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>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

Meteorological Department St. Maarten - SPECIAL WEATHER BULLETIN

DATE ISSUED: Friday, August 21st, 2015 TIME ISSUED: 5:30 PM
MAJOR HURRICANE DANNY (CATEGORY 3 AND ABOVE) LIKELY AT PEAK
INTENSITY…WEAKENING TREND EXPECTED TO BEGIN TONIGHT.
Location: Lat. 14.5N ....Lon. 49.1W
About: 840 miles ESE of St. Maarten
Maximum sustained winds: 115 mph .....185 KM/H
Present Movement: WNW ...295 degrees at 10 mph
Minimum Central Pressure: 974mb....28.77 inches

DISCUSSION AND 24-HOUR OUTLOOK
AT 05:00 PM...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DANNY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 14.5
NORTH...LONGITUDE 49.1 WEST OR ABOUT 840 MILES EAST SOUTH EAST OF ST Read more

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 21, 2015/N140

Prime Minister Gumbs: Schools Closed on Monday as Danny Approaches. Nation continues to prepare for the passing of Danny

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

Here is the audio file of the national address by the Prime Minister: https://www.sendspace.com/file/g33f1r

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.

“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.

PRESS RELEASE

“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure. 

“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary.  We have to review the latest weather reports that come in over the weekend to determine further actions.

“The various trenches and drains have been cleared to allow the free flow of storm water that could be expected.  The pumps are operational and on standby.

“In connection with low lying areas around the ponds, the overflow system of the Fresh and Little Bay Pond will be prepared for a fast-run off of excess water.

“A request for military assistance by the local marines has been requested by the Ministry of General Affairs.

“The listing of hurricane shelters are: New Testament Baptist Church (A.C Read more

Community Councils have a role to play regarding hurricane season pre-planning

Dear Editor,

I would like to see the different Community Councils play a more active role by advising the residents and helping the senior citizens protect their homes during the Hurricane season.

As the co-founder of the St. Peters Community Council, I am missing that community togetherness where we use to give out flyers and do a community walk through advising all residents, especially those that live in vulnerable prone areas within the districts to prepare for the hurricane season.

The Community Council leaders need to go around and check on the residents and senior citizens to make sure all flying debris are secure and help them protect against flying objects that can damage their homes.

Encourage clean-ups in the area Read more

Life after death speeds up for Patrick Dempsey

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium--Life after death has only got faster for Patrick Dempsey.

The heart-throb of U.S. network series 'Grey's Anatomy' --until 'Dr McDreamy' was killed off in a car accident last season -- celebrated a podium finish in the Le Mans 24 Hours race in June and has immersed himself even more in the world of sportscar racing. He is also working on a potential new series that could see him play the part of the late Phil Hill, the Ferrari driver who in 1961 became the first American to win the Formula One world championship.

In an interview with Reuters at the Belgian Grand Prix, where is competing in the Porsche Supercup support series, the 49-year-old actor spoke of his passion for racing, his plans and life after the demise of screen doctor Derek Shepherd.

"My fans are understandably (upset), it's a character that's been in their lives for over 10 years and the way it ended was very emotional Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:----  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.
“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.
“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.
“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure.
“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary Read more

NAGICO’s Little Stars Part 2- Officially; launched at MAC Rev. A. Gumbs Campus

>PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances officially launched its second annual back to school campaign at the MAC Rev. A. Gumbs Campus on Thursday evening, in their quest to afford the children of St. Maarten a fair chance to an education which they deserve.
The MAC Rev. A. Gumbs Campus was randomly selected as the second school in this campaign which will run from August 2015/ June 2016 school year Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, on Friday afternoon met with the Prefete of St. Martin and St. Barths Anne Laubies and Vice President Guillaume Arnell regarding preparations for Hurricane Danny.
The Prefet and the Prime Minister briefed each other on the preparations that have been taken so far in preparation for Hurricane Danny.
A number of points were agreed upon with respect to the coordination and synchronization of certain activities in times of pre- and post-natural disaster events.
After each Emergency Operations Center or Disaster Committee meeting, the government representatives will exchange decisions that have come out of those meetings.
The closure of businesses was also another point to be coordinated between both sides of the island; closure of airports will also be coordinated; and both sides will also exchange communications that are disseminated to the public with respect to information and actions that need to be taken.
“The meeting with the Prefet was very informative Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Meets With St. Martin Prefete Laubies Regarding Preparations For Hurricane Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, on Friday afternoon met with the Prefete of St. Martin and St. Barths Anne Laubies and Vice President Guillaume Arnell regarding preparations for Hurricane Danny.

