SXMElections.com

Exclusive: Divide And Conquer, The Modus Operandi Of The Dutch Government.

~ New coalition soon to be formed, Sources ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Dutch Government has once again managed to blackmail the Government and people of St. Maarten when they decided on Friday to freeze the financial support that was promised to the country during the coronavirus pandemic. Basically, with this move, the Dutch Government through the Kingdom Council of Ministers managed to split the governing coalition in the parliament of St. Maarten since the United Peoples Party members are the ones behind the petition sent to the United Nations Read more

Emmanuel: Prime Minister Must Explain Her Position On Petition

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs must explain her position on the petition submitted to the United Nations and added that the Chairperson of Parliament Rolando Brison as well as the initiator of the petition Grisha Marten-Heyliger, is busy undermining their own initiative.

MP Emmanuel reminded all Parliamentary factions that he had forewarned that they were playing a dangerous game with the Dutch government Read more

Emmanuel: Prime Minister Must Explain Her Position On Petition.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs must explain her position on the petition submitted to the United Nations and added that the Chairperson of Parliament Rolando Brison as well as the initiator of the petition Grisha Marten-Heyliger, is busy undermining their own initiative.

MP Emmanuel reminded all Parliamentary factions that he had forewarned that they were playing a dangerous game with the Dutch government Read more

The Facts Regarding Sint Maarten Decolonization, Puerto Rico Is Fully Decolonized, But Not An Independent Country

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Parliament of St. Maarten’s recent petitionto the United Nations regarding racial bias on the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles has come under great scrutiny by varying members of the public. As a matter of fact, the topic of decolonization seems to have caused a lot of anxiety, as well as, confusion amongst the general public which is quite understandable. When discussing and analyzing decolonization, it is imperative to focus on the facts presented by the United Nations, the United Nations Charter, and the Kingdom Charter. What Then Is Decolonization? In his letter of September 15, 2015, to the Dutch Prime Minister, Marcel Gumbs, along with the Prime Ministers of Aruba and Curacao recalled that the United Nations had great doubts about whether or not the Kingdom Charter had really brought about decolonization Read more

Parliament Follows Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs Decolonization Initiative While Adopting Dutch Jurists Claims Of Racism In The Caribbean

Former Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In September of 2015, former Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs became one of the first St. Maarteners to question the Netherlands regarding the United Nations’ doubts as to whether the Kingdom Charter had decolonized the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles.

He went on to profess that the United Nations had serious doubts regarding the sincerity of The Netherlands to decolonize the former Netherlands Antilles Read more

Emmanuel Questions Construct Trust Fund Steering Committee

~ Says Marcel Gumbs a failure for St. Maarten ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that considering the lack of progress on Trust Fund projects for St. Maarten, the entire construct of the Trust Fund Steering Committee should be re-evaluated. He also questioned if the three members of this committee will be replaced considering the slow progress on St Read more

~ Says Marcel Gumbs a failure for St. Maarten ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that considering the lack of progress on Trust Fund projects for St. Maarten, the entire construct of the Trust Fund Steering Committee should be re-evaluated. He also questioned if the three members of this committee will be replaced considering the slow progress on St Read more

Emmanuel Questions Construct Trust Fund Steering Committee

~ Says Marcel Gumbs a failure for St. Maarten ~

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that considering the lack of progress on Trust Fund projects for St. Maarten, the entire construct of the Trust Fund Steering Committee should be re-evaluated. He also questioned if the three members of this committee will be replaced considering the slow progress on St Read more

Former Pm Marcel Gumbs Questions Whether Netherlands Antilles Were Ever Decolonized

In aletteraddressed to Prime Minister Rutte in September of 2015, former Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, along with former Prime Ministers Eman of Aruba and Whiteman of Curacao questioned whether the Netherlands Antilles were ever decolonized. In theletter, all three Prime Ministers reminded Mr. Rutte that the United Nations had serious doubts about the sincerity of the Dutch State to decolonize these islands and questioned whether the Kingdom Charter had decolonized the islands.

The honorable Prime Ministers pointed out that the UN General Assembly had warned of the danger of abusing the position of governor to violate the autonomy of the islands Read more

Aging With Grace Show Talks Covid-19 Vaccines

Top epidemiologists share insights and answers questions on Facebook Live Show

Great Bay, St. Maarten Aging with Grace is an online show aired on Facebook Live every Sunday at 3:00 pm and hosted by Drs. Linda Richardson, a community leader who has successful had careers in linguistics, education, and political advisory. Started in April 2020 during the emergency lockdown at the onset of the pandemic, this show is designed to empower seniors to live their best life while providing a blueprint for youngers on how to do same Read more

~Top epidemiologists share insights and answers questions on Facebook Live Show~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Aging with Grace is an online show aired on Facebook Live every Sunday at 3:00 pm and hosted by Drs. Linda Richardson, a community leader who has successfully had careers in linguistics, education, and political advisory. Started in April 2020 during the emergency lockdown at the onset of the pandemic, this show is designed to empower seniors to live their best life while providing a blueprint for youngers on how to do the same Read more

Letter To The Editor: Know Better?

Michael Ferrier: Know Better? Do Better. Most of the questions you ask, you should ask yourself or the same people you endorse:

1. Fix the potholes in our roads.

Perhaps if you paid the NAF 1.4 millionyou owe to the government we wouldn’t have an issue of potholes. You really think people forgot about this, and you begging the Council of Ministers back then to right it off?

2 Read more

Usm To Launch 10-10-20 Lecture Series For Critical Reflection.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, 10 October, the University of St Martin (USM) will begin a virtual lecture series dedicated to the significance of the political disintegration of the Netherlands Antilles and Sint Maarten receiving its autonomous country status ten years ago. 10-10-20: A Reflection on St. Maartens Constitutional Journey will host 4 lectures and critical dialogue in collaboration with the Ml podcast group.

The idea to create a space for critical reflection on the 10th anniversary of St Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prior to the election on September 26, 2016, two expressions dominated politics and the news, namely “ship-jumping” and “electoral reform”. Electoral reform was the reason for the fall of the Marcel Gumbs Government in 2015. Electoral reform led to the snap election that was scheduled for February 9, 2016. Electoral reform was also the reason why this election was cancelled, because the honorable Prime Minister William Marlin insisted that his government needed more time to be able to initiate legislative reform in order to address the phenomenon of ship-jumping that was so prevalent among our parliamentarians Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 1st, Parliament went on a four-week recess and will resume on Monday, July 31st. In December/January upcoming, Parliament will also take a two-week recess. I hope that our MPs are aware of the fact that a parliamentary recess is not a holiday and that they can be called back to work during their recess.

The website of the Dutch Second Chamber or Parliament describes its recess as follows: “during the recess periods, the Second Chamber does not convene. Members of the Chamber can study various files and documents and prepare themselves for the next session of meetings Read more

Family living in deplorable conditions while SMHDF plays games.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Homeowner Priscilla Jack Johnson and her family have been living a nightmare for the past four years, ever since she purchased a stand-alone home from SMHDF located in Belvedere. Jack told SMN News in an exclusive interview that the moment she moved into the home she bought from SMHDF her nightmare began. The mother of two young children said in February 2013 she bought the home for Naf. 248, 400.00 from SMHDF while she paid the notary fees which amounted to $7,678.87 Read more

The Laws Of St. Maarten Books In English Are “Going Like Hot Bread”

 

PHILIPSBURG – The Laws of St. Maarten is a set of five books just published here. And the attractive, reader-friendly design publications are “going like hot bread” at Van Dorp bookstores and from the InfoMedia distributors, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).

Each volume of The Laws of St. Maarten describes the book project on its cover as, “a five-volume English ‘Translation of the Official Publication’ of the Constitution and other laws established for governing St Read more

GREAT BAY:--- The Laws of St. Maarten is a set of five books just published here. And the attractive, reader-friendly-design publications are “going like hot bread” at Van Dorp bookstores and from the InfoMedia distributors, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). Each volume of The Laws of St. Maarten describes the book project on its cover as, “a five-volume English ‘Translation of the Official Publication’ of the Constitution and other laws established for governing St Read more

Info Media Foundation Presents Laws To Council

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, April 12, 2017 Info Media Foundation represented by Keith Franca presented the Council of Ministers with the English translation of the 38 Organic Laws of St. Maarten.

Prime Minister William Marlin stated at the presentation that we are heading in the right direction as a country with these 38 Organic Laws now available in English, because we are an English speaking society, and there is a disconnect between the laws of the country, which are in Dutch and the community speaks English.

“Currently there is a motion at Parliament to make English more prominent in government, in official publications and in our society,” said Prime Minister Marlin.

Franca stated that the English version of the 38 Organic Laws was the brainchild of Marcel Gumbs, and has been made possible through the House of Nehesi Publishers and Ennia Insurances, along with review by the Department of Legal Affairs.

The English version of the 38 Organic Laws is a five volume set of books that are vision friendly and the letter type and size is easy to read Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- We commend Prime Minster, William Marlin, for insisting that the Oyster Pond border dispute be brought to our Parliament which is indeed the direct representative of the people of Sint Maarten. After presenting the problem to Parliament his proposal should have been to request parliament to invoke article 67 of the State Regulation (Constitution) as suggested by MP Sarah Wescott-Williams Read more

Another Coalition Government For St. Maarten --- Stability Not Guaranteed With New Elections.

Alleged vote buying rampant on Monday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The early elections called by the Governor St. Maarten, when it was requested by former Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, did not change anything for St. Maarten, instead it opens the door for more instability. Another very unfortunate situation the election called on September 26th created was vote buying by at least one particular political party who also even refused to comply with the laws laid down by the Minister of Justice Read more

Jci Live Parliamentary Procedures Training

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - JCI LIVE Soualiga, a local chapter of the worldwide leadership training organization called Junior Chamber International, is continuously contributing to the development of our community through their sustainable projects.

On Saturday the 10th of September 2016 JCI LIVE Soualiga hosted a fundraiser in the form of a training on parliamentary procedures.

This training was given by former Prime Minister and JCI senator Mr. Marcel Gumbs and former Minister of Justice who is also a JCI senator Mr Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- JCI LIVE Soualiga, a local chapter of the worldwide leadership training organization called Junior Chamber International, is continuously contributing to the development of our community through their sustainable projects. On Saturday the 10th of September 2016 JCI LIVE Soualiga hosted a fundraiser in the form of a training on parliamentary procedures. This training was given by former Prime Minister and JCI senator Mr. Marcel Gumbs and former Minister of Justice who is also a JCI senator Mr Read more

The Role Of Your Elected Parliamentarian

As a politician, campaigning for the elections on September 26th, I am constantly bombarded with questions such as, what can you do for me? Will you fix my papers? Can you make sure that I get a job? Will you increase the pension of my aged mother who is unable to survive on such a meager income?

I truly understand the plight of these persons and I wish I could tell them yes. But that would be only telling them lies, making empty promises and giving them false hope. Unfortunately, this is what the majority of parties and politicians are doing Read more