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 DATE ISSUED: Monday 15th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 16th July 2024 WEATHER:This Afternoon: Sunny and warmTonight, through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with slight haze and isolated showers possible.  Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F  Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:46 A.M Read more

High Court Backs Same-Sex Marriage

Celebrating the outcome.

THE HAGUE--Same-sex couples are now permitted to marry immediately in Aruba and Curaao, as decided by the High Court in the Netherlands on Friday. It affirmed an earlier ruling by the Joint Court of Justice for the Dutch Caribbean.

The latter determined on December 6, 2022, that marriages between people of the same sex must be permitted in Aruba and Curaao. Both governments turned to the High Court, which has now rejected their appeals.

The case was brought by Fundacion Orguyo Aruba and Human Rights Caribbean (HRC) in Curaao Read more

Mp Maingrette's Home, Office Searched, Suspected Of Taking Bribes, Misusing Position

PHILIPSBURG--The Criminal Investigation Team RST, under the direction of the examining judge on Friday conducted searches at the home and workplace at the Parliament Building of Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Kevin Maingrette. Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday 12th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 13th July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hazy and breezy. Isolated showers are possible.This evening through Saturday midday: Variably cloudy and hazy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                    Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:45 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Saturday midday: East to northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 17 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Generally unstable conditions are expected across the region due to an incoming tropical wave Read more

Victim Support Services Report On Six Months Service

On July 10th, Victim Support Services St. Maarten hosted a presentation for the Honorable Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis and various stakeholders, reviewing the organization’s services over the past six months.

Victim Support Services St. Maarten provides optimal assistance to individuals affected by serious assaults, human trafficking, or severe accidents.

Minister Lewis delivered an introductory speech, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the organization Read more

Prime Minister Dr. Luc MercelinaS Meets New State Secretary Mr. Zsolt Szab

The Hague The Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has successfully concluded a historic and successful meeting with Mr. Zsolt Szab, the newly appointed State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of The Netherlands. This significant event marks the first official meeting of Mr. Szab in his new role, highlighting the pivotal importance of the relationship between St Read more

Minister Of Finance, Marinka Gumbs Caribbean Literature Day Message

Happy Caribbean Literature Day to all our St. Martin authors, poets, book lovers and in particular to House of Nehesi Publishers, a leading publisher in the region whose original idea it was to have a special day like this set aside to celebrate our creative geniuses.

Im proud to note that Caribbean Literature Day started in St. Martin 5 years ago and has been steadily spreading all over the world ever since.

The importance of reading cannot be overemphasized. We are all familiar with the saying, Readers are leaders Read more

Soab: Szv 2023 Financial Statements Are Accurate And Transparent

~ SZV receives a clean audit report for the third consecutive year ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten For the third consecutive year, Social & Health Insurances SZV received a clean audit report for its financial statements. The clean audit report was issued by the government audit bureau, Stichting Overheids Accountants Bureau (SOAB). A clean audit report also termed an ‘Approved Control,’ means that the auditors found that the financial reporting by SZV was accurate and transparent Read more

Lewis Announces 1% Cola, 1% Vacation Allowance In 2024 Budget Amendment

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Lyndon Lewis on Thursday announced that the outstanding amount for the 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and the 1% vacation allowance will be included in the 2024 budget amendment.

A meeting was held with the board of the WITU on Wednesday to express the governments commitment to include the 1% Read more

DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 11 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 12 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy at times with brief isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 17 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Patches of low-level clouds drifting with the easterly wind flow will produce isolated showers across the local area Read more

4 Graduate With Geds, 2 After Vocational Training

Master of Ceremonies Alex Lindo addressing the graduates.

 ST. EUSTATIUS--New Challenges Foundation (NCF) held a graduation ceremony at William and Christine Flanders Community Centre on July 3 for four students who received their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas and two who completed vocational training.

This celebration is a testament to the power of second chances, said NCF Director Francine Foe at the ceremony. Our graduates have shown that with grit, determination and the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.

The ceremonys theme Dont Watch the Clock, Do What It Does, Keep Going was a fitting tribute to the graduates, emphasising the importance of perseverance, resilience and staying focused.

The ceremony started with a rousing rendition of the St Read more

Taxi Associations Present Proposal For Tariff Change To Teatt Minister

From left: Andrew Royer of the Dutch Taxi Association, TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Maya Friday of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association and Glen Emers of Down Town Taxi Association.

~ Want ride sharing initiative permanently abolished ~

PHILIPSBURG--Five taxi associations operating on Dutch St. Maarten have proposed a change to the existing tariffs, according to them, due to the increased cost of living and inflation.

In a letter to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, the associations said the proposed amendments to the current tariffs are also to synchronise tariffs with the French-side Taxi Association which is presently in negotiations to increase their tariffs.

We met last week to discuss, among other things, their proposal to change the current tariffs for different districts, Heyliger-Marten said in a press release Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 11 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy, hot, humid, and slightly hazy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: East-northeasterly to east-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: A drier atmosphere is settling over the local region, limiting shower activity Read more

Mp Emmanuel Had An Electricity Solution Since 2016

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that had political maturity prevailed in 2017, St. Maarten would have had a groundbreaking project to establish a state-of-the-art waste processing plant with an integrated energy-generating component. This initiative would have been a pivotal move towards enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency on the island.

