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Air traffic control failure disrupts flights over Britain

LONDON--Hundreds of flights to and from London were disrupted on Friday by a technical failure at England's main air traffic control centre, which a senior government minister said was "simply unacceptable".

Flights in and out of Heathrow, which calls itself the world's busiest international airport, were halted for at least an hour, causing knock-on effects across Europe. Heathrow said operations were beginning to resume, but there were also cancellations and delays at other London airports.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin demanded a full explanation for the glitch that forced authorities to limit access to British airspace at one of the busiest times of year Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- A board member of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) Elston Fos was attacked in his yard by a lone gunman late Friday night. SMN News understands that Fos who lives in the Belvedere area escaped unharmed because the weapon the gunman tried to fire at him jammed. It should be noted that Fos is the board member of the SMHDF along with another board member who suspended Henry Lynch on Friday morning for financial discrepancies.
Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that the SMHDF board member was attacked by a lone gunman but the weapon malfunctioned Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- For the second consecutive year, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament of St. Maarten, Sarah Wescot-Williams has placed amongst the Top 100 Powerful Women, an annual selection of 100 women by the monthly Dutch magazine OPZIJ.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams placed in the category "Politics", along with 9 other women, who together share the spotlight with 90 other women in 9 different categories.
The Prime Minister was informed of her placement by letter dated September 16th, from the Editor-in-Chief, Mrs Read more

Minister Lake says emergency road patchwork to be carried out before Christmas holidays.

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says Windward Roads has won the public tender to carry out emergency road patchwork as phase one before the onset of the Christmas holidays.

Phase two will be carried out in the beginning of the New Year once the contractor returns from the holiday season.

Emergency road patchwork will be carried out on the main roads which have already been identified by Ministry VROMI officials from the infrastructure division of the ministry.

Work will also be carried out on Front and Back Street where bricks and tree mats are in a state of disrepair.

"With the holiday season coming up, and to ensure the safety of all, these emergency repairs will be carried out Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says the actions by a lone board member of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) to request the Governments Accountants Foundation known as SOAB to carry out a forensic investigation, and also into the purchase-to-pay process and remuneration process is premature.

"I was not aware of this process Read more

Lenny Preist Questions Impact Of Gas Price Reduction On Electricity Bills

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – According to all media reports, the international energy agency (IEA) has announced that oil prices have fallen to an all-time low with a barrel of crude oil going at the rate of U.S. $ 58.00 a barrel.

Governments and energy companies all over the world have passed on this savings to their consumers.

What will it take for St. Maarten government and NV GEBE to provide relief to the people in the form of a 40% to 50% reduction in the fuel clause on our electricity bills? afterall, our monthly electricity bill is made up of energy consumption and the fuel clause.

The fuel clause in most cases makes up approximately 60% of the monthly bill.

The people of St Read more

Mp Wescot-Williams Among Opzij 100 Most Powerful Women

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - For the second consecutive year, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament of St. Maarten, Sarah Wescot-Williams has placed amongst the Top 100 Powerful Women, an annual selection of 100 women by the monthly Dutch magazine OPZIJ.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams placed in the category "Politics", along with 9 other women, who together share the spotlight with 90 other women in 9 different categories.

The Prime Minister was informed of her placement by letter dated September 16th, from the Editor-in-Chief, Mrs Read more

Shta Acknowledges The Students Of The Nipa & Sundial Hospitality Sector

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association, the largest business representative on the island, presented a certificate of appreciation to the students of the NIPA (National Institute for Professional Advancement) and Sundial Hospitality Sector for their outstanding services provided at the 9th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards Gala Event.

The certificates were presented to Ms. Renata de Weever, Coordinator of the hospitality program at the NIPA and Wendall Moore, Service instructor of the Sundial School.

Each year, SHTA gives the students of the Sundial Hospitality Sector the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain practical experience beneficial to their future career in the industry Read more

De Weever severs ties with Democratic Party

PHILIPSBURG--New Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius de Weever has severed ties with the Democratic Party (DP), under whose slate he contested the August 29 parliamentary elections and secured a seat.

De Weever said in a press statement issued by his Cabinet on Thursday that he had notified DP leader Sarah Wescot-Williams that he “has now officially resigned from the party.” De Weever, who also functions as caretaker Minister of Health, Labour and Social Affairs, said he informed Wescot-Williams “that due to the manner in which she and/or the DP publicly tried to portray me in a negative light, I have decided to reconsider my future with the DP and hereby resign my affiliation with the Democratic Party.

“I campaigned as a new democrat with a new Democratic Party, but it is readily apparent to many that it is the same old political strategy of trying to shame and blame,” he said Read more

GEBE to give gov’t NAf. 5 million for 2014 budget

PHILIPSBURG--Utilities company GEBE will be giving government NAf. 5 million for the 2014 budget, which is facing a deficit.

This was decided during a meeting between the Council of Ministers and representatives of GEBE on Thursday. The meeting was convened to discuss GEBE’s contributions to government. The water and electricity company is owned by government, but managed by GEBE.

Representing GEBE at the meeting were Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors René Richardson and members Patrice Gumbs, Veronica Jansen-Webster and Edwin Gumbs, President of the Managing Board/Chief Operating Officer Romelio Maduro and Chief Financial Officer Rene Gartner Read more

China tells banks to step up lending

BEIJING/SHANGHAI--China has told its banks to lend more in the final months of 2014 and relaxed enforcement of loan-to-deposit ratios to expand credit, sources told Reuters, as Beijing prepares to release data that could confirm the relentless slowing of its economy.
  Figures on inflation, imports and fiscal spending in November have already undershot expectations since the People's Bank of China (PBOC) sprang a surprise interest rate cut on Nov. 21, raising fears that the bid to boost lending could foreshadow more weak figures on industrial activity for the month, due on Friday, and on lending, due in the next few days.
  "I wouldn't be surprised by that at all," said Andrew Polk, resident economist for the Conference Board in Beijing Read more

>GREAT BAY:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius de Weever has notified the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot-Williams that he has now officially resigned from the party.
Minister De Weever informed the leader that due to the manner in which she and/or the DP publicly tried to portray me in a negative light, I have decided to reconsider my future with the DP and hereby RESIGN my affiliation with the Democratic Party Read more

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Thursday, December 11, 2014, the Council of Ministers met with the representatives of N.V. GEBE to discuss the contributions of the Water Company to the Government of Sint Maarten. The Water Company is owned by the Government, but managed by N.V. GEBE.

At the meeting N.V. GEBE was represented by the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors Mr. René Richardson and its Members Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster and Mr Read more

>CAY BAY:--- They made it! As agreed on Wednesday December 10th the official opening ceremony of the Miss Lalie Center, the first Caribbean Youth Care and Rehabilitation Center, took place.
All people have been working so hard to make this possible, and they've succeeded. The Miss Lalie Center is good to go from this day. The building that's situated on Venus Drive in Cay Bay is totally prepared for the intake of a maximum of 20 boys between the ages of 12 to 18.
The official opening ceremony started off with a warm welcome to all the guests from Mrs Read more

Public Invited to Open House at Miss Lalie Youth Care and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday.

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The general public is invited to an Open House at the Miss Lalie Youth Care and Rehabilitation Center (MLC) in Cape Bay on Saturday, December 13.

The Miss Lalie Center was opened on December 10th. The youth care and rehabilitation center is located at Venus Drive #1, Cape Bay.

The Miss Lalie Center is located behind the industrial laundromat on the main road leading to the NV GEBE Power Plant. After making a right at the intersection of Afoo Daily Extra Supermarket in Cole Bay to head into Cape Bay; continue driving until you approach the industrial laundromat on your left; take a left and the center is right behind the laundromat.

Members of the public will be given a tour of the facility and will have the opportunity to meet the staff and also receive information about the center Read more

Minister Lake Says Emergency Road Patchwork To Be Carried Out Before Christmas Holidays

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says Windward Roads has won the public tender to carry out emergency road patchwork as phase one before the onset of the Christmas holidays.

Phase two will be carried out in the beginning of the New Year once the contractor returns from the holiday season.

Emergency road patchwork will be carried out on the main roads which have already been identified by Ministry VROMI officials from the infrastructure division of the ministry.

Work will also be carried out on Front and Back Street where bricks and tree mats are in a state of disrepair.

"With the holiday season coming up, and to ensure the safety of all, these emergency repairs will be carried out.

The country will see visitors and family and friends arriving for the holiday season and we need to ensure that the infrastructure is in good order, hence the emergency actions that are required to be taken." Minister Hon Read more

Minister Of Culture Lourens-Philip Invites Public To Sunday Christmas Celebration

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip is inviting the public to come out on Sunday December 14, 2014 at 4:00 pm where the streets of Philipsburg will come alive with sounds of music, laughter, joy, hope and good will to all mankind.

At center of the parade is compassion and joyfulness- what Christmas means to each of us Read more

Public Invited To Open House At Miss Lalie Youth Care And Rehabilitation Center On Saturday

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The general public is invited to an Open House at the Miss Lalie Youth Care and Rehabilitation Center (MLC) in Cape Bay on Saturday, December 13.

The Miss Lalie Center was opened on December 10th. The youth care and rehabilitation center is located at Venus Drive #1, Cape Bay.

The Miss Lalie Center is located behind the industrial laundromat on the main road leading to the NV GEBE Power Plant. After making a right at the intersection of Afoo Daily Extra Supermarket in Cole Bay to head into Cape Bay; continue driving until you approach the industrial laundromat on your left; take a left and the center is right behind the laundromat.

Members of the public will be given a tour of the facility and will have the opportunity to meet the staff and also receive information about the center Read more

Com Meets With Nv Gebe

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – On Thursday, December 11, 2014, the Council of Ministers met with the representatives of N.V. GEBE to discuss the contributions of the Water Company to the Government of Sint Maarten.

The Water Company is owned by the Government, but managed by N.V. GEBE.

At the meeting N.V. GEBE was represented by the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors Mr. René Richardson and its Members Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster and Mr Read more

Minister De Weever Resigns From The Democratic Party

GREAT BAY, St. Martin - Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius de Weever has notified the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot-Williams that he has now officially resigned from the party.

Minister De Weever informed the leader that due to the manner in which she and/or the DP publicly tried to portray me in a negative light, I have decided to reconsider my future with the DP and hereby RESIGN my affiliation with the Democratic Party.

I campaigned as a New Democrat with a "new" Democratic Party but it is readily apparent to many that it is the same old political strategy of trying to shame and blame.

Minister De Weever further stated that he expected an internal "issue" to be handled internally, professionally and avoid giving others more ammunition against St Read more

Opening Ceremony Miss Lalie Center

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - They made it! As agreed on Wednesday December 10th the official opening ceremony of the Miss Lalie Center, the first Caribbean Youth Care and Rehabilitation Center, took place.

All people have been working so hard to make this possible, and they've succeeded.

The Miss Lalie Center is good to go from this day. The building that's situated on Venus Drive in Cay Bay is totally prepared for the intake of a maximum of 20 boys between the ages of 12 to 18.

The official opening ceremony started off with a warm welcome to all the guests from Mrs Read more

Mc Sood's cricket dream comes through in Carty

 CUL DE SAC--When the then president of St. Maarten Cricket Association, Imran Mc Sood announced that he wished that St. Maarten would provide her first player for a West Indies team by 2014, Kacey Carty was just three years at the time.
  Fifteen years later, Carty was selected to represent the West Indies U19 team in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) NAGICO sponsored one-day tournament which bowls off in Trinidad and Tobago on January 15.
  At a press conference at the NAGICO Conference Hall, a beaming Mc Sood stated, "I just wanted to have the opportunity today to express to Kacey and also his father Kieth how very happy I am personally about his call up to represent the West Indies U19 team for the NAGICO Super50 tournament Read more

Editorial - As much about quality

Government’s personnel cost has increased more than foreseen, Finance Minister Martin Hassink told Parliament on Tuesday, and is fast becoming “unaffordable.” He gave no clear indication as to why, but a perceived lack of efficiency in certain cases resulting from sheer incompetence may well have something to do with it.

For example, in the US persons have to take a special exam to enter the civil service, where the rank and pay for those who pass it are determined at least in part by the result Read more

Youth Care Centre has opened its doors

CAY BAY--The eagerly anticipated Miss Lalie Youth Care Centre was officially opened December 10 by Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson in the presence of a number of dignitaries, invited guests and members of the Meyers family, in commemoration of Eulalie Meyers who the Centre is named after. The Centre is set to start receiving youths as of next week.

The modern Cay Bay building had been designed as a boarding school-type facility meant for foster care, and was then restructured for use as a closed facility for boys ages 12 to 18, who are to be detained whilst receiving counselling, treatment, guidance and education, in order to enable them to have the best possible chance of succeeding in society.

A closed institution, it provides 10 places for boys sentenced by the criminal court and another 10 for boys with severe behavioural issues who have not been sentenced but who have received a placement order by a civil court.

Until now, there has been no such facility available locally for this demographic, as explained by Angela Dekker of Dutch financing institution USONA who said that the lack of a youth rehabilitation centre was questioned over a decade ago by a Geneva committee during a conference on the Rights of the Child.

Team Leader Natasha Carty acted as Master of Ceremonies for the opening event, introducing various key decision makers and dignitaries, the Center's team comprising social and security workers, and guiding a tour of the facility.

The Centre was financed by the Ministry of Justice and USONA Read more