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WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- During its visit to Curaçao, the Board of financial supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) indicated that the implementation of the 2017 budget was under great pressure. Revenue enhancing and tax mitigation measures are necessary to prevent a budget deficit in 2017. Challenges are related to lagging tax revenues en social funds premiums and the control of expenses. In addition, the stimulation of the economy is an important challenge.

Probable positive closing of 2016 budget
The year 2016 appears to have closed with a positive result on the ordinary service, on account of incidental windfalls Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister The Honorable William Marlin of Sint Maarten releases the following briefing on the infrastructure, along with words of thanks. Please note that all was current at press time and is subject to change as work and talks progress.

ROADS
Main roads are cleared and work continues on inner roads to the districts.

ELECTRICITY / WATER
Several districts have received electricity and water thus far Read more

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MARIGOT:--- The president of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, Mr. Daniel Gibbs, wishes to make a statement about the situation on the island since the passage of Hurricane IRMA, on September 6th, 2017.
Phase 1 of the post-hurricane organization consisted in managing, on the one hand, the urgency in terms of taking care of the wounded, sick or distressed, but also the tourists by organizing the evacuation from the island Read more

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Exclusive: An Assessment On Healthcare On St. Maarten.

SZV funds being drained; Bricks and Blocks will not improve the Quality of Care on St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In this article SMN News will go into details to highlight the current status on quality of Healthcare on St. Maarten and what the Minister of Public Health Emil Lee has done thus far to change the gloom and doom facing the people of St Read more

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Human Remains Discovered After 12-Year Search For American Student In Aruba

ORANJESTAD  –  There is another twist to the mystery surrounding the disappearance of American high school graduate Natalee Holloway following the discovery of human remains in this Dutch Caribbean territory.

Holloway, 18, was with friends on a post-high school trip to Aruba in 2005 when she vanished, leaving her loved ones wondering for years what happened to her.

For years, speculation has swirled around Joran van der Sloot, a Dutch national last seen with the Alabama teen at a tourist bar on the island.

With the discovery of the remains, Holloway’s father, Dave Holloway, and private investigator T.J Read more

ARUBA:--- Twelve years after Natalee Holloway's disappearance on a graduation trip to Aruba, her father is hoping a recent discovery will yield a major break in the case of what happened to his daughter.

Dave Holloway and private investigator T.J. Ward announced on TODAY Wednesday that an 18-month investigation has led them to discover human remains that are being DNA tested to confirm if they are Natalee's.

"When we determined these remains were human, I was shocked,'' Holloway told Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie Read more

Parents’  Time Is Worth The Sacrifice.

The Democratic Party would iike to extend a warm welcome home to those who spent the summer abroad and  extends best wishes to all students,  teachers, staff of learning institutions island-wide,  and surely to parents too,  for the new academic year. 

We believe that parents play an important, perhaps the most important role in this equation. We do so with  genuine appreciation and respect for all that parents must sacrifice and do to ensure their children’s  success, sometimes working two,  even three jobs to pay school fees, books, uniforms and more; not to mention after-school care and activity costs, which increase if the child engages in some sport or form of art (sports gear, musical instruments etc.).

Of the expressions of God’s steadfast and abiding love here on earth, that of a parent is surely one of them.   From it we learn that sacrifices and investments made for all those who come behind us is the very definition of civilization.  

Good teachers confess to faithfully picking up where the parents leave off, child after child,  day after day.   Yet in conversations held in confidence, we hear them say that they work even better with students whose parents take the time to give them individual and personal assistance.  Why?  They say they know for sure that those students will always have an extra push and those parents keep a keen eye on their child’s progress or their challenges. 

Even 30 minutes of uninterrupted one-on-one time spent by a parent with their youth on homework or any other activity , not only strengthens the bond, but is  critical to their development and  an ‘unspoken’ agreement in “co-labor” that the youth will uphold.  

It may be that they resist at first, believing that you will not continue,  or they  prefer to command their own space Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Democratic Party would like to extend a warm welcome home to those who spent the summer abroad and extends best wishes to all students, teachers, staff of learning institutions islandwide, and surely to parents too, for the new academic year.
We believe that parents play an important, perhaps the most important role in this equation. We do so with genuine appreciation and respect for all that parents must sacrifice and do to ensure their children's success, sometimes working two, even three jobs to pay school fees, books, uniforms and more; not to mention after-school care and activity costs, which increase if the child engages in some sport or form of art (sports gear, musical instruments etc.).
Of the expressions of God’s steadfast and abiding love here on earth, that of a parent is surely one of them Read more

Breaking News: Remains Found In Galisbay And Belair Are Identified

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Reliable information reaching 721news reported that the two remains found in Galisbay and Belair belongs to two missing persons in the “Mars” case. According to information reaching 721news, families were notified by police about the findings.

The body found in a container on the port of Galisbay on the French side, and the one in Belair have been positively matched – through DNA identification – to the two missing men Luis Diaz-Sarante and Edwin Rosario in the “Mars” case.

