Author: The Publisher

Philipsburg –On Thursday, December 14th the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) received the first two of six new vehicles to be added to its fleet.The new vehicles will be assigned to the detectives department as that department’s vehicles suffered severe damage from Hurricane Irma in September and were deemed unfit for driving. In addition to the two new vehicles, KPSM received three more vehicles for the detective department and one bus/van to be used for transportation. With the addition of the new vehicles the Police Force is in a much better position to provide the much needed service and security…

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~ Overwhelmed by the support ~  Middle Region – Just two days after garnering 101 votes in a tightly-run Chamber of Commerce elections, Music Producer Bertaux ‘Mr. Rude’ Fleming on Sunday was recognized as a local hero in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. But it was not that award that has touched the ‘Night of the Hit Makers’ producer. He is overwhelmed and appreciative of the support he received in the Chamber of Commerce and the number of people and companies that extended congratulatory messages to him since then. Fleming, who will now spend the next three years on the…

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Ladies and Gentlemen, This week no column from me. I doubt that anyone would be interested in reading the serious issues that I bring up, during a festive season.  I could have waited another 3-4 days with this, but then everybody get stacks of holiday season wishes that need responses. Therefore, mine are here and now. I wish you the best of holiday cheer and a great time celebrating with friends and relatives. Since I’m alone anyway, I will pack a light suitcase and make a trip to my favorite Caribbean island, St. Tosia. My friend Capt. Nick Boulder will…

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St. Maarten — Art Saves Lives Foundation continued its hurricane relief efforts with the assistance of the French Tourist Office’s “SXM Smile Again” initiative to assist students on the island. Recording artist Phyllisia Ross collaborated with Art Saves Lives Foundation to collect school supplies and toys for St. Maarten’s children and students. Phyllisia Ross’ songs “KONSA” and “Ma vie sans toi” are crowd favorites. The video for her single “ONE” was shot on St. Maarten. Art Saves Lives is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community and the children of St. Maarten and is pleased that Phyllisia…

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Philipsburg –  Developer Frank Teboul will be starting the construction of two 21 floor Towers soon. The building permit has been approved and signed by the Minister of VROMI. Honorable Minister C. Emmanuel expressed that this coming construction will be historical. Not only will it create 170 employment opportunities, but it is a new chapter in how buildings are being built in the hotel section on Sint Maarten. Instead of constructing wide, we are constructing higher. It is also the hope that investors become interested in Mullet Bay once again. Photo caption: Permits Department Acting Head Charlon Pompier, Towers developer…

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Dear Sir, Can you imagine that you were in charge of the government of a small island where  15% of the economy was attributable to the yachting sector, this sector had significant competition, and the island was hit by a hurricane that was stronger than any hurricane that hit any global yachting destination ever in the history of the world? What would you do to minimize the damage and optimize the industry’s contribution to the economy in the short term? Let’s imagine there were huge damages to the boats and many were under water, docks were damaged and if the…

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Christian President, alternative candidate for true leadership “ST MAARTEN, like you, I share the same sentiments time and time again.  We are continuously being begged for our support during elections and once given the opportunity to represent us in government, our elected officials create amongst themselves a state of chaos and demonstrate incompetence.  We, the people, suffer the consequences”. This opening statement, written by Christian President, characterizes him as a man passionate about his country and explains his reason for entering politics and making himself the alternative candidate for the true leadership that St. Maarten so desperately needs. The Sint…

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Philipsburg – Ten hours of reading, sharing of literary works and networking proved that the “Engage in Literature Read-a-thon” was indeed more than just a read-a-thon. Last week (December 9th) the Engage foundation hosted their first annual read-a-thon in benefit of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. Close to fifty persons attended the event at the Coffee Lounge on Front Street. “Without the support of all who attended and that of our corporate sponsors, SZV, Motorworld Group of Companies and CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, the event would not have been the success that it was. We are so proud, and so should…

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Photo caption: After a long summer break which included the passing of hurricane Irma and the aftermath thereof, the Philipsburg Community Brass Band was once again back at the St. Simon & St. Jude Anglican Church in Philipsburg for their monthly rendition of instrumental songs. This time the brass band brought songs with Christmas cheer to the church. Photo provided.

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The concept of a Democratic system of government and the Trias Politica philosophy is quite old. The term “Trias Politica” or “Separation of powers” is widely acknowledged to be linked to Montesquieu, author of the popular work “The Spirit of Laws” (1748). The work combined his knowledge of law, history, economics, geography and political theory. Montesquieu was however not the first to write or talk about separating powers from ruling classes and politicians. The main objective of this doctrine is to prevent the abuse of power within different spheres of government. Historically the powers were separated to avoid people in…

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