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Majority Of Schools Ready For Monday Re-Opening

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – In the second Emergency Meeting of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (Ministry ECYS) and School Boards, the decision was taken by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip that school will resume on Monday October 20, 2014 for all students attending subsidized schools and for most Public Schools.

The decision regarding the date for the resumption of classes for the St Read more

Three Up Mps Requests Urgent Parliament Meeting On Screening Instruction

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - United People's (UP) party Members of Parliament Franklin Meyers, Silvio Matser and Tamara Leonard have requested an urgent meeting of Parliament to respond to the recent instruction by the Kingdom Council of Ministers for Governor Eugene Holiday to execute a thorough screening of all minister candidates of the new coalition government.

The request for the parliament meeting was submitted on Friday to President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams Read more

St. Maarten Will Not Allow Dutch To Make A Mockery Of Its Democracy

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - With the instruction given to Governor Eugene Holiday by Dutch Minister of Kingdom Relations Plasterk, the Dutch government has one again shown that it will spare no measure in setting aside St. Maarten's constitution and continue disrespecting St. Maarten's Parliamentary democracy.

This time, they have put Governor Holiday in a complicated unenviable position by instructing him not to ratify decrees appointing candidate ministers and the Prime Minister until an expanded vetting process that they (the Dutch) want to set in place in addition to St Read more

Efforts To Increase Tax Compliance Fail

Audit Chamber report Optimizing Tax Revenue

St. Maarten – All efforts to increase tax compliance and tax revenue during the past three years have failed. This appears from the performance audit Optimizing Tax Revenue the General Audit Chamber published last week.

The Finance Minister in the first Wescot-Williams cabinet, Hiro Shigemoto, stated in the 2011 budget “that improvement of the functioning of the organization for assessment and collection together with the introduction of a simplified system should lead, in the coming years, to an additional 20 million guilders in tax revenue Read more

 Lake On Gebe Outages: “We Can’T Continue To Live In The Dark Ages”

St. Maarten – “We can’t continue to live in the dark ages,” Vromi Minister Maurice Lake noted as he cited the current location of NV Gebe’s water transformer house in Cay Bay as a reason for the lengthy utility outage in the wake of hurricane Gonzalo.

While Lake commended the staff of Gebe, emergency personnel, contractors and others who have been working to restore the island back to pre-Gonzalo glory, for their dedication and resilience, the minister noted that he will be seeking a meeting with NV Gebe board and management to address certain issues.

First on Lakes list of issues that needs to be addressed is the Gebe Cay Bay water transformer house which he believes needs to be relocated and upgraded to meet the needs of the people.  “We can’t continue to live in the dark ages of having a transformer house right next to the sea when a hurricane or storm hits everything goes dark….transformer houses should be more protected around the country.

“We can’t have the community and businesses go two days without water due to oversights that could have been prevented.  I also would like for Gebe to improve and restructure their organizational chart structure of who is responsible for which department in-case of emergencies in order to better serve the community,” Minister Lake said.

Minister Lake apologized to consumers with respect to the loss of essential services such as electricity and water based on the passing of the category one hurricane Read more

Nature Conservation On Bonaire Earning Global Accolades Once Again

BES Island, Bonaire - On the evening of October 11th Nathaniel Miller, Assistant Director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) received a phone call from Sean Willmore, the President of the International Ranger Federation, notifying him that DCNA's nominee for the Dr. Jane Goodall — 'Hope and Inspiration Ranger Award', had won.

Luigi Eybrecht, a newly appointed Marine Park Ranger for STINAPA Bonaire (National Parks Foundation) and volunteer Commander of their Junior Rangers, was selected by the world renowned primatologist and anthropologist Dr Read more

Minister Lourens Philip says only school management teams should report to their respective schools on Monday.

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip who is currently off island on a private trip, says she has been following developments closely with respect to the approaching storm.

