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Mp Gumbs Submits Draft Financial Legislation To Minister Finance

Manifesto Dealbreaker Point Met

PHILISPBURG Party for Progress member of Parliament Melissa Gumbs submitted draft legislation to the Honorable Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, on Thursday, 15 August 2024 Read more

The Much-Needed Justice Academy For Country Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — As the new school year begins, marking the reopening of schools across Sint Maarten after the summer break, I, Paco Isenia, candidate #14 for the upcoming parliamentary elections on August 19th 2024 under the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM), emphasize the critical importance of education for all students Read more

Ryan James Pushes For Support On A Pensioner Allowance

Candidate # 6 on the N.O.W. party Ryan James continues to advocate for seniors and press home that their well-being is of utmost importance and that begins with an additional government allowance.

Many seniors I have spoken with believe that the pension allowance does not meet their needs, and they struggle to make ends meet. Consequently, they desire an increase of their old age pension.

He went on to outline some key points to consider regarding the potential benefits of this approach:

Potential Benefits

An increase of the old age pension would directly increase the amount of money available to retirees, enhancing their purchasing power and helping them cover living expenses, healthcare costs, and other needs. Many seniors live on fixed incomes and struggle to make ends meet Read more

Pwas, Mlk Students To School On Tuesday,Lewis Hosts Motivation Session For Staff

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis announced on Thursday that students of the Prince Willem Alexander School (PWAS) and Martin Luther King School (MLK) will attend school at the Alma Fleming Care Center in Belvedere as of Tuesday, August 20. And, hopefully if all goes as planned, the MLK students (three classes) could even probably could at MLK campus.

The delay allows relevant authorities, school management and security providers to develop enhanced security arrangements following the recent break-ins at the schools Read more

Minister Vromi Gumbs Signs Trenching Contracts, Continues To Address Outstanding Projects

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The signing of the four contracts marks the end of three years of irregular cleaning and maintenance of the trenches and waterways. The previous contracts ended on December 31st 2021. A public tender was carried out between 2022 and 2023, but was not fulfilled due to concerns of the previous administration related to the results of the tendering process. Upon taking office, Gumbs decided to review the file, in close consultation with legal advisors and the Ministry, i.e Read more

Om Asks Court To Approve Prosecution Of Mp Akeem Arrindell In Vote-Buying Case

PHILIPSBURG--The Prosecutors Office OM has formally requested permission from the Joint Court of Justice to prosecute Member of Parliament (MP) Akeem Arrindell in the so-called Aconitum case.

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Election Poll Estimates Pfp, Dp, Na To Retain A Majority Of Their Voters

Eugene Hoogstad

PHILIPSBURG--Some 83 per cent of those who voted for Party for Progress (PFP) in January said they will vote for the party again in the upcoming snap election, the highest percentage in the recent poll by independent researcher and consultant Eugene Hoogstad.

The Democratic Party (DP) is the second highest in the polls results at 71%, while National Alliance (NA) came in third at 68%.

Unified Resilient St Read more

DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 15 August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 16 August 2024THE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY HAS BEEN DISCONTINUEDWEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy and Hot with light haze and a local shower possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:39 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:55 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: East-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 6 to 14 mph.SYNOPSIS: A mostly dry and stable atmosphere will restrict significant shower activity and support hot temperatures across the local region Read more

Grisha: Businesses Near Pjia That Fail To Remove Billboards Before Storms Will Be Liable For Damage

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten issued a firm caution on Wednesday to businesses that have wooden billboards near Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and fail to remove them before a storm.

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Winair Resumes Limited Flights After Ts Ernesto

 SIMPSON BAY--Windward Islands Airways International WINAIR initiated the gradual resumption of flight operations following the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto. WINAIR operated a limited flight schedule on Wednesday, August 14.

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Mobilizing Resources To Combat Crime On The Island And What It Means For Its Members

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In light of the recent surge in criminal activities on our island, the union is committed to utilizing every available resource to address and combat crime effectively. Over the past few months, our community has been significantly impacted by the actions of various individuals perpetrating these offenses. As the upcoming election and also threat of a storm approaches, ensuring the safety and security of our island is paramount.

We recognize that a collaborative effort is essential to safeguarding our community Read more

Press Statement By Minfin Marinka Gumbs Vital Updates On The Ennia Saga

Esteemed citizens of St. Maarten, today it is imperative that I provide you with an update on this Ennia Saga. Since my last appearance in Parliament, I have continued to carefully investigate the outline agreement and also explore alternative solutions. My intention was to go to parliament again this week to provide answers to the questions posed; however, due to an error in the date provided by Parliament, which led to a misunderstanding, the meeting will be rescheduled. However aside from answering the questions it is vital that I provide you the residents of Sint Maarten and specifically the Sint Maarten ennia policy holders with an update.

My main focus remains on two groups: the Sint Maarten policyholders and country Sint Maarten Read more

Groundbreaking For New Marketplace Next Week, Says Grisha

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has announced that the groundbreaking for the new Marketplace will now be held here next week.

