SXMElections.com

Brug Says An Approved 2024 Budget Is Good For Sint Maarten!

In a media statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Richinel Brug expressed his appreciation to the Parliament of Sint Maarten for passing the 2024 budget. Brug, who is set to replace the leader of the URSM in Parliament once he swears in as Prime Minister, called this accomplishment significant in light of the current political situation.

Brug acknowledged the peculiar circumstances under which the outgoing Counsel of Ministers presented and defended the budget for the incoming Government, while assuming their roles as opposition members.

Brug highlighted the significance of this budget approval, noting that it not only guarantees the continuation of projects initiated before 2024 but also ensures the availability of funds to initiate the process of paying justice workers.

It is crucial to recognize that receiving a signed decree, without appealing the content, is just the first step in a long process Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

My2cents: The Justice Ministry Is Busy Crumbling And Nobody Is Seeing It !!!

By means of this letter I would like to address all the Justice workers, but especially those that are holding a position within the different Justice workers unions.

I have been following the saga of the justice workers for a while with keen attention to the following process regarding the function book and this Justice Minister, Anna Elaine Richardson, that claims to it the right way.

I dont want to delve into the past as to how many persons were appointed or held the function of SG and were rid off under this Justice Minister Read more

Huhcf Adult Literacy Graduation 2024

In a heartwarming ceremony filled with pride, determination, and celebration, the Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation marked the successful completion of its Adult Literacy Program for the second time. On March 7th, 2024, amidst cheers and applause, 19 students donned blue graduation gowns and silver stoles, symbolizing their achievement and dedication to self-improvement. The event, held at the John Larmonie Center in Philipsburg, was a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment of both students and educators.

The journey of these remarkable individuals began in June 2022, when they embarked on a path to literacy and empowerment Read more

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

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

Usp President Cecil Nicholas Officially Announces His Candidacy

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The USP established in 2014 has been a contender in every election since it was established, winning 2 seats in every election held since, with 3 seats being the highest awarded to the party in the 2016 election campaign.

Nicholas a founder and first president of the US Party first ran in 2016 at the bottom of the list as candidate number 19. In this upcoming election, he is running as the number 2 candidate behind his new leader Mrs Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

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

Mp De Weever: 554 Days With No Resolution To Gebe Crisis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Independent member of Parliament Ludmila de Weever issued a media statement on the status of NV GEBE, St. Maartens sole electricity provider. De Weever, who has spoken passionately about the situation at GEBE since the March 2022 cyberattack, didnt mince words when she said that GEBE is a matter of national security Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

---

Candidates in this article:

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

The Democratic Party (Dp) Extended Warm Congratulations To National Airline Winair

The Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday extended warm congratulations to national airline WINAIR as it commemorated an impressive 62 years of unwavering dedication and outstanding service to St. Maarten and to the Caribbeans aviation industry. Party Leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said that this remarkable milestone is a testament to the airline’s enduring commitment to excellence, sound management and leadership, and recognizing the crucial role it plays in connecting people throughout the Caribbean.

The success of WINAIR can be attributed to its incredible team, loyal passengers, and visionary management, all of whom have played an integral role in shaping the airline’s journey to success, MP Wescot-Williams said.

The MP recalled the days of significant financial struggles for the airline, with many opining that St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Paco Isenia Declares Candidacy For Upcoming Parliamentary Elections With Ursm.

EMPOWERING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO BELIEVE IN A BRIGHT FUTURE

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten– An aspiring young professional, dedicated to fostering positive change and championing the aspirations of the next generation, URSM Candidate Paco Isenia, is proud to announce his candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections with the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) Read more

Dp Leader Wescot-Williams: If You Tell A Lie Often Enough, You Start To Believe It Yourself.

I was forewarned, but the question still remains, Why DP and me?

When asked to explain her statement , MP Wescot mentioned the veiled threat she received of, Are you sure you want to do this? Its going to get nasty! A clear reference to the DPs announced return to the political field.

We see this threat manifesting itself from many angles. Some of it for money, some for sensation and yet others from an angle of plain and self-consuming hatred.