The Prefet and the Prime Minister briefed each other on the preparations that have been taken so far in preparation for Hurricane Danny.

A number of points were agreed upon with respect to the coordination and synchronization of certain activities in times of pre- and post-natural disaster events.

After each Emergency Operations Center or Disaster Committee meeting, the government representatives will exchange decisions that have come out of those meetings.

The closure of businesses was also another point to be coordinated between both sides of the island; closure of airports will also be coordinated; and both sides will also exchange communications that are disseminated to the public with respect to information and actions that need to be taken.

“The meeting with the Prefet was very informative.  As one island there should be some coordination at the disaster management level and this was what this meeting was about,” Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said on Friday.

In Photo: Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs (left), Paul Martens, Office of Disaster Management, and Prefete Anne Laubies (right), Chef Cabinet Emmanuel Effantin and Vice President Guillaume Arnell Read more

Up Board Extends Deepest Condolences To Lista, Wathey, Mingo And Labega Families

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – The United People's Party (UP) family and board extends its deepest condolences to the Lista, Wathey, Mingo and Labega families, UP Party Board President Sylvia Meyers said on Friday.

"Antonio "Tony" Lista, Frank Mingo and Lillian Mildred Labega-Rohan were all upstanding members of our country who undoubtedly contributed positively in many ways Read more

Up Mp Lake Says Community Councils Have A Role To Play In The Districts Regarding Hurricane Season Pre-Planning

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – United People’s (UP) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake would like to see the different Community Councils play a more active role by advising the residents and helping the senior citizens protect their homes during the Hurricane season.

“As the co-founder of the St Read more

Nagico’S Little Stars Part 2- Officially; Launched At Mac Rev. A. Gumbs Campus

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - NAGICO Insurances officially launched its second annual back to school campaign at the MAC Rev. A. Gumbs Campus on Thursday evening, in their quest to afford the children of St. Maarten a fair chance to an education which they deserve.

The MAC Rev. A. Gumbs Campus was randomly selected as the second school in this campaign which will run from August 2015/ June 2016 school year.

The program was very welcomed by the Management, staff and parents of the school during their first Parent Teacher assembly at the school's campus on Thursday night, where representatives from NAGICO Insurances attended the meeting and gave a brief introduction of the NAGICO Little Stars program Read more

School Fight In St. Peters Forces Police Responce

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Although the new school year just started this week, students of schools located in St. Peters were once again engaged in a huge fight.

Police spokesman Inspector Steven Carty confirmed on Friday afternoon that the police responded to control the fight involving students.

The situation is ongoing and Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Military Assistance Requested As Danny Approaches. Nation Continues To Prepare For The Passing Of Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

Here is the audio file of the national address by the Prime Minister: https://www.sendspace.com/file/g33f1r

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.

“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.

“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure. 

“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary.  We have to review the latest weather reports that come in over the weekend to determine further actions.

“The various trenches and drains have been cleared to allow the free flow of storm water that could be expected.  The pumps are operational and on standby.

“In connection with low lying areas around the ponds, the overflow system of the Fresh and Little Bay Pond will be prepared for a fast-run off of excess water.

“A request for military assistance by the local marines has been requested by the Ministry of General Affairs.

