SXM 101 (2024)

27/08/2022

New GEBE Video Today 6 St Maarten Parliamentarian Rolando Brison
https://sxm777.wordpress.com/2022/08/27/new-gebe-video-today-6-st-maarten-parliamentarian-rolando-brison/

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19/08/2022

Parliament New Video 10 Peterson Accuses NA of “Deflection” The Latest
https://sxm777.wordpress.com/2022/08/19/parliament-new-video-10-peterson-accuses-na-of-deflection-the-latest/

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24/04/2022

** Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs addressed Sustainable Fashion at EarthX kick-off event **

Dallas, Texas – On April 20, the Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Ms. Silveria E. Jacobs had the distinct pleasure of addressing the audience at the Women leadership in the sustainable fashion movement kick-off event at EarthX 2022. This is one of the events that Prime Minister Jacobs was scheduled to speak at during her working visit to the EarthX Forum in Dallas, Texas from April 20th until April 23rd. During the event, Prime Minister Jacobs wearing a print scarf and holding a clutch, both locally made by original St. Maarten designer Jolie Duzon, used the international platform to touch on the ways the world can prepare for a more sustainable future.

Prime Minister Jacobs addressed the audience expressing, “Our incessant need to keep up with every fashion trend; along with the undisputable negative effects of climate change and increasing environmental pollution has created the need for humanity to start thinking more along the lines of social responsibility and ecological consideration. Our love for fashion should not unequivocally mean that we should sacrifice our love and appreciation of our environment and the very air that we breathe. “Fast fashion” has corrupted the world of fashion and in so doing adversely affected our environment; but we can change this.”

By changing how we approach two key components of sustainable fashion; creation and consumption, we can change the impact on our environment, Prime Minister Jacobs indicated. Sustainable fashion is making waves in Latin America and the Caribbean. This can be seen particularly in communities where access to materials and large-scale manufacturing may not be as prominent as in more developed nations.

Prime Minister Jacobs highlighted the growing trend in St. Maarten and the rest of the Caribbean for upcycling used clothing, by altering, repairing, and even sewing original designs utilizing used garments. Historical examples of such upcycled garments culturally recognized throughout St. Martin (entire island), were referenced, such as the “Yaya and Tittah frock”. As we work to achieve sustainable goals, whilst embracing our culture and showcasing our local talent, we encourage our artists to utilize all forms of environmentally friendly avenues to express their artistry.

“I encourage you to choose eco-friendly fashion and ethical consumerism which is considerate to humanity and our environment that is vastly becoming unsustainable seeing that the fashion industry accounts for about 10% of damage to our environment. As such, I commend the many designers, creators, artists and entrepreneurs who have made the transition to sustainable and ethical fashion. I applaud you. It shows that clothing can be made morally, with natural materials, creating less water and air pollution, saving the environment and still be trendy,” Prime Minister Jacobs said as she addressed the audience in closing.

22/04/2022

** Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs Earth Day Message **

Fellow Sint Maarteners, I address you warmly on the occasion of Earth Day, an annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.

Allow me briefly to share with you the following quote: “Every decision you make impacts the environment. From what you choose to eat for dinner, what you wear, to how you commute to work…”

As Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and in particular as Sint Maarteners, we are well aware of the negative impact humans can have on the environment and in turn the effect this has on climate change. Though our own impact may be negligible from a global standpoint, locally we still feel the effects daily.

Notwithstanding our own experience with Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the past few years have seen several global crises that have had a crippling effect on the global economy including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on tourism and now the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its impact on our import-based economy (increased costs of transport, travel, and energy). The detrimental impact of these seemingly unrelated incidents share one common thread: the impetus they all offer to be intentional about our move towards more sustainable development, inclusive of environment-friendly initiatives and energy transformation.

This week I am attending Earth X 2022, the largest environmental conference in the USA, where I am privileged to speak about the various initiatives that the Government of Sint Maarten is taking and to meet with stakeholders to help us realize these intentions by seizing the opportunities available to us.

