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Traffic Incident on Airport Road. Safety Advisory for the Upcoming Busy Weekend

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Personnel of the Traffic department of (KPSM) are currently investigating a serious traffic accident involving a car and a motorcycle, which occurred on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at approximately 5:00 PM. The incident took place on Airport Road, near a car rental agency in the Simpson Bay area.

KPSM’s initial investigation indicates that the driver of the motorcycle was riding on Airport Road, coming from the direction of Water Front Road and heading toward the Causeway Bridge. At the same time, a car pulled out from the roadside near a restaurant, making a left turn onto Airport Road in the same direction toward the Causeway Bridge.

As a result of this unsafe turn, the motorcycle was unable to avoid a collision and struck the right front side of the car. The force of the impact caused the motorcycle operator to fall, resulting in a fracture to the right leg. Emergency responders transported the motorcyclist to the Sint Maarten Medical center (SMMC) for immediate medical care.

Given the anticipated high traffic volume due to the Sint Maartens’ Day celebration this weekend and the increased risk of accidents, KPSM urges all road users to exercise heightened caution. The following safety recommendations are provided:

  • Remain vigilant of other road users: Consistently monitor your surroundings and anticipate unexpected actions by others.
  • Avoid hazardous maneuvers: Refrain from making sudden turns without signaling properly, and always observe traffic rules.
  • Maintain a safe following distance: Keep sufficient space between your vehicle and others to allow for adequate reaction time.
  • Adjust speed accordingly: Adhere to speed limits and avoid speeding, especially on congested roads such as Airport Road.
  • Do not drive under the influence: Avoid operating a vehicle if you are under the influence of alcohol or any substances that impair reaction times.

KPSM reminds everyone that caution and responsibility are essential for the safety of all road users. Let’s work together to ensure a safer community.

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Pre St. Maarten’s Day celebration in The Netherlands draws a crowd

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – This Sunday, the first St. Maarten’s Day celebration of the season, organized by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague, attracted over 600 St. Maarteners and friends of St. Maarten. They enjoyed an afternoon and evening with live performances by St. Maarten artists and a choice of authentic island cuisine in a festive St. Maarten style atmosphere.

Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, in her welcoming words emphasized the role of St. Maarten’s Day as an occasion for the community to come together and find strength and inspiration in exchanging experiences and making new connections. She reminded the young St. Maarteners in the Netherlands including the students that their country needs their talents.

Drs. Arrindell highlighted the fact that the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary is working on establishing a database of students and persons who wish to return to St. Maarten as a crucial means to eliminate the capacity deficit that exists on St. Maarten.

Drs. Arrindell remarked: “I really felt it was necessary for the Cabinet to organize this St. Maarten’s Day event. It was not possible for various reasons in recent years. The fantastic turnout and very positive feedback we are getting now confirms that there was a true need for us to do this.”

Feedback from both visitors and vendors at the celebration was very positive. As one young lady from St. Maarten now working in the Netherlands remarked: “I like the vibes! How entrepreneurs and talent come together makes it very festive. It makes me proud to be a St. Maartener.” Many vendors pointed at their empty chafing dishes as a reply: “Sold out!”

The celebration was organized by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in partnership with Small Island Unity Foundation. Performing artists were Darren on the steelpan, The One Man Asylum DJ Spy, Big Dano, Patrick Grayham, DJ Richy Stylez and Cay Hill. They got the crowd dancing and singing along.

Pre St maartens Day Celebration NL a

The venue was filled to capacity with visitors celebrating.

 

 

 

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Ministry of VROMI Successfully Hosts GIS Training Program. 15 Participants Graduate

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Infrastructure, and Environment (VROMI) is proud to announce the successful completion of a 11 days-long Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training program, conducted through project CORENA (COastal REsilience NEeds ASsessment). The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of VROMI and the Nature Foundation to manage and utilize spatial data for research initiatives and decision-making.

The GIS training programme was led by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) out of Kingston, Jamaica. Led by MGI Executive Director Mr. Luke Buchanan, who served as Lecturer and Lead GIS Trainer, he was joined by GIS Instructors, Mrs. Shelly-Ann Robinson, Senior GIS Technician at MGI, and Miss Ajani Bissick, GIS Consultant for MGI and PhD student at McGill University, Canada.

