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Prime Minister Gumbs Statement On The Passing Of Police Officer Gamali Benjamin

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs on Sunday, August 9th issued the following statement with respect to the passing of Police Officer Gamali Benjamin.

My fellow St. Maarteners,

"My heart is heavy as I offer, my family's and Government's deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Officer Gamali Benjamin Read more

Minister Offers Condolences, Mourns Passing Of Officer Benjamin

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - On Saturday August 8th, 2015 the Minister of Justice the Honorable Dennis Richardson received the disheartening news that Officer Benjamin had passed away at the Sint Maarten Medical Center as a direct result of the severe gunshot injuries he sustained while exercising his duties and protecting the residents and visitors of Sint Maarten.

Minister Richardson and Prime Minister Mr. Marcel Gumbs immediately visited the Medical Center to pay their respects to Officer Benjamin and tried to comfort the many family members and colleagues who were clearly in soul wrenching pain from the passing of Benjamin.

The Minister and the entire Ministry of Justice extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Officer Benjamin.

Officer Benjamin's shooting and his subsequent passing have come as a severe shock to his family, the Sint Maarten Police Force and the Community at large and will undoubtedly have an effect on many lives for a very long time to come Read more

After Trump and Bush's stumbles, will Fiorina ride to the rescue?

CLEVELAND--Donald Trump's caustic confrontation with Fox News Channel presenter Megyn Kelly at Thursday's Republican presidential debate couldn't have come at a less opportune time for a party trying to increase its appeal to women voters.

Kelly, a debate moderator, grilled Trump on his history of debasing statements about women. Trump appeared unapologetic, dismissing the critique as "political correctness," and accused Kelly of mistreating him.

Democrats were quick to try and seize advantage Read more

Frenchwoman aid worker hostage released in Yemen

PARIS--A Frenchwoman abducted in Yemen in February has been freed, French authorities said on Friday, adding that her captors had been about to kill her.

Development worker Isabelle Prime and her translator Shereen Makawi were abducted by gunmen in the capital Sanaa on Feb. 24 while on their way to work. Yemeni tribal sources said in March Prime would be released, but only Makawi was freed at the time.

"We have indications that her death was not far off," Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on iTele television on Friday Read more

Privileges threatened, days may be numbered for Greece's 'everyman' farmers

NAXOS, Greece--A jovial potato farmer whose family has tilled the fertile land on the island of Naxos for over 200 years, Stelios Vathrokilis is unfazed by all that he believes a farmer must inevitably face: God, inclement weather and natural disasters. But mention tax hikes on farmers demanded by Greece's creditors and Vathrokilis' face darkens with anger.

"With the new taxes we will turn the clock back to 1970 when my mother cooked on a wood stove," the portly 50-year-old says Read more

GEBE launches information campaign and issues updates

PHILIPSBURG--GEBE has launched an information-sharing campaign for August, aimed at building a healthier relationship with its customers.

The campaign is the initiative of Iris Arrindell, who has been with the company for 25 years and who, as of July 1, became the first woman to become a manager at GEBE in its 55-year existence, in her new capacity as Commercial Manager Read more

Solemn atmosphere as Benjamin returns home

~ Officer ‘brain dead,’ but on life support ~

CAY HILL--A solemn atmosphere took over several areas of St. Maarten on Friday as shot officer Gamali “Benji” Benjamin was flown back home after being declared brain dead at a trauma centre in the Dominican Republic.

Scores of vehicles stopped and pulled to the side of the road and spectators stood and watched along the route as the ambulance with Benjamin and the procession of police vehicles snaked its way from Princess Juliana International Airport SXM to St Read more

style="text-align: center;">Air Ambulance with Officer Benjamin landed on St. Maarten at 12:20pm -- Taken to SMMC where family and colleagues will spend last moments before removing life support.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/ PHILIPSBURG:---- Bike Patrol Gamali Benjamin who was shot by armed bandits on Wednesday is brain dead and non-responsive but is kept alive on life support his father Gilbert Benjamin told his contact on St. Maarten early Friday morning. The father of the wounded officer who travelled to the Dominican Republic Thursday evening with his son said that the news on his son is not at all good after a complete evaluation was done in the Dominican Republic Thursday night.
Businessman Michael Ferrier who is in contact with Mr Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- A silent march organized by NAGICO Insurances was held Friday afternoon in honor of Sergeant  Gamali Benjamin who was gunned down on Wednesday afternoon on Front Street while on duty.
The walk begun in front of the Post Office saw more than two hundred persons participating, including all members of staff from NAGICO, members of various sectors of the Justice Department and scores of other members of the community.
Wearing blue ribbons; as a sign of peace, the marchers walked slowly two by two making their way to Front Street; to the now revered spot where Sergeant Benjamin fell after been hit by bullets Read more

