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PHILIPSBURG:--- MINISTRY OF Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) held its Closing and Certification Ceremony of the SME Entrepreneurship Development Program (SEDP) and launched the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) on Friday, August 25th, 2023.

The structured one-year Business Support and Entrepreneurship Development Training Program which targeted both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs funded by the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) and executed by A & A Accounting and HPS Consulting, cumulated with a grand successful finale on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Belair Community Center.

A sense of accomplishment was felt during the evening as the participants in the program displayed their products and/or services and vividly networked with all invited guests.

Over the one-year training and coaching period, the program boasts of its Key milestones achieved
The number of existing businesses registered with the program grew from 43% (16) to 92% (42) Read more

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Court Grants Gebe Its Request To Terminate Hr Manager Clifford Sasso.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The court of first instance granted NV GEBE its request to terminate its Human Resource manager Clifford Sasso who was placed on suspension.
The verdict was read in open court on Wednesday, August 30th 2023.
Based on the verdict GEBE is allowed to end its working relationship with Clifford Sasso since the company had issued several warning letters to Sasso prior to the last suspension.
NV GEBE must compensate Sasso for his years of service. He is to be paid NAF 264.801.00
Below is the decision of the court both in English and Dutch.

order
COURT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE OF SINT MAARTEN
Case number: SXM202300375
Decision dated 30 August 2023
regarding
the limited liability company N.V Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- NV GEBE was hit with another blow on Wednesday morning when the Court of First Instance delivered its verdict in favor of former Temporary manager Sharine Daniel who was also the companys head internal auditor for more than ten years.
In the decision rendered on Wednesday, the court said that NV GEBE did not prove its case neither did they submit and or substantiate the accusations they brought against Daniel, one being she stole property from the company and is responsible for the March 16th, 2022 cyber attack.
Based on the decision the court ordered that NV GEBE reinstate Sharine Daniel as the Head Internal Auditor seven days after it is notified of the courts decision Read more

Orient Bay, St. Martin:---  The members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset celebrated an auspicious moment as they held their 2023-2024 Board Installation Ceremony at Coco Beach Restaurant on Saturday, August 19th, 2023. Distinguished guests, such as the Past District Governor, Mr. Louis Wever, and his wife Rotarian Amanda Wever, Assistant Governor and Club member Elisia Lake, and well-wishers gathered at the restaurant to share and engage in a night of fellowship. The evening was filled with various special moments that made this event unforgettable.

Assistant Governor Elisia Lake proudly re-installed Rotarian Kimberley Duzong as the clubs President for the new Rotary year 2023-2024 Read more

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Witu To Host General Membership Meeting On Thursday

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is announcing its upcoming General Membership Meeting, scheduled to take place this Thursday. This meeting will bring together the esteemed members of WITU to discuss critical matters, share insights, and chart a collective course toward advancing education and further fostering the welfare of educators.
The General Membership Meeting will convene on Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the WITU Office.

WITU recognizes the indispensable role that teachers play in shaping the minds of the next generation and acknowledges the importance of creating a strong network of educators who stand united in their mission to enhance education standards and advocate for the rights of teachers, said Stuart Johnson President of the WITU on Tuesday afternoon Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Tina Hamm, an 11-year breast cancer survivor, was the guest speaker at the fourth monthly meeting of the Breast Cancer Support Group held on August 24, 2023.  The topic was The Journey from Loss to Purpose.

Ms. Hamm (mstinahamm@gmail.com) passionately brought her experience as a luxury travel concierge, podcaster, author, and international motivational speaker to a room filled with survivors (long and short-term), as well as supporters, caregivers, and a few women currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  As the temperature rises and schools welcome students back for the new academic year, the issue of hot and uncomfortable classrooms is coming to the forefront. The lack of adequate air conditioning and proper ventilation in several of our nations educational institutions has raised concerns among parents, educators, and students alike. It's time to prioritize the learning environment and take proactive measures to ensure the health, comfort, and productivity of all those within, Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) said on Monday.

Hot and stifling classrooms can have a detrimental impact on students' ability to focus, learn, and engage effectively Read more

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Dp Leader Congratulates Winair On Its 62 Anniversary.

PHILIPSURG:--- The Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday extended warm congratulations to national airline WINAIR as it commemorated an impressive 62 years of unwavering dedication and outstanding service to St. Maarten and to the Caribbeans aviation industry. Party Leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said that this remarkable milestone is a testament to the airline's enduring commitment to excellence, sound management and leadership, and recognizing the crucial role it plays in connecting people throughout the Caribbean.

The success of WINAIR can be attributed to its incredible team, loyal passengers, and visionary management, all of whom have played an integral role in shaping the airline's journey to success, MP Wescot-Williams said.

The MP recalled the days of significant financial struggles for the airline, with many opining that St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Council of Ministers bid a fond farewell to the esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Windward Island Airways (WINAIR) Mr. Georges Greaux, as he stepped down from his role after twelve years of dedicated service. This significant moment was commemorated with a heartfelt farewell, during which Mr. Greaux was honored for his outstanding contributions to corporate governance and leadership.
The farewell took place during the annual shareholders meeting with the Council of Ministers, which would be the last for Mr Read more

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  A representative from the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Dr. Daphne Illis, recently attended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Regional Health Security (RHS) Planning Meeting in Trinidad & Tobago.

The two-day meeting discussed the transboundary spread of infectious diseases as a threat to regional and global health security. The devastating global impact of COVID-19 and other
public health concerns, reiterate the necessity for regional and global health security to protect and improve health.

RHS encompasses the capacities required for the Caribbean to prepare for and respond to public health threats, risks, priority issues, and concerns that transcend national boundaries and potentially impact on economic stability, trade, tourism, and access to goods and services in the Region Read more

Government Wins Case In Over The Bank Land Issuance Saga.

PHILIPSBURG:---   On August 22, 2023, the Court in First Instance rendered its verdict in the Over the Bank case. In that judgment, the Court determined that Country Sint Maarten is not bound by the (draft) decrees issued by then Minister Meyers and/or that the Over the Bank group could not derive any legally justified expectation from the documents provided by then Minister Meyers due to the violations established with the public order and/or principles of good governance (including the principle of transparency) Read more

MARIGOT:--- A mother and son were shot today by two persons that rode to their Rambaud home around midday on Tuesday.
SMN News learned that the shooters were on a motorcycle when they shot at the mother and son.
The Gendarmerie has confirmed that several shots were fired in the Peak Pardis area around midday. The two victims have been transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment.
An investigation has been opened and is being conducted by the SRD Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  The SXM Padel Club proudly concludes the successful inaugural visit of Padel professional, influencer, and founder of The Padel School, Sandy Farquharson. The week-long event saw Sandy engaging in a series of group clinics and private lessons, leaving a lasting impact on the local Padel community.
During the dynamic week, Sandy Farquharson delivered over 30 engaging sessions, attracting more than 100 players of varying skill levels - from beginners to advanced. The event served as an opportunity for players to enhance their Padel skills while immersing themselves in the energetic atmosphere of the sport.
With the backdrop of the picturesque St Read more

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MARIGOT:--- A mother and son were shot today by two persons that rode to their Rambaud home around midday on Tuesday.
SMN News learned that the shooters were on a motorcycle when they shot at the mother and son.
The Gendarmerie has confirmed that several shots were fired in the Peak Pardis area around midday. The two victims have been transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment.
An investigation has been opened and is being conducted by the SRD Read more

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Consumer Price Index (Cpi) Legislation Needed For The Increase Of Aov Pension Approved In Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On August 16th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley presented legislation to Parliament regarding the reparation of several legislations used to increase amounts such as pension and minimum wage.

"I am proud to announce that it was voted on and approved by Parliament unanimously. This critical legislation will allow the long-awaited increase of AOV pension to occur for 2023, and ensures a timely annual indexation of minimum wage and pension moving forward," stated Minister Ottley.

The changes to specific regulations include the national ordinance on general old-age insurance (pension), the national ordinance on general widows and orphans insurance, the national ordinance on minimum wages, the national health insurance ordinance, and the national accident insurance ordinance.

The legislation amends the provisions of certain national regulations relating to the adjustment of amounts based on developments in the price index for household consumption.

Under current legislation, the adjustment of amounts such as pension is subject to the CPI for the month of August of the previous year to the current year.

However, in 2018, the methodology used by the Department of Statistics has been adjusted and the price index is determined quarterly.

Therefore, JZW, SER, COA, and the Governor have all given negative advice on all attempts to index pensions based on 3rd quarter CPI Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, would like to inform all parents, students, guardians, and school staff, that all schools are to be closed on Monday, August 21 due to inclement weather.

The minister's statement reads as follows: On behalf of the Government of Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, and the Honorable Minister of Finance, Ardwell Irion, accompanied by their support staff, recently concluded a significant milestone by presenting computed calculations for Justice employees to His Excellency Ajamu Baly, the Governor of Sint Maarten.

This presentation marks the final stage in the comprehensive process led by the Minister of Finance, leading up to the submission of a budget amendment to the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

The legislative journey encompasses several vital steps Read more

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BONAIRE:--- With regards to The Dutch government uses internetconsultatie https://www.internetconsultatie.nl/wolbesfinbes/b1 to collect ideas from residents and organizations, including NGOs, about legislative proposals. That these so-called consultations would be your chance to have your say on new laws before they become final.
The call for organizations to react or give input to the Law change WolBES and FinBES process, please find Bonaire Human Rights Organization's reaction and objection hereunder to the intention to legitimize the illegal BES laws:
Unjust acts do not create law.
The BES laws with respect to Bonaire in particular were created on an unjust unlawful base, as the democratic power and responsibility of the Bonaire people were reversed and subordinated back under The Hague overseas colonial rule on October 10, 2010 Read more

Central Committee Meeting Of Parliament Regarding An Update By The Prime Minister On Government's Electoral Reform Trajectory.

 PHILIPSBURG:---  int The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on August 17, 2023.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 14.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Update by the Prime Minister on Government's electoral reform trajectory as per the Prime Minister's letter dated March 15, 2023, IS/584/2022-2023 (IS/759/2022-2023 dated May 10, 2023)
This meeting was requested by MP S.A Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Sport & Culture is excited to announce its continued partnership with NAGICO Insurances to host the Annual Health, Sport & Culture EXPO. The event will take place at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex on Saturday, August 26th, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and admission is free.

We want to applaud NAGICO Insurances for their continued partnership in this event, and for seeing the importance of such a collaboration with the Sports & Culture Departments, Drs Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- In the early hours of Wednesday morning, August 16, 2023, a serious vehicle accident occurred on A.J.C Brouwers Road involving a blue AUDI SUV and a white DACIA. The accident, which took place around 02:30 AM, resulted in significant damage to both vehicles and injuries to one of the drivers.

According to initial reports from the police central dispatch, multiple calls were received regarding the accident on A.J.C Brouwers Road Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Today Claudius Buncamper generously lends his support to the group of VWO 5 students, who will visit the Anne Frank Realschule in Ahaus Germany in October of this year. Students of that school had visited Sint Maarten and MPC last schoolyear and the VWO 5 students will pay them a return visit just after the October break Read more

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~Increase in the interest rates, if conditions are not met, is exacerbating the already precarious situation of the countries and AGAINST our development.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- In assessing where we are financially and economically, the DP leader did not mince any words when she first directed her view to the Dutch government: Even though they are in a caretakers state, I continue to remind the Dutch government of their responsibility to assist in our countrys sustainable growth Read more

BONAIRE:--- Since June 2023, Mr. Arno Willems has been serving as the Royal Representative of Patroness Her Royal Highness (H.R.H.) Princess Beatrix for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). He succeeds Mr. Jaap van Leeuwenburg, who held the position from 2009-2023 and has recently retired Read more