Students of BPO 5 currently undergoing police training Great News
Students of the BPO-5 class currently undergoing their police training made a visit to the Justice Minister today, June 10, 2022.
The purpose of this gathering was to administer a temporary Oath to all young police officers to enable them to legally perform certain police functions.
Copy of State Secretary Van Huffelen’s response to the letter to Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (BAPS) about stimulating business in Sint Maarten.
Copy of response to letter about stimulating business in Sint Maarten Copy of State Secretary Van Huffelen’s response to the letter to Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (BAPS) about stimulating business in Sint Maarten.
Dear Sir Thank you for your letter of February 23, 2022. With this letter I respond to your letter and recommendations. I understand that on April 13, 2022 in response to your letter a constructive and pleasant conversation has taken place with my officials.
I embrace the efforts of organizations such as the Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (hereinafter: BAPS). In this way you contribute to the reconstruction of Sint Maarten after hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. In your letter you discuss the importance of stimulating sustainable businesses and a good investment climate. To this end, you make eight recommendations.
Sint Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom and therefore also goes itself about the investment climate. As you know, the Netherlands finances part of the reconstruction.
It is therefore reasonable to submit your recommendations under the attention of the government of Sint Maarten. Below I will discuss some implement recommendations that directly affect the Netherlands.
You recommend making investment funds in the Netherlands more accessible to make. The government recognizes the importance of this and is currently investigating the way in which the opening of the National Growth Fund and the SDE++ resources for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom can be shaped.
In June 2020, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations commissioned the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to investigate the opportunities for structural cooperation between the Sint Maartense and the Dutch business community. You also refer in your letter to that investigation.
RVO has worked closely with, among others, the Ministry of TEATT, Sint Maarten House KGMSXM and the Chamber of Commerce Sint Maarten COCI. RVO has also explicitly looked at the various al ongoing initiatives, including yours.
June 10 Response to letter a stimulating business in Sint MaartenJune 10 Response to letter a stimulating business in Sint Maarten
Geachte heer Hartelijk dank voor uw brief van 23 februari 2022. Met deze brief reageer ik op uw brief en aanbevelingen. Ik begrijp dat op 13 april 2022 naar aanleiding van uw brief een constructief en prettig gesprek heeft plaatsgevonden met mijn ambtenaren. Ik omarm de inzet van organisaties als het Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (hierna: BAPS). Hiermee draagt u namelijk bij aan de wederopbouw van Sint Maarten na de orkanen Irma en Maria in 2017. In uw brief gaat u in op het belang van het stimuleren van duurzame ondernemingen en een goed investeringsklimaat. Hiertoe doet u acht aanbevelingen. Sint Maarten is een autonoom land binnen het Koninkrijk en gaat daarom ook zelf over het investeringsklimaat. Zoals u weet financiert Nederland een deel van de wederopbouw. Het ligt dan ook in de rede om uw aanbevelingen onder de aandacht van de regering van Sint Maarten te brengen. Hieronder zal ik op enkele aanbevelingen ingaan die Nederland rechtstreeks raken. U doet de aanbeveling om de investeringsfondsen in Nederland toegankelijker te maken. Het kabinet onderkent het belang hiervan en onderzoekt momenteel de wijze waarop de openstelling van het Nationaal Groeifonds en het SDE++ middelen voor de Caribische delen van het Koninkrijk kan worden vormgegeven. In juni 2020 heeft het ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties aan de Rijksdienst Voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) een opdracht verstrekt om een onderzoek naar de kansen voor structurele samenwerking tussen het Sint Maartense en het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven te doen. U refereert in uw brief ook aan dat onderzoek. RVO heeft hierbij nauw samengewerkt met onder meer het Ministerie van TEATT, Sint Maarten Huis KGMSXM en de Kamer van Koophandel Sint Maarten COCI. RVO heeft ook nadrukkelijk gekeken naar de verschillende al lopende initiatieven, waaronder die van u.
On May 28th, we had the Grand Piano studio students performing their recital piece to our clients.
Fifteen students performed from 10 to 11 AM to the clients’ delight.
The Grand Piano Studio organized the morning to give something back to the community. But also to allow students to get a feel of performing not only in front of their peers but also in an unfamiliar environment to boost their self-esteem.
