POND ISLAND — On Monday, September 23rd 2019, Mr. Patrice Gumbs Jr tendered his resignation as member of the Central Voting Bureau. In the letter to the Prime Minister, with copies to the Governor and members of the Central Voting Bureau, Gumbs indicated that the decision was taken as endeavors that he is currently pursuing stand in conflict with his ability to execute his role as a member of the bureau. Gumbs, a member of the Bureau since June 2016, indicated that it was an honor and privilege to work alongside colleagues of such professional and capable esteem and thanked…
Author: The Publisher
Harbour View – On September 9, 2019, Member of Parliament Mr. Franklin Meyers withdrew his support from the UD/SMCP government and subsequently declared himself an independent Member of Parliament. His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, immediately convened meetings with the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament Mr. Franklin Meyers on the same day to discuss the political developments. Governor Holiday also held meetings with Chairlady of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams of the UD, NA Fraction Leader Ms Silveria Jacobs, USP Fraction Leader, Mr. Rolando Brison and SMCP fraction leader, Mr. Claude Peterson. On Sunday September 22,…
~ Chamber Reminder to Register for Grow Your Business Workshop with Attorney Jason Rogers ~ PHILIPSBURG – Hoeve & Rogers Attorney Jason J. Rogers, will be the next speaker at the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) “Grow Your Business” workshop series on September 26. COCI reminds those interested in attending the workshop to register in the next couple of days and pay a registration fee of US$20 as seating is limited. You can register via email: chamberbusiness@chamberofcommerce.sx or call 721-542-3590 for further information. The second workshop will be about the Legal System for Businesses. The workshop will…
POND ISLAND – On Monday September 9, Sint Maarten’s 12.5 per cent share of United Telecommunications Services (UTS) was acquired by Liberty Latin America Ltd. (LLA). The governments of Curaçao and St. Maarten held stakes in UTS of 87.5 per cent and 12.5 per cent, respectively. In March this year, LLA acquired Curaçao’s 87.5 per cent of UTS and the acquisition of the remaining 12.5 per cent now results in LLA owning 100 per cent of UTS. Minister Geerlings said that the sale of shares means an additional cash flow for government which will be used mainly to pay off…
PHILIPSBURG — The board of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) on Monday asked the population of St. Maarten to be keenly aware of one simple fact: government broke government. The party board responded to what it called “veiled attempts to spin facts” by care-taker Prime Minister Leona Marlin-Romeo to blame her government’s collapse on others to justify forcing a face-saving election on the population of St. Maarten. The USP board stressed that the faction leader of the United Democrats (UD) MP Franklin Meyers broke government two weeks ago when he pulled his support (verbally and in writing) from the…
~ allowing the voters of Sint Maarten the opportunity to decide ~ PHILIPSBURG – On Monday September 23rd, Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin and the Council of Ministers held a press conference in which the Prime Minister elucidated on the decision of the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Romeo Marlin stated, “Good morning to my colleagues, the press, and a hearty good morning to the people of Sint Maarten. In my last press briefing, I indicated that once the Governor was back we would address the political impasse and seek further clarity and once known, I would then inform the…
By Hilbert Haar That St. Maarten is its own worst enemy has become clear once more with another series of ship-jumping. First MP Franklin Meyers declared himself independent from the United Democrats and now MPs Luc Mercelina and Chanel Brownbill have followed his example. The lifespan of a government since 10-10-10 is now around fourteen months – and I’ve never heard a politician say that this is ridiculous and irresponsible. Every country gets the government it deserves but St. Maarten’s makers and shakers are seemingly unable to make up their minds; we’re heading for the ninth government in just nine…
PHILIPSBURG – The chaos is complete in St. Maarten’s political arena after two United Democrats MPs – Luc Mercelina and Chanel Brownbill – withdrew their support for the UD/St. Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) coalition government, and declared themselves independent, thereby following the example set by UD-stalwart Franklin Meyers a few weeks earlier. The Council of Minister has in the meantime voted for invoking article 59 of the Constitution to dissolve the Parliament and to call new elections. Only newly appointed VROMI-Minister Chris Wever voted against this decision. The National Alliance and the United St. Maarten party issued press statements that…
PHILIPSBURG — Both Chairpersons of Parliament, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams (UD) and MP Claude “Chacho” Peterson (SMCP), have tendered their resignations effective immediately as chairs of Parliament. “Having learnt of the latest political developments,” MP Wescot-Williams wrote in her resignation letter, “I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of Parliament, thanking the members of Parliament for their cooperation during my tenure.” MP Peterson, who is the 2nd Vice President of Parliament, was quick to also submit his resignation as well. In his resignation letter, MP Peterson wrote: “In light of the new shift in Parliament causing the loss of the majority…
By Hilbert Haar Part 3 about the final steps needed to be taken to finalize the establishment of the Integrity Chamber on St. Maarten. In part 1 we reviewed the history leading up to the establishment of the Integrity Chamber on St. Maarten. In part 2 we reviewed the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the Integrity Chamber on St. Maarten. Log in here on StMaartenNews.com to read the full review of part 3 or become a patreon on https://www.patreon.com/posts/30139132 and be the first to get updates on the next multi-parts publication of StMaartenNews.com as we have a wide range of…