“The listing of hurricane shelters are: New Testament Baptist Church (A.C Read more

Dutch Newspapers Pick Up On Conflict With Chief Bouman

GREAT BAY – Sint Maarten made headlines in Dutch media yesterday and the news was not all good. “Fifty police officer to Sint Maarten” the headline in the Volkskrant read. Algemeen Dagblad; Police considers politicians St. Maarten too corrupt.” Whether Dutch and local law enforcement units will work together – on that point the two newspapers contradict each other.

Algemeen Dagblad reports about the clash between Justice Minister Dennis Richardson and Gerard Bouman, the chief of the national police in the Netherlands Read more

Prosecutor Removed From From Buncamper-Case

Prosecutor Dounia Benammar (pictured here in Cupecoy on her way to the crime scene of the Michael and Thelma King murders in 2012) will replace Gonda van der Wulp (inset) as the lead prosecutor during the Buncamper-trial. Photo Today / Leo Brown After allegedly photographing statements from witnesses for the defense

St. Maarten / By Hilbert Haar – Prosecutor Gonda van der Wulp has been removed from the Buncamper-case that goes to trial on September 9 and 10. Prosecutor Dounia Benammar, who works at the office of Attorney-General Guus Schram in Curacao, has been appointed as her replacement.

The prosecutor’s office did not want to comment on the reasons for the swap yesterday.

This newspaper learned from a reliable source that Van der Wulp allegedly overstepped her authority during a search at the house of the Buncampers on Ponum Drive in St Read more

Former Mpc Security Guard Found Dead

The late Michael Jeffers at Milton Peters College. Photo Contributed

St. Maarten -Michael Jeffers was found dead on Tuesday evening at his home at the Coco Plum Road in St. Peters. Jeffers was the former head of security at the islands biggest high school the Milton Peters College in South Reward. He worked there for over 30 years, and retired last school year.

“On arrival the patrol found the lifeless body of the well-known Michael Jeffers. The necessary authorities along with the personal of the detective and forensic department were called in Read more

Nature Foundation Relocates Dozens Of Sea Turtle Eggs

The relocation of sea turtle eggs in progress. Photo contributed

GREAT BAY – The St. Maarten Nature Foundation was alerted to a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting on Great Bay Beach early on Monday morning. The turtle had nested in an unsuitable location in the sand on Great Bay beach and it was decided to relocate it to protect the fragile eggs.

Beach umbrellas could puncture the eggs and because the nest was close to the water it was also susceptible to storm surges Read more

Crime meeting postponed due to Hurricane Danny

PHILIPSBURG--Finalising plans to tackle the country’s spiralling crime rate will have to wait, at least until after the passing of Hurricane Danny.

Parliament was scheduled to continue an in-camera Central Committee meeting with the Council of Ministers today, Friday, in Parliament House at 10:00am. However, that session has been postponed, according to a Parliament press release, based on a call from Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs Read more

Aviation Training Academy ‘brilliant idea’ say journalists

AIRPORT--A proposed Aviation Training Academy by Princess Juliana International Airport SXM is a "brilliant idea," said Adam Twidell, a former Air Force pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom (UK), and one of the eleven journalists to participate in the media tour organised by the airport.

Twidell, speaking at the final session of the packed media tour last Friday, said not only would the academy cater to those who wish to pursue aviation studies, but could also result in their families coming to St Read more

>SIMPSON BAY:---- The proposed Aviation Training Academy of the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, is a “brilliant idea,” said Adam Twidell, a former Air Force pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the UK and one of the eleven journalists who were invited to participate in the media tour organized by SXM Airport.
Twidell, speaking at the final session of the packed media tour last Friday, said not only would the Academy cater to those who wish to pursue aviation studies, but could also result in their families coming to St Read more

Bouman Visit May Have Been Part Of A Greater Plan Ponders Dp Leader

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Leader of the Democratic party of St. Maarten MP the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams this week stated that the visit of the Chief of the Dutch Police Force Gerard Bouman to the island, may have part of a greater plan to paint a negative picture of St. Maarten, giving credence to the perceived view of an urgent need for the creation of an integrity chamber for St Read more