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Minister Of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis Union Meeting

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Justice, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, convened a meeting with members of the Nationaal Algemeen Politiebond (NABP) and the Algemene Bond van Overheid & Overige Personeel Opgericht (ABVO) this Monday. The meeting, requested by the unions, served as an introductory platform for their boards and members to familiarize themselves with the Minister’s cabinet and receive an update on several pressing matters including the pending National Decrees for justice personnel. During the discussions, Minister Lewis, who has an extensive background in law enforcement and in handling HR legal issues related to the same, clarified the specifics of the phases Read more

Grisha Commends Organizers Of Pazzazz Sxm Experience

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, expressed heartfelt appreciation to both organizers and attendees of the recent Pazzazz SXM Experience. This dazzling event, held over the weekend, highlighted the island’s rich cultural tapestry and warm hospitality, creating unforgettable memories for all participants. During a signature moment of the festivities, Heyliger-Marten told the jubilant crowd, “Our island is a captivating blend of cultures, offering a unique fusion of European elegance and Caribbean vibrancy Read more

I Will Not Pay Lip Service To Agriculture, Says Grisha

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten We have treated agriculture like a bastard child, said Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications. In her inaugural address last Friday, the minister said, The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vulnerable we are when we depend almost exclusively on imported food to feed ourselves. I am announcing now that agriculture will receive the attention it deserves Read more

Cabinet Mercelina Prioritizes Inclusiveness And Communication With Public Servants

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Friday morning, May 10, 2024, the Council of Ministers (CoM) met with the newly proposed Employee Engagement Council (EEC), composed of 17 members from various departments and executing bodies within government. This initiative follows an independent employee satisfaction survey and recent exit interviews. The EEC analysed the survey results, which highlighted concerns over primary labor conditions, and has formulated 21 recommendations aimed at four specific target groups: colleagues, middle management, secretary generals, and political leaders, along with six general recommendations. Key priorities identified include enhancing open communication, implementing the full human resource cycle throughout the government, and increasing transparency through the publication of annual plans and quarterly progress reports, which are supported by monthly updates from middle management Read more

Grisha To Have Quick Scan Of Teatt, Says Economy Far From Its Best Shape

GREAT BAY Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has signaled that she will have a quick scan done to give a more realistic picture of what our current (economic) situation actually is.

In her inaugural address Friday, May 3, 2024, the new TEATT minister, the 12th since 2010, said, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that our economy is far from its best shape.

True, we have faced some unprecedented challenges in the last decade, including the incredible devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the global shutdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 Read more

Say One, Say Two, Say The Thing

Dear Editor,

The editorial in the Daily Herald newspaper of Friday, May 10th, 2024 titled Bad apples regarding what the editor considers a major decision of the new Minister of Justice, Lyndon Lewis (NOW) whereas he announced his decisive action to correct justice workers suspensions. In so doing the new Minister of Justice intends to alleviate staff shortages and ensure fair labor practices Read more

Minister Of Justice, Addresses Urgent Situation At New Start For Children Foster Home

SAUNDERS, Sint Maarten — In response to recent developments regarding the structural integrity concerns at New Start for Children Foster Home in Mary’s Fancy, the Minister of Justice, Lyndon C.J. Lewis, in collaboration with the Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten (SJIS), is taking swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of the foster children residing there.

The recent article published in The Daily Herald Newspaper on Monday, May 6, 2024, brought to light the critical situation faced by 19 foster children who may soon need to relocate due to cracks in the building walls and foundation of the foster home Read more

To All The Mothers Of St. Maarten, We Thank God For You.

Thank God for that one Sunday in May where we get the opportunity to pour extra love and adoration upon you. We are given the opportunity to remind you that you’ve been the architect of our dreams and the backbone of our families. You’ve laughed with us in joy, and wiped away our tears in sorrow, you’ve been the comforting embrace we seek.

The Caribbean mother has always been a figure of immense power and beauty and a fierce protector. You have shown us that wisdom doesn’t always come from books, but often from the lived experience Read more

Lengthy Sentences For Perpetrators Of Old Street Area Jewelry Store Robbery

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Court of First Instance has handed down lengthy sentences to two serial perpetrators of an armed robbery that took place in the area of Old Street on December 2, 2023.

In its verdict of Friday, April 26, the Court meted out a 10-year sentence to perpetrator A.H. and a nine-year sentence to his co-perpetrator R.W. The sentences handed down by the Court reflected the demands made by the prosecutor when the case was handled in Court.

The masked two men committed the armed robbery on the jewelry store in Philipsburg in the early afternoon of December 2, 2023 Read more

Szv Now Covers Diabetic Foot Care Services

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten Social & Health Insurances SZV is excited to announce a new addition to our medical insurance coverage: services from The Diabetic Foot Care Sint Maarten Foundation (D-FOOT). This new benefit is a big step forward in ensuring our diabetic community has access to the necessary healthcare to improve their quality of life.

“SZV is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services to our community. The addition of D-FOOT services to our coverage is a significant step in ensuring our diabetic population receives the specialized care they need Read more

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

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

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

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

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

Governor Baly Appoints Formateur Mercelina

HARBOUR VIEW, Sint Maarten Considering the results of the January 11, 2024 elections, the information received following the informateur consultations, His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly, LL.M. has requested the leader of the URSM, Mr. Luc Mercelina, to take into consideration an assignment as Formateur Read more

Serious Scooter Accident On Oyster Pond Road

In the early hours of Saturday, February 03, 2024, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Central Police Dispatch received several calls reporting a serious accident on Oyster Pond Road. The incident involved a black Yamaha Mio scooter, without a license plate, and a white Nissan Almera.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the Yamaha Mio rider was descending Oyster Pond Road from the direction of Border Bar going towards the French Border. Simultaneously, the driver of the Nissan Almera, with license plate M 13587, was ascending Oyster Pond Road from French Border heading towards Border Bar.

Tragically, just before reaching the aforementioned Bar, the rider of Yamaha Mio rider lost control of the scooter, resulting in a head-on collision with the Nissan Almera Read more

Informateurs Complete Assignment And Submit The Final Report To The Governor.

Harbour View His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, mr. Ajamu G. Baly, received the final report of the current information process from informateurs Dr. Nilda Arduin and Drs. Candia Joseph RO EMIA. The informateurs presented the Governor with their final report entitled Beyond the coalition handshake which for the purpose of transparency will be published in its entirety.

In their report, the informateurs have made an in-depth analysis of the positions of the six parties that have obtained one or more seats in the parliamentary elections of January 11, 2024 Read more