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PHILIPSBURG:--- “I have not heard it myself, but it caused some persons to get quite upset, so I can only imagine the ranting that took place during the weekly Tuesday night program on 95.9 FM (SOS radio) on November 21st. This particular program is the mouthpiece for a political party, so its biased content should be taken with a grain of salt.
However, that does not mean that slander and bluffs should go unchallenged.
Our honorable Minister of VROMI allegedly was livid about my questions regarding the salvaging operations in the Simpsonbay Lagoon and on that particular program on 95.9 FM was fencing about a letter he had in his possession regarding the salvaging operations.
He alluded to this letter and me, as if there was something sinister about my questioning of the lagoon cleanup in general.
A couple of comments:

The Minister should at least try to act his role as Minister Read more

Ministers Of Vromi And Vsa Questioned On Roof Repair Program.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten, — Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has requested Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, the Honorable Mr. Christopher Emmanuel and Minister of Health Care, Social Development & Labor, the Honorable Mr Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Chief of Police Carl John and the Commander of the VKS Antonio Rogers met on Wednesday, November 22nd for talks regarding the safety of the community of Sint Maarten and the working cooperation between both entities. The VKS has been working under the supervision of the police department for quite a number of years with positive results.

Both the Chief of Police and the Commander of the VKS are doing their utmost to improve this working cooperation Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, November 22nd, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, began the distribution of the larger school and office supplies to the public and subsidized schools and organizations. The supplies distributed was part of the requested supplies by the school boards after the assessments were done post-Hurricane Irma. The supplies were sent via the Karel Doorman through the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in the Netherlands. The supplies are to assist in the recovery and bouncing back of the schools Read more

Eclac Provides Senior Public Officials With Cutting-Edge Trade Analysis Tools.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago:--- Thirty-two public officials, senior officers and decision makers from several Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) countries gathered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this week, to gain a better understanding of the tools needed to provide deeper trade analysis that would support future Economic Union trade negotiations among members of the OECS.
From 14 to 16 November 2017, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, jointly coordinated a capacity development workshop for senior officers from Ministries of Trade, Customs divisions, and Statistics departments, among others Read more

Children’S Rights Amidst The Recovery Plan Of The Country Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The month of November has always been a very special month in the lives of the children where as a country we have promoted the awareness of children’s rights for over three decades in collaboration with our counterparts of French St. Martin.
This year a unique occasion has been presented to us since the passing of Hurricane Irma to truly demonstrate our sincere commitment towards the well-being of our children.
The devastation of the Hurricane, I dare say challenged almost every article as presented in the International Children’s Rights Convention which has been ratified by 195 Countries including our beautiful island St Read more

Royal Caribbean Confirms Holiday Cruise Schedule And Is On Track For December 17 Return. 

~ Sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises returns February 2018 ~

PORT ST. MAARTEN – A Port St. Maarten delegation from the Cruise Business Unit met recently with Royal Caribbean International (RCI) representatives in Miami, Florida, to provide an update on the progress of current recovery efforts in destination Sint Maarten.

During the discussions, Royal Caribbean reiterated its commitment to the destination and provided a schedule of the vessels that will call on Sint Maarten starting in mid-December, just in time for the peak family travel season.

Grandeur of the Seas will be the first cruise ship bringing guests to rediscover the marquee destination on December 17, followed by daily visits across six vessels, including two of the world’s largest cruise ships.

The ships and dates are as follows: Independence of the Seas, December 25 and 29; Jewel of the Seas, December 26; Freedom of the Seas, December 27; Adventure of the Seas, December 31; and Harmony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas on January 2 and 3, 2018 respectively.

Celebrity Cruises has also announced that Celebrity Eclipse will be returning to the island on February 4, 2018 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Frans Richardson on Friday lauded the management of GEBE for the diligent work currently being executed and for their professionalism under pressure-filled circumstances following hurricanes Irma and Maria. The MP also praised GEBE’s personnel for going above and beyond in putting St. Maarten I position for a quicker recovery.

