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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

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Collectivit Formally Opens Its School Of Public Management

Collectivit President Louis Mussington talks at the opening of School of Public Management in Grand Case Beach Club on Tuesday.

MARIGOT--The first Public Management School for St. Martin (Ecole du Management Public (EMP)) officially opened in Grand Case Beach Club on Tuesday with an introduction to the first twenty candidates and an overview of the courses starting on the same day.

The opening ceremony was attended by Collectivit President Louis Mussington, Dput (MP) of St Read more

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Get Up And Stand Up With R4cr!

St Peters The 1973 Hit Song Slogan by the great Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, today plays one of the roles towards motivating many community oriented activist. The phrase GET UP, STAND UP, stimulates our minds and souls to ACT ! Act on behalf of nature, cultural preservation, injustice, prejudice, workers rights, quality education, protecting our children, the right for peace and justice, oppertunity and over all love for humanity.

None of the above, is worth giving up the fight, and because some choose not to give up the fight, it brought an abundance of possibilities to those that deserved it.

Resources for Community Resilience (R4CR) has done just that 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

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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

Tourism Office Promotes Destination In Colombia

St. Martin Tourism Offices promotion managers Emile Louisy (right) and Christopher Rodriguez (left) with Colombian travel agents.

MARIGOT--St. Martin Tourism Office carried out major promotional campaigns in South Americas second largest country from February 28 to March 8.

The tourism office notes Colombias dynamic economy and demographic dynamism makes it a prime target for destination St. Martin. With a population of 51 million, Colombia is a market waiting to be conquered with opportunities offered by Copa Airlines since the resumption of SXM-Panama rotations.

To continue to position itself in the Colombian market the tourism office took part in the Vitrina Turistica Tradeshow, the countrys most important tourism fair, organised every year by the Colombian Association of travel agencies ANATO in Bogot Read more

Jacobs Advocates For Domestic Violence Prevention At Un Forum

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs (left) at the forum.

PHILIPSBURG--Caretaker Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs advocated for domestic violence prevention at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters earlier this week.

Jacobs led the delegation to the forum, which included Chef de Cabinet Jessica Weeks, Department Head of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) Chantale George-Groeneveldt and Women's Desk Policy Worker at Staff Bureau Tatia Brunnings.

Jacobs spoke on behalf of the Kingdom during the High-Level Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls Read more

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Huhcf Adult Literacy Graduation 2024

In a heartwarming ceremony filled with pride, determination, and celebration, the Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation marked the successful completion of its Adult Literacy Program for the second time. On March 7th, 2024, amidst cheers and applause, 19 students donned blue graduation gowns and silver stoles, symbolizing their achievement and dedication to self-improvement. The event, held at the John Larmonie Center in Philipsburg, was a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment of both students and educators.

The journey of these remarkable individuals began in June 2022, when they embarked on a path to literacy and empowerment Read more

We Live In A World That Is Becoming More And More Anti-Social

The world we live in is becoming more and more Anti-Social as time passes and it will continue to increase. What is the cause of this you might ask and my simple answer is the fast advancement of technology.

I wish I knew about the presentation of Ms. Julia Davich (forgive me if the spelling is wrong) that she gave at the University of St. Maarten. I heard part of her presentation this week on the radio and I think one of the things she mentioned was the matter of paying online and what this does to the physical interaction of people with each other Read more

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Sundial School Staff Enjoy 7Th Annual Retreat At Royal Palm

Sundial School staff went on their 7th annual retreat with their School Coach on Friday, March 1, 2024.

The Retreat started after the passing of Hurricane Irma to facilitate teachers and staff of Sundial School strengthening interpersonal connections. The yearly activity is highly anticipated and facilitated by the School Coach who plans and organizes this annual event.

The Retreat this year remained on island. Staff were hosted by the Royal Palm Beach Hotel in Simpson Bay in the Porte Cochere Room Read more

Chris Believes Report Recommending Return Of Unused Per Diem Biased

MP Christophe Emmanuel

PHILIPSBURG--Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) Christophe Emmanuel says the General Audit Chamber report which recommended that ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) return unused per diem (daily allowance) is biased.

Dont just paint the Parliament and the ministers as the bad crop when everything we do concerning government monies is regulated, said Emmanuel.

He made the remarks during an interview with Lady Grace on PJD2 radio on Thursday Read more

DATE ISSUED: Monday 26th February 2024 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) 

VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 27th February 2024

PLUME OF SAHARAN DUST PERSISTS

WEATHER:

This afternoon and evening: Hazy with isolated showers.

Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Partly cloudy and hazy. Isolated showers are likely.

Forecast High: 30C / 86F               Forecast Low: 25C / 77F

Sunset Today: 6:18 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:33 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: 

Today through Tuesday midday: East to northeasterly with a light to gentle breeze of 4 to 10 mph; becoming lighter and variable at times.

SYNOPSIS: 

A plume of Saharan dust is affecting the region Read more

Dr. Richardson Presents Caretaker Pm Jacobs With Legal Reference Book

Dr. Linda Richardson (left) presenting her lifes work to caretaker Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs.

PHILIPSBURG--On Monday, Dr. Linda Richardson unveiled her latest literary contribution, Trilingual Terminology in Criminal Proceedings, to caretaker Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs Read more

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Windward Islands Teachers Union (Witu) Launches Comprehensive Policy Handbook For Members

Philipsburg – The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) proudly announces the release of its groundbreaking Policy Handbook, aimed at fortifying and streamlining operations for its esteemed members. This comprehensive handbook addresses vital areas including Communication Procedures, Membership Dues Payment Policy and Procedure, Membership Withdrawal Policy and Procedure, Legal Support, Reporting a Complaint, Frequency of General Meetings, and Board Meetings.

Under the leadership of President Stuart Johnson, the WITU remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of educators in St Read more

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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

Motoworld Introduces Gac Motor With Exclusive Launch Event

The Motorworld showroom welcomed hundreds of guests on Friday 26th January for the unveiling of GAC Motor, the newest automotive brand to be added under the companys umbrella. During this event, guests were introduced to the rich history of GAC Motor and were given the opportunity to explore the different models while enjoying demonstrations of the special features and options on offer.

Invited guests marveled at the innovative vehicles on display, with employees on hand who readily explained all of the features Read more

Telem Ceo Advises Staff To Read The Full Audit Report That Was Leaked.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Chief Executive Officer of TELEM Group of Companies Kendall Dupersoy penned a letter to his staff on Wednesday requesting that they read the full audit report that was leaked to all social media platforms.

Below is the memo sent to the staff of TELEM.

Click here to read the Audit Report done by SOAB.

Dear Team,

I hope this message finds you well Read more

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HARBOR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:---Distinguished guests, good evening.
It is really great to see all of you here. On behalf of my wife Janique and I, welcome and thank you for joining us this evening. It is our pleasure to welcome everyone to our beautiful venue tonight here at the new location of my Cabinet at Falcon Drive #2.
A very Happy and Healthy New Year to one and all. May this be a year of dedication, devotion and discipline towards the prosperity of our beloved nation.
A new year brings with it a renewed and refreshed spirit of hope and reassurance of the will and ability to take on and seize the challenges and opportunities that lie on the horizon Read more

Prioritize The Sport Industry

~ a boost to our touristic economy ~

As sporting enthusiasts, we all have our particular sport that we are passionate about. One sport may attract more interest than the others, but sports in itself is globally healthy for the mind and body, as well as enjoyable pastime to all people that follow it.

How does drag racing impacts your country?

Drag racing can have various impacts on a country, both positive and negative, depending on factors such as regulation, infrastructure, and public perception Read more

National Recovery Program Bureau Completes Fifth Year Of Clean Financial Audits

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) reports the completion of its fifth consecutive year of clean financial audits of the projects it manages under the St. Maarten Trust Fund, which reflects the ongoing commitment to transparent and accountable management practices. This consistency in financial integrity has played a crucial role in supporting the island’s ongoing recovery and development efforts. The Trust Fund was established in 2018 and is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

Currently, the NRPB is managing eleven projects centered on recovery, resilience and sustainability collectively valued at over US $400 million Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) reports the completion of its fifth consecutive year of clean financial audits of the projects it manages under the St. Maarten Trust Fund, which reflects the ongoing commitment to transparent and accountable management practices. This consistency in financial integrity has played a crucial role in supporting the island's ongoing recovery and development efforts. The Trust Fund was established in 2018 and is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

Currently, the NRPB is managing eleven projects centered on recovery, resilience and sustainability collectively valued at over US $400 million Read more

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Teachers From Psve And Academy Questioned Stuart Johnson, President Of Witu, On His Support For Witu Members.

Cay HILL:--- On Thursday, December 7th, 2023, teachers of the FAVE school board requested a meeting with the WITU to discuss a few pressing issues. Among the issues were the COLA, the matter of the policy, as it pertains to legal support for which a 10% is now required as payment to the WITU, provided that the client supported by WITU has won the court case, and an unresolved matter concerning a few members that has been dragging on for almost a year now.
During the meeting, Mr. Mcwilkin, a former member of the WITU board, raised the question of the 10% remuneration fee associated with legal representation which the WITU has added Read more

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Candidate Mp For Ursm Creates The Appearance Of A Political Conflict Of Interest.

CAY HILL:--- Lawyer Sjamira Roseburg, candidate for parliament for the URSM has created the appearance of a conflict of interest in a dispute against NIPA (National Institute for Professional
Advancement).
On October 12, a NIPA teacher, D. E. sought the services of lawyer Roseburg, because of a labour dispute with the NIPA school board whose chairperson is Peggy Ann Dros-Richardson, Head of the Labour Office Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- In the later part of 1989, Mr. Rudy Irion paid a visit to the home of Dr. Lloyd Richardson, to present a concept for a substance abuse rehabilitation program, which Mr. Irion had been challenged to create. The goal was to request that Dr. Richardson put together a board of directors and lead the charge of the rehabilitation program Read more

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