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Beatrix Spots Birds, Visits Mullet Pond And Little Key

Princess Beatrix witnesses the signing of a letter of intent by VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs and Nature Foundation Director Leslie Hickerson to establish legislation that would designate Little Key Island as a protected area. Afterwards, attendees raised their glasses to commemorate the occasion.

 

~ Letter of intent for terrestrial protection signed ~

PHILIPSBURG--On the second day of her official visit, Princess Beatrix visited the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform and explored Simpson Bay, Mullet Pond and Little Key on a boat, highlighting the importance of environmental awareness and coastal protection.

The princess kicked off the second day of her official visit as patroness of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) at the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform, where she spotted birds with Cornelis Binkie van Es, avid birding guide and Chairman of St Read more

French Ambassador At Celebration Of St. Maarten Day In The Hague

St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell (centre) flanked by Ambassador of Germany Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut (left) and Ambassador of France Franois Alabrune.

 

THE HAGUE--St. Maarten/St. Martin Day was celebrated in the Netherlands on Monday with a reception at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 30th October 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 31st October 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Variably cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 5:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:12 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph.SYNOPSIS: Increased instability due to an upper level trough will cause isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms Read more

Night time view of Dock Maarten filled with mega yachts. (Edward Penagos photo)

By Robert Luckock

PHILIPSBURG--The construction of Dock Maarten in Great Bay is nothing new. Its evolvement has been progressing steadily in different phases over the years, mostly unseen from the general public. While not fully completed in other areas on shore, the marina itself has now reached its zenith, poised to welcome to its newest slips some of the largest mega-yachts in the world for the 2024/25 season.

As of this writing, the marina is fully booked Read more

Energynautics: Solar Panels Key To St. MaartenS Energy Future, But Diesel Generators Needed First

NV GEBE Temporary Manager Troy Washington (left) receives the Energynautics report from National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) head Claret Connor.

 PHILIPSBURG--NV GEBE has received a comprehensive report from Energynautics GmbH, an energy consultancy firm, detailing key recommendations to improve the utility companys energy i Read more

Lacroes Questions Pm On Health Risk For Civil Servants Working In Mould-Infested Govt. Bldg.

PHILIPSBURG--United Peoples Party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Lacroes has expressed concern regarding what he said is the health and safety of civil servants working at the Government Administration Building.

Read more

Mp Ottley Urges Minister To Move Vendors To Clem Labega Parking Lot

The tent in the distance is the temporary home of the Philipsburg Marketplace vendors.

PHILIPSBURG--United Peoples Party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley is urging Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Read more

Power Outages Disrupt Travelers At Princess Juliana Airport Once Again

Passengers at Princess Juliana International Airport are faced with delays due to a power outage on Saturday.

 

PHILIPSBURGOn Saturday, Princess Juliana International Airport was once again plunged into darkness, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated. This recurring issue raises serious questions about the reliability of our electrical supply and the maintenance of the airports infrastructure, said Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley Read more

Governor Outlines Govt.S Plans At Opening New Parliamentary Year

Members of Parliament during the session.

 ~ Robust post pandemic recovery ~

PHILIPSBURG--The establishment of a sustainable solid waste management system; the restructuring and redesign of the tax system and stimulating the agricultural sector are amongst the list of the policies to be pursued by government in the new term (see related stories).

Governor Ajamu Baly outlined the plans during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2024-2025 parliamentary year on Tuesday Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 10th September 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 11th September 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Variably cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Variably cloudy with scattered showers. There is a low chance of thunder.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:18 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:00 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: East to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph and occasional higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Moist and unstable conditions continue, as a mid- to upper-level trough accounts for periodic showers, and thunderstorms today Read more

DATE ISSUED: Thursday 5th September 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 6th September 2024 WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot and humid. Isolated showers are likely.Tonight, through Friday midday: Warm and humid with scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms are possible. Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F Sunset Today: 6:23 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:59 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: East to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 18 mph; higher gusts are possible. SYNOPSIS: Relatively stable conditions and gentle winds maintain hot and humid conditions despite likely showers Read more

Operation Starts To Relocate Beached Vessel Island Scout

VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs and TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten overseeing the relocation of the vessel on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG--Authorities on Wednesday began the major operation to relocate beached vessel Island Scout from the waters near the site of the former Great Bay Beach Hotel, where it got stuck during the passing of tropical storm Ernesto.

