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Sint Maarten Library encourages Patron to return Outstanding Books

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Library is thrilled to introduce the first grace period of 2024, designed to welcome back overdue and damaged books from our valued patrons, whether slightly damaged or several months or years overdue, to any of the library’s locations during regular operating hours.

From Tuesday, April 2, 2024, until Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the library urges all patrons, irrespective of the condition or duration of overdue items, to return their outstanding materials.

The library invites the public to visit three locations: the Philipsburg location, which is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including the lunch period; and the branch locations in Cay Hill and Belvedere, which are open from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Our goal is to ensure that our collections remain accessible to everyone in our community. By returning overdue or damaged books, patrons help ensure that these resources remain available to all.

During this amnesty period, there will be no questions asked, and no fines or penalties on the overdue items.

For more information, please contact the Sint Maarten Library at +1721-542-2970, or visit our website at www.library.sx. You can also reach us through our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Governor Baly meets with formateur. Final Report from Mercelina due April 26

SINT MAARTEN (HARBOUR VIEW) - His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly met with formateur Dr. Luc Mercelina on Thursday March 282024,24 and received an update on the progress of the formation.

The formateur requested an additional extension to present Governor Baly the final formation report as the background screening of the candidate ministers is presently still ongoing.

Taking this into account, Governor Baly granted the commission for Dr. Mercelina to present him the final report of the formation by April 26, 2024.

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TelEm Group announces temporary closure of Simpson Bay branch

SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - TelEm Group has announced the temporary closure of its Simpson Bay Branch, effective April 2, 2024 as the company prepares to transform St. Maarten’s premier telecommunication provider into a state of the art Integrated Digital-Service Provider (IDSP).

Customers who presently use the Simpson Bay location are encouraged to make use of TelEm Group’s main branch on Pond Island, or make use of the company’s convenient online payment options. Payment is also possible at partner locations including: Postal Services St. Maarten, at the old Receiver’s Office and Caribtech, located in Welfare Road, Simpson Bay – during regular office hours.

TelEm Group apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of its Simpson Bay branch and will be working diligently to re-open the Branch as soon as possible.

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The Division of St. Martin is the Property of The Netherlands and France

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Treaty of Concordia, or Partition Treaty, purportedly signed on March 23, 1648, divided the Caribbean Island of St. Martin between French and Dutch imperial, slaveholding, and colonial interests.

According to articles 5 and 6 of the Treaty of Concordia, most of the people, the enslaved African people of St. Martin, were, based on the French and Dutch laws of the day, property of the European slave owners.

The Black people were neither the “inhabitants” nor the “persons” referred to in what was significantly a business agreement to facilitate the exploitation of the salt and other material resources (art 5) in the two colonial territories.

That the enslaved people would have been ordered to pick, carry, and pile the stones that marked the supposed spot on the Concordia hill where the treaty was said to have been signed, may be explored as legend or as our actual lot.

Such an exercise could be done with the same power that we pursue critical knowledge of the merciless, unreparated labor in the great ponds, building of the fortifications, mansions and mills, and the hewing, hauling, sowing, picking, and harvesting on plantations and from the salt marshes by our ancestors, driven as beasts under the slavers’ lash.

Know about the Concordia treaty as a historical marker, yes; but beyond that it might best be left as a simple historical curiosity, along the same lines as Peter Stuyvesant losing part of his right leg during his being part of the Dutch military leadership of the 1644 attack on the Spanish occupiers of St. Martin.

The Treaty of Concordia is not a festive day for the emancipated St. Martin nation.

And how would this accord be maintained as a “national” day in an independent St. Martin—beyond the current adjusted autonomy authorized by France and the Netherlands respectively in 2007 and 2010 for the North and South of our island?

