Having experienced two hurricanes cat. 5, having seen the devastation and been around to feel and understand the inconveniences, to just express it mildly; no water, no electricity or no telecommunication for an extended period. Lots of time though to think about what happened and who are suffering, and wondering about the future. Returning to what may be considered ‘normal’ is not an option but rather a mediocratic restauration. by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert I have seen buildings that remained almost untouched. I have seen buildings without roofs, windows, or doors where residents sat in front of what once was their…
Author: The Publisher
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IMPORTANT NOTICE The Public Service Center Department hereby informs the general public that due to damages caused by Hurricanes Irma/Maria, the Simpson Bay Branch will be closed until further notice. The temporary closure is to allow time for the necessary repairs and restoration of systems. We are pleased to announce the resumption of the following services at the Public Service Center, Government Building, Soualuiga Road #1, Pond Island, effective Wednesday, October 11, 2017. 1. ID/Driver’s License (dl) pick-up: Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily Note: for applications processed prior to July 31, 2017. Requirements for pick-up: Payment receipt…
PHILIPSBURG – Prime Minister William Marlin on Sunday released his Constitution Day 2017 address. People of St. Maarten, a little over a month ago, we were struck by the most powerful hurricane ever recorded. We are all privileged by the grace of God to have survived that catastrophic storm which was quickly followed by another terrifying one, Maria. We all know what transpired in the aftermath of those monstrous hurricanes and the heroic efforts of our people to pick up the pieces, dust themselves off and move on as best as they can under incredible conditions. In the midst of…
PHILIPSBURG – Gracita Arrindell, Leader of the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) states: “The reality of the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Irma continues to set in. Thousands of people are expected to or already have been laid off. We can do two things, sit and ask rhetorical questions every so often or grab the ‘bull by its horns’ and suggest to those in office if they are incapacitated or incapable for whatever reason to create workable job opportunities for many of our people under the present circumstances. What worries most citizens from all walks of life, is why government…
GREAT BAY — On Saturday morning, the 7th of October (eta. 7 am), the Cygnus entered the port of Philipsburgh. On board of the cargo ship are the remaining materials for the waste disposal process: pressure sprayers, watertanks and chemicals to disinfect high priority areas. The first part was flown in from the Netherlands by an Antonov cargo plane last Saturday. Also on board of the Cygnus is a complete meteorological station, school bags and other education materials and nine trucks to assist the energy company GEBE in restoring the overhead lines. The meteorological station will probably be transported from…
Philipsburg – The Inspectors of the Inspection/Permits Department from the Ministry of VROMI are currently assessing all structures post hurricane Irma and Maria. Homes that are deemed unlivable will be marked with the letter O. This information will be used in the social assessments. Structures that are marked with the letter B indicates severe structural damage. This information will be cautiously used for assessment for rebuilding. Structures with no markings have no structural issues. Home or property owners who are planning to reconstruct, repair or rebuild a structure that is not in accordance to their issued building permit, are requested…
GREAT BAY – United People’s Party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard has written a letter dated October 6, 2017 to the Prime Minister William Marlin via the President of Parliament seeking information about employees of St. Maarten Cable TV. “St. Maarten is in a dire economic state due to Hurricane Irma. This is no time to add more uncertainty in our community, and more importantly an increase in unemployment,” part of the letter reads. “After hearing the plight of the workers at St. Maarten Cable TV, a company acquired by St. Maarten Telephone Group of Companies TelEm, I…
Philipsburg — The staff of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School (MLK) received a token of appreciation in recognition of World Teacher’s Day on Thursday morning from Lazy Lizard Restaurant. “I was elated when Mr. Nikhil Kukreja did not hesitate to team up with me by showing some appreciation to our staff especially on their special day,” said Stuart Johnson School Manager of MLK. Johnson added, “this Teacher’s Appreciation Day we are at school instead of traditionally being on midterm break which makes it feel somewhat different. So, I encourage you to keep faith and remain committed despite the new…
MAHO BAY – On October 5, 2017, the first distribution of funds from the gofundme.com/sonestasxmstaff campaign, which was highly supported by past guests, family and friends to provide aid to employees of The Maho Group and Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten, has commenced and in progress this week. A central location for this distribution was graciously provided by the Belair Community Center making it a convenient location for staff with limited transportation. FIRST ROUND OF DONATIONS OF THE GOFUNDME.COM/SONESTASXMSTAFF CAMPAIGN FUNDED BY GUESTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO AID THE MAHO GROUP AND SONESTA RESORTS ST. MAARTEN STAFF, WAS DISTRIBUTED AND FACILITATED…
Philipsburg — Ministry TEATT on Friday announced that the first arrivals at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on October 10 and at Port St. Maarten on November 11, will be greeted by staff of both strategic ports and personnel of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in shirts with a clear message: St. Maarten is open for business. Or, to put it simple, “Yes, We’re Open! Several volunteers will also be present in the shirts. The shirts depict an airplane for PJIA and a cruise ship for Port St. Maarten. Adorned in St. Maarten colors, the commemorative logo also features…
