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St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Announces a Caribbean Mélange Line-Up for 2024

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The 44th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will be a celebration of Caribbean culture – from the heritage of the island and sailing, to the sights, sounds and flavors of what makes St. Maarten so unique. Prepare to experience a mélange of the Caribbean, where music, dance and flavors come together to celebrate the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta this February 29 - March 3, 2024!

In preparation for the event that is officially one month away, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is proud to announce a local and international line-up that compliments the energy of the Regatta. Thursday, February 29 kicks off the 4-day Regatta Party with an epic DJ Battle featuring local DJs. Lovers of EDM can expect the party island to deliver on the best riffs and loops in the Caribbean. 

On Friday, March 1, international artists Kevin Lyttle and Rupee are the evening’s headliners, serenading the crowds with their chart-topping hits. Kevin Lyttle became world famous with “Turn Me On”, his hit single – a dance pop hit with Caribbean vibes derived from his home island of St. Vincent. Rupee will also set the tone, serving up the soca sounds from his native Barbados, including “Tempted to Touch.” Local artists adding to the hot lineup on Friday will include King T-Mo, Control Band and Mix Master Pauly guaranteeing a fun-filled Friday night.

Saturday, March 2 features double the fun with French Urban pop duo DROXYANI. Bringing together one love, one island – St. Maarten and Saint Martin celebrate “Twice the Caribbean” with a French blend of Caribbean sounds from this American Haitian duo. It is sure to be an island-wide dance party! Local artists King James, Latin Sugar, Urmain Drum Band and island DJs, as well as a Carnival Troupe dance performance will set the stage for a true Caribbean celebration.

Sunday, March 3 is the big day with international artist Tarrus Riley as the main headliner. Tarrus Riley is a Jamaican-American, true Rastafarian with pure reggae medlies that he makes his own with an incredible band. The song “She’s Royal” is his signature song that makes everyone sway when these tunes come on. Known as an incredible performer, he was picked up internationally quickly, resulting in collaborations with Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding.

Artist Adam O backed by Blind Earz will also serve up the Caribbean spirit from the US Virgin Islands to get the crowd warmed up with soca and reggae songs. DJ Puffy will also make his debut on the Regatta stage, emerging as the most skilful DJ of his era. DJ Puffy excelled by creating a unique Caribbean-EDM sound that captivates audiences, holding the title as a finalist of the Red Bull Thre3style World Championships. Local artists such as Tamillia Chance and Kenyo Baly will once again rock the Regatta stage, and deliver on some home-grown St. Maarten musical talent.

All of these incredible artists can be found performing at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Village at Princess Port de Plaisance daily starting after Regatta prize giving. The Regatta Village is open to the public daily starting at 3 PM, with prize giving starting around 6 PM, and live music immediately following the daily prize giving. The Regatta Village will also have several bars serving ice cold Heinekens, celebratory bottles and glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and plenty of Tito’s Vodka cocktails to choose from! With lots of food and entertainment for all, the Regatta Village is a family-friendly venue with a medley of sailors, locals and visitors who all share in the Regatta vibes. 

After-parties will continue the celebrations with Heineken “Green Zones” at top island venues, Soggy Dollar Bar and Moonbar, on Friday and Saturday nights. For those looking to start the party earlier, head on up to Ele8 at Rainforest Adventures at 3 PM Saturday to capture the race finishes in Simpson Bay from a birdseye at the top of the Island! The world’s best EDM artists will elevate your senses with tropical house and beach vibes that take partying in paradise to another level. 

The “Serious Fun!” is not only reserved for shoreside festivities; for four days 100+ international boats will be racing around the island for the 44th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta! Sailors are getting prepared, with many race boats already on island, such as Volvo Ocean Race boat Team JAJO, and more arriving each day through the iconic Simpson Bay Bridge. Other expected competitors already registered are 100-ft Maxi race boats, a fleet of 30 Sunsail bareboats, and a home-grown fleet of Diam 24s attracting top performance sailors from around the world.

