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Prioritize The Sport Industry

~ a boost to our touristic economy ~

As sporting enthusiasts, we all have our particular sport that we are passionate about. One sport may attract more interest than the others, but sports in itself is globally healthy for the mind and body, as well as enjoyable pastime to all people that follow it.

How does drag racing impacts your country?

Drag racing can have various impacts on a country, both positive and negative, depending on factors such as regulation, infrastructure, and public perception Read more

National Recovery Program Bureau Completes Fifth Year Of Clean Financial Audits

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) reports the completion of its fifth consecutive year of clean financial audits of the projects it manages under the St. Maarten Trust Fund, which reflects the ongoing commitment to transparent and accountable management practices. This consistency in financial integrity has played a crucial role in supporting the island’s ongoing recovery and development efforts. The Trust Fund was established in 2018 and is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

Currently, the NRPB is managing eleven projects centered on recovery, resilience and sustainability collectively valued at over US $400 million Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) reports the completion of its fifth consecutive year of clean financial audits of the projects it manages under the St. Maarten Trust Fund, which reflects the ongoing commitment to transparent and accountable management practices. This consistency in financial integrity has played a crucial role in supporting the island's ongoing recovery and development efforts. The Trust Fund was established in 2018 and is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

Currently, the NRPB is managing eleven projects centered on recovery, resilience and sustainability collectively valued at over US $400 million Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten announced on Tuesday that the new Caribbean guilder currency will be enacted in 2024. Member of Parliament Rolando Brison expressed concerns about this announcement, emphasizing that the Central Bank cannot speak for the Parliament of St. Maarten. He also advised the bank to "hold its horses" when releasing any further information regarding this enactment.

The MP reacted to the press release from the Central Bank issued on Tuesday indicating that the Caribbean guilder will be introduced in Curaao and St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, is pleased to announce that the works at Oranje School have been completed and welcomes back the pupils and teachers.
The work entailed Roof Repairs and the installation of Air Conditioning Units in all classrooms at the Oranje School.
I am pleased with the successful completion of the repairs and the installation of air conditioning units Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 2nd January 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (16:00 LST) January 2nd, 2024

WEATHER:  
This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. Isolated showers are possible.

Forecast High:30C / 86F        Forecast Low:24C / 75F

Sunset Today:5:49 P.M.            Sunrise Tomorrow:6:44 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS:

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeast to easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 10 mph; becoming variable at times. 

SYNOPSIS:

The Atlantic high-pressure ridge supports a stable atmosphere, and wind speeds have decreased becoming light and variable at times Read more

Teachers From Psve And Academy Questioned Stuart Johnson, President Of Witu, On His Support For Witu Members.

Cay HILL:--- On Thursday, December 7th, 2023, teachers of the FAVE school board requested a meeting with the WITU to discuss a few pressing issues. Among the issues were the COLA, the matter of the policy, as it pertains to legal support for which a 10% is now required as payment to the WITU, provided that the client supported by WITU has won the court case, and an unresolved matter concerning a few members that has been dragging on for almost a year now.
During the meeting, Mr. Mcwilkin, a former member of the WITU board, raised the question of the 10% remuneration fee associated with legal representation which the WITU has added Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- In the later part of 1989, Mr. Rudy Irion paid a visit to the home of Dr. Lloyd Richardson, to present a concept for a substance abuse rehabilitation program, which Mr. Irion had been challenged to create. The goal was to request that Dr. Richardson put together a board of directors and lead the charge of the rehabilitation program Read more

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Choosing A Different Road In 2024

As this year comes to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the struggles our people have faced the past 4 years. It has been a rollercoaster ride filled with uncertainties, challenges, and heartbreaks. But amidst it all, we have seen incredible strength and resilience.

The pandemic turned our lives upside down. We have adapted to new ways of living and working. Many of us have lost loved ones or experienced profound loss in various aspects of life. The mental strain has been immense, testing our emotional well-being in unimaginable ways Read more

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~The hardest working Minister and MP: Minister of VSA Omar Ottley and MP Rolando Brison.~

PHILIPSBURG: --- It is that time of the year when the media around the world will make scorecards for people who stand out to the community they live in and the world at large Read more

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~Legislative Package co-signed.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  In a momentous event, guests and online audiences gathered to witness the Minister of Justice co-sign the Justice legislative package. The official signing of the National Decrees was hosted at the Government Administration Building on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. The signing of the National Decree containing General Measures for the Legal Position of officers with police tasks and the new police salary scales, along with the National Decree to enact the legal position and also enact the approved Function Book.

The journey to this significant milestone began in September 2020, when the Minister embarked on the journey of completing the legislative package Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley, announced on Thursday, December 28th, that the retroactive and increased AOV pension payments have been disbursed.

Minister Ottley expressed his appreciation at the realization of this milestone, despite the lengthy process involved. As a result of this increase, St Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 27th December 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) December 28th, 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Fair to partly cloudy.  

Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 24C / 75F 

Sunset Today: 5:45 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:42 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: North to northeasterly with a light breeze up to 7 mph Read more

United St. Maarten Party Unveils Ambitious 2024-2028 Agenda For National Improvement

PUBLISHED: on DECEMBER 22, 2023 The Daily Herald Newspapers

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — United St. Maarten Party (USP) has laid out its comprehensive plan of action for the year 2024 and beyond. The party already initiated the execution of the outlined restructuring plan in 2022, emphasizing its commitment to ongoing refinement and formulation in the subsequent years. The strategic execution and implementation of these plans are set to span the entirety of the party’s presence, whether as a coalition partner or in the opposition.

USPs primary objective is a collective pursuit of comprehensive improvement in social, financial, economic and infrastructural restructuring for all residents Read more

Dp: We Mourn With You And Wish You Strength To Restore Trust And Tranquility In Anguilla.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press release over the weekend, the Democratic Party of St. Maarten reacted to the horrific killings that shocked the community of Anguilla mid-week. The DP leader, herself of Anguillan descent was clearly distressed at the news.

It is with profound sadness we learned of the senseless killings that occurred in Anguilla last week. The shock of this heartless act at an emotion-filled time of burial of a loved one reverberated throughout our communities Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, presented his Ministerial Regulation to the Council of Ministers where they unanimously passed his groundbreaking proposal to increase the minimum wage from Naf 9.95 to Naf 10.40 totaling a 4.5% increase, effective April 1, 2024. This is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring decent living standards for citizens, particularly those on the lower income scale that accounts for a large number, and addressing the challenges posed by the rising cost of living.

The proposed increase, from Naf 9.95 to Naf 10.40, represents an amount of Naf 1,801 ($1000.00) per month for workers Read more

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Pm Advances Inclusive Foreign Policy In Meeting With Brandt

Yoka Brandt and Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister (PM) Silveria Jacobs and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, Yoka Brandt, discussed their commitment to a further collaboration for an inclusive foreign policy of the Kingdom and of St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week, Prime Minister Jacobs and the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, Her Excellency Yoka Brandt, discussed their commitment to further collaboration for an inclusive foreign policy of the Kingdom and of Sint Maarten. Coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DBB), the meeting highlighted the strong partnership between the Government of Sint Maarten and the United Nations through the support of the Permanent Mission and DBB Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heartwarming display of community commitment, Lacroes Francisco, candidate #23 from the United People's Party, has integrated his election campaign with a festive spirit of giving. Through the Home (Helping Others Means Everything) Foundation, Lacroes orchestrated a generous donation of Christmas lunch to the pupils and staff of the Prince William Alexander School (PWAS).

Lacroes emphasized that the election season should not overshadow the holiday season, recognizing the importance of addressing immediate needs within the community Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Following the recent introduction meeting and presentation hosted by the Digital Leadership Team (DLT) of the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP), on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, at the Government Administration Building, Meeting Room #1, stakeholders expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts underway to revolutionize government service departments which showcased the commitment of the DLT service delivery. Department and Section heads of Government Service Departments gathered to witness the unveiling of the Public Service Centers (PSC) Improvement Plan and its potential impact on working procedures within the respective service departments.

The agenda, featuring key components such as the formal introduction of the DLT, a brief overview of the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP), the approved digital strategy, and a detailed presentation of the PSC Improvement Plan which captivated participants and prompted engaging discussions during the Q&A session.

Notable additions to the event were messages from both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, members of the Project Oversight Committee (POC) Read more

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BARBADOS:--- In a landmark move towards fostering collaboration and solidarity, the Anguilla Teachers' Union (ATU) and the Windward Island Teachers Union St. Maarten (WITU) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony took place today in Barbados, solidifying a commitment to joint initiatives that will benefit teachers in both territories.
The purpose of this MOU is to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation and collaboration, promoting the interests and welfare of teachers in Anguilla and St Read more

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Philipsburg Transforms Into "Maagical" For A Festive Weekend Extravaganza.

Madame Estate:--- This holiday season, Philipsburg is set to become a winter wonderland as Xtratight Entertainment proudly presents "Philipsburg becomes Maagical," a joyous event taking place from Friday, December 15, to Sunday, December 17, on the Boardwalk. The community is invited to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and kick off the festive season with a weekend full of entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Friday Night Concert - The festivities begin on Friday evening with an electrifying concert featuring a killer lineup of DJs and live bands Read more

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Sint Maartener At Un Climate Summit Calls For Equitable, Climate-Resilient Future Ahead Of Final Negotiations

 DUBAI:--- United Nations Climate Conference, COP28, is set to come to a close this week as countries negotiate the next set of climate change goals. Among the attendees of the conference is Riddhi Samtani, a youth activist from Sint Maarten part of Island Innovations Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) cohort. Representing her community on the global stage, Samtani has participated in speaking engagements and discussions with other delegates and heads of state, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Curaao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.

Having youth delegated from underrepresented communities is key to developing inclusive climate policies, something Samtanis sponsors NAGICO Insurances and Grant Thornton are keen to support as it aligns with their companys corporate social pillars Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten, represented by the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr. Omar Ottley, has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA), represented by Drs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Chairlady of the Board of NIPA, to establish the Ottley Opportunity Scholarshipan initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening the local labor force Read more

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