SXMElections.com

No quorum stalls meeting on Intellectual Property Bureau

PHILIPSBURG--Only six Members of Parliament (MPs) were signed in for the plenary session of Parliament to formalise the Intellectual Property Bureau on Wednesday afternoon, two short of the quorum of eight MPs needed for the meeting to start.

The meeting now will have to be reconvened by Chairwoman of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams within four days (four times 24 hours) as stipulated by Parliament's Rules of Order Read more

Mps Unable To Give Update On Government Formation To Youth Parliament 

St. Maarten – As President of the St. Maarten Youth Parliament, Dwayne Griffith submitted to St. Maarten Parliament a motion, requesting an update on the current situation with government and the steps being taken to establish the new Council of Ministers. However, the MPs present were unable to give any information on the developments to the Youth Parliament, as many were not privy to what was taking place. Members of the Youth Parliament met with Parliament members at the Central Committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the developments in government formation with regard to the instruction for the screening of candidate-ministers from the Kingdom Council of Ministers in The Hague.

“Our faction cannot provide any insight as to whether a list of ministers has been put forward… neither do we know the standards by which they will be screened,” said MP William Marlin Read more

Prominent Lawyer Allegedly Failed Screening due to Molestation Investigation.

style="text-align: center;"> Coalition dispute ongoing

PHILIPSBURG:--- Well placed sources have informed SMN News that a prominent lawyer on St. Maarten has failed the screening process to become a Minister in the UP/DP/ Marlin coalition. SMN News learnt that the candidate is allegedly under investigation for molesting a teenager. According to the information SMN News received a relative of the victim filed charges against the prominent citizen and lawyer on St. Maarten about two months ago Read more

Coliseum staff furious about sudden job loss, feel helpless

~ Told to stay home for three months, then reapply ~

PHILIPSBURG--Twelve Coliseum Casino workers, ten of whom have been working at the casino for more than twenty years and one for twelve, are "furious," "frustrated" and "stressed out" after suddenly being placed on the unemployment line on Monday "without any explanation."

The workers were left in limbo after receiving their work schedules, which show that Monday was their last day of work. When they approached Princess Group of Companies official Hakan Unal about the matter, the workers said they had been told they either could stay home for three months and reapply for their jobs and would be considered for employment, or they could form an employment agency and the casino would consider hiring the agency under which they would be given a chance to work at the casino.

Unal could not be reached for comment late last night Read more

>CAY HILL:--- Representatives from the Ebola Virus Disease Incidence Management Team VSA(EVD-IMT) met with representatives from St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to discuss St. Maarten's Ebola Preparedness Plan. The meeting was held to share ideas and discuss a coordinated response. ""The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) along with all key stakeholders have taken a rigorous pro-active approach in order to ensure that St. Maarten will be prepared to respond in the event a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient surfaces in the area", said Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever

At the meeting SMMC gave an extensive overview on the protective equipment they currently have in-house and what is still needed to be acquired Read more

No Ebola Travel Ban In Place On French St. Martin

St. Maarten –No ebola travel plan has been put in place on French St. Martin, although officials there have said they have three levels when dealing with a suspected case of ebola. Dutch St. Maarten issued an ebola travel ban on October 27.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), met with French side officials in Hope Estate last week to discuss preparations related to the ebola virus disease (EVD) and inform them of the St Read more

Vsa Meets With Smmc On Ebola Preparedness Plan

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Representatives from the Ebola Virus Disease Incidence Management Team VSA(EVD-IMT) met with representatives from St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to discuss St. Maarten's Ebola Preparedness Plan.

The meeting was held to share ideas and discuss a coordinated response.

"The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) along with all key stakeholders have taken a rigorous pro-active approach in order to ensure that St. Maarten will be prepared to respond in the event a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient surfaces in the area", said Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever.

At the meeting SMMC gave an extensive overview on the protective equipment they currently have in-house and what is still needed to be acquired.

An update was also given as to the area within the hospital designated as the isolation unit and the necessary upgrades needed to further prepare that isolation unit.

"God forbid Ebola were to reach St Read more

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) met with French colleagues (St. Martin) in Hope Estate last week to discuss preparations related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD).

