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The Public Prosecutor’s Office cracks down on 'vote buying'

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Three suspects stood trial today (Ed. Wednesday, December 18, 2024) one of them a former parliamentarian, the Prosecution Service said in a press release on Wednesday.

They are accused of vote buying and thereby undermining Sint Maarten's democratic rule of law. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in its argumentation emphasized that the buying and selling of votes shows not only a lack of integrity, but also a deep contempt for the democratic values that we as a community must protect.

Vulnerable democracy

Sint Maarten has a vulnerable democratic system. With only 15 seats in parliament and an electoral system in which a limited number of votes is sufficient to obtain a parliamentary position, the impact of voter fraud is high.

The Public Prosecutor's Office underscored that such acts damage citizens' confidence in the fairness of elections, and seriously harm the country.

Demands

The Public Prosecutor's Office has demanded stiff sentences against the defendants, including an 18-month unconditional prison sentence for the former parliamentarian. In addition, the Public Prosecutor's Office demanded that this person should be banned from holding any civil servant offices, and from the right to be elected for the maximum permitted period of 6.5 years.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has also announced an asset forfeiture order for the former parliamentarian. The Public Prosecutor's Office emphasizes the crucial importance of honest and committed parliamentarians, especially on a small island like Sint Maarten.

With these severe sentencing demands, the Public Prosecutor's Office aims to deter the defendants, as well as others. In doing so, the Public Prosecutor's Office seeks to reinforce the norm that buying and selling votes is not permissible.

The Court in First Instance will rule on the case on January 8, 2025.

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Council of Ministers Hold Introductory Meeting for Unions

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Last week, representatives from the unions of Sint Maarten met with the Council of Ministers in an introductory session. The meeting served as a platform for open dialogue between union leaders and the recently sworn-in ministers, including Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor Richenel S.J. Brug, and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs.

The session underscored the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with unions to address the needs of workers and the community.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of unity and constructive dialogue, "Our unions represent the strength and resilience of Sint Maarten’s workforce, and their voices are essential in shaping the policies that will guide our nation forward.

“This government is here to listen, to engage, and most importantly, to act in the best interest of the people. Together, we will address challenges head-on and build a future that prioritizes equity and opportunity for all."

PM Dr. Mercelina also highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, stating:

"This meeting is not a one-time event—it is the start of a consistent, open dialogue. Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that the concerns of workers are not only heard but reflected in our actions. The success of Sint Maarten lies in its people, and we are ready to work hand in hand with our unions to secure a brighter tomorrow."

Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs echoed, "Our workforce drives the success of our economy, and their well-being is non-negotiable. As Minister of Finance, I am committed to implementing policies that ensure wage equity, access to opportunities, and financial stability for all. We must create an economic environment where workers feel valued and secure in their futures," Minister Gumbs stated.

Minister Gumbs further stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility in achieving these goals, "While we navigate our financial challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to balance economic stability with the needs of our people. Together, with the input of unions, we can shape policies that deliver sustainable progress and uplift our workforce."

Union leaders raised key issues which the Council of Ministers pledged to address through collaborative efforts.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining open communication and scheduling regular follow-up meetings to translate discussions into actionable outcomes.

This meeting signifies a renewed partnership between the government and unions, reflecting the Council of Ministers’ dedication to inclusivity and progress for the benefit of all Sint Maarteners.

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Minister Gumbs Urges Participation as Financial Literacy Month Free Workshops Continue

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs is encouraging everyone, particularly the youth, to take advantage of the ongoing free workshops which are part of the activities organized to mark Financial Literacy Month.

Two of the workshops will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The first workshop, “Corporate Governance,” will take place from 9 am to 12 pm, at the University of St. Martin. The second workshop, “Mastering Your Income Tax Form,” will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Government Administration Building.

The third workshop for this week, “How to Declare Your Business Taxes,” is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm. It will also take place at the Government Administration Building. Interested persons can register for the workshops at www.finlit.sx 

The Financial Literacy Month started last week with two free workshops, one exclusively for civil servants, titled “Understanding Your Pay slip,” and the other which was open to the public, and hosted by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, introduced the upcoming Caribbean guilder. Both workshops were well attended and offered valuable insights into key financial topics.

Minister Gumbs further encourages young entrepreneurs ages 12-18 to register for the upcoming “Youth Biz Expo” on November 24, 2023, at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

“This event offers a fantastic opportunity for young business minds to showcase their ideas and compete for great prizes,” said the Minister of Finance. For more information and to register, please visit: www.nyp.sx

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SXM DOET 2025: Calls for Community Projects and Youth Interns

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The coordinators of SXM DOET, St. Maarten’s largest volunteer initiative, have officially kicked off preparations for the 2025 edition, marking the event’s 11th consecutive year.