The vessel is being moved to Port St Maarten and eventually out of St Maartens waters.

Government had issued a Ministerial Decree on Thursday last in which a 48-hour notice was issued to the owner of Island Scout Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 4th September 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 5th September 2024 WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot, humid and breezy. Isolated showers are likely.Tonight, through Thursday midday: Warm and breezy with isolated showers. Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F Sunset Today: 6:24 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:59 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: Today through Thursday midday: Northeast to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph. SYNOPSIS: Moderate moisture levels and a generally stable atmosphere maintain hot and humid conditions across the region Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, 3 September 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 4 September 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy, Hot & Humid with light haze and brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:24 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:59 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: East-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: A dry and stable atmosphere will restrict significant shower activity and support hot temperatures across the local region Read more

CUL DE SAC--Three St. Maarten Academy students emerged the top performers for the country at this years May-June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations with Grade One passes in nine subjects each.

Competing for this years valedictorian spot at the schools December commencement ceremony are Ferley Feliz Valerio, Liliana Jack and Khesha Deodatt. The three girls, all now age 17 years, were among 70 Form Five students sitting the CSEC examinations.

Valerio earned top honours in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English A, Geography, Human and Social Biology, Information Technology, Mathematics and Physics, all with a straight A profile Read more

1St Batch Of Lease-To-Own Generators On Their Way

PHILIPSBURG--The first batch of lease-to-own containerised generators have been
shipped and are on their way to St. Maarten, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced
on Wednesday.
He told reporters at the live Council of Ministers press briefing that a total of twenty
20-foot containers will be coming as part of phase two of the plan to resolve the current
electricity crisis being faced by the country Read more

Jacobs Resigns As Alliance Leader, Bows Out Of Active Politics For Now

Silveria Jacobs

~ Unjust to maintain leadership ~

PHILIPSBURG--National Alliance (NA) leader and outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Hundreds Rally To End Violence Among Youth, Stop School Fights

Students at Milton Peters College holding a poster in support of the rally to end youth violence.

ST. PETERS--A call from the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM to support a March Against Youth Violence in the St. Peters and South Reward areas on Friday garnered strong backing from the educational sector and political leaders, including Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis Read more

Cbcs Donates Naf. 10,000 To Nature Foundation St. Maarten

Nature Foundation St. Maarten Manager Leslie Hickerson (centre) accepts the donation from CBCS President Richard Doornbosch (right).

PHILIPSBURG--The Central Bank of Curaao and St. Maarten (CBCS) donated NAf. 10,000 to Nature Foundation St. Maarten during the unveiling of the new Caribbean guilder Cg. currency at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino on Thursday evening last week.

A similar donation was made to the Carmabi Foundation in Curaao.

Established in 1996 and 1997, respectively, Carmabi and Nature Foundation St Read more

Port St. Maarten Forecasts Over 1.5 Million Cruise Tourists In 2025

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten (right) with Michele Paige, CEO of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

 PHILIPSBURG--Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) anticipates a significant increase in cruise tourism, projecting that over 1.5 million cruise passengers will visit the island in 2025 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

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

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

New Fleet Of 10 Emergency Vehicles Delivered To Ambulance, Fire Dept.

One of the new vehicles.

 

CAY HILL--A new fleet of ten emergency vehicles has been delivered to the St. Maarten Fire and Ambulance Department, marking another milestone in the countrys recovery and disaster preparedness, the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) has announced.

The fleet includes seven specialised command, fire brigade and fire service vehicles and three vehicles for the ambulance service.

The Fire Department has received four Toyota Land Cruisers, two Toyota Hilux and one Toyota Hi-Ace, whilst the ambulance department has received three Toyota Land Cruisers Read more