CPS apprised French officials about the Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan and the travel ban that was officially announced by the Minister of Public Health on Monday, October 27.

French health department officials apprised the CPS that for the French territories to date, there was no travel ban in effect, and the French Ebola national preparedness plan has three levels when dealing with a suspected case of EVD.

After the discussion about the various scenarios, levels and possible collaboration, it was decided that there is a need for an additional meeting where all counterparts can meet and discuss associated logistics.

It was also decided that both sides will be working together to ensure an effective response and will seek the intervention of their respective supervisors and political leaders to ensure the effectiveness of the travel ban in protecting the borders of Sint Maarten/St Read more

Cps Apprises French Health Officials About Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan And Travel Ban

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) met with French colleagues (St. Martin) in Hope Estate last week to discuss preparations related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD).

CPS apprised French officials about the Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan and the travel ban that was officially announced by the Minister of Public Health on Monday, October 27.

French health department officials apprised the CPS that for the French territories to date, there was no travel ban in effect, and the French Ebola national preparedness plan has three levels when dealing with a suspected case of EVD.

After the discussion about the various scenarios, levels and possible collaboration, it was decided that there is a need for an additional meeting where all counterparts can meet and discuss associated logistics.

It was also decided that both sides will be working together to ensure an effective response and will seek the intervention of their respective supervisors and political leaders to ensure the effectiveness of the travel ban in protecting the borders of Sint Maarten/St Read more

Mosquito fogging to commence Thursday weather permitting

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---  The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, announced on Wednesday that the country-wide mosquito fogging campaign could not commence as planned on Tuesday, October 28 due to rain and a malfunction of equipment.

In the meantime, the contractor has informed the ministry that fogging will start on Thursday, October 30 weather permitting. The technical problem with the fogging equipment has been resolved.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon Read more

Mosquito Fogging To Commence Thursday Weather Permitting

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, announced on Wednesday that the country-wide mosquito fogging campaign could not commence as planned on Tuesday, October 28 due to rain and a malfunction of equipment.

In the meantime, the contractor has informed the ministry that fogging will start on Thursday, October 30 weather permitting. The technical problem with the fogging equipment has been resolved.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon Read more

style="text-align: center;">All Members of the Democratic Party did not support her decision but respected it as Leader of DP

PHILIPSBURG:--- Almost three weeks after signing an agreement with formateur Theodore Heyliger, leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams finally broke her silence on Monday at a press conference held at the House of Parliament Read more

St. Maarten Government Issues Ebola Travel Ban

St. Maarten – The government has issued a travel ban to everyone who has traveled within the past 21 days to, from and through the countries of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ban is related to the outbreak of the ebola virus in West Africa. Public Health Minister Cornelius de Weever addressed the situation in a press statement that explains the scope of the outbreak and the reason for the travel ban.

The ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans Read more

Other Parties Stay Away From Protest Against Kingdom And Plasterk – Green March Against Instruction

St. Maarten– Between 300 and 400 people took part in the march People United for True Democracy organized yesterday afternoon in protest against the instruction from the Kingdom Council of Ministers to Governor Holiday for a stricter screening of candidate ministers – a handsome turnout with one flaw: only supporters of the United People’s party showed up.

UP party leader Theo Heyliger was there, as were his faction leader Franklin Meyers, MP Tamara Leonard and MP Lloyd Richardson Read more

Cps Reminds Persons To Get Their Flu Vaccine

St. Maarten—Persons, especially persons that fall into the high risk category, are urged by minister of public health and the Collective Preventative Services(CPS) to get their annual flu shots. Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person, and can affect anybody in any age group.

“Check with your physician to see whether or not you are part of the high risk group and be proactive.  Get vaccinated and apply strict and consistent preventive measures to stop you from getting the flu,” Minister of Public Health, Cornelius de Weever said.  Influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illnesses and deaths for higher risk populations.  Vaccination (flu shot) is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Persons who form part of the risk groups are: pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards;  persons with pulmonary disease: asthma (when maintenance medication is given; this also holds true for children), COPD, carcinoma of the lung, anthracosilicosis, lungfibrosis , mucoviscidosis, severe kyfoscoliosis, status after resection of a lung, breathing difficulties;  with cardiac disease: having experienced a myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, valve dysfunction, cardiac failure; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication;  with chronic kidney disease/failure: dialysis, kidney transplant; after a recent bone marrow transplant;  with HIV-infection; with an intellectual disability in an intramural setting; with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication; 60 years and older.

