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 DATE ISSUED: Friday 26th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 27th July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot, hazy and breezy.Tonight, through Saturday midday: Hazy and breezy. Brief showers are possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:49 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:49 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Saturday midday: Northeast to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: High concentrations of Saharan dust persist and will maintain hazy skies and poor air quality across the region, throughout the weekend Read more

Winair Faces Month-Long Wait For Approval Of More Flights To Curaao

Passengers are seen embarking a Winair plane at Hato Airport in Curacao.

 WILLEMSTAD--WINAIR will have to wait at least another month to find out if it can permanently operate four additional flights per week between St. Maarten and Curaao, according to the newspaper Amigoe in Curaao, based on the lawsuit against the government of Curaao that was heard in Willemstad on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, the judge in this LAR procedure (administrative litigation) unsuccessfully attempted to mediate the conflict between the airline and the government, represented by Curaao Minister of Traffic and Transportation Charles Cooper (MFK).

The ruling is scheduled for August 23 Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Thursday 25th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 26th July 2024WEATHER:
This afternoon: Humid, hazy and breezy.
Tonight, through Friday midday: Hazy and breezy. Brief showers are possible.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:49 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:49 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Northeast to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: High concentrations of Saharan dust result in hazy skies and poor air quality across the region, until this weekend Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 24th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 25th July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon and evening: Warm, hazy and breezy.Tonight, through Thursday midday: Hazy and breezy. Brief showers are possible.Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:49 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:49 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Thursday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph.SYNOPSIS: A dry airmass enters the region in the wake of the tropical wave Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, 23 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 24 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and slightly hazy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:50 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:48 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 8 to 16 mph.SYNOPSIS: Patches of moisture moving across the local area may cause brief local showers from time to time Read more

Meeting Between Ecys And Nsi

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Cabinet of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) met with the National Sports Institute (NSI) and its new Director Jisk Goslinga this week. The cabinet on behalf of the Minister of ECYS Lyndon Lewis.

The meeting focussed on the structure of the NSI, but particularly on the upgrading and maintenance of the sporting facilities Read more

Gumbs Begins Assessment Of Roads

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs began review of existing road infrastructure, following the recent signing of the road resurfacing agreement. Gumbs, Mr. Luciano Nicholls (Cabinet Policy Advisor), and Windward Roads (contractor), began inspections in the Philipsburg basin from Arch Road (Madame Estate) to Juancho Yrasquin Boulevard (Point Blanche).

The scope of the works to be done in this area vary and includes improved quality of asphalt, improved subsurface layer, as well increased asphalt layer thickness Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Monday, 22 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 23 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:50 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:48 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 6 to 16 mph.SYNOPSIS: Moisture and weak instability associated with a passing trough of low pressure will cause isolated showers Read more

NowCandidate Mark Mantle ProposesHealth Wellness Tariff To Support Elderly

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Mark Mantle, a candidate for the NOW (Nation opportunity Wealth) party in the upcoming elections, wants to improve the wellbeing of the elderly through a new health wellness tariff. This initiative aims to increase future revenues and ultimately boost pension funds for seniors.

Mantle’s proposal includes the introduction of two levies: a cigarette Levy: $2.00 per pack and an alcohol Levy: $1.00 per unit Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Friday 19th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 20th July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Variably cloudy, and hazy with scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms are possible.This evening through Saturday midday: Warm, breezy, and hazy.Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:51 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:47 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Saturday midday: East to southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph, and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: A tropical wave is affecting the region Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Thursday 18th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 19th July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Hot and hazy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:51 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:47 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Friday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 18 mph with higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: A plume of Saharan dust is reducing both air quality and visibility, while limiting showers across the region Read more

Learie Hall Advocates For Cultural Preservation And Orange Economy

As the modern world continues to evolve, preserving our culture and investing in the arts and entertainment sector has become increasingly crucial, especially for the youth. Learie Hall, Candidate #8 on the NOW Slate, emphasizes that the vitality of our cultural heritage not only enriches the community but also positions it as a vibrant tourism destination.

Hall is dedicated to creating new opportunities for young artists, dancers, and entertainers and urges the youth to act by voting and choosing him as their next member of Parliament to be their voice and advocate.

Hall believes that St Read more

Szv And Minister Of Public Health Sound Alarm For Urgent Health Financing Reform

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Over the years, Social & Health Insurances SZV has been flexible in its policies to include measures that allow director majority shareholders (DMS) who fall outside the scope of the law to still get access to medical insurance. However, in recent cases where SZV attempted to collect unpaid premiums for the registered insured, the Court of First Instance reminded SZV that premiums for sickness, accident, and severance insurance could only be collected for the registered insured, as defined by the respective ordinances Read more

Emmanuel: We Must Be Tired Of Seeing People Live Like This

~ Outlines vision for St. Maarten’s future ~

MP Christophe Emmanuel, leader of the Opportunity Wealth Party (NOW), made a compelling statement on Wednesday, addressing the pressing needs of the people of St. Maarten and highlighting his partys unwavering commitment to wealth creation and economic prosperity.

