SXMElections.com

Chokehold Movie Delivers The Message That Domestic Violence Is Unacceptable

The Chokehold cast at the Friday press conference: from left; Simeon Henderson, Enyinne Nwigwe, Director Joel Ayuk (standing), Kenneth Okolie, Oremeyi Kareem, and Sherando Ferril. (Robert Luckock photo).

 MARIGOT--Timed to coincide with International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women, the premiere of locally-produced and -directed film Chokehold, written and directed by Joel Ayuk, took place at Caribbean Cinemas on Saturday night with the main actors in attendance.

Replicating a Hollywood premiere with red carpet, photo calls and a VIP reception, the international cast were dressed to the nines for the occasion.

Among prominent personalities from the community, Vice Presidents of the Collectivit Alain Richardson, Bernadette Davis and Dominique Louisy were present to support the film, as well as Territorial Councillor Martine Beldor.

Anticipating a large turnout, the 1-hour film produced by CANI TV Studios was shown in two theatres Read more

Working In The Caribbean Information Session For The National Career Fair.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Minister Plenipotentiary, Rene Violenus, and his cabinet have reached out both to the Council of Ministers and the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) regarding one of their economic outreach activities that has the potential of contributing to the labor market issue on Sint Maarten, namely De Nationale Carrirebeurs Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday 27th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 28th November 2023 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Variably cloudy.  

Forecast High: 30C / 86F                 Forecast Low: 26C / 79F 

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:26 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 6 to 14 mph. 

SYNOPSIS:   

The Atlantic high-pressure system remains the dominant feature across the region.
Long period northeasterly swells continue to affect regional waters Read more

Sarah: The Outcome Of The Dutch Election Not Necessarily All Doom And Gloom.

Over the weekend, the DP leader shared her thoughts on the results of the election in the Netherlands.

The results of the November 22nd Dutch election are in and many words have been used to describe the unexpected outcome. Political pundits are hard at work, analyzing the political shifts that seemed to have occurred in the last weeks leading up to the election, the MP stated.

In the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom and in many European countries, the election outcome, which has put Wilders and his PVV on the center stage, has generated much anxiety.

WILDERS and the PVV are not exactly friends of any of us, MP Wescot opined.

For years, Wilders has been a hard right-wing politician, who now finds himself in a position to do what he has constantly accused his opponents of not doing and he has been propelled into a position to uphold his views and execute his agenda Read more

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, is pleased with the progress being made at the Oranje School.
There are several repair and upgrade works currently being executed at the Oranje School, and these repairs are to be completed by December 31, 2023.
The contractor who has been assigned the Roof Repair work would have to work during school hours in order to meet the deadline mentioned Read more

Mp Wescot-Williams, Focus Should Be On What Is Coming After.

THE APOLOGY FROM THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT ON ITS SLAVERY PAST.

The apology has been issued and with as much remorse as you could get in a situation like this, also with the acknowledgement by Prime Minister Rutte that he personally had it wrong all along, was MP Sarah Wescot-Williams reaction, after being present at the ceremony at USM on Monday, December 19th.

Having been present at the location on St Read more

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

 

DATE ISSUED: Friday 24th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 25th November 2023

THE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR ST. MAARTEN IS CANCELLED

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers possible.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F                  Forecast Low: 26C / 79F

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:24 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Saturday midday: East-northeasterly to east-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 7 to 16 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Lingering moisture and weak instability associated with a recent frontal boundary may cause a few showers across the local area.
Seas are expected to gradually subside today 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

Toastmaster Cheryl Dangleben-York Crowned Face Of Woha 2023-2024

Bringing the crown home to St. Maarten, Cheryl Dangleben-York aims to inspire young girls and women.

PHILIPSBURG/LONDON--Caribbean Pearls Toastmasters Club proudly announced on Thursday that Cheryl Dangleben-York has been crowned Face of WOHA for 2023-2024 in London, England.

Read more

2023 Budget Is Now At Parliament For Handling With Retroactive Compensation For Justice Personnel

~We have arrived at the finish line.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice proudly announces a significant milestone as the 2023 amended budget includes retroactive compensation for the dedicated personnel of the Ministry of Justice and is now at the Parliament of Sint Maarten to be handled. The Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, expresses happiness over the successful completion of this comprehensive initiative, which has been pending for over a decade, and looks forward to the approval of the amended budget so the Justice Package can be signed by the Governor.

