SXMElections.com

Government Departments Affected By Second Wave Of Covid-19 As Numbers Increase.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several Government offices and services are being affected by the second wave of the COVOD-19 outbreak on St. Maarten. The Department of Immigration and Border Controls closed their doors because an immigration officer tested positive for the COVID-19, due to contact tracing four other persons working at the department are now under quarantine.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau also had to close its doors as someone in high standing also tested positive. SMN News understands that all employees of the Tourist Bureau were sent to be tested while the office is now closed.
The Inspectorate of Health and Labor located at the Vineyard Building is also closed as an inspector tested positive Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, June 22, 2020, at 7:00 am, Sint Maarten time, Chris van Dam, Member of the Dutch Second Chamber, will be presenting a motion to the Second Chamber in which he is requesting the Dutch Government to establish that the prison system of Sint Maarten is taken over completely by the Kingdom Council of Ministers for a period of five (5) years at the expense of Country Sint Maarten.
Mr. van Dam sent a copy of this motion to our Members of Parliament with a letter explaining his reasons for submitting it Read more

Will Parliament And Government Allow Dutch Takeover Of The Prison?

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – On Monday, June 22, 2020 at 7:00 am, Sint Maarten time, Chris van Dam, Member of the Dutch Second Chamber, will be presenting a motion to the Second Chamber in which he is requesting the Dutch Government to establish that the prison system of Sint Maarten be taken over completely by the Kingdom Council of Ministers for a period of five (5) years at the expense of Country Sint Maarten.

Mr. van Dam sent a copy of this motion to our Members of Parliament with a letter explaining his reasons for submitting it Read more

Payment Date For License Plates And Vehicle Inspection To Be Extended To June 30

POND ISLAND – Due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Irma, the country is still in the recovery phase.

Hundreds of vehicles suffered damage.  The Government is well aware that many in the community are facing serious hardships and choices have to be made such as fixing one’s home, awaiting settlements from insurance companies, awaiting parts/or awaiting repairs for their vehicles; taking the aforementioned into consideration, with motor vehicle fees due in February, a decision has been taken to extend the compliance payment date for license plate and vehicle inspection fees by an additional four months.

The aforementioned is a form of relief to the community which is still suffering from the effects of the hurricanes.  Minister Cornelius de Weever had this issue as one of his priorities after being sworn in as minister in January.  At that time, he sought advice and has moved forward in having this become a reality.

Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever says the extension is until June 30, 2018 for the plates and inspection.  For those who would like to keep their existing plates, the deadline for payment is March 31, 2018.

All motorists will still need to pay the full year amount for the license plate Read more

Payment Date For License Plates And Vehicle Inspection To Be Extended To June 30.

POND ISLAND:---  Due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Irma, the country is still in the recovery phase.
Hundreds of vehicles suffered damage. The Government is well aware that many in the community are facing serious hardships and choices have to be made such as fixing one’s home, awaiting settlements from insurance companies, awaiting parts/or awaiting repairs for their vehicles; taking the aforementioned into consideration, with motor vehicle fees due in February, a decision has been taken to extend the compliance payment date for license plate and vehicle inspection fees by an additional four months.
The aforementioned is a form of relief to the community which is still suffering from the effects of the hurricanes Read more

POND ISLAND--Vendors from the demolished Philipsburg Marketplace were consulted recently by Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Cornelius de Weever on plans to revamp the area.

The 32 vendors shared their recommendations with the Minister in the meeting. These included the need for storage spaces, their inclusion in discussions with the architect, and the symbols/monuments that should be included in the final design Read more

Minister Of Tourism De Weever Welcomes Cn-Express Air Connection For Windward Islands With Bonaire.

POND ISLAND:--- Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, says he welcomes the news about an agreement that has been signed this week between the Netherlands and Winair that would establish a direct air link between Bonaire and the Windward Islands of Saba, St Read more

PHILIPSBURG--Despite government’s dire financial circumstances, Justice Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Wednesday that authorities are looking into the possibility of delaying the payment of motor vehicle tax by half a year.

Read more

Minister Of Tourism De Weever Pleased With Market Vendor Consultations For A New Viable And Sustainable Market Place.

POND ISLAND:--- Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, on Monday, attended a presentation that was organized by Ministry TEATT to inform market vendors about plans for market place.
“It is very important to communicate, inform and involve the market vendors in the process in order to have a win win for all involved.
“Market places are an attraction wherever you travel Read more

Minister Of Tourism De Weever Calls On Interested Persons To Apply For Cto Scholarships And Study Grants

POND ISLAND – Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, is encouraging interested persons and young people to apply for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation for study grants and scholarships.

The scholarship foundation is accepting applications for the aforementioned from Caribbean nationals in CTO member countries.  Sint Maarten is a member of the CTO.

The main aim of the CTO Foundation is to provide opportunities for Caribbean nationals to pursue studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality and language training.

The Foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism.

The Foundation offers the following types of assistance and the various forms are downloadable from the Caribbean Tourism Organization website http://www.onecaribbean.org/our-work/scholarship-foundation/scholarships-grants/

Scholarships of up to US$12,000 to individuals wanting to study tourism or hospitality at the Master’s (post graduate) level.  Download 2018 Scholarship Application Form Study grants of up to US$2,500 to individuals pursing tourism/hospitality studies at the certificate, diploma, associate degree or first degree level, and to industry personnel who want to gain proficiency in a second language to assist them in their job.  Download 2018 Study Grant Application Form A scholarship of up to US$2,500 is offered in the name of CTO’s former Director of Research and Information Management, Mr Read more

POND ISLAND:--- Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, is encouraging interested persons and young people to apply for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation for study grants and scholarships.
The scholarship foundation is accepting applications for the aforementioned from Caribbean nationals in CTO member countries Read more

Simpson Bay:---  Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications (TEATT) the Honorable Cornelius de Weever made the opening remarks at the Tactical Meeting of the Steering Committee and Stakeholder Forum for the COSME program being held at the Simpson Bay Resort on February 14th and 15th 2018.
The minister spoke words of welcome, acknowledging the Project Officer/ Private Sector Specialist of the EU Delegation, Ms Read more

Welcome Remarks Of Teatt Minister At Cosme

Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten – Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications (TEATT) the Honorable Cornelius de Weever made the opening remarks at the Tactical Meeting of the Steering Committee and Stakeholder Forum for the COSME program being held at the Simpson bay Resort on February 14th and 15th 2018.

The minister spoke words of welcome, acknowledging the Project Officer/ Private Sector Specialist of the EU Delegation, Ms Read more

Minister De Weever Opens Departure Pavilion

Great Bay, St. Martin – Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic& Telecommunications (TEATT), the Honorable Cornelius de Weever officially opened the Departure Pavilion at the Princess Juliana International Airport over the weekend.

Minister De Weever mentioned during the opening ceremony that as acting Minister of TEATT, with the responsibility for the airport, government will do all within its power to facilitate the rebuilding and further development of the facilities, and will also continue to encourage strategic partnerships in this vital sector that will result in a win-win-win situation for all involved.

Hurricane Irma was the first Category 5 hurricane to strike the Leeward Islands on record, followed by Hurricane Maria two weeks later, and is the second-costliest Caribbean hurricane on record, after Maria Read more

Minister Of Tourism De Weever Opens Departure Pavilion At Sxm Airport

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunications (TEATT), the Honorable Cornelius de Weever officially opened the Departure Pavilion at the Princess Juliana International Airport over the weekend.

Minister De Weever mentioned during the opening ceremony that as acting Minister of TEATT, with the responsibility for the airport, government will do all within its power to facilitate the rebuilding and further development of the facilities, and will also continue to encourage strategic partnerships in this vital sector that will result in a win-win-win situation for all involved.

Hurricane Irma was the first Category 5 hurricane to strike the Leeward Islands on record, followed by Hurricane Maria two weeks later, and is the second-costliest Caribbean hurricane on record, after Maria Read more

Minister De Weever Opens Departure Pavilion.

Great Bay:---  Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic& Telecommunications (TEATT), the Honorable Cornelius de Weever officially opened the Departure Pavilion at the Princess Juliana International Airport over the weekend.
Minister De Weever mentioned during the opening ceremony that as acting Minister of TEATT, with the responsibility for the airport, government will do all within its power to facilitate the rebuilding and further development of the facilities, and will also continue to encourage strategic partnerships in this vital sector that will result in a win-win-win situation for all involved.
Hurricane Irma was the first Category 5 hurricane to strike the Leeward Islands on record, followed by Hurricane Maria two weeks later, and is the second-costliest Caribbean hurricane on record, after Maria Read more

Minister Of Telecommunications De Weever Commends Local Radio Stations On World Radio Day

Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever

POND ISLAND, Sint Maarten — The Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever, would like to congratulate radio station owners, staff and listeners on the occasion of World Radio Day which is being observed around the globe today, Tuesday, February 13.

The theme for World Radio Day 2018 is “Radio and Sports.”

“Radio is a very powerful tool, and we once again experienced that on September 6, the day hurricane Irma made landfall and caused catastrophic damage to our beloved island.

“For several weeks, several radio stations served as beacons of hope as they provided information to the community and to loved ones abroad who were following developments on the island right after the hurricane.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend our radio stations, the owners, the staff, technicians, program producers and hosts for the very important role that they played after the hurricane.

“In the past, pre-Irma and today, radio continues to perform a very important role and this will continue for the foreseeable future.  Thank you for what you do every day 365 days a year,” Acting Minister of Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

Radio has shaped lives across many countries around the world.

Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium there is, adapting to 21st century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate.

World Radio Day was first celebrated in 2012, following its declaration by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) General Conference.

It was subsequently adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly Read more

POND ISLAND:--- The Acting Minister responsible for Telecommunications Cornelius de Weever, would like to congratulate radio station owners, st, ff and listeners on the occasion of World Radio Day which is being observed around the globe today, Tuesday, February 13.
The theme for World Radio Day 2018 is “Radio and Sports.”
“Radio is a very powerful tool, and we once again experienced that on September 6, the day hurricane Irma made landfall and caused catastrophic damage to our beloved island.
“For several weeks, several radio stations served as beacons of hope as they provided information to the community and to loved ones abroad who were following developments on the island right after the hurricane.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend our radio stations, the owners, the staff, technicians, program producers and hosts for the very important role that they played after the hurricane.
“In the past, pre-Irma and today, radio continues to perform a very important role and this will continue for the foreseeable future Read more

POND ISLAND:---  Destination Sint Maarten/St. Martin is once again profiled in a major U.S. media publication, the USA Today. On Monday, February 12, in its Travel Section under the title, “Best beaches in the Caribbean, 2018 edition,” there were 51 photos featuring the aforementioned in the Region, and destination St. Maarten/St. Martin was mentioned in the number two spot pointing out that the island’s 37 beaches are back in business.
The feature written by Melanie Reffes as a special to USA Today starts out, “Even if you’ve been there and done that, chilling on a Caribbean beach never gets old.
“Whether you like snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing, people-watching on party beaches or the sand-less-traveled, our island-by-island guide can help you find the best sandy swaths under the sun.”
Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever said on Monday that once again this is positive promotion for the destination after the hurricanes of September 2017.
Minister De Weever was quoted in the publication as saying: “A fan of the beach closest to the city, minister of tourism Cornelius de Weever gives a thumbs-up to Great Bay Beach where the ‘boardwalk bars host spirited happy hours, there’s a lot of shopping in adjacent Philipsburg and as the pier is at the end, it’s perfect for cruise shippers looking to spend an afternoon on the sand.’”
“Keeping travelers and the travel and tourism trade informed on how we are progressing is very important for the destination Read more

William: Draft Law Short Term Contracts Watered Down To Primarily Benefit Businesses

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Former Prime Minister William Marlin says the draft national ordinance to amend the civil code to stem the abuse of short term labor contracts has been watered down to such an extent that the original intention of the law is no longer visible.

The current draft on the table, he adds, primarily benefits businesses and seems to make a mockery of the system Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Prime Minister William Marlin says the draft national ordinance to amend the civil code to stem the abuse of short-term labor contracts has been watered down to such an extent that the original intention of the law is no longer visible.

The current draft on the table, he adds, primarily benefits businesses and seems to make a mockery of the system Read more

Minister Of Justice De Weever’S Message For Safer Internet Day

POND ISLAND – Tuesday, February 6 is Safer Internet Day and this year’s theme is, ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you.’

Over the years, Safer Internet Day (SID) has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar. Starting as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in approximately 130 countries worldwide.

SID is a global initiative started by the Insafe network in Europe to champion safe and responsible use of internet technologies, including on mobile devices.

“The growth of the internet has been remarkable.  The development of information technology is considered the fourth industrial revolution Read more

POND ISLAND:--- Tuesday, February 6 is Safer Internet Day and this year’s theme is, ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you.’
Over the years, Safer Internet Day (SID) has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar. Starting as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in approximately 130 countries worldwide.
SID is a global initiative started by the Insafe network in Europe to champion safe and responsible use of internet technologies, including on mobile devices.
“The growth of the internet has been remarkable Read more

POND ISLAND:--- The New York Times (NYT) Travel section featured “52 Places to Go in 2018,” as part of a starter kit for escaping into the world, and the Caribbean came in as number four under the banner, “Tourism speeds recovery in a storm-battered part of the world.”
Destination Sint Maarten’s newest tourist attraction was mentioned under the Caribbean, “The new St. Maarten Rockland Estate Eco-Park Rainforest Adventures’ new Rockland Estate Park introduced a zipline to Saint Maarten.” The section was written by Elaine Glusac.
Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever said this publicity was very good for the destination as the country continues to recover from the damage caused by the September 2017 hurricanes.
“We are very pleased that one of our newest attractions which recently opened was mentioned in this prestigious and credible U.S Read more