The 2024 WBSC Premier12, the third installment of the prestigious baseball championship, brought together the world’s top 12 national teams under the banner of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The tournament, widely regarded as the second most significant event in international baseball after the World Baseball Classic, featured two pools of six teams. From each pool, only the top two advanced to the Super Round in Tokyo, Japan. This year’s edition saw standout performances from St. Maarten’s very own Denzel Richardson, a key player for Team Kingdom of the Netherlands. Richardson played alongside renowned former Major League Baseball stars,…
Author: The Publisher
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (December 15, 2024)—The One St. Martin Association (One SXM) participated in the consultation of the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent (PFPAD) on December 12, said Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, president of One SXM. The meeting, held in Barbados, focused on the draft declaration on the human rights of people of African descent. It was a “packed and impactful day of discussions,” said Arrindell. According to June Soomer, Chair of the Permanent Forum, the meeting marked the first public consultation on the draft declaration. In her opening address, Soomer acknowledged attendees who had been laying the…
PHILIPSBURG — As a Member of Parliament of St. Maarten, I acknowledge and validate the concerns raised by the employees of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) regarding the recruitment process for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position. Their frustrations are understandable given the clear inconsistencies in the airport’s hiring practices. Currently, the vacancy for the Chief Operations Officer (COO) position is being conducted internally, prioritizing qualified local candidates for the role. While I take no personal issue with the selection of the COO or CEO, the differing approaches to these two key positions raise significant questions. If the COO…
PHILIPSBURG — The General Audit Chamber has released its findings on the effectiveness of Parliament’s membership in Parlatino, an intergovernmental organization, and the fiscal prudence of government travel expenditures in 2022. The report sheds light on the high costs associated with Parlatino participation and the lack of accountability in travel-related spending, prompting recommendations for more stringent policies to ensure transparency and value for money. Since joining Parlatino in 2010, St. Maarten has paid ANG 518,999 in membership fees and incurred over ANG 2.1 million in travel-related expenses. These costs include per diem allowances and airfare for attending Parlatino assemblies, with four trips recorded in 2022…
“The Road network of St. Maarten was subject of much debate during the handling of the amended budget 2024 in the Parliament”, MP Wescot stated in a recent letter to Min of VROMI, MR. P. Gumbs. Before minister Gumbs’ tenure, information was provided by the ministry regarding dirt roads to be paved etc. as it related to the capital budget 2024. However, a detailed calendar of works with respect to the paving of side roads, the so-called Side Road Pavement project which was promised to parliament, has not been received, MP Wescot explained. “I have reminded the minister to share…
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) held its first official introductory meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Justice, Ms. N.M. Tackling, on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting took place at the Philipsburg Police Station, bringing together the Minister and the management team of KPSM. During the meeting, the management team provided an overview of the police organization, including its structure, ongoing efforts, and preparations for the upcoming busy holiday season. Key challenges faced by the organization were also discussed, highlighting areas where support and resources are most needed. Following the discussions, Minister Tackling…
Dear Editor, The article in The Daily Herald of St. Maarten of December 4, 2024: “PJIAH asserts Government has no role to play in CEO selection for PJIAE” prompts one to check what are the rights of the shareholder and if Good Corporate Governance is being upheld. According to rules and regulations (Civil Code Book 2 of St. Maarten, Articles of Incorporation, Jurisprudence) the rights of the shareholder (government or private sector) are: Issuing additional shares, Reducing the share capital; Adopting the annual accounts; Distribution of dividend; Amendments to the articles of incorporation; Appointment or dismissal of directors; Mergers or…
Phillipsburg- In response to significant budget cuts that have left schools struggling with resource shortages, Member of Parliament Darryl York has taken a deeply personal step to support education in his community. The MP has officially “adopted” his former primary school, Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School, pledging financial aid, mentorship programs, and his own time to ensure students have the tools and opportunities to succeed. This initiative underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of care and responsibility for the next generation. “I walked those halls, sat in those classrooms, and was shaped by the values I learned there.…
CAY HILL, ST. MAARTEN: St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) wishes to address recent claims regarding conditions at our facility and provide accurate information to our patients, staff and the wider community. The recent heavy rainfall has caused some drainage issues at our facility, resulting in water backup from regular drainage pipes. We want to clearly state that at no point was there sewage water in the Sterilization Department, contrary to recent reports. SMMC management has been actively addressing this situation: Multiple meetings were held with department supervisors earlier this week to address and resolve the drainage issues. A requested union…
HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG — Today November 26, 2024, members of the incoming Council of Ministers Cabinet Mercelina II were appointed and sworn in by His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, Mr. Ajamu G. Baly. Governor Baly gave the following speech: Government Prefet of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin; Chairlady of Parliament; Members of Parliament; Acting Vice-chairlady of the Council of Advice; Acting Chairlady of the Audit Chamber; Ombudsman; Prime Minister; Ministers; Minister Plenipotentiary; Secretary general of the Council of Minister: Acting Vice-President of the Joint Court of Justice; Chief Public Prosecutor; Acting Chairlady of the Central Voting Bureau; Chairman…
