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Soul Beach Music Festival Returns To Its Roots In St. Maarten In 2025

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten The Soul Beach Music Festival is coming back to St. Maarten, where it began in the Caribbean as the Sinbad Soul Music Festival in 1995.

The popular music festival held usually during the US Memorial Day weekend, thereafter became an annual feature of Arubas tourism offerings for almost a quarter of a century.

We are most excited to welcome the Soul Beach Music Festival back to St. Maarten, announced Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.

Those who remember its beginning here as the Sinbad Soul Music Festival will recall the buzz and impact it had in attracting especially African-American tourists to our island 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

Interim Results Of Landfill Fire Probe

Impact map

 KRALENDIJK--After the fire at Bonaires landfill near Lagun on November, the governor as chairman of the island policy team requested assistance from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM. The Environmental Incident Service MOD of RIVM collected soil, plant and sweeping samples in the vicinity of the dump to gain insight into the spread of harmful substances that were released into the environment Read more

Pond Island, Philipsburg The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) has made history with its first-ever participation in the thrilling “Beat the Marines” challenge. The event brought together 15 teams to showcase endurance, teamwork, and resilience. The Honorable Minister of VSA, Mr. Richinel Brug and the Ministrys team proudly represented its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering team spirit and perseverance.

The team, consisting of Minister Brug alongside team captain Sharilyn Bryson, Jamie Mourilion, Cheyenne Gumbs, Shobhan Giterson, Michael Sommersal, and Herbert Martina, successfully tackled the demanding obstacle course Read more

Ser Sint Maarten Pays A Visit To Ser Netherlands And Provides Updates On Pending Advice.

THE HAGUE— On December 6, 2024, a delegation led by Harlec Doran, Chairman of the Social Economic Council (SER) of Sint Maarten, made an introductory visit to the SER in The Hague. The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Kim Putters, Chairman of the SER of the Netherlands. This meeting marked another significant step toward reestablishing the close collaboration between the two advisory bodies, originally initiated in 2012 by Ren A Read more

Seniors To Expect Increased Aov Pension Payment As Of January 1St, 2025

PHILIPSBURGMinister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug signs off on Old Age Pension (AOV) increase. The AOV pension increase is set to go into effect January 1st, 2025. The maximum payout for seniors will be raised from NAf1,338,- to NAf1398,-.

I am happy to announce that management of SZV confirmed that they are currently making the necessary changes to ensure timely payment Read more

Collectivit Signs Tripartite Agreement With State, National Housing Agency

President Louis Mussington and Prfet Vincent Berton sign the housing agency agreement as Director General of Services (DGS) Natacha Ptrine (left) and Vice Presidents Read more

DATE ISSUED: Tuesday 10th December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Wednesday midday (12:00 LST) 11th December 2024WEATHER:This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Fair to partly cloudy and breezy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 31C / 88F                Forecast Low:  26C / 79FSunset Today: 5:37 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:34 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Wednesday midday: Northeast to east with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 18 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: An incoming trough will influence conditions across the area this forecast period Read more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday 4th December 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) 5th December 2024WEATHER:This afternoon and evening: Fair to partly cloudy with isolated showers.Tonight, through Thursday midday: Variably cloudy and breezy with scattered showers.Forecast High: 31C / 88F               Forecast Low:  25C / 77FSunset Today: 5:36 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:30 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon and evening: Easterly with a light to gentle breeze of 6 to 12 mphTonight, through Thursday midday: East-northeast to east-southeast with a light to moderate breeze of 8 to 15 mph and higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Generally stable conditions persist, and moisture levels fluctuate Read more

Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Celebrates Its 20Th Anniversary With A Grand Gala

Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club (SCTMC) proudly Celebrated its 20th anniversary Saturday November 23, 2024, at the Paradise Hall. Among the guests were the keynote speaker, the founding members and First president the Honorable President of Parliament Sarah A, Wescot Williams, past presidents and members of the Club.

Celebrating milestones is one way that Toastmasters reflect on the progress made over the years and as well as consider opportunities for the future.

As our Keynote Speaker, the President of Parliament said that it is an incredible honor to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our beloved Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club! Two decades have passed since we first came together with a visionto cultivate communication, leadership, and personal growth in a supportive community.

Speech by MP Sarah Wescot-Williams on the 20th anniversary of the Soualiga Corporate TM Club.

As the founder of this club, she remembers our initial meetings filled with excitement and a hint of uncertainty Read more

Edson Hato To Leave As Representative Of Vnacs

WILLEMSTAD – Mr. drs. E. (Edson) Hato, MBA, has announced that he will continue his career elsewhere. As of the 1st of December 2024, he will stop as the representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaao and Sint Maarten.

Mr. Hato: I have fulfilled the role of representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaao and Sint Maarten with great passion. An educational and intensive period, in which I have worked for a fruitful cooperation between the four countries in the Kingdom. Although I can agree with the ultimate objective of this cooperation – a good relationship between the countries – I have a different view on the way in which we can achieve that goal Read more

Annual Thanksgiving Service This Sunday

New Testament Baptist Church

 PHILIPSBURG-Some 25 years ago, the first public Thanksgiving Service was held on December 5th, 1999, following the decision of the then Executive Council on December 1st 1999, to mark the passage of the Atlantic hurricane season without significant incident or impact to St. Maarten.

According to a release from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS), In understanding and respecting the multiple religious practices on the island and ensuring that all are present to participate in this moment of Thanksgiving for carrying us through another safe Hurricane season Read more

Lions Club To Host Its Annual Christmas Bingo Spectacular

Lion Wally Havertong calling the bingo balls at last years Lions-held Christmas Bingo.

 PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Lions Club is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Annual Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular. This years event will take place on Saturday, December 14, at the Aleeze Convention Center in Madame Estate. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the bingo games starting promptly at 8:00pm.

Lion Ketty Paines, Fundraising Chairperson for Sint Maarten Lions Club, confirmed that preparations are in their final stages Read more

Community Meetings Give Feedback For Trust FundS School And Library Projects

A scene during the presentation at John Larmonie Center.

PHILIPSBURG--The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) said it has concluded the latest round of community consultations for the Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP).

These events, held in early October, were designed to inform and engage residents about the project, which focuses on reconstructing safe educational and cultural spaces as part of St. Maartens ongoing recovery efforts post-Hurricane Irma. This phase of the FRLP includes rebuilding Sister Marie Laurence and Charles Leopold Bell schools, as well as reconstructing the St Read more

Green Light For Motion To Protect Environment, Zone Mullet Bay, Mullet Pond A National Park

Section of Mullet Pond.

PHILIPSBURG--Parliament late Tuesday evening unanimously approved a motion from National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl York urging government to zone Mullet Bay, designate Mullet Pond as a n Read more

Eggs Harmed When Turtle Nest Dug Up Prematurely

Some of the eggs and hatchlings that were found.

ST. EUSTATIUS--A few days after St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation STENAPA took part in nest excavation on Zeelandia, the organisation got a call from Scubaqua Dive Center Statia about exposed sea turtle eggs. After inspecting the scene, STENAPA determined that a nest had been dug up by a dog (paw prints were present) Read more

St. Maarten 37Ers Youth Baseball Team Shines In Opening Game At Aruba Tournament

Aruba The St. Maarten 37ers U10 baseball team has kicked off their campaign in Aruba with an impressive 7-2 victory over the Aruba Stars on Monday. Competing at the Xander Bogaerts Baseball Field, the young athletes delivered a standout performance in their first game of the annual Baseball in Paradise tournament.

The games winning pitcher, Kris-Anthony Williams, led the charge on the mound. A highlight moment came from Jadiel Williams, who smashed a pivotal three-run home run, sealing the win for the 37ers and setting the tone for the teams strong start.

“Were really proud of how the boys performed in their opening game Read more

Small Property Owners Workshop Focuses On Digital Marketing And Business

In celebration of World Tourism Day 2024, Alicias Inn, LEsperance Hotel and Joshua Rose Guest House honored for their un waving commitment to their propertys growth and commitment to our tourism sector.

Great Bay The St. Maarten Small Properties Association in collaboration with digital marketing and branding expert Ms. Kenty Lichtenberg successfully facilitated a comprehensive workshop aimed at empowering small property owners. The event, held on October 4th at LEsperance Guest House Pavilion, Cay hill focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to build their online presence and leverage digital marketing strategies for business growth Read more

Night time view of Dock Maarten filled with mega yachts. (Edward Penagos photo)

By Robert Luckock

PHILIPSBURG--The construction of Dock Maarten in Great Bay is nothing new. Its evolvement has been progressing steadily in different phases over the years, mostly unseen from the general public. While not fully completed in other areas on shore, the marina itself has now reached its zenith, poised to welcome to its newest slips some of the largest mega-yachts in the world for the 2024/25 season.

As of this writing, the marina is fully booked Read more

Lt. Colonel Hugues Loyez: I Have The Best Job, In The Best Location

Lieutenant Colonel Hugues Loyez. Robert Luckock photo.

MARIGOT--On meeting Lieutenant Colonel Hugues Loyez, the new Commandant of the Gendarmerie of St. Martin and Saint Barthlemey, one is struck by two things: his youthfulness for such an important assignment (hes 36), and his good command of English, better than that of his predecessors.

He officially started in St. Martin on August 1 but benefited from a one-month induction period in July with his predecessor, Colonel Maxime Wintzer-Wehekind, to make the relevant contacts and discover the lay of the land Read more

Marinka Gumbs: Addendum To Ennia Outline Agreement Will Save St. Maarten Nafl. 37 Million

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, will be in Parliament on Monday, October 7, 2024, for the second round of questions posed by the MPs regarding the Addendum she negotiated.to the controversial ENNIA Outline Agreement.

I am optimistic that Members of Parliament will approve the ENNIA outline agreement and its accompanying addendum, as the approval carries significant implications for St Read more

Nv Gebe Hosts St. Maarten Parliament Members For Power Plant Tour

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, NV GEBE hosted several Members of the Parliament of St. Maarten for an insightful presentation and tour of the Power Plant.

The delegation in attendance included: the Hon. Chairlady of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, along with the following Honorable MPs: Melissa D Read more

Usm President Strengthens Ties With Dutch Universities Of Applied Sciences

POND ISLAND — University of St. Martin (USM) President, Dr. Antonio Carmona Bez, visited two leading universities of applied sciences in The Netherlands during the last week of September, furthering USM’s long standing relationships with Dutch higher education institutions Read more

Grisha Meets With Cma-Cgm Over Transshipment Issues

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten After reports that CMA CGM, a leading ocean freight company, decided to re-route its transshipment operations from Pointe Blanche to Guadeloupe, Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten took action.

During her official trip to a yachting conference in Monaco, the St. Maarten government minister met with Jean-Baptiste Lumineau, Director of Finance and Infrastructure, at the companys headquarters in France Read more