Mp Marlin-Romeo Defends Adopt-A-School Program

St. Maarten – Independent Member of Parliament Leona Marlin-Romeo firmly supports the adopt-a-school program that is part of the governing program and dismisses criticism of the idea.

“Irrespective of the feedback it is imperative for all to start thinking outside the box and embrace creative solutions to assist in remedying the challenges that we face,” she said in a press statement last night.

“By no means does this program imply that government is relinquishing its responsibility to the education system. It creates the opportunity for businesses to be socially responsible and allow them to make a contribution.”

Big businesses come to Sint Maarten and receive tax breaks for a certain number of years as an incentive, Marlin-Romeo pointed out Read more

Mp Emmanuel Campaigns For Local Cadastre Candidate

St. Maarten – National Alliance MP Christophe Emmanuel has started a rather unorthodox campaign for Marcia Peterson-Richardson, who is currently the acting head of the Cadastre. After his tee shirt proclaiming Haitians Lives Matter, he now sports one reading Marcia Peterson-Richardson for Director, followed by the hash tag #sxmfirst.

Emmanuel says that the Cadastre board is currently incomplete and not authorized to take decisions Read more

Philipsburg shuts down, injured cop arrives safely at trauma centre in DR

PHILIPSBURG--Philipsburg was transformed into a ghost town on Thursday, as a large cross-section of the business community in town as well as in other parts of the country closed their doors in firm solidarity with Police Officer Gamali “Benji” Benjamin who was shot and seriously wounded in the line of duty on Wednesday.

The businesses wanted to send a firm message that they are against all forms of criminal activity and hold hope for Benjamin’s recovery.

Benjamin arrived safely at a trauma centre in the Dominican Republic last night after being flown out of St Read more

‘Trigger happy’ suspects face 21 years for drive-by shootings

PHILIPSBURG--The Court of First Instance on Thursday heard the case against two men and a woman suspected of involvement in a number of shootings.

Suspects R.R.R. (26), aka “Reo” or “Yeyo,” and R.C.T.A. (32), aka “Flamingo,” faced charges of involvement in no less than six shooting incidents. A.’s girlfriend P.G. (24) was charged with being an accomplice to one of the shootings.

Both suspects faced charges of attempted murder, manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm Read more

Former Trinidad Cabinet minister calls on PM to step aside until cleared in probes

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad--A former minister who now leads the regional chapter of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to step aside as the twin-island republic’s leader, until she is cleared of wrongdoing in ongoing police investigations.

Mary King, who was fired by Persad-Bissessar four years ago, after she awarded a contract to a company she jointly owned with her husband, said Wednesday she was deeply concerned about the conflict of interest that exists in the prime minister’s remaining at the helm while under probe.

The Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau is looking into allegations that Persad-Bissessar was bribed by two businessmen wanted by the US for money laundering – Ishwar Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson – to keep them out of jail and prevent their extradition, and lawmen are also investigating the 2013 discovery of marijuana at her residence.

“These investigations do not require her to remove herself from her parliamentary position as a representative of her constituency Read more

Kerry warns US will not accept restrictions in South China Sea

KUALA LUMPUR--U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday accused China of restricting navigation and overflights in the disputed South China Sea, despite giving assurances that such movements would not be impeded.
  Addressing a regional meeting in Kuala Lumpur that has been dominated by the South China Sea, Kerry said China's construction of facilities for "military purposes" on man-made islands was raising tensions and risked "militarisation" by other claimant states.
  Kerry's blunt criticism of Beijing, in front of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, is likely to lift the South China Sea up the agenda when Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Washington next month, some experts said Read more

Black rave Glow Summer Heat Party

~ Featuring Lisa Hyper ~

Can't get enough of the neon and dancehall/reggae parties happening this month? Well then you're in luck because on Friday, August 7, 2K Entertainment presents their Black Rave Glow Summer Heat Party – a Neon Glow Blackout party that takes place under the tent at Port de Plaisance at a steal of an admission price of $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. The party starts at 9:00pm sharp. Don't be late because 2k Entertainment will feature 10 artists, including one of dancehall/reggae's most controversial female artists straight out of Jamaica – Lisa Hyper.