Project Coordinators Breanna Barrie, Caroline Van Oost, Roylyka Roache, and Shanica Romney, in partnership with the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean islands—including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, and St. Eustatius, are excited to announce a significant shift in 2025 as SXM DOET moves its dates from March to May.

The new dates for SXM DOET 2025 will be Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, 2025. “This change comes after careful discussions with our DOET partners within the Kingdom.

While each month has pros and cons, we’re excited to have SXM DOET take place after the St. Maarten carnival this year and hopefully engage even more volunteers and organizations in a refreshed way,” said the Project Coordinators. “We encourage all organizations to submit their project ideas as early as possible via www.sxmdoet.com.”

A New Era: From Carnival to Community Progress

This year’s slogan, “From Parading to Progress for a Brighter St. Maarten,” aims to harness the energy and spirit of the post-Carnival season to fuel community-driven projects. “We want to keep the momentum going after Carnival, bringing the community together to lend a helping hand and make a tangible difference,” Caroline van Oost added. Roylyka Roache emphasized, "SXM DOET is a platform where everyone’s contributions count, and we look forward to seeing how these projects will bring lasting benefits to the NGO’s of St. Maarten."

Call for Projects: Your Ideas Can Make a Difference

Community organizations - from non-profits to schools, sports clubs, and churches - are invited to register their projects on the official SXM DOET website at www.sxmdoet.com, starting next week. Registration will remain open until February 7, 2025. “We’re looking for a variety of projects that will have a lasting impact on our community. SXM DOET helps transform ideas into action—whether that’s restoring a park, painting a school, beautifying public spaces, or catering to a vulnerable group,” Breanna Barrie mentioned. 

New Opportunity: Youth Interns Wanted

This year, SXM DOET is adding new activities to invest in engaging younger participants in the power of volunteerism. A vacancy will be published soon and two youth interns will be selected to help drive youth involvement in SXM DOET 2025 and future editions. These interns will bring fresh ideas, support peer engagement, and amplify the importance of volunteering. "We want to empower young people to take an active role in shaping their communities, so we're excited to bring youth-driven ideas to the table," Shanica Romney explained. "It’s a chance for young leaders to make an impact, and we look forward to learning from them."

Financial Support Available for Community Projects

Organizations looking for financial assistance to execute their projects can apply for up to $650 in funding, which can be used for some materials, transportation, and food, to name a few. Financial assistance applications will be available on the website once project registration opens.

How You Can Get Involved

Organizations:

  • Submit your project ideas: Visit sxmdoet.com to register your community projects beginning next week.
  • Apply for financial support: Up to $650 available to assist in executing your projects.
  • Deadline for registration of projects: February 7, 2025.

Volunteers:

  • Sign up: After project registration, volunteers can sign up for their preferred projects in mid-February 2025.
  • Get ready to give back: Join hundreds of volunteers in making St. Maarten a better place to live!

Businesses

  • SXM DOET is excited to Partner with Businesses again this year! Show your commitment to social responsibility by offering discounts, gift certificates, or products for our volunteers or participating NGO organizations.
  • Adopt, Donate, and Volunteer: You can also adopt a project: from mid-February, choose one on sxmdoet.com or let us match you. Provide funding and materials, then join the project for a meaningful team-building experience! 

About SXM DOET

SXM DOET is the largest volunteer initiative organized by the project coordination team in collaboration with the Be the Change Foundation and the Oranje Fonds. It aims to unite the community by engaging volunteers to support local organizations and make a lasting impact on the island. For more information and to get involved, visit www.sxmdoet.com, SXM DOET on Facebook and @sxm.doet on Instagram or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SXM DOET Volunteer

Picture by Joyce Goverde
— with SXM DOET at Waste2work SXM.

 

 

 

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PDG Supplies continues as Proud Sponsor of St. Maarten Flavors 2024

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trades Association (SHTA), organizers of St. Maarten Flavors, are excited to announce that PDG Supplies continues its sponsorship of the highly anticipated St. Maarten Flavors 2024, a month-long celebration of the island's vibrant culinary scene. As a valued partner since the inception of the event in 2022, PDG Supplies remains committed to supporting the local community and showcasing the culinary talents that make St. Maarten the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

For the third consecutive year, PDG Supplies will not only contribute to the success of St. Maarten Flavors by offering exclusive discounts on supplies to all participating restaurants, but they will also elevate the excitement by providing prizes for a variety of competitions. These competitions, which will take place leading up to and throughout the month of November, are designed to create excitement and participation in St. Maarten Flavors.

