The Hague — Today, State Secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) has submitted a bill to the Second Chamber to be able to intervene administratively on St. Eustatius. The bill stipulates that the island council will be disbanded and the deputies and acting lieutenant governor will be relieved of their duties. A government commissioner will be appointed who will take care of the administration of St. Eustatius. This intervention is a reaction to the report of the ‘committee of wise men’, who reported “gross dereliction of duties” on St. Eustatius. This dereliction of duty comes at the expense of citizens and businesses…
Author: The Publisher
Philipsburg — In regards to the upcoming February 26th, 2018, Parliamentary Elections, the Civil Registry Department will be distributing the voting cards at four different locations: the Dutch Quarter Helpdesk, St. Peters Rupert Maynard Community Centre, Public Service Center (PSC) in Simpsonbay, and the Old Census office building in Philipsburg. Once persons are registered at the Civil Registry department and they are eligible voters, their voting cards can be collected from February 5 to February 9 at one of the distribution locations. Please take note that your district is connected to the address that you are registered under at the…
POND ISLAND – The New York Times (NYT) Travel section featured “52 Places to Go in 2018” as part of a starter kit for escaping into the world, and the Caribbean came in as number four under the banner “Tourism speeds recovery in a storm-battered part of the world.” Destination Sint Maarten’s newest tourist attraction was mentioned under the Caribbean “The new St. Maarten Rockland Estate Eco-Park Rainforest Adventures’ new Rockland Estate Park introduced a zipline to Saint Maarten.” The section was written by Elaine Glusac. Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever…
Pond Island – A blazing fire of an unknown origin broke out in the site where vehicles and other forms of metal are stockpiled on Pond Island. Currently firefighters are working to contain the blaze which appears to be intensifying by the minute. From all appearances, the fire seems to be fueled by the variety of combustible materials in the proximity of the inferno. Due to landfill fire persons with respiratory challenges advised to close windows and doors GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Part of the landfill on Pond Island is on fire. The Fire Department is advising persons…
by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert How about Fly-In Banking; like a drive-in fast food operation? No, it’s no joke. In the Caribbean? Probably not, but that is not the point. One has to look at the principles of the concept and explore if one could do a ‘fly-in’ something that might fit a particular destination in a region. Bottom line, it’s all about economic development of a region. Follow-me! Developing airport business requires some creative thinking especially when it comes to private and business aviation. No one is flying to an airport because of the airport. Passengers are coming for the…
Philipsburg — The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and CC1 St. Maarten has renewed their partnership for Carnival 2018. With CC1 on board as a major corporate sponsor of Carnival, the general public can expect several promotional activities, raffles and giveaways from CC1 as well collaboration on two of Carnival’s largest concerts. The SCDF and CC1 will collaborate to present the One Love Reggae Concert as well as Noche Latina. “The support of CC1 not only makes the presentation of the shows possible, but also makes several operational aspects of Carnival possible. This is not an easy year financially…
Philipsburg — Seven owners of one-man businesses (sole proprietorships) on Sint Maarten will appear in the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten on 6 and 7 February 2018. It is the “Emerald-case” regarding evading income and turnover tax. These suspicions are the result of the “Emerald-investigation”, an investigation by the anti-corruption unit (TBO, Team Bestrijding Ondermijning) into fraud and corruption in the port of Sint Maarten. It has been found that the companies that are on trial in (in particular) the years 2012-2016 have been paid for approximately 8 million dollars for activities that would have been carried out…
MIDDLE REGION – Xtratight Entertainment is bringing a touch of class to the party life of the island with its newest event, El Légance. This is the event where the grown folks can dance the night away while decked out in their exquisite gowns and smart suits. El Légance, is a spinoff from ‘Fyah Under Yuh Foot, and will be hosted by music producer, Bertaux ‘Mr. Rude’ Fleming. It is in line with a series of events planned this year by Fleming’s Xtratight Entertainment. “El Légance is a new concept from Xtratight and it stemmed from the concept of our…
Philipsburg — As promised, we bring you a full report on Real Auto’s Night with the Stars event held on Friday night at Porto Cupecoy where visitors enjoyed drinks and snacks and the chance to win several raffled prizes while checking out the newest auto models on display. Real Auto presented their newest Toyota, Suzuki and Chevy models at a well attended “Night with the Stars” event held at Porto Cupecoy under the bright shine of a rising moon. Fourteen of Real Auto’s latest models were displayed at the premier venue and invited guests were given an overview of the…
PHILIPSBURG — It is a known issue that the discharged Medical Referral patients of SZV, currently in the Dominican Republic are now faced with prolonged stays in the country due to the cancellations of PAWA airline flights. SZV recognizes the impact of this and our team has since been working actively towards alternatives for its patients currently affected. At the moment a total of 15 persons (patients and companions combined) are pending travel arrangements to return to St. Maarten. It is a very undesirable situation for all. Together with various parties and stakeholders we are seeking the best and safest…
