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>PHIILIPSBURG:--- The faction leaders of Parliament namely leader of the National Alliance William Marlin, leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams, leader of the USP Frans Richardson and Independent Members Silvio Matser and Maurice Lake dispatched a letter to the Prime Minister of St Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, announced on Tuesday that he has extended an invitation to all parliamentary faction leaders for Wednesday, October 14th at the Government Administration Building.
The agenda point for the meeting is seeking support for solutions for stability in Government.
The first meeting between the Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, along with his advisors from his Cabinet is slated for 9.00am Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The Members of Parliament that makes up the new coalition has submitted another request to parliament to call an urgent meeting to deal with what they describe as the illegal act by Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever. Shortly after the meeting of Parliament was closed by MP Cornelius de Weever on Tuesday morning, the three political leaders namely William Marlin, Sarah Wescot Williams and Frans Richardson spoke to members of the media that were present in parliament Read more

style="text-align: center;">Vice chairperson De Weever used article 37 of the rules of order to close meeting due to the resolution submitted to Governor to dissolve Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:---The meeting called on Tuesday to appoint a new chairperson and vice chairpersons was close abruptly by the second vice chairperson Cornelius de Weever who chaired the meeting Tuesday morning Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---- On Monday, 12th October, President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, made his position to Parliament by informing the Secretariat of the House of Parliament.

“Given the present and still ongoing political developments, I hereby inform you that I have made the seat of President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten available to whomsoever the Parliament sees fit to assume said post.

“I would also like to thank the members of the Presidium for their untiring cooperation, the secretariat for their unrelenting support, the employees and other related staff for the manner in which they all performed their duties during this period of transition.

“The seat of President of Parliament was not an aspiration of mine, nonetheless my willingness to serve where my country's need of me was the greatest has been and continues to be my passion.

“That being said, I would like to take this moment in our country's history to say to all primarily responsible, that our people, our collective reputation, our country's stability and future are riding perilously on the outcome of these talks Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---- Vice President of Parliament Hon. Cornelius de Weever on Tuesday morning during a plenary session of the House of Parliament, closed the meeting based on Article 37 of the Rules of Order in order to seek legal advice regarding the Council of Ministers decision to dissolve Parliament and hold new elections.
The plenary session was related to the appointment of the President and two Vice Presidents of Parliament.

This meeting of the House was initially requested by the National Alliance Faction Members of Parliament (MPs) W.V Read more

Parliament Seeks Legal Councel On Voting In Of A New President And Vice President Of Parliament

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - A meeting which was called for by members of Parliament of the Democratic Party, the National Alliance and the United St. Maarten Party along with Member of Parliament, the Honorable Maurice Lake to appoint the chair person as well as a vice chairperson of Parliament on Tuesday morning abruptly ended Read more

Council Of Ministers Invites Parliamentary Faction Leaders For A Meeting On Finding Solutions For Stability In Government, Factions Reply

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, announced on Tuesday that he has extended an invitation to all parliamentary faction leaders for Wednesday, October 14th at the Government Administration Building.

The agenda point for the meeting is seeking support for solutions for stability in Government.

The first meeting between the Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, along with his advisors from his Cabinet is slated for 9.00am.  Subsequent thereto, meetings will continue with the faction leaders throughout the day.

As indicated in his first meeting with the Parliament of Sint Maarten, the Prime Minister stressed the need for stability, civility and tranquillity in the country.  Prime Minister Gumbs has requested the various faction leaders to meet in order to discuss solutions for stability in Government. 

Invitations from Prime Minister Gumbs to faction leaders were issued on Tuesday, October 13.

The members of the Council of Ministers decided on Tuesday to explore this avenue in seeking a solution to the current impasse that would be in the long-term interests of the country and its people.

“This approach being offered brings Parliament and Government together to work in the interests of the people Read more

President Of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson Makes Position Available

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – On Monday, 12th October, President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, made his position to Parliament by informing the Secretariat of the House of Parliament.  

“Given the present and still ongoing political developments, I hereby inform you that I have made the seat of President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten available to whomsoever the Parliament sees fit to assume said post.

“I would also like to thank the members of the Presidium for their untiring cooperation, the secretariat for their unrelenting support, the employees and other related staff for the manner in which they all performed their duties during this period of transition.

