POND ISLAND — The Ministry of VROMI has issued a correction that existing buildings with a permit can rebuild based on the issued building permit. Based on a previous press release, there was considerable debate whether property owners had to request a building permit in order to carry out repairs of damage caused by hurricane Irma. The ministry would like to clarify the post hurricane rebuilding activities which will not require a permit. Any rebuilding works according to the drawings of the already approved building permit requires no new building permit. For example, a house that was issued a building…
Author: The Publisher
Philipsburg – The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association is pleased to report that the first megayacht has returned to St. Maarten, leading the way for what we hope to be a recovery of the yachting sector. Motor Yacht Orinokia, a Benetti Classic 120, passed through the Simpson Bay Bridge on Saturday morning and docked at its berth at Yacht Club Port de Plaisance. Orinokia had recently taken shelter in St. Lucia but decided to return to St. Maarten as soon as it was safe to do so. Captain Simon Uzcategui said that both the yacht owner and crew wanted…
PHILIPSBURG — In a phone conversation today with this newspaper, Winair CEO, Michael Cleaver, after verification with his office confirmed that indeed Winair will be executing three commercial flights between Curacao and St. Maarten for the purpose of repatriating residents back to St. Maarten. The local airline’s CEO confirmed that once-a-day, round-trip flights will take place on Thursday, October 5th; Saturday, October 7th; and Tuesday, October 10th. The maximum number of passengers on the SXM-CUR route will be 130 and on the CUR-SXM route, it will be 145. WINAIR will utilize a PAWA Dominicana aircraft via its wet lease agreement…
Pond Island – TelEm Group’s mobile provider, TelCell, says its network recovery efforts are going well in the wake of two major hurricanes causing massive damage throughout the company’s telecommunication networks. As of Monday this week, TelCell has 21 of its 31 major cell sites back in operation with the remainder scheduled to come on line during the course of this week. According to Manager, Network Operations, Julian Lake, personnel have been working around the clock since the passage of the two storms to keep customers connected with their loved ones on the island and overseas. “There is some congestion…
That Christmas came early is no doubt a feeling many grateful people will have after yesterday’s good news about the HNLMS Karel Doorman’s arrival at the port of St. Maarten. His Netherlands Majesty Ship Karel Doorman’s consignment with a total weight of over one million kilos and valued at an estimated one million Euros is the single largest shipment of relief goodies to be received after the hurricane Irma disaster. One of the biggest beneficiaries will be the St. Maarten Police Force that not only received ten extra police cars but also one large mobile command center, as the police…
GREAT BAY – In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma at times stories and announcements came out that seem too good to be true. An example is the announcement by the Windward Islands Bank that clients with a loan in good standing will get a grace period of six months and that the interest over that period will be forgiven. This way, the bank said, $750,000 will stay in the pockets of our clients. But industry insiders, who wish to remain anonymous, say that this offer is not worth what it seems. They say that the large majority of loans are…
GREAT BAY — Directly after Hurricane Irma, the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) requested and received assistance in the form of teams of police officers from Aruba (20), Curacao (20) and The Netherlands (49). Assistance was also received from the V.K.C (11), the Voluntary Corps of Curacao, the V.K.S of St. Maarten, the Royal Marechaussee (20), the National Detectives and the Customs Department. As a part of the assistance package, KPSM also requested extra police vehicles as a large number of the police cars in the fleet was heavily damaged during the passing of Hurricane Irma. The temporary assistance…
GREAT BAY — As the reality of the impacts of Irma, Jose and Maria become clearer and the realization of the daunting tasks ahead settle in, it is important for the public to be reminded of the resilience of our people and our beloved country. Undoubtedly, there will be many challenging days ahead, all the more reason to make sure we acknowledge the successes and accomplishments as we move to rebuild our country. The first responders which included the Police Department, the Ambulance Department, the Fire Department, the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), the Department of…
PHILIPSBURG — The investigation into the mass looting continues to expand as more suspects are being identified and arrested. Many looted items are being found and confiscated. This investigation will continue to move forward with the assistance of the police forces of Aruba, Curacao, the Netherlands, V.K.C, V.K.S, the Royal Marechaussee and the Customs Department. Vital information regarding looting continue to reach the police department which without any doubt demonstrates that the community of Sint Maarten will not accept this type of criminal act and the will do what is necessary to assist in solving this case. A stern warning…
PHILIPSBURG — Business representatives from a large number of local businesses which have been looted in the aftermath of hurricane Irma are now filing official complaints with the detective department. These official complaints are filed in order the have an official investigation done and have those involved stand responsible for their actions. At least 20 well-known establishments, such as jewelry stores, furniture and electronic stores, air-conditioning and motorcycles stores have filed official complaints. More complaints are expected to be filed other businesses. The investigation into the mass looting continues to expand as more suspects are being identified and arrested. Many…
