SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Sunday, December 17th, the Simpsonbay basketball court shined brightly once again, thanks to the swift action taken by the Community Development and Humanitarian Family Affairs and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Omar Ottley. Recognizing the longstanding issue of inadequate lighting at the ball court, Minister Ottley swiftly responded to the concerns voiced by the organizations within the Simpsonbay community.

Since the devastating hurricane Irma in 2017, the Simpsonbay basketball court has been without proper lighting, creating significant challenges for the players and limiting the court's usability during evening hours Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heartwarming display of community commitment, Lacroes Francisco, candidate #23 from the United People's Party, has integrated his election campaign with a festive spirit of giving. Through the Home (Helping Others Means Everything) Foundation, Lacroes orchestrated a generous donation of Christmas lunch to the pupils and staff of the Prince William Alexander School (PWAS).

Lacroes emphasized that the election season should not overshadow the holiday season, recognizing the importance of addressing immediate needs within the community Read more

Mp Arrindell Urges Swift ActionOn Escalating Armed Robberies

PHILIPSBURG — In a recent correspondence to the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna Richardson, Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell has voiced his concerns regarding the alarming rise in armed robberies plaguing Sint Maarten Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Dcna Steps Into A New Era Of Governance With Two-Tier Board System Implementation

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) proudly announces a significant milestone in its organizational developmentthe implementation of a two-tier board system.

On December 4th 2023 the DCNA board, represented by its chairperson Hellen van der Wal and secretary Kai Wulf, signed the new Articles of Incorporation at the notary on St Maarten Read more

Mp Arrindell Urges Swift Action On Escalating Armed Robberies.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a recent correspondence to the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna Richardson, Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell has voiced his concerns regarding the alarming rise in armed robberies plaguing Sint Maarten Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (Dcna) Steps Into A New Era Of Governance With Two-Tier Board System Implementation.

BONAIRE:--- The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) proudly announces a significant milestone in its organizational developmentthe implementation of a two-tier board system. On December 4th, 2023 the DCNA board, represented by its chairperson Hellen van der Wal and secretary Kai Wulf, signed the new Articles of Incorporation at the notary on St Maarten Read more

Cbcs Leaves Pledging Rate Unchanged.

~In line with market expectations on the development of the US target policy rate~

Willemstad/Philipsburg The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to pause its monetary policy tightening by leaving the pledging rate1 unchanged. This decision is predicated on the expectation that the Fed will leave its target policy rate unchanged as U.S.
inflation continues to decline. Furthermore, the development in the monetary unions gross official reserves and import coverage are broadly in line with expectations Read more

~ Says theres no legal impediment for citizens ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Rolando Brison on Monday raised a pressing concern regarding the withdrawal of services from St. Maarten by digital bank Revolut, apparently as a consequence of actions taken by local banks. MP Brison directed his question to the Minister of Finance, seeking intervention and clarity on the matter and expressing his apprehensions about the actions of local banks and the potential hindrance to local economic diversification.

It vexed the MP that the same banks, that offer no innovation of fintech services, are now obstructing opportunities for locals and stifling economic growth Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The recently held information session by the organizers of the National Career Fair on Working in the Caribbean was well attended.

Recently, representatives from various companies gathered at the Government Administration Building to receive details from Geert Nab, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Memory Group, and Mylene Van Puffelen, the Chief Operations Officer (COO), on the registration process and the creation of the Match & Meet profile designed for connecting profiles with potential employers Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Climb Wins Bid For Educational Programme, Exams For Inmates

The results of the tender process were unveiled by Minister of Justice Anna Richardson (second from left) in a meeting attended by Acting Director of the prison and house of detention Henrietta Doran (second from right), alongside Yadira Boston and Delroy Pierre representing CLIMB.

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Creative Leadershi Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Usp President Cecil Nicholas Officially Announces His Candidacy

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The USP established in 2014 has been a contender in every election since it was established, winning 2 seats in every election held since, with 3 seats being the highest awarded to the party in the 2016 election campaign.

Nicholas a founder and first president of the US Party first ran in 2016 at the bottom of the list as candidate number 19. In this upcoming election, he is running as the number 2 candidate behind his new leader Mrs Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Government officials, stakeholders and invited guests at the inauguration of St. Maarten Tourism Bureaus new offices.

PHILIPSBURG--Government officials, tourism stakeholders, locals and visitors gathered on Frontstreet Friday evening to witness the inauguration of St. Maarten Tourism Bureaus (STBs) new offices in the St. Joseph Building.

The event also served as the platform for the unveiling of the destination's eagerly awaited logo a vibrant emblem that signifies a renewed commitment to promoting the island's unique charm, it was stated in a STB press release issued Sunday evening.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Arthur Lambriex, alongside Tourism Director May-Ling Chun and the building owners, Luis Gioia and Angel Gioia, unveiled the new office and logo, marking a pivotal milestone for STB.

Lambriex praised the opening of the new state-of-the-art tourism office as a major milestone for the St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:---  On the memorable evening of Friday, December 1st, government officials, tourism stakeholders, locals, and visitors gathered on Front Street to witness the grand inauguration of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) new offices located in the St. Joseph Building. The event, brimming with festivity and significance, also served as the platform for the unveiling of the destination's eagerly awaited logo a vibrant emblem that signifies a renewed commitment to promoting the island's unique charm.