The petite 26-year-old is most recognized for her multiple styles of delivery, provocatively cunning lyrics, energetic performances, flamboyant and innovative sense of style Read more

Notices August 7

School Uniforms and Books

Sundial School makes known that parents/guardians can pass by Caribbean Embroidery and Screen Printing (542-7362) on the Cannegieter Street to have their child(ren) fitted for uniforms and place orders for the 2015/2016 school year. School books for the upcoming school year 2015/2016 can be picked up on August 10 and 11(1 and 2 Forms) and August 12 and 13 (3rd&4th Forms).

MAC Store

Methodist Agogic Resource Centre is open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---- United People’s (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake said on Thursday that Government is not getting away from its responsibility by getting the private sector more involved in the maintenance of public schools.
MP Lake pointed out that some people in the community are interpreting the “Adopt-A-School” plan in the “Ready to Work for You” 2014-2015 Governing Programme of the UP-led coalition the wrong way.
“It's nothing new Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, says the shooting of a Police Officer in the line of duty is a wakeup call for the Sint Maarten community at large with respect to the scourge of crime plaguing the country.
“My prayers are with Officer Benjamin, his family and with the men and women who serve our country as law enforcement officials from all branches of the justice system Read more

NAPA Auto Parts joins IMA in closing their businesses in Solidarity with wounded Bike Patrol.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Owner of NAPA Auto Parts Michael Ferrier will be closing both NAPA stores today “Thursday” as he heeded the call of the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) who called on all business owners on Front and Back Street to close their businesses today in solidarity with wounded bike patrol Gamali Benjamin Read more

Up Mp Lake Says Government Not Getting Away From Its Responsibility On Public Schools

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People's (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake said on Thursday that Government is not getting away from its responsibility by getting the private sector more involved in the maintenance of public schools.

MP Lake pointed out that some people in the community are interpreting the "Adopt-A-School" plan in the "Ready to Work for You" 2014-2015 Governing Programme of the UP-led coalition the wrong way.

"It's nothing new Read more

Civil Servants Attend Advanced Database Management Training. St. Maarteninfo Updated To 199 Human Development Indicators

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Several civil servants from the Government of Sint Maarten recently attended advanced database management training in New York, USA related to the National Database St. MaartenInfo.

The database has also been updated and now will be able to process 199 indicators pertaining to Human Development from 10 different sources and over 2000 data values.

The aforementioned is essential for country Sint Maarten to have information at its finger tips when it comes to reporting to regional and international institutions about Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are all related to national human development targets.

Makini Hickinson, Terrance Babtiste, both from the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, Department of Statistics; and Andrea Ortega-Oudhoff, Ministry of General Affairs, Department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK), were the three civil servants that attended the management lab training.

The training was carried out by Gary Goldman from Community Systems Foundations (CSF) at their offices in New York City Read more

Minister Of Tourism Connor Says Shooting Of Police A Wakeup Call. Prayers Are With Officer Benjamin, Family And Colleagues For His Recovery

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, says the shooting of a Police Officer in the line of duty is a wakeup call for the Sint Maarten community at large with respect to the scourge of crime plaguing the country.

"My prayers are with Officer Benjamin, his family and with the men and women who serve our country as law enforcement officials from all branches of the justice system Read more

Julius Garvey Speaks At Tribute To His Father

St. Maarten – The Freedom Fighters Foundation welcomes Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey as one if its prominent guests on August 16 at its 16th annual tribute to Marcus Garvey. The Jamaican attorney Michael Lorne and French-side historian Daniela Jeffrey are also part of the lineup.

Marcus Garvey is considered the pioneer of Black Nationalism. He founded the United Negro Improvement Association (Unia) in 1914 Read more