SXMElections.com

The Act Of Bravery

Dear editor and all readers,

In reaction to Miss Nicole James story published a few days ago via your media house, I would like to congratulate her for the act of bravery to come open and share her ordeal, whereas she also proves that she has overcome. That itself is a very good sign as life continues. But it is worrisome to learn from her story that there are about 8 to 10 more women who were all victims of the same man, the acting section head that in the meantime is known to be Mr Read more

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Bjp Fund Aims To Support Journalism On Caribbean Islands

SOURCE: Curacao.nu

AMSTERDAM The Fund for Special Journalistic Projects in the Netherlands (Fonds BJP) is investigating how it can better support journalists in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Although applications from the region are received sporadically, the Fund has noticed that the existing regulations do not always meet local needs. There is also a lack of name recognition, according to a statement from the Fund.

To change this, a working trip to five Caribbean islands is planned Read more

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Minister Of Public Health On Suicide Prevention: WeVe Got To Do This Together!

Great Bay, St. Maarten Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus counseling degree program, in collaboration with Victorious Living Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, successfully hosted a profoundly impactful suicide prevention Master Class themed “Igniting Hope in our Community: Preventing Suicide” on January 20th at the St. Maarten Government Administration Building. This pioneering event focused on raising awareness and equipping attendees with vital tools in suicide assessment, prevention, and treatment.

With an impressive turnout of over 300 attendees both physically and virtually, and subsequently amassing over 1000 attendees to date, the event underscored the essence of community collaboration in tackling the critical issue of suicide, which continues to affect diverse demographics without discrimination Read more

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Grisha Optimistic With Results Of Budget Debate 2025

The motions and amendments put forward felt meaningful and purpose driven.

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), the Honorable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, expressed optimism and pride in the results of the 2025 Budget Debate held in Parliament this week. Reflecting on the collaborative efforts that marked the session, she stated:

This is the first time I have truly felt a genuine sense of teamwork and unity across the board within a coalition Read more

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Court Of Appeals Exposes Minister Of JusticeS Failings In Police Promotion Case

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Court of Appeals for Civil Servants rendered a landmark decision in favor of six dedicated police officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), who had been fighting for years against the inaction of the Minister of Justice. These officers, who were denied rightful promotions, finally succeeded in their legal battle.

Despite losing their case in First Instance, the officers persisted and secured a decisive victory on appeal Read more

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Smfc Wishes Everyone A Positive, Energetically Whealthy And Prosperous New Year..

St Peters, Sint Maarten SMFC would like to wish the general public a Blessed & WHealthly 2025.SMFC would like to wish everyone a positive, energetically WHealth and prosperous 2025.

On Saturday Jan11, 2025, The St Maarten Farmers Cooperative will be hosting its first official market for 2025.This weekend, the community will be able to get their hands on great wholesome produce and products once again from their dedicated community farmers and product developers.

At the market this Saturday, a variety of items will be available such as, fresh cold press juices, local eggnog, banana bread, baked jonny cakes with chick peas, veggie soup, plants and gardening materials Read more

Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten Signs Agreement For Philipsburg Beautification Masterplan

Philipsburg In a step towards ongoing efforts towards the revitalization of St. Maarten as a premier tourist destination, the Minister Heyliger-Marten proudly announces the signing of an assignment with Designers Choice. This decision follows a public tender process aimed at selecting a qualified vendor to execute two projects: the Philipsburg Beautification Masterplan and the Soualiga Routes initiative.

The Beautification Masterplan is set to inject new life into Philipsburg through strategic design enhancements and artistic features, making the town an appealing hub for locals and visitors Read more

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Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina New YearS Address 2025

By the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina

Good day to my people of St. Maarten, this great nation of ours.

Happy New Year to you and our visitors!

The clock has struck midnight, and we have officially welcomed 2025. I greet you with warmth and gratitude as we embark on this new journey together, full of hope and determination Read more

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Voluntary Interruption Of Drinking Water Production In Saint-Martin

An unacceptable hostage of the population and the tourist economy

The SAUR Group strongly condemns the voluntary interruption of drinking water production on the island of Saint-Martin, which occurred on December 23, 2024 This action was carried out by seven SAUR Saint-Martin agents following instructions from UGTG Guadeloupe, resulting in the shutting down of the island’s only water production plant.

