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GREAT BAY:---- Following its presentation to parliament on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF) said it is encouraged by the response of the legislative body to its call for a constitutional referendum. “Parliament is the only authority that can convene a referendum and even though, as President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams pointed out, a new constitutional status is not specifically mentioned in the constitution as one of the reasons for a referendum, it is now for Parliament to do the right thing and allow the people of St Read more

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MARIGOT--President of the Collectivité Daniel Gibbs was received by President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in the morning and then by Prime Minister (PM) of St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of its 5-years anniversary, U 2 Can Move (U2CM) members will be engaging the services of the Mobile Health Bus on Monday, May 8th.
The mobile health bus is coordinated by the Collective Preventive Services of the Ministry of VSA.
On Monday, May 8th, the bus will be stationed on the Pondfill, across from the Sports Auditorium from 4 pm.
Everyone is encouraged to stop by and be "checked and measured" by the professionals who will be manning the bus.
"We are extremely grateful to CPS for their cooperation and we invite persons to spontaneously 'drop in'.
U 2 Can Move is a fitness program, celebrating 5 years of existence under the leadership of President of Parliament, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.
"Our health statistics where many diseases and illnesses are concerned are quite alarming Read more

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Memorial Day: Un Día Para Valorar Nuestra Libertad

Traducido por Máximo Castro

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM). – El Gobierno conmemoró ayer el Memorial Day (“Dodenherdenkingsdag”) similar al resto de países del Reino de los Países Bajos en el capitán Hodge Wharf en Philipsburg.

“Durante este Día Nacional de Conmemoración”, se les rindió honores a todas las víctimas holandesas – civiles y soldados – asesinadas en el Reino de los Países Bajos o en cualquier otro lugar del mundo Read more

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Memorial Day: A Day To Appreciate Our Freedom

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – On Thursday May 4, the Government of Sint Maarten observed Memorial Day, (“Dodenherdenkingsdag”) similar to the other countries within the Dutch Kingdom, at the Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipsburg.

“During this National Commemoration Day” all Dutch victims – civilians and soldiers – who have been killed or murdered in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or during peace-keeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War,” were commemorated (www.4en5mei.nl).

A short ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon that also included a number of dignitaries including President of the Collectivite of St Read more

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Memorial Day: A Day To Appreciate Our Freedom

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – On Thursday May 4, the Government of Sint Maarten will recognize Memorial Day, (“Dodenherdenkingsdag”) similar to the other countries within the Dutch Kingdom.

“During this National Commemoration Day” all Dutch victims – civilians and soldiers – who have been killed or murdered in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or during peach-keeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War” are commemorated (www.4en5mei.nl).

This year, while there are millions of people in the Middle East that are yet fighting for a free state, Government opted to highlight the freedom element throughout its program.

Most people assume freedom is a natural state, yet it is something that has been fought for through many wars Read more

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Memorial Day: A Day To Appreciate Our Freedom

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- On Thursday, May 4, the Government of Sint Maarten will recognize Memorial Day, (“Dodenherdenkingsdag”) similar to the other countries within the Dutch Kingdom.

“During this National Commemoration Day,” all Dutch victims – civilians and soldiers – who have been killed or murdered in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or during peach-keeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War” are commemorated (www.4en5mei.nl).

This year, while there are millions of people in the Middle East that are yet fighting for a free state, Government opted to highlight the freedom element throughout its program.

Most people assume freedom is a natural state, yet it is something that has been fought for through many wars Read more

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Upp Faction Forfeits Opportunity To Represent The People

The Central Committee of Parliament made history last week when it scheduled ample time to discuss the 2016-2020 Governing Program “Solidarity for Prosperity.” As far as I can recall, this is the first time that Parliament planned so many meetings to handle a governing program. The only other topic for which so many meetings are scheduled by Parliament is the country’s budget. I am a strong believer that these two go hand in hand and we should expect to see the priorities and projects listed in the governing program also reflected in all future budgets presented.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), comprised of the USP, DP and NA factions, also ought to be commended for their display of unity during the opening presentation Read more

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Draft Law Establishing Timeshare Authority For St. Maarten Under Review

 

PHILIPSBURG – It has not gone unnoticed that timeshare users of units on St. Maarten have been very vocal as of late regarding the draft law to establish a timeshare authority.

