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All Businesses Told To Close, Essential Services Can Open

PHILIPSBURG--In an effort to ensure the safety of the public and employees of businesses during the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten decided that all businesses, with the exception of essential services, had to close by 11:00pm Monday night to minimise movement on the public road.

Essential services that can remain open are emergency services; gas stations that service vehicles needed for essential services; pharmacies (concerning the sale of medicines/medical products); hotels and guesthouses, including stores and restaurants located in them; funeral parlours; the airport and the harbour, including the stores located in them.

Public transportation was allowed to operate until 1:00am Tuesday, August 13.

In a national address on Monday evening, Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina said the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) had met at midday Monday to assess the current situation and to review national preparations.

Schools are to remain closed on Tuesday Read more

Audience member Carlvin Brooks asks a question about the role and future of the islands university, during Fridays session at USM. The candidates who attended the session signed a pledge to publicly support USMs advancement.

PHILIPSBURG--University of St. Martin (USM) Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Gale Rigobert urged the countrys leaders to support the advancement of the university, declaring, USM cannot continue to be held hostage by its past.

She made the remarks to candidates vying for seats in the upcoming St Read more

VROMI Cabinet Policy Advisor Luciano Nicholls inspecting the landslide from the roof of a home in Ebenezer.

PHILIPSBURG--The Cabinet of the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI on Sunday inspected two areas in South Reward and Ebenezer where a road and a retaining wall collapsed following heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Cassava Road in South Reward was one of several roads that were recently paved in the governments hard-surfacing programme, but this road and parts of the area have partially collapsed, according to a press release issued by the VROMI Cabinet on Sunday night.

The press release cited pooling water on the road surface, lack of a retaining wall and proper drainage, and a large amount of rainfall within a short period of time as reasons for the collapse Read more

New Fleet Of 10 Emergency Vehicles Delivered To Ambulance, Fire Dept.

One of the new vehicles.

 

CAY HILL--A new fleet of ten emergency vehicles has been delivered to the St. Maarten Fire and Ambulance Department, marking another milestone in the countrys recovery and disaster preparedness, the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) has announced.

The fleet includes seven specialised command, fire brigade and fire service vehicles and three vehicles for the ambulance service.

The Fire Department has received four Toyota Land Cruisers, two Toyota Hilux and one Toyota Hi-Ace, whilst the ambulance department has received three Toyota Land Cruisers Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Friday, 09 August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 10 August 2024 WEATHER:This afternoon: Partly cloudy and slightly breezy with light haze and brief isolated showers.Tonight through Saturday midday: Cloudy and slightly breezy with scattered showers. Forecast High: 32C / 90F              Forecast Low: 26C / 79F Sunset Today: 6:43 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:54 A.M. SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Saturday midday: East-northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph, and higher gusts possible. SYNOPSIS: Increased moisture and instability associated with a passing tropical wave will account for isolated showers Read more

Grisha Grants Ezair Route Authorisation

PHILIPSBURG--The apparent stand-off between St. Maarten and Curaao over route authorisation for EZAir B.V. seems to have come to an amicable solution.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has granted the Curaao airline, EZAir BV route authorisation to fly to St Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Thursday 8th August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 9th August 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot and humid.Tonight, through Friday midday: Warm and hazy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:43 P.M.                    Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 14 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: The concentration of Saharan dust starts increasing gradually from this evening, reducing both visibility and air quality Read more

Buncamper Praise Plan To Turn Courthouse Into National Heritage Center In Philipsburg

~ Wants more protection for monuments ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports has initiated a significant cultural initiative led by Minister Lyndon Lewis: the establishment of a National Heritage Center in Philipsburg, with the historic Courthouse serving as its centerpiece. This development signifies a major step in preserving and showcasing our rich heritage and history.

The decision to repurpose the Court House as the National Heritage Center has garnered enthusiastic support, particularly from the Deputy Leader of the National Opportunity Wealth Party (NOW), Claudius Buncamper Read more

Lewis Updates On Works At Public Schools As Smooth Start To School Year Expected

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — As we approach the commencement of the 2024-2025 school year, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Lyndon Lewis on Wednesday announced that the opening of the new school year is anticipated to be smooth and efficient. Significant efforts have been made over the summer to prepare the schools for the arrival of students.