PDG Supplies' ongoing partnership with St. Maarten Flavors underscores their dedication to fostering the growth of the local food and beverage industry, as they continue to ensure that restaurants have access to the best products needed to create exceptional dining experiences for both locals and visitors.

"We are thrilled to continue our support for St. Maarten Flavors in 2024," said Mireille Dropvat from PDG Supplies. "Being a part of this event from the very beginning has allowed us to support the incredible culinary talent on the island over the years. We are proud to contribute to an event that highlights the unique flavors of St. Maarten and brings the community together."

The competitions sponsored by PDG Supplies will include “Win, Share, Like” campaigns, each designed to engage locals and visitors and indicate who they would want to cook with, or what they would want to purchase at PDG Supplies. The best stories and comments will allow participants to have the chance to win customized Coolenators, wine coolers using advanced cooling technology with a removable freezer bullet, keeping wine cold for hours.

PDG Supplies aims to encourage active participation and promotion of St. Maarten Flavors by rewarding restaurants that engage visitors. Gift vouchers will be awarded to the restaurants most frequently tagged in visitor posts during the St. Maarten Flavors event.

As November approaches, PDG Supplies invites the entire St. Maarten community and visitors alike to join in the celebrations and experience the best of the island's cuisine during St. Maarten Flavors 2024.

St. Maarten Flavors kicks off on November 1, giving residents and visitors alike the chance to sample a curated selection of set menus designed to highlight the island’s rich culinary offerings at an accessible price point.

St. Maarten Flavors is celebrating its third edition and grateful for the partnership with St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, and our sponsors:  PDG Supplies, SOL, Orco Bank, Prime Distributors, Visit St. Maarten, SXM Talks, Island 92, The Daily Herald, Trakx and Winair. Of course, the many restaurants that decided on an early sign up to benefit from continuous promotions should soon be joined by many other establishments offering 1 course or 3 course options throughout the month of November. 

About PDG Supplies

PDG Supplies is a leading provider of high-quality restaurant, hotel and kitchen equipment and supplies in St. Maarten. Committed to supporting the food and beverage industry on St Maarten and the surrounding islands, PDG Supplies offers a wide range of products that help restaurants and chefs deliver exceptional dining experiences. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, PDG Supplies has been a trusted partner for businesses across the islands.

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Sarah Calls to Action for Tax Reform and Digitalization Initiatives

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams supports incremental measures that would facilitate the long-awaited overhaul of the country’s tax system, the MP said on Tuesday in a press statement.

This follows the recent debates in Parliament surrounding the amended budget for 2024.

“I listened intently to the Ministry's outlined plans for tax reforms. The time has come for significant changes. I applaud the proposed initiatives, such as lowering profit and income taxes and adjusting the tax framework for pensioners,” said the MP.

However, Wescot-Williams has requested clarification on several pertinent issues to “ensure we are moving in the right direction.”

She directed questions to Minister of Finance Marinka J. Gumbs;

1) Could you provide a timeline for implementing these tax measures?

2) Would you agree that thoroughly cleaning up our tax base is essential before introducing a new tax system?

3) What are your thoughts on launching a national "Get-A-Crib-No" campaign? Are you willing to commission such an initiative, thereby creating a low threshold for citizens to obtain a crib number or, ideally, a personal identification number (PIN)?

4) Are you prepared to expedite this initiative as part of the government’s digitalization program? If so, what is your vision for how this will unfold?

5) Regarding the so-called Tax Holiday, the Government previously wanted to cancel this legislation. Is that still the current intention? As you review this legislation, I respectfully urge you to consider incorporating concepts like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) into the discussion.

The Member of Parliament emphasized, “as we embark on this critical journey toward tax reform, we must consider the efficiency and sustainability of our tax system and its alignment with principles that encourage social responsibility and holistic development. The potential to streamline our identification systems through digitalization could also enhance government efficiency and accessibility for all citizens.”

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Fun Miles Year-End Campaign is Guaranteed Fun! Win a Trip to Italy, and more with WordFun

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The highly anticipated Fun Miles year-end campaign is back, bringing excitement and fantastic prizes to all of St. Maarten!

This season, customers who shop at participating partners can collect WordFun letters to create words on the game board and compete for amazing prizes like a trip to Italy from Mau Asam Travel, 250.000 Fun Miles courtesy of WIB and a Kooyman gift voucher of $850.

The campaign kicks off on November 1, 2024, and runs through January 25, 2025.  

Play WordFun to Win FUNtastic prizes! 

