Minister Samuel 1 Cent per Liter of Gasoline/Diesel for Sports
“I would like to inform the public that my proposal to allocate one cent per liter of gasoline and diesel to the benefit of sports has been approved by the Council of Ministers,” Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Rodolphe Samuel said.
“I have requested funding via the capital expenditure budget of the country for repairs to sports facilities, but because of a deficit budget, this has become very challenging.
“I have also been informed that repairs to the facilities will take place via the NRPB / Trust fund, but this too will take some time before it happens.
“We need to do something now. We cannot wait for the next 3 to 5 years. Our athletes need attention now. Sint Maarten is also in need of a Multifunction sports stadium. One in which we can do a different type of sports.
“Getting the money to build such a stadium and also repair and maintain our current sports facilities is a challenge.
“We have talent in all areas of sport, and the development of our athletes will get attention once we have the money to attend to their development.
“The government is working on lowering the price of gasoline substantially, and when this takes place, the one guilder cent per liter of gasoline and diesel will be instituted. The money generated will go towards sports development in general. The money will not go into the general coffers of the government. The funds will be earmarked directly for sports. The idea is to make this a permanent structural funding for sports in Sint Maarten
“In Curacao and Aruba, they have the concept of a sports lottery which has raised a lot of funds for sports.
“The once cent per liter idea is something similar to that of the other Islands, and the entire community will contribute, including visitors, through the use of gasoline and or diesel.
“Sports tournaments will bring people to the Island, and this will be good for our economy. We have talked about diversifying the economy of Sint Maarten. Sports tourism can do that. We can diversify with sports.
“Especially in the offseason. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support in this effort. This is something good for all of Sint Maarten. Our youths will definitely benefit. I Thank you,” Minister Hon. Rodolphe Samuel concluded.
Minister Samuel 1 Cent per Liter of Gasoline/Diesel for Sports
May 28 Condolences to of family Alfonso Blijden Sint Maarten News
Council of Ministers extends condolences to family and friends of historian Alfonso R. Blijden
It is with great sadness that the Government of Sint Maarten received news concerning the passing of civil servant and historian Alfonso R. Blijden today, Friday, May 27. Mr. Blijden was born in 1964 on Aruba before making St. Maarten his home in 1985. He was a valued civil servant from 1987 to present, making a difference in the lives of all who met and interacted with him. Mr. Blijden will always be remembered as hard-working, dedicated, and committed to learning and sharing the history of St. Martin.
He began his career in government as an Archive Officer in 1987, under the leadership of the late Louis Duzanson who ignited a passion for archiving and history in him. Mr. Blijden continued to develop his career in government as a very knowledgeable and dedicated civil servant earning his bachelors degree in Public Administration in 2007. As an expert in his field, he transitioned towards Senior Archive Officer and Application Manager for the Department of Records and Information Management (DIV) in 2013, a position he had a passion for up to his passing.
Having developed a true passion for history, Mr. Blijden served the government of St. Maarten for the past 35-plus years. Colleagues of Mr. Blijden describe him as an outstanding civil servant with a passion for history and culture. He became a member of the UNESCO Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean from 2015 to 2019, and was an active member of the National Monument Council, as well as many other local organizations until his passing. He will surely be missed.
“On behalf of the Government and people of St. Maarten, we extend deepest condolences to his wife Mrs. Blijden, his two daughters, family and friends. The Department of Records and Information Management (DIV) and by extension St. Maarten, has lost a master historian and researcher with a drive to know more about our history. Mr. Blijden laid the groundwork for most of our archives as he also discovered and recorded a lot of information on his own. His contributions and legacy will continue to live for years to come,” stated Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs.
May 28 Condolences to of family Alfonso Blijden St Maarten News
COM offers deepest condolences on the passing of Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt
The Council of Ministers (COM) was deeply shocked and saddened upon learning of the passing of the Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt, who served the country for the past 12 years in this capacity.
The country has indeed lost another giant; one who has served as a civil servant in the Island Territory of St. Maarten for many years, before becoming a lawyer and contributing in service to his clients and the country in that capacity.
Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs: “On behalf of the Council of Ministers, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and pray that grace and mercy covers all who are left to mourn.
“Mr. Groeneveldt’s great example of dedication and service to his family and this country should serve as an example for all other citizens of St. Maarten. May we all live to be dearly loved and appreciated by our families, and make an impact on our people, our livelihood, on St. Maarten.”
