vinod Kotai whose credentials are to be approved. In his presentation the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Dr. Luc Mercelina raised the matter of the countrys debt burden and the importance of the Dispute Regulation, the latter being thrown back and forth for some 14 years now with no end in sight.

Although important, I am of the opinion that Debt cancellation has to be a priority Read more

Film Director Joel Ayuk: I Like To Think IVe Opened Doors For Film-Making In St. Martin

Joel Ayuk (right) with Nigerian actor Enyinne Nwigwe who plays policeman husband Mike in the film with their respective Best Screenplay and Best Male Actor awards at the Cameroon International Film Festival.

 

By Robert Luckock

MARIGOT--Joel Ayuk, director, writer and producer of the well-received domestic violence drama Chokehold, is set to depart for the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France, the most prestigious of all the film festivals, joining an array of international film directors, judges, revered actors and A-list celebrities.

The full-length movie Chokehold was filmed entirely in St Read more

Carnival Restructuring Policy Released In National Gazette

PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Justice, under the guidance of former Minister Anna Richardson, has published a new policy aimed at restructuring St. Maarten Carnival.

As stated in the recent publication of the National Gazette, the decision followed in response to a number of challenges currently facing the annual event, including inconsistent management structures, financial instability, under-representation of local culture, safety concerns and the need for better integration of technological advancements Read more

Minister Of Justice, Addresses Urgent Situation At New Start For Children Foster Home

SAUNDERS, Sint Maarten — In response to recent developments regarding the structural integrity concerns at New Start for Children Foster Home in Mary’s Fancy, the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C.J. Lewis, in collaboration with the Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten (SJIS), is taking swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of the foster children residing there.

The recent article published in The Daily Herald Newspaper on Monday, May 6, 2024, brought to light the critical situation faced by 19 foster children who may soon need to relocate due to cracks in the building walls and foundation of the foster home Read more

To All The Mothers Of St. Maarten, We Thank God For You.

Thank God for that one Sunday in May where we get the opportunity to pour extra love and adoration upon you. We are given the opportunity to remind you that you’ve been the architect of our dreams and the backbone of our families. You’ve laughed with us in joy, and wiped away our tears in sorrow, you’ve been the comforting embrace we seek.

The Caribbean mother has always been a figure of immense power and beauty and a fierce protector. You have shown us that wisdom doesn’t always come from books, but often from the lived experience Read more