Agenda: Draft National Ordinance amending the Temporary National Ordinance Covid-19 cuts in employment conditions for government employees in connection with the phased reduction of the Covid-19 cuts in government employees (Section year 2021-2022-161) (IS/1123/2021-2022 dated July 7, 2021)
Video 1 Prime Minister of St. Maarten – Silveria E. Jacobs Faces Parliament
Time: 11:15 AM
Agenda: Ontwerplandsverordening tot wijziging van de Tijdelijke Landsverordening Covid-19 bezuinigingen arbeidsvoorwaarden overheidsdienaren in verband met de gefaseerde reductie van de Covid-19 bezuinigingen op de overheidsdienaren (Zittingsjaar 2021-2022-161) (IS/1123/2021-2022 d.d. 7 juli 2021)
Video 1 Prime Minister of St. Maarten – Silveria E. Jacobs Faces Parliament
President Louis Mussington welcomed Governor of Sint Maarten Drs. Eugene Holiday this morning at the Collectivité.
It was the last visit of Drs. Eugene HOLIDAY who has served as Governor of Sint Maarten since 2010. He will soon be replaced in his function by mister Ajamu BALY, whom his appointment has been approved by the kingdom council of ministers last Friday. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=443382781151936&id=100064406542561
President Louis Mussington welcomed Governor of Sint Maarten Drs. Eugene Holiday this morning at the Collectivité.
Minister Doran signs legal review advise for environmental legislation of Sint Maarten
Minister Doran signs legal review advise for environmental legislation of Sint Maarten
On Monday August 23, 2022, the honorable Minister of VROMI, Mr. Egbert J. Doran, signed the advice regarding the legal review for the environmental legislation of Sint Maarten.
This follows from a request of the Nature Foundation to the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) for assistance to carry out a gap analysis of existing legislation related to the conservation of Sint Maarten’s natural resources. The goal of this legal review is to identify methods to enhance existing legislation or to create new legislative measures to update, reinforce and enhance the conservation of nature on Sint Maarten.
The DCNA is a nonprofit organization created to safeguard nature in the Dutch Caribbean through supporting the designated Protected Area Management Organizations on these islands. Through its partnership with the DCNA, the Blue Marine Foundation has generously offered to fund the legal review and gap analysis through an independent legal consultant.
Minister Doran signs legal review advise for environmental legislation of Sint Maarten
The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) is a charity organization dedicated to restoring the oceans by addressing overfishing through creating marine reserves, restoring vital habitats and establishing models of sustainable fishing. BLUE achieves these goals through advocacy, innovation and forging new partnerships to bring together sources of funding, governments and conservation expertise to catalyze the creation of vast marine protected areas.
The overall mission of BLUE is to see 30% of the world’s ocean under effective protection by 2030. This is in line with the global goal to protect at least 30% of land and sea by 2030. This target is grounded in the updated post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) that is set to be adopted during the 15th Conference on the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022. As signatory to the CBD, Sint Maarten will be required to work towards these goals once adopted.
The Man of War Shoal Marine Park is the only actively managed marine protected area on Sint Maarten. Located south of Philipsburg, this marine park is home, migratory stopover and/or breeding site to numerous species of conservation importance. It includes not only a range of habitats from coral reefs to seagrass beds and open water, but also the Proselyte Reef, which was named after the HMS Proselyte, a 32-gun frigate that struck the reef and sank in 1801. The Man of War Shoal Marine Park covers 3,100 hectares (7,700 acres), representing 5.7% of the total marine waters of Sint Maarten.
In 2010, the Minister of TEATT approved the Man of War Shoal Marine Park in accordance with the Federal Decree on Maritime Management, 2008.
Minister Doran signs legal review advise for environmental legislation of Sint Maarten
The formal designation of nature parks is the responsibility of the Minister of VROMI, in accordance with the current Landsverordening grondslagen natuurbeheer en –bescherming.
As such, the legal review and gap analysis through the Blue Marine Foundation will provide recommendations towards enhancing the legal framework for nature conservation.
This will directly support the current management of the Man of War Shoal by the Nature Foundation and will further support the Ministry of VROMI to establish additional nature parks. Through approving this legal review, the Minister of VROMI is demonstrating commitment to achieving the sustainable development goals of country Sint Maarten.
“The Nature Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, the Blue Marine Foundation, and the Ministry of VROMI to begin this extremely important work for St. Maarten.
It is our mission to preserve and protect the natural resources for generations to come and having the legal framework in place to protect our island is essential.
There has been a desire for some time throughout the community to safeguard our beautiful island while still allowing for economic growth and success.
This will be a critical step towards sustainability for St. Maarten that we look forward to contributing to,” said Nature Foundation Interim Manager Leslie Hickerson.