As a dignitary of the country, the flags will fly at half-mast at government buildings tomorrow (Wednesday) and on the day of internment in honor of his life. Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt was an example of a humble servant of the people, always willing to assist, give advice to individuals as well as government. Mr. Groeneveldt also kept the people of St. Maarten informed via various media forums.
His contribution to the development of St. Maarten and her people both during the days of Island Territory, as well as the first Acting Governor of St. Maarten since Oct 10, 2010 has not gone unnoticed and will be revered and memorialized throughout history.
On behalf of the Council of Ministers and people of St. Maarten, we offer deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for strength to endure these difficult days ahead to his widow, Mrs. Glenda Groeneveldt-Smith, the entire family circle, and the people of St. Maarten as we mourn the loss of a great man.
Governor Eugene Holiday on the passing of Acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of my colleague, acting Governor Reynold Groeneveldt. With his passing Sint Maarten has suffered a great loss,” a press statement from the Governor’s Cabinet stated on Tuesday night on behalf of His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday.
“Originally an educator Reynold Groeneveldt went on to become a legal scholar, respected attorney, and champion of our constitution. Mr. Groeneveldt was a proud Sint Maartener who served his country in various capacities.
“He was acting lieutenant governor during the constitutional transition in 2010. On October 10, 2010, Mr. Groeneveldt became the first acting Governor and was reappointed in 2016. In that capacity my staff and I could always count on him to hold the fort during my absence.
“His profound passion for the office was evident during many of our conversations behind closed doors. He was a proud and generous Sint Maartener who was always willing to share his time and knowledge.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Glenda, his daughter Angela, and all the people of Sint Maarten who hold Reynold Groeneveldt dear. “He will be dearly missed.”
Sint Maarten Minister Ottley Updated about Monkeypox St Maarten News
Sint Maarten Minister Ottley Updated about Monkeypox St Maarten News
On Monday May 23rd, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Hon. Omar Ottley met with Collective Prevention Services (CPS) to discuss the monkeypox virus outbreak.
Monkeypox, a virus that is usually found in rodents, marsupials and monkeys, has been detected in humans in a number of countries worldwide. So far, 92 cases have been recorded across 12 countries. This number is likely to grow but it has not been detected on Sint Maarten.
Monkeypox virus is transmitted from person to person by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. Those infected with monkeypox often have the following symptoms: fever; headache; back pain; muscle soreness; weakness; swollen lymph nodes; a rash beginning on face then spreading elsewhere, followed by lesions or pustules. If individuals experience any of these symptoms, please visit your general practitioner.
Note that monkeypox disease is rarely severe, and in most cases resolves in 2-4 weeks without treatment, however those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk and could require hospitalization. Monkeypox is different to impetigo (a skin infection caused by a bacterium that is common in the Netherlands). The name monkeypox is frequently used for impetigo on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and in Suriname. Please be sure to check your information sources carefully and do not spread misinformation about the disease. The best websites to follow are the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). CPS is monitoring the international situation closely and will communicate all relevant updates to the public in a timely manner.
Please remember to visit your general practitioner if you are feeling unwell. “Although the virus has not reached the shores of Sint Maarten, we are taking preventative measures to assure maximum safety against this virus,” said Minister Ottley.
St. Maarten Parliament to submit report on COHO to Second Chamber today
The Parliament of St. Maarten will submit its report on the proposed Consensus Kingdom Law on the Caribbean Body for Reform and Development COHO to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament today, Friday.
A short synopsis of the handling of the COHO draft law in St. Maarten’s Parliament will be mentioned at the top of the report and all position papers will be added to the report, Chairperson of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten said during a meeting of the Central Committee on Friday.
The Parliaments of the three Caribbean countries in the Kingdom have until today to submit their reports. Members of St. Maarten’s Parliament discussed the issue extensively during a meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament on Monday and briefly during another meeting held on Thursday. The questions and comments from Monday’s and Thursday’s meetings will be included in the report, which will be sent to the Second Chamber today.
During Thursday’s meeting, a few additional comments and questions were added by some MPs to the ones made on Monday.
National Alliance (NA) MP George Pantophlet said he does not see the need for a COHO. He said the matter has been discussed extensively and based on answers he received when he asked what is the difference between the COHO and what is being done currently, there is no difference and there is no need for a COHO.
NA MP Ludmila Duncan believes that there should be a local approach to the reforms, as most agree that reforms are necessary 12 years into St. Maarten’s new status in the Dutch Kingdom. She asked whether a local approach can be taken into consideration and whether an entity can be set up locally in St. Maarten to manage the reforms and provide subsidies and development aid to organisations, as opposed to the COHO as presented in the draft law.