The official theme for Earth Day 2022 is “Invest in our Planet”. As Government, we are being intentional and taking the steps to live up to this theme.

The Department of the Interior & Kingdom Relations (BAK) is working to implement the National Development Vision, streamlining the Sustainable Development Goals across the work of all Ministries. The Ministry of TEATT is working on modernizing our energy policy taking into account renewable forms of energy, new forms of sustainable agricultural projects, reducing our imports and playing our part in effectively reducing our carbon footprint. Finally, the Directorate of Foreign Relations is working to lobby the SIDS agenda on energy, climate, and concessionary financing at the international level to protect our national interests. This inter-ministerial work aims to support our transformational goals and to start to build today a resilient society for tomorrow.

I always believe in “practicing what we preach” and in so doing, I and many other citizens have stopped or minimized using single use plastic bottles and bags, and when possible shop and support local designers and farmers’ markets which underscores the possibilities for economic diversification and local empowerment in the face of rising import costs. My steps are small but imagine what we could accomplish collectively!
I challenge you to mark Earth Day 2022 by making a conscious effort to play your part to invest in our planet, by taking small steps to reduce your individual use of materials and products that are harmful to our environment.

22/04/2022

The St. Maarten Police Force received an unexpected visit from the president of the Carnival Committee as well as one of its representatives yesterday, April 21, 2022.
The President of the SCDF extended his appreciation to Chief Inspector of Police Mr. B.A. GOUT for his dedicated efforts during the past years regarding the safety aspects of the carnival.
It is likely that this carnival will be the last one overseen by Chief Inspector B.A. Gout.
Mr. B.A. Gout has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a safe and well-run carnival in recent years.

21/04/2022

The Chief of Police of Sint Maarten, C.M.John, expressed his personal appreciation today for one of the most charismatic instructors of the Police Academy, for his contribution towards the development of the police organization.
Peter Dickhoff has contributed significantly toward the training and educating of St. Maarten's police officers (BPO students).
In short Peter will be retiring and therefore the Management Team would like to express their gratitude for his contribution in helping to shape and develop the Police Force of Sint Maarten.

21/04/2022

sxm

20/04/2022

Police cold cases team make arrest in murder case from 1996

Police have arrested a 54-year-old man from Amersfoort in connection with a murder committed 26 years ago, following new information from a witness.

The man was suspected at the time of involvement in the shooting of 26-year-old Mike Duif but said then there was not enough evidence to prosecute him. Duif, who was fired from his job at Hewlett Packard and then went on to deal in stolen computers and parts, had been to a nightclub with friends on the evening before his death.

He was seen in his apartment in Amersfoort at nine in the morning by a flatmate. However, that evening the same flatmate found Duif shot dead in the kitchen of the flat which had been ransacked.

The inquiry was reopened in 2019 by the police cold cases team and they offered a reward of €15,000 for the tip-off that would solve the case.

Police think more people know about the case and are urging witnesses who may have been too afraid to talk at the time to now come forward.

(DutchNews)

20/04/2022

Police make several arrests: Domestic Violence. Fake Driver’s License. False Travel Documentsm

- The police have arrested several individuals over the last few days in connection with committing several punishable offenses.

In all, three (3) persons were detained for committing domestic violence. Two (2) suspects were arrested by the police patrol in the course of a traffic control for being in possession of a false driver’s license.

The Alpha team arrested one (1) person at the PJIAE airport for being in the possession of false travel documents. Two (2) suspects were arrested for assault and (4) four other suspects were arrested in connection with ongoing criminal investigations.

Investigations into all these cases are still ongoing. (KPSM)

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20/04/2022

WITU starts petition for payment of Vacation Allowance 202220 Apr 2022

- President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Stuart Johnson said, “today is the day we put the rights of teaching and non-teaching staff back as a priority in St. Maarten.”

The WITU President outlined the contents of the petition that has nine points of motivation and all WITU members are being called to sign it in solidarity.