The gesture was accompanied by the illegal removal of essential boxes when the installation was restarted, putting the entire population in a situation of health, humanitarian and economic emergency.

Although pedestrian access to the Galisbay site was possible on December 23, the strikers proceeded the next day to complete and reinforced closure of the site, preventing any attempts to restart the water production plant Read more

Minister Plenipotentiary At Opening Exhibition 70 Years Statute

THE NETHERLANDS, THE HAGUE Tuesday, 17 December, the exhibition ‘The Kingdom of the Netherlands: Connected in Diversity” was opened on the premises of the Second Chamber in The Hague by the Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Martin Bosman. St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell and Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao Carlton Emanuel were among the invitees.

The initiative celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Statute for the Kingdom of the Netherlands that still regulates the relationship between the constituent parts of the Kingdom, now consisting of the Netherlands and autonomous countries Curacao, Aruba and St Read more

The Wait Is Over: Pool Draw Results Announced For Business Hoops Sxm 2025!

PHILIPSBURG The stage is set, and the pools are locked in for Business Hoops SXM 2025, the premier business basketball competition scheduled to take place from January 26th to February 2nd, 2025 at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium.

Basketball enthusiasts, brace yourselves for the ultimate showdown as business teams take the court. The highly anticipated pool draw took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, determining the matchups and setting the stage for intense competition.

Assigned to Pool 1, Pool 2, and Pool 3, the race to the top begins now! Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, leading to the ultimate battle for the championship Read more

Pond Island, Philipsburg The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) has made history with its first-ever participation in the thrilling “Beat the Marines” challenge. The event brought together 15 teams to showcase endurance, teamwork, and resilience. The Honorable Minister of VSA, Mr. Richinel Brug and the Ministrys team proudly represented its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering team spirit and perseverance.

The team, consisting of Minister Brug alongside team captain Sharilyn Bryson, Jamie Mourilion, Cheyenne Gumbs, Shobhan Giterson, Michael Sommersal, and Herbert Martina, successfully tackled the demanding obstacle course Read more

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Ser Sint Maarten Pays A Visit To Ser Netherlands And Provides Updates On Pending Advice.

THE HAGUE— On December 6, 2024, a delegation led by Harlec Doran, Chairman of the Social Economic Council (SER) of Sint Maarten, made an introductory visit to the SER in The Hague. The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Kim Putters, Chairman of the SER of the Netherlands. This meeting marked another significant step toward reestablishing the close collaboration between the two advisory bodies, originally initiated in 2012 by Ren A Read more

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Concerns Over GreenpeaceS Actions In Bonaire

Subject: Concerns Over Greenpeace’s Actions in Bonaire

In commemoration with the United Nations International Human Rights Day, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization makes the following declaration:

We are writing to express deep concern over the recent activities of Greenpeace in Bonaire, particularly regarding their targeting of our vulnerable local population. Greenpeace has been operating for just a few years on Bonaire that raises serious questions about their intentions and methods Read more

Ministry Of Vromi Secures 1.9Million For StormwaterInfrastructure And Pumps

PHILIPSBURG The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce that it has successfully secured a 1.9 million subsidy from the Dutch Government. This funding represents a crucial step in addressing key operational and infrastructure challenges within the Ministry and underscores the ongoing partnership between our Government and the Netherlands.

Following a formal request submitted by the Ministry between June and August this year, the funds were transferred to the Government’s accounts Read more

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Major Houtenbos New Commander Of The Marine Detachment Of Sint Maarten

POINT BLANCHE Major of the Marines Niels Houtenbos took over command of the Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

He took over command from Major of the Marines Arie Noordam. This happened during a ceremonial meeting on board HNLMS Holland.

Several dignitaries were present during the ceremony, including the Governor of Sint Maarten, Mr. Ajamu Baly, President of Parliament Sarah A Read more

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Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Celebrates Its 20Th Anniversary With A Grand Gala

Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club (SCTMC) proudly Celebrated its 20th anniversary Saturday November 23, 2024, at the Paradise Hall. Among the guests were the keynote speaker, the founding members and First president the Honorable President of Parliament Sarah A, Wescot Williams, past presidents and members of the Club.