Those who are without a boat, but are still interested in being part of the action on the water, can sign up to join the official VIP Spectator Boat. The VIP Spectator Boat is hosted by Sint Maarten Yacht Club on Saturday and Sunday during racing, offering breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. Listen to live commentary provided by Sint Maarten Yacht Club sailors who offer the play-by-play as spectators relish in front-row seats to the start line action. Learn more and start planning your Regatta schedule: www.heinekenregatta.com

sxm hein reg kevin lyttle

sxm hein reg ruppee

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 In order from above: Kevin Lyttle, Ruppee and DROXYANI will bring on a medley of Caribbean vibes and pop hits performing at the Regatta Village Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2

sxm hein reg green zone

The party continues in the "Green Zone" -- the official after-parties on Friday and Saturday at Soggy Dollar and Moonbar (above) © Souleymon

 

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Pelican Team Arrest Two in Drug Export Investigation

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Pelican team, a specialized unit within the Detective Department of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), comprising KPSM officers, officers of the Koninklijke Marechaussee, and the Coastguard, in collaboration with a United States investigation agency, has successfully conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in the export of drugs, to the United States.

On January 16, 2024, the Pelican team executed the arrest of two individuals, identified as R.N.M., 42 years of age, and N.C.F., 34 years of age, following an extensive investigation. The arrests were carried out in collaboration with international partners, highlighting the commitment of this team to address cross-border and organized crime activities.

Simultaneous house searches were conducted in the A.TH. Illidge Road (Over the Pond) and Middle Region areas. During these searches, officers discovered and confiscated items relevant to the ongoing investigation, along with live ammunition.

In light of these developments, both suspects are currently in custody at the police station, where they will remain pending further investigation.

The Pelican team is a newly established unit within the Detective Department of KPSM, specializing in drug trafficking, gun trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. This operation marks the first successful endeavor by the Pelican team, underscoring its effectiveness in addressing complex criminal activities.

The Sint Maarten Police Force appreciates the cooperation and support from the community in fostering a safer environment. Further details regarding the investigation will be released as they become available, as the Pelican team continues to work diligently to maintain the security and integrity of Sint Maarten

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Passing the Torch

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - OM Carib held a “Passing the Torch” reception for outgoing Attorney-General of Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the BES islands Ton Maan and for the incoming PG Guillano Schoop on Thursday, January 18, at Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei.

PG Maan took up the post as PG on April 1, 2021. Schoop will succeed him as of February 1, 2024. The reception was attended by Curaçao Governor Her Excellency Lucille George-Wout, Curaçao Minister of Justice Shalton Hato, Sint Maarten

Minister of Justice Anna Richardson and other justice officials of the Kingdom attended the reception.

 

 

 

OM EventBrakkaput20240118

 L to R: Mr. Guillano Schoop, Sint Maarten Minister of Justice Anna Richardson, Curaçao Minister of Justice Shalton Hato, Outgoing PG Mr. Ton Maan.

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Central Voting Bureau announces Public Hearing for Tuesday about Election Results

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Central Voting Bureau is pleased to announce a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th at 10:00 AM at the Legislative Hall of the House of Parliament, in accordance with article 87, paragraph 1, of the Electoral Ordinance.

This hearing is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. During this session, the Central Voting Bureau may, either on its own initiative or following a substantiated request from one or more voters, order a new counting of ballots from all or some of the polling stations.

This is a vital part of safeguarding the accuracy of the election results.

Process and Authority:

1.The Central Voting Bureau has the authority to initiate a recount of ballots, either from all polling stations or from select ones, based on its decision or in response to a motivated request from voters.

2.The Central Voting Bureau is authorized to open sealed packages and compare the contents with the minutes of the polling stations, ensuring the process’s fairness and precision.

The public hearing is open to all, and your attendance and engagement are highly encouraged. This event underscores our commitment to a transparent and fair electoral process.

Join us in person or through our live broadcast on various platforms to stay informed about this critical aspect of our democratic process: ● YouTube Channel: Sint Maarten Parliament, Government of Sint Maarten ● Facebook Pages: SXMGOV, SXMPARLIAMENT ● Radio Station: SXMGOV Radio 107.9 FM ● Online: www.sintmaartengov.org, media page.

Your participation, whether in-person or virtual, is invaluable to the democratic process of Sint Maarten.

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Police Condemns Damage to Political Party Signs

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of vandalism targeting political signs placed around the island. KPSM has received reports of signs being spray-painted, damaged, or destroyed.

These acts of vandalism are not only disruptive to the political process but are also illegal. KPSM reminds the public that damaging or destroying property is a punishable offense under Sint Maarten law. Perpetrators could face arrest and prosecution if caught.