Front-line workers as well as health care workers who may be in contact with patients pertaining to the medical risk groups (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices), are also encouraged to get their flu vaccination Read more

Minimum wage to be indexed per Jan. 2015

PHILIPSBURG--The minimum wage will be indexed from NAf. 8.56 per hour to NAf. 8.75 per hour as of January 1, 2015.

A press release issued by Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever's Cabinet stated that consultation had been held with the Social Economic Council SER, which advised in December 2012 that with De Weever's vision coupled with the minimum hourly wage policy it had been agreed to index the minimum wage annually.

The Bureau of Statistics also had indicated that the price indices for household consumption "show that the figure for the month of the preceding year changed, thus a new minimum hourly wage."

Employers were requested to take note of the indexation and have it properly adjusted on their employees' pay-slips Read more

Sarah: DP fraction of two MPs intact

PHILIPBSURG--The Democratic Party (DP) fraction comprises two Members of Parliament (MPs): Sarah Wescot-Williams and Cornelius de Weever, with De Weever serving as the party's fraction leader in Parliament Read more

St. Maarten issues Ebola travel ban

~ For travellers from West Africa ~

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten has issued an Ebola travel ban and will deny entry or transit to persons who have travelled in the past 21 days to, from and through countries where the outbreak is not contained.

Persons who have travelled to, from or through Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo will not be allowed to enter or transit St. Maarten.

The decision was made based on an advice from health officials of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA, Health Minister Cornelius de Weever said in a statement last night.

"This travel ban will also apply to persons who have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case from affected Ebola countries Read more

style="text-align: center;">All Members of the Democratic Party did not support her decision but respected it as Leader of DP

PHILIPSBURG:--- Almost three weeks after signing an agreement with formateur Theodore Heyliger, leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams finally broke her silence on Monday at a press conference held at the House of Parliament Read more

>POINT BLANCHE:--- On Thursday, a delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA) headed by Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever, Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo and port representatives, met in Miami, Florida with Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) President Michele Paige and representatives from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), regarding Ebola screening protocols for cruise ship passengers and crew.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans Read more

CPS reminds persons to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

>GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is recommending to persons to get their annual flu vaccine. High risk groups are reminded and/or recommended to get their seasonal flu shot.

As part of the Minister of Public Health's "Get Checked," campaign, influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person, and can affect anybody in any age group.

"Check with your physician to see whether or not you are part of the high risk group and be proactive Read more

Minister Of Public Health De Weever And Port St. Maarten Management Meets With Fcca And Clia On Ebola Cruise Passenger/Crew Boarding Protocols

POINT BLANCHE, St. Maarten – On Thursday, a delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA) headed by Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever, Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo and port representatives, met in Miami, Florida with Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) President Michele Paige and representatives from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), regarding Ebola screening protocols for cruise ship passengers and crew.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.

The incubation period from time of infection to symptoms is two to 21 days Read more

Cps Reminds Persons To Get Their Seasonal Flu Vaccine

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is recommending to persons to get their annual flu vaccine.

High risk groups are reminded and/or recommended to get their seasonal flu shot.

As part of the Minister of Public Health's "Get Checked," campaign, influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person, and can affect anybody in any age group.

"Check with your physician to see whether or not you are part of the high risk group and be proactive Read more

>PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday October 18, 2014, the Mental Health Foundation organized a Reception which this year focused on the Foundation's very loyal stakeholders and generous sponsors. The event was organized to honor and thank those who provide the Mental Health Foundation with continuous support and who are part of the reason why the MHF is where it is today. The Cocktail party was honored by the presence of the Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Cornelius de Weever, by representatives of various stakeholders and sponsors such as SZV, Ennia, Ministry of Public Health, White and Yellow Cross Foundation, Nagico, General Practitioners, Ministry of Justice, SMMC, Samenwerkende Fondsen, Social Services, Health Inspectorate, WIEMS, SJIB, Court of Guardianship, Rotary Clubs of St Read more