The Treaty of Concordia is neither a founding text nor a seminal constitution of the truly liberated St. Martin nation. To our humanity this would be unmanly and detestable; and the French and Dutch nationality cannot absolve or solve what is the inherent evil at the very cornerstone of the Treaty of Concordia, and that is the dehumanization of the African or Black people of St. Martin as expressed, reinforced, and never corrected in that European accord.

The Partition Treaty of 1648 is not a thing of love, nor a celebration of the unity that was nurtured and consolidated most during the Traditional Period (1848-1963) by the people, individuals and families of the villages and towns of the St. Martin nation.

The Concordia treaty is not the foundation of this fraternal and familial unity of the St. Martin nation; a unity whose indivisibility we should be duty bound to honor, live, and fight for if needs be; a unity that is invariably forged best by all of the people—past, present, and the evolving future—of the South and North of our beloved Caribbean island, which is in the 21st century still a colony, by various names, of the Dutch Kingdom and the French Republic.

 

Note: The above is an abstract from an unfinished paper. © 2013, 2021 by Lasana M. Sekou, a St. Martin writer.

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Second Reminder for All political parties to submit 2023 annual report before April 1

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Electoral Council would like to remind all registered political parties, including those who did not participate in the 2024 parliamentary elections, that the annual report for 2023 must be submitted to the Electoral Council before April 1st, 2024, as stipulated in Article 27 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties.

The annual report should include: a. The composition of the board during 2023. b. The amount of contributing members at the beginning and at the end of 2023. c. The amount of contribution received from members during 2023. d. An overview of activities carried out in 2023.

The 2023 annual report must be accompanied by a financial report as laid down in article 28 of the aforementioned National Ordinance which states that the financial report should at least include: a. The financial position at the start and the end of 2023. b. A specified statement of income and expenditure, as well as an auditor’s report by a chartered accountant (Dutch: registered accountant/RA) regarding the accuracy of the financial report. c. Donations of ANG 5,000 or more from a source other than a natural person. d. The total amount of donations, other than contributions from party members.

The 2023 annual report can be submitted to the Electoral Council at the office address of the Electoral Council mentioned below during office hours between 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and between 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

The Electoral Council is hereby announcing that parties may also submit their annual report via email. Submissions can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Electoral Council would like to remind all political parties that have not submitted their outstanding annual reports prior to 2023, that this must also be done.

The Electoral Council would like to remind all parties concerned that failure to comply with the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties may result in a penalty being imposed.

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Reminder: Submit Your 2023 Income Tax Return Form

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Inspectorate of Taxes reminds the general public that the deadline for submitting their 2023 Income Tax Return Form is Friday, May 31, 2024.

Submissions must be made at the Tax Administration Office, located in the Vineyard Building, during office hours from Monday to Friday, between 8AM and 2PM. To prevent overcrowding and minimize wait times, it is recommended to submit your Income Tax Return Form well ahead of the deadline.

To access the 2023 Income Tax Return Forms A & B and view the list of required documents, please visit www.tax.sx, under the Documents tab.

The forms are also available on the Government of Sint Maarten website and via the online services of the Government at onlineservices.sintmaartengov.org.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Community Development, Family, and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) Department, the Sint Maarten Tax Administration offers free assistance for seniors/pensioners with filing their 2023 Income Tax Return Form.

For more information, please visit or contact your nearest Community Help Desk. Taxpayers are reminded that the 2023 Income Tax Return cannot be submitted online or via email.

Tax Return Forms must be submitted in person at the front office of the Tax Administration, located in the Vineyard Building. Upon submission, kindly bring a copy of the form for stamping as a receipt.

Requests for extensions must be submitted before the deadline date of Friday, May 31, 2024, accompanied by a valid reason.

Additionally, spouses are reminded to jointly submit one tax form. For questions or requests, please email the Sint Maarten Tax Administration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network Conference a Success

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DUCaPHEN) conference that took place from March 11 to 15 was wrapped up as a success for public health stakeholders.