Minister Lourens-Philip said on Sunday that it is only necessary for school management teams to report to their respective schools on Monday to prepare their sch Read more

Population Ageing Trends High on the Agenda for Social Development.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- The Symposium on Ageing held last week Wednesday acted as the first step in spreading the awareness about the challenges of an ageing population and letting the public know that this issue is high on the agenda of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour (VSA). Based on the feedback from the audience at the symposium, Social Development is headed in the right direction when it comes to identifying the key priority areas St. Maarten is dealing with due to an increase in the ageing population Read more

>ATLANTA/ST. MAARTEN:--- In the midst of the many global threats, terrorist acts, violence, crime and corruption; bravery, tenacity, courage and resilience are especially essential for leaders in our societies. Consequently, the visionary and president of Victorious Living, Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis-Cotton, in a recent press release saluted 17 year old Malala Yousafzai on recently winning the Nobel Peace Prize, especially as the world community celebrated The United Nations' International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th.
Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan and proves that we must be courageous in the midst of opposition and threats Read more

Editorial - Sooner rather than later

That just about anything is possible in local politics was proven again over these last few days, as DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams and US Party number two candidate Leona Marlin-Romeo signed up for the incoming UP/De Weever coalition Read more

Earliest Humans

Science behind the news

Last Saturday, The Daily Herald contained a story out of the U.S. that researchers have found archaeological evidence of ancient human occupation of a south-central Oregon cave that dates back to 14,300 years ago. The earliest known human occupation of North America had been 13,100 years ago prior to that discovery.

Then on Thursday came an article about cave paintings in Indonesia that have been dated to be at least 40,000 years old. Previously the assumption was that Africa and Europe held the oldest human art, but this new date from the Far East indicates the impulse to express oneself artistically may have developed independently in several locations at more or less the same time.

Africa, specifically Ethiopia, still holds the record for the oldest anatomically modern human remains Read more

Trinidad Carnival commission contemplates delaying 2015 celebrations due to Ebola fears

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad--The National Carnival Commission (NCC) is contemplating postponing Carnival celebrations in 2015 due to fears associated with the Ebola virus that has claimed the lives of thousands of people mainly in West Africa.

NCC chairman Alison Demas said the threat of an Ebola outbreak is becoming more real daily and that it may be that the Carnival, scheduled for February 16-17, and which attracts thousands of foreigners, would have to be postponed.

"We are reminded of what happened years ago with the polio epidemic when Carnival had to be postponed Read more

Van Raak to seek clarity on St. Maarten developments

THE HAGUE--Appalled by the latest political developments in St. Maarten, Member of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament Ronald van Raak of the Socialist Party (SP) will be seeking a statement from the Dutch government that "St. Maarten is about to get a government that possibly has been bought."

Van Raak announced on Friday that he plans to ask Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk for a written explanation during Wednesday's procedural meeting of the Second Chamber's Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations Read more

Sarah elected as the new President of Parliament

~ Marlin-Romeo VP, De Weever second VP ~

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams was elected President of Parliament during a plenary session on Friday.

United St Read more

Holiday says MPs play critical role to foster good governance

~ MPs sworn in ~

HARBOUR VIEW--The fifteen Members of Parliament (MPs) elected during the August 29 Parliamentary Elections took their oaths to serve in the presence of Governor Eugene Holiday on Friday.

Sworn in were United People's (UP) party MPs Theo Heyliger, Franklin Meyers, Silvio Matser, Tamara Leonard, Maurice Lake, Lloyd Richardson and Johan "Janchi Leonard; Democratic Party (DP) MPs Sarah Wescot-Williams and Cornelius de Weever; United St Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- We've been a little quiet in terms of press announcements but we at Kidz at Sea have been up to big things. In July, Kidz at Sea officially opened its new Clubhouse located with the St. Maarten Shipyard premises on Airport Road. The Clubhouse gives the Foundation a place to call home, all previously built Skerries will be housed here; and student sailing lessons will be given from this location.

Once again we've partnered with Milton Peters College, the Sundial School and St Read more

style="text-align: center;">Leona Marlin Romeo eats her own vomit --- DP swore they will not Join UPP

PHILIPSBURG:--- Formateur Honarable Member of Parliament (MP) Theodore Heyliger during his deliberations with political factions as well as with individual MPs who have been elected to Parliament based on the August 29, 2014 parliamentary elections, as of Thursday, October 9th, the United People's (UP) party/Cornelius de Weever coalition, has received the support of two additional MPs leading to a broad-base government for the country of 10-seats in the House of Parliament.
Formateur Theodore Heyliger met with the Leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Hon Read more

Positive Foundation Continues Breast Cancer Awareness Activities

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Positive Foundation and its partners continue their Breast Cancer Awareness activities with free clinical screenings at doctor's clinics and a number of special events throughout this month.

So far over 150 women have received free clinical breast examinations provided by the Family Medical Practice, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and Zamora Perez Clinic.

