SXMElections.com

In Line With The Rise In Interest Rates In The International Financial Markets: Cbcs Increases The Pledging Rate

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to tighten its monetary policy stance further by raising the pledging rate1 by 25 basis points to 5.75%. This decision was taken in response to the increase of the Fed funds rate in July and a possible further increase in September. Even though gross official reserves and import coverage have increased in the first eight months of this year, they are still expected to decline towards the end of 2023. The decline will be, however, less pronounced than in 2022 Read more

Court Of Appeal Rules In Favor Of Mer. Telem Ordered To Respect Arbitral Award.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Below is the free translation of the verdict pronounced in by the Court of Appeals.

CIVIL MATTERS FOR 2023 RULING: September 13, 2023

CASE NO.: SXM202200845 - SXM2022H00180

JOINT COURT OF JUSTICE

from Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and from Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

ORDER

regarding:

the public limited company

SINT MAARTEN TELEPHONE COMPANY N.V.,

located in Sint Maarten,

defendant at first instance, now appellant, hereinafter referred to as: Telem,

representatives: mrs Read more

Wib Announces Launch Of Bankomatiko+ Mastercard Debit Card.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank and Mastercard proudly launched Bankomatiko+ (Bankomatiko plus) Mastercard debit card, which will replace the current Bankomatiko/Maestro card. The launch took place at Emilios restaurant in the landmark Flamboyant rich Emilio Wilson estate. Several prominent members of the community as well as bank managers were invited to this event.
The new Bankomatiko+ Mastercard debit card brings more of the best to the cardholder with a number of additional benefits such as: Wider acceptance anywhere in the world; the possibility to also make online purchases with One Time Passcode (OTP) technology & continued earning of Fun Miles on all local purchases Read more

Allegations Of Mismanagement At Nipa, Students Are Forced To Leave Due To The Lack Of Teaching Staff, 2023 Graduates Still To Receive Their Diplomas.

~ WITU refused to represent its teachers at NIPA. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Several students at the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA) have been left in limbo since the management of NIPA has refused to hire core teachers who would teach them level 3 in their career path. Many of the students found out this school year that they do not have the teachers to teach night classes or even some day classes.
The students who contacted SMN News said that while they were taught general subjects such as mathematics and English during the day classes, they do not have teachers to teach level 3 in the evenings Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Reunification Of Citizens With Lost And Recovered Documents

The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is starting with a new initiative aimed at facilitating the return of lost personal effects and official documentation to their rightful owners. These items encompass essential documents such as identification cards, bank cards, travel documents, number plates, and other personal records.

In recent weeks, the KPSM made a list of all these lost items, ranging from identification cards to indispensable travel documents. These items have been voluntarily brought to the police station by concerned individuals and conscientious residents Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is starting a new initiative aimed at facilitating the return of lost personal effects and official documentation to their rightful owners. These items encompass essential documents such as identification cards, bank cards, travel documents, number plates, and other personal records.

In recent weeks, the KPSM made a list of all these lost items, ranging from identification cards to indispensable travel documents. These items have been voluntarily brought to the police station by concerned individuals and conscientious residents Read more

BONAIRE:--- Monday, the 11th of September 2023 marked the official kick-off of the two-year police training program for the Dutch Caribbean. During the opening ceremony, the 24 new aspiring officers were welcomed by the Chief of Police, Mr. Alwyn Braaf. Afterward, the students received an introduction to what awaits them for the next two years in the presence of the Force Management Team (KMT), the team chief Caribbean of the Police Academy, Mr Read more

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

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

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

---

Candidates in this article:

Witu Is Concerned About The Proposed National Health Insurance For St. Maarten

Philipsburg The President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), Stuart Johnson, has voiced serious concerns about the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) in St. Maarten. Mr. Johnson’s concerns highlight issues related to public awareness, the quality of healthcare services, access to preventative care, medication policies, and the impact on the vulnerable in our country.