The conference was opened with welcome addresses by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) Omar Ottley, followed by Collective Prevention Service (CPS) Department Head Eva Lista- de Weever and by Dr. Daisy Ooms of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

During the early part of the conference, the focus was on research, public health programs and projects conducted within the Dutch Kingdom and on the various islands.

The presentations and topics created opportunities for discussion on the successes and challenges and how the islands can learn from one another through sharing their experiences, best practices and lessons learned.

Other topics that were addressed included capacity building on the International Health Regulations, surveillance of infectious diseases, vector control, and noncommunicable diseases.

The Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network was established in June 2023.

DUCaPHEN is a collaboration between the six islands in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Dutch RIVM, bringing together several public health professionals, laboratory partners, and medical specialists from both the Caribbean region and the European part of the Netherlands.

The aim of DUCaPHEN is to strengthen public health across the six islands in a collaborative manner. One of the pillars of this aim is strengthen public health in the region through the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The overall objective of DuCaPHEN is to equip the islands with the necessary public health training and skills to be able to respond to future pandemics and strengthen public health capacity.

DuCaPHEN serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, education and training and supporting the region to execute research and projects to improve overall public health.

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PHOENIX Fd. and the Dept. of Youth Collaborated for the inaugural Youth Conference “Parent’s Edition

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The PHOENIX Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Youth, successfully hosted their first of many conferences, titled "Youth Conference Parent's Edition," on March 16th, 2024, at the Cultural Center in Philipsburg.  

The conference, which commenced at 7 p.m., aimed to engage parents in discussions about pertinent issues facing today's youth. The conference, hosted by Stacy Violenus assisted by Ms. Faye Arnell of the Department of Youth, kicked off with the Methodist Agogic Center primary school serving as the pioneering project.  

A diverse array of esteemed organizations from various sectors took center stage with insightful presentations. Notable speakers included Dr. Neidi de Carvalho and Mr. Lenworth Wilson representing UNICEF, along with Mrs. Kharisha Foeken Seymour and Ms. Samantha Williams from the Court of Guardianship.  

Mr. Richard White, representing the Methodist Agogic Center School-JAG campus, also contributed his expertise. A highlight of the event was the presence of a special guest speaker, Mr. Elroy Hughes, who shared compelling insights into the crucial role of paternal involvement in youth development.  

One of the highlights of the conference was the address by Dr. Tasheena Thomas-Maccow, Director of Turning Point and Owner of Tee-Zan, who spoke passionately about substance use, nutrition, and holistic health and wellness within our youth and community.  

This conference, being part of the Department of Youth’s annual Rights of the Child Awareness Campaign, served as a platform for parents to gain valuable insights and resources to support the well-being and development of our youth.  

The "Youth Conference Parent's Edition" marks the beginning of a series of collaborative initiatives between the PHOENIX Foundation and the Department of Youth aimed at empowering parents and strengthening the community's support network for the youth.  

The organizers extend heartfelt gratitude to all participants and guests for their invaluable contributions and support in making this conference a success.  

A special thank you is extended to the Department of Youth, UNICEF, Court of Guardianship, Mr. Elroy Hughes, Mr. Richard White, and Dr. Tasheena Thomas-Maccow for their presence and participation.  

Their dedication to empowering St. Martin's youth is deeply appreciated and plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future for our community.  

About PHONENIX Foundation:  

PHOENIX aims to raise awareness among St. Martin's youth, intending to encompass the entire island and serve both French and Dutch communities. The key objectives include fostering inquisitiveness among youth through interactive workshops, critical thinking exercises, and mentorship programs.  

For more information about future events and initiatives from PHOENIX Foundation, please visit https://qrcodes.pro/KHczjc or call/WhatsApp +1-721-520-0773/0690-229620 

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EPIC and SHTA revive Green Key / Blue Flag Eco-Labels

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) will actively support the effort of Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) to revive the Green Key and Blue Flag eco-label programs. This was jointly announced by the two NGOs, calling on hotels, marinas and tourism-focused companies to take part in the two sustainability programs. 

