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Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament, Good Morning,

As stipulated in our constitution, I now stand before you on this second Tuesday in September, to set out the policy to be pursued by the Government in the coming parliamentary year 2023-2024.

Since 2021, reform measures have been established as part of the mutual agreement with the Netherlands in exchange for financial support, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Structural reforms for the improvement and restructuring of government are in the areas of Financial Control, Cost and Effectiveness of the Public Sector, Taxes, Financial Sector, Economic Reforms, Health, Education, and Strengthening the Rule of Law.

From the very beginning, the Government of Sint Maarten has stressed the importance of the National Development Vision as instructions for all of Sint Maarten's development, including these reform measures Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) September 13, 2023

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Occasionally cloudy with brief isolated showers possible.

Forecast High: 33C / 91F             Forecast Low: 28C / 82F

Sunset Today: 6:17 P.M Read more

Emmanuel: Ansary Stole From Ennia,Not The People Of St. Maarten

~ Chides Ministers for infantile public behaviour ~

Independent MP and leader of the NOW party Christophe Emmanuel on Sunday said he is in disbelief over the behavior of the government of St. Maarten while the Dutch government tries to impose a loan on the people of St. Maarten to cover the criminal actions of Husang Ansary and his co-conspirators. What is the priority of the government? It is unbelievable the infantile behavior we are witnessing from Ministers while the house is burning around us, MP Emmanuel said.

The MP said while the Prime Minister is gansta-rapping on social media and the Minister of Finance is making paper-plane videos in a fishing hat, the Dutch is forcing St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  The landscape of education is undergoing a transformation powered by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). As we step into an era of unparalleled technological progress, it is crucial to recognize the potential of AI in shaping the future classroom. However, concerns loom large over the responsible implementation of AI in education, highlighting the need for a balanced and thoughtful approach to ensure optimal learning outcomes for all, remarked Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union on Tuesday.

Johnson, added, With AI's capabilities to personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and adapt to individual student needs, educators around the world need to explore innovative ways to harness its potential Read more

Mp Wescot-Williams Shares Her Thoughts At The Closing Of The Parliamentary Year 2023-2024.

MP Wescot: On Monday, September 11, we close the 2022-2023 parliamentary year and as customary, Members of Parliament are given the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and provide some thoughts for the coming year. On Tuesday, Governor Ajamu Baly will present the Governments Statement for the coming year.

In MP Wescots view, this presentation comes at a peculiar time, with elections scheduled for January 2024; no budget for 2024 and the usual behavior of the ministers towards parliament.

Of course the absence of an amended 2023 budget and the tardiness in submitting the 2024 draft budget do not faze this government one bit.

Nevertheless our constitution prescribes this presentation Read more

Witu: The Future Classroom And The Urgent Need For Responsible Ai Integration

Philipsburg The landscape of education is undergoing a transformation powered by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). As we step into an era of unparalleled technological progress, it is crucial to recognize the potential of AI in shaping the future classroom. However, concerns loom large over the responsible implementation of AI in education, highlighting the need for a balanced and thoughtful approach to ensure optimal learning outcomes for all, remarked Stuart Johnson President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union on Tuesday. Johnson, added, With AI’s capabilities to personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and adapt to individual student needs, educators around the world need to explore innovative ways to harness its potential Read more

Investments In Mental Health Sector Will Improve Access And Service Delivery

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Sint Maartens healthcare sector will receive a significant investment in the coming years through the Improving Mental Health Services Project with a goal to sustainably improve the entire mental healthcare chain. The project will seek to improve access and quality in service delivery and contribute to the construction of a new mental health facility geared towards future demand.

Recognizing the urgent need for more effective and accessible mental healthcare, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley is pleased that this project is well on its way to successful implementation.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and it is imperative that the national mental health system is robust and adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for mental health services Read more

Szv And Ats Offer Businesses Compliance Support And Training During Controls

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Social & Health Insurances SZV and Audit Team Sint Maarten (ATS) will be conducting routine compliance controls by the business community. The objective of the controls is to ensure that employers are adhering to their SZV obligations in accordance with the stipulated laws, such as the registration of their company and all their employees at SZV and the payment of the monthly premiums.

During the controls, employers who identify to struggle with compliance measures and need additional assistance will have the opportunity to schedule 1-on-1 support sessions with an ATS team member Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, September 11, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) September 12, 2023 

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Generally cloudy with brief isolated showers and possible isolated thunderstorm. 

Forecast High: 33C / 91F             Forecast Low: 28C / 82F 

Sunset Today: 6:18 P.M Read more

Education Budgets Disclosed At Back-To-School Press Conference

From left: Third Vice President Dominique Louisy, President of the Collectivit Louis Mussington and Territorial Councillor Martine Beldor, President of the Employment, Skills and Training Commission.