One of the primary concerns raised by Mr Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Upp Party Board Pays Tribute To The Legacy Of Roberto Arrindell.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United People's Party (UPP), extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Roberto "Celestino" Arrindell, an influential presence in the St. Maarten community who will be laid to rest today. In celebrating the life of Roberto Arrindell, UP Part President Eugene Heyliger acknowledged Arrindells multifaceted contributions that enriched the island's cultural and educational landscape.
In a statement issued by UP Party, the Board conveyed its deep sorrow at the passing of Roberto Arrindell, underscoring Arrindell's roles as a community advocate, educator, and cultural luminary Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Witu Is Concerned About The Proposed National Health Insurance For St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), Stuart Johnson, has voiced serious concerns about the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) in St. Maarten. Mr. Johnson's concerns highlight issues related to public awareness, the quality of healthcare services, access to preventative care, medication policies, and the impact on the vulnerable in our country.

One of the primary concerns raised by Mr Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:--- Minister of Justice Anna Richardson spoke at the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin American and the Caribbean Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Monday afternoon, the Marie Genevieve de Weever Primary School (MGDW) held a heartwarming ceremony to honor and celebrate the exceptional contributions of Mrs. Anna Grantham-Halley, who served as the School Manager from 2015 to 2020. The event served as a token of appreciation for her dedicated service to Public Education.

A commitment to excellence marked Mrs. Grantham-Halley's tenure at MGDW, tireless dedication to the well-being of students, and a passion for education.

Stuart Johnson, the current School Manager of MGDW, led the heartfelt tribute to Mrs Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Wilson Has Questions Regarding National Health Insurance

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten On Sunday, August 20, the United Sint Maarten Party (USP) candidate Gromyko Wilson, sounded the alarm on the intention of Government to pass the National Health Insurance (NHI) law by January 1, 2024. Wilson warned that this law may not be in the interest of the community.

Government is pushing to get the opinion of different stakeholders in the community, like the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) and SER Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Deadline Extended For Emotional Freedom Techniques Course To Sept 5Th.

~BE EQUIPPED TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY~

PHILIPSBURG:---  In light of the many challenging issues that our families, individuals, and communities face daily, Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis Cotton visionary of Victorious Living and the counseling program developer at the GHBU, St. Maarten Campus designed a Masters Level counseling degree program in 2015 to meet the growing socio-emotional and psychological needs in our community. The program covers topics such as effective grief counseling, suicide prevention and assessment, effective marriage counseling, and effective techniques for working with children.
Francis-Cotton, who also co-developed the Grief Counseling curriculum for the University of West Indies BSC in Social Work program, recognizes the significance of providing practical and evidenced-based tools for counselors to effectively help their clients to heal Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- I am writing to address some pressing concerns and propose potential solutions for the dedicated justice workers who tirelessly serve our nation's pursuit of justice. It has come to my attention that the financial challenges faced by these individuals are becoming increasingly unsustainable, jeopardizing their well-being and the integrity of the justice system itself. Justice workers play a pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law and upholding justice in our society. However, they often face significant challenges that affect their livelihoods and the integrity of the justice system itself.

Thus this article explores various solutions and strategies to support justice workers, from financial incentives and subsidies to addressing concerns related to education and union representation.

1 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  September 1, 2023, is the day by which constitutionally the countrys budget 2024 should be at the Parliament. In the next few days on September 12th, a new parliamentary year will be upon us with the constitutional obligation for the Governor or someone designated by him to present the governments intentions for the year 2024, the DP leader stated in a release issued on September 1st.

This crop of ministers is famous for scorning our high councils of state on numerous occasions, and they continue to thumb their noses at the parliament Read more

Deadline Extended For Emotional Freedom Techniques Course To Sept 5Th

BE EQUIPPED TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

Great Bay, Sint Maarten — In light of the many challenging issues that our families, individuals and communities face daily, Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis Cotton visionary of Victorious Living and the counseling program developer at the GHBU, St. Maarten Campus designed a Masters Level counseling degree program in 2015 to meet the growing socio- emotional and psychological needs in our community. The program covers topics such as effective grief counseling, suicide prevention and assessment, effective marriage counseling, and effective techniques for working with children.

Francis-Cotton, who also co-developed the Grief Counseling curriculum for the University of West Indies BSC in Social Work program, recognizes the significance of providing practical and evidenced-based tools for counselors to effectively help their clients to heal Read more