SXMElections.com

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

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Candidates in this article:

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

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Candidates in this article:

Public Order And Domain At Risk Of Not Being Respected

Philipsburg – President, Party Leader and member of Parliament of the Party for Progress Melissa Gumbs and PFP Vice President Marvio Cooks expressed concern over the fact that it appeared poster frames were being erected around various spots on the island on Friday, 17 November 2023 Read more

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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

Nv Gebe Clarifies Financial Management Position, Counters Misleading Allegations

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In response to recent comments made by MP Christophe Emmanuel regarding the financial management of NV GEBE, the management would like to take this opportunity to issue a comprehensive statement that aims to clarify the facts and defend the integrity of our company.

The allegations of financial mismanagement by NV GEBE are based on selective and misleading information. NV GEBE has carefully planned its finances and sought professional advice to ensure that the company recovers from a severe cyber-attack.

Upon current managements assumption of leadership, it met with a company that had diminished financial reserves, primarily due to a significant loss of income Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Friday 17th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 18th November 2023

A SMALL CRAFT AND HIGH SURF ADVISORIES REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy with slight haze and brief showers possible.

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

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:20 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Easterly to east southeasterly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 10 to 20 mph. 

SYNOPSIS: 

Drifting pockets of moisture at the lower levels of the atmosphere may cause brief isolated showers across the local area Read more

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of VSA Omar Ottley tells the court on Friday morning that he will not be a scapegoat or posterchild for corruption on St. Maarten, corruption that took place in the past or present Ottley addressed the court in the defamation case he brought against businessman Olivier Arrindell for slander and defamation. In addressing the court, he said the only thing he had was his name and he worked very hard for the assets he obtained in life Read more

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Chaos At Airport As Passengers Pass Through New Departure Hall

(Left) Minister Leo Lambriex, responsible for Tourism, posing for a photo at the new Boarding Pass readers. On the right the situation at the airport on Thursday.

SIMPSON BAY--Princess Juliana International Airport proudly welcomed its first passengers through the doors of the new Departure Hall on Wednesday, offering an enriched passenger experience for all travellers Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Fabio Doralice Advocates For Special Need Policy & Vision On Sint Maarten

Philipsburg, As we approach the close of the year, there is an urgent plea for updates on the progress of the Special Needs Policy for Sint Maarten.

In a parliamentary meeting on February 13th, the Minister of ECYS expressed an active commitment to developing a special needs policy. However, as we near the end of November, the community, parents, and educators are eager to understand the strides made thus far and if there are concrete plans in place.

While I commend the Minister of VSA for unveiling the “Improving Mental Health Services” project, it is crucial not to overlook the equally vital aspect of special needs education.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2023-2024 school term, transparency is needed regarding expectations for the 2024-2025 school year Read more

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

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 17th November 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with slight haze. The isolated shower is possible overnight. 

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

Sunset Today: 5:35 P.M.                     Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:19 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 14 mph.  

SYNOPSIS:   

A gentle to moderate wind flow will persist with limited shower activity Read more

Bonaire Island Governor To Visiting Tweede Kamer Candidate: Voter Turn-Out Needs To Go Up.

Kralendijk Bonaire —Acting Island Governor of Bonaire, Nolly Oleana, hopes to increase voter participation in the upcoming Second Chamber elections from 23% (in 2021) to 40% this time. He said this to locally campaigning candidate Walter Hellebrand from the BBB party. Voters of the Dutch Caribbean islands should let their voices be heard on 22 November in the elections for the parliament of the kingdom. Every island has special issues but voices through votes must be propelled in the direction of the Hague Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 15th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 16th November 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. 

Forecast High: 32 C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

Sunset Today: 5:36 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:18 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: East to east-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 14 mph.  

SYNOPSIS:   

A dry and stable atmosphere continues to limit shower activity Read more

A Worrisome Justice Apparatus

Dear Editor,

In the Daily Herald of Thursday, August 12th, 2021 an elaborated article was dedicated to the Carbon Grove Estates in Cole Bay. The article with title Developer of Carbon Grove ordered to deliver apartments, mentioned two separate summary proceedings, whereby the Court of First Instance ordered Melbon Enterprises to deliver the rights to three apartments in Carbon Grove Estates in Cole Bay. The Judge describes the case as all time low, it reads. The Court stated that Carbons course of action resembles a so-called Ponzi scheme.