This week, the Department of Public Education completed a deep cleaning of all public schools to ensure a safe and healthy environment Read more

Lewis: Congratulations To Keacy Carty On Historic Test Cricket Debut

Minister of Justice, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Honorable Lyndon Lewis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Honorable Minister of Sport Lyndon Lewis on Wednesday extended heartfelt congratulations to Keacy Carty, who has made history as the first cricketer from Sint Maarten to play Test cricket Read more

Nrpb Clarifies Misinformation About Public Tender For Repair Works

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Questions have been recently raised about a foreign company being awarded a contract by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) to repair twelve (12) school gyms, but much of the information circulating regarding the process has been misleading or inaccurate.

The NRPB finds it unfortunate that some have implied a breach of integrity by its staff, as by law the organization and its personnel have strictly adhered to the World Banks rules when awarding contracts, selecting the most suitable bidder for the job Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 6th August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 7th August 2024WEATHER:This afternoon: Hot and humid.Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Hot and humid. Brief showers are possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:44 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 8 to 16 mph.SYNOPSIS: Stable conditions persist and limit showers Read more

A.T. Illidge Road Reopened-Dutch Quarter Moves Closer To Upgraded Sewage System

DUTCH QUARTER, Sint Maarten — One week ahead of schedule, the public is able to drive the complete length of A.T. Illidge Road once again. Following a 4-week long closure, which diverted traffic through Middle Region, the Ministry of VROMI is proud to announce the completion of planned works as part of the larger Dutch Quarter Sewage Project.

The project included cutting and excavation works of road pavement and trenches, demolishing part of the road, demolishing and removing the old pump pit 2, backfilling demolished pump pit 2, installing sewerage pits and sewerage pipes as well as sewerage pressure lines, update electrical, water and fiber utilities, backfill and compact trenches and pits, and installing road pavement and sidewalks.

In the coming weeks a few enhancements will be made including the installation of mirrors and speed bumps Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday 5th August 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 6th August 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Hot, hazy and breezy. Brief showers are likely.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 28C / 82FSunset Today: 6:45 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:53 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeast to easterly with a gentle to moderate breeze of 10 to 18 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: A gradual decrease in the concentration of Saharan dust brings an improvement in air quality and visibility overnight Read more

Ursm Condemns Baseless Allegations Made By Mp Omar Ottley

Philipsburg The Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) firmly denounces the recent unfounded statements made by Member of Parliament Omar Ottley on the floor of Parliament Read more

Les Fruits De Mer Launches Island-Wide Education Project

Les Fruits de Mer Association has announced the Island of Discovery project which funds class visits to Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House, boosting education about local nature, heritage and culture. Story on page .

GRAND CASE--The all-volunteer Les Fruits de Mer Association is thrilled to announce the launch of Island of Discovery, a new project that will boost education about local nature, heritage and culture.

The project will reach thousands of students on both sides of the island in the coming year Read more

Grisha Wants Gebe To Introduce Special Tariff For All Seniors

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, wants GEBE to establish a special discounted electricity tariff for the islands senior citizens aged 60 and above.

Dubbed Tariff 60, the Minister has asked the utility company to review the current system in which some seniors benefit from reduced rates while others do not Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 30th July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 31st July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon and evening: Hot, humid and slightly hazy. Brief showers are likely.
Tonight, through Wednesday midday: Variably cloudy with scattered showers and likely thunderstorms.Forecast High: 33C / 91F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:48 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:51 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 14 mph.SYNOPSIS: Hot and humid conditions persist Read more

 DATE ISSUED: Monday, 29 July 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 30 July 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: This afternoon through Tuesday morning: Partly cloudy with light haze and brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 33C / 91F              Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:48 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:50 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 5 to 14 mph.SYNOPSIS: Patches of moisture moving across the local area may cause brief local showers from time to time Read more

Grisha Holds Talks With Edf On Net Metering

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten (centre) accompanied by Pierre-Yves Gillot, Chef de Service des Iles du Nord (second left) and Otmar Read more

Grisha Holds Talks With Edf On Net Metering

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, recently held exploratory talks with lectricit de France (EDF), the utility company that provides electricity to the northern half of the island.

The discussions centered around net metering, the structure of EDF, current production demand/capacity for the North, interconnection standards, and the impact on feeding solar energy into the grid.

Other topics discussed included net metering rates and compensation structure for excess energy generation, inspection for system compliance, and the permit issuance process, said the minister.

EDF has implemented net metering in territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique Read more

 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

 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