“There is quite a history behind the proposal to establish a Timeshare Authority, starting with a motion passed in Parliament on June 29, 2011 to establish a ‘timeshare regulatory body,’” explained Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams.

With the help and involvement of many, in and outside of government/parliament and the timeshare industry, two draft initiatives were tabled by former MP P Read more

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Draft Law Establishing A Timeshare Authority For St. Maarten Under Review.

PHILIPSBURG:--- It has not gone unnoticed that timeshare users of units on St. Maarten have been very vocal as of late regarding the draft law to establish a timeshare authority.
“There is quite a history behind the proposal to establish a Timeshare Authority, starting with a motion passed in Parliament on June 29, 2011, to establish a ‘timeshare regulatory body”, explained MP Wescot-Williams.
With the help and involvement of many, in and outside of government/parliament and in and outside of the timeshare industry, two draft initiatives were tabled by former MP, P Read more

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Wescot-Williams Requests Meeting To Discuss Taxes

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — After several requests for information on taxes and the answers provided by the Minister of Finance, I have now requested the Chairman of the Finance Committee to convene a meeting of this committee with the agenda point: The fiscal and tax systems of St. Maarten.

The request for the meeting was made after receiving upon request, the status of several pending pieces of legislation regarding taxes, etc. such as:

Cancellation of taxes prior to 2006;

Amendments to the national accountability ordinance;

Collection of taxes;

The financial training institution.

The first answers to these questions date back to August 2016, and an update was requested in March 2017.

Furthermore, I apprised the Finance Committee chair of the response by the Minister to the motion adopted by Parliament regarding the “forgiveness” of taxes, allowing taxpayers to file taxes, not filed before.

Then there is the document, provided by the Government, “The Road to a Smart State of the Art Tax Administration” by Mr Read more

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Wescot Requests Discussion Of Taxes In Finance Committee

PHILIPSBURG--After several requests for information on taxes and the answers provided by Minister of Finance Richard Gibson, Chairwoman of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has now requested the Chairman of the Finance Committee to convene a meeting to discuss the fiscal and tax systems of St Read more

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GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---On Friday, March 31, the Council of Ministers hosted an Information Session to the Secretaries General of the seven different Ministries and their Management Team, the Staff of the Ministers cabinet, and the Staff of the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

The main agenda points of the session were the Governing Program; integrity and the plans of the Dutch Government towards establishing an Integrity Chamber on Sint Maarten and their recent appointment of a Dutch Integrity Quartermaster and an update on the budget 2017.

The Council found it essential to inform the key leaders and advisors of the organization in person about these key matters.
While the Prime Minister, William Marlin, spoke on the issues of the Governing Program and Integrity, the Minister of Finance, Richard Gibson Sr., elaborated on the budget.

At the same time, both Ministers stressed the importance of the role of each civil servant in the process of making Sint Maarten great Read more

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Com Hosts Information Session For Management Teams Of Seven Government Ministries

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – On Friday, March 31, the Council of Ministers hosted an Information Session to the Secretaries General of the seven different Ministries and their Management Team, the Staff of the Ministers cabinet, and the Staff of the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

The main agenda points of the session were the Governing Program; integrity and the plans of the Dutch Government towards establishing an Integrity Chamber on Sint Maarten and their recent appointment of a Dutch Integrity Quartermaster and an update on the budget 2017.

The Council found it essential to inform the key leaders and advisors of the organization in person about these key matters.

While the Prime Minister, William Marlin, spoke on the issues of the Governing Program and Integrity, the Minister of Finance, Richard Gibson Sr., elaborated on the budget.

At the same time both Ministers stressed the importance of the role of each civil servant in the process of making Sint Maarten great Read more

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Dp And Coppal To Rekindle Ties

PHILIPSBURG – During his recent visit to St. Maarten, Rudy Croes paid a courtesy visit to DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams, also in his capacity as vice-chairperson of the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPAL).

The Democratic Party (DP) is a long standing member of COPPAL, however, during the last few years, has been inactive as far as this regional political body is concerned.

COPPAL is an international organization of political parties in Latin America and the Caribbean Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- During his recent visit to St. Maarten, Mr. Rudy Croes paid a courtesy visit to DP leader, Sarah Wescot-Williams, also in his capacity as vice-chairperson of the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPAL).