The ceremony was postponed due to the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto on Tuesday.

The storm, which packed winds of about 60 mph, destroyed the tarpaulin covered stalls the vendors were using while waiting to be moved to a pavillion that was being erected at the location of the old Government Administration Building.

My heart really goes out to all the vendors affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto Read more

Ursm To Host Virtual Public Rally

Philipsburg The Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) is excited to announce its first ever Virtual Public Rally on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

This event marks a pivotal moment in our movements journey toward a stronger, healthier, and more resilient St. Maarten.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of challenges on St.Maarten, the URSM remains steadfast in its commitment to positive change and community empowerment Read more

Winners Of 7 Lucky Classroom Material Projects Announced!

PHILLIPSBURG-– Member of Parliament Richinel Brug announced in a press statement Thursday morning the winners of his Lucky 7 Classroom Material project.

I am thrilled to announce the winners of the Lucky 7 Classroom Material project! Congratulations to Mr. Charles Rollan, Ms. Tiffany Richardson, Ms. Beverley Orr, Ms. Allison Harry (Teacher Mars), Ms Read more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 14th August 2024 @ 06:00 LST (10:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday morning (06:00 LST) 15th August 2024A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICETHE TROPICL STORM WARNING IS CANCELLEDTHE FLOOD WATCH IS CANCELLEDWEATHER:Today through Thursday morning: Generally Cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and possible isolated thunderstormsForecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:40 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:55 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Thursday morning: East southeasterly to southerly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 13 to 20 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Moisture and instability associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto will cause showers, some of which may be heavy, strong winds, rough seas and possible thunderstorms across the local area Read more

Businesses, Govt. Offices, Airport To Open Wednesday

PHILIPSBURG--Businesses have been cleared to open on Wednesday following the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which caused some damage to St. Maarten, said caretaker Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina in a national address on Tuesday evening. Read more

Schools To Be Assessed, Cleaned On Wednesday, Open Thursday

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis has announced that the official start of the 2024-2025 school year will start on Thursday, August 15. Read more

Smhdf Says Claims Of Storm Damage To Red Cross Building Are Exaggerated

Gromyko Wilson of 721 news documented the Tropical Storm debris in the streets of Belvedere. Stating that he was not sure if damaged roofs already started leaking  

BELVEDEREThe St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) has expressed concern that reports of damage to the Red Cross Building in Belvedere, caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto, are being exaggerated by individuals, including politicians, in the lead-up to the snap elections on St Read more

Schools To Be Assessed, Cleaned On Wednesday, Open On Thursday

~ Lewis thanks first responders ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Lyndon Lewis has announced that the official start of the 2024-2025 school year will start on Thursday, August 15.

After the passing of tropical Storm Ernesto on Tuesday, Wednesday will be dedicated to assessment and clean-up of the various schools Read more

All Businesses Told To Close, Essential Services Can Open

PHILIPSBURG--In an effort to ensure the safety of the public and employees of businesses during the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten decided that all businesses, with the exception of essential services, had to close by 11:00pm Monday night to minimise movement on the public road.

Essential services that can remain open are emergency services; gas stations that service vehicles needed for essential services; pharmacies (concerning the sale of medicines/medical products); hotels and guesthouses, including stores and restaurants located in them; funeral parlours; the airport and the harbour, including the stores located in them.

Public transportation was allowed to operate until 1:00am Tuesday, August 13.

In a national address on Monday evening, Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina said the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) had met at midday Monday to assess the current situation and to review national preparations.

Schools are to remain closed on Tuesday Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 12 August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 13 August 2024TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN...A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICEWEATHER:This afternoon: Partly cloudy with light haze, becoming cloudy and breezy at times with brief local showers.Tonight through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:41 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:54 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East-northeasterly to northeasterly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 10 to 20 mph, and occasional higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Patches of moisture tracking over the island, ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone #5 will cause brief showers across the local area Read more

Audience member Carlvin Brooks asks a question about the role and future of the islands university, during Fridays session at USM. The candidates who attended the session signed a pledge to publicly support USMs advancement.

PHILIPSBURG--University of St. Martin (USM) Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Gale Rigobert urged the countrys leaders to support the advancement of the university, declaring, USM cannot continue to be held hostage by its past.

She made the remarks to candidates vying for seats in the upcoming St Read more

VROMI Cabinet Policy Advisor Luciano Nicholls inspecting the landslide from the roof of a home in Ebenezer.

PHILIPSBURG--The Cabinet of the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI on Sunday inspected two areas in South Reward and Ebenezer where a road and a retaining wall collapsed following heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Cassava Road in South Reward was one of several roads that were recently paved in the governments hard-surfacing programme, but this road and parts of the area have partially collapsed, according to a press release issued by the VROMI Cabinet on Sunday night.

The press release cited pooling water on the road surface, lack of a retaining wall and proper drainage, and a large amount of rainfall within a short period of time as reasons for the collapse Read more