With respect to MP Brison latest disgraceful assault on one of St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Integrity Chamber Provides Integrity Sessions To Political Parties

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In light of the upcoming elections, the Integrity Chamber provided integrity sessions to political parties as part of its public awareness campaign. Invitations were sent to all active political parties that are known to be contesting the upcoming elections. The sessions took place in June and July of 2023 with candidates and board members of the Democratic Party (DP), Party for Progress (PFP), National Alliance (NA), and United St Maarten Party (USP) Read more

New Us Party Leadership: Educating Its New Candidates

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Leader of the US Party, Mrs Pamela Gordon Carty, recently declared that she was content to see that a valiant attempt is being made by the other political parties to educate their incoming potential candidates. On the other hand, she remains skeptical as it appears to be a copycat phenomenon that seems to have been initiated as of late. The USP has been providing informative sessions to the citizens of St. Maarten under its new leadership team since November of 2021 Read more

Chris: Vanity Projects Still Being Prioritized Over Public Interest

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Leader of the NOW party (Nation, Opportunity, Wealth) MP Christophe Emmanuel on Sunday said that the National Alliance led government of St. Maarten has clearly prioritized political vanity projects over issues that matter most to the population. So much so, he said, that the government sees no need to provide relevant and factual information on ongoing projects such as the hospital and the airport, but choose instead to roll-out projects meant to distract people over the summer break.

There are so many issues that affect our people direct and indirectly that this government is willfully and strategically ignoring due to the fact that elections are on the horizon Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Home Foundation Proudly Sponsors Test Your Skills Invitational Boxing Event

A Tribute to Louis Gibs and Alfonso Blijden

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — HOME (Helping Others Mean Everything) Foundation, a dedicated sponsor and supporter of community and sport initiatives, proudly sponsored the exhilarating “Test Your Skills Event” held this past weekend (Saturday June 3rd) at the Sports Auditorium. This remarkable evening of boxing brilliance served as a tribute to the legacies of Alfonso Blijden and Louis Gibs, leaving spectators entertained, impressed and hungry for more.

The “Test Your Skills Event” brought together a powerhouse lineup of talented boxers from Antigua, Curacao, Anguilla, Aruba, and St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

When Will The Illegal Rip Off Finally Stop?

Several months ago, I wrote an article about the local banks ripping off cardholders on this island.The world, including St. Martin, is rapidly doing away with cash transaction and going over to electronic transaction.

So, I have decided to bring up this topic again, in hope that as elections are less than a year away, somebody who isdesirous of being elected, or re-elected, (including the minister of finance) will eventually do something about it.

Cardholders with US Dollars bank accounts are at the mercies of some of the banks on this island Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Say No To Brown Sack Is Only Offensive To Those Who Love Crooked Money.

I know my campaign will not stop this overnight, but somewhere and somehow we need to start Breaking the Cycle. The road to be elected is rough, as many politicians and some voters love this old way.

I will stand in Faith and Prayer with the hope that I can convince the ones who are fed up with this give me something for my vote” attitude, and the ones seeking donation money by the Brown Sack lovers. Their only intention is control of elected officials and running the Country in any direction they want.

Too many voters are tired of this and refuse to come out to vote because we (Sint Maarten) have – for sure – about 5000 people thinking this way Read more

Sarah: Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban Hits Another Hurdle?

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The latest statement from the Minister of TEATT regarding the law banning the use of single use plastic bags, plastic straws and styrofoam containers raises more questions than it provides answers. This is the opinion of the initiator of the law, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

I have over and over been asking about the enforcement of this law Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Brug Says Teachers Should Not Be Held Hostage In Their Current Salary Scales.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Richinel Brug says teachers should not be held hostage in their current salary scales. As a person vying for legislative office, Brug proposes an amendment to article 2 of the Bezoldigingslandsbesluitonderwijs. This amendment would allow teachers who are stuck in their current salary scale, to go over to the next scale Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Dr. Mercelina Is Concerned About The Current Situation Within The Ministry Of Justice

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Leader of the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM) Dr. Luc Mercelina expressed his concerns with the current situation concerning the placement and retroactive payment of Justice workers.

It is my hope that we are truly nearing the end of this unfortunate and unnecessary process. For too long our men and women in the Police force have sacrificed their lives, their own families to protects the people of Sint Maarten, while their employer continued to neglect and disrespect them Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Grisha: Again, Ipko Has Proven Our Main Focus Should Be Amending The Kingdom Charter

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press statement released on Monday March 6, 2023, evening, Member of Parliament, Grisha Heyliger-Marten elaborated on her statements made during the IPKO which took place in Curaao last week.

During her opening remarks at the IPKO, Heyliger-Marten expressed her discontent and impatience with the fact that, as she participated in her fourth IPKO, the discussion about changing the Kingdom Charter seems to be avoided.

Despite the fact that all governments within the Kingdom continue to complain about its structure and deficient articles, nobody seems to want to address the problems, Heyliger-Marten stated during her address.

We keep beating around the bush IPKO after IPKO, without making any changes for the betterment of the lives of our people Read more

---

Candidates in this article: