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Education Minister Requests Investigation Into Fight Between School Bus Driver, Student

A screen grab of the altercation between the bus driver and student.

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Education, Culture Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs has requested a thorough investigation into an incident involving a school bus driver and a student outside a school bus on Tuesday.

 A video of the incident that was circulating widely on social media on Tuesday captioned bus driver vs student shows the school bus driver holding the student by his top against the school bus and pushing him away from the bus Read more

Lewis: Merchants Using Benches On Front Street As Laundry Line

 ~ Many dilapidated ~

 PHILIPSBURG--Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis is concerned about the state and use of the concrete benches that have been placed along Front Street saying that not only are many of them dilapidated, but merchants are using some of them similar to laundry lines placing mats and other wet objects to dry.

He relayed his concerns during the continuation of the public meeting of Parliament on the draft 2025 budget on Tuesday Read more

Kadaster And Kitlv To Preserve St. MaartenS Heritage Documents

Professors Francio Guadaloupe (left) and Diana Suhardiman (right) with Anelski Jundri Richardson of Kadaster.

PHILIPSBURG--Kadaster St. Maarten and the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies KITLV have entered into a partnership to enhance the conservation and management of the islands historical documents. This collaboration, initiated by Professor Francio Guadeloupe under the Islanders on the Helm project, aims to safeguard vital heritage records for future generations.

The agreement focuses on specialized training for Kadaster staff, encompassing both technical aspects of document preservation and essential soft skills for effective file management Read more

New YearS Message And Conference Update From Csa President Rhoda Arrindell

Dear CSA Members and Friends,

On behalf of the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA), I extend warm wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year. May 2025 bring harmony and inspiration to our lives and communities.

As we prepare for the upcoming CSA annual conference in St. Martin, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates. The Executive Committee, Program Committee, Local Organizing Committee, and many others are working tirelessly to create an unforgettable conference experience.

Our host venue is the Simpson Bay Resort (SBR), which is offering anearly-bird specialon room rates Read more

Govt. Receives Naf. 75.6M Loan From Dutch To Buy New Generators For Gebe

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

  ~ No stringent conditions ~

PHILIPSBURG--The government of St. Maarten has received a 75.6 million Netherlands Antillean guilder loan from the Dutch government to help purchase new generators for utilities company GEBE.

The generators are part of governments long-term plans to further stabilise the energy crisis that faced the country last year Read more

Former Mp Akeem Arrindell Sentenced To 18 Months, Banned From Holding Public Office

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten A former St. Maarten Member of Parliament (MP) has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from serving as a civil servant or standing for elections for six and a half years in a vote-buying case. The ban period is the maximum as set out in the countrys criminal laws.

The Court of First Instance delivered its verdict on Wednesday morning in the case brought by the Prosecutors Office (OM SXM) against former MP A.A. and two co-suspects. The sentences reflect the gravity of the offense and its significant impact on public trust in democracy.

M, a co-suspect, received a 12-month sentence, with four months conditional, and a three-year probation period.

F, another co-suspect, was ordered to complete 180 hours of community service, with 90 hours conditional, along with a three-year probation period.

OM SXM believes the courts ruling sends a stern warning against attempts to undermine democracy in Sint Maarten Read more

Minister Brug Warns Against Unnecessary Unrest In Our Community

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug warns against unnecessary unrest in our community. As flu season is upon us, rumors and misinformation can easily spread panic. However, Minister Brug emphasizes the importance of relying on accurate information backed by data from the ministry of Public Health, specifically from the department of Collective Prevention Services (CPS).

Amidst the current flu season, parts of China are dealing with what is referred to as the HMPV outbreak Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) January 01st, 2025

WEATHER: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Variably cloudy with isolated showers.

Forecast High: 29C / 84F             Forecast Low: 24C / 75F

Sunset Today: 5:48 P.M.                Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:44 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 11 mph.

SYNOPSIS: Drifting patches of low level clouds will account for isolated showers as they traverse the local area Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, December 30th, 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) December 31st, 2024A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11:00 PMMONDAY, DECEMBER 30th, 2024 WEATHER:   This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Variably cloudy with light isolated showers possible.Forecast High: 29C / 84F             Forecast Low: 24C / 75F  Sunset Today: 5:47 P.M Read more

Half-Masting Of Flags On Monday In Tribute To Former Prime Minister Don Martina

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The Government of Sint Maarten expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Dominico Felipe Martina, better known as Don Martina, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, a statesman whose legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and vision left an indelible mark within the former Netherlands Antilles. In honor of his contributions, the national flags at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg will be flying half-mast on the day of his funeral being Monday, December 30, 2024.

The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday 27th December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 28th December 2024WEATHER:This afternoon and evening: Variably cloudy with brief and localized showers.Tonight, through Saturday midday: Fair to partly cloudy. Isolated showers are possible.Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low:  26C / 79FSunset Today: 5:46 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:43 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Saturday midday: Northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 12 mph becoming variable at times.SYNOPSIS: A high-pressure system is the dominant feature today, maintaining a light to gentle breeze while limiting significant precipitation Read more

Voluntary Interruption Of Drinking Water Production In Saint-Martin

An unacceptable hostage of the population and the tourist economy

The SAUR Group strongly condemns the voluntary interruption of drinking water production on the island of Saint-Martin, which occurred on December 23, 2024 This action was carried out by seven SAUR Saint-Martin agents following instructions from UGTG Guadeloupe, resulting in the shutting down of the island’s only water production plant.

The gesture was accompanied by the illegal removal of essential boxes when the installation was restarted, putting the entire population in a situation of health, humanitarian and economic emergency.