“The seat of President of Parliament was not an aspiration of mine, nonetheless my willingness to serve where my country's need of me was the greatest has been and continues to be my passion Read more

No Class Justice At St. Maarten’S Prosecutor’S Office

St. Maarten – The Public Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten does not deal with high officials differently than with other citizens. That is the main conclusion of the Law Enforcement Council following the investigation concerning possible class justice by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten. The reason for the investigation was the ruling of the Court of First Instance in the so-called “Masbangu” case, in which the court ruled that the prosecutor’s office, had created the semblance of class justice Read more

University Makes Deal With I Am Sxm Foundation

USM President Francio Guadeloupe (center) signs the agreement together with I Am SXM Foundation president Solaika Serbony and director Julian Lake, while Minister Bourne-Gumbs, MP Tamara Leonard and foundation members look on. Photo Today / Andrew Bishop

St. Maarten — The University of St. Martin and the I am SXM Foundation/Education for all of us signed a memorandum of understanding in the university’s boardroom yesterday afternoon Read more

Union Visits Members On Saba And Statia

WICSU/PSU President Henrietta Doran-York and union representatives on Saba. Photo contributed

St. Maarten – The WICSU/PSU union for civil servants and private sector workers visited the islands of Saba and Statia to meet with the membership and their representatives. President Henrietta Doran-York said that the board encountered members with many grievances on both islands, where according to them, their rights were being trampled upon by their supervisors and managers or as is the case of the Civil Servants, even by government.  

According to a press release from the union on both islands these claims were very similar Read more

Chta Honors Stars Of The Industry With Caribbean Employee, Supervisor, Association Executive & Allied Awards

PUERTO RICO - The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) recognized the stars of the Caribbean hospitality industry at this past weekend's Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), which took place Oct. 2 - 4, 2015 at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico. Those honored, include:Caribbean Tourism Employee of the Year: Andre James, Hyatt Regency TrinidadCaribbean Tourism Supervisor of the Year: Lissa Cuffy, Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach ResortCaribbean National Hotel Association Executive of the Year: Neil Forrester, Antigua Hotels & Tourist AssociationCaribbean Allied Member of the Year: William "Bill" Clegg, Choice Hotels International"These individuals reflect the true spirit of Caribbean tourism professionals Read more

Cuba Getting U.S. Visitors Continues To Be Focus At Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum

THE CARIBBEAN - Cuba: Opportunity or Threat? was the final General Session at the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Puerto Rico over the weekend and the general consensus appeared to be cautious optimism based on expectations of diversion of visitors from other countries, but overall a chance to highlight the diversity of the culture of the region.

There was also concurrence that the entire Caribbean can shine as the spotlight falls on Cuba, exposing more potential travelers to the rich diversity and culture of the region.

CHIEF was organized by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and held at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico.

Cuba continued to be the focus of many conversations as the U.S Read more

Student launches two new recycling collection points

DAWN BEACH--In a cheerful unveiling ceremony, Bodine Beentjes, accompanied by Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Claret Connor, celebrated the opening of two new recycling collection points on Saturday morning.

These will directly benefit residents of Dawn Beach Estates and Ocean View Terrace Read more

Law Enforcement Council does not find any indications of class justice

PHILIPSBURG--The Prosecutor's Office in St. Maarten does not deal with high officials differently than with other citizens. That is the main conclusion of the Law Enforcement Council following the investigation concerning possible class justice by the Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation was launched after the ruling of the Court of First Instance in the so-called "Masbangu" vote-selling case, in which the Court ruled in August 2014 that the Prosecutor's Office, because of decisions made, had created the semblance of class justice.

In this case, the Prosecutor's Office had sought the conviction of five persons who had attempted to sell their vote to United People's (UP) party in the September 2010 election, whereas the party itself and its leadership were not prosecuted.

On appeal, which was heard in May 2015, the Joint Court arrived at the conclusion that the Judge at the Court of First Instance was erroneous and revoked the judgment of the Court of First Instance Read more

Supporters of new coalition plan peaceful protest Wed.

