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National Alliance Failed Education; 21.2% College Rate Is Poor

Dear Editor,

I write this letter with deep concerns about the state of our country’s education sector, particularly in light of recent revelations about the low percentage of adults who have completed tertiary education. The statistics from the 2022 population census, presented by the Department of Statistics STAT, are alarming. Only 21.2% of adults in St. Maarten have completed tertiary education, while 54% have finished secondary school. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, especially considering its substantial allocation in the national budget.

It is disheartening to note that our tax dollars, which contribute significantly to the education budget, are not yielding a satisfactory return on investment Read more

~ Statements made against Ottley were made to harm Ottley. Ordered to rectify or face penalty ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- A packed courtroom with relatives and supporters of Minister of VSA Omar Ottley witnessed as the judge ruled against Olivier Arrindell on Friday morning.
Arrindell was ordered to make specific rectifications within 24 hours of the verdict being served to him or face a penalty of USD Read more

~ Rectification must be made within 24 hours or face a penalty of USD 5000.00 per day with a maximum of USD 1M.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The court of First Instance has condemned Olivier Arrindell on all counts brought against him by Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs in an injunction case that was before the court on November 3rd, 2023. The courtroom was packed to capacity with supporters who attended the session Read more

Collectivit And Partners Sign Local Health Contract To 2025

Signing the Local Health Contract between partners Collectivit, Regional Health Agency ARS and Social Security Department CGSS).

MARIGOT--The Collectivit, Agence Rgionale de Sant (ARS) and Caisse Gnrale de Scurit Sociale (CGSS) have signed a Local Health Contract (Contrat Locale de Sant (CLS)) valid until 2025 Read more

United People (UP) Party candidates and supporters arrived at the Parliament Building in luxury cars. One shiny SUV after another rolled past, with Minister Omar Ottley standing in the open roof of a black car waving the party flag. A sound truck played the UP Party song, which included Ottley's message: I am here to stay.

UP Party Leader Rolando Brison presented the Central Voting Bureau a full list of 23 candidates, according to Brison the most capable selection Read more

~ National Alliance with the largest turnout of supporters on Postulation Day. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- On January 11th, 2024, voters would have eight (8) political parties to choose from when they reach the polling stations to cast their votes.
The eight political parties lit up Philipsburg as they marched to the Parliament Building to submit their lists of candidates to the voting bureau that will be contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections.
At 9 am the Party for Progress (PFP) marched from Clem Labega Square chairing their leader Melissa Gumbs to submit the PFP lists of candidates Read more

The Democratic Party (DP) says their slate of 23 candidates are passionate and dedicated to being that change for St. Maarten. The party made a grand entrance on nomination day, parading down Front Street as the last party to submit their list of candidates.

The parade was a spectacle of Moko jumbies, drums, and percussion, with the song "My Team Lit" playing as the candidates and their supporters marched up the street Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 22nd November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 23rd November 2023 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.  

Forecast High: 30C / 86F                  Forecast Low: 25C / 79F 

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:23 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 12 mph. 

SYNOPSIS:   

Lingering moisture and instability, associated with a frontal boundary will support light precipitation Read more

Armand Meda To Run On Upp Slate, Resigns From Democratic Party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, November 19th, 2023, Democratic Candidate Armand Meda resigned from the party. This took place on the same day as the Democratic Party Candidate & Manifesto launch.

The former number 14 candidate on the DP list, has had a vigorous campaign under the slogan Forward, for almost a year that became very popular on Social Media and households on St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a momentous move, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley has officially signed the National ordinance containing a general measure increasing the AOV/AWW pension. The ordinance, which had previously received approval from His Excellency Governor Baly on November 15th, will now be enacted to benefit pensioners Read more

Gebe Bulk Bills Not In General Interest Of The Public

I, Julian Rollocks Jr, noticed with great concern that on November 9th, 2023, it was reported in the media that GEBE intends to give its clients their outstanding bills in bulk with a distinct possibility of clients getting twenty outstanding bills simultaneously. GEBE also announced that clients would only have a thirty day grace period to settle their outstanding bills Read more

Mp Akeem Arrindell Advocates Transition Of Ats To Government Oversight For Enhanced Tax Compliance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a strategic move aimed at bolstering tax compliance and fortifying government revenues, Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell has proposed the transition of the Audit Team Sint Maarten (ATS) from the Social and Health Insurances (SZV) to direct government oversight.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion, MP Arrindell outlined his key recommendations to harness the potential of ATS and ensure its continued contribution to the economic growth of St Read more

Strong Correlation Between Homelessness, Poverty And Mental Illness

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — There is a strong correlation between homelessness, poverty and mental illness. For years, government has stated that it would create a country-wide plan of action for the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders.

This is just what we need for when we look around our beautiful island, so many people are walking the streets with hopelessness in their eyes, hoping for hope again. We need to stop the quick fixes and temporary remedies, and examine the role of society in preventing and responding to mental health problems beyond the health system.

To protect people’s mental health, we need a country plan that focuses on prevention in schools, and the lingering social issues that plague our communities leading up to intellectually disabled people.

We see homelessness, poverty and mentally disabled people highlighted right now in our communities Read more

Nv Gebe Clarifies Financial Management Position, Counters Misleading Allegations

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In response to recent comments made by MP Christophe Emmanuel regarding the financial management of NV GEBE, the management would like to take this opportunity to issue a comprehensive statement that aims to clarify the facts and defend the integrity of our company.

