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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Finance has submitted the amended budget for the year 2023 to the Parliament, outlining key adjustments that reflect the evolving economic landscape.
The amended budget for 2023 shows an increase in revenue amounting to NAf 23 million, paired with a corresponding rise in expenses totaling NAf 22 million Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Thursday 23rd November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 24th November 2023

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL 6PM FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2023

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Friday midday: Generally cloudy with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 30C / 86F                  Forecast Low: 26C / 79F

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:23 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Friday midday: Northeasterly to southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 15 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Lingering moisture and instability associated with a recent frontal boundary will continue to produce cloudy periods and some showers across the local area.
Meanwhile, above normal sea conditions are expected mainly along the northern and eastern shores through Friday Read more

United People (UP) Party candidates and supporters arrived at the Parliament Building in luxury cars. One shiny SUV after another rolled past, with Minister Omar Ottley standing in the open roof of a black car waving the party flag. A sound truck played the UP Party song, which included Ottley's message: I am here to stay.

UP Party Leader Rolando Brison presented the Central Voting Bureau a full list of 23 candidates, according to Brison the most capable selection Read more

Deafening noise from heavy motorcycles announced the arrival of the new political party Nation, Opportunity, Wealth (NOW). Christopher Emmanuel, with his political sponsor Olivier Arrindell and NOW candidate Claudius 'Toontje' Buncamper at his side, led the yellow march from Clem Labega Square towards the Parliament Building.NOW has 21 candidates Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 22nd November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 23rd November 2023 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.  

Forecast High: 30C / 86F                  Forecast Low: 25C / 79F 

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:23 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 12 mph. 

SYNOPSIS:   

Lingering moisture and instability, associated with a frontal boundary will support light precipitation Read more

Armand Meda To Run On Upp Slate, Resigns From Democratic Party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, November 19th, 2023, Democratic Candidate Armand Meda resigned from the party. This took place on the same day as the Democratic Party Candidate & Manifesto launch.

The former number 14 candidate on the DP list, has had a vigorous campaign under the slogan Forward, for almost a year that became very popular on Social Media and households on St Read more

Official Outline For Campaign Material For January 11 2024 Parliamentary Elections

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of General Affairs alongside the Central Voting Bureau is pleased to update the public on the rules for political campaign material for the Parliamentary Elections slated for January 11, 2024.

The Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, Honorable Anna Richardson recently announced that a general permit is granted concerning the placement of Political Campaign Material in Public Spaces with a view to the Elections of the interested political parties for the placement, installation, or possession of Political Campaign Material in Public Spaces during the period from 00:00 on November 22 to January 13, 2024.

This general permit is granted under the following conditions:

The instructions of the police regarding traffic safety and prevention of disorders regarding the placement of Political Campaign Material must be followed.For the sake of traffic safety, it is prohibited to place Political Campaign Material on roundabouts on the island or 10 meters before the start of roundabouts.Political Campaign Material must not impede or endanger traffic by placing it on or at Traffic Facilities.Political Campaign Material must not be placed:on top of Political Campaign Material from another political party.on or at the property of others without the owner's or user's permission.in a way that obstructs or makes public traffic unsafe; andwithin five (5) meters from the polling station, measured from the entrance.The content of Political Campaign Material must not be offensive in any way.The political party is liable for damage, nuisance, or inconvenience caused by or because of the placement or installation, as well as for the risk associated with any police measures regarding Political Campaign Material, and is obligated to remove the Political Campaign Material placed on public roads by January 13, 2024, at the latest.Political Campaign Material placed or installed by anyone other than a political party, on behalf of a specific political party, is deemed to have been placed by or on behalf of the latter party, pursuant to this permit, to the extent that this is the case in Public Spaces.The Minister can revoke the individual permit right to place Political Campaign Material from the political party that does not comply with the conditions of this general permit.In this general permit, the following terms are understood as:Public Spaces: all public roads as described in Article 1 sub i of the Traffic Regulation of Sint Maarten and all public places as described in article 1 sub b of the Public Manifestations Regulation.Political Campaign Material: all material in the broadest sense used for conducting a political campaign, including, but not limited to, posters, stickers, posters, signs, flags, brochures, and flyers.Traffic Facilities: the traffic signs and signals as described in Article 2 of the Traffic Regulation of Sint Maarten.Elections: the elections on January 11th, 2024, for the election of members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

This information was previously sent by the Minister of Justice to the political party leaders to ensure transparency Read more

Cbcs Best Economic Research Award 2024.

~Research competition for HAVO and VWO students in Curaao and Sint Maarten~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces the kick-off of the fourth edition of the Best Economic Research Award (BERA) at HAVO and VWO level. Final-year students from all HAVO and VWO schools in Curaao and Sint Maarten are invited to submit an economic research paper on a topic that is relevant to the economies of the monetary union. The CBCS will award both the winning student(s) and school(s) an attractive prize Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 21st November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 22nd November 2023 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon and evening: Cloudy with intermittent rain. 

Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy. Isolated showers are possible.  

Forecast High: 30C / 86F                  Forecast Low: 24C / 75F 

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:22 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Southwesterly to northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 10 mph, becoming lighter and variable at times. 

SYNOPSIS:   

Moisture and instability, associated with a frontal boundary and an area of low-pressure, will produce scattered showers, rain, and possible isolated thunderstorms across the region Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Monday 20th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 21st November 2023

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR
ST. MAARTEN UNTIL 6PM MONDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2023

WEATHER:

This Afternoon: Mostly cloudy with light haze.
Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Cloudy with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F                  Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:21 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

Today through Tuesday morning: Southeasterly to southerly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 12 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Moisture and instability associated with a frontal boundary and an area of low-pressure is approaching the region Read more

Question Hour With The Minister Of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport And Telecommunication Regarding Taxi And Bus Licenses.

PHILIPSBURG:---The House of Parliament will sit in a Public session on November 20, 2023.
The Public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 13.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Question hour: Questions from MP S.A. Wescot-Williams directed to the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication regarding taxi and bus licenses (IS/076/2023-2024 dated October 4, 2023)

The intention of a question hour is to create the possibility for Members of Parliament to exercise their supervisory activities by posing questions and interacting with Ministers on current matters Read more

Mp Akeem Arrindell Advocates Transition Of Ats To Government Oversight For Enhanced Tax Compliance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a strategic move aimed at bolstering tax compliance and fortifying government revenues, Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell has proposed the transition of the Audit Team Sint Maarten (ATS) from the Social and Health Insurances (SZV) to direct government oversight.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion, MP Arrindell outlined his key recommendations to harness the potential of ATS and ensure its continued contribution to the economic growth of St Read more

Public Order And Domain At Risk Of Not Being Respected

Philipsburg – President, Party Leader and member of Parliament of the Party for Progress Melissa Gumbs and PFP Vice President Marvio Cooks expressed concern over the fact that it appeared poster frames were being erected around various spots on the island on Friday, 17 November 2023 Read more

Strong Correlation Between Homelessness, Poverty And Mental Illness

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — There is a strong correlation between homelessness, poverty and mental illness. For years, government has stated that it would create a country-wide plan of action for the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders.

This is just what we need for when we look around our beautiful island, so many people are walking the streets with hopelessness in their eyes, hoping for hope again. We need to stop the quick fixes and temporary remedies, and examine the role of society in preventing and responding to mental health problems beyond the health system.

To protect people’s mental health, we need a country plan that focuses on prevention in schools, and the lingering social issues that plague our communities leading up to intellectually disabled people.

We see homelessness, poverty and mentally disabled people highlighted right now in our communities Read more

Nv Gebe Clarifies Financial Management Position, Counters Misleading Allegations

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In response to recent comments made by MP Christophe Emmanuel regarding the financial management of NV GEBE, the management would like to take this opportunity to issue a comprehensive statement that aims to clarify the facts and defend the integrity of our company.