Celebrating milestones is one way that Toastmasters reflect on the progress made over the years and as well as consider opportunities for the future.

As our Keynote Speaker, the President of Parliament said that it is an incredible honor to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our beloved Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club! Two decades have passed since we first came together with a visionto cultivate communication, leadership, and personal growth in a supportive community.

Speech by MP Sarah Wescot-Williams on the 20th anniversary of the Soualiga Corporate TM Club.

As the founder of this club, she remembers our initial meetings filled with excitement and a hint of uncertainty Read more

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Cbcs Reduces Both Reserve Requirement Percentage And Pledging Rate

Influenced by domestic and global financial market developments

Willemstad / Philipsburg The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has decided to reduce its reserve requirement by 0.50 percentage point to 18.50% while the pledging rate was lowered further from 5.25% to 4.75%. The decision to adjust monetary policy is anchored by the normalization of economic and monetary conditions across the union. This easing of monetary policy is supported by a solid and stable foreign exchange position and adequate import coverage in the monetary union Read more

French Ambassador At The Hague St. Maarten Day Celebration

THE NETHERLANDS, 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. Maarten in The Hague. Guests included the French Ambassador to the Netherlands His Excellency Mr.FranoisAlabrune, his colleague from Germany His Excellency Dr. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba His Excellency Mr Read more

Vromi To Sell M/V Island Scout (Imo Number: 9215220)

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) announced during Wednesdays press briefing its intention to sell the Island Scout (IMO number 9215220). Under Article 13, Section 1 of the Landsverordening houdende maatregelen tot opruiming van schepen en wrakken in zee en op het zeestrand (National Ordinance containing measures for the removal of ships and wrecks at sea and on the sea beach)

The Island Scout is a 69-meter-long tug/supply ship that was beached and successfully salvaged, with efforts from both the Ministry of VROMI and TEATT following the passing of Tropical Storm, later Hurricane, Ernesto Read more

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St. Maarten 37Ers Youth Baseball Team Shines In Opening Game At Aruba Tournament

Aruba The St. Maarten 37ers U10 baseball team has kicked off their campaign in Aruba with an impressive 7-2 victory over the Aruba Stars on Monday. Competing at the Xander Bogaerts Baseball Field, the young athletes delivered a standout performance in their first game of the annual Baseball in Paradise tournament.

The games winning pitcher, Kris-Anthony Williams, led the charge on the mound. A highlight moment came from Jadiel Williams, who smashed a pivotal three-run home run, sealing the win for the 37ers and setting the tone for the teams strong start.

“Were really proud of how the boys performed in their opening game Read more

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Praise For St. Maarten Project At Oranje Fonds Event

THE NETHERLANDS — The Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, supported the Sint Maarten finalists for the ‘Apples of Orange’ awards of the Oranje Fonds at the prize giving ceremony in The Hague. The Apples of Orange are a kingdom-wide annual award recognizing and rewarding three initiatives that successfully connect different groups, or that contribute to people being able to participate in society again.

The ‘Adopt a Grandparent Experience (AGE)’ project of Sint Maarten’s Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation was one of ten finalists out of a total of 212 entries Read more

Suspended Police Officer Gets 5-Years Sentence For Assault And Rape

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Court of First Instance has rendered its verdict in the case of suspended Sint Maarten Police Force officer R.J., sentencing him to five years in prison after finding him guilty of assault and rape of his stepdaughter. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, October 3, 2024, determined that the primary facts of the case were proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The testimonies of the victim, her mother, her sister, and school staff members who reported significant behavioral changes in the victim following the incident were crucial to the case Read more

Nv Gebe Hosts St. Maarten Parliament Members For Power Plant Tour

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, NV GEBE hosted several Members of the Parliament of St. Maarten for an insightful presentation and tour of the Power Plant.

The delegation in attendance included: the Hon. Chairlady of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, along with the following Honorable MPs: Melissa D Read more

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