Richardson said the government and people of St Read more

PORT ST. MAARTEN:--- A Port St. Maarten delegation from the Cruise Business Unit met recently with Royal Caribbean International (RCI) representatives in Miami, Florida, to provide an update on the progress of current recovery efforts in destination Sint Maarten.
During the discussions, Royal Caribbean reiterated its commitment to the destination and provided a schedule of the vessels that will call on Sint Maarten starting in mid-December, just in time for the peak family travel season.
Grandeur of the Seas will be the first cruise ship bringing guests to rediscover the marquee destination on December 17, followed by daily visits across six vessels, including two of the world’s largest cruise ships.
The ships and dates are as follows: Independence of the Seas, December 25 and 29; Jewel of the Seas, December 26; Freedom of the Seas, December 27; Adventure of the Seas, December 31; and Harmony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas on January 2 and 3, 2018 respectively.
Celebrity Cruises has also announced that Celebrity Eclipse will be returning to the island on February 4, 2018 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The UP/DP/Brownbill government submitted the following names of persons who have to undergo the necessary screening in order for them to fill the positions as Prime Minister and Ministers in the interim.
According to well-placed sources, the following names of p Read more

HARBOUR VIEW:--- On Friday, November 17, 2017, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, met with and received an update from formateur Mr. Franklin Meyer as a follow-up to the formation assignment of November 7, 2017.
During the meeting, the formateur updated the Governor on the progress of matters related to the formation of the interim government. The formation of the interim government is supported by a coalition consisting of the United Peoples Party, the Democratic Party and Member of Parliament C.E Read more

All is well, that ends well, one could quickly say, following the news that the government of St. Maarten finally signed the agreement with the Netherlands on the border control. However, we are not at the end of this “stand-off”, that started with Prime Minister Marlin’s blunt refusal to even discuss the preconditions set by the Dutch government to the release of reconstruction funds. A lot of valuable time has been lost.
And the government continues to spend money it does not have Read more

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, colleagues and dear friends on the passing of former member of the National Alliance and leader of the Social Reform Party Mr. Read more

Smcu And Pss N.V. Outline Issues Facing Post Office.

Supervisory Board of Directors (SBD)
The SBD is truly saddened by the lack of social, political and financial responsibility being taken by Government. Over the years, we have been red flagging the financial realities at PSS to the competent authorities but to no tangible avail. The passage of Hurricane Irma has compounded the problem and further exposed the reality whereby PSS is in dire need of an immediate cash injection by its shareholder.

PSS is the only postal organization in the Dutch Caribbean that receives zero subsidy from Government Read more

St. Martin Day Celebrations In Recap.

‘St. Martin Day for the People by the People’

POND ISLAND:--- The St. Martin Day events began with the traditional ecumenical church service at the New Government Administration Building. The church service was filled with praise, worship, dance, poetry and a thought-provoking sermon was delivered by Rev. Brissett. The official ceremony began thereafter with speeches from his Excellency Governor E. Holiday, Prefet Anne Laubies, Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, President du Collectivité Daniel Gibbes, Prime Minister William Marlin, 1st Vice President Madame Valerie Damaseau and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Silveria Jacobs.
Minister Jacobs and 1stVice President Madame Damaseau, addressed the attendees with a joint speech, as a symbol of their collaboration and unity in planning and execution of the St Read more

Sxm Strong Debate: “To Be Identified As A St. Martiner, Cultural Identity Is More Important Than Nationality”

POND ISLAND:--- A cultural debate was held in line with the Road to St. Martin Day activities. This debate was held between the Hyacinth Richardson Educational Foundation and the Joint team of the Youth Parliament and the Conseil Territorial de Jeunes.
The moot for this debate was tabled as “To be identified as a St. Martiner Cultural Identity is more important than Nationality.
The debate’s program started off by the MC Ms Read more

CAY HILL:--- Students and faculty of the Learning Unlimited (LU) Preparatory School paid tribute to the late Neville York on Friday, November 10th with a St. Maarten’s day celebration in his honor and by unveiling his memorial portrait in the school’s performance arts room.