The clients (and staff) hope this could become a yearly thing as we think it’s a beautiful gesture and we’ve enjoyed it very much!
Thanks, Grand Piano Studio, Ms. Shammah Richardson, the studio manager, and Ms. Rochelle Muller, for reaching out to us!
On May 28th, we had the Grand Piano studio students performing their recital piece to our clients.
Letter to parliament with annual report 2021 reconstruction of Sint Maarten and risk reserve liquidity
State Secretary Van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations and Digitization) informs the House of Representatives about the risk reserve associated with the liquidity support 2018 and 2019 provided from the trust fund resources and she presents the annual report 2021 ‘ Annual Report 2021 Sint Maarten Reconstruction and Resilience Trust Fund ‘.
It also sends a copy of its response to the Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (BAPS). The same letter was also sent to the Senate. To the President of the House of Representatives of the States General
Subject Offer annual report 2021 reconstruction of Sint Maarten, risk reserve liquidity support and a copy of reply letter to Babs
In accordance with the undertaking to periodically inform your House (Parliamentary Document 34 773, no.9) I offer you the Annual Report 2021 Sint Maarten Reconstruction and Resilience Trust Fund (hereinafter annual report 2021). With this letter I also inform you about the risk reserve associated with the liquidity support provided in 2018 and 2019 from the trust fund resources.
General The positive developments about which I informed your House (dated 12 October 2021, Parliamentary Paper 2021/2022 34773, no. 24) continued in the second half of 2021. In 2021 Sint Maarten was also affected by the effects of the pandemic, the Although tourism was restarted, it was not yet fully at pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the World Bank teams still had to work “off-island” in the first half of 2021 due to COVID-19.
In 2021 sustainable results were achieved for the residents of Sint Maarten in projects that required a longer preparation time (see below). After all, thorough preparation takes time. The progress made is also reflected in the volume of expenditure. For example, a total of $333.2 million has been contracted for reconstruction projects. Of that amount, $151.7 million was paid out (45.6%). According to the World Bank, the disbursement of the trust fund portfolio in Sint Maarten is 22% faster than comparable programs for small island states in the Caribbean region. A total of 56 contracts were awarded to local companies and 42 contracts to international companies.
All funds were transferred to the trust fund in 2021. I informed you about this in December 2021 (Parliamentary Paper 2021/2022 34773, no.25). The fourth tranche is used for the expansion of the Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP1) with additional recovery activities (including sports facilities), the additional financing for the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) and the Mental Health project and finally the elaboration of various potential projects ( see section progress reconstruction projects).
Progress reconstruction projects Below I briefly outline which projects are in progress, which are in preparation and for which projects money has been allocated in 2021.
The results achieved for each project are included in the attached annual report. Below is a brief summary of the highlights of the projects in progress: Emergency Recovery Project (ERP-1): This project includes the restoration of a large number of roofs/houses, shelters, schools, police stations, fire stations and, since last year, also the restoration of various sports facilities. In 2021, an extra budget was allocated to ERP1 ($55.2 million) because, among other things, the technical work is more expensive than originally budgeted. In addition, a number of additional repairs have also been carried out, including various sports facilities at schools. Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP): This is the waste project in which, among other things, the 139 shipwrecks have been removed, the coastline cleaned up and the management of the waste mountain is improved. All (139) shipwrecks have been cleared and the coastline has been cleared. The daily management of the waste mountain has been improved and important steps have been taken in preparation for making the waste mountain safe. Additional capacity is being provided to the government of Sint Maarten for the implementation of this project by means of technical assistance from the Netherlands. Airport Terminal Reconstruction project: This project will restore the airport’s airport terminal and strengthen the airport so that it can withstand hurricanes with hurricane-force levels 5 (the highest hurricane-force). In the first half of the year there were concerns about governance. This has been satisfactorily addressed and repair work started at the airport in October 2021. Hospital Resiliency and Prepardness project: This includes improving the construction of the new hospital so that it can withstand level 5 hurricanes. Construction of the new hospital started at the beginning of 2021, and is expected to be completed in 2023. Enterprise Support Project: Through this project, small and medium-sized companies hard hit by the hurricanes can obtain advantageous loans from various financial organizations. A total of 103 companies were supported from the three financial organizations that are affiliated with this project, involving $12.19. million in support has been provided. Civil Society Partnership Facility for Resilience Project (R4CR): This project brings together local NGOsto make local communities more resilient to new natural disasters. In total, 24 grants were given to 22 NGOs in 3 rounds. In addition, capacity building was done in the field of project and financial management. Child Resilience and Protection project: With this UNICEF project, children are supported through schools in coping with new natural disasters and making them resilient. In 2021, various tools and training courses have been developed that contribute to making children more resilient in the event of (natural) disasters. Digital Government Transformation Development project (DGTP): With this project, various parts and services of the government of Sint Maarten are made digital. Studies that form the basis for this project were carried out and delivered in 2021.