The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Arthur Labriex, alongside Tourism Director May-Ling Chun and the building owners, Luis Gioia and Angel Gioia, unveiled the new office and logo, marking a pivotal milestone for STB Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Pfp: Upholding Electoral Integrity And Fair Play In Sint Maarten Elections Is Critical

PHILIPSBURG – The Party for Progress (PFP) raised serious concerns about the continued disregard for the election and campaign guidelines issued by the Minister of Justice on Sint Maarten. This issue not only questions the integrity of the electoral process but also poses safety risks.

People have reached out to us, including candidates on other parties, regarding the placement of billboards and flags too close to or even in the roundabouts, PFP Deputy Leader Marvio Cooks states Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Marvio Cooks Calls Out Shameless Campaigning

Marvio Cooks

PHILIPSBURG--Party for Progress (PFP) candidate and deputy leader Marvio Cooks brings attention to the shameless campaigning being done using student athletes.

Witness Says Frans Got Large Commission For Btp Building But Also Other Former Politicians

The Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) building in Cannegieter Street.

~ Including $200k in political contributions to Ohndhae ~

PHILIPSBURG--Two witnesses testified under oath in open court on Wednesday as part of former Member of Parliament (MP) Frans Richardsons appeal of his 2021 conviction for bribery and abuse of position in the so-called Aquamarine II investigation Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Wicsu-Psu Engages In Productive Meeting With Coast Guard Management On Function Book.

Willemstad, Curacao:---  Windward Islands Public Service Union (WICSU-PSU) recently convened meetings on November 27 and 28, 2023, in Curacao with the Coast Guard transition team and Human Resource Manager, Mr. Berenos, along with his team. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the function book of the Coast Guard, addressing long-standing concerns raised by union members.

In attendance were representatives from various unions, including SEPPA Aruba, STRAF, ACOM, ABVO, and SAP Read more

~Presents Five-Point Platform dubbed #BlairCares~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The youngest candidate on the United Peoples Party UPP list Kimberly A. Blair (25), a distinguished graduate of Mercy University in Criminal Justice with a Forensics concentration, steps into St. Maarten's political arena with a committed vision and a comprehensive platform aimed at addressing critical issues in justice and education.
Having returned to St Read more

 PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sport drs. Rodolphe Samuel in collaboration with the St. Maarten Christian Council, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Church will host the 24th annual service with the theme Come together and magnify the Lord with Thanksgiving on the grounds of the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023.

In acknowledgment of St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

58 Women From Across The Caribbean Region Graduate Cohort 2 Of The Ebb Programme For Women Entrepreneurs Republic Bank And Bdp Associates Champion Her Success

Port of Spain, Trinidad:--- Fifty-eight successful participants of Cohort 2 of the Entrepreneurs Business Builder (EBB) programme graduated in a moving virtual ceremony hosted by Republic Bank in collaboration with EBB partner BDP Associates
Under the theme, Championing HER Success" the event celebrated and encouraged the graduating women entrepreneurs to continue in the pursuit of their goals, by championing their own success.

The programme, which was launched earlier this year on International Womens Day, saw more than 500 women entrepreneurs submitting their applications for selection Read more

Youth Activist From Sint Maarten Travels To Un Climate Conference Thanks To Local Support From Nagico, Grant Thornton.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Riddhi Samtani, a youth activist and Sint Maartener will be representing the island at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023. Part of the 35-strong Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) founded earlier this year by Island Innovation and the Open Society Foundations (OSF), Samtani was one of 10 cohort members selected to take part at COP28. While in Dubai the group will participate in panel discussions, meet international delegates, and interact with other young climate leaders, providing them with additional skills and experience they can leverage to further their own work in the Caribbean.

Keen to support local activists representing their communities on the international stage, is NAGICO Insurances, a leading insurer in the Caribbean that paid almost 1 Billion USD to the Caribbean community after Hurricanes Irma and Maria and contributed significantly to an improved and more resilient region Read more

Sarah: The Outcome Of The Dutch Election Not Necessarily All Doom And Gloom.

Over the weekend, the DP leader shared her thoughts on the results of the election in the Netherlands.

The results of the November 22nd Dutch election are in and many words have been used to describe the unexpected outcome. Political pundits are hard at work, analyzing the political shifts that seemed to have occurred in the last weeks leading up to the election, the MP stated.

In the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom and in many European countries, the election outcome, which has put Wilders and his PVV on the center stage, has generated much anxiety.

WILDERS and the PVV are not exactly friends of any of us, MP Wescot opined.

For years, Wilders has been a hard right-wing politician, who now finds himself in a position to do what he has constantly accused his opponents of not doing and he has been propelled into a position to uphold his views and execute his agenda Read more

National Alliance Failed Education; 21.2% College Rate Is Poor

Dear Editor,

I write this letter with deep concerns about the state of our country’s education sector, particularly in light of recent revelations about the low percentage of adults who have completed tertiary education. The statistics from the 2022 population census, presented by the Department of Statistics STAT, are alarming. Only 21.2% of adults in St. Maarten have completed tertiary education, while 54% have finished secondary school. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, especially considering its substantial allocation in the national budget.

It is disheartening to note that our tax dollars, which contribute significantly to the education budget, are not yielding a satisfactory return on investment Read more

~ Statements made against Ottley were made to harm Ottley. Ordered to rectify or face penalty ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- A packed courtroom with relatives and supporters of Minister of VSA Omar Ottley witnessed as the judge ruled against Olivier Arrindell on Friday morning.
Arrindell was ordered to make specific rectifications within 24 hours of the verdict being served to him or face a penalty of USD Read more

---

Candidates in this article: