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Urgent Plenary Session Of Parliament Scheduled For Monday About Housing Foundation

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – A plenary session of the House of Parliament is scheduled for December 22nd regarding the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF).

The plenary session is set for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda is concerning the request made to the Governments Accounting Bureau SOAB to carry out a forensic investigation in to the operations of the SMHDF; the decision of the board of the SMHDF to suspend several members of the management team and the request of the former Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Hon Read more

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Statement From The Honorable Prime Minister Marcel F.A. Gumbs

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with a great sense of pride and honor that I sit before you as Prime Minister of this greatest little country in the world. My entire life has been dedicated to service in one form or the other to St. Maarten. This latest chapter is just a continuation of that service. And now, it's time to work!

We hold no illusions of the task before us. St. Maarten is at a critical stage in its development and growth as a nation.

Our mission is clear: To ensure that St Read more

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Sxm Mp's To Meet On Upcoming Ipko Meeting Which Is Set For January

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of the St. Maarten Parliament will be meeting again on Thursday, December 18th to discuss the upcoming IPKO (Meeting of Kingdom Parliaments) on Aruba in the first week of January 2015.

This committee of Parliament met for the first time on December 8th to elect its chairperson and vice chairperson. MP Sarah Wescot-Williams was elected to chair this committee.

On December 9th, by means of a video conference the chairpersons of the Parliaments and the parliamentary Kingdom Committees of Aruba, Curacao and St Read more

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Mp Wescot-Williams Seeking To Make Public Official Information On Smhdf Saga

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Member of Parliament and Leader of the Democratic Party, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams Monday sent a letter to the President of Parliament the Honorable Dr. Lloyd Richardson seeking answers to a number of questions surrounding developments at the St Read more

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Mp Wescot-Williams Among Opzij 100 Most Powerful Women

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - For the second consecutive year, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament of St. Maarten, Sarah Wescot-Williams has placed amongst the Top 100 Powerful Women, an annual selection of 100 women by the monthly Dutch magazine OPZIJ.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams placed in the category "Politics", along with 9 other women, who together share the spotlight with 90 other women in 9 different categories.

The Prime Minister was informed of her placement by letter dated September 16th, from the Editor-in-Chief, Mrs Read more

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Minister De Weever Resigns From The Democratic Party

GREAT BAY, St. Martin - Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius de Weever has notified the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot-Williams that he has now officially resigned from the party.

Minister De Weever informed the leader that due to the manner in which she and/or the DP publicly tried to portray me in a negative light, I have decided to reconsider my future with the DP and hereby RESIGN my affiliation with the Democratic Party.

I campaigned as a New Democrat with a "new" Democratic Party but it is readily apparent to many that it is the same old political strategy of trying to shame and blame.

Minister De Weever further stated that he expected an internal "issue" to be handled internally, professionally and avoid giving others more ammunition against St Read more

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Dp Leader Says Some Par Latino Sessions Focused On Women

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - In addition to the regular committee meetings of Parlatino last week (already reported on), Thursday and Friday Parlatino's activities centered around the empowerment of women.

Several simultaneous discussion forums were held, allowing female parliamentarians from the different countries to discuss ?topics such as leadership and the position of women in politics.

Some challenges faced by women in politics are universal, other challenges are exacerbated b Read more

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Dp Leader Mp Wescot-Williams Attending First Par Latino Meeting, Framework Law On Violence In Schools Approved

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - On Wednesday, December 3rd, Member of Parliament and DP leader, Sarah Wescot-Williams attended her first Parlatino committee meeting in Panama.

The St. Maarten MP participated in the meeting of the Parlatino committee on Gender Equity, Childhood and Youth.

In its meeting of Wednesday, aforementioned committee approved a framework law on violence in schools, with an emphasis on anti-bullying measures and actors.

This draft was commissioned in a previous meeting of the committee in June of 2014.

This draft will now be sent to a plenary session of Parlatino.

It is expected upon approval to serve as a guide and impetus for member states to use and tailor to the specific needs and circumstances of the individual states.

