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Danny dies en route to country, schools reopen

PHILIPSBURG--Tropical Storm Danny kept most of the country indoors Sunday night, but failed to deliver on the promise of much-needed rain to soak the drought-dry land Sunday night into Monday morning.

The storm system became a hurricane on Thursday, but then weakened into a tropical depression that is still expected to bring some rain – up to one inch, according to the Meteorological Department – into today, Tuesday. There is still the possibility of flooding.

All businesses were given the go-ahead to reopen on Monday afternoon at owners' discretion and availability of their staff by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, who had ordered Government services and all businesses, including restaurants and casinos, closed as of 10:00pm Sunday Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses can Reopen; Schools and Government Offices Open on Tuesday

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 24, 2015/N143

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday,

August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics.

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address:

Audio file: https://www.sendspace.com/file/bnyv2e

“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure.

“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.

“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:

“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.

“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.

“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious.

“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure.

“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future.

“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday, August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics.
The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address:
“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure.
“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.
“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:
“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.
“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.
“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.
“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious.
“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure.
“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future.
“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

Two out of Three Cruise vessels cancel port calls for Wednesday and Thursday. Cargo operations normal.

>POINTE BLANCHE::----– Port St. Maarten management said on Monday that due to the approach of Tropical Storm Danny to the Leeward Islands during the past few days, this led cruise lines to review their port call itineraries, and out of the safety of passengers and crew, their visits to the destination were altered.

Oasis of the Seas has cancelled its port call for Wednesday, 26 August and Freedom of the Seas has done the same for Thursday, August 27 Read more

Breastfeeding Café a Success .

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- The Breastfeeding Café event recently organized by the section Youth Health Care (YHC) from the Department of Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, along with stakeholders, was a success.

The café attracted 26 persons including facilitators from different organizations and the staff of CPS/YHC.

There were expecting mothers and mothers who already had a baby and also one expecting father.

The evening was opened by Registered Nurse (RN) Ivanca Woodley-Sterling Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---- An endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle nest hatched on Friday at Dawn Beach with some 130 hatchlings emerging from the monitored nest successfully making their way to the sea. The St. Maarten Nature Foundation was contacted by Westin Security Staff alerting that the nest was hatching. Nature Foundation Chief Ranger Etienne Lake, Office Manager Marisa Dyer-Brandy and Intern Riddhi Samthani provided support for the hatchlings headed to see and provided information on sea turtle conservation to the spectators on the beach.
This marks the fourth Sea Turtle Nest that has successfully hatched during the 2015 Sea Turtle Nesting Season, which saw some 400 hatchlings making their way to the sea Read more

Breastfeeding Café A Success

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Breastfeeding Café event recently organized by the section Youth Health Care (YHC) from the Department of Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, along with stakeholders, was a success.

The café attracted 26 persons including facilitators from different organizations and the staff of CPS/YHC. 

There were expecting mothers and mothers who already had a baby and also one expecting father.

The evening was opened by Registered Nurse (RN) Ivanca Woodley-Sterling.  The first speakers of the evening were Suzette de Cuba and Suella Sandeson, RN’s at White and Yellow Cross (WYC) district nursing Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses Can Reopen; Schools And Government Offices Open On Tuesday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday, August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics. 

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address: 

“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure. 

“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.

“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:

“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.

“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.

“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious. 

“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure. 

“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future. 

“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

Tropical Storm Danny Update

St. Maarten – Hurricane Danny lost power over the weekend and is now a tropical storm. Nevertheless, the meteorological services expect the storm to bring winds of 80 to 100 kilometer per hour on Monday. The government on the Dutch side has ordered all business to close by 10 p.m. on Sunday, including restaurants and casinos, until further notice. School and daycare centers are closed on Monday.

All government departments will remain closed on Monday as well.

The courthouse is also closed on Monday Read more

Schools Close For Danny, No Newspapers On Monday

St. Maarten – The approach of Hurricane Danny has the island on high alert. Schools will be closed and the two local newspapers have suspended publication for Monday. Today will provide storm-related updates via its website todaysxm.com as long as internet-connections are functioning.

Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs addressed the nation in a radio speech yesterday around lunchtime, saying that based on Friday morning’s forecast, the storm will pass through the area on Monday.

The government will provide information via the radio, the government’s website and its Facebook page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system Read more

Robbers Make Big Hole In Wall Of Grocery Store

Store owner upset about robbery that took place. Photo Today / Andrew Dick

St. Maarten – Grocery store Pondfill Food Market, located in the Van Grieken  Building, was robbed Friday morning at about 2 a.m. by bandits who made a large hole to the side of the building. Storeowner Jose L. opened his grocery at 7 a.m. and noticed that several items were missing, including a cash register. To his surprise, he found a large hole in a sidewall.