“Any politician with a heart must be tired of seeing their people live stagnant lives in their own country,” MP Emmanuel stated Read more

Minister Lewis Strongly Condemns All Forms Of Violence

The Honorable Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis was briefed by the Acting Chief of Police, inspector Shadira Gysbertha regarding a distressing shooting incident that occurred *yesterday evening*. The event left four victims; three were urgently transported to Sint Maarten Medical Center for medical attention, while tragically, one individual was found deceased at the scene. “It appears that these heinous acts may have been politically motivated,” as one of the victims includes Olivier Arrindell, the leader of the Oualichi Movement for Change (OMC) party. Minister Lewis strongly condemns all forms of violence, particularly if it was driven by political motives. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into this matter, and we will ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, 17 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 18 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and hazy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:51 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:46 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: East-southeasterly to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 17 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Patches of moisture moving across the local area may cause brief local showers from time to time, with a low possibility of thunder this afternoon Read more

Ottley Lauds Achievements Of Local Bodybuilder Calvin Mardembrough

Calvin Mardembrough.

PHILIPSBURG--United People's Party (UP) leader Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has lauded the achievements of rising star in the world of bodybuilding, Calvin Mardembrough.

Read more

Gromyko Says ItS Time To Appoint The New Ser Board

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Nation Opportunity and Wealth (NOW) candidate #16, Gromyko Wilson has expressed in his weekly podcast My2cents on Facebook. He calls on the Prime Minister Luc Mercelina to once and for all finalize the appointments of the board of the Social Economic Council (SER).

The appointment of a new Social Economic Council (SER) board is a critical step that the government of Sint Maarten must take in order to address the challenges facing the country Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, 16 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 17 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:51 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:46 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: East-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 16 mph, and higher gusts possible.SYNOPSIS: Moisture and slight instability associated with a passing tropical wave will account for cloudy skies, isolated showers, and a low chance of thunder Read more

Wilson Sounds The Alarm On The New Szv Policy That Will Negatively Affect Directors

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In the Facebook livestream My2cents podcast, Gromyko Wilson, the number 16 candidate on the Nation Opportunity & Wealth (NOW) sounds the alarm on the new SZV policy that is expected to go into effect September 1st.

In his live streaming Mr. Wilson explains the negative impact this policy will have on the health insurance of directors and their families Read more

Wilson Warns Gebe Against Water Disconnections In Households With Children And Seniors

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Gromyko Wilson, an advocate for social justice and a candidate (#16) on the Nation Opportunity and Wealth (NOW) warns the current GEBE management and the government of Sint Maarten against disconnection of water in households with children and seniors.

Wilson highlights the recent court verdict in the Netherlands as jurisprudence in handling these cases going forward on Sint Maarten.

In the verdict of March 19th, 2024, the Judge ruled that water disconnections due to default in payment is illegal based on the Human rights Organizations Defense for Children when minors are part of the households in question.

Wilson goes further to plead for the application of this verdict to not only households with minors but also senior citizens Read more

Grisha Advocates Return To Previous System Of GovernmentTo Reduce Political Instability

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten Electoral reform should not only address the topic of integrity and so-called ship-jumping; it should first and foremost focus on what appears to be the main cause of political instability on all islands of the former Netherlands Antilles since 10-10-10. This is the opinion expressed recently by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten.

According to the minister, the main cause of political instability is the switch to a dualistic system of Government.

Before 10-10-10, with one or two exceptions, (coalition) Governments on the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles always lasted a full term of four years Read more

Langlais: Environment, Energy Solutions Requires Political Will

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Marie Claire Langlais, #14 on the NOW (Nation Opportunity Wealth) party list, pointed out over the weekend that the island faces unprecedented challenges in the midst of a global climate crisis, and that the environment should not be an empty election talking point. Additionally, she stressed that being realistic about sustainable energy solutions requires political will.

Langlais asserts that St Read more

Caribbean Airlines Inaugural ServiceTo Puerto Rico Takes Flight

Piarco, Trinidad & Tobago, —Caribbean Airlines inaugural flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico left the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad at 10.50 a.m. on Sunday July 14. This new route is part of the airline’s strategic plan to enhance connectivity within the Caribbean region. Flights to San Juan will operate three (3) times per week (Sunday, Tuesday & Friday) from the airline’s base in Trinidad, with convenient connections to other destinations.

The first flight to San Juan was marked with celebrations for the passengers, who received goody bags with Caribbean Airlines branded items and were entertained by the talented Leandra Head Read more