The process involved extensive legislative requirements and meticulous review processes to calculate the full financial obligation owed to justice employees both retroactively and moving forward Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Finance has submitted the amended budget for the year 2023 to the Parliament, outlining key adjustments that reflect the evolving economic landscape.
The amended budget for 2023 shows an increase in revenue amounting to NAf 23 million, paired with a corresponding rise in expenses totaling NAf 22 million Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Thursday 23rd November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 24th November 2023

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL 6PM FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2023

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Friday midday: Generally cloudy with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 30C / 86F                  Forecast Low: 26C / 79F

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

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Friday midday: Northeasterly to southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 15 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Lingering moisture and instability associated with a recent frontal boundary will continue to produce cloudy periods and some showers across the local area.
Meanwhile, above normal sea conditions are expected mainly along the northern and eastern shores through Friday 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

Deafening noise from heavy motorcycles announced the arrival of the new political party Nation, Opportunity, Wealth (NOW). Christopher Emmanuel, with his political sponsor Olivier Arrindell and NOW candidate Claudius 'Toontje' Buncamper at his side, led the yellow march from Clem Labega Square towards the Parliament Building.NOW has 21 candidates 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

Official Outline For Campaign Material For January 11 2024 Parliamentary Elections

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of General Affairs alongside the Central Voting Bureau is pleased to update the public on the rules for political campaign material for the Parliamentary Elections slated for January 11, 2024.

The Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, Honorable Anna Richardson recently announced that a general permit is granted concerning the placement of Political Campaign Material in Public Spaces with a view to the Elections of the interested political parties for the placement, installation, or possession of Political Campaign Material in Public Spaces during the period from 00:00 on November 22 to January 13, 2024.

This general permit is granted under the following conditions:

The instructions of the police regarding traffic safety and prevention of disorders regarding the placement of Political Campaign Material must be followed.For the sake of traffic safety, it is prohibited to place Political Campaign Material on roundabouts on the island or 10 meters before the start of roundabouts.Political Campaign Material must not impede or endanger traffic by placing it on or at Traffic Facilities.Political Campaign Material must not be placed:on top of Political Campaign Material from another political party.on or at the property of others without the owner's or user's permission.in a way that obstructs or makes public traffic unsafe; andwithin five (5) meters from the polling station, measured from the entrance.The content of Political Campaign Material must not be offensive in any way.The political party is liable for damage, nuisance, or inconvenience caused by or because of the placement or installation, as well as for the risk associated with any police measures regarding Political Campaign Material, and is obligated to remove the Political Campaign Material placed on public roads by January 13, 2024, at the latest.Political Campaign Material placed or installed by anyone other than a political party, on behalf of a specific political party, is deemed to have been placed by or on behalf of the latter party, pursuant to this permit, to the extent that this is the case in Public Spaces.The Minister can revoke the individual permit right to place Political Campaign Material from the political party that does not comply with the conditions of this general permit.In this general permit, the following terms are understood as:Public Spaces: all public roads as described in Article 1 sub i of the Traffic Regulation of Sint Maarten and all public places as described in article 1 sub b of the Public Manifestations Regulation.Political Campaign Material: all material in the broadest sense used for conducting a political campaign, including, but not limited to, posters, stickers, posters, signs, flags, brochures, and flyers.Traffic Facilities: the traffic signs and signals as described in Article 2 of the Traffic Regulation of Sint Maarten.Elections: the elections on January 11th, 2024, for the election of members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

This information was previously sent by the Minister of Justice to the political party leaders to ensure transparency Read more

Cbcs Best Economic Research Award 2024.

~Research competition for HAVO and VWO students in Curaao and Sint Maarten~

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces the kick-off of the fourth edition of the Best Economic Research Award (BERA) at HAVO and VWO level. Final-year students from all HAVO and VWO schools in Curaao and Sint Maarten are invited to submit an economic research paper on a topic that is relevant to the economies of the monetary union. The CBCS will award both the winning student(s) and school(s) an attractive prize Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 21st November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 22nd November 2023 

WEATHER:  

This afternoon and evening: Cloudy with intermittent rain. 

Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy. Isolated showers are possible.  

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

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:22 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Southwesterly to northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 10 mph, becoming lighter and variable at times. 

SYNOPSIS:   

Moisture and instability, associated with a frontal boundary and an area of low-pressure, will produce scattered showers, rain, and possible isolated thunderstorms across the region Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Monday 20th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 21st November 2023

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR
ST. MAARTEN UNTIL 6PM MONDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2023

WEATHER:

This Afternoon: Mostly cloudy with light haze.
Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Cloudy with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F                  Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:21 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

Today through Tuesday morning: Southeasterly to southerly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 12 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Moisture and instability associated with a frontal boundary and an area of low-pressure is approaching the region Read more

Question Hour With The Minister Of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport And Telecommunication Regarding Taxi And Bus Licenses.

PHILIPSBURG:---The House of Parliament will sit in a Public session on November 20, 2023.
The Public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 13.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Question hour: Questions from MP S.A. Wescot-Williams directed to the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication regarding taxi and bus licenses (IS/076/2023-2024 dated October 4, 2023)

The intention of a question hour is to create the possibility for Members of Parliament to exercise their supervisory activities by posing questions and interacting with Ministers on current matters 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