Mr. Buchanan reported a successful GIS training programme, with positive feedback from students who were thrilled to learn essential skills in creating maps, collecting and processing GPS data, georeferencing, and digitizing GIS data, among other critical techniques learned.

He emphasized that building GIS capacity is particularly valuable for small islands like Sint Maarten, which face unique geographic, economic, and environmental challenges. GIS training provides essential tools that support disaster management and risk assessment, environmental monitoring and conservation, climate change adaptation, urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable resource management.

The participants had the opportunity to engage in both theoretical and practical exercises, culminating in the graduation of 15 participants from the Introductory Level and 8 Graduating in the Advanced Level.

“For me, the GIS training has been very helpful in understanding how spatial data can quite easily be visualized and interpreted with maps. I like that mapmaking gives us endless options and possibilities to display our spatial data. You can make a map as simple or comprehensive as you’d like, depending on what you’d like your target group to know or learn. Often, we produce data and don’t always have the skills or right GIS tools to analyze it or properly present it to the public. Through the training, I learned to use GIS tools to better process, analyze and present spatial data, allowing us to create better, evidence-based policies that support effective decision making,” said Raitza Narain, Head of the Policy Department and one of the Advanced Level Graduated participants.

“I am incredibly proud of the Ministry's active participation in this vital program, which not only enhances our ability to make informed, data-driven decisions but also cultivates a team that is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared to tackle the complex challenges we face in Sint Maarten in regard to Spatial Planning,” said Minister Patrice Gumbs.

The 15 participants, equipped with hands-on knowledge of the following key topics, are now well-prepared to apply GIS technology in their respective roles, contributing to enhanced spatial analysis and data-driven decision-making within the ministry.

  • Introduction to GIS & GIS Components
  • Cartographic Concepts
  • Drone Technologies and GIS
  • Open-Source Data Collection with ODK Collect
  • Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Systems
  • Georeferencing
  • Spatial Data Analysis & Geoprocessing
  • Introduction to Open-Source GIS
  • GIS Project Design
  • Spatial Modelling
  • 2D and 3D Modelling
  • Remote Sensing
  • Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Spatial Modelling

These topics provided participants with a well-rounded understanding of GIS technology, fostering innovation and improving the efficiency of spatial planning processes.

The participants, equipped with hands-on knowledge of these key topics, are now well-prepared to apply GIS technology in their respective roles, contributing to enhanced spatial analysis and data-driven decision-making within the ministry.

The COastal REsilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) project focuses on advancing the sustainable management of Sint Maarten's marine and coastal environment through biodiversity research, educational initiatives, and planning recommendations.

The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and the non-profit Nature Foundation. CORENA is supported by the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) Program, a 47- project programme funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, the development cooperation agency of the Government of France and supports sustainable human development efforts in 12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) for more information visit resembid.org.

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UPDATE: Missing 15-Year-Old Teen. Police seeks Community Assistance

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - (UPDATE) - The Sint Maarten Police Force received the good news from the parents of Cherbin that he returned home safely.  The parents are relieved to have him back home.  The Police Force would like to extend their gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating Cherbin, and appreciates the communities continued vigilance and cooperation.

The Sint Maarten Police Force is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Bertram Jaheem Brandon CHERBIN a 15-year-old male who has been reported missing. He is a student at Milton Peters College and was last seen on Thursday October 31st 2024.

Description of the Missing Minor:

Name: Bertram Jaheem Brandon CHERBIN  

Age: 15 years old

Length: about 6’feet

Skin Complexion: Brown

Black hair

Last Seen Wearing: Milton Peters College Uniform

Bertram Jaheem Brandon CHERBIN was last seen in South reward (MPC) area on the morning of Thursday October 31st 2024. He has not been heard from since, and the family is deeply concerned for his safety.

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Bertram Jaheem Brandon CHERBIN  

you are urgently requested to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 721-542-2222 or reach out to his family via the following numbers:

Mother: +1 721- 5249645

We also appeal directly to Bertram Jaheem Brandon CHERBIN, if you are reading this, please reach out to your mother as soon as possible. Your family is concerned and wants to ensure your safety.