The allegations of financial mismanagement by NV GEBE are based on selective and misleading information. NV GEBE has carefully planned its finances and sought professional advice to ensure that the company recovers from a severe cyber-attack.

Upon current managements assumption of leadership, it met with a company that had diminished financial reserves, primarily due to a significant loss of income Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday 17th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 18th November 2023

A SMALL CRAFT AND HIGH SURF ADVISORIES REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy with slight haze and brief showers possible.

Forecast High: 31 C / 88F                 Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:20 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Easterly to east southeasterly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 10 to 20 mph. 

SYNOPSIS: 

Drifting pockets of moisture at the lower levels of the atmosphere may cause brief isolated showers across the local area Read more

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of VSA Omar Ottley tells the court on Friday morning that he will not be a scapegoat or posterchild for corruption on St. Maarten, corruption that took place in the past or present Ottley addressed the court in the defamation case he brought against businessman Olivier Arrindell for slander and defamation. In addressing the court, he said the only thing he had was his name and he worked very hard for the assets he obtained in life Read more

Chaos At Airport As Passengers Pass Through New Departure Hall

(Left) Minister Leo Lambriex, responsible for Tourism, posing for a photo at the new Boarding Pass readers. On the right the situation at the airport on Thursday.

 

SIMPSON BAY--Princess Juliana International Airport proudly welcomed its first passengers through the doors of the new Departure Hall on Wednesday, offering an enriched passenger experience for all travellers Read more

Fabio Doralice Advocates For Special Need Policy & Vision On Sint Maarten

Philipsburg, As we approach the close of the year, there is an urgent plea for updates on the progress of the Special Needs Policy for Sint Maarten.

In a parliamentary meeting on February 13th, the Minister of ECYS expressed an active commitment to developing a special needs policy. However, as we near the end of November, the community, parents, and educators are eager to understand the strides made thus far and if there are concrete plans in place.

While I commend the Minister of VSA for unveiling the “Improving Mental Health Services” project, it is crucial not to overlook the equally vital aspect of special needs education.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2023-2024 school term, transparency is needed regarding expectations for the 2024-2025 school year Read more

DATE ISSUED: Thursday 16th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 17th November 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with slight haze. The isolated shower is possible overnight. 

Forecast High: 31 C / 88F                 Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:19 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 14 mph.  

SYNOPSIS:   

A gentle to moderate wind flow will persist with limited shower activity Read more

Bonaire Island Governor To Visiting Tweede Kamer Candidate: Voter Turn-Out Needs To Go Up.

Kralendijk Bonaire —Acting Island Governor of Bonaire, Nolly Oleana, hopes to increase voter participation in the upcoming Second Chamber elections from 23% (in 2021) to 40% this time. He said this to locally campaigning candidate Walter Hellebrand from the BBB party. Voters of the Dutch Caribbean islands should let their voices be heard on 22 November in the elections for the parliament of the kingdom. Every island has special issues but voices through votes must be propelled in the direction of the Hague Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 15th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 16th November 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. 

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

Sunset Today: 5:36 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:18 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: East to east-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 14 mph.  

SYNOPSIS:   

A dry and stable atmosphere continues to limit shower activity Read more

A Worrisome Justice Apparatus

Dear Editor,

In the Daily Herald of Thursday, August 12th, 2021 an elaborated article was dedicated to the Carbon Grove Estates in Cole Bay. The article with title Developer of Carbon Grove ordered to deliver apartments, mentioned two separate summary proceedings, whereby the Court of First Instance ordered Melbon Enterprises to deliver the rights to three apartments in Carbon Grove Estates in Cole Bay. The Judge describes the case as all time low, it reads. The Court stated that Carbons course of action resembles a so-called Ponzi scheme.

According to different media houses, on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 searches were conducted at four locations connected to a suspect in a fraud and money laundering case named Koruna Read more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 14th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) November 15, 2023

WEATHER:    

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

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

  

Sunset Today: 5:36 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:18 A.M.  

  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly to east-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 14 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

A dry and stable atmosphere will restrict significant shower activity Read more