The Democratic Party is a long-standing member of COPPAL, however during the last couple of years, has been inactive as far as this regional political body is concerned.
COPPAL is an international organization of political parties in Latin America and the Caribbean Read more

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Sarah: Plastic Bags Ban A Small, But Important Step

PHILIPSBURG--A ban on single-use plastic bags, particularly shopping bags, would be a small, but important step for the country in waste management and environmental care, said Democratic Party leader Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams Read more

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Wescot-Williams: Plastic Bags Ban A Small But Important Step

PHILIPSBURG – As part of her first stakeholders’ consultation, Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams met with Nature Foundation’s manager Tadzio Bervoets to discuss her proposal to ban the use of plastic bags.

As the MP already made clear, there is a draft initiative law in Parliament, dating back to 2014, seeking to address the same matter, however, in a more indirect way.

“My proposal is to amend the General Police Ordinance and prohibit the use of plastic bags Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- As one of her first stakeholders' consultation, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams met with Nature Foundation's manager, Tadzio Bervoets to discuss her proposal to ban the use of plastic bags.
As the MP already made clear, there is a draft initiative law at parliament, going back to 2014, seeking to address the same matter, however in a more indirect way.
"My proposal is to amend the General Police Ordinance and prohibit the use of plastic bags" Read more

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Sarah: “A Reset, Not A Retreat Is What Is Necessary As Far As The Relationship Between The Kingdom Government And St. Maarten Is Concerned.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- I don’t remember a time that the relationship between these 2 entities has not been strained. Yes, we have had lulls, but the underlying currents have always been present. I remember the early years following the constitutional referendum of 2000 when the position of the Kingdom government was “no separate (read: country) status” for any entity in the Kingdom. You were either in or out!

10 years after our referendum, parties had managed to get out of that quandary to the cautious satisfaction of parties, it seemed.
Nevertheless, some thorny issues remained, not in the last place the opposing positions partners on both sides of the ocean take as far as the contentious article 43 of the Charter is concerned.
The recent amendment to the Charter while a step in the right direction, does not totally mitigate the democratic deficit, which remains a thorn in the relationship.

Fast forward to today and not wanting to rehash the whole story regarding the Integrity Chamber, let’s establish at least the following:
The GOVERNMENT of St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Christian Party welcomes the two proposals made by President of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams, to improve the functioning of Parliament. One proposal increases the transparency and accountability of parliamentarians towards the voters and the other proposal improves the communication between parliament and the people Read more

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President Of Parliament Sets Day For Public Consultations

PHILIPSBURG – President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has decided to hold public consultations every other week on Wednesdays, starting on Wednesday, April 12, between 10:00am and 1:00pm.

While this consultation will take place at the Parliament building to begin with, the President has announced that it is her intention to also visit different locations and visit with different groups when and where such is more feasible.

“I am daily accessible at my office, except of course when in meetings etc., however, I want to encourage citizens to use their elected representatives for the purpose we were elected,” she said.

Often times, the Parliament is copied in correspondence between citizens and government Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams has decided to hold public consultations every other week on Wednesdays, starting on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 between the hours of 10 am and 1 pm.
While this consultation will take place at the Parliament building, to begin with, the President has announced that it is her intention to also visit different locations and visit with different groups when and where such is more feasible.
"I am daily accessible at my office, except of course when in meetings etc., however, I want to encourage citizens to use their elected representatives for the purpose we were elected."
Often times, the Parliament is copied in correspondence between citizens and government; this, however, will not evoke any formal action from parliament.
Different, however, is when a citizen/citizens petition parliament to act upon a matter where the one/ones concerned feel government has not properly acted in the execution of its task Read more

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U 2 Can Move Members Pose For A Picture

In Photo: Several U 2 Can Move members pose for a picture before joining the SMBBFA’s Get Fit 3 “fit-a-thon” early Saturday morning at the Government parking lot.

“We participated to show our commitment to fitness and physical activity. While it is great that the carnival parades in themselves are ‘moving’ activities and persons go the extra mile to look fit for the parades, we want to encourage daily actions that keep one moving.

“U 2 Can Move is celebrating its 5th anniversary next month, a feat that will surely not go unnoticed.”

Sarah A Read more

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