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Emergency Partial Road Closure Sunday Morning: Final Phase of Boulder Removal Operation

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of VROMI, in collaboration with the Fire Department, provides a follow-up announcement regarding the ongoing boulders removal operation on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Point Blanche, across the Port of Sint Maarten. Regrettably, despite our best efforts, one boulder remains, necessitating the final phase of operations.

Key Details:

Date and Time: The final phase of the boulder’s removal operation is scheduled for, Sunday December 3rd, 2023, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.

Location: The operation will take place on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Point Blanche, across the Port of Sint Maarten, causing a partial road closure during the specified timeframe.

Reason for Operation: The remaining boulder requires special attention to ensure a safe and controlled removal. This operation is essential for the overall safety of the community.

Cautionary Note to Drivers: We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution and consider planning trips accordingly. Temporary traffic management measures with KPSM will be in place to guide drivers safely through the area.

Emergency Access: Emergency vehicles will have continued access to Point Blanche through the port during the operation.

We understand that this operation may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption caused. The cooperation and understanding of the community are highly appreciated.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Port of Sint Maarten’s Management for their invaluable cooperation in facilitating the smooth execution of this essential operation.

Our dedicated team is committed to swiftly completing this operation. All necessary precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of both residents and our operational team.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Infrastructure Department at VROMI This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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PERIDOT FOUNDATION: WE CAN CHANGE TOMORROW SET FOR FRIDAY

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Peridot Foundation said in a statement on Thursday: “We are truly excited to welcome Mrs. Tomaro Pilgrim our guest speaker and her spouse Mr. Osrick Pelgrim to our shores. Together with Ms. Zoya Hyman, psychologist, this year’s domestic violence awareness program will be a must event to attend. United Nation’s theme for 2023: UNITE! INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS is a call for action.”

“Our program will be held at the Los SanFernando’s event hall, located at the Airport Boulevard Road #29 in Simpson Bay next to the Republic Bank on Friday, December 1. Program commences at 8:00 PM and concludes 9.30 PM.

“The message is clear”, said President of Peridot Foundation Gracita Arrindell, “Societies must be proactive and invest more in programs and policies to create a safer place for all, especially for women and girls.

This joint effort achieves life changing and lasting results. It also means a chance for positive intergenerational improved quality of life.

Therefore we are most appreciative of the founders of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E (TC) to accept our invitation to collaborate with our foundation to enlighten our audience on this subject matter.”

Arrindell continues: “Peridot Foundation whole-heartedly shares the vision of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E which is the belief that ‘within every individual there is the potential to achieve greatness’.

“Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E. is a non-profit organization that provides behavioral and mental health therapy and support services to individuals, families, couples, and group therapeutic counseling addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and mood disorders. ‘TC’ also provides therapeutic counseling services to youth and adults.

“With a great focus on youth ‘TC’s organization includes a wonderful ‘YES’ program.

This ‘Yes’ program, as stated by the founders, ‘guarantees irrespective of the individuals financial situation all eligible youth up to age 23 services they need for wellness’.

I ask the question, when is the time to structurally expand our established programs to include such an opportunity for our youth in Sint Maarten?”

Arrindell continued: “Mrs. Pilgrim experience spans over twenty years that include; internal strength building, parent/child relationship building, self-esteem/self-worth/self-care & assertiveness for the youth, teaching parent education, coping and management skills as it pertains to trauma/stress/depression/and anxiety, relationship issues, juvenile delinquency, grief, and meditation.

“Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, master’s degrees both in counseling and human services. She holds a LMSW (license master’s social worker) and is a HS-BCP (Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner).”

Gracita concludes: “as stated previously, our exciting and informative program line –up features not only our two formidable speakers Mrs. Tomaro Pilgrim and Ms. Zoya Hyman our popular young psychologist who is equally excited to continue her thought provoking messages with our audience.

“Our program includes a stellar performance by students of Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts as well as an element of surprise.

‘Creating Healing Answers & Necessary Guidance for Excellence’ is the motto of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E. Let us do just that, starting today.”

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Global Entrepreneurship Week Celebrated in Sint Maarten with U.S.-Dutch Caribbean Collaboration

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week festivities in Sint Maarten (Nov 13-19), three esteemed guests from Atlanta, GA, generously shared their expertise, offering a keynote speech and serving as judges at the second annual National Youth Pitch Competition hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Islandpreneur.

This dynamic event showcased both the vibrancy of entrepreneurship among the youth of Sint Maarten and the power of subnational diplomacy.  

Burunda Prince, Chief Operating Officer for the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Charles Robinson, Managing Partner at 1888 Ventures, and Aly Merritt, Managing Director of Atlanta Tech Village offered the young entrepreneurs a window into their operations, explaining how they have created unique ecosystems to support entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey and used critical questions to help the young people hone their businesses.  

These experts initially connected with last year’s winning team, Upcycl, during the first Islandpreneur Summer Entrepreneural Exchange in Atlanta facilitated by the U.S. Consulate General Curacao. They were inspired to travel to Sint Maarten to witness this vibrant entrepreneurial spirit firsthand.

This continued cross-cultural exchange has forged deep connections, highlighting the enduring friendship between the U.S. and the Dutch Caribbean.  

Programs like these emphasize the potential for increased economic prosperity through collaborative efforts. This synergy not only encourages business growth but also creates an international community of support for the entrepreneurs who drive our economies.

The U.S. Consulate is proud to support the efforts of the Sint Maarten Ministry of Finance and Islandpreneur. Together, we aim to empower and uplift entrepreneurs in the region, fostering a climate of innovation and success.

ENTREP MIN

ENTREP KEYNOTE ADDR

 

 

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Sustainability comes to the 6th Caribbean Multihull Challenge

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - TradeWinds Experience and the Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race & Rally are joining forces this February on the occasion of the 6th annual running of this fast-growing regatta & rally. As TradeWinds introduces its new Fontaine Pajot 59’ TWe6 Smart Electric Yacht – Aurora - it has selected the Sint Maarten Yacht Club’s CMC to showcase its initiative toward creating advanced sustainability by adding electric catamarans in the years to come.

Aurora is powered by hydro, solar, and wind. She is state of the art sustainable….as green as can be given recent advances in technology. With 5 comfortable cabins, ensuite heads, and entertaining space everywhere, she is built for her guests to enjoy perfect luxury in the Caribbean and anywhere she goes. Available only to TradeWinds Experience club members and their guests, we are bound to hear more and more about her in the marine and luxury travel industry press as we go forward.

To highlight the kick-off -- and further celebrate their 25th anniversary; TradeWinds – founded in Sint Maarten -- is supporting the marine environmental work of both the Caribbean Cetacean Society and CLEAR Caribbean. Through the generosity of the CMC and TradeWinds - marine mammal protection and coral reef restoration activities in the Caribbean will benefit from a campaign to raise funds and build awareness for both these enterprises. 

In conjunction with TradeWinds Caribbean Multihull Challenge top level sponsorship; all sailors, guests, and visitors to the Sint Maarten Yacht Club during the CMC’s 5-day program - January 31st through February 4th - will get an opportunity to see Aurora and meet with CSS, CLEAR, and TradeWinds representatives to learn more about each one’s actions to maintain the health of our oceans.

Aurora will be a standout in the CMC’s four-day rally visiting Simpson and Great Bays in St. Maarten, Tintemarre and Anse Marcel in St. Martin, and Gustavia in St. Barth’s. She will sail with a leadership group from the company as crew; and socialize each night with all CMC sailors.

As a further highlight of this year’s event, the CMC is introducing a commemorative dry wicking polo from Magic Marine embroidered with the brilliant event logo. 10% of the total sales of the polo will be donated 50/50 to CSS and CLEAR. Says Stephen Burzon, volunteer marketing director of the CMC….”as evidence of the successful evolution of our unique multihulls-only race and rally and our love of the oceans, the steering committee has voted to add more soul to our enterprise by creating a donation for our environmental partners.

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Controls executed on the price of gasoline and items in the basket of goods

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Economic Controllers of the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) continue to execute controls in local supermarkets for adherence to the regulation on the maximum price for the basket of goods as well as checking the price of gasoline and diesel being sold at local gas stations.

Last week the Economic Controllers visited all local gas stations on the Dutch side to verify that the new price of ANG 2.268 and ANG2.002 per liter, for ULG (gasoline) and Gasoil (diesel), respectively that went into effect on November 21, was implemented.

Additionally, price controls in supermarkets continue with additional fines being issued to supermarkets on Billy Folly Road and on A.T. Illidge Road for items in the basket of goods that were being sold at a price higher than permitted by the Minister of TEATT. Fine amounts start from ANG250 to a maximum of ANG10,000.

Price controls will continue, and the IETA is calling on supermarkets (big and small) to comply in order to strike a balance between market forces and the well-being of the populace.

The Ministry of TEATT has created the website www.maxpricesxm.com to inform the community on price developments, regulations and more. We encourage you to use this platform to view the most current basket of goods price list, report violations and shop around based on price comparisons and weekly specials.

TEATT gas pix2

TEATT food pix1

 

 

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Minister of Education Samuel pleased with Works at Oranje School

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, is pleased with the progress being made at the Oranje School.

There are several repair and upgrade work currently being executed at the Oranje School, and these repairs are to be completed by December 31, 2023.

The contractor who has been assigned the Roof Repair work would have to work during school hours in order to meet the deadline mentioned.

Taking the safety of the students into consideration, all the students could not remain in school at the same time. For this reason, the Minister in consultation with stakeholders has decided that some of the students will have to switch to remote learning until the Christmas vacation.

Therefore, there will be no school for the students of Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 on Monday, November 27th, and Tuesday, November 28th, 2023.

These students will receive instruction online (at home) as of Wednesday, November 29, 2023. All teachers are expected to be in school for a meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, where they will receive further instruction.

The teachers and students of groups 6, 7, and 8 will continue with face-to-face instruction as usual at the school.

Minister of Education Culture Youth and Sports Hon Rodolphe Samuel

Minister of Education Rodolphe Samuel

 

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World Children’s Day Commemorated

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In celebration of World Children’s Day, the Department of Youth, in collaboration with UNICEF in the Netherlands, hosted approximately 160 students to participate in a special Children's Rights (CRC) Event at the Cultural Center.

As a run-up to World Children’s Day, over five hundred 6th-grade students have attended similar children’s rights presentations to promote meaningful youth participation, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Youth and UNICEF in the Netherlands. This activity is part of the Child Resilience and Protection Project (CRPP) executed by UNICEF the Netherlands in collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten, financed by the Government of the Netherlands through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, and administered by the World Bank.

The World Children’s Day Event was hosted by 6th-grade students Ms Brooklyn Bell and Mr Abdiel Joseph of the MAC J.A.G Campus alongside Lenworth Wilson, Youth Participation Specialist of UNICEF. The young hosts did a fantastic job, and set a good example of young people taking the lead.

During the event, the audience was treated to several cultural artistic performances by Ms. Shaneisha Robinson, Funtopia Youth Initiative, musical renditions by Sweet Pan and the highlight of the event, which was the screening of the film “What if I Told You”.

The film was recently produced by the Department of Youth and UNICEF the Netherlands on Sint Maarten and features an all-cast of 6th-grade students. The film touches on the critical role duty bearers, such as parents, teachers, and government play in the safe development of a child. Since Monday, this film is available for the public to watch on Facebook: Department of Youth SXM & UNICEF Sint Maarten.

The ceremony was closed with an announcement by the Department of Youth, which has launched a Children’s Right Art Competition: “The artwork should visualise one of the children's rights of the United Nationals Children’s Rights Convention (UNCRC) creatively. There are 54 articles, so there are plenty of children's rights to choose from! Remember, YOUth Participation Matters. On behalf of our Department, I encourage everyone to think about children’s rights and how to promote youth participation in your work and home environment,” concludes Mrs. Agard-Lake.

More information about this competition can be obtained via the Facebook pages of The Department of Youth (Department of Youth SXM) and UNICEF St. Maarten or by sending specific questions to deptof This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

World Childrens Day 1 grp pix many

 

 

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Distinguished Toastmaster Cheryl Dangleben-York Claims Face of WOHA 2023-2024 Crown in London

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Caribbean Pearls Toastmasters Club proudly announces Cheryl Dangleben-York from Sint Maarten as the triumphant Face of WOHA for 2023-2024. Cheryl, currently serving as the Vice President of Public Relations at Caribbean Pearls Toastmasters Club, attests to the transformative power of Toastmasters International in honing her public speaking skills over the last 11 years.

Notably, she held the prestigious position of Division Director last year, showcasing the significant roles one can take on within Toastmasters.

Bringing the crown home to St. Maarten, Cheryl, with humility, aims to inspire and empower young girls and women in St. Martin.

Highlighting the impact of Toastmasters, Cheryl emphasizes that it equips individuals to represent themselves confidently anywhere. She encourages others to harness this power and invites them to join Toastmasters today to unlock their potential in effective communication and leadership.

This year's global Face of WOHA speaking extravaganza, showcasing unity and empowerment, demonstrates the transformative journey one can embark on through platforms like Toastmasters.

In her journey to Face of WOHA victory, Cheryl expresses deep gratitude to her family, friends, and Toastmasters family for their unwavering support and to those who financially supported her dream.

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Safety Precautions Required for (Election) Billboard Signage Installations

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Please note that the installation of billboard signage, particularly those used during election campaigns, can cause damage to NV GEBE’s electrical and water grid. This could also result in untimely service disruptions throughout the community.

Moreover, the community is urged to please be mindful that excavation in high-tension areas could possibly result in the electrocution of the person(s) doing the excavation work.

For proper safety precautions, those planning to install any signage that requires digging and excavation are urged to please contact NV GEBE’s Distribution Office in Sucker Garden (former Potelco building).

Please inform NV GEBE about the specific location(s) where billboard signage is being installed, for thorough review and evaluation. This would allow NV GEBE to assess the area(s) in question and provide guidance on the technical infrastructure, as well as any potential dangers of the underground utilities in those respective areas.

Once NV GEBE’s assessment has been conducted, and that area has been declared safe, a waiver will be provided with clearance for excavation in the intended area(s).

Kindly visit NV GEBE’s Distribution Office or, provide images or drawings of the locations via e-mail to NV GEBE as follows: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Once received, NV GEBE’s technicians will review the area(s) in question and highlight the utility locations on the drawings/images. If it is not safe for installations to be done, as indicated on the documents provided, the utilities will be traced and marked in the field with recommendations for placement in other areas. If it is safe, N.V. GEBE will provide a waiver for those specific areas, as outlined on the documents/images provided.

Please provide N.V. GEBE with a minimum 2-3 days’ notice to thoroughly review the respective areas and provide a response. These are essential safety precautions for all concerned and the uninterrupted continuation of utility distribution to the entire community.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.

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Third Phase of Voting Card Distribution for the Upcoming Elections

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Civil Registry Department has announced the third phase of distributing voting cards for the January 11, 2024, Parliamentary Elections. Registered voters who do not take advantage of the early voting card distributions at the Government Administration Building can receive the cards by mail via Postal Services Sint Maarten N.V. (PSS) from December 4, 2023.

The Civil Registry is allowing eligible voters to collect their voting cards at the Government Administration Building, from November 25 through December 1, ahead of the postal distribution service.

In the past, many voting cards have been returned by PSS, following information from homeowners that registered voters no longer reside at the addresses registered in the Civil Registry. The option to retrieve voting cards earlier alleviates returns and double printing of the voting cards. It is important to note that voters may request a reprint of their voting cards during and after all phases of the distribution dates leading up to Election Day.

“The intention was not to create cause for concern but to inform registered voters of the available option. This is especially crucial for those who have recently moved and have not had a chance to update their home addresses in the Civil Registry,” stated Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, who hopes voters take advantage of the early collection times, which are scheduled outside of regular business hours to eliminate lines at the Government Administration Building.

The Ministry of General Affairs and the Central Voting Bureau encourage all voters to stay informed about the developing preparations for Election Day. Further details regarding polling station locations, voting hours, and public order protocols will be communicated in subsequent releases.

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