On Thursday and Friday, the DP faction leader will attend the forum on Women and Politics (abbreviated), along with several other members of parliament of St Read more

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Mp Dr. Lloyd Richardson Voted In As President Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Members of Parliament in a Central Committee meeting on Monday morning, Member of Parliament of the United People's Party, the Honorable Lloyd Richardson was voted to the position as President of Parliament.

He is now replacing leader of the Democratic Party, Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams who resigned from the post on Thursday November 13th.

During the voting on Monday, Dr Read more

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Dp Leader Responds To Minister Lake Request Concerning Planned Purchase Of Vorst Property

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - DP leader the Honorable MP Sarah Wescot-Williams responded Friday to a press statement from the Honorable Minister Maurice Lake on the subject of the Vorst property.

Minister Lake in his press statement which was also carried on this website, stated that he would like the Council of Ministers to take a vote on the planned purchase of the Vorst property.

In his statement Minister lake stated that "I was not surprised by the comments of our Prime Minister about the Vorst and Emilio Wilson land purchases Read more

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Prime Minister Attends Launch Of The African Caribbean Heritage Alliance

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Caretaker Prime Minister the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the launch of the African Caribbean Heritage Alliance ACHA at the Belair Community Center on Thursday.

The ACHA is an organization founded with the vision to create unity and linkages amongst people of African decent living in St Read more

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Prime Minister Joins In Thanksgiving Lunch With The Elderly

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Caretaker Prime Minister the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams joined in commemorative Thanksgiving Lunches at the St. Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Center in Hope Estate on Thursday.

The events also recognized various businesses and members of the community that contributed to various programs centered on the enrichment of the lives of senior citizens.

The Prime Minister wished all present a Happy Thanksgiving and a delicious lunch and thanked those present for their contribution to building the country and laying the foundation of St Read more

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Dp Board Seeking Expulsion Of Minister De Weever From Party

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The board of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten Tuesday sent a letter to MP the Honorable Cornelius de Weever in which they have clearly stated their intentions to expel him from the folds of the party.

The letter which is signed by the President and leader states that they have given MP de Weever the opportunity to appeal the decision of the board, however this appeal must be submitted by five 0'clock Friday afternoon.

According to the Leader of the Democratic Party MP the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, MP C Read more

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Crystal Pineapple Awards A Grand Success

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – The 9th annual Crystal Pineapple Awards Gala Event, held on Friday November 21st 2014, by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), was an outstanding and spectacular event.

The evening saw 19 persons receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Trade, and Community Service, as well as 6 persons /organizations in the extraordinary categories.

The SHTA extends congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 9th annual Crystal Pineapple Awards.

Guests were treated to a visual oasis of black & white with purple accents by Glitter Events who was contracted to transform the venue into a magical ambiance suitable only for St, Maarten's best and brightest stars in the Tourism arena.

The gala event was held at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino which has been the host venue for many years to the event.

The resort also prepared a sumptuous and elaborate culinary extravaganza complete with living statutes which included more than ten live food stations, expertly prepared dishes such as a giant Paella, Sushi & Sashimi platters, roast leg of Lamb, Chateau Briand and a sumptuous dessert selection ranging from an array of cheeses and fruit to Sonesta's signature pastries.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Anenda Zaandam, who tied the evening together along with board members and experts of the industry presenting the various awards.

Singers ARIAS opened with the National Anthem & closed the evening with a heart-warming "Time to say Goodbye" Read more

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Emil Lee Issues Statement On Political Developments

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - As 12th highest vote getter out of 90 candidates and 3rd highest vote getter in the DP, I have been requested many times to comment on the current political situation, I felt that making comments before things were clear could be disruptive to the formation process.

Now that Sarah Wescott-Williams, leader of the DP, has made the position of the DP clear, I believe it is reasonable to make a statement.

As the dust settles, I would propose that opposition forms a united coalition since providing quality opposition in Parliament is a critical part of any properly functioning democracy Read more

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Caretaker Pm Resigns As President Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - It is now official! President of Parliament, caretaker Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, who announced during a press conference on Wednesday that she was making her position as president of Parliament available, on Thursday, presented her letter of resignation to the Parliament of St Read more

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Minister Ted Richardson Addresses Intellectual Property In Parliament Thursday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The House of Parliament met in a plenary public session on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting was related to Bureau Intellectual Property.