Dr. Grace Spencer will also offer free clinical screenings today at her clinic on Oleander Road #139, Saunders, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Free clinical screenings for women will be offered at Union Road Clinic on Union Road, Cole Bay, on Wednesday, October 15, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Simpson Bay Medical Clinic will offer free clinical screening on Friday, October 17, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

During the free clinical breast examination screening on Saturday, October 18 at the Dutch Quarter Medical Clinic, students from AUC will be providing instructions for breast self-examinations from 9 am - 1 pm.

Elektralyets Foundation in collaboration with Positive Foundation also present their annual Pink Phit Phabulous Walk-a-thon Read more

Dp Leader Elected President Of Parliament, Leona Romeo Marlin Elected Vice President Friday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - On Friday afternoon the first meeting of the new Parliament of St. Maarten was convened.

The meeting was chaired by senior member of the highest legislative body, MP the Honorable Dr. Lloyd Richardson.

During the first meeting of the new parliament of St. Maarten Friday afternoon, DP leader the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was elected as the President of Parliament whilst MP the Honorable Leona Romeo Marlin was elected as the Vice President of Parliament.

All of the new MPs pledged to carry out their work in Parliament, in the best interest of St Read more

15 New Mps Take The Oath Friday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The swearing in ceremony of the 15 parliamentarians to govern the country for the period 2014/2018 took place on Friday morning.

The ceremony was held at the Governor's office at Harbor View. Taking the oath were members of the National Alliance William Marlin, Silveria Jacobs, George Pantophlet and Christopher Emanuel, the United People Party, Theo Heyliger, Dr Read more

Spain beaten 2-1 as Stoch earns dividend for Slovaks

ZILINA, Slovakia-- Holders Spain suffered their first defeat in qualifying for a major tournament in eight years when Miroslav Stoch nodded a late goal to earn Slovakia a shock 2-1 victory in Euro 2016 Group C on Thursday.

A powerful, swerving free kick from Juraj Kucka in the 17th minute that deceived goalkeeper Iker Casillas put the hosts ahead and Spain struggled to find a way past inspired home goalkeeper Matus Kozacik despite dominating possession.

Substitute Paco Alcacer levelled for the visitors eight minutes from time but any hopes the 2008 and 2012 champions had of snatching a winner were shattered when Stoch headed past Casillas in the 87th minute.

It is the first time Spain have lost a qualifier in the European Championship or World Cup since they were beaten by Sweden in October 2006 and it sparked wild celebrations among the Slovakia players and supporters.

"They hit us on the counter attack, we lost concentration and they scored a second goal," Alcacer told the Spanish television broadcaster TVE.

"There are still plenty of games to turn things around," added the Valencia forward Read more

Motion on constitutional referendum irresponsible

Dear Editor,

Wednesday, October 8, the Island Council of Statia passed a motion to hold a referendum preferably before the end of this year. The motion was tabled and passed by four against one vote (DP voted against). The referendum was not a point on the agenda, which, as is the custom, was made available to the public prior to the meeting. Also the motion was not even debated in the meeting

This practice alone already shows that the Council refuses to publicly debate this very important matter Read more

Sarah, Leona join UP/De Weever to form broad-based government

PHILIPSBURG--Outgoing Prime Minister and Democratic Party (DP) leader Sarah Wescot-Williams and United St. Maarten Party Member of Parliament (MP)-elect Leona Marlin-Romeo have joined the United People's (UP) party/De Weever coalition to form a broad-based government for 2014-2018.

The two new coalition members signed on to the existing UP/De Weever governing accord as "addendum two and three" on Thursday, paving the way for a majority of 10 seats in Parliament.

The news of, in particular, Marlin-Romeo joining the coalition comes after much speculation about this possibility taking place even after she publicly had denied any such intentions Read more

Union denounces ‘threatening’ photo of gun pointed at police car

~ Wants Prosecutor's Office to react ~

PHILIPSBURG--President of the police union NAPB Ephewoldus "Joe" Josepha has condemned the photo posted on Facebook showing someone in a vehicle aiming a handgun at a police patrol car.

The union views the photo as a "non-verbal threat" to the police force and its members and Josepha said NAPB will not take this "lightly."

"As president of the NAPB, I totally denounce this aggressive act towards the men and women in blue who faithfully put their lives on the line as they go out each day to serve and protect the general public," he said in a press statement issued Wednesday.

"We are the first line of defence for upholding law and order in this country and so this behaviour by a small group of criminals in our society, to threaten the safety of our police officers is absolutely unacceptable."

He had a direct message for the perpetrators Read more