She wanted to know how open the government of the Netherlands is as it relates to negotiating a new model for the reforms and management of any financing and asked whether a local approach cannot be taken and if not, why not.
United People’s (UP) party MP Sidharth “Cookie” Bijlani said he had followed closely the presentations made by the technical team of government, the Minister of General Affairs, the experts and at the Inter Parliamentary Kingdom Consultations IPKO. He shared some of his points of interest, one of which is the representation of the countries in the COHO.
He said the COHO will be the formal body to monitor the execution of the implementation agendas and, by doing so, will replace the current Temporary Work Group consisting currently of only Dutch civil servants.
“Based on Article 9 of the draft, the board of the COHO will consist of three persons. … At least two members of the COHO, including the Chairman, [should] have an affinity with the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, which further demonstrates being expert in the economy of the Caribbean countries and having experience with the culture, society and politics of the area.
“Furthermore, in Article 10 it is mentioned that the COHO will take a decision based on the majority. This is an unbalanced situation and creates a lack of representation of the countries in this institution,” said Bijlani.
“A more participatory board would be the proposal for the evaluation committee as mentioned in Article 33: namely, five members, one each from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands and jointly select the Chair, who must have affinity with the Caribbean part and must have expert knowledge of the economy of the Caribbean and experience with the culture, society and politics of the areas.”
He said also that based on Article 7, on the request of Parliaments, one or more members of the COHO will provide Parliament with an update on their functioning.
“Obviously, this is not answering to the Parliament as is regulated in our laws. This article needs to be formulated differently, for the COHO to really answer to the Parliaments of the countries. It is obvious that the implementation agenda is the country’s responsibility; therefore, it is only logical that the institution monitoring the execution should answer to the parliaments of the countries.
“Parliament should have the authority to either overrule the decision of the COHO or inform the state secretary of our concerns with the request for it to be discussed in the Kingdom Council of Ministers, and for sure make a note in the monitoring report, so this can be taken into consideration, when the evaluation as mentioned in Article 33, takes place.”
According to Bijlani, in the analysis of COHO, several possible pros are identified as to what makes COHO a viable body “to promote administrative reforms on St. Maarten, achieve sustainable public finances, and strengthen the resilience of its economy, including the rule of law necessary for this.”
He said that there are cons that should be kept in mind when considering whether COHO is the best strategy for promoting or implementing these reforms and to what extent is it likely to encroach on St. Maarten’s constitutional autonomous governing authority.
Chairperson of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten also added a question during Thursday’s meeting to be included in the report.
In her opening remarks, Heyliger-Marten said Parliament had received the proposed kingdom law containing rules on the establishment of the COHO from the governor on February 11, 2022.
The draft consensus kingdom law states that the governments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, having the well-being of the populations of Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten, would like to consider working together to implement reforms of administrative nature, achieving sustainable and public finances and strengthening the resilience of the economy of these countries.
It is desirable that the Netherlands temporarily makes liquidity support available to Aruba, Curaçao, and St Maarten; and that the governments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten have agreed that in accordance with Article 38, second paragraph, of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands an administrative body, with independent tasks and powers, be established that will provide support.
She said for St. Maarten, various meetings of Parliament were held with experts who shared their expert opinions on the COHO. Subsequently each faction was requested to provide a position paper for their respective faction. During the IPKO of May 4-6, this proposed kingdom law was discussed, during which each country indicated its position on the proposed kingdom law. It was during this IPKO held in St. Maarten that agreement was reached that all Parliaments would submit their reports by May 20.
This report containing comments and remarks of the factions was made up and submitted to the Central Committee after the deliberations on May 16, to be approved. According to the Rules of Order, the report is approved by the Central Committee and sent to the chairperson of the Second Chamber for further handling.
Kingdom Law procedures
Articles 15 through 21 of the Kingdom Charter regulate certain parts of the kingdom law procedure. Based on these articles, the Parliaments are able and allowed to research the proposal and bring out a written report. This report is answered by the responsible minister, in this case, the state secretary.
The Parliaments of the three countries can choose to send one or more special delegates to the handling of the proposal who are allowed to be present and also give information. These special delegates can also propose amendments to the proposal of law and also submit motions; however, only the members of the Dutch Second Chamber are allowed to vote on these and on the law proposal.