The program was held as part of a special assembly entitled “LU Strong, SXM Strong” and featured several musical and dance performances by the students and teachers. The students used every opportunity to express how much York meant to them and the school, wishing “the man, with the pan, in his hand” was still with them.

Coordinator of the program and Head of the Primary School Amissa President described York as a person and artist who gave his all to LU and its students Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, November 4th, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library had an amazing book sale. Your local library was able to raise NAF 733.62 throughout the day during its annual book sale. The funds raised will be used for new materials and activities hosted by the library.
This special book sale was intended to bring back some normalcy to the library and her fateful patrons Read more

Stressed "Unity"

THE HAGUE, Netherlands:--- On Friday November 10th 2017, the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, was the venue of the annual Sint Maarten Day Celebration, hosted by Minister Henrietta Doran-York.
The theme this year, was centered around Unity. This was evident in the turnout as Sint Maarteners of all age groups, traveled from the various major cities to The Hague to join in commemorating this special day.
Among the many guests were the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao, His Excellency, Mr Read more

Prime Minister William Marlin Said That He Spoke To State Secretary Of Kingdom Relations, Mr. Knops Rearding The Recovery Fund And Aid

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Prime Minister William Marlin said that the first thing he did on Friday morning was call State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, Mr. Knops after receiving news that the Dutch government had taken a decision on the Recovery Fund and on the amount of 550 million Euros in recovery aid to Sint Maarten.

This is great news, he said, and he expressed a big Thank You to the government and people of the Netherlands for the relief aid received so far, amounting to over 50 million Euros and now the decision to establish the Recovery Fund with no less than 550 million Euros Read more

Fellow St. Martiners,

This St. Martin Day is like no other that we have celebrated since this holiday was established jointly by two St. Martin patriots in 1959, the late Dr. Hubert Petit and Dr. Claude Wathey. Their intention, as I understand it, was to bring all the people of the island together, from Great Bay to Marigot, from Middle Region to Hameau du Pont, from French Quarter to Dutch Quarter, and from Simpson Bay to Galisbay, St. Martin people from all four corners of the island, to join hands and hearts together to celebrate our St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister William Marlin said that the first thing he did on Friday morning was call State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, Mr. Knops after receiving news that the Dutch government had taken a decision on the Recovery Fund and on the amount of 550 million Euros in recovery aid to Sint Maarten.
This is great news, he said, and he expressed a big Thank You to the government and people of the Netherlands for the relief aid received so far, amounting to over 50 million Euros and now the decision to establish the Recovery Fund with no less than 550 million Euros Read more

Prime Minister William Marlin Leaves Parliament Meeting To Meet With The Governor

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Prime Minister William Marlin said on Thursday afternoon that he had to suddenly leave the meeting of parliament for an urgent meeting with the Governor, his Excellency Drs. Eugene Holiday. The meeting had been adjourned for 30 minutes and as the meeting lasted much longer, the Prime Minister informed the Chairlady of Parliament that he could not return to the meeting until late in the evening.

Without consulting the Prime Minister, the Chairlady then adjourned the meeting to 10:00 am Friday morning Read more

The Minister Of General Affairs, Prime Minister William Marlin, Hereby Makes The Following Known.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Minister of General Affairs is responsible for designating a location where meetings of the Main Voting Bureau are held, this in accordance with article 12 sub 6 of the Voting Ordinance.

The meeting to allow political parties to submit their slate of candidates will be held on November 13, 2017 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the New Government Building at Soualiga Road Pond Island. Endorsing of the slates of candidates will take place on Tuesday November 14, 2017 from 9 :00 am to 4:00 pm in the building where the Census Office was previously housed across from the New Government Building at Soualiga Road 6 Read more