Author: The Publisher

PHILIPSBURG — The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) Sint Maarten is prepared to take into account looters and fencers who regret their act. As is known, citizens committed criminal offenses during and after the passage of hurricane “Irma”. In this case, specifically with looting. There have been many searches in recent days and suspects are detained. The police force KPSM will continue the investigations, under the supervision of the OM. Meanwhile, there are also signs that people are sorry for what they have done. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is willing to take this into consideration and has established a scheme for…

PHILIPBURG— Community connectedness, collaboration and the creation of safe spaces are some additional elements needed to bounce back collectively from the psychological, material, environmental and financial wounds caused by Hurricane Irma which descended on the island on September 6, 2017, according to The St. Maarten Foundation For Psychologists & “Orthopedagogen” (SFPO). SFPO officials said on Thursday, October 5, 2017, that the pain and stress experienced as a result of the hurricane is being experienced both on the individual and community level.  Healing and rebuilding therefore can be brought about via the provision of psychological support to the individual, as mentioned…

‘The struggle is real’ was a much heard expression after the passing of hurricane Irma when people experienced the lack of many basic necessities such as water, electricity, phone service and internet. But for some people the struggle is hard, much harder. We are talking about those who have struggles dealing with the reality of the aftermath of hurricane Irma. Some have lost their homes, their loved ones, their jobs and their overall sense of safety and security. Thankfully, there is help for those having problems coping. The Association of Psychologists and Allied Professionals of Sint Maarten is extending a…

GREAT BAY – Parliament will receive a proposal from the central committee to reappoint Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin for a second term of seven years. The central committee met yesterday afternoon – the first meeting in the Parliament Building after Hurricane Irma. The committee that examined the applications for the position reported on August 29 that it had received just two applications and that none of them had a “strong assessment.” The committee gave an advice that consisted of three options. The first one was to reopen the application period; the second one was to appoint the candidate that had…

PHILIPSBURG –Eight (8) persons were arrested on Wednesday October 4th during at least seven house searches at different locations on the Dutch side of the island that were executed by members of KPSM assisted by the police forces from Curacao and the Netherlands, the Royal Marechaussee, VKC, VKS and Customs Department. During these searches three fire-arms, illegal drugs and a large amount of electrical equipment and food stuff were found and confiscated. All 8 suspects remain in custody for further investigation.

Joint Message on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day 2017 Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers 5 October 2017 Teachers are a critical foundation of every society’s long-term strength – providing children, young people and adults with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfil their potential. But around the world, far too many teachers don’t have the freedom and support they need to do their vitally important jobs. That is why the theme of this year’s World Teachers’ Day –“Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers” – reaffirms the value of empowered teachers and recognizes the challenges many encounter in their professional…

Willemstad – During its visit to Curaçao, the Board of financial supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) indicated that the implementation of the 2017 budget was under great pressure. Revenue enhancing and tax mitigation measures are necessary to prevent a budget deficit in 2017. Challenges are related to lagging tax revenues en social funds premiums and the control of expenses. In addition, the stimulation of the economy is an important challenge Probable positive closing of 2016 budget The year 2016 appears to have closed with a positive result on the ordinary service, on account of incidental windfalls. With this, Curaçao…

GREAT BAY – Government and Parliament shall immediately activate a weekly question and answer hour. That is one of the stipulations in a motion MP Sarah Wescot-Williams submitted during yesterday’s meeting of parliament about the government’s preparedness for the arrival of Hurricane Irma in early September. The motion expresses the concerns about the government’s preparedness, as it furthermore urges the government to institute regular consultation with French St. Martin and to inform the Parliament about these consultations. The motion also urges the government to hurry up with the cleanup of the Simpson Bay Lagoon in consultation with its counterparts on…

DEN HELDER – In the port of Den Helder 20 tons of relief goods is ready for St. Maarten; not for people, but for animals, Natasja Gibbs reports on Caribisch Netwerk. “Animals are often forgotten during a disaster, while they are also victims,” says Saskia Poelman of shipping company Fairtransport. “Our shipping company stands for making the world a better place. When we saw that St. Maarten needed help we did not hesitate for a moment and offered cargo space,” Poelman says. The Open Scape Foundation collected 20 tons of goods for animals during the past couple of weeks. Our…

GREAT BAY – The courthouse in Philipsburg will reopen its doors to the public on October 16, the court’s management announced in a press statement. The date has been chosen in consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Dean of the Bar Association. Until the reopening it is only possible to file urgent requests. The courthouse will work with an adjusted agenda. There will be court hearings for all judicial fields, but some will proceed at a lower than normal frequency. Inmates will be heard in the courthouse again from October 16. The court sessions that had to be…