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14Th Anniversary Of Constitution Day To BeCelebrated On October 14Th 2024

PHILIPSBURG On October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten took its place as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an event that forever changed our islands path and identity. In celebration of this historic milestone, Constitution Day is commemorated annually on the second Monday in October. This year, Constitution Day falls on Monday, October 14, 2024.

This years theme,Jollification Season: Building Home, Building Community, Building Nation, will spotlight Sint Maartens resilience, diversity, and the collaborative spirit that has shaped our nation Read more

Eoc Meets To Debrief On The Passing Of Tropical Storm Ernesto

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) met at the Government Administration Building on Wednesday to debrief on the national response to the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

The meeting was chaired by the honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

Each Emergency Support Function (ESF) which makes up the essential core of the countrys national disaster system present for the meeting gave a presentation.

Fire Chief/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson said that the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto tested all areas and levels of emergency response.

Richardson said the passing for the storm allowed the individual ESFs to fine tune their emergency response mechanisms in preparation for the next system.

The 10 ESFs are: ESF-1 NV GEBE (Water & Energy), ESF-2 Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP), ESF-3 Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Public Works, Transport & Logistics), ESF-4 Fire Department, ESF-5 Police, ESF-6 Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, ESF-7 Department of Social Development (Evacuation, Shelters, Relief & Mass Care), ESF-8 Department of Communication, ESF-9 Governmental Affairs, and ESF-10 Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Telecommunication and Transport (Airport, Port & Hotels).

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which falls under the Fire Department (Ministry of General Affairs) headed by Fire Chief/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is appealing to all residents and businesses to remain vigilant and to maintain a state of readiness as the nation is now in the peak period of the hurricane season.

The remaining storm names for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season are: Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your Hurricane Season Readiness Guide and Hurricane Tracking Chart.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV 107.9FM – for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane Read more

Ursm To Host Virtual Public Rally

Philipsburg The Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) is excited to announce its first ever Virtual Public Rally on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

This event marks a pivotal moment in our movements journey toward a stronger, healthier, and more resilient St. Maarten.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of challenges on St.Maarten, the URSM remains steadfast in its commitment to positive change and community empowerment Read more

Prime Minister And Officials Hail Breakthrough In Legal Helpdesk Initiative

Philipsburg — The Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Luc Mercelina, Minister of VSA Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, and Member of Parliament Ms. Sjamira Roseburg convened to discuss the remarkable progress of the legal helpdesk initiative championed by MP Roseburg. “This initiative is making tremendous strides,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated Read more

Unified Against Violence: Ensuring The Security Of St. Maarten

My dear people of St. Maarten, Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart to address a grave and tragic event that has shaken our community to its core. Last evening, starting in the Cupecoy area, an act of violence was committed against the leader of the Oualichi Movement for Change (OMC), Mr. Olivier Arrindell, and his family. At noon today, I met with the Public Prosecutor, management of KPSM (Police Department), the VSDM (National Security Service), Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis, and President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams to receive a full debrief and discuss the most recent developments. Mr Read more

Mp Gumbs Submits Questions To Pm About Government Building Maintenance

PHILISPBURG Party for Progress member of Parliament Melissa Gumbs sent a letter with questions to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, asking for an update on the maintenance of the Government administration building Read more

Gromyko Says ItS Time To Appoint The New Ser Board

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten Nation Opportunity and Wealth (NOW) candidate #16, Gromyko Wilson has expressed in his weekly podcast My2cents on Facebook. He calls on the Prime Minister Luc Mercelina to once and for all finalize the appointments of the board of the Social Economic Council (SER).

The appointment of a new Social Economic Council (SER) board is a critical step that the government of Sint Maarten must take in order to address the challenges facing the country Read more

Arrival Of Containerized Generators Marks Significant Progress Towards Energy Stability

Philipsburg The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina is pleased to announce the safe arrival of the containerized generators on the island. This crucial delivery represents a significant step forward in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for the residents of our island.

Under the presence of NV GEBE’s management Troy Washington, SoEnergy International and Harbor personnel, the generators were successfully offloaded without incident last Sunday afternoon Read more

Prime Minister Dr. Luc MercelinaS Meets New State Secretary Mr. Zsolt Szab

The Hague The Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has successfully concluded a historic and successful meeting with Mr. Zsolt Szab, the newly appointed State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of The Netherlands. This significant event marks the first official meeting of Mr. Szab in his new role, highlighting the pivotal importance of the relationship between St Read more

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Meets With The Mayor Of The Hague

The Hague The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, held a significant meeting with the Mayor of The Hague, Jan Hendrikus Cornelis van Zanen during his important working visit to The Netherlands. The discussions focused on critical issues affecting students from Sint Maarten, including housing and technical assistance for professionals.

Housing for Students

One of the key topics discussed was the urgent need for housing solutions for Sint Maarten students studying in The Hague Read more

A Message From Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina On Hurricane BerylS Impact

Philipsburg — “Hurricane Beryl has tested our resilience in the Caribbean region, but in the face of this adversity, our unity and strength shine through,” declared Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

He added, “You are not just enduring this storm; you are standing together, stronger than ever.”

