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PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Wescot explained that she has recapped the sequence of events leading up to the passing of the budget on January 24th and has asked the Ombudsman to consider and use her lawful discretion to review the budget process and the constitutionality thereof.

As Ombudsman, I am sure you have followed these proceedings, as the budget is an instrument of importance for every citizen of the country and the most important management tool for the public service, the MP stated in her letter to Ombudsman Mossel.

Let it be recalled that the initial draft budget, sent to parliament by the government, contained no reference to article 127 of the constitution, as is required by law Read more

Pfp: Passing Of 2022 Budget Marks A Low Point In Modern Sint Maarten History

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Despite having independent legal advice demonstrating that the countrys draft 2022 budget is in contravention of Sint Maartens Constitution, a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday night still passed the draft legislation.

Party for Progress (PFP) MPs Melissa Gumbs and Raeyhon Peterson were among the four (4) MPs who voted against the draft legislation.

The legal advice – which was discussed by MPs during Mondays public meeting of Parliament – was compiled and signed by former Secretary-General of Parliament Nancy Joubert, LL.M, on January 7, 2022 Read more

Pfp: Passing Of 2022 Budget Marks A Low Point In Modern Sint Maarten History

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Despite having independent legal advice demonstrating that the countrys draft 2022 budget is in contravention of Sint Maartens Constitution, a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday night still passed the draft legislation.

Party for Progress (PFP) MPs Melissa Gumbs and Raeyhon Peterson were among the four (4) MPs who voted against the draft legislation. 

The legal advice – which was discussed by MPs during Mondays public meeting of Parliament – was compiled and signed by former Secretary-General of Parliament Nancy Joubert, LL.M, on January 7, 2022 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- From the appearance of it, the draft budget 2022 for the country is set to be approved by Parliament this week, notwithstanding the blatant violations of the constitution. To add insult to injury, the constitutional obligation to allow the ombudsman time to assess the constitutionality of this ordinance is not specifically included in the enforcement article of the ordinance, MP Wescot stated over the weekend. And for her, the question remains why not.
The UP and NA factions act as if there is nothing wrong under the sun with approving a budget that is not ready for passing by parliament or do they care that this reflects negatively on parliament.
I get the distinct feeling that the rush is to get the budget over with and back to business as usual; we will cross the next bridge when we get there.
For unknown reasons, except maybe egocentric ones, the majority refused to even consider a postponement of the passing (voting) on the budget Read more

Mp Arrindell Expresses Concerns Regarding The Deplorable Road Conditions On The Island.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In recent weeks there has been much publicity on social media, and throughout the communities regarding the deplorable road conditions on the island. After careful review of the Budget 2022, I observed that reservations were not made, thus not budgeted for repairs/resurfacing of existing hard surfaced roads on the island and several other major existing problems. Due to my concerns thereof, I have voiced my concern to the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, the Honorable Egbert J Read more

Our Budget, Our Reality

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – When 2022 was brought in with many fireworks and festive activities all around the island I wondered if this would be the year of recovery or if this would be another year of drama for the country.Will we allow our future to determine our presentdecisions and actions, or must our present time take precedenceat the expense ofour future?Based on our experience it would seem as though we as a country are incapable of creating a situation in which we do not suffer at present while actively enhancing the prospective future.

I believe some good news thus far for the Caribbean islands was the departure of State Secretary Raymond Knops whose own party told him there was no place for him in the new government moving forward Read more

Our Budget, Our Reality.

PHILIPSBURG:--- When 2022 was brought in with many fireworks and festive activities all around the island I wondered if this would be the year of recovery or if this would be another year of drama for the country. Will we allow our future to determine our present decisions and actions, or must our present time take precedence at the expense of our future? Based on our experience it would seem as though we as a country are incapable of creating a situation in which we do not suffer at present while actively enhancing the prospective future.

I believe some good news thus far for the Caribbean islands was the departure of State Secretary Raymond Knops whose own party told him there was no place for him in the new government moving forward Read more

~ Emergency Crew manning ATC~

AIRPORT:--- The Princess Juliana Airport Air Traffic Controllers are currently on strike as they protest various grievances, one being the 12.5% cuts in their salaries.
SMN News learned that the air traffic controllers are being supported by their unions the Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU) as they continue to protest the way their Collective Labor Agreement goes.

In a letter to the CEO Brian Mingo, the Union WICSU/ PSU informs Mingo that their members from the Air Traffic Control Department requested an urgent meeting with them on Saturday, January 15th which will begin from 7 am to 5 pm to discuss the frustration being experienced due to the indecisive communication that has been going back and forth between management and the union regarding the way forward.
"The union is hoping management and the board of PJIAE understand the serious effects their decisions are having on their members.
This should not be taken lightly as our members carry the title of Air Traffic Controllers and if they are frustrated they will not be able to perform their duties optimally Read more

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs delivering her remarks during Sundays service.

PHILIPSBURG--The government of St. Maarten in collaboration with St. Maarten Christian Council, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church hosted the seventeenth annual National Day of Prayer at the Government Administration Building on Sunday.

  This years theme was Almighty God, Let Your Culture of Divine Unity Rule.

  The service opened with praise and worship led by the Victory Temple praise team, followed by the opening prayer delivered by Joan Berkel and a rendition of the St Read more

Pfp Questions Government About Ongoing Gebe Leadership Saga

PHILIPSBURG, Simt Maarten – Party for Progress (PFP) Members of Parliament (MPs) Melissa Gumbs and Raeyhon Peterson have sent questions to Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Egbert J Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The honor has been bestowed upon me to bring you wishes for a Blessed, Prosperous, and Healthy New Year on behalf of the URSM.
This Holiday Season is always a Happy time for us all because we get the opportunity to close an old chapter and open a new one. A new Chapter that in spite of all adversaries that have gone before, gives the opportunity and privilege to offer people new Hope, new Expectations, and renewed Confidence!
URSM will approach 2022, taking another path, a different approach, a new attitude, to ensure that we capture and focus on what counts and is important in building a future for the next generation, and the generations to come Read more