MARIGOT--Third Vice President of the Collectivit Dominique Louisy, in charge of Human Development and Citizenship, on Wednesday presented the budgets allocated to education Read more

Future Of Former Cultural Centre Discussed At Fq Public Meeting

The Cultural Centre, before Hurricane Irma in 2017. (Robert Luckock photo)

MARIGOT--President Louis Mussington and his elected colleagues, Vice Presidents Bernadette Davis and Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs was deeply honored to be in the presence of amazing women, celebrating the remarkable work and life journey of other prolific women, namely, Ms. Ann Marlin Evans, Ms. Zita Charles, and Ms. Tamara Leonard Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maartens healthcare sector will receive significant investment in the coming years through the Improving Mental Health Services Project with a goal to sustainably improve the entire mental healthcare chain. The project will seek to improve access and quality in service delivery and contribute to the construction of a new mental health facility geared towards future demand.

Recognizing the urgent need for more effective and accessible mental healthcare, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley is pleased that this project is well on its way to successful implementation.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and it is imperative that the national mental health system is robust and adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for mental health services Read more

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  On Friday, September 8, 2023, a meeting was held between the Presidium of Parliament and the Council of Ministers (CoM).
The meeting opened with introductory remarks by the Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Silveria E. Jacobs, and the President of Parliament, Sidharth M. Bijlani.
The primary discussion points included the budgetary process and the communication protocols between Parliament and the Government, particularly concerning correspondence between entities and the legislative processes Read more

Why Is Gebe Not Switching Over To Prepaid Electricity?

St. Maarten – Sucker Garden

For approximately one year, I ,URSM Candidate Julian Rollocks Jr., have introduced and discussed the proposal of GEBE offering prepaid electricity service to the general public of St. Maarten Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- For approximately one year, I, URSM Candidate Julian Rollocks Jr., have introduced and discussed the proposal of GEBE offering prepaid electricity service to the general public of St. Maarten. I believe that a prepaid system is very much needed due to GEBEs ongoing issues with billing Read more

Sunday Chat September 10, 2023 @ 11:00Am

Sunday Chat September 10, 2023

The post SUNDAY CHAT September 10, 2023 @ 11:00am appeared first on 721news.com | Sint Maarten News | SXM News.

Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday, September 08, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) September 09, 2023 

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE  

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

LEE CAUSING HAZARDOUS SEAS 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers and possible thunder. 

Forecast High: 32C / 90F             

Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

   

Sunset Today: 6:21 P.M Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- After a 15-month hiatus, KFC has stepped up to the plate to assist in the revival of organized cricket as the title sponsor of Cricket St. Maarten's T-20 Tournament. The action bowls off on Sunday, September 10, from 12:00 PM at the Caribe Lumber Ball Park, located on L.B. Scott Road in St. Maarten. 

PHILIPSBURG:---  "On behalf of Cricket St. Maarten, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to KFC for their timely sponsorship support in bringing organized cricket back to the Caribe Lumber Ballpark!" states Bharo Raghubir, President, of Cricket St Read more

Centro Nacional de Huracanes del SNM Miami FL AL132023

Traduccin por el SNM San Juan PR

1100 AM AST viernes 8 de septiembre de 2023

...SE ESPERA QUE LEE PERMANEZCA COMO UN HURACN PODEROSO HASTA PRINCIPIOS DE LA PRXIMA SEMANA...

...SE ESPERA QUE CONDICIONES DE PLAYA PELIGROSAS SE DESARROLLEN ALREDEDOR DEL OESTE DEL ATLNTICO HASTA PRINCIPIOS DE LA PRXIMA SEMANA...

RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMACIN

-----------------------------------------------

LOCALIZACIN...18.2N 54.5O

ALREDEDOR DE 565 MI...910 KM E DE LAS ISLAS DE SOTAVENTO DEL NORTE

VIENTOS MXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...155 MPH...250 KM/H

MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...ONO O 295 GRADOS A 13 MPH...20 KM/H

PRESIN CENTRAL MNIMA...942 MB...27.82 PULGADAS

VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS

--------------------

No hay vigilancias ni avisos costeros en efecto.

DISCUSIN Y PERSPECTIVAS

----------------------

A las 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), el centro del Huracn Lee estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 18.2 norte, longitud 54.5 oeste Read more

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL132023

1100 AM AST Fri Sep 08 2023

...LEE EXPECTED TO REMAIN A POWERFUL HURRICANE THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK...

...DANGEROUS BEACH CONDITIONS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AROUND THE WESTERN ATLANTIC THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK...

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

-----------------------------------------------

LOCATION...18.2N 54.5W

ABOUT 565 MI...910 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 13 MPH...20 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...942 MB...27.82 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

--------------------

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK

----------------------

At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Lee was located near latitude 18.2 North, longi-tude 54.5 West Read more

Dutch Govt. To Propose Listing Iguana Species To A Higher Protected Status

The Lesser Antillean Iguana. Photo by Philippa King.

 

ST. EUSTATIUS--The Dutch government is set to officially propose moving the Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) from Annex III to Annex II of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) during the next conference of the parties for the Cartagena Convention on Aruba in Octobe Read more

Gebe Considering Dropping Payment Plan Deposit To 25%

Clockwise from left: VSA Minister Omar Ottley, GEBE Special Representative/Temporary Manager Troy Washington and GEBE Commercial Manager Iris Arrindell.

PHILIPSBURG--Utilities comp Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Thursday, September 7th, a heartwarming discussion was held between NV GEBE's Special Representative/Temporary Manager, Troy Washington, Commercial Manager Iris Arrindell, and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), the Honorable Omar Ottley Read more