This meeting was initially scheduled to be held on Monday, November 10, but due to a lack of a quorum it was adjourned.

The purpose of the parliamentary session was to discuss draft National Ordinance regarding the Bureau of Intellectual Property with respect to current rules, responsibilities and obligations.

During the meeting, Members of Parliament had several questions in relation to the B.I.P.

On hand to provide the answers to MPs was Caretaker Minister with the responsibility for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Communications, Ted Richardson.

Meanwhile, the motion for the draft National Ordinance for the Bureau of Intellectual Property was unanimously accepted by 11 to 0 votes on the floor of Parliament on Thursday Read more

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No Word From The Up Party On Dp Leader Statement

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Leader of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten, Sarah Wescot Williams has shifted her stance in the current coalition of the UP led government.

The leader of the DP, who currently holds the position of President of Parliament, told journalists during a press conference on Wednesday that she is making her position as President of the legislative body available to the UP Party.

However, Mrs Read more

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Dp Outlines Role In Coalition Formation Process, Takes A Step Back To Evaluate

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Leader of the Democratic Party (DP) of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

During the conference the caretaker Prime Minister who also holds the function of President of Parliament, outlined the role that her party played and is playing in the current formation process leading towards a new government for the island led by the UP party and MP Cornelius de Weever.

Formateur MP the Honorable Theo Heyliger who is now not a candidate for Minister, announced that he has submitted the names and dossiers of candidates Ministers to His Excellency the Governor of St Read more

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Parliament Still To Handle Agenda Szv To Expand The Pension Plan

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary public session on Thursday, November 13th.

This session is related to Bureau Intellectual Property which was initially held on Monday, November 10, but due to a lack of a quorum it was closed and rescheduled for the aforementioned date.

The plenary session is set for Thursday at 2.00pm. High on the agenda is the draft National Ordinance regarding the Bureau of Intellectual Property, the current rules, responsibilities and obligations.

Meanwhile, the House of Parliament has some pending matters to handle.

They include the annual account of St Read more

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St. Maarten/St. Martin Day Celebrated Tuesday, Celebrations Hosted By St. Martin

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The 66th anniversary of St. Maarten Day was celebrated on Tuesday, November 11th.

This year's celebrations were held on the French side, as it was their turn to host the activities marking the occasion this year.

The day started with an ecumenical service at the Methodist Church in French Quarter. This was then followed by the wreath laying ceremony at the frontier between Dutch Quarter and French Quarter in the morning.

Soon after the wreath laying ritual, dignitaries were transported to in front of the Cultural Center in French Quarter, where they witnessed the parade of the various uniform groups.

After the parade, dignitaries were shuttled to the Thelbert Carty Stadium, where the official ceremony for St Read more

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A New Level Of Acceptance Being Sought By New President Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - President of Parliament, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams is looking at ways to bring parliament to a level of acceptance.

That sentiment was echoed by the President, whist speaking at a press conference on Thursday.

Whilst addressing that subject, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams also noted that legislation was a joint responsibility of Parliament and the government.

Mrs Read more

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Pm Encourages Community To Commemorate And Celebrate St. Maarten's Day Celebrations, "Wear Your St. Maarten Colors, Fly Your Flags, And Show Your Pride"

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Caretaker Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams encourages the community to show their support for the celebration of the National Holiday on the eleventh of November.

The Prime Minister stressed for the community of St. Maarten to come out in force to celebrate St. Maarten's Day "I would like to urge the community to Celebrate St Read more

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Prime Minister Wescot-Williams Expresses Condolences To The Family Of The Victims Of The Skyway Crash, Praises Search And Recovery Efforts

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams expressed her condolences to the victims of the fatal Skyway Airways flight which crashed on Wednesday evening.

The one confirmed deceased and one missing pilot were the only two souls on board: "I would like to express my sincer Read more

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