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PHILIPSBURG:---  Shirley Hilaire has joined the United People's UP Party to contest the 2024 Parliamentary Elections on St. Maarten after serving for several years as executive assistant to Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and running as a United Democrat candidate.
Hilaire cited irreconcilable differences with "new blood" entering the Democratic Party whose approach and policies do not align with her beliefs as the main reason for leaving Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Omar Ottley, convened a quarterly meeting at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on November 2nd to follow up on the progress of the construction process of the St. Maarten General Hospital. The meeting witnessed a presentation by Finso representative, highlighting the processes, bottlenecks, and outcomes achieved thus far.

The construction of the technologically advanced building is currently in full swing, with the wastewater treatment plant being simultaneously developed Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Recognizing the importance of outdoor sports and the positive impact they have on physical health and social well-being, Minister Omar Ottley has prioritized this project to revitalize the community's recreational spaces. The project includes the replacement of damaged backboards and nets on all outdoor community basketball courts across the island, ensuring that residents of all ages can enjoy the sport in well-maintained facilities.

Minister Omar Ottley emphasizes that the initiative is a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle in the community Read more

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ItS Been Long Enough Sarah Wants Ottley To Take Urgent Action On Vaping

MP Sarah Wescot-Williams

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  On Thursday, October 26, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, led by the Honorable Minister Omar Ottley, hosted a symposium focused on the transition from active labor to retirement. The information session was to inform the stakeholders of the data received based on the research carried out on the labor market Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  On October 19th, the Honorable Omar Ottley, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) approved the implementation of the Nutri Kids healthy program by Ambrosia. The 3-month pilot project, slated to begin on November 13th, entails a Grab & Go healthy breakfast program for the students of Martin Luther King, Genevieve de Weever, and Leonard Connor elementary schools Read more

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Ottley Responds To 116 Questions From Civil Servant Unions Regarding Healthcare Reform

From left: Sharon Cannegieter, VSA Minister Omar Ottley and Claire Elshot-Aventurin.

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley has responded Read more

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PHILIPSBURG;--- In a remarkable display of accountability and transparency, the Honorable Omar Ottley, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), fulfilled his commitment on Tuesday by responding to a comprehensive list of 116 questions posed by civil servants represented by their unions just last week. This open and constructive dialogue marks a significant step in implementing the eagerly awaited SAAHA "Ottley Care."

On Tuesday, Minister Omar Ottley met with the union representatives from the Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU) and submitted via email the answers to the Committee of Civil Servants Union (CCSU) Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---: An extraordinary display of engagement and collaboration by a group of civil servants who submitted a letter with 116 questions to Minister Omar Ottley, highlighting their concerns and questions regarding the eagerly awaited Ottley Care (SAAHA), was met with enthusiasm and appreciation at the Government Administration Building on Tuesday, October 10th Read more

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St. Maarten Is Capable Of Creating Its Own Cannabis Law, Mp Peterson Says

PHILIPSBURG--Indications that a foreign private company will draft cannabis legislation for country St. Maarten and will assist each relevant ministry with the legislative changes needed to make the legislation a reality, as per Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs and Labor VSA Omar Ottleys statements, have Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  On Tuesday, October 3rd, the honorable Minister of VSA Omar Ottley sent an urgent letter to SZV asking to review the National Ordinance old age pension and ensure that we have not taken the same course of action as our sister country Curacao. The correspondence had been made earlier in the week with my colleague in Curacao to verify the queries pertaining to the conflict between withhold tax/ premium debt and article 18 of the National Ordinance old age pension, said Minister Ottley.

The letter read:

Dear Mr Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- After 3 months of rigorous training the second cohort of the Womens Basic Self-Defense Training came to an end on Thursday, October 05 at the Aziana Restaurant, Bobbys Marina. The celebrants enjoyed a relaxed and fulfilled evening in the presence of the Minister of VSA Hon. Omar Ottley, and the Dept. Head of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs/Womens Desk Chantale George-Groeneveldt Read more

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~ November 6 -8 Symposium: The Future of Sustainable Healthcare in Sint Maarten ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VSA, in collaboration with SZV Social & Health Insurances, is thrilled to announce an unprecedented symposium with the goal of formulating a five-year vision on sustainable healthcare in Sint Maarten. The event will take place from November 6 8, 2023, at the Belair Community Center and seeks to harmonize the efforts of all key players in the local health sector to navigate the numerous challenges and carve a path toward a robust and sustainable healthcare future.
Minister of VSA, Mr Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- What if I told you - that I am not the only guilty one?" asks 11-year-old actor Venndy Isaac in the new film What If I Told You?

Over the weekend, on Caribbean Youth Day, fifty students, ages 6 to 14, celebrated the premiere of the short film 'What If I Told You?' with their teachers, parents, supporters, and dignitaries. The film, written by teacher Rosan Hartley Gayle and acted by students of the MAC John A. Gumbs Campus (MAC JAG), touches on the importance of the support of parents, teachers, and the wider community in a child's development.

The script was first performed by students, including lead character Venndy, at a Spoken Word Competition at the Mens Mental Health Awareness event in May Read more

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Patient In Dominican Republic Had Surgery At Smmc.