It’s easy to join the fun! Shop at participating partners to receive WordFun cards with letter tiles, then use these letters to complete your game board. Game boards are available for free at all participating partners.

You must create seven words on the game board, three sponsor names and four other words from the game board dictionary to enter for a chance to win amazing prizes! 

Can’t wait and want to win instant prizes? Head to the Fun Miles app and scratch your way to fun rewards like bonus miles, discounts, and even golden prizes like 1 year breakfast of Carl & Sons, weekend-stay at Holland House or a jewelry set of SoDutch Jewelry.

Each time you shop at a participating partner you receive a play. So, the more you shop, the more chances you have to win!  

All information can be found on the website funmiles.net 

For the game rules, participation terms, a list of partners, and a complete list of prizes, visit funmiles.ne

WFL4 ins pix

 

 

 

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Fierce Battles in Spot-On Racing Conditions for the Caribbean Dinghy Championship

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The Caribbean Dinghy Championship, hosted by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and backed by the Caribbean Sailing Association, kicked off today with exhilarating competition across six classes in the waters of Simpson Bay. Sponsored by Motorworld, this year’s Championships have drawn teams from a record nine countries, each vying for victory in an event that showcases tactics, skills, and a love for sailing that unites competitors from across the region.

Yesterday’s arrival day saw teams gathering at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club to register and get a taste of St. Maarten’s sailing conditions, followed by a lively opening ceremony in the evening. Teams were officially introduced, and the sailors shared a meal courtesy of the Sint Maarten Yacht Club’s Bar & Restaurant—while having the chance to connect, exchange strategies, and size up the competition ahead.

Racers started their day rigging boats at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, where fresh pastries from Zeebest Bakery energized the teams before hitting the water. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) arranged a special bridge opening, allowing competitors to access the race area, where a steady 15-knot breeze set up spot-on racing conditions. The Race Committee had laid out a trapezoid course, with ILCA and RS Quest classes taking on a challenging outer loop, while Optimist and RS Zest classes navigated a tighter inner loop. The layout guaranteed intense racing across all classes, and from the first signal, it was clear this year’s Championships were going to be fiercely competitive.

In the RS Zest class, Team St. Maarten, represented by Oskar Jarrett Versteegden and Chris Meekhof, dominated the RS Zest class with an impressive six-race winning streak, securing the top position. Team St. Martin, represented by Oceane Chilou and Neo Barbet, secured second place after consistent performances, while Team Trinidad and Tobago’s Mikhaela Browne and Sion Gachette completed the top three.

Over in the RS Quest class, five teams battled it out in a display of skill and resilience. Team Antigua’s Patrick Greensmith and Alistair Knoblauch emerged as leaders, finishing with four consecutive bullets after a tough start. Sint Maarten’s father-son team, Joris and 9-year-old Axel Vanden Eynde, youngest sailor in this class, took first place in the first and last races. Despite a rudder break in race five, they still took second place. St. Martin’s Merlin Guier and Pascal Belle followed closely in third, with only a 3-points difference keeping the race for podium positions wide open.

The Optimist class saw the largest turnout, with 10 sailors from six nations facing off in a head-to-head race day. Sint Maarten’s Nathan Sheppard and Antigua’s Tyden Jones were neck and neck throughout the entire day, with Sheppard securing a narrow first place with Jones hot on his heels with only a 2-point difference. St. Martin’s Aymeric Arminjon held onto third, sailing steadily in a competitive field.

In the ILCA 4 class, Antigua’s Carrick Jones dominated with five bullets, setting a high standard for the competition. Massimo Lapierre from St. Maarten narrowly holds second place over St. Martin’s Clement Le Normand, with only two points separating the two, promising more thrilling competition in the days ahead.

The ILCA 6 division showcased one of the day’s most exciting rivalries, as Antigua’s Shanoy Malone and Sint Maarten’s Rio Stomp went boat-for-boat around the course. Malone ultimately came out on top with five bullets, but Stomp got his eye on the win, promising a tactical showdown in the next two days. Trinidad’s Josiah Alexis finished in third, showing steady determination.

Rounding out the classes, the ILCA 7 fleet saw sailors of diverse experience levels, with the young and master’s alike competing fiercely. Antigua’s Ozani Lafond secured four bullets, taking the lead with only a narrow two-point gap over seasoned sailors Benoit Meesemaecker. Veteran sailor Frits Bus left strong sailors from Trinidad and Tobago, St. Martin and St. Vincent behind him, claiming third place.