On Monday, December 5, 2016, Luis David Sarante-Diaz also known as “Blanco” and Edwin Rosario Contreras also known as “Eggy,” were last seen during the afternoon in the vicinity of Simpson Bay Resort.

In a previous press release, Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said, “These two men were never seen or heard from since the disappearance Read more

THE HAGUE:--- On Monday, July 31st, 2017, Minister Doran-York addressed the 34 Sint Maarten students after their in The Netherlands.
The same as last year, the Minister saw to it that the Cabinet was well represented while forming part of the welcoming team at the Airport.
Also present from the Cabinet were Deputy Minister Hasani Ellis, Cabinet Director Irene Simmons along with other members of the Cabinet waiving the Sint Maarten's Flag as the students exited the arrival hall.
Minister Doran-York addressed the students during an introductory meeting at the Steinberger Hotel, where they were transported to, immediately after their arrival.
The Minister and her staff are looking forward towards officially welcoming the students to the Cabinet upcoming Friday, August 4th where they will be addressed by Deputy Minister Hasani Ellis.
Below is the text of the address of the Minister Plenipotentiary Henrietta Doran-York to the students on Monday.

"First of all, I would like to thank the organizing body of this event, the USC, (Unified Sint Maarten Connection) for the invitation to address you here today Read more

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Pond Island - St. Maarten’s incumbent telecommunication provider, TelEm Group, has posted a profit for the year 2016. The actual figures have been presented to the company’s Supervisory Board of Directors and the Government shareholder in recent weeks for their consideration and review and are not being made public at this time.
The announcement was made to TelEm Group personnel in a brief internal announcement Friday, in which Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, and Chief Financial officer (CFO) Mrs Read more

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Telem Group Ceo Cautions Against “Free Wi-Fi” Idea For St. Maarten

Pond  Island –  TelEm Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, is advising “caution” to an idea coming out of a recently concluded telecommunication conference in the Dominican Republic, that St. Maarten can enhance its telecommunication services to residents and visitors by offering free Wi-Fi throughout the island.

The idea was put forward by Minister of TEATT, Melissa Arrindell-Doncher during the recently ended 33rd annual Conference and Trade Exhibition of CANTO, in the Dominican Republic, and repeated in at least one online media outlet this week.

“I am all for making telecommunication services affordable for TelEm Group customers, however I cannot see how we can benefit by offering free wi-fi “spots” to the millions of visitors who come to the island each year, who are currently paying for this service,” said Mr Read more

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Pond Island:---TelEm Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kendall Dupersoy, is advising “caution” to an idea coming out of a recently concluded telecommunication conference in the Dominican Republic, that St. Maarten can enhance its telecommunication services to residents and visitors by offering free Wi-Fi throughout the island.

The idea was put forward by Minister of TEATT, Melissa Arrindell-Doncher during the recently ended 33rd annual Conference and Trade Exhibition of CANTO, in the Dominican Republic, and repeated in at least one online media outlet this week.

“I am all for making telecommunication services affordable for TelEm Group customers, however, I cannot see how we can benefit by offering free wi-fi “spots” to the millions of visitors who come to the island each year, who are currently paying for this service,” said Mr Read more

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History Of The Concrete Road Divider At Maho Beach

Firstly, my deepest condolences to the family of the lady that tragically lost her life last week attempting to “surf the jet blast.” It is hoped that their loss will serve as a reminder to all who HAVE ventured and to those who undoubtedly WILL venture to participate in this dangerous “sport,” that this can be deadly!

Standing on the actual beach sand West of the road according to me, will give you the same “rush” and if you get “blown,” you will fall on sand. In a worst case scenario, you may get blown into the Caribbean Sea.

So all you Jet Blast Surfers that cannot swim, WEAR A WATER LIFE JACKET before attempting the jet blast thrill.

I am not a lawyer (obviously) and certainly not an “ambulance chaser,” but for the life of me I cannot understand how anybody else except the adult that engages in the “sport “ is responsible for such an accident, taking into consideration all the signs and precautions put in place by the SXM Airport PJIA Read more

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Situation At Nipa Not Conducive To Education --- No Threats Took Place In My Presence --- Andrea Gibson.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Job Coach Coordinator of NIPA Andrea Gibson said in a statement to SMN News on Monday that RN teacher Farrah Busby Richardson did not make any threats to anyone last week Tuesday while she was in her office. Gibson said she cannot say if threats were made anywhere else however, she said that the teacher and the Social Worker Ms. Peterson were in her office for a period of time and at no time either of them threatened each other. Mrs. Gibson said that from her office Busby-Richardson left the school premises.
Gibson who has been working at NIPA for the past three years said the current state of affairs at the learning institution is not conducive to education.
SMN News tried to reach the social worker Mrs Read more

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Students cried as board tried to sabotage their examination.