A total of four projects are in preparation in 2021: the Fostering Resilient Learning project. This project aims to ensure a resilient and efficient educational structure on the island; additional funding for EDMP (the waste project); the long-term waste management project (to be merged with EMDP); the Mental Health Improvement project (the project that improves psychological care on Sint Maarten).
In 2021, money has been allocated in the steering committee for potential projects, these are: the Social Housing project (a social housing project); the wastewater treatment project (cleaning sewage) for which $10 million has been reserved from the trust fund; advice on shaping a Disaster Risk Fund with the repaid loans from the airport project.
Look ahead to 2022 and beyond In the first half of 2022, it became clear that the hospital project is faced with higher costs due to global problems in the production chain. There are no additional resources available within the trust fund and the hospital is looking for another way to finance this. Other trust fund projects can also be hindered by the worldwide problems and therefore high costs, but the chance of this is smaller. Many of these projects were started later, which meant that there was more time for thorough preparations and a better cost estimate was made. Furthermore, it is up to the trust fund to mitigate risks. I expect to be able to provide you with more detailed information about this on the basis of the 2022 half-year report that I expect in the second half of 2022.
Finally The year 2021 was also a year of reflection and the completion of the preparatory phase for the trust fund. For example, the World Bank has conducted a mid-term review, the conclusions and recommendations of which will be announced later this year, and I have commissioned a policy review (letter to parliament 2020/21 33 189, no. 12 and letter to parliament 2020/21 33 189). , no. 13). The steering groups in 2021 were also dominated by reflection and setting course for the remaining time. In July 2021, the priorities for the remaining resources and time were set.
Progress on (critical) projects also depends on aid to Sint Maarten. During the technical briefing to your House on 17 March, the World Bank explicitly stated that it needs the Netherlands for capacity, expertise and (political) support.
Risk provision 3% liquidity support reconstruction SXM 2018 In 2018, liquidity support was provided twice from the reconstruction funds in the form of loans to Sint Maarten. Because the tranches were issued through the current registration, a ceiling and a risk provision have been set up to mitigate the associated risk (see also Parliamentary Paper 3500 IV, no. 52). At the end of 2021, the risk provision was released and added to the 4th tranche payment to the trust fund for the reconstruction of Sint Maarten at the World Bank.
Copy of response letter BAPS As you requested on March 11, 2022, you will also find a copy of my response to the Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (BAPS) in the appendix to this letter.
The State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Digitization and Kingdom Relations
Alexandra C. van Huffelen
Kamerbrief bij jaarrapportage 2021 wederopbouw Sint Maarten en risicoreserve liquiditeit Staatssecretaris Van Huffelen (Koninkrijksrelaties en Digitalisering) informeert de Tweede Kamer over de risicoreserve behorende bij de liquiditeitssteun 2018 en 2019 verstrekt uit de trustfondsmiddelen en zij biedt de jaarrapportage 2021 ‘Annual Report 2021 Sint Maarten Reconstruction and Resillience Trust Fund’ aan.
Ook stuurt zij een afschrift van haar reactie aan het Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (BAPS). Eenzelfde brief is ook aan de eerste Kamer gezonden.
Aan de Voorzitter van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal Postbus 20018 2500 EA Den Haag DGKR Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties Turfmarkt 147 Den Haag www.linkedin.com/company/ ministerie-van-bzk Kenmerk 2022-0000177581 Uw kenmerk Bijlage(n) 1 Datum Betreft Aanbieding jaarrapportage 2021 wederopbouw Sint Maarten, risicoreserve liquiditeitssteun en afschrift antwoordbrief aan Babs
Conform de toezegging uw Kamer periodiek te informeren (Kamerstuk 34 773, nr.9) bied ik u het Annual Report 2021 Sint Maarten Reconstruction and Resillience Trust Fund (hierna jaarrapportage 2021) aan. Met deze brief informeer ik u tevens over de risicoreserve behorende bij de liquiditeitssteun die in 2018 en 2019 verstrekt is uit de trustfondsmiddelen.
Algemeen De positieve ontwikkelingen waarover u ik uw Kamer informeerde (dd. 12 oktober 2021, Kamerstuk 2021/2022 34773, nr. 24) zijn voortgezet in de tweede helft van 2021. Ook in 2021 had Sint Maarten last van de effecten van de pandemie, het toerisme werd weliswaar weer opgestart, maar was nog niet volledig op het niveau van voor de pandemie. Daarnaast moesten de teams van de Wereldbank in de eerste helft van 2021 nog “off-island” werken als gevolg van COVID-19.
In 2021 zijn er duurzame resultaten geboekt voor de bewoners van Sint Maarten bij projecten die een langere voorbereidingstijd nodig hadden (zie verderop). Een gedegen voorbereiding kost immers tijd. De geboekte voortgang is ook zichtbaar in de omvang van de uitgaven. Zo is in totaal $ 333,2 mln. gecontracteerd aan wederopbouwprojecten. Van dat bedrag is $151,7 mln. uitgekeerd (45,6%). Volgens de Wereldbank is de uitbetaling van de trustfonds portefeuille in Sint Maarten 22% sneller dan vergelijkbare programma’s voor kleine eiland staten in de Caribische regio. In totaal zijn 56 contracten gegund aan lokale ondernemingen en 42 contracten aan internationale bedrijven.
Alle middelen zijn in 2021 overgemaakt aan het trustfonds. Ik heb u hierover geïnformeerd in december 2021 (Kamerstuk 2021/2022 34773, nr.25). De vierde tranche wordt gebruikt voor de uitbreiding van het Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP1) met extra herstelactiviteiten (o.a. sportfaciliteiten), de additionele financiering voor Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) en het Mental Health project en tenslotte de uitwerking van diverse potentiële projecten (zie paragraaf voortgang wederopbouw projecten).
Voortgang wederopbouw projecten Onderstaand schets ik u kort welke projecten in uitvoering zijn, welke in voorbereiding en voor welke projecten in 2021 geld is gealloceerd.
In de bijgevoegde jaarrapportage zijn per project de behaalde resultaten toegevoegd. Hieronder een korte opsomming van de highlights van de projecten in uitvoering: Emergency Recovery Project (ERP-1): Dit project houdt onder andere in het herstel van een groot aantal daken/huizen, schuilplaatsen, scholen, politiebureaus, brandweerkazernes en sinds vorig jaar ook het herstel van diverse sportgelegenheden. In 2021 is extra budget toegekend aan ERP1 (55,2 $ miljoen) omdat onder andere de technische werkzaamheden duurder zijn dan oorspronkelijk begroot. Daarnaast is er ook een aantal extra herstelwerkzaamheden opgepakt waaronder diverse sportfaciliteiten bij scholen. Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP): Dit is het afvalproject waarbij o.a. de 139 scheepswrakken zijn verwijderd, de kustlijn opgeschoond en het management van de afvalberg wordt verbeterd. Alle (139) scheepswrakken zijn geruimd en de kustlijn is geschoond. Het dagelijkse management van de afvalberg is verbeterd en er zijn belangrijke stappen gezet in voorbereiding op het veilig maken van de afvalberg. Door middel van technische assistentie van Nederland wordt extra capaciteit verleend aan de overheid van Sint Maarten voor de uitvoering van dit project. Airport Terminal Reconstruction project: Dit project herstelt de luchthaventerminal van het vliegveld en verstevigt het vliegveld zodat het orkanen met orkaankracht van niveau 5 (het hoogste orkaankracht) kan weerstaan. In de eerste helft van het jaar waren er zorgen over de governance. Deze is naar tevredenheid aangepakt en in oktober 2021 zijn de herstelwerkzaamheden gestart op het vliegveld. Hospital Resiliency and Prepardness project: Hierbij wordt o.a. de bouw van het nieuwe ziekenhuis verbeterd zodat het orkanen van niveau 5 kan weerstaan. Begin 2021 is de gestart met de bouw van het nieuwe ziekenhuis, de verwachte oplevering is in 2023. Enterprise Support Project: Via dit project kunnen kleine en middelgrote bedrijven die hard getroffen zijn door de orkanen, voordelig leningen krijgen bij diverse financiële organisaties. In totaal zijn 103 bedrijven ondersteund vanuit de drie financiële organisaties die aangesloten zijn bij dit project waarbij $12,19. mln. aan ondersteuning is verstrekt. Civil Society Partnership Facility for Resilience Project (R4CR): Met dit project worden lokale NGOs ingeschakeld om de lokale gemeenschappen weerbaarder te maken bij nieuwe natuurrampen. In totaal zijn er in 3 ronden 24 subsidies aan 22 NGO’s gegeven. Daarnaast is aan capacity building gedaan op gebied van project- en financieel management. Child Resilience and Protection project: Met dit UNICEF project worden via scholen kinderen ondersteund bij het verwerken van en het weerbaar maken bij nieuwe natuurrampen. In 2021 zijn er verschillende tools en trainingen ontwikkeld die bijdragen aan het weerbaar maken van kinderen bij (natuur)rampen. Digital Government Transformation Development project (DGTP): Met dit project worden diverse onderdelen en diensten van de overheid van Sint Maarten digitaal gemaakt. Onderzoeken die een basis vormen voor dit project zijn in 2021 uitgevoerd en opgeleverd.
In totaal zijn vier projecten in voorbereiding in 2021: het Fostering Resilient Learning project. Dit project heeft als doel een veerkrachtige en efficiënte onderwijsstructuur op het eiland te waarborgen; additionele financiering voor EDMP (het afvalproject); het long-term waste management project (wordt samengevoegd met EMDP); het Mental Health Improvement project (het project dat de psychische zorg op Sint Maarten verbetert).
In 2021 is in de stuurgroep geld gealloceerd voor potentiële projecten, dit zijn: het Social Housing project (een sociale woningproject); het afvalwaterzuivering project (schoonmaken van rioolwater) waarvoor $10 mln. vanuit het trustfonds is gereserveerd; advies over vormgeven van een Disaster Risk Fund (een rampenfonds) met de terugbetaalde leningen van het vliegveld project.
Doorkijk naar 2022 en verder In de eerste helft van 2022 werd duidelijk dat het ziekenhuisproject, door de wereldwijde problemen in de productieketen, te maken heeft met hogere kosten. Binnen het trustfonds zijn geen extra middelen beschikbaar en het ziekenhuis is op zoek naar een andere manier om dit te bekostigen. Ook andere trustfonds projecten kunnen hinder ondervinden van de wereldwijde problemen en daardoor hoge kosten, maar de kans daarop is echter kleiner. Veel van deze projecten zijn later van start gegaan waardoor er meer tijd was voor een gedegen voorbereiding en waardoor een betere kostenraming gemaakt is. Verder is het aan trustfonds om risico’s te mitigeren. Ik verwacht u hierover uitgebreider te kunnen informeren op basis van de halfjaar rapportage 2022 die ik in de tweede helft 2022 verwacht.
Tot slot Het jaar 2021 is voor het trustfonds ook een jaar geweest van reflectie en het afronden van de voorbereidende fase. Zo heeft de Wereldbank een mid-term review uitgevoerd waarvan de conclusies en aanbevelingen later dit jaar bekend worden en heb ik een opdracht gegeven om een beleidsdoorlichting uit te voeren (Kamerbrief 2020/21 33 189, nr. 12 en Kamerbrief 2020/21 33 189, nr.13). De stuurgroepen in 2021 stonden ook in het teken van reflectie en koers bepalen voor de resterende tijd. In juli 2021 zijn de prioriteiten voor de resterende middelen en tijd vastgesteld.