Minister Doran signs legal review advise for environmental legislation of Sint Maarten
On Saturday, August 27, 2022, The Hon. President of Parliament, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Hon. Members of Parliament, Ms. Solange Duncan, Ms. Angelique Romou, and Mr. Raeyhon Peterson all participated in this year’s Health, Sports and Culture Expo organized by the Departments of Sport & Culture and NAGICO Insurances.
https://www.stmaarten.news Members of Parliament participated in an obstacle course challenge designed by the St.Maarten Youth Brigade. The obstacle course was made doable for all ages and physical conditions. The event was held at the Raoul Illidge Sports complex and was an initiative made by the Departments of Sport & Culture.
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Cont. OV 18 – 10.00 hrs. PFP
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Cont. OV 18 – 10.00 hrs. The agenda points are:
Proposal by Party for Progress on Parliamentary Relationship Development registered under IS/026/2021-2022 (IS/092/2021-2022 dated October 5, 2021)
Pressing issues with the future of Carnival with long reaching consequences (IS/866/2021-2022 dated May 9, 2022) Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – CCAD 07 – 14.00 hrs. The agenda point is: Presentation by Pro Soualiga Foundation on Peremptory Norm (IS/1224/2021-2022 dated August 23, 2022).
Representatives of Pro Soualiga Foundation will be present.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – OV 23 – 11.00 hrs. The agenda point is: Ontwerplandsverordening tot wijziging van de Tijdelijke Landsverordening Covid-19 bezuinigingen arbeidsvoorwaarden overheidsdienaren in verband met de gefaseerde reductie van de Covid-19 bezuinigingen op de overheidsdienaren (Zittingsjaar 2021-2022-161) (IS/1123/2021-2022 d.d. 7 juli 2021)
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Cont. OV 18 – 10.00 hrs. PFP
The Minister of General Affairs (AZ) and the Minister of Finance will be present.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – Cont. OV 19 (urgent) – 14.00 hrs. The agenda point is: The Final Report of the Ombudsman regarding tendering and awarding process of the garbage collection contracts 2021-2026 (IS/1103/2021-2022 dated June 28, 2022) This meeting was requested by MP M.D. Gumbs, MP C.T. Emmanuel, MP S.A. Wescot-Williams and MP R.A. Peterson.
The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) will be present.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – Cont. OV 21 (urgent) – 15.30 hrs. The agenda point is: Recent developments that impact the liquidity of the utility company and the ability of N.V. GEBE to continue as a going concern (IS/1189/2021-2022 dated August 15, 2022)
This meeting was requested by MP L.N.L. de Weever, MP M.D. Gumbs, MP S.A. Wescot-Williams, MP C.T. Emmanuel.
The Minister of General Affairs (AZ) and the Minster of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) will be present.
Friday, September 2, 2022 – Cont. CVSA 07 – 13.00 hrs. The agenda point is:
Status of the amendment to the ordinance regulating the short-term contract (IS/077/2021-2022 dated October 10, 2021) The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) will be present.
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – Cont. OV 18 – 10.00 hrs. PFP
I cannot blog about GEBE, I don’t know what they’re on about. They want us to stand out in the 100 degree weather, Summer, mid tropics, you are in the sun until afternoon…
Meanwhile we have several tropical waves coming that are likely to turn into hurricane
Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, in her capacity as chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), appeals to the Sint Maarten community not to become complacent this hurricane season and to remain vigilant and prepared. So far only three storm systems have formed, Alex, Bonnie, and Colin. A late start of storm activity in a season can still lead to major hurricanes forming and impacting countries.
“We are monitoring that there are several systems forming in the Atlantic. We will continue to keep the general public updated. All are encouraged to ensure that the preparations are in place seeing that we are now at the peak of the hurricane season.” said the Prime Minister.
The Meteorological Department St. Maarten has reported that a broad and elongated area of low pressure with an ill-defined center is showing potential for development over the central tropical Atlantic. Although environmental conditions ahead of the system do not appear conducive for significant development, a tropical depression, at the very least, is likely to form this week while it moves slowly toward the Lesser Antilles.
29th Prime Minister New Weather Warning The Latest From Sxmgov
Prime Minister Jacobs pointed out that things have been rather quiet weather wise, however, the peak of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching and normally September is a busy month for storm/hurricane activity. Residents and the business community are advised to pay keen attention to weather reports in the coming days and weeks, to take the appropriate action when called upon to do so by the EOC.
In the meantime, residents and business owners are requested to review their hurricane season preparations. Even though the season has been quiet so far, things are expected to pick up in the coming weeks.
Mr. Clive Richardson, Fire Chief and Disaster Management Coordinator also encourages every household to have their Disaster Supply Kit supplied to support the members of the household for a minimum of seven days after the hurricane has passed.