Public Cooperation:

We urge the community to share this information and to be vigilant. Any leads or information, no matter how small, can assist us in locating Bertram Jaheem Brandon CHERBIN.

Contact Information: Sint Maarten Police Force

Phone: +1 721-542-2222

 

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Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, & Ombudsman Organize Symposium

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The High Councils of State - Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, and the Ombudsman - in partnership with the Caribbean Center for Legislation (CCL), have organized a Symposium on the topic "Sound Policy and Practicable Legislation."

This engaging symposium will feature two informative segments: a lecture and a masterclass, both expertly facilitated by Ms. Charlotte Duijf. Ms. Duijf serves as Sector Head at the Council of State in the Netherlands and is a guest lecturer in international law and Kingdom relations.

Her extensive experience includes roles such as Lecturer in Public International Law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Senior Legal Advisor at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, and Legislative Advisor at the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

The lecture is scheduled for November 4, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the Conference Room on the ground floor of the Government Administration Building. It will focus on the theme: "The importance of a good elucidation when drafting new laws and policies." This session is open to all civil servants. 

The masterclass titled "Sound Policy and Workable Legislation” will occur on November 5 and 6, 2024, at the Simpson Bay Resort & Spa, and is primarily designed for policy and legal advisors, legislative lawyers, and other government professionals.

Both the lecture and masterclass aim to equip participants with valuable insights and tools to enhance the quality of policy and legislation. While the lecture welcomes all interested individuals, the masterclass is restricted to a limited number of participants.

To ensure wider accessibility, the lecture and the morning session of the masterclass will be streamed live for registered persons.

For further inquiries and details, please contact the Bureau Ombudsman.

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Integrity Chamber presents Ministerial Gift Policy Advice to Council of Ministers

SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - Recently, the Members and the Director of the Integrity Chamber delivered a presentation and had a discussion on the Integrity Chamber’s Advice on the Ministerial Gift Policy with the Council of Ministers (CoM), at the invitation of Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina.

The presentation highlighted the objectives, benefits, and key components of the Ministerial Gift Advice that aims to provide guidelines for the giving and receiving of gifts by ministers. It addressed critical elements such as the definition of a gift, monetary limits, gift registration, and the importance of intent in gift-giving.

Originally presented to the CoM in 2020, the Ministerial Gift Policy Advice is designed to foster transparency, set a strong example of leadership, and mitigate risks associated with receiving gifts. The CoM welcomed the Integrity Chamber’s policy recommendations.

To solidify the policy and, the CoM must acknowledge its importance, utilise the Advice to establish and approve the policy, and set a timeframe for implementation.

The Integrity Chamber extends its gratitude for this opportunity to present the advice to government and is optimistic about the impact of these and other integrity measures to strengthen government procedures.

The full advice can be found on the Integrity Chamber website along with others. For more information, visit www.integritychamber.sx/publications.

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CPS: World Mental Health Day theme “Mental Health at Work”

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Thursday 10 October marks World Mental Health Day around the world. Mental health is a universal human right underscoring the importance of ensuring everyone has the right to access quality mental health care and support.

The 2024 theme is “Mental Health at Work.”

This World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is uniting with partners to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work.

“Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work.

“With 60% of the global population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work.

“It is essential for governments, employers, the organizations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work.

“Action to address mental health at work should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health conditions.

“By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life. Let's take action today for a healthier future,” the WHO said.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community.  Mental health is a basic human right.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, says creating awareness about mental health is part of CPS’ annual calendar of health observances.

For persons who need support, the Sint Maarten Mental Health Organization (MHF) provides psychiatric care services to the population of the country.  Its mission includes prevention to mitigate as much as possible the negative impact of mental disorders on individual’s wellbeing and on society.

For general information on mental health issues, you can call 542-1677 or for a mental health crisis, you can call the crisis line 520-5556 which will be answered by a professional and it’s confidential.

For more information, you can call CPS 542-1570 or 914.

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Scooter/Motorcycle Rider Hit and Run in Sucker Garden on Sunday

SINT MAARTEN (SUCKER GARDEN) – The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) Traffic Department is currently investigating a hit and run that occurred on Sunday afternoon after 2:30 pm near El Capitan on Sucker Garden Road.