There was an approved Council of Ministers decision for a proposal Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 9th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday morning (06:00 LST) 10th July 2024  WEATHER:This Afternoon: Hazy and warmTonight, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy with isolated showers possible.  Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81F Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:44 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This Afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph.  SYNOPSIS: A drier and more stable atmosphere will settle over the region today Read more

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Meets With The Mayor Of The Hague

The Hague The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, held a significant meeting with the Mayor of The Hague, Jan Hendrikus Cornelis van Zanen during his important working visit to The Netherlands. The discussions focused on critical issues affecting students from Sint Maarten, including housing and technical assistance for professionals.

Housing for Students

One of the key topics discussed was the urgent need for housing solutions for Sint Maarten students studying in The Hague Read more

Vromi Minister Provides Updates On Broken Culvert, Welgelegen Road

PHILISPURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs issued an update statement to the public regarding two ongoing roadworks situations: the status of running water on the Welgelegen Road in Cay Hill and the status of the broken culvert on the A.J.C. Brouwers Road, on the Cole Bay hill. Both situations have caused significant concern as the country approaches the peak of hurricane season.

After requesting and receiving updated information from the Department Head of Infrastructure, Minister Gumbs stated, I can provide the public with a comprehensive update on both matters.

When addressing the matter of the broken culvert on the A.J.C Read more

Deputy Prime Minister Calls For Respectful And Peaceful Campaign Season

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Minister Patrice Gumbs wishes to extend his congratulations to all parties and their candidates on taking the step forward to represent our people at the upcoming snap parliamentary election. While the campaign season is well underway, Gumbs reminded candidates that St. Maartens political culture has always been one of tolerance and respect Read more

Draft Legislation For Crime Fund, Presented To Minister Of Justice, Lyndon Lewis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Justice reached a significant milestone, as the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, was presented with the draft legislation for the Crime Fund. This development marks a crucial step towards modernizing and improving the management, supervision, and accountability of the Crime Fund, an area identified as lacking in the current, outdated legislation. This initiative is also a part of the broader country package measure aimed at enhancing the efficiency and oversight of the Crime Fund.

The draft legislation was prepared by a dedicated group of civil servants, who undertook this project as their final assignment to achieve certification as legislative lawyers, a program offered to them by the Caribbean Center for Legislation.

The Minister of Justice expressed profound gratitude to the civil servants for their hard work and dedication Read more

Open Letter To Our Honorable Minister Of Justice Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis

It is with great admiration that the people of Sint Maarten are experiencing the vigor which you put in your work for this country and it is therefore that we believe that you have the courage to take eventual unpopular decisions if needed.

For the last few years Sint Maarten has experienced some brutal murder cases, most of which remain unsolved and as an officer of the law yourself, this is a disturbing factor. One reason for this might be the shortage of staff to conduct a proper investigation and the tools available for such Read more

Reunification Of Ana Carolina Lazaro Cuevas And Her Children.

Good day to the people of Sint Maarten.

Today, I extend my heartfelt strength and love to the people of the Cayman Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Grenada, and the Carriacou Island. Additionally, I wish a happy Fourth of July to all American citizens residing in Sint Maarten.

Turning to today’s topic, I want to address the recent return of Miss Anna Carolina Lazaro Cuevas, who was reunited with her children yesterday, July 3rd, 2024. There has been considerable discussion surrounding this event, and I would like to provide some clarity.

Ms Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 8 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 9 July 2024 THE FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED WEATHER:This Afternoon: Generally cloudy and hazy with few showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and hazy with brief showers possible.  Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77F Sunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:43 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This Afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeasterly to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Moisture and instability associated with a tropical wave will continue to affect the local area Read more

A Message From Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina On Hurricane BerylS Impact

Philipsburg — “Hurricane Beryl has tested our resilience in the Caribbean region, but in the face of this adversity, our unity and strength shine through,” declared Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

He added, “You are not just enduring this storm; you are standing together, stronger than ever.”

“I urge everyone to extend a helping hand to those in distress and I wholeheartedly applaud our local community initiatives to support those affected,” emphasized Prime Minister Mercelina Read more

Szv Hosted Workshop On Managing Pension Benefits And Holistic Health & Wellness

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten SZV Social and Health Insurance hosted a workshop for a mixed group of persons on retirement and preparing for retirement on Friday, May 31, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Library. The workshop, held at the St. Maartens Library satellite location in Belvedere, aimed to empower participants with information and practical tips about managing their pension benefits, maintaining health and wellness while on retirement, eating and sleeping well, and taking care of their brain health.

SZV’s Manager of Pension & Cessantia, Renatto Rodriguez, alongside Corporate Communications Manager Charonne Holder, provided tips and reminders to improve financial planning before and during retirement and important administrative obligations when receiving AOV pension benefits from SZV Read more