KPSM is urging the public to refrain from engaging in this type of behavior. We believe that everyone has the right to express their political views peacefully and without fear of vandalism.

KPSM is committed to ensuring that everyone can participate fully in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

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police UP poster pix2

 

 

 

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CPS Presents Gift Certificates to Secondary Schools for Participation in World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) presented certificates to two secondary schools just before the Christmas holidays for their participation in the observance of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), which was from November 18-24.

CPS reached out to the community including the secondary schools in order to share information about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and to participate in the campaign.

The participating schools were the Milton Peters College (MPC), the Caribbean International Academy (CIA), and Methodist Agogic Center (MAC)-Comprehensive Secondary Education.

The theme for the secondary school competition was, “Empowering Young Leaders in the Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance.”

The two categories that the secondary schools had to focus on was ‘Health Promotion’ where they had to design a poster or TikTok video to educate the youth and younger community on AMR.

The second category was establishing a voice, which was presenting a descriptive essay with recommendations or ideas on how to deter the abuse/misuse of antibiotics.

CIA submitted one Essay and two TikTok videos and this school took the two first prizes (one essay and the other TikTok) and one second prize for the TikTok video.

MPC took the second and third prize for essay writing.

In recognition of efforts, interest and willingness based on the judge’s feedback took the recognition/motivational prize, MAC-Comprehensive Secondary Education which did not secure a place in the competition in any of the identified prize’s category took on the challenge and didn’t only emphasize the medical sector but also included the agriculture and veterinary sectors.

Each participating school received a certificate of participation. The judges were representatives from Health Care Laboratory St. Maarten N.V. (HCLS), Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), Social & Health Insurances (SZV), American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), and DCOMM also received a Certificate of Appreciation.

A thank you goes out to AUC for sponsoring the first prize for TikTok.

The theme of WAAW remained the same as in 2022, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together.” The World Health Organization (WHO) called on all sectors to encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials and to strengthen preventive measures addressing AMR, working together collaboratively through a One Health approach.

The objective of the CPS campaign was to spread information to different groups within the community and for persons to be able to learn more about AMR, and to understand the need to properly manage the use of antibiotics, a global concern.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Antibiotics and other antimicrobials play a key role in the success of modern medicine and have greatly improved the health of humans and animals.

But overuse and misuse has reduced their efficacy, with more pathogens developing the ability to survive the antimicrobials designed to eliminate them, the WHO points out.

MinVSA CPS Milton Peters College Students

MPC participants along with school officials and representatives from CPS.

MinVSA CPS The MAC School Students

MAC school participants along with school officials and representatives from CPS.

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NV GEBE Resorts to Load Shedding. Expect two to three power outages on Monday

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – NV GEBE announced on Monday morning that it has to resort back to load shedding, but the exact reason was not provided in its communications to the media at 8:14 AM. NV GEBE said there would be two to three power outages.

The first areas to be impacted are Pelican Keys, parts of Cay Bay and the eastern part of Welfare Road from 8:40 Am to 9:40 AM.

The second areas to be impacted are Cole Bay Lagoon and surrounding areas; Saunders and surrounding areas; and Mullet Bay and surrounding areas.

The duration of the power outages is approximately 60 minutes.

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Update on Notarizing of Government issued Decrees

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of VROMI has received several calls, emails, etc from the public that the notary offices on the island have a backlog related to passing deeds. While the Ministry of VROMI does not have any influence on the tempo or work method of the notary offices, it is aware of the potential issues persons may experience if a decree received from the Ministry of VROMI is not passed within the stipulated period in said decree.

Several persons were affected by the decision of the Dutch Supreme Court in the Netherlands regarding the DiDam arrest. As such, a meeting was held with the Notaries together with the Ministry of VROMI on this matter. While the meeting was productive, the Minister of VROMI wishes to issue an extension on the periods in said decrees in his continued effort to provide assistance to the public.

It is important to note that this communication only pertains to issues related to passing deeds at the notaries based on the lapsed (or near expiration) periods as mentioned in existing/issued deeds. This communication and the extensions mentioned herein do not affect and do not apply to the conditions mentioned in the deeds other than or besides the period relating to passing deeds.

The extension shall work as follows:

If a Ministerial Decree issued by the Ministry of VROMI was scheduled to be passed within six (6) months and that period (to have the decree passed by the notary) expired on or before June 1st, 2023, the period will be extended until June 1st, 2024.

The notaries will also be made aware of the Ministry’s stance as it relates to the extending of the periods as mentioned in this notification to streamline the communications.

The Ministry will also continue to monitor the situation as it relates to passing the deeds. A follow-up meeting between the Minister of VROMI and the notaries will be scheduled in the first weeks of January 2024 to review the progress being made.

The above decision along with the long lease policy on first time issuance will be communicated via the National Gazette in their next publication.

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SXM DOET Project Registration and Funding Application Deadline Extended to Jan.12

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The SXM DOET team would like to inform all community organizations that the project registration and funding application deadline has been extended until Friday January 12th, 2024. “Initially, we had a deadline of January 5th, however, due to the holidays and many key persons being on vacation, we decided to extend the deadline for an additional week.”

This year’s deadline is earlier than previous years due to the project management team wanting to ensure that all registered projects and financial applications can be reviewed, adjusted (if need be) and approved for the disbursement of funds to take place by February 2024. “We hope that this adjustment will overall assist project coordinators better to ensure they are able to purchase all materials in a timely manner,” the project management team mentioned. Although the deadline has been extended by a week, this new deadline will be adhered to in order to reach the above-mentioned goal.

Community organizations such as non-profits, schools, sports and social clubs, and churches, to mention a few, can register their SXM DOET project(s) and apply for funding via www.sxmdoet.com. Once registered, organizations can apply for up to $650 in funding towards completing their project(s) during SXM DOET 2024. 

This year, SXM DOET is scheduled for March 15th and 16th, and marks the 10th year anniversary of the largest volunteer initiative on Sint Maarten. It is executed by Be The Change Foundation (BTC) and funded by the Oranje Fonds. It is the largest volunteer initiative in the Dutch Kingdom whereby foundations, associations, schools, and other NGOs host various projects that require the assistance of volunteers.

For the 2024 registration period, the project management team has added “Early DOETi” to promote early registration. Early DOETi gives special SXM DOET branded goodies to the first 10 volunteers of the first 10 organizations that have fully registered their project before the deadline.

The volunteer coaches and the project management team have already reached out to various organizations, however, if there are organizations in need of assistance, the team can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: +1 (721) 581 6831.

Interested volunteers can sign up to registered community projects via the website: www.sxmdoet.com at the end of January 2024.

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Governor Baly Commends NV GEBE’s Commitment to Overcoming Challenges During Inaugural Visits

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - St. Maarten's esteemed Governor, His Excellency Ajamu Baly, paid a momentous visit to NV GEBE, the leading utility company, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 9 am to 10 am. This inaugural visit marked a pivotal moment as the Governor engaged with various departments, gaining insights into NV GEBE's ongoing initiatives and progress.

During the visit, representatives from five crucial departments—Production, Distribution, Commercial, Water Quality Control, and ITC—delivered comprehensive presentations, highlighting the strides made by NV GEBE in addressing and resolving the challenges encountered, particularly those stemming from the 2022 hack. 

NV GEBE, recognizing the gravity of the issues arising from the cyberattack in 2022, has undertaken relentless efforts to rectify and fortify its systems. The Production and Distribution departments outlined their strategies to enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of energy supply. The Commercial department shared insights into customer-focused initiatives, emphasizing NV GEBE's commitment to service excellence.

Furthermore, the Water Quality Control department provided updates on measures taken to ensure the highest standards of water quality, underscoring NV GEBE's dedication to the well-being of the community. The Information Technology and Communication (ITC) department presented advancements in cybersecurity and technology infrastructure, demonstrating the company's proactive approach to safeguarding against future threats.

Governor Ajamu Baly expressed his appreciation for NV GEBE's dedication to overcoming challenges, commended the collaborative efforts across all departments, and assured the utility company of his support in their ongoing endeavors.

Mr.  Troy Washington, Special Representative/Temporary Manager, stated that NV GEBE is grateful for the Governor's visit and values the opportunity to showcase the strides made in addressing challenges and reinforcing its commitment to providing essential services to the community. The company remains steadfast in its mission to continuously improve and deliver reliable utility services to the residents of St. Maarten. 

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