“I walked in and noticed that some stuff was missing Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses to close by 10PM Sunday Evening

including Restaurants and Casinos until further notice

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature Read more

Off-duty VKS Officer beat elderly woman on Friday –birthday celebration led to assault.

style="text-align: center;">VKS Commander was not informed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A well-known former timeshare worker Mariacita Howard aka June-eve of St. Peters got a good beating from an off duty Voluntary Korps Officer (VKS) identified as Roderick Fleming on Friday. Several photographs of the woman showing the injuries she sustained and her phone number has been posted on Facebook.
In an interview with SMN News Howard said that she knows the suspect whom she said is an acquaintance. Howard said on Friday VKS Fleming was celebrating his birthday and she gave him $20.00 and asked Fleming to buy her a pack of cigarettes and a drink for himself and to return her change Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:----  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature. The Prime Minister gave a national address with respect to the current decisions that have been taken.
“Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Sint Maarten as a precautionary measure Read more

St. Martin ... Orange Warning : Get Ready

MARIGOT, St. Martin - According to the last reports from Météo France, violent winds with gusts from 80 to 100km/h, heavy rains with thunderstorms, are planned for tomorrow, Monday, August 24th.

Caution is thus strongly recommended. I invite you to continue to follow the weather reports, and safety instructions broadcasted by the media.

As the flood risk is high for this Tropical storm, check the rise of the water level on gullies and exposed sectors.

Remaining at home seems to be the best protection Read more

More Preperations Needed For Ipko 2016

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations of St. Maarten, met last week to discuss the preparations for the upcoming IPKO meetings which are scheduled to take place on St. Maarten in January of 2016.

The last IPKO talks between the Dutch Parliament and that of Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten had many bumps.

There was even talk of a boycott of the next meeting in January, a situation that has increased the level of difficulty for the host country which happens to be St Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses To Close By 10Pm Sunday Evening Including Restaurants And Casinos Until Further Notice

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. 

The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature.  The Prime Minister gave a national address with respect to the current decisions that have been taken. 

“Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Sint Maarten as a precautionary measure Read more

State Of Readiness Being Maintained, Prime Minister Addresses Nation

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Marcel Gumbs addressed the island of St. Maarten on Sunday afternoon.

During his address the Prime Minister confirmed that the state of readiness will be maintained while confirming that essential services will be provided, based on the emergency preparedness of the respective public and business entities Read more

Back to School Feature: To teach or to direct, that is the question

St. Maarten educators reflect on their jobs - Part 2

By Rik Haverman

Without a doubt, the majority of people recognize the importance of education for St. Maarten society, but who exactly are the people providing this education? What drives them to teach the youth; and what are the problems they experience? We continue our discussion from last week; this time, we talk with two school principals.

Stuart Johnson

Unlike Teacher Michelle Minthorn who we met last week, 30-year-old Stuart Johnson enjoys having directing and organizational tasks as a school principal at Dr Read more

Meteorological Department St. Maarten - SPECIAL WEATHER BULLETIN

SPECIAL WEATHER BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR ST. MAARTEN
DATE ISSUED: Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 TIME ISSUED: 5:30 PM
…HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT REPORTS DANNY CONTINUING TO WEAKEN…
…WEAKENING TREND CONTINUES, EXPECTED TO DROP BELOW HURRICANE STRENGHT
BEFORE REACHING LEEWARD ISLANDS…
Location: Lat. 15.8N ....Lon. 53.3W
About: 580 miles ESE of St. Maarten
Maximum sustained winds: 75 mph .....120 KM/H (CATEGORY 1)
Present Movement: WNW ...285 degrees at 14 mph
Minimum Central Pressure: 991mb....29.27 inches
DISCUSSION AND 24-HOUR OUTLOOK
AT 05:00 PM...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DANNY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 15.8
NORTH...LONGITUDE 53.3 WEST OR ABOUT 580 MILES EAST SOUTH EAST OF ST Read more

EOC Meets Saturday to Review National Preparations for Hurricane Danny

News Release

Department of Communication (DCOMM), Philipsburg, Sint Maarten W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots Read more

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- A meeting of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was convened on Saturday at the Fire & Ambulance Building in Cay Hill where the various Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) gave briefings with respect to preparations for Hurricane Danny.

The meeting was opened by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and the National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson.

The Meteorological Department of St Read more

Schools closed Monday due to Danny’s passing

PHILIPSBURG--Schools on the Dutch side have been ordered closed by Government on Monday "as a precaution" due to the passing of Hurricane Danny close to the country Sunday night into Monday.

Both Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Education Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs issued statements on Friday advising the community about the school closure.

Business closure will be decided on over the weekend, if this becomes necessary Read more

D66 wants clarity on dispatch of Dutch police to St. Maarten

THE HAGUE--Members of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament of Democratic Party D66 Wassila Hachchi and Magda Berndsen-Jansen want clarity on the reports that 55 Dutch police officers and detectives will be sent to St. Maarten early next year to tackle crime and corruption.

Hachchi and Berndsen-Jansen sent a set of written questions to Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk and his colleague of Security and Justice Ard van der Steur earlier this week following reports in the Dutch media that Dutch National Police Chief Gerard Bouman did not want to work together with the St Read more