SXMElections.com

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

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

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

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

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

Arrival Of Containerized Generators Marks Significant Progress Towards Energy Stability

Philipsburg The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina is pleased to announce the safe arrival of the containerized generators on the island. This crucial delivery represents a significant step forward in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for the residents of our island.

Under the presence of NV GEBE’s management Troy Washington, SoEnergy International and Harbor personnel, the generators were successfully offloaded without incident last Sunday afternoon 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

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

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