The Disaster Supply Kit should contain non-perishable food, water and medicine (fill prescriptions before the storm); non-electric can opener; first-aid kit; extra cash (ATM machines and credit cards won’t work if there is no electricity); a battery powered radio and flashlights as well as extra batteries; make sure cell phones are all charged prior to the arrival of the hurricane; fill up your car/truck with gas; check if your home and automobile insurance are up to date; put ID cards, passports and driver’s license, insurance papers in a waterproof bag along with other important documents.
If you are a parent with an infant or young child (ren), you also need to have essential items as part of your disaster supply kit: baby formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk; medications; moist towels; and diaper rash ointment.
Your Disaster Kit must also include hand sanitizer, a soap bar or liquid soap; two cloth face coverings for each person; disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces.
Continue to ensure that tree branches around your home are trimmed; cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property; clean-up your yard and put away items that could blow away during the passing of a hurricane; re-check your roof and storm shutters to make sure they are secure, and the latter are working.
For those whose homes are not yet storm/hurricane ready, you should make alternative housing arrangements to stay at family or friends. Ensure that you have a pet safety plan in place.
Do not wait until the last moment to make preparations for the passing of a storm/hurricane. Do not be caught off guard. Be prepared. The Government has taken the necessary preparations and is ready.
The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”
Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM – for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. For official weather-related information, visit the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/
Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Remain vigilant and prepared! The hurricane season runs through November 30.
29th Prime Minister New Weather Warning The Latest From Sxmgov
Philipsburg – On Friday, August 26th, 2022, the Honorable Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson signed fifteen national decrees establishing the legal status of several police officers, after they had been signed by His Excellency Governor Eugene B. Holiday.
Due to the lack of a Function Book and salary scales concerning police personnel, the “Besluit Rechtspositie Korps Politie Sint Maarten” (Legal Position Regulation for the Police of Sint Maarten) of October 10th, 2010, could not be implemented.
However, with the draft Legal Position Regulation currently on the legislative track, the Ministry of Justice Function Book was signed and approved in December 2021, and the verdicts rendered by the court in favor of the fifteen police officers of Class 2011 and Class 2015, His Excellency Governor Holiday seemingly feels assured that the necessary work has been invested to proceed with the signing of the fifteen national decrees.
Minister Richardson stated, “Upon taking office as Minister of Justice in 2020, I encountered a situation where national decrees of police personnel were no longer signed due to the lack of a Function Book and salary scales. My team and I have remained committed to giving the personnel matters of the Ministry the required attention seeing through not only the signed and approved Function Book but the draft Legal Position Regulation as well. As a team, we continue to make great strides.”
Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson Successful in Having National Decrees for Police Officers Signed
The next phase of regulating the Ministry’s personnel affairs is the execution of the implementation plan of the Police Salary Scales Advisory Committee to enable the remaining payments to police personnel by January 1st, 2023. A significant step in this process is the placement of police personnel, including both police officers and support staff, in their new function as described and classified in the Function Book.
On May 28th and June 2nd, 2022, vital discussions were held with the unions ABVO, NAPB, and WICSU about the draft Legal Position Regulation, and an agreement was reached. Subsequently, Minister Richardson signed a Covenant with the three unions regarding the draft Legal Position Regulation on June 10th, 2022. In addition, Minister Richardson presented the draft Legal Position Regulation to the Committee for Civil Servants Union (CCSU) on July 26th, 2022, for final review and advice within a few weeks. After receiving the advice from both the CCSU and the Council of Advice, the draft Legal Position Regulation will go back to the Council of Ministers for approval and then sent to His Excellency Governor Holiday and Minister Richardson for formal approval and signing. This final step will serve as the legal basis for the police personnel to be reimbursed for salary differences that exist since the salaries of police personnel had not been adjusted in 2010.
“After 11 years, our police officers will finally be placed in their respective functions with their corresponding salary scales. Police personnel work tirelessly to uphold the law, while safeguarding the safety and security of our community, as such, I will ensure that the next steps taken will contribute to the motivation of our police officers who’ve had to wait a long time to realize their rights as civil servants. I express profound thanks to the Council of Ministers, Acting Secretary-General Ligia Stella, Consultant and Change Manager Alvin Daal, Attorney Peggy Ann Brandon, the Police Force of Sint Maarten, the Department of Judicial Affairs, and all other relevant stakeholders who are key players in getting us to this milestone. I am also grateful to His Excellency Governor Holiday for his cooperation. After quite a number of years, we have finally arrived at a point where he is signing national decrees once again,” concluded Minister Richardson.
Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson Successful in Having National Decrees for Police Officers Signed
