Simpson Bay — On the 6th of September powerful category five storm Hurricane Irma struck Sint Maarten with 185 MPH winds, causing widespread damage to the island and its infrastructure. The storm also caused significant damage to the island’s nature and environment. Beaches were also significantly damaged and water quality was strongly diminished, therefore the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation conducted initial beach assessments to determine the level of impact. Beach assessments were carried out from the 3rd to the 8th of October 2017 and will continue for some time. St Maarten beaches were mainly patrolled for damage assessments and possible…
Author: The Publisher
PHILIPSBURG — On Friday, October 6th, the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, held a meeting with the school managers of the public schools. The meeting was held to give clarity to the concerns of the school managers and their management, teachers and staff members. Minister Jacobs expressed her sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding to the school managers, teachers, and staff due to lack of proper communication for several reasons. On September 30th, the Head of Division Public Education met and informed school managers of the new start time. It was decided that the group 7 & 8 students…
Philipsburg — The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School (MLK) received an innovative portable water filter container dubbed AquaBox from Sandra Cheung of the Tzu Chi Foundation. “Contributions for our school and especially those benefiting our students does not go unnoticed. I deeply appreciate these initiatives as it will take the entire community to rebuild education in all facets,” remarked Stuart Johnson, School Manager of MLK. The simple boxes filter deadly bacterias like cholera and typhoid out of contaminated water making it safe to drink. Johnson thanked the foundation for their contribution and looks forward to a healthy working…
Philipsburg — Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten has broadened its humanitarian efforts and has adopted six schools for a breakfast programme to provide students with fresh breakfast each morning. Tzu Chi donates supplies to 1,560 students The foundation has also donated much-needed packages with school supplies to 1,560 students. A total of 2,825 students benefitted from the breakfast programme and the school supplies package donation thus far, which involved the efforts of 54 volunteers, who assisted in the process. The breakfast programme began when school reopened on Monday, October 2, and will continue for one month. It is being done…
Hurricane Irma has exposed the truth about our parliamentary system. Our parliamentarians, for whom we voted directly, have no say. It has been more than a month, since the passing of the most devastating hurricane ever to hit Sint Maarten, and Parliament has not yet been fully briefed on the post-hurricane disaster management situation and on the recovery plans ensuing Irma. It is sad, when the highest legislative and supervisory body in the country is still unable to get clarity on what transpired in the wake of Irma. Likewise, it is unacceptable that this body has not yet been apprised…
Cul de Sac, St. Maarten (October 9, 2017) — The Government of Guyana will conduct evacuation exercises from St. Martin to Guyana on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 and Wednesday, October 11, 2017, announced that country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. All persons who had previously registered with Mrs. Lucas-Felix (721-527-0704) will be given first preference. Please note the below flight details: Tuesday, 10 October, 2017 Jags Aviation Sky Truck Estimated Time of Departure from St. Maarten – 11.00h on Tuesday, 10 October 2017 Estimated Time of Arrival in Guyana – 17.00h on Tuesday, 10 October 2017 This aircraft can accommodate…
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…
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…