SMYC pix2 fri25

SMYC pix3 fri25

SMYC pix1 fri24

 

 

 

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CRCA Delegates Gather to Discuss Regional Compliance

SINT MAARTEN (MAHO) - The two-day Caribbean Regional Compliance Association (CRCA) conference which is hosted by the BVI and co-hosted by the newly established St. Maarten Association for Governance Risk Management and Compliance Professionals (SXM AGRCP), is geared at enhancing to enhance Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance practices across St. Maarten and the Caribbean.

Prime Minister: Dr. Luc Mercelina said in his Opening Statement that St. Maarten is proud to host such a prestigious event. “Compliance is not static; it is a living evolving thing. Compliance is the backbone of Tourism, Banking and other sectors in our economy which rely on trust,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that our regulatory procedures are robust, and we will remain proactive, positioning ourselves not as followers, but as leaders in compliance. Remember we are a manifestation of the region’s collective strength.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of the Financial Services of the British Virgin Island, Ms. Lorna Smith also addressed the audience of professionals and industry leaders, but also used the opportunity to commend the St. Maarten for the regrowth and redevelopment of the island following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria a few years ago.

She pointed out that, “What the hurricanes showed us with complete clarity, is that given the climate threat hat we will continue to face, without a resilient financial sector our nation will not be able to bounce back or survive.”

Mrs. Smith also stressed the importance of investing and building resilient economies. “A resilient financial sector is one where regulation is reflected in the very governance of the nation and one where compliance is sufficiently and successfully enforced. A well-regulated regime, is a resilient regime.”

Marinka Gumbs, Minister of Finance, was also one of the opening speakers at the event and she commended the attendees for dispelling false assumptions that the Caribbean governments do not work together. “We often hear that we in the Caribbean are not united, but this conference demonstrates and underscores our collaboration and working together,” she said commending the CRCA for this initiative. “As you can see, top Government officials have come together, to participate in a conference being hosted by a non-governmental organization. We know and understand that no individual country can tackle this problem alone and we must continue to work together to combat these crimes that threatens our financial sector.”

Mr. Wayde Watson, the Minister of Finance, reiterated her remarks. “I am happy to see that we have come together in this setting to have discussions and to handle our shared concerns, compare our shared rules on this topic. The Bahamas is proud to be compliant and we are not selfish, so we are willing to share ideas on this matter. We are happy to be compliant, we are happy to not be blacklisted, but for how long? The goal post keeps shifting and we want to continue to remain ahead of the issue, ahead of the goalpost and we must continue to speak with one voice.”

President of the SXM AGRCP, Kyria Ali said she is extremely happy and proud that their organization was able to assist in facilitating such a prestigious event. In a lively panel discussion, which Kyria moderated, Caroline van Hees President of the SXM Bar Association and Stacy Ann Goodridge gave insight into the differences and similarities between Corporate Governance in the Dutch system versus the English Caribbean structure. This was followed by several other speakers from various industries within the compliance sector.

The conference continues today and will feature high profile players and gatekeepers in Law Enforcement, various government and non-governmental sectors, who play a role in fighting the war against financial crimes and ensuring compliance is adhered to.

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SER of Sint Maarten Presents 2023 Annual Report to Prime Minister Mercelina

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Monday, October 7, 2024, the Social Economic Council (SER) of Sint Maarten officially handed over its 2023 Annual Report to the Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, during a meeting at the Government Administration Building. SER Chairman Harlec Doran and SER Secretary General Gerard Richardson were present at the event, highlighting the importance of SER’s advisory role in guiding the nation's policy development.

As the advisory body responsible for providing both solicited and unsolicited recommendations on vital social and economic issues, SER’s 2023 Annual Report offers key insights into the nation’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina commended SER’s dedication to shaping policy that directly impacts the future of Sint Maarten, stressing the importance of their independent and balanced advice.

"The Social Economic Council is a cornerstone of Sint Maarten's governance, delivering expert guidance that is critical to driving our national agenda forward," stated Prime Minister Mercelina. "This 2023 Annual Report not only highlights their tireless commitment to addressing our social and economic challenges but also offers a roadmap for achieving a sustainable and inclusive future for all Sint Maarteners."

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina reinforced his government’s commitment to working closely with the SER to bring these recommendations to life.

"SER’s advice is indispensable in helping us craft policies that are not only practical but rooted in the realities of our people. This collaboration will continue to shape our path forward, building a stronger, more resilient Sint Maarten," the Prime Minister affirmed.

The 2023 SER Annual Report is available for public viewing and will serve as a crucial document for guiding policy discussions and decisions in the coming year.

“The 2023 Annual Report can be downloaded from the SER website www.sersxm.org

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