PHILIPSBURG:--- An RN teacher at NIPA Farrah Busby Richardson had to face police on Tuesday whose students were taking their final examinations in order to graduate.
Police showed up at the school when they were called by the chairman of the supervisory board Antonio Aventurin to escort the teacher out of the school because she submitted her resignation letter to the school stating that her resignation goes into effect as of July 8th after her students finalize their examination on July 7th.
According to information provided to SMN News when police reached the school, they met with Aventurin and was asked why he wanted the teacher removed, after given full explanation police informed Aventurin that he has no grounds to remove the teacher from the school and they left.
The situation on Tuesday created a huge turmoil for the students that were busy taking their examinations, some even called their parents, one parent even went to NIPA screaming saying that the board of NIPA is busy ruining her child’s examination Read more

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Panos Caribbean Disappointed By Us Move To Exit Paris Agreement

KINGSTON, Jamaica – PANOS Caribbean has expressed deep disappointment at news that the United States is to turn its back on the historic Paris Agreement.

“There is no question that Panos Caribbean — an organisation that has worked tirelessly in the interest of advancing public education on climate change and enabling communities to have an informed response to the phenomena — is deeply disappointed at the U.S Read more

Is Parliament Boycotting The Code Of Ethics?

In addition to boycotting the establishing of the Integrity Chamber, Parliament appears to also be boycotting the formalization of a code of conduct.

Last week, the Chairlady of Parliament had to cancel the meeting of the Central Committee because there was no quorum when the second agenda point, namely a parliamentary code of conduct, was to be discussed. Isn’t it odd that there was a quorum for the first agenda point i.e. the Anti-Poverty Platform, but after a short break, only seven members of parliament remained for the continuation of this meeting!

Despite the Chairlady’s request for at least one member to come back inside the meeting hall and despite the official thirty minutes wait to see if any of the MPs outside of the meeting hall would adhere to her request, the meeting had to be called off, due to a lack of quorum Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- In addition to boycotting the establishing of the Integrity Chamber, Parliament appears to also be boycotting the formalization of a code of conduct. Last week, the Chairlady of Parliament had to cancel the meeting of the Central Committee because there was no quorum when the second agenda point, namely a parliamentary code of conduct, was to be discussed. Isn’t it odd that there was a quorum for the first agenda point i.e. the Anti-Poverty Platform, but after a short break, only seven members of parliament remained for the continuation of this meeting! Despite the Chairlady’s request for at least one member to come back inside the meeting hall and despite the official thirty minutes wait to see if any of the MP’s outside of the meeting hall would adhere to her request, the meeting had to be called off, due to a lack of quorum Read more

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Court Acquits Robbery-Suspect

Source Today Newspaper

GREAT BAY – His mother shed tears of happiness after the Common Court of Justice acquitted Diandro Luciano M. of participating in an armed robbery at Island Water World in Cole Bay on May 16 of last year.

The Court in First Instance sentenced the 21-year old in November to 40 months of imprisonment, with 10 months suspended and 2 years of probation; he appealed the verdict with success and was released from prison yesterday afternoon.

The robbers took $2,500 during this robbery and a mobile phone during the robbery Read more

Leadercast: A Phenomenal Success! Over 160 Registrants At Leadercast Victorious Livingsxm 2017.

BELAIR:--- “Awesome.” “Wonderful.” “Inspiring.” “Exceptional.” “Well Organized;” are a few of the words attendees at Leadercast Live 2017, used to describe their experience. Leadercast, the largest one-day global leadership conference, hosted locally by Victorious Living Foundation via live simulcast for the fifth consecutive year, attracted over 165 registrants.
The theme for Leadercast 2017 was “Powered by Purpose.” Attendees from all walks of life, ages, and ethnic backgrounds gathered at the Belair Community Centre to be empowered, enlightened and inspired Read more

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Pm Marlin Congratulates Scdf On Successful Carnival

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister William Marlin addressed the media in Wednesday’s, May 3, Council of Ministers Press briefing.

He first congratulated the Carnival Committee for hosting another successful event, and “I think standing on the sidelines this year I was able to witness sort of a transformation of Carnival for the past couple of years,” he said.

“Those my age, a little older, a little younger, have been complaining and yearning for the days of the past…these are things of the past, which were good, which we enjoyed, but are no longer there and will never come back, so we can hope for Carnival the way it used to be, but I don’t think it will return no matter how much we may want to, no matter how much effort we would put into it, because we would in essence be in the minority,” the Prime Minister reflected.

PM Marlin also noted, “We have seen a lot of young people in the troupes, we have seen a lot of young people in the J’ouvert, we have seen a lot of young people in the jump-ups leading up to the Carnival, but this year we have also seen quite some young people taking part in Carnival, which means that it is a step in the right direction Read more

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Caribbean Rolls Out Plans To Reduce Climate Change Hazards

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Climate change remains inextricably linked to the challenges of disaster risk reduction (DRR). And according to the head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Robert Glasser, the reduction of greenhouse gases is “the single most urgent global disaster risk treatment”.

Glasser was addressing the Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Americas Read more

BONAIRE:--- In connection with the circulation of false news via various (social) media, on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017 a press conference was held by the Triangle Bonaire on developments in the investigation into the death of Adriana Morales de Florencio. The case has been given the name Saturnus.
Lead Investigator, A. Braaf, gave an explanation on the time line from when Adriana Morales de Florencio was reported missing Read more