Voortgang op (cruciale) projecten is ook afhankelijk van hulp aan Sint Maarten. De Wereldbank heeft tijdens de technische briefing aan uw Kamer op 17 maart jl. expliciet aangegeven Nederland nodig te hebben voor capaciteit en expertise en (politieke) steun.
Risicovoorziening 3% liquiditeitssteun wederopbouw SXM 2018 In 2018 is er vanuit de wederopbouwmiddelen tweemaal liquiditeitssteun verstrekt in de vorm van leningen aan Sint Maarten. Omdat de tranches middels de lopende inschrijving zijn verstrekt is er een plafond ingesteld en een risicovoorziening om het bijbehorende risico te mitigeren (zie ook Kamerstuk 3500 IV, nr. 52). Eind 2021 is de risicovoorziening vrijgevallen en toegevoegd aan de 4e tranche betaling aan het trustfonds wederopbouw Sint Maarten bij de Wereldbank.
Afschrift reactie brief BAPS In de bijlage bij deze brief vindt u, zoals u verzocht heeft op 11 maart 2022, ook een afschrift van mijn reactie aan het Business Accelaration Platform Sint Maarten (BAPS).
De staatssecretaris van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties Digitalisering en Koninkrijksrelaties
President Louis MUSSINGTON and his executive have started their courtesy visit to primary schools: Hervé Williams, Émile Choisy, Marie Amélie Leydet and the Siméonne Trott kindergarten, in order to present the new term of office and discuss the expectations of the school supervision.
The discussions took place in the presence of the Director of Education, Mr. Boucard Médhi, school principals, teachers and staff of the CTOS.
Here are some concerns raised by staff:
-Insufficient classrooms for students -Insufficient meeting rooms for teachers
Classrooms adapted for children with autism -Better equipped playgrounds
Insufficient parking spaces for staff
Meetings between the President, the human resources department and the Director of Education will be set up as soon as possible, with a view to responding to requests and finding relevant solutions. School supervision remains a priority and an emergency in the program of this new mandate.
VISITE DES ÉCOLES LE 09 JUIN 2022
Le Président Louis MUSSINGTON et son exécutif ont démarré leur visite de courtoisie dans les écoles primaires : Hervé Williams, Émile Choisy, Marie Amélie Leydet et l’école maternelle Siméonne Trott, afin de présenter la nouvelle mandature et d’échanger sur les attentes de l’encadrement scolaire.
Les échanges se sont faits en présence du Directeur de l’éducation M Boucard Médhi, des directeurs des écoles, enseignants et personnel de la CTOS.
Voici quelques préoccupations évoquées par le personnel :
-Insuffisance de salles de classe pour les élèves -Insuffisance de salles de réunion pour les enseignants -Salles de classe adaptée pour les enfants autistes -Des terrains de jeux mieux équipés -Insuffisance de places de parking pour le personnel
Des réunions entre le Président, le service des ressources humaines et le Directeur de l’éducation seront mises en place dans les meilleurs délais, en vue de répondre aux demandes et de trouver des solutions pertinentes. L’encadrement scolaire reste une priorité et une urgence dans le programme de cette nouvelle mandature.
NEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui MussingtonNEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui MussingtonNEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui MussingtonNEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui MussingtonNEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui MussingtonNEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui MussingtonNEW Photos School Visit 9 June Loui Mussington
SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – A majority of opposition factions left it up to the coalition to solve the mess it created around carnival, Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot Williams said in a press statement on Thursday evening.
“We have become accustomed to a little bacchanal every carnival season, and I was relieved that except for a few glitches here and there, we had not done too badly after a 2-year hiatus,” the
MP commented on a hastily convened meeting, which she decided not to attend.
Recalling the budget handling, MP Wescot added that we cannot forget that the first salvo was fired when a part of the coalition made a so-called insignificant amendment to the budget 2022 and placed the “carnival subsidy” under the Tourism Department.
“Be that as it may, Carnival took place, but as it now appears, ‘all was not well’ “.
We received a request from the Carnival foundation for an urgent public meeting to discuss pending issues etc.