According to different media houses, on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 searches were conducted at four locations connected to a suspect in a fraud and money laundering case named Koruna Read more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 14th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) November 15, 2023

WEATHER:    

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with brief showers possible.

Forecast High: 32 C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81F

Sunset Today: 5:36 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:18 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly to east-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 14 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

A dry and stable atmosphere will restrict significant shower activity Read more

Enhancing Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions Ecosystem Restoration In The Dutch Caribbean.

~During the DCNA Symposium, experts explore best practices.~

ORANJESTAD:---  As the world witnesses and experiences the impacts of climate change, turning to nature could be a pragmatic way to adapt. The Dutch Caribbean, with a human population of less than 340,000 and a land area of just 800 square kilometers, may be tiny, remote, and easily overlooked. However, their natural heritage is rich and extraordinarily diverse Read more

From left: Darion Cornell and Khaleed Spanner from Food and Cookery CVQ, Drejean Canwood and D-Vonte Fleming from Academic and Jee-von Redan from General Construction CVQ.

ST. EUSTATIUS--From Boys to Gentlemen foundation, in collaboration with the Public Health Department, successfully hosted a vibrant cooking competition at Gwendolyn van Putten Schools kitchen on Thursday, November 9.

The event, organised by Shanna Mercera-Gibbs of the Public Health prevention clinic, witnessed the participation of talented individuals from various fields.

The jury panel consisted of Carlos Antonio Martiens, a seasoned chef from St Read more

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Candidates in this article:

The Na/Upp CoalitionS Love-Hate Relationship With The Integrity Chamber Of St. Maarten.

They have to make up their mind what it is.

MP Wescot over the weekend issued a statement regarding the meeting of parliament to approve the change to the Integrity Chamber law. In her view, the uneasy relationship in the NA/UPP coalition was again manifested during the meeting of parliament, which was convened to finalize the proposal by government to increase the age of the members of the integrity chamber.

This draft proposal of law was already handled by the central committee of parliament and the government had provided written answers to the few questions posed Read more

The Na/Upp CoalitionS Love-Hate Relationship With The Integrity Chamber Of St. Maarten.

~They have to make up their mind what it is.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Wescot over the weekend issued a statement regarding the meeting of parliament to approve the change to the Integrity Chamber law. In her view, the uneasy relationship in the NA/UPP coalition was again manifested during the meeting of parliament, which was convened to finalize the proposal by government to increase the age of the members of the integrity chamber.

This draft proposal of law was already handled by the central committee of parliament and the government had provided written answers to the few questions posed Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) has resumed its operations today after a temporary disruption caused by employee unrest. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley, has successfully intervened and initiated discussions between relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the employees.

On Monday, November 13th, Minister Ottley held a virtual meeting with Ms Read more

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Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 13 November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 14 November 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with brief local showers possible. 

Forecast High: 32 C / 90F             

Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

Sunset Today: 5:36 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:18 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 16 mph. 

SYNOPSIS:   

A mostly dry and stable atmosphere will restrict significant shower activity across the local region Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  In a heartfelt appeal letter addressed to the Minister of Justice Anna Richardson, and co-copied by the council of ministers and the Parliament of Sint Maarten, Fabio Doralice, Interim President of the Haitian Association of Sint Maarten (HASMA), is urging the Government of Sint Maarten to temporarily halt the forced returns of Haitian nationals a midst the dire humanitarian crisis currently engulfing Haiti Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Friday 10th November 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 11th November 2023 

WEATHER:    

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Generally cloudy and breezy with isolated showers. 

Forecast High: 30 C / 86F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81F 

Sunset Today: 5:37 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:16 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 18 mph, and higher gusts possible. 

SYNOPSIS:   

A relatively stable atmosphere will restrict significant shower activity Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Monday, November 6th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley, welcomed the Sint Maarten World Bank delegation, led by Country Manager Ms. Toyin Jagha, along with representatives from the National Recovery Planning Bureau (NRPB) to commemorate the successful achievement of the "Improving Mental Health Services" project "effective" status.

The term "Effective" status, as per World Bank terminology, signifies the formal inclusion of project financing into the project portfolio, indicating progress toward its implementation Read more

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