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PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, presented his Ministerial Regulation to the Council of Ministers where they unanimously passed his groundbreaking proposal to increase the minimum wage from Naf 9.95 to Naf 10.40 totaling a 4.5% increase, effective April 1, 2024. This is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring decent living standards for citizens, particularly those on the lower income scale that accounts for a large number, and addressing the challenges posed by the rising cost of living.

The proposed increase, from Naf 9.95 to Naf 10.40, represents an amount of Naf 1,801 ($1000.00) per month for workers Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 19TH December 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) December 20, 2023

WEATHER:    

This Afternoon, through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. Brief isolated showers are possible.

Forecast High: 29C / 84F               Forecast Low: 24C / 75F

Sunset Today: 5:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:38 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This Afternoon, through Wednesday midday: Easterly to northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 5 to 12 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

The Atlantic high-pressure system will maintain stable conditions across the region Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, December 18, 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) December 19, 2023 

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy and breezy with brief isolated showers possible. 

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

Sunset Today: 5:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:38 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East Northeast to east with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph, and possible higher gusts. 

SYNOPSIS:   

Shallow pockets of moisture drifting with the wind flow could produce brief isolated showers. 

Small craft operators and swimmers are advised to maintain caution Read more

Government Of Sint Maarten Signs Covenant With Ccsu.

~Secures increase in income/benefits for all Civil Servants~

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten is pleased to share a breakthrough in the ongoing talks between the Union Negotiation Team (UNT) and the Government Negotiation Team (GNT). A crucial agreement was reached between the Ministry of General Affairs and the Committee of Civil Servants Unions (CCSU), marking considerable progress in achieving a mutual understanding where it pertains to employee benefits.

Key Agreements:

I Read more

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Violenus: Try Not To Jump To Conclusions

St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Rene Violenus addressed students and other attendees during his speech at The Hague University of Applied Sciences on Friday, December 15.

THE HAGUE--Beware of quick conclusions and opinions, urged St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Rene Violenus last week during his speech at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, on Kingdom Day Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Friday 15th December 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) December 16th, 2023 

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with scattered showers. 

Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77F 

Sunset Today: 5:39 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:36 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Saturday midday: Northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph, and higher gusts. 

SYNOPSIS:   

Moisture convergence, north of the island, will produce cloudy periods with showers during this forecast period Read more

Parliament Approves 2023 Budget Amendment, 2 Motions

PHILIPSBURG--Parliament on Thursday unanimously approved the 2023 budget amendment as well as passed two motions tabled by United Peoples (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Rolando Brison.

  Only eight of the 15 MPs were present for Thursdays public meeting of Parliament in which the budget amendment was voted upon. Present were United Peoples (UP) party MPs Brison and Sidharth Cookie Bijlani, Party for Progress (PFP) MP Melissa Gumbs, National Alliance (NA) MPs George Pantophlet, Angelique Romou, Hyacinth Richardson and William Marlin and independent MP Ludmila de Weever Read more

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Pm Advances Inclusive Foreign Policy In Meeting With Brandt

Yoka Brandt and Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister (PM) Silveria Jacobs and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, Yoka Brandt, discussed their commitment to a further collaboration for an inclusive foreign policy of the Kingdom and of St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week, Prime Minister Jacobs and the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, Her Excellency Yoka Brandt, discussed their commitment to further collaboration for an inclusive foreign policy of the Kingdom and of Sint Maarten. Coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DBB), the meeting highlighted the strong partnership between the Government of Sint Maarten and the United Nations through the support of the Permanent Mission and DBB Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 14 December 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 15 December 2023 

A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN 

UNTIL 6AM, SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2023 

WEATHER:     

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

Tonight through Friday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers. 

Forecast High: 30C / 86F             

Forecast Low: 25C / 77F 

Sunset Today: 5:39 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:36 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon: Northeasterly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 14 to 20 mph, and occasional higher gusts. 

Tonight through Friday midday: East-northeasterly with a moderate breeze of 13 to 18 mph, and possible higher gusts. 

SYNOPSIS:   

The atmosphere will remain stable today with limited shower activity and strong winds Read more

Extreme Weather Events A Permanent Risk.

 ~Countries should develop national climate adaptation strategies ~

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG The Caribbean basin is the most exposed region to climate-related natural disasters. Hence, the occurrence of extreme weather events, which are expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, can be considered a permanent risk to the economic outlook for Curaao and Sint Maarten, declared the president of the Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Richard Doornbosch, in the CBCSs 2023 December Economic Bulletin Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 13 December 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)  

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 14 December 2023 

A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN 

UNTIL 6AM, SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2023 

WEATHER:     

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy and windy with brief local showers possible. 

Forecast High: 30 C / 86F             

Forecast Low: 25C / 77F 

Sunset Today: 5:38 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:35 A.M.   

SURFACE WINDS:  

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 14 to 22 mph, and occasional higher gusts. 

SYNOPSIS:   

A stable atmosphere will limit shower activity, while a tight surface pressure gradient will continue to generate strong winds through the remainder of this week Read more

Richardson Updates On Issues Related To Justice Workers

Justice Minister Anna Richardson in Parliament on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG--Justice Minister Anna Richardson on Tuesday made a presentation in Parliament in which sh Read more

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BARBADOS:--- In a landmark move towards fostering collaboration and solidarity, the Anguilla Teachers' Union (ATU) and the Windward Island Teachers Union St. Maarten (WITU) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony took place today in Barbados, solidifying a commitment to joint initiatives that will benefit teachers in both territories.
The purpose of this MOU is to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation and collaboration, promoting the interests and welfare of teachers in Anguilla and St Read more

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

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 13th December 2023

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEATHER:    

This afternoon, through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy with brief showers possible.

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

Sunset Today: 5:38 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:35 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon, through Wednesday midday: northeasterly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 16 to 24 mph, and occasional higher gusts.

SYNOPSIS: 

A strong high-pressure ridge will maintain a stable atmosphere and windy conditions across the region Read more

Philipsburg Transforms Into "Maagical" For A Festive Weekend Extravaganza.

Madame Estate:--- This holiday season, Philipsburg is set to become a winter wonderland as Xtratight Entertainment proudly presents "Philipsburg becomes Maagical," a joyous event taking place from Friday, December 15, to Sunday, December 17, on the Boardwalk. The community is invited to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and kick off the festive season with a weekend full of entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Friday Night Concert - The festivities begin on Friday evening with an electrifying concert featuring a killer lineup of DJs and live bands Read more

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Sint Maartener At Un Climate Summit Calls For Equitable, Climate-Resilient Future Ahead Of Final Negotiations

 DUBAI:--- United Nations Climate Conference, COP28, is set to come to a close this week as countries negotiate the next set of climate change goals. Among the attendees of the conference is Riddhi Samtani, a youth activist from Sint Maarten part of Island Innovations Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) cohort. Representing her community on the global stage, Samtani has participated in speaking engagements and discussions with other delegates and heads of state, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Curaao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.

Having youth delegated from underrepresented communities is key to developing inclusive climate policies, something Samtanis sponsors NAGICO Insurances and Grant Thornton are keen to support as it aligns with their companys corporate social pillars Read more

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten, represented by the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr. Omar Ottley, has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA), represented by Drs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Chairlady of the Board of NIPA, to establish the Ottley Opportunity Scholarshipan initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening the local labor force Read more

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DATE ISSUED: Monday, 11 December 2023 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 12 December 2023

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEATHER:    

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy at times and breezy with isolated showers possible.

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

Sunset Today: 5:38 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:34 A.M.  

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East-northeasterly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 12 to 20 mph, and occasional higher gusts.

SYNOPSIS: 

Remnants of a frontal boundary will promote occasional cloudy periods and a few showers across the local area during this forecast period Read more

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Silveria Jacobs; the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, Egbert Doran; the Minister of Justice, Anna Richardson; and the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, drs Read more

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~More than 300 registrants, 10 workshops, and opportunities to learn from local and international experts~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Held throughout November, now officially decreed by law as Financial Literacy Month, the SXM Financial Literacy Month surpassed expectations with more than 300 participants, including walk-ins. Islandpreneur and the Ministry of Finance are thrilled to announce the successful completion of this groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering financial knowledge and resilience within the community Read more

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Witu Expresses Deep Disappointment In GovernmentS Handling Of Public Education

Philipsburg — Stuart Johnson, President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), has voiced profound disappointment in the Government of St Maarten regarding the handling of matters within Public Education and the broader education sector.

President Johnson had anticipated that the commitment made to sign an agreement with the Government of St Maarten would have been prioritized, reflecting the collaborative efforts necessary for the advancement of education in St.Maarten.

Johnson drafted the agreement and repeatedly sought to have it signed by the Government of St.Maarten in anticipation that the mutual understanding would have been adhered to.

The agreement highlights the electrical works, air-conditioning in all classrooms/offices and other infrastructural works neccessary for all public schools.

Moreover, Johnson has diligently pursued resolutions to several unresolved matters in education, utilizing platforms such as the Committee for Civil Servants Unions (CCSU) to address these issues.

President Johnson emphasized, “Some might perceive my approach as an immediate recourse to the media Read more

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Dcna Steps Into A New Era Of Governance With Two-Tier Board System Implementation

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) proudly announces a significant milestone in its organizational developmentthe implementation of a two-tier board system.

On December 4th 2023 the DCNA board, represented by its chairperson Hellen van der Wal and secretary Kai Wulf, signed the new Articles of Incorporation at the notary on St Maarten Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- A new project aims to assess key land areas for biodiversity in St. Maarten. The foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has been selected to conduct the terrestrial baseline biodiversity assessment, as part of the CORENA project. The CORENA project (Coastal Resilience and Needs Assessments) was initiated by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and is being executed in partnership with the Nature Foundation, through the European Union-supported RESEMBID grant programme.

The objective of the CORENA project is to provide information to guide sustainable management of various habitats found in Sint Maarten, with several components Read more