The allegations of financial mismanagement by NV GEBE are based on selective and misleading information. NV GEBE has carefully planned its finances and sought professional advice to ensure that the company recovers from a severe cyber-attack.

Upon current managements assumption of leadership, it met with a company that had diminished financial reserves, primarily due to a significant loss of income Read more

Timing Slots For Political Parties On Postulation Day.

The Central Voting Bureau is pleased to announce the schedule for Postulation Day, Thursday, November 22nd, 2023, at the House of Parliament.

On Postulation Day, representatives or deputy representatives from each political party will formally submit their candidate lists to the Central Voting Bureau. Tofacilitate an orderly process, each party has selected a specific time slot for submission, as listed below. Each party is urgently requested to arrive on time.Time Political party 1 Read more

PHILIPSBURG Minister Omar Ottley extends his deepest appreciation to the Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services and National Employment Services Center (NESC) for organizing an exceptional Job Fair and Entrepreneurship Expo on November 15th and 16th at the Belair Community Center. The minister was highly impressed with the impeccable organization of the event, which opened up more than 400 job vacancies, and even more enthralled by the tremendous turnout of job seekers.

The two-day event saw an incredible presence of over 600 entrepreneurs and job seekers Read more

Jubilee Library InsuranceSettlementMoney Disappears!

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Gromyko Wilson candidate on the USP party for the upcoming election January 11, 2024 is worried that the insurance settlement payout for the Public Library was spent on other things, instead of on rebuilding the library Read more

Fabio Doralice Advocates For Special Need Policy & Vision On Sint Maarten

Philipsburg, As we approach the close of the year, there is an urgent plea for updates on the progress of the Special Needs Policy for Sint Maarten.

In a parliamentary meeting on February 13th, the Minister of ECYS expressed an active commitment to developing a special needs policy. However, as we near the end of November, the community, parents, and educators are eager to understand the strides made thus far and if there are concrete plans in place.

While I commend the Minister of VSA for unveiling the “Improving Mental Health Services” project, it is crucial not to overlook the equally vital aspect of special needs education.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2023-2024 school term, transparency is needed regarding expectations for the 2024-2025 school year Read more

Bonaire Island Governor To Visiting Tweede Kamer Candidate: Voter Turn-Out Needs To Go Up.

Kralendijk Bonaire —Acting Island Governor of Bonaire, Nolly Oleana, hopes to increase voter participation in the upcoming Second Chamber elections from 23% (in 2021) to 40% this time. He said this to locally campaigning candidate Walter Hellebrand from the BBB party. Voters of the Dutch Caribbean islands should let their voices be heard on 22 November in the elections for the parliament of the kingdom. Every island has special issues but voices through votes must be propelled in the direction of the Hague Read more

Cancer Charity Marathon Event Move For A Cure Set For November 18Th.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Move for Cure encourages movement, brings awareness, and focuses on prevention and support for cancer the charity event is now set for this Saturday, November 18th. Due to the past weeks' weather, the CIBC FirstCaribbean event was postponed; however, the bank and its partners remain unswerving in their pledge to support cancer patients and the education and awareness of the disease.

This years walk will benefit the Positive Foundation, Still Beautiful, and Elektralyets Foundation in their collaborated cancer support, education, and awareness efforts Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten stands together on World Diabetes Day 2023, emphasizing this years theme: "Access to Diabetes Care." Our community is committed to raising awareness and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

On this World Diabetes Day 2023, the Honorable Minister Omar Ottley extends heartfelt greetings to each of you. Today serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in promoting a healthier future for our community.

Diabetes is a global challenge, but through unity, awareness, and informed action, we can make a significant impact Read more

Enhancing Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions Ecosystem Restoration In The Dutch Caribbean.

~During the DCNA Symposium, experts explore best practices.~

ORANJESTAD:---  As the world witnesses and experiences the impacts of climate change, turning to nature could be a pragmatic way to adapt. The Dutch Caribbean, with a human population of less than 340,000 and a land area of just 800 square kilometers, may be tiny, remote, and easily overlooked. However, their natural heritage is rich and extraordinarily diverse Read more

The Na/Upp CoalitionS Love-Hate Relationship With The Integrity Chamber Of St. Maarten.

They have to make up their mind what it is.

MP Wescot over the weekend issued a statement regarding the meeting of parliament to approve the change to the Integrity Chamber law. In her view, the uneasy relationship in the NA/UPP coalition was again manifested during the meeting of parliament, which was convened to finalize the proposal by government to increase the age of the members of the integrity chamber.

This draft proposal of law was already handled by the central committee of parliament and the government had provided written answers to the few questions posed Read more

The Na/Upp CoalitionS Love-Hate Relationship With The Integrity Chamber Of St. Maarten.

~They have to make up their mind what it is.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Wescot over the weekend issued a statement regarding the meeting of parliament to approve the change to the Integrity Chamber law. In her view, the uneasy relationship in the NA/UPP coalition was again manifested during the meeting of parliament, which was convened to finalize the proposal by government to increase the age of the members of the integrity chamber.

This draft proposal of law was already handled by the central committee of parliament and the government had provided written answers to the few questions posed Read more