The nine points of motivation in the petition are:

1. That the Liquidity of the Government of St. Maarten is "decent" stated the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs in the Council of Ministers Press Briefing of April 6th, 2022.

2. That the immediate approval and implementation of the Kingdom Act on the Caribbean Body for Reform and Development (COHO) have been postponed until further deliberations.

3. That the increase in the cost of living in St. Maarten continues to negatively impact our members and the community.

4. That our members, which comprise civil servants and teaching and non-teaching staff of subsidized school boards, have not received cost of living adjustment (COLA) since 2012.

5. That the constant rise of fuel prices directly affects the cost of electricity bills by GEBE and other entities.

6. That the inflation of prices and lack of proper price controls especially on the essential food items is a reality.

7. That the annual expectation of utilizing the vacation allowance for house insurance, school fees, school uniforms, and other basic needs of sustaining a household is of utmost importance.

8. That the 2022 Hurricane season predicted on April 7th, 2022, will be above average thus households must secure the necessary supplies to ensure full preparedness.

9. That the COVID-19 pandemic clearly revealed the importance of Teaching and Non-teaching staff as essential workers in the overall development of children.

Johnson stated, “we are seeking the full payment of the 2022 vacation allowance for all Civil Servants and Employees of Government-subsidized school boards. Further dialogue and mutual agreements with WITU regarding the outstanding Vacation allowances for 2020 and 2021 will follow.”

“Government by implementing the 12.5% cost-cutting measures has yet to prove the effectiveness of having these funds at their disposal with a viable plan in stimulating our economy. Additionally, the Government has yet to provide the public with evidence to substantiate, be it in an impact study or otherwise, that the proposed cost-cutting measures have been of any benefit to the people,” Johnson concluded.

20/04/2022

** Elementary schools preparing for Koningsspelen **

Minister ECYS was present at the Sr. Borgia elementary school this week to present one of the many sports packages that has been distributed amongst 16 participating schools for the 2022 Koningsspelen “King’s games”.

In honor of his Royal Highness, Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand, King of the Netherlands and through his request, the Koningsspelen (King’s Games) will be held this Friday April 22, at 16 participating primary schools. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports through the Department of Sports has collaborated with the Koningsspelen Netherlands to support the annually hosted event of healthy eating and being physically active within the primary schools.

The theme for this year is “Voel je fit”, “Feel Fit“, according to Minister Samuel the ministry would like to challenge over 4.000 participating students on Sint Maarten to get fit, because when you are fit, you feel better and everything is more fun. Each participating school has received a sports package with sporty items as a part of the theme to assist the schools with the sporting activities that they have prepared. An inspirational booklet was provided with different games the students can utilize, in conjunction with the items from the sports package.

The day will kick off with a healthy breakfast for over 4.000 students that will be provided in collaboration with Cake House bakery. The Minister would like to thank Cake House bakery for their support and cooperation in preparing the breakfast. The participating schools and their PE teachers have been preparing a day full of fun activities, from traditional King’s games such as Fopball, Goudkoort and Koningstrefbal, to singing, dancing, and making various crafts. The Minister would like to thank all participating schools and their PE teachers for preparing this fun filled day for the students and looks forward to visiting various schools during their activities.

From left to right: Department of Sports Policy Officer Jisk Goslinga (Far left), Department of Sports Administrative medewerker Idahlia Rogers, principle Ms. Jacobs of Sr. Borgia elementary school and Minister ECYS drs. Rodolphe Samuel (Far Right)

20/04/2022

In order to further improve their skills, several officers from the traffic department are currently undergoing training into investigating complex traffic accidents.

In the course of the training, a scenario was outlined for the traffic investigators to work out. To make this scenario as realistic as possible, the intersection in front of the police station was temporarily closed for about an hour to allow the officers to work out this situation.

The management team of the KPSM wishes the members who participated in the training the best of luck and also hopes to be able to apply the skills gained in everyday situations.