SXMElections.com

I Will Not Pay Lip Service To Agriculture, Says Grisha

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten We have treated agriculture like a bastard child, said Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications. In her inaugural address last Friday, the minister said, The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vulnerable we are when we depend almost exclusively on imported food to feed ourselves. I am announcing now that agriculture will receive the attention it deserves Read more

Cabinet Mercelina Prioritizes Inclusiveness And Communication With Public Servants

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Friday morning, May 10, 2024, the Council of Ministers (CoM) met with the newly proposed Employee Engagement Council (EEC), composed of 17 members from various departments and executing bodies within government. This initiative follows an independent employee satisfaction survey and recent exit interviews. The EEC analysed the survey results, which highlighted concerns over primary labor conditions, and has formulated 21 recommendations aimed at four specific target groups: colleagues, middle management, secretary generals, and political leaders, along with six general recommendations. Key priorities identified include enhancing open communication, implementing the full human resource cycle throughout the government, and increasing transparency through the publication of annual plans and quarterly progress reports, which are supported by monthly updates from middle management Read more

Grisha To Have Quick Scan Of Teatt, Says Economy Far From Its Best Shape

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has signaled that she will have a quick scan done to give a more realistic picture of what our current (economic) situation actually is.

In her inaugural address Friday, May 3, 2024, the new TEATT minister, the 12th since 2010, said, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that our economy is far from its best shape.

True, we have faced some unprecedented challenges in the last decade, including the incredible devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the global shutdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Monday 13th May 2024 @ 11:45 LST (15:45 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 14th May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with light haze.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:37 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:40 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Tuesday midday: East to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 12 mph.SYNOPSIS: A high-pressure system dominates, maintaining stable conditions and generally gentle winds across the region Read more

Grisha Hears Market Vendors Concerns Over New Marketplace

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, met Friday, May 10, 2024, with market vendors to hear their concerns about the proposed new marketplace.

The market project had already been awarded to J&J Construction for a total of Nafl 1.2 million, however many of the market vendors were not satisfied with the design.

During the meeting, the vendors highlighted the lack of storage facility for their wares, as well as the need for better lighting, bathrooms, and security Read more

Say One, Say Two, Say The Thing

Dear Editor,

The editorial in the Daily Herald newspaper of Friday, May 10th, 2024 titled Bad apples regarding what the editor considers a major decision of the new Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis (NOW) whereas he announced his decisive action to correct justice workers suspensions. In so doing the new Minister of Justice intends to alleviate staff shortages and ensure fair labor practices Read more

No Debt Restructuring

The new government has been sworn in. There is still a discussion ongoing as to the two other members Christoph Emanuel and Rayeon Peterson as to whether they will be sworn in as Ministers.The Parliament at present consists of 13 Members, hopefully sooner than later the other two seats will be filled by Richniel Brug and Viren Vinod Kotai whose credentials are to be approved. In his presentation the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Dr. Luc Mercelina raised the matter of the countrys debt burden and the importance of the Dispute Regulation, the latter being thrown back and forth for some 14 years now with no end in sight.

Although important, I am of the opinion that Debt cancellation has to be a priority Read more

Film Director Joel Ayuk: I Like To Think IVe Opened Doors For Film-Making In St. Martin

Joel Ayuk (right) with Nigerian actor Enyinne Nwigwe who plays policeman husband Mike in the film with their respective Best Screenplay and Best Male Actor awards at the Cameroon International Film Festival.

 

By Robert Luckock

MARIGOT--Joel Ayuk, director, writer and producer of the well-received domestic violence drama Chokehold, is set to depart for the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France, the most prestigious of all the film festivals, joining an array of international film directors, judges, revered actors and A-list celebrities.

The full-length movie Chokehold was filmed entirely in St Read more

Carnival Restructuring Policy Released In National Gazette

PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Justice, under the guidance of former Minister Anna Richardson, has published a new policy aimed at restructuring St. Maarten Carnival.

As stated in the recent publication of the National Gazette, the decision followed in response to a number of challenges currently facing the annual event, including inconsistent management structures, financial instability, under-representation of local culture, safety concerns and the need for better integration of technological advancements Read more

Minister Of Justice, Addresses Urgent Situation At New Start For Children Foster Home

SAUNDERS, Sint Maarten — In response to recent developments regarding the structural integrity concerns at New Start for Children Foster Home in Mary’s Fancy, the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C.J. Lewis, in collaboration with the Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten (SJIS), is taking swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of the foster children residing there.

The recent article published in The Daily Herald Newspaper on Monday, May 6, 2024, brought to light the critical situation faced by 19 foster children who may soon need to relocate due to cracks in the building walls and foundation of the foster home Read more

To All The Mothers Of St. Maarten, We Thank God For You.

Thank God for that one Sunday in May where we get the opportunity to pour extra love and adoration upon you. We are given the opportunity to remind you that you’ve been the architect of our dreams and the backbone of our families. You’ve laughed with us in joy, and wiped away our tears in sorrow, you’ve been the comforting embrace we seek.