~ If govt. doesn’t resign by today ~

PHILIPSBURG--If the ministers in the Gumbs cabinet fail to make their positions available by today, Tuesday, supporters of the new majority coalition in Parliament plan to take to the streets in a peaceful protest tomorrow, Wednesday, to send a strong message to Government that they “cannot hold the country hostage any longer.”

The Daily Herald understands that the supporters of the new majority have given the Gumbs cabinet up to today to demit office, as a motion of no confidence against them was passed almost two weeks ago, on Wednesday, September 30 Read more

Brazil's new middle class struggles as economy plunges

SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO, Brazil--Until recently, Lucinelia de Jesus Souza's future seemed bright, running a small coffee shop that caters to factory workers and other blue-collar customers in this industrial suburb of São Paulo. But the faded pink counters of her shoebox-sized business, which opened a decade ago and blossomed as Brazil's economy grew quickly, now see fewer customers stopping in for coffee or deep-fried pastries.
  Her income has fallen by half since 2012, forcing the 43-year-old to cut the sort of spending that once heralded an emerging new consumer class in Latin America's biggest country Read more

Editorial - Its very existence

Wednesday's Central Committee of Parliament session to discuss a comprehensive approach to achieve short-term results against the current spate of crime is certainly timely in light of recent events (see related stories). Within the past week alone two armed robbers were shot dead by money transport security guards of whom one also was injured, someone fired several bullets into the cashier's window of a casino and made off with cash, while a man was gunned down at a pool bar in Cay Hill.

According to reports from Curaçao, the latter is believed to have been a gang member there of the No Limit Soldiers (NLS) in Koraal Specht who also was said to have been detained, but later released, for the fatal shooting of Jean-No Sanon in Cole Bay on October 27, 2014 Read more

BREAKING NEWS: At least one Minister Agreed to Resign on Tuesday to avoid Unrest – Reliable Sources.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- At least one of the eight Ministers that are part of the Gumbs cabinet has agreed to submit his resignation on Tuesday to the Governor of St. Maarten. SMN News learnt that Minister Claret Connor who was removed from the Ministry of TEATT and placed at the Ministry of VROMI has agreed to break the stand-off in order to avoid an unrest by the people of St Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, headed the Council of Ministers delegation that attended an Ecumenical Church Service in commemoration of Constitution Day, 12 October, which took place at St. Simon & St. Jude Anglican Church on Back Street, Philipsburg, on Monday.
Also in attendance was His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday and Mrs Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:----- Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo, has notified the current President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson and Secretary Generals, that effective immediately, the position held as Vice Chair is made available.

MP Marlin-Romeo duly notes that there is a new majority in Parliament and therefore, the appointment of the new chairmanship must transpire.

In order to facilitate the process, notice was given to the respective persons in order for the new appointment to continue.

Press Release MP Leona Marlin Romeo

Editors note:- Now that the Independent Member of Parliament who jumped ship from the USP to support the UPP/ De Weever coalition has made her position as vice chair available citing that there is a new majority in Parliament, the Member of Parliament did not say if she will continue doing the honorable thing by having the Minister she appointed tender his resignation Read more

Where is PAR 1? Vehicle allegedly used to do Chairman of Parliament private work.

style="text-align: center;">Civil Servants may start go-slow on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Questions are now being asked as to where is the government owned vehicle with license plate PAR 1 that is assigned to the chairman of Parliament MP Lloyd Richardson. SMN News understands that ever since MP Richardson was appointed chairman of Parliament he was given the vehicle a black Viracruz that was special ordered by former chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell.
SMN News further learned that the chairman of Parliament was allowed to hire his own driver which he did but that person never drove the Chairman of Parliament or even report to work.
That driver Frank Bruney who is on Parliament’s payroll never showed up to Parliament and does not drive around with MP Lloyd Richardson Read more

Gumbs cabinet has no authority to sign new LB’s, they are considered as demissionair cabinet that should submit their resignations --- Letter sent to Plasterk by Governor.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The Council of Ministers got advices from four legal and constitutional experts. All of which SMN News managed to obtain. However, no one is speaking about the letter Governor Eugene Holiday sent to Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Interior and Overseas Affairs Ronald Plasterk where he informed both parties that he cannot honor the Landsbesluit sent to him by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs asking that the Parliament of St Read more