Currently the report is being translated into the Dutch language by the secretariat and will be sent to the Second Chamber today, Friday.
Breaking! St Maarten Civil Servants Will Once Again Be Receiving 100% of Their Salaries
THE HAGUE/CARIBEN – Civil servants in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are allowed to earn one hundred percent of their salary again, state secretary Alexandra van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations, D66) announced. The temporary discount of 12.5 percent was a condition for the corona loans.
Many people lost their jobs due to the corona pandemic, while the islands barely had money to support people. Hundreds of millions in interest-free loans came via the Netherlands, with different conditions. For example, that everyone who receives a salary through the taxpayer must hand in their salary ‘out of solidarity’ (mandatory).
Top incomes must be reduced by 25 percent . Salaries may be paid out for one hundred percent again in the coming months, on one condition: anyone who earns a top salary through the government must finally surrender. It is a long cherished wish of political The Hague . It means that all politicians and high earners at the various public companies will earn 25 percent less.
Social security levy will not disappear in one go The discount of 12.5 percent on the salary of the ‘ordinary’ civil servant will not be reversed in one fell swoop. The islands must come up with a plan on how to finance that. Aruba expects that its civil servants will receive another five percent from 1 July and the rest of their wages only in 2023.
Curaçao Prime Minister: ‘Sounds nice, but first black on white’ Curaçao is reacting cautiously to the announcement from The Hague. In an initial response, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas says that the idea “sounds nice”, but that he wants to see the details. “I first want to see the ‘okay’ of the Reich Council of Ministers in black and white, then I will respond.”
The islands have asked the Netherlands more often to stop with the discount. The abolition of the ‘solidarity levy’ will be officially discussed on Wednesday 25 May during the Kingdom Council of Ministers in The Hague.
Aruban Prime Minister: ‘We succeeded, all confidence in’ Aruban Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes reacts with enthusiasm to the announcement from The Hague. “We succeeded”, responds Wever-Croes. “I don’t expect things to be different in the Kingdom Council of Ministers. I have every confidence in it.”
“But there are three conditions, under which MPs must also surrender. I cannot make a decision on that, that is what Parliament itself is about. I also want to know when parliament will consider the Wever-Croes standard bill.”
Holiday pay for civil servants this year. On Curaçao, Finance Minister Javier Silvania is also reluctant. He does not want to respond substantively yet, but emphasizes that his cabinet has taken measures for this year to already accommodate the Curaçao officials. This year civil servants will receive 3 percent holiday pay; before the pandemic, it was 6 percent. “That has also been approved in the Curaçao Council of Ministers.”
‘Salary discount caused a lot of frustration on Curaçao’ The Curaçao parliament has long been done with the 12.5 percent discount. Member of Parliament Giselle McWilliam (MAN), former Minister of Economic Development, says he is ‘very happy’ with the promise from The Hague. But she emphasizes that it is ‘very late’. “Officials have worked very hard for the country during the pandemic. And as a thank you, they received less salary.”
“It caused a lot of frustration in Curaçao,” said McWilliam. “In addition, for example, people in nursing in the Netherlands, and also Bonaire, were paid extra. That’s very crooked. So I’m glad this is being straightened out.” https://caribischnetwerk.ntr.nl/2022/05/21/77037/
‘Solidarity? Major differences in the Kingdom’ The salary discount was introduced in mid-2020 in response to the corona pandemic as a sign of ‘solidarity’ for the people who have lost their jobs. “That argument about solidarity has really been outdated for some time. Especially because there have been major differences in the Kingdom for some time now.”
State Secretary Van Huffelen gives room for the end of 12.5% salary discount
State Secretary Van Huffelen gives room for the end of 12.5% salary discount News item | 20-05-2022 | 4:00 pm
State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations) wants to give the countries room to stop cutting their salary by 12.5%. The salary cut was introduced in mid-2020 in response to the corona pandemic as a sign of solidarity towards the market and to reduce the countries’ government spending. Now that the costs for ordinary life are increasing, the 12.5% salary discount must be reconsidered, the State Secretary believes.
State Secretary Van Huffelen: “Recently, the costs of ordinary life have risen enormously, partly due to the war in Ukraine. Many people struggle with high costs of, for example, food and rent. Moreover, now that the economy is picking up again, the requirement to cut salary by 12.5% no longer outweighs those costs. In addition, recruiting staff is becoming increasingly difficult, while good staff is of great importance. With this I want to give the drivers room to abolish the 12.5% at their own pace.”
