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Postal Services St. Maarten (Pss) Closure For Passage Of Tropical Storm Erika

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten -- Postal Services St.Maarten (PSS) hereby reminds the general public in keeping with the rule  of business closure by the Honorable Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs that closure of operations will only be on Thursday, 27th August, 2015.Management of PSS hopes to resume normally on Friday with operations and working h Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses, Schools And Government Offices Closed On Thursday Due To The Arrival Of Erika

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Wednesday, August 26 with respect to the approach of Tropical Storm Erika.

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address: 

Audio file:

“The country of Sint Maarten is under a Tropical Storm Warning.  Tropical Storm Erika at 11.00AM Wednesday morning was located 335 miles east south-east from Sint Maarten.  Some slow strengthening is possible.

“The current forecast as of Wednesday morning, has Tropical Storm Erika passing just south of Sint Maarten on Thursday. 

“Tropical storm force winds are expected in our area from late tonight through Thursday.

“Erika is to produce rain of 2 to 4 inches with a maximum amount of 8 inches across the islands.  This can lead to flooding and land slippages and mudslides, and therefore residents in hillside areas should exercise caution after heavy rainfall.

“Erika is expected to produce waves up to 13 feet near the center of the storm.  Some coastal flooding and beach erosion is possible on Thursday as the storm passes at its closest to the country.

“Residents living along coastal areas should take measures to protect property.

“All citizens, residents and businesses should make final preparations to protect life and property and have these completed by early this evening.  You recently had the experience of preparing for Danny, those same preparations are also required for Tropical Storm Erika.

“The Government of Sint Maarten Emergency Disaster Management system has taken all necessary measures to safeguard the country.  These measures were taken prior to Tropical Storm Danny and remain in place with respect to the approach of Tropical Storm Erika.

“A request for military assistance has been requested.

“The White & Yellow Cross reports that its two day care facilities will be closed on Thursday.  Reopening on Friday will be determined based on weather conditions.

“Contractors and builders are called upon to secure building sites this afternoon before the end of the day.  Implement your hurricane plans as you did prior to Danny.

“Schools and day care centres are to be closed on THURSDAY, August 27 due to the passing of the tropical storm Read more

Editorial - Not the answer

Today’s meeting of Justice Minister Dennis Richardson with his Dutch counterpart Ard van der Steur and Kingdom Relations Minister Ronald Plasterk could prove pivotal regarding future relations between the Netherlands and St. Maarten. The Gumbs cabinet is of the opinion that The Hague is wrongly trying to take over local law enforcement with the help of Attorney-General in Willemstad Guus Schram and Dutch National Police Chief Gerard Bouman.

An internal memo from the latter following his recent visit was leaked; in it he mentioned great concern over the criminal undermining of society and “extremely alarming” integrity issues Read more

Employee steals US $70,000 cash, $20,000 worth of gold from boss

~ Arrested with four accomplices at PJIA ~

PHILIPSBURG--A Dominican Republic national working as a security officer at the Son Latino Bar, restaurant and nightclub was amongst five persons arrested on Tuesday for stealing more than US $70,000 in cash and over one kilo of gold and jewellery worth some US $20,000, from the home of his boss E. Garcia on Monday.

The five were arrested at Princess Juliana International Airport SXM trying to flee the country. Garcia said the money stolen were funds he had accumulated over the past three weeks from his three businesses: Son Latino Bar, restaurant, and nightclub, Cash for Gold pawn shop and his car wash all located near each other on the A Read more

Danny dies en route to country, schools reopen

PHILIPSBURG--Tropical Storm Danny kept most of the country indoors Sunday night, but failed to deliver on the promise of much-needed rain to soak the drought-dry land Sunday night into Monday morning.

The storm system became a hurricane on Thursday, but then weakened into a tropical depression that is still expected to bring some rain – up to one inch, according to the Meteorological Department – into today, Tuesday. There is still the possibility of flooding.

All businesses were given the go-ahead to reopen on Monday afternoon at owners' discretion and availability of their staff by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, who had ordered Government services and all businesses, including restaurants and casinos, closed as of 10:00pm Sunday Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses can Reopen; Schools and Government Offices Open on Tuesday

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 24, 2015/N143

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday,

August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics.

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address:

Audio file: https://www.sendspace.com/file/bnyv2e

“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure.

“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.

“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:

“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.

“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.

“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious.

“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure.

“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future.

