SXMElections.com

Statement From Formateur Dr. Luc Mercelina Regarding Proposed Candidate Ministers

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — “In response to recent media coverage referencing a statement from his Excellency Governor A. Baly indicating the presence of seven candidate ministers, Formateur Dr. Luc Mercelina issues this corrective statement to clarify the accurate count of ministerial candidates,” stated the press release.

It has come to the attention of the Formateur that there may have been confusion regarding the proposed number of candidate ministers expected for May 3 Read more

Counterfeit Naf. 100 Banknotes In Circulation

PHILIPSBURG WILLEMSTAD The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has detected counterfeit NAf. 100 banknotes in circulation. The counterfeit NAf. 100 banknotes are of very good quality, making them challenging to distinguish from genuine NAf Read more

Governor Baly Receives Final Report From Formateur L. Mercelina

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG On April 23, 2024, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten received the updated final report from formateur L. Mercelina.

The formateur has accepted the commission to form a new government which has the support of a majority in Parliament comprised of the fractions of URSM, PFP, DP and NOW Read more

District Governor Visits St. Maarten

District Governor of Sub-District 60B, Lion Dr. Carlisle Goddard, PMJF recently made his official visit to the St. Maarten Leo Club, St. Maarten South Leo Club, and the Sint Maarten Lions Club.

The District Governor was met upon his arrival by a welcoming delegation that included Lion Felix Richards, President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, Zone Chairperson 2B, Lion Oralie Boirard, MJF, Past District Governor Lion Wally Havertong, PMJF, and Lion Dennis Lake.

The District Governor visit included an enlightening radio interview streamed live on the Viewpoint with Wendell Moore show where he expounded on the responsibilities of a District Governor and shared his experiences in visiting the various of Lion and Leo clubs within his District which comprises of 16 English and Dutch speaking islands with St Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, 23 April 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 24 April 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon: Fair to partly cloudy and hazy.

Tonight through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and slightly hazy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 32C / 90F              

Forecast Low: 26C / 79F

Sunset Today: 6:31 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:50 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: East-southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 14 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

A plume of Saharan dust hovering over the region will continue to reduce visibility and air quality through the next 24 or so hours Read more

Sarah Attends Intl. Mp Conference In Norway

Participants in a session facilitated by St. Maarten MP Wescot-Williams pause for a photo.

PHILIPSBURG--President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams recently returned to the island from Oslo, Norway, where she attended the 8th International Parliamentarians Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action (IP Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday 22nd April 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 23rd April 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy and hazy with a few brief showers possible.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79F

Sunset Today: 6:31 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:50 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Tuesday midday: East southeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

A plume of Saharan dust will reduce visibility and air quality through midweek Read more

Education Institutes In Kingdom Work Together

Group photo

WILLEMSTAD--Eighteen educational and knowledge institutions from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and the Netherlands will continue, build and intensify their joint efforts in the fields of education, research and science. For example, they want to pursue and develop joint educational programmes.

  This special collaboration was highlighted during a recent knowledge mission led by caretaker Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science OCW Robbert Dijkgraaf in Curaao.

  Together with my fellow ministers from the other three kingdom countries, we have worked hard in recent years to increase cooperation within the kingdom, successfully Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 18 April 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Friday morning (12:00 LST) 19 April 2024

HIGH SURF ADVISORY HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Friday midday: Fair to partly cloudy with light haze and brief local showers possible.

Forecast High: 31C / 87F              

Forecast Low: 25C / 77F

Sunset Today: 6:30 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Friday midday: Light and variable winds of 01 to 04 mph, becoming calm at times.

SYNOPSIS: 

Increasing concentration of Saharan dust is expected across the region during the next few days Read more

Swept Under The Rug

I presented a motion in June of 2021 almost 3 years ago asking that the subject of debt cancellation for St. Maarten be discussed. I was moved to do so after discovering that St. Maarten was paying 12.7 million guilders annually on an almost 1 billion guilders debt. It is no secret that it would take some 100 years to pay it off, hence my motion which was unanimously supported.

The International Monetary Fund had also suggested that the Dutch government look at Debt cancellation, however what came afterwards due to the covid19 pandemic is additional loans of some 300 million guilders Read more

Collectivit Formally Opens Its School Of Public Management

Collectivit President Louis Mussington talks at the opening of School of Public Management in Grand Case Beach Club on Tuesday.

MARIGOT--The first Public Management School for St. Martin (Ecole du Management Public (EMP)) officially opened in Grand Case Beach Club on Tuesday with an introduction to the first twenty candidates and an overview of the courses starting on the same day.

The opening ceremony was attended by Collectivit President Louis Mussington, Dput (MP) of St Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 11 April 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 12 April 2024

A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Friday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F              

Forecast Low: 25C / 77F

Sunset Today: 6:28 P.M.                  

Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:58 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Friday midday: East-northeasterly to northeasterly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 15 to 22 mph, and occasional higher gusts.

SYNOPSIS: 

Available moisture across the local region will account for periods of cloudiness and isolated showers Read more

PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 10th April 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)

VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 11th April 2024

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6:00 AM THURSDAY,

11TH APRIL 2024

WEATHER:

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy. Isolated showers are possible.

Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79F

Sunset Today: 6:28 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:59 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly with a moderate breeze of 13 to 18 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

The Atlantic high-pressure system will maintain moderate winds and relatively stable conditions during this forecast period Read more

Island Gems SupportsAnimal Care Groups

CAY HILL — The stray and unwanted pet population on the island continues to be a challenge for residents, visitors and the animal care organisations working tirelessly to curb the problem on both sides of the island. To this end, Island Gems Charity Foundation has made its annual donation to three very active groups to aid with spay/neuter campaign and awareness.

Receiving each US $750 in vet care coverage via St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic are St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation, SXM Paws and I Love My Island Dog Association Read more

Governor Baly Meets With Formateur Mercelina For Update On Formation Progress

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly met with formateur Dr. Luc Mercelina on Thursday March 28, 2024 and received an update on the progress of the formation.

The formateur requested an additional extension to present Governor Baly the final formation report as the background screening of the candidate
ministers is presently still ongoing.

Taking this into account, Governor Baly granted the commission for Dr Read more

Brug Says An Approved 2024 Budget Is Good For Sint Maarten!

In a media statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Richinel Brug expressed his appreciation to the Parliament of Sint Maarten for passing the 2024 budget. Brug, who is set to replace the leader of the URSM in Parliament once he swears in as Prime Minister, called this accomplishment significant in light of the current political situation.

Brug acknowledged the peculiar circumstances under which the outgoing Counsel of Ministers presented and defended the budget for the incoming Government, while assuming their roles as opposition members.

Brug highlighted the significance of this budget approval, noting that it not only guarantees the continuation of projects initiated before 2024 but also ensures the availability of funds to initiate the process of paying justice workers.

It is crucial to recognize that receiving a signed decree, without appealing the content, is just the first step in a long process Read more

Baly Gives Formateur 2Nd Extension, Final Report To Be Presented By April 26

Governor Ajamu Baly  PHILIPSBURG--Governor Ajamu Baly met with formateur Dr. Luc Mercelina on Thursday, March 28, and received an update on the progress of the formation.   The formateur requested an additional extension to present Governor Baly the final formation report as the background screening of the candidate ministers is presently still ongoing Read more

My2cents: The Justice Ministry Is Busy Crumbling And Nobody Is Seeing It !!!

By means of this letter I would like to address all the Justice workers, but especially those that are holding a position within the different Justice workers unions.

I have been following the saga of the justice workers for a while with keen attention to the following process regarding the function book and this Justice Minister, Anna Elaine Richardson, that claims to it the right way.

I dont want to delve into the past as to how many persons were appointed or held the function of SG and were rid off under this Justice Minister Read more

State Secretary Alexandra Van Huffelen Visits Aruba, Curaao And St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen of Kingdom Relations will pay a working visit to Aruba, Curaao and St. Maarten from the 19th to the 26th of March 2024. The visit is largely devoted to the Mutual Arrangement Cooperation on Reforms. Within this framework, the State Secretary will hold talks with prime ministers and ministers in all countries about cooperation and the implementation and progress of the Country Package. In addition, the State Secretary will speak about the opening of the National Growth Fund and the SDE++ regulation for the countries.

Aruba

The working visit of State Secretary Van Huffelen begins in Aruba, where the State Secretary has scheduled a conversation with Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes about the Mutual Arrangement Cooperation on Reforms and the investment funds Read more

Jacobs Advocates For Domestic Violence Prevention At Un Forum

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs (left) at the forum.

 

PHILIPSBURG--Caretaker Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs advocated for domestic violence prevention at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters earlier this week.

Jacobs led the delegation to the forum, which included Chef de Cabinet Jessica Weeks, Department Head of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) Chantale George-Groeneveldt and Women's Desk Policy Worker at Staff Bureau Tatia Brunnings.

Jacobs spoke on behalf of the Kingdom during the High-Level Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls Read more

Caft: Use The Momentum To Make The Economy More Resilient

Oranjestad The economy of Aruba is growing in a prosperous way. The public finances are showing a positive image as well. It is important that Aruba uses its current financial position to structurally put its government finances in order and make the economy more resilient. In this regard a prudent budgetary policy remains as important as ever, considering the high interest expenses. Structural reforms in the social security and the labor market ensure greater resilience.

Debt reduction

The budget for 2024 was adopted on time and it amply meets the central budget standard of a surplus of at least 1 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the year 2024 as well as multi-annually Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, 27 February 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 28 February 2024

SAHARAN DUST REMAINS ACROSS THE REGION

WEATHER:

This afternoon: Partly cloudy and hazy, becoming cloudy at times with brief isolated showers.

Tonight through Wednesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy with isolated showers possible.

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

Sunset Today: 6:18 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:32 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly to northeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 06 to 13 mph.

SYNOPSIS: 

Moisture and instability associated with a frontal system will cause isolated showers during this forecast period Read more

 

DATE ISSUED: Monday 26th February 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 27th February 2024

PLUME OF SAHARAN DUST PERSISTS

WEATHER:

This afternoon and evening: Hazy with isolated showers.

Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy. Isolated showers are likely.

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

Sunset Today: 6:18 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:33 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

Today through Tuesday midday: East to northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 10 mph; becoming lighter and variable at times.

SYNOPSIS: 

A plume of Saharan dust is affecting the region Read more

Governor Receives First 19 Of Hundreds Of National Decrees For Justice Workers

PHILIPSBURG--Caretaker Minister of Justice Anna Richardson sent out a press release on Thursday, an hour before midnight, stating that the Cabinet of Governor Ajamu Baly had confirmed receipt of nineteen National Decrees (LBs) for justice workers.

Read more