The most important condition for abolishing the 12.5% salary discount at our own pace is that earlier agreements on standardizing top incomes must be realized and the salary cuts for politicians continue to exist. The abolition of the 12.5% will be discussed during the Kingdom Council of Ministers on 25 May.
State Secretary Van Huffelen (Kingdom Relations) will be in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom next week. From Monday 23 May to Friday 27 May she will travel to Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten to meet residents, entrepreneurs, volunteers and social organizations and to listen to their dreams and concerns.
SXMGOV RADIO 107.9FM CELEBRATES ITS 5TH ANNIVERSARY
The Government of Sint Maarten’s owned and operated station SXMGOV Radio 107.9FM celebrates its 5th anniversary on Sunday, May 22nd, 2022. The station’s 24/7 format offers Government news, information and local music.
SXM GOV Radio 107.9FM was born out of a history of devastating Hurricanes Luis & Marilyn of 1995. Former Lt. Governor Dennis Richardson saw that communication to the public of Sint Maarten was vital to our recovery and eventual return to normalcy. Together, with the then Executive Council and key civil servants, like the Former Fire Chief Winston Solomon, the decision was taken to seek solutions to communicate with the public, thus the idea of an ‘emergency radio station’ owned and operated by the Government was born. Other key players that form the history of 107.9FM are current SZV Director Mr. Glen Carty, who was instrumental in contributing the much needed equipment to get the emergency radio station operational.
The request for a license to operate an emergency radio station took place on February 8th, 2001 by then, former Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, who was appointed after; Former Lt. Governor Dennis Richardson’s term had ended. The license was official granted on March 27th, 2001, thus the Government Emergency Radio 107.9FM became a reality.
SXMGOV Radio broadcast talents Mr. Cedric Peterson & Ms. Charity Dunker serve as the stations’ operators, programmers, and hosts within the Department of Communication (DCOMM), a multimedia organization within the Ministry of General Affairs.
The station’s listeners are informed through Inside Government, an in-depth interview program highlighting policy, plans, programs, and projects that the Government of Sint Maarten is executing. GOV Insider a news program that highlights what’s happening inside the Government. Prime Minister Talks with Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and the premier national broadcast event, the Live Council of Ministers Press Briefing, a weekly One-Hour debrief and Q&A led by the seven Ministers of the Council.
“The past five years have been an amazing social experiment, says Cedric Peterson, Communications Officer at the Department of Communication, “where Sint Maarten can listen to, us…Our Culture, Our Heritage, which is the station’s slogan.” “SXMGOV Radio 107.9FM was built to encourage country development and growth through education, information and local culture that resonates through poetry, story-telling & music”.
“It’s the home where local musicians compete against nothing but themselves. SXMGOV Radio encourages all local musicians to get back to making music not just for the Carnival season but all year round”, says Charity Dunker.
The vision of SXMGOV Radio 107.9FM is “to consistently educate, inform & entertain, our culture our heritage,” says Maurice Lake, Head of the Department of Communication. 107.9FM forms a part of the SXMGOV Multimedia Network that consists of TV, Radio, Print, Web & Social Media. Combined, the people of Sint Maarten can rely on and trust the Government’s information during everyday life and national emergencies.” So we invite the public to continue making SXMGOV Radio 107.9FM their choice for all things Government”, concluded Lake.
The “Inside Government” interview program airs daily at 8AM, 11AM, 4PM, 8PM, and 11PM.
The “GOV Insider” news program airs daily at 12midnight, 3AM, 6AM, 9AM, 12PM, 3PM, 6PM & 9PM.
“Prime Minister Talks” with Honorable Prime Minister, Silveria Jacobs, airs daily at 1PM.
The Weekly “Live Council of Minister’s Press Briefing” airs daily at 2AM, 5AM, 7AM, 10AM, 2PM, 5PM, 7PM & 10PM.
Council of State Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz Paid Met Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs, Finance Ardwell Irion Irion, Justice Minister Anna Richardson Education Minister Samuels
On May 17, St. Maarten representative on the Council of State Mrs. Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz paid a courtesy visit and met with Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs, Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion, Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport drs. Rodolphe Samuel. After a frank discussion, Mrs. Van der Sluijs-Plantz shared copies of her new book with the Ministers present who were unable to attend the launch held.
Prime Minister Jacobs and Minister Richardson were honored to receive a signed copy of the book titled ‘Oletales Sweet Memories’ and filled with historical treasures.
Photo caption: Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson, Mrs. Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz and Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs
