PHILIPSBURG — Valya Pantophlet, who contested the 2018 elections as a candidate on the United Sint Maarten Party (USP) slate, has submitted her resignation to the Board of the US party ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections. In her letter, Pantophlet explains that she has also decided to exit the political arena for the time being, while she focuses on obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in law. A quest she set out to achieve, when she enrolled in law school in August 2018. Now a second year law student, Pantophlet wishes to reassure her supporters and well-wishers that she…
Author: The Publisher
Philipsburg — The Electoral Council hereby informs prospective political parties desirous of participating in the upcoming elections that: In view of the postulation date of October 2, 2019, parties requesting to be registered at the Electoral Council, cannot postulate themselves on October 2, 2019, since their application for registration should have been submitted more than 6 weeks prior to postulation date in accordance with Article 16, paragraph 2 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties. Equally, any party that lost its reference and wishes to request it at this point, are also be excluded from participation…
Part 1 in a multi-part series about US Pre-Clearance for St. Maarten and the SXM Airport. Read how it all started in this first installment. A review.
ROTTERDAM/PHILIPSBURG — Despite the late start of the European Promotional Trip, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) Stuart Johnson visited the Port of Rotterdam last week where he was welcomed by a delegation from the port. Johnson was accompanied by Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Michel Somersol, Ichel Moeslikan, Head of Product Development of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, along with Kelly Busby and Javier Badaracco of the cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary. During the visit Johnson held discussions with Port of Rotterdam International’s Project Manager for International Port Projects Marc Evertse. Johnson discussed joint venture projects that both…
~ Says Wescot-Williams again spinning ~ PHILIPSBURG — The new Parliamentary coalition of nine on Tuesday clarified its decision not to attend a meeting scheduled with State Secretary Raymond Knops that was scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, as this would once again ignore the rules of order regarding correct Parliamentary procedures. The new coalition stressed that it has no issue meeting with State Secretary Knops once correct procedures are followed, not in an adhoc manner or where they are directly put in a position to bend or break the rules of order of Parliament. Furthermore, the coalition took note that…
~ Chairlady of Parliament cancels meeting with State Secretary Knops due to confirmed none attendance of a majority of factions ~ PHILIPSBURG — “In order to avoid any embarrassment in front of the State Secretary, due to a lack of quorum to hold the meeting, I have called off the meeting.” states Chairlady of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams in a press release. The meeting with State Secretary Knops as requested by 3 members of parliament, was convened for Wednesday, September 25th at 10am. This meeting was scheduled as a central committee meeting and having a guest (State Secretary Knops) present, quorum…
PHILIPSBURG — On Wednesday September 18th, the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) signed two new care agreements with the Social and Health Insurances (SZV), ensuring the continuity of quality healthcare services to the residents of Sint Maarten. The signing of these contracts was marked by both organizations as an important moment for all clients that they serve. The SZV manages the AVBZ fund, which is a fund that started in 1996 to cover hard to insure chronic care, based on the solidarity principle with contributions to this fund by employers and employees. Some examples of care covered by…
WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG — The Central Bank of Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces new bond issues on behalf of the Government of the Country of Sint Maarten. On Friday, October 18, 2019, there will be two bond issues on behalf of the Country of Sint Maarten. The bonds will have a semi-annual coupon as follows: NAf 40,000,000 bond with duration of 30 years. Interest rate is based on the Dutch yield curve as of October 8, 2019. NAf 21,300,000 bond with duration of 25 years. Interest rate is based on the Dutch yield curve as of October 8, 2019. The yield…
~ Says time will tell ~ PHILIPSBURG — In response to the latest political developments, Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers, states: “I hope that the People of Sint Maarten now better understand why I declared myself independent two weeks ago. Other than what my political opponents now want to make you believe; I didn’t create the chaos, rather I took a stance from within the chaos that was created by a few.” Meyers continues: “at the time of declaring myself independent, the plans by others to form the next Government were already in full swing, character assassinations of our very…
PHILIPSBURG — “Late Monday afternoon I received a request for a meeting, signed by 9 members of parliament, to appoint the chairperson and 2 vice-chairpersons of parliament.” according to a press release issued on behalf the Chairlady of Parliament, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams. The release further states that “The MPs requested that these agenda points be added to the continuation of the public meeting no 35 on September 25th, which meeting deals with the status of Education and is an ongoing meeting.” The release goes on the conclude that “Given the urgency of the request/matter, I have scheduled a new public…