Although pedestrian access to the Galisbay site was possible on December 23, the strikers proceeded the next day to complete and reinforced closure of the site, preventing any attempts to restart the water production plant Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) December 25th, 2024  A DUST ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6:00 AM, WEDNESDAY25TH DECEMBER WEATHER: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy and hazy with brief isolated showers possible.
Forecast High:   30C / 86F              Forecast Low:   26C / 79FSunset Today: 5:44 P.M.    Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:41 A.M.                            SURFACE WINDS: 
This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 06 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: 
A relatively stable atmosphere will restrict precipitation during this forecast period Read more

Vromi Booth Addresses Backlog, Draws Public Appreciation

PHILIPSBURG The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) reports a positive outcome from its participation in Philipsburg Becomes Magical on December 21st and 22nd at Cyrus Wathey Square.

Over the two-day event, the VROMI Booth attracted a steady flow of visitors who engaged with ministry representatives on a variety of topics. Attendees received updates on key projects, inquired about permit applications and long lease requests, and took advantage of the opportunity to have their questions addressed directly by VROMI staff.

The Permits Department handled 51 inquiries for status updates, 15 general questions, and the Domain Department (long lease) addressed 30 requests Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday, 23rd December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 24th December 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy, becoming cloudy at times with brief isolated showers.Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 26C / 79FSunset Today: 5:43 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:41 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Easterly with a light to moderate breeze of 6 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: A pre-frontal trough will increase the probability of showers across the region during this forecast period Read more

Brug Gets Update On Hospital Construction

VSA Minister Richinel Brug (third left) with members of his team and representatives of SMMC, including Medical Director Dr. Felix Holiday (second left).

CAY HILL--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA, Richinel Brug met with the management team of the St Read more

Extended Profit Tax Filing For Approved Taxpayers And Holiday Closure Announcement

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The Inspectorate of Taxes hereby announces that taxpayers who were previously granted an extension until Tuesday, December 31, 2024, for the filing and payment (if applicable) of their 2023 Profit Tax Return, are now provided an extended deadline of Friday, January 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Taxpayers who fall under this extension are urged to take note of this updated deadline and ensure timely filing and payment to remain in compliance.

The 2023 Final Profit Tax Return and 2023 Final Profit Tax Form are available on the Tax Administrations website at www.tax.sx under the Documents tab Read more

Inspectorate Vsa Conducts Inspection At Smmc

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On December 18, 2024, The Inspectorate of VSA conducted an inspection at the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) following a complaint received on November 28, 2024, regarding water issues in the sterilization room.

During the inspection water samples were taken from four tap-points in the sterilization room to determine if there was any form of cross-contamination in the water lines. The adjoining room, surrounding areas as well as the sewage water holding tank was inspected.

We were informed that indeed there was an incident with water getting into the sterilization room Read more

Kadaster Honors Marie De Weever, Austin Philips For Decades Of Dedicated Service

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Kadaster and Land Registry Office proudly celebrated the exceptional contributions of two of its longest-serving staff members, Marie de Weever and Austin Philips, whose combined service spans an impressive 80 years. De Weever, with 55 years of service, and Philips, with 25 years, were honored during a heartfelt staff appreciation evening at Simpson Bay Resort.

Recently appointed Kadaster Director, Benjamin Ortega, highlighted the importance of recognizing these milestones, which not only mark personal achievements but also symbolize Kadasters commitment to community and excellence Read more

Minister Plenipotentiary At Opening Exhibition 70 Years Statute

THE NETHERLANDS, THE HAGUE Tuesday, 17 December, the exhibition ‘The Kingdom of the Netherlands: Connected in Diversity” was opened on the premises of the Second Chamber in The Hague by the Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Martin Bosman. St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell and Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao Carlton Emanuel were among the invitees.

The initiative celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Statute for the Kingdom of the Netherlands that still regulates the relationship between the constituent parts of the Kingdom, now consisting of the Netherlands and autonomous countries Curacao, Aruba and St Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday, 20 December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 21 December 2024A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6AM SUNDAYWEATHER:This afternoon through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy and slightly breezy with brief local showers possible.Forecast High: 30C / 86F              Forecast Low: 25C / 77FSunset Today: 5:42 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:39 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Saturday midday: East-southeasterly with a light to moderate breeze of 7 to 16 mph, and possible higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: The relatively drier and more stable atmosphere will restrict precipitation across the region Read more

Mp Roseburg Meets With Justice Minister

From left: Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling and URSM MP Sjamira Roseburg.

PHILIPSBURG--Unified Resilient St Maarten Movement (URSMRead more

ATE ISSUED: Thursday, 19 December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 20 December 2024A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6PM TODAYWEATHER:This afternoon through Friday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers.Forecast High: 30C / 86F              Forecast Low: 25C / 77FSunset Today: 5:41 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:39 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: Easterly with a moderate to fresh breeze of 14 to 20 mph, and higher gusts up to 30 mph.SYNOPSIS: Patches of moisture moving across the local region by brisk winds will account for cloudy periods and isolated showers.Gusty winds, rough seas up to 10 feet, and northeasterly long-period swells may cause beach erosion Read more

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 18th December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 19th December 2024A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICEWEATHER:This afternoon through Thursday midday: Partly cloudy and breezy, becoming cloudy at times with isolated showers.Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77FSunset Today: 5:41 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:38 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Thursday midday: Northeasterly to easterly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 12 to 20 mph and occasional higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: A tightened surface pressure gradient will generate brisk winds across the region Read more