A male pedestrian who was crossing the road has possibly suffered a broken leg and injuries to his face.

The Police Central Dispatch received a call about the accident. The scooter/motorcycle is described as black.

After the accident, the culprit fled the scene leaving the victim seriously injured on the ground.

The Police is requesting assistance from the community who may have witnessed what transpired.

The Ambulance has taken the victim to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment.

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NEW AIRPORT ARRIVAL HALL WILL BE OPEN SOON FOR PASSENGERS

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is pleased to announce an important milestone in the countdown towards the opening of its state-of the art terminal building. On October 7, 2024, Constructor Ballast Nedam International Projects will officially hand over the key to the newly completed arrival hall and baggage reclaim area. This marks a major step forward in the airport's ongoing redevelopment.

Following the handover, the airport's staff will begin the final preparations for the opening, which includes thorough cleaning and setting up services such as customs, immigration, and baggage handling. These efforts are essential to ensure the brand-new arrival area is fully operational and ready to welcome all arriving passengers to the island of St. Maarten.

The new arrival hall will open its doors to passengers on October 15, 2024. This momentous occasion signifies the end of the use of the Temporary Arrival Facility tent, which has served the airport during the construction period.

Princess Juliana International Airport would like to express its sincere gratitude to Ballast Nedam International Projects for their dedication and hard work on this project. The airport also extends its thanks to all stakeholders and the community of St. Maarten for their patience and support throughout this phase of redevelopment.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the airport will host an official reopening ceremony for the terminal building on November 14, 2024. Details of this event will be shared in the coming weeks.

The new Arrival Hall features:

  • Improved baggage handling systems for faster and more efficient luggage retrieval.
  • Streamlined immigration and customs processes designed to minimize waiting times.
  • Enhanced passenger facilities aimed at providing a more comfortable and seamless arrival experience.

Prioritizing a Seamless Travel Experience

Throughout the construction phases, PJIAE has ensured that ongoing airport operations remain unaffected. Travelers continue to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience, with uninterrupted services.

Commercial Director Michiel Parent states: "We’re almost there now. In less than a month from now, all passengers can enjoy the new arrival hall. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. We’re now looking forward to our grand opening in November this year.”

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Victorious Living Grants: Empowering Individuals & Organizations to Access Vital Project Funding

SINT MAARTEN (ST. PETERS) - Many individuals, for-profits, and non-profits shy away from applying for grants due to various misconceptions. Based on Victorious Living’s experience of over 20 years as a foundation, the visionary and director Dr. Erna Mae Francis Cotton and team have been able to secure substantial grants to execute its mentorship program, and a variety of other projects for youth and families.

Consequently, in light of the many needs in our communities, this article aims to debunk the top three myths about grant applications and provide you with the correct information to increase your chances of obtaining funding.

Myth 1: Grants Are Only for Non-Profits

Reality: While it's true that many grants are specifically designed for non-profits, there's a growing number of funding opportunities available to individuals and for-profit businesses. These grants can support a wide range of projects, including research, innovation, community development, and even individual artistic endeavors.

Myth 2: Grant Writing Is Too Complicated

Reality: While grant writing does require careful planning and attention to detail, it is not an insurmountable task. Many grants come with detailed guidelines and examples to help you through the process. Additionally, there are numerous resources and templates available online to assist you.

Tip: Start with smaller grant applications if you’re new to the process. This will help you build your skills and confidence before tackling larger, more complex applications.

Myth 3: Only Big Organizations Win Grants

Reality: Small organizations and even individuals have an equal opportunity to win grants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and their proposal aligns with the funder’s priorities. Grant applications are judged on the merit of the project, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the potential impact.

Success Story: A local community center successfully won a grant to fund a new after-school program by clearly articulating the need and expected benefits for local children.

Do not let myths prevent you from seeking out funding opportunities that could greatly benefit your initiatives. By understanding the truths behind these common misconceptions, you can approach grant applications with confidence and clarity. Remember, the key to successful grant writing is preparation, persistence, and leveraging available resources.

Victorious Living Grants are available to assist in sourcing and writing grants for individuals, businesses, and organizations. You may email us for further information to secure funding for your projects at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; call: +1-721-522-2084 or WhatsApp +1-721-524-8731.

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