Dear Editor, I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of serious concern regarding what will be another illegal sale of Mullet Bay and hence bring the attention to the questionable sales of Cupy Coy in 1956 and Mullet Bay in 1957. I do believe everything happens for a reason and every bad deed brings more bad Karma to Sint Maarten and its people and it needs to stop. It has come to my attention in my research, that both Cupy Coy or Cul Ricard now known as Cupecoy in 1956 and Mullet Pond Lands now known as…
Author: The Publisher
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten— November marks the second annual Financial Literacy Month in Sint Maarten, a time dedicated to equipping citizens with essential financial knowledge to navigate life’s economic challenges. Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion, Chair of the Finance Committee, encourages all citizens, alongside schools and businesses, to actively participate in financial literacy workshops hosted by the government this month. Established during Irion’s tenure as Minister of Finance last year, Financial Literacy Month aims to build a financially resilient Sint Maarten through education and community support. “Financial literacy is more than a personal advantage; it is a foundation for a…
~ Members of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg and Ardwell Irion Call for Comprehensive Crime Prevention Policy ~ PHILIPSBURG – Members of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg and Ardwell Irion submitted a motion urging the Minister of Justice to comply with the Crime Prevention Funds ordinance and develop a comprehensive crime prevention policy for Sint Maarten. The motion addresses the pressing need for a strategic approach to combat rising crime rates and ensure public safety. Key points of the motion include: Development of a legally compliant Crime Prevention policy plan to be included in the 2025 Budget submission. Implementation of a structured Crime Fund…
GREAT BAY (October, 2024)—France and the Netherlands must not be allowed to hide “behind farcical colonial structures like ‘country within the Kingdom,’ ‘Caribbean municipalities,’ ‘overseas territories,’ or ‘collectivities’ under the guise of ‘good governance,’ in the Caribbean,” said St. Martin author, educator, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell. Dr. Arrindell was an invited presenter at the Baku Initiative Group conference on International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. On October 21, 2024, Arrindell spoke on the continuing consequences of colonialism. “More specifically, I addressed the related situation on St. Martin, a 37-square-mile Caribbean island, divided by France (Saint Martin) and…
In the midst of GEBE’s disheartening and contentious development, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has raised significant concerns regarding the government’s recent proposal to allocate Naf.75.6 million from the Capital Expenditure budget for 2024 to purchase generators for the GEBE. During a press release MP Omar Ottley underscored the critical need for transparency and fairness in the use of taxpayer money, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the citizens. “Let us be clear: this money belongs to the people,” MP Omar stated emphatically. “We are already being overcharged for electricity that is suppose to be a basic…
By Richard Gibson Sr. To determine whether a system is democratic, several key components must be present: the existence of free and fair elections, the protection of individual rights and freedoms, the separation of powers, the presence of political pluralism, the rule of law. The rule of law provides a mechanism to check the abuse of power by political leaders and institutions. A democracy without rule of law would be vulnerable to corruption, unchecked authority, and the erosion of civil liberties. Against this back drop a review of the “Fuel Clause” GEBE charges and collects from its customers cannot pass…
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten – Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs clarified here this week that “the issue is not whether the previous Council of Ministers held discussions with some entities about the possible sale of shares in WINAIR.” “The real issue,” said the finance minister, “is that none of those discussions resulted in a concrete offer, and consequently, the potential income from such a sale should not have been booked as revenue in the 2024 Budget.” The Minister said that “Good financial husbandry and proper budgeting practice require that expected revenue sources should be realistic. A possible sale of shares…
~ Unpaid Advice to Government About Winair From Local Aviation and Travel Specialist, Terrance Rey ~ The recent acquisition of Winair’s third ATR42-500 aircraft marks a milestone in the airline’s growth and commitment to service improvement. This strategic move not only demonstrates Winair’s focus on expanding routes and enhancing customer satisfaction but also presents a unique opportunity for local citizens to invest in the nation’s success. Terrance Rey, a local aviation specialist and travel consultant, has been advocating for Winair’s growth to be shared with the people of St. Maarten—arguing that allowing locals to buy shares in Winair could be…
PHILIPSBURG — Recent false statements by the current Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, asserting that no discussions regarding the sale of WINAIR shares took place prior to their public announcement by former Finance Minister Ardwell Irion, have sparked significant controversy. This revelation has stirred debate about the transparency and strategic planning involved in the future of the regional airline. In light of these developments, StMaartenNews.com is aware of documents revealing significant potential investment interest in the sale of shares in WINAIR. The existence of these documents, confirmed by our sources in the financial and aviation sectors, outline the strategic interest…
New Orleans, LA, October 15, 2024 — Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) has appointed Youil Homsi as CEO Caribbean Region, effective October 1st. Mr. Homsi steps into the role following Ms. Greer Quan’s departure at the end of August. Over her 10 years with the company, most recently as PALIG’s Caribbean Region CEO, Greer played a pivotal role in guiding the regional strategy and shaping PALIG’s portfolio in the Caribbean. She led the business with a results-oriented, customer-focused approach, consistently upholding the highest standards of service. Greer leaves behind a strong platform for future growth. Mr. Homsi joins Pan-American Life…
