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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

PHILIPSBURG:--- MINISTRY OF Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) held its Closing and Certification Ceremony of the SME Entrepreneurship Development Program (SEDP) and launched the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) on Friday, August 25th, 2023.

The structured one-year Business Support and Entrepreneurship Development Training Program which targeted both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs funded by the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) and executed by A & A Accounting and HPS Consulting, cumulated with a grand successful finale on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Belair Community Center.

A sense of accomplishment was felt during the evening as the participants in the program displayed their products and/or services and vividly networked with all invited guests.

Over the one-year training and coaching period, the program boasts of its Key milestones achieved
The number of existing businesses registered with the program grew from 43% (16) to 92% (42) Read more

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Court Grants Gebe Its Request To Terminate Hr Manager Clifford Sasso.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The court of first instance granted NV GEBE its request to terminate its Human Resource manager Clifford Sasso who was placed on suspension.
The verdict was read in open court on Wednesday, August 30th 2023.
Based on the verdict GEBE is allowed to end its working relationship with Clifford Sasso since the company had issued several warning letters to Sasso prior to the last suspension.
NV GEBE must compensate Sasso for his years of service. He is to be paid NAF 264.801.00
Below is the decision of the court both in English and Dutch.

order
COURT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE OF SINT MAARTEN
Case number: SXM202300375
Decision dated 30 August 2023
regarding
the limited liability company N.V Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- NV GEBE was hit with another blow on Wednesday morning when the Court of First Instance delivered its verdict in favor of former Temporary manager Sharine Daniel who was also the companys head internal auditor for more than ten years.
In the decision rendered on Wednesday, the court said that NV GEBE did not prove its case neither did they submit and or substantiate the accusations they brought against Daniel, one being she stole property from the company and is responsible for the March 16th, 2022 cyber attack.
Based on the decision the court ordered that NV GEBE reinstate Sharine Daniel as the Head Internal Auditor seven days after it is notified of the courts decision Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tina Hamm, an 11-year breast cancer survivor, was the guest speaker at the fourth monthly meeting of the Breast Cancer Support Group held on August 24, 2023.  The topic was The Journey from Loss to Purpose.

Ms. Hamm (mstinahamm@gmail.com) passionately brought her experience as a luxury travel concierge, podcaster, author, and international motivational speaker to a room filled with survivors (long and short-term), as well as supporters, caregivers, and a few women currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer Read more

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Brug Submits National Decree For Government Subsidized School Food Program

PHILIPSBURG Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) prospective candidate Richinel Brug submits in accordance with article 7 of the Law on Compulsory Education a National Decree containing general measures regulating a Government subsidized school food program for students Read more

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Joining The Party For Progress

Dear fellow Sint Maarteners,

I want to start by addressing those of you who might be feeling indifferent about casting your vote as we stand at the crossroads of another crucial election season. It’s not uncommon to hear the sentiment that all politicians are the same, and that regardless of who you vote for, nothing truly changes. I understand this feeling of disillusionment, as I, too, have felt the despair that many of us on the island feel.

Instead of merely complaining about it, I chose to take action several years ago and started writing articles that focused on raising awareness on crucial topics such as integrity, accountability, good leadership, and vision Read more

Pfp, De Weever Reaffirms Motion Of Disapproval With Over-The-Bank Verdict

PHILIPSBURG PFP members of Parliament Raeyhon Peterson and Melissa Gumbs, as well as independent member of Parliament Ludmila de Weever, reaffirmed the passing of the motion of disapproval towards Minister of VROMI Egbert Doran, following the verdict handed down in the Over the Bank case Read more

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