The Caribbean mother has always been a figure of immense power and beauty and a fierce protector. You have shown us that wisdom doesn’t always come from books, but often from the lived experience Read more

Prime Minister MotherS Day Message 2024

Honorable Mothers of St. Maarten,

On this special day, I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the mothers of our beloved St. Maarten. Your tireless dedication, unwavering love, and selfless sacrifices are the foundation upon which our society thrives.

Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us reflect on the immense contributions mothers make to our families, communities, and nation. Your nurturing spirit, resilience, and strength inspire us all to strive for a better tomorrow.

As Prime Minister, I am humbled by the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each and every mother in St Read more

Minister Jansen-Webster HonorsNurses On International Nurses Day

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In commemoration of International Nurses Day, the honorable Minister of VSA Veronica Jansen-Webster made a special visit to the St. Maarten Medical Center and White and yellow Cross on Friday. The visit was a heartfelt gesture to express gratitude and appreciation to the unsung heroes of healthcare, the nurses.

Minister Jansen-Webster is deeply connected to the nursing profession through personal experience, having grown up with a mother, the esteemed Cecilia Webster-Cox affectionately known as Sis, who dedicated decades to serving the community as a nurse Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Friday 10th May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 11th May 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with light haze and isolated showers possible.

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

Sunset Today: 6:37 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:41 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 10 mph, becoming lighter and variable at times.

SYNOPSIS: 

A loose surface pressure gradient will maintain light to gentle winds during this forecast period Read more

A HEAVY RAINFALL  ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6AM THURSDAY 9th MAY 2024  WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with scattered rain-showers and isolated thunderstorms. Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 24C / 75F Sunset Today: 6:36 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:42 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: Today through Thursday midday: East to southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 05 to 12 mph. SYNOPSIS: Moist and unstable conditions persist as a trough continues to affect the island Read more

Pm Mercelina Goes On A Surprise Visit To Gebe Power Plant

Philipsburg — On Tuesday, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, accompanied by Acting Minister of Public Works and Minister of Health Veronica Jansen-Webster, made a surprise visit to the GEBE Power Plant in Cay Bay Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 7th May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 8th May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon and evening: Fair to partly cloudy with isolated showers.Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 24C / 75FSunset Today: 6:35 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:42 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Wednesday midday: Northeast to easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 11 mph.SYNOPSIS: The atmosphere remains moist and slightly unstable today Read more

New Minister Of Finance Marinka Gumbs Addresses Nation With Vision Of Unity, Progress

~ First female Minister of Finance ~

In a humbling address to the nation, newly appointed Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, the first woman to hold the position, stood before her fellow St. Maarteners to express profound gratitude and outline a vision for the future of the island’s economy and society.

The Minister began by acknowledging the divine grace that has allowed her to take on this pivotal role Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 6 May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 7 May 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon: Partly cloudy with light haze and brief local showers possible.

Tonight through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F              

Forecast Low: 25C / 77F

Sunset Today: 6:35 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:42 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East-northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 11 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Varying concentrations of Saharan dust are expected across the region today Read more

Carnival 2024 Wraps Up Challenging Year

~ Carnival 2025 scheduled from April 21 to May 5 ~

PHILIPSBURG--After a year filled with unprecedented challenges, St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has closed the 53rd edition of Carnival.

Despite facing various obstacles, the SCDF expressed gratitude for being able to reach the finish line, with SCDF President Edwardo Radjouki saying in a press release on Sunday, This can never happen again, this is not who we are.

Reflecting on a Carnival that looked and felt different from previous years, Radjouki referred to the division of Carnival people by one individual to please that individuals personal feelings Read more

Desiree Winkel holding the St. Maarten flag at the summit of Mera Peak in the Himalayas. Via Winkels Instagram.

 

KATHMANDU, Nepal--Readers of our Special Editions and sport aficionados all over St. Maarten will be familiar with Desiree Winkels seven-summit project. Currently in Nepal, where she travelled to conquer another two summits, both over 6,000 metres high, Winkel has experienced extreme highs and lows within a few short days Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Friday, 3rd May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 4th May 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77F

Sunset Today: 6:34 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Southeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 06 to 12 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Instability and moisture associated with a multi-layered trough will cause cloudiness, isolated showers and possible thunderstorms across the region Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Thursday 2nd May 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 3rd May 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. Isolated showers are likely.Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:34 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph.SYNOPSIS: The atmosphere is moist and generally stable Read more

Money Grows On Trees

St Peters – Its been an amazing past 8 months putting this project together. Every step of the way, everyday you face a challenge that allows you to exercise your mind and actions toward finding the right solution mentally, physically, spiritually or financially.

You can never tell the challenges you may face until you take your journey head on. Some of us may be faced with one of the above challenges, but today we will try to address those that are faced with financial challenges and perhaps offer an ecological solution.

Matshona Dhliwayo is a Canadian based Philosopher, Entrepreneur, and authorand is credited with saying, “Money doesn’t grow on trees, but grows on intelligent minds”.The phrase “money doesn’t grow on trees” is a metaphor that means money is not an unlimited resource that can be easily accessed, like leaves on a tree.It often appears in situations where someone is asking for money without having put in any effort to earn it.

We can agree to a part of this paragraph and respectfully disagree to another.

What we can agree to is the fact that it often appears in situations where someone is asking for money without having put in any effort to earn it Read more