“Choosing to request a public meeting in itself was interesting as the format of meetings with third parties is usually determined by the chair of parliament. “
MP Wescot-Williams: “We left it up to them who created it in the first place“
But luckily for the foundation their request for a public meeting was honored and scheduled for June 9th, the meeting was to start at 11 am and was part of an agenda of 4 points.
MP Wescot, “There was talk about a public meeting being desirous in order to table a motion.”
But what happened instead?
After the starting time of the meeting, we were informed of the “moving” of this agenda point to a closed door central committee meeting of parliament .
“The public meeting did continue with 2 of the 4 agenda point, so members of parliament did have the opportunity to question this sudden “move”, only to be told that the move was requested by some MPs and that the chair had obliged.”
Further queried about this, the chair admitted that this was not motivated by the members who requested such.
In my view, rather than placate the situation, that explanation given by the Chairlady raised a fundamental issue.
“Can members of parliament request a meeting duly scheduled by the chair on request of a third party, in this case, the carnival foundation, to be postponed, canceled or whatever have you, without putting their proposition forward in the very meeting itself for the parliament to decide?
Parliament is not the playground of the governing factions!”
“What became the sudden secrecy that the president of parliament had overlooked or was unaware of when she scheduled a public meeting on this point?”
I was not impressed in the least by the spin some coalition MPs attempted to give this debacle and I refuse to be part of this game that is clearly going on in coalition circles, regardless to how they turn or twist it, MP Wescot categorically stated.
“With all that is before us as a country, this is what takes center stage?”
“If, as can be presumed from words by the Prime Minister, carnival is to be put on bid (whatever that means), why can’t this be openly debated and defended by those who are proponents of such?
Why, after all these years, are we still talking about an MOU or management agreement with the SCDF, clearly outlining the responsibilities of both parties, without any action?
How can we hold organizations responsible without an agreement?
It is my view that the government relishes in holding out to the very end about subsidizing carnival or even about having carnival.
I will have to wait for these answers in a public meeting, because I and several other colleagues refused to give any credence to this obvious NA/UPP debacle and stayed away from their hastily convened “closed door CC” on June 9th, MP Wescot concluded.
Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Omar Ottley, welcomed World Bank representatives Ana Holt, Johanne Angers, Marcelo Bortman, and Alyssa Khan to his office to discuss the delegation’s trip. The group is currently here on a travel they refer to as “a mission”. The aim of this trip is to gain perspective and insight about St. Maarten’s situation as it concerns mental health and to have discussions about moving the project along with relevant parties. This is the first mission trip for the group regarding the project.
Spokeswoman for the group during the courtesy visit to the Minister’s office, Ms. Holt, remarked that after meeting with the policy team from Public Health and mental health focal point for the ministry, manager of the project at the NRPB, and visiting various foundations on the island, the group received a better understanding of the issues the island is facing as they pertain to mental health and substance abuse. The Minister remarked, “mental health issues are indeed rampant on the island, but also substance abuse is becoming a great concern, particularly amongst our youth.” On behalf of the delegation Ms. Holt stated “after speaking with personnel of the foundations that we visited and policy makers of the Department of Public Health that I must concur with [the Minister’s] sentiments.
On the mission the delegation visited the Mental Health Foundation, the Ujima Foundation, Turning Point, White and Yellow Cross Centre, (both the Hope Estate and St. John’s Estate locations). The group said that they were impressed and inspired by the commitment and dedication of staff, both from the foundations they visited as well as the staff from the government. Ms. Holt reminded the policy team working on health reforms and legislative updates, “sometimes we do so much, and we still might not think it enough because we are looking forward to the long path we still must travel. We must remember to reflect and look behind as well from where we came”.
At the end of the courtesy visit the delegation again pledged their support and commitment to the project before posing for a picture and bidding salutations shortly after. The group looks forward to returning to the island later in the year to embark on their second mission in regard to the project.
Minister of VSA Omar Ottley expressed his profound gratitude to the delegation. “This is truly a chance for St. Maarten to strengthen our mental health awareness and increase access to mental health care. Amongst the list of technical and financial aassistance we would also like to request legislative assistance to help adjust the current laws so that we can intervene at an earlier stage, without infringing on human rights”. Ottley said.