“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday, August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics.
The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address:
“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure.
“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.
“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:
“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.
“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.
“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.
“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious.
“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure.
“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future.
“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses Can Reopen; Schools And Government Offices Open On Tuesday

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), addressed the nation at noon on Monday, August 24 with respect to a situational update in connection with Danny that degenerated into a trough of low pressure on Monday morning after losing its tropical characteristics. 

The Prime Minister stated the following in his national address: 

“Tropical Depression Danny at 11.00AM was downgraded to a trough of low pressure. 

“The country could still experience wind gusts of 30 miles per hour throughout the day and into tonight along with rain showers which could lead to street flooding, residents are asked to be vigilant.

“Having reviewed the latest information, I declare the following:

“All businesses can reopen at the discretion of the business owner based on the availability of their staff.

“Schools as well as daycare centers are to reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

“Government services will resume on Tuesday, August 25 as normal.

“I would like to thank the people of this country for taking this weather event serious. 

“Danny quickly became a major category 3 hurricane late last week, but then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached the Leeward Islands, and is now a trough of low pressure. 

“Seeing how weather systems can be erratic, and based on historical experience of the past, we learn from the past so that we do not repeat the same challenges in the future. 

“Our national preparations allowed us to prepare in a timely manner rather than in a haphazard one Read more

Schools Close For Danny, No Newspapers On Monday

St. Maarten – The approach of Hurricane Danny has the island on high alert. Schools will be closed and the two local newspapers have suspended publication for Monday. Today will provide storm-related updates via its website todaysxm.com as long as internet-connections are functioning.

Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs addressed the nation in a radio speech yesterday around lunchtime, saying that based on Friday morning’s forecast, the storm will pass through the area on Monday.

The government will provide information via the radio, the government’s website and its Facebook page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses to close by 10PM Sunday Evening

including Restaurants and Casinos until further notice

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:----  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature. The Prime Minister gave a national address with respect to the current decisions that have been taken.
“Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Sint Maarten as a precautionary measure Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: All Businesses To Close By 10Pm Sunday Evening Including Restaurants And Casinos Until Further Notice

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), received an update on Sunday from members of the EOC about the current status of Tropical Storm Danny. 

The actions being taken by the Government of Sint Maarten are of a precautionary nature.  The Prime Minister gave a national address with respect to the current decisions that have been taken. 

“Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Sint Maarten as a precautionary measure Read more

State Of Readiness Being Maintained, Prime Minister Addresses Nation

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Marcel Gumbs addressed the island of St. Maarten on Sunday afternoon.

During his address the Prime Minister confirmed that the state of readiness will be maintained while confirming that essential services will be provided, based on the emergency preparedness of the respective public and business entities Read more

EOC Meets Saturday to Review National Preparations for Hurricane Danny

News Release

Department of Communication (DCOMM), Philipsburg, Sint Maarten W.I. Tel. +1 721 543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots Read more

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- A meeting of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was convened on Saturday at the Fire & Ambulance Building in Cay Hill where the various Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) gave briefings with respect to preparations for Hurricane Danny.

The meeting was opened by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and the National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson.

The Meteorological Department of St Read more

Schools closed Monday due to Danny’s passing

PHILIPSBURG--Schools on the Dutch side have been ordered closed by Government on Monday "as a precaution" due to the passing of Hurricane Danny close to the country Sunday night into Monday.

Both Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Education Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs issued statements on Friday advising the community about the school closure.

Business closure will be decided on over the weekend, if this becomes necessary Read more

D66 wants clarity on dispatch of Dutch police to St. Maarten

THE HAGUE--Members of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament of Democratic Party D66 Wassila Hachchi and Magda Berndsen-Jansen want clarity on the reports that 55 Dutch police officers and detectives will be sent to St. Maarten early next year to tackle crime and corruption.

Hachchi and Berndsen-Jansen sent a set of written questions to Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk and his colleague of Security and Justice Ard van der Steur earlier this week following reports in the Dutch media that Dutch National Police Chief Gerard Bouman did not want to work together with the St Read more

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 21, 2015/N140

Prime Minister Gumbs: Schools Closed on Monday as Danny Approaches. Nation continues to prepare for the passing of Danny

PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

Here is the audio file of the national address by the Prime Minister: https://www.sendspace.com/file/g33f1r

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.

“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.

PRESS RELEASE

“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure. 

“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary.  We have to review the latest weather reports that come in over the weekend to determine further actions.

“The various trenches and drains have been cleared to allow the free flow of storm water that could be expected.  The pumps are operational and on standby.

“In connection with low lying areas around the ponds, the overflow system of the Fresh and Little Bay Pond will be prepared for a fast-run off of excess water.

“A request for military assistance by the local marines has been requested by the Ministry of General Affairs.

“The listing of hurricane shelters are: New Testament Baptist Church (A.C Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:----  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.
“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.
“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.
“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure.
“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:---- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, on Friday afternoon met with the Prefete of St. Martin and St. Barths Anne Laubies and Vice President Guillaume Arnell regarding preparations for Hurricane Danny.
The Prefet and the Prime Minister briefed each other on the preparations that have been taken so far in preparation for Hurricane Danny.
A number of points were agreed upon with respect to the coordination and synchronization of certain activities in times of pre- and post-natural disaster events.
After each Emergency Operations Center or Disaster Committee meeting, the government representatives will exchange decisions that have come out of those meetings.
The closure of businesses was also another point to be coordinated between both sides of the island; closure of airports will also be coordinated; and both sides will also exchange communications that are disseminated to the public with respect to information and actions that need to be taken.
“The meeting with the Prefet was very informative Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs Meets With St. Martin Prefete Laubies Regarding Preparations For Hurricane Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, on Friday afternoon met with the Prefete of St. Martin and St. Barths Anne Laubies and Vice President Guillaume Arnell regarding preparations for Hurricane Danny.

The Prefet and the Prime Minister briefed each other on the preparations that have been taken so far in preparation for Hurricane Danny.

A number of points were agreed upon with respect to the coordination and synchronization of certain activities in times of pre- and post-natural disaster events.

After each Emergency Operations Center or Disaster Committee meeting, the government representatives will exchange decisions that have come out of those meetings.

The closure of businesses was also another point to be coordinated between both sides of the island; closure of airports will also be coordinated; and both sides will also exchange communications that are disseminated to the public with respect to information and actions that need to be taken.

“The meeting with the Prefet was very informative.  As one island there should be some coordination at the disaster management level and this was what this meeting was about,” Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said on Friday.

In Photo: Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs (left), Paul Martens, Office of Disaster Management, and Prefete Anne Laubies (right), Chef Cabinet Emmanuel Effantin and Vice President Guillaume Arnell Read more

Prime Minister Gumbs: Military Assistance Requested As Danny Approaches. Nation Continues To Prepare For The Passing Of Danny

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was informed on Friday morning in a mini EOC meeting about national preparations by the National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and other key Emergency Support Functions about the current state of affairs, and what the country can expect with respect to the approaching weather system which is currently Hurricane Danny.

Here is the audio file of the national address by the Prime Minister: https://www.sendspace.com/file/g33f1r

The Prime Minister addressed the nation via radio at lunchtime on Friday: “The current forecast as of Friday morning, has Hurricane Danny passing through our area on Monday.

“You will be continuously informed over the weekend via radio, the Governments Website and Governments Facebook Page as the situation develops.

“Heavy rains can be expected with the passing of this weather system which can lead to street flooding and land slippages/mudslides.

“Schools are to be closed on Monday, August 24 as a precautionary measure. 

“Business closure will be decided upon over the weekend if this is necessary.  We have to review the latest weather reports that come in over the weekend to determine further actions.

“The various trenches and drains have been cleared to allow the free flow of storm water that could be expected.  The pumps are operational and on standby.

“In connection with low lying areas around the ponds, the overflow system of the Fresh and Little Bay Pond will be prepared for a fast-run off of excess water.

“A request for military assistance by the local marines has been requested by the Ministry of General Affairs.

“The listing of hurricane shelters are: New Testament Baptist Church (A.C Read more

Crime meeting postponed due to Hurricane Danny

PHILIPSBURG--Finalising plans to tackle the country’s spiralling crime rate will have to wait, at least until after the passing of Hurricane Danny.

Parliament was scheduled to continue an in-camera Central Committee meeting with the Council of Ministers today, Friday, in Parliament House at 10:00am. However, that session has been postponed, according to a Parliament press release, based on a call from Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs Read more

Aviation Training Academy ‘brilliant idea’ say journalists

AIRPORT--A proposed Aviation Training Academy by Princess Juliana International Airport SXM is a "brilliant idea," said Adam Twidell, a former Air Force pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom (UK), and one of the eleven journalists to participate in the media tour organised by the airport.

Twidell, speaking at the final session of the packed media tour last Friday, said not only would the academy cater to those who wish to pursue aviation studies, but could also result in their families coming to St Read more