~ Doctor mocks patient at SMMC. No agreement in place between the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten.~

PHILIPSBURG/ Dominican Republic:--- The St. Maarten resident Egbert Hector Richardson who is currently a patient at CEDIMAT Dominican Republic went overseas on his own to seek further medical treatment after having surgery at the St. Maarten Medical Center.

Edison Adamus the Director and Pastor of Key to Freedom said that Richardson lives at Key to Freedom since he is in rehabilitation for substance abuse.
He explained that Richardson had a hernia and he was operated upon at the St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, September 21st, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley, the National Sports Institute (NSI), and Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), proudly announced the next phase to their island-wide community basketball court enhancement project.

The purpose of the project is to repair and restore the backboards and basketball nets on the outdoor basketball courts in Dutch St Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The political landscape in St. Maarten is buzzing with excitement as a fresh face enters the arena with a bold vision for the future. Juanly Abel-Ramirez, a dynamic and forward-thinking candidate, has officially announced her candidacy on the United People's Party (UP) slate, and she's bringing a message of proactivity, innovation, and change.
"I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the Parliamentary Election in 2024 with the United People's Party," said Abel-Ramirez on Tuesday Read more

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~(SMDC) Sees 60 plus patients on its first day.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Friday, September 15th the SMDC officially opened its doors to the public. The center will offer after-hour general practitioners (GP) service to the general public, Monday through Friday 6 pm - 12 am, Saturday 8 am - 12 pm, and on Sunday 10 am - 12 pm. The initiative was brought to the Ministry of VSA by Doctors Michael and Danny Dennaoui as an initiative that would improve access to quality health care. The project was approved by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development Labor, Omar Ottley with hopes that it would alleviate the long waits at the St Read more

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Investments In Mental Health Sector Will Improve Access And Service Delivery

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Sint Maartens healthcare sector will receive a significant investment in the coming years through the Improving Mental Health Services Project with a goal to sustainably improve the entire mental healthcare chain. The project will seek to improve access and quality in service delivery and contribute to the construction of a new mental health facility geared towards future demand.

Recognizing the urgent need for more effective and accessible mental healthcare, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley is pleased that this project is well on its way to successful implementation.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and it is imperative that the national mental health system is robust and adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for mental health services Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maartens healthcare sector will receive significant investment in the coming years through the Improving Mental Health Services Project with a goal to sustainably improve the entire mental healthcare chain. The project will seek to improve access and quality in service delivery and contribute to the construction of a new mental health facility geared towards future demand.

Recognizing the urgent need for more effective and accessible mental healthcare, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley is pleased that this project is well on its way to successful implementation.

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and it is imperative that the national mental health system is robust and adequately resourced to meet the growing demand for mental health services Read more

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Gebe Considering Dropping Payment Plan Deposit To 25%

Clockwise from left: VSA Minister Omar Ottley, GEBE Special Representative/Temporary Manager Troy Washington and GEBE Commercial Manager Iris Arrindell.

PHILIPSBURG--Utilities comp Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:---  On Thursday, September 7th, a heartwarming discussion was held between NV GEBE's Special Representative/Temporary Manager, Troy Washington, Commercial Manager Iris Arrindell, and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), the Honorable Omar Ottley Read more

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PHILIPSBURG:--- MINISTRY OF Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) held its Closing and Certification Ceremony of the SME Entrepreneurship Development Program (SEDP) and launched the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) on Friday, August 25th, 2023.

The structured one-year Business Support and Entrepreneurship Development Training Program which targeted both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs funded by the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) and executed by A & A Accounting and HPS Consulting, cumulated with a grand successful finale on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Belair Community Center.

A sense of accomplishment was felt during the evening as the participants in the program displayed their products and/or services and vividly networked with all invited guests.

Over the one-year training and coaching period, the program boasts of its Key milestones achieved
The number of existing businesses registered with the program grew from 43% (16) to 92% (42) Read more

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Consumer Price Index (Cpi) Legislation Needed For The Increase Of Aov Pension Approved In Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On August 16th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Omar Ottley presented legislation to Parliament regarding the reparation of several legislations used to increase amounts such as pension and minimum wage.

"I am proud to announce that it was voted on and approved by Parliament unanimously. This critical legislation will allow the long-awaited increase of AOV pension to occur for 2023, and ensures a timely annual indexation of minimum wage and pension moving forward," stated Minister Ottley.

The changes to specific regulations include the national ordinance on general old-age insurance (pension), the national ordinance on general widows and orphans insurance, the national ordinance on minimum wages, the national health insurance ordinance, and the national accident insurance ordinance.

The legislation amends the provisions of certain national regulations relating to the adjustment of amounts based on developments in the price index for household consumption.

Under current legislation, the adjustment of amounts such as pension is subject to the CPI for the month of August of the previous year to the current year.

However, in 2018, the methodology used by the Department of Statistics has been adjusted and the price index is determined quarterly.

Therefore, JZW, SER, COA, and the Governor have all given negative advice on all attempts to index pensions based on 3rd quarter CPI Read more

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