Minister Ottley (center) Marcelo Bortman (far left) Alyssa Khan (immediate left ) Ana Holt (immediate right) Johanne Angers (far right)
World Bank visits Island for first Mission Week in regards to Mental Health Project
June 9 GEBE Apologizes Crazy Bills Sent To Customers
GEBE Apologizes Crazy Bills Sent To Customers
Press Release June 9, 2022
June 9 GEBE Apologizes Crazy Bills Sent To Customers
NV GEBE Management hereby informs the public that due to a glitch in the system several clients received an exorbitant bill amount in error. On June 7, 2022, NV GEBE created the bills and distributed the bills via two methods (Physical and Email Billing). The physical bills for March and April ,are being delivered to the population , however the bills that were emailed encountered a glitch during the testing phase. As a result , a large bill was sent out in error covering the previous 12 months ( February 2021 – March 2022/ March 2021- February 2022.) NV GEBE is asking the public to please disregard the large bill . However the other two bills which is for the months of March and April are correct .
Please note if there are any queries, NV GEBE encourages you to come into our Philipsburg office as our customer care representatives looks forward to assisting you .
NV GEBE apologizes for any inconvenience we may have caused, however this is a work in progress as we continue to gear towards normalcy while continuing to be transparent with the public.
June 9 GEBE Apologizes Crazy Bills Sent To Customers
June 9 New Positive Parenting Support Program in development
Positive Parenting Support Program in development
Last week several interviews and focus group discussions were held as part of the process of the development of a Positive Parenting Support Program (PPSP) on Sint Maarten. The Program will be piloted later this year and aims to help parents and caregivers increase their knowledge and understanding of positive child development practices, improve communication, increase the opportunities for bonding between parents and caregivers and reduce harsh parenting practices.
The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (MECYS), Drs. Rodolphe Samuel encourages those in the community that want to contribute to the development of the PSPP to reach out: “The success of this program depends highly on the involvement of Government and community stakeholders.” Those interested in contributing to or requesting information about this project can contact the Department of Youth by sending an email to deptofyouth@sintmaartengov.org.
June 9 New Positive Parenting Support Program in development
The PPSP will be tailor-made for the island and has been a long-term goal of, and initiative led and executed by the Department of Youth, in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS). It is being developed and implemented with technical support from UNICEF the Netherlands, The University of the West Indies Open Campus, through the Caribbean Child Development Centre (CCDC), in partnership with Parenting Partners Caribbean (PPC). The PPSP is part of the Child Resilience and Protection Project (CRPP), financed by the Government of The Netherlands, through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, administered by the World Bank.
The draft PPSP will be presented to The Youth Department and Minister Samuel this summer, and after their approval, a pilot training will be organized for 60 Facilitators and 20 Master Trainers to provide positive parenting support classes to the wider community. “PPSP Facilitators will be able to provide parenting classes and Master Trainers will be able to train others to become PPSP Facilitators. This will help to ensure the sustainability of the Program,” shares Ceceile Minott, Head CCDC, of The University of the West Indies Open Campus.
Once participants complete the required minimum hours of training, they will receive a Certificate with Continuing Education Units from The University of the West Indies Open Campus. In addition, their feedback will be incorporated into revising and finalizing the PSPP. Updates on this project can be followed on www.facebook.com/departmentofyouthsxm & www.facebook.com/unicefsxm
June 9 New Positive Parenting Support Program in development
Breaking News 1Parliament Approved Amendment National Ordinance
In its Public meeting no. 18 of today, Wednesday, June 9, 2022, the Parliament of Sint Maarten voted on and approved the National Ordinance amending the National Ordinance registration and finances of political parties in connection with the foundation the substitution of the General Audit Chamber with the Foundation Government Accountants Bureau in checking the accuracy of the financial data of political parties (Parliamentary Year 2021-2022-156) (IS/575/2021-2022, dated February 18, 2022))
(Ontwerplandsverordening tot wijziging van de Landsverordening registratie en financiën politieke partijen in verband met het vervangen van de Algemene Rekenkamer door de Stichting Overheidsaccountantsbureau bij de controle op de juistheid van financiële gegevens van politieke partijen (Zittingsjaar 2021-2022-156) (IS/575/2021-2022 d.d. 18 februari 2022))