The SHTA’s support will include ongoing member communications on how to obtain the two eco-label certifications and a program platform at the St. Martin / St. Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART). The tradeshow platform serves to inform all hotels and tourism players present to the environmental, marketing, and financial benefits of sustainable operations. The platform at SMART is made possible by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB), another major supporter during the initial launch of the Green Key and Blue Flag eco-labels.

EPIC Program Manager Delroy de Lain stated, "We are grateful for the support of both the public and private tourism entities. It shows dedication to sustainable tourism development from precisely where it is necessary. We look forward to cooperating once again with the SHTA and STB, and their partners, to ensure a successful implementation of the program”.

Green Key and Blue Flag are both world renowned eco-label programs run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), located in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

The Green Key certificate is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious certificate represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the FEE. A Green Key assures guests that, by choosing to stay with a Green Key establishment, they are helping make a difference for the environment. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits. Green Key is designed for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centers, restaurants and attractions.

The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag program is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena. There are currently 5,038 Blue Flag sites certified in 51 countries.

As of 2003, EPIC and SHTA have cooperated on various efforts to make tourism more sustainable, amongst which the promotion and implementation of the two esteemed eco-labels. As the bar to get the labels granted is high, only five sites succeeded in obtaining the label prior to its hiatus. Divi Little Bay was the first to obtain the Blue Flag status for its beach, and Oyster Bay Beach Resort followed thereafter, while Yacht Club Isle de Sol was the first marina to get certified locally. Princess Heights succeeded in being the first to obtain the Green Key award, and Holland House obtained it for the first time in 2017. Both EPIC and the SHTA are excited to revive this partnership and together create a more sustainable future for tourism on the island.

EPIC Sint Maarten is an independent non-profit active since 2001 with the mission of protecting the environment through research, restoration, education, and advocacy.

SHTA is the largest private business representative on the island. It considers a healthy and beautiful island as one of the three pillars of its main objective of increasing quality of life for all St. Maarten residents (shta.com/vision-2025).

For more information about participating in the international Green Key or Blue Flag labels, please contact Program Manager Delroy de Lain at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.+1 721 587 1318. For more information about the SMART trade show this April 8-11 visit: shta.com/SMART

greenkey logo GB mod 001 e1615205027901

 

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Happy Social Worker’s Day

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Community Development, Family, and Humanitarian (CDFHA) a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) celebrates International Social Worker’s Day under the theme, “Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change”.

The International Federation of Social Workers indicated that this year’s theme emphasizes the need for social workers to adopt innovative, community-led approaches that champion a future where communities and nature coexist in harmony to create a shared sustainable future.

This theme fits the current aspirations and challenges of social workers globally. As we face environmental damages, multiple crises, poverty, and inequality, social work must continue to operate, develop, and evolve innovative, transformative approaches that are community-led. The principle of Buen Vivir emphasized that true well-being can be achieved when communities live in peace with nature and collaborate for balanced growth.

World Social Worker Day is observed on the third Tuesday of March worldwide. This annual international event celebrates the role of social workers and their contributions to society. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the value of social workers in our communities and how their work enhances people’s lives.

Social work is a practical profession in which trained professionals help vulnerable individuals and communities. Social workers are professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work who provide guidance, support, interventions, and other services to assist individuals in finding the appropriate resources for their needs and challenges in life.

They also encourage social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Their roles and responsibilities are performed at three interrelated levels: micro (individuals), mezzo (groups), and macro (institutions and communities).

In closing, on this World Social Workers Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting social justice and supporting the most vulnerable members of our society. Together, let us continue to advocate for positive change and strive towards building a more inclusive and equitable world for all. CDFHA, and by extension, the Ministry of VSA, would like to express their gratitude to all social workers for their dedication and compassion in making a difference in the lives of others. Happy Social Worker’s Day.

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