“I urge everyone to extend a helping hand to those in distress and I wholeheartedly applaud our local community initiatives to support those affected,” emphasized Prime Minister Mercelina Read more

Pfp: Reaction To Supreme Court Opinion

Failures to Protect Constitution and Autonomy of Country Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG – Disappointed was the sentiment within the Party for Progress (PFP) after the Supreme Court in the Netherlands issued their opinion on the Braam case in Curacao. The disappointment, however, is not with the opinion that has been issued, but with the fact that St. Maartens democratic process was interfered with by the Cabinet of the Governor Read more

Chris Says GovtS Reliance On GebeFor Power Crisis Solution Problematic

~ Lack of renewable energy solution glaring ~

MP Christophe Emmanuel, the lone Member of Parliament to propose a solution to the GEBE power crisis, stated on Tuesday that he must distance himself from the St. Maarten government’s approach to dealing with the matter. The MP said he is critical of the method because the government relies too heavily on information provided by GEBE and the lack of a plan to finally shift to renewable energy sources. GEBE lies to the people of St. Maarten to protect itself Read more

Winair Acquires Twin Otter Aircraft To Enhance Operations

Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Winair announces a significant milestone in its history, transitioning from a fully leased fleet to ownership with the acquisition of a Twin Otter DHC6 aircraft. This investment marks a strategic move towards greater operational control and efficiency, solidifying the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service in the Caribbean.

Demonstrating the aircraft’s importance to our operations and the current economic climate, a strong business case was presented to our shareholders Read more

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Reaffirms Commitment To Workers Covenant

Philipsburg The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina dispatched a crucial letter on Tuesday to the board and members of the WICSU-PSU and WITU. This letter serves to reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to the covenant signed on April 29, 2024, reassuring that the sanctity of the agreement would be upheld with all due diligence required. In this letter, Prime Minister Mercelina underscored the Government’s steadfast belief in the vital role that the workers of St Read more

Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (Ursm) Denounces Misinformation By Mp Omar Ottley

Philipsburg The board of the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) has taken note of the recent remarks and media statements made by MP Omar Ottley, proclaimed leader of the UPP Read more

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Concludes Urgent Work Visit To Washington, Dc

Washington, DC The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has successfully concluded his urgent work visit to Washington, DC, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure support for St. Maartens development initiatives. During this urgent work visit, PM Dr. Mercelina’s presence at the high-level meetings proved to be a game changer, highlighting his commitment to both the international community and St Read more

Council Of Ministers And Nv Gebe Meet To Discuss Load Shedding

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) The Council of Ministers (CoM) convened a meeting with NV GEBE representatives to address the ongoing load-shedding issues affecting the community.

The meeting centered on gaining insight into the current challenges and discussing NV GEBEs near-term and strategic solutions to ensure a dependable and sustainable energy supply for all residents and businesses.

During the CoM meeting, the operational status of NV GEBE’s power generation plant was reviewed Read more

Com Meets With Advisory Committee On Slavery, Atonement, And Reparations

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the Advisory Committee on Slavery, Atonement, and Reparations (ACSAR) had an introductory meeting with the Council of Ministers (CoM).

The meeting commenced with an honorary session dedicated to the ancestors of Sint Maarten, with the ritual performed by Nkosazzana Illis. Following this, the committee members explained the manner and reason for the Committee’s establishment and emphasized the importance of discussing slavery Read more

Strategic Discussion On The Future Of Social & Health Insurances (Szv)

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten The honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, alongside the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA) Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, Minister of Finance Ms Read more

Cabinet Mercelina Prioritizes Inclusiveness And Communication With Public Servants

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Friday morning, May 10, 2024, the Council of Ministers (CoM) met with the newly proposed Employee Engagement Council (EEC), composed of 17 members from various departments and executing bodies within government. This initiative follows an independent employee satisfaction survey and recent exit interviews. The EEC analysed the survey results, which highlighted concerns over primary labor conditions, and has formulated 21 recommendations aimed at four specific target groups: colleagues, middle management, secretary generals, and political leaders, along with six general recommendations. Key priorities identified include enhancing open communication, implementing the full human resource cycle throughout the government, and increasing transparency through the publication of annual plans and quarterly progress reports, which are supported by monthly updates from middle management Read more

No Debt Restructuring

The new government has been sworn in. There is still a discussion ongoing as to the two other members Christoph Emanuel and Rayeon Peterson as to whether they will be sworn in as Ministers.The Parliament at present consists of 13 Members, hopefully sooner than later the other two seats will be filled by Richniel Brug and Viren Vinod Kotai whose credentials are to be approved. In his presentation the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Dr. Luc Mercelina raised the matter of the countrys debt burden and the importance of the Dispute Regulation, the latter being thrown back and forth for some 14 years now with no end in sight.

Although important, I am of the opinion that Debt cancellation has to be a priority Read more

Prime Minister MotherS Day Message 2024

Honorable Mothers of St. Maarten,

On this special day, I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the mothers of our beloved St. Maarten. Your tireless dedication, unwavering love, and selfless sacrifices are the foundation upon which our society thrives.

Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us reflect on the immense contributions mothers make to our families, communities, and nation. Your nurturing spirit, resilience, and strength inspire us all to strive for a better tomorrow.

As Prime Minister, I am humbled by the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to each and every mother in St Read more

Pm Mercelina Goes On A Surprise Visit To Gebe Power Plant

Philipsburg — On Tuesday, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, accompanied by Acting Minister of Public Works and Minister of Health Veronica Jansen-Webster, made a surprise visit to the GEBE Power Plant in Cay Bay Read more