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Call to Action for Tax Reform and Digitalization Initiatives.

sarahwescotwilliams10072016PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Wescot-Williams supports incremental measures that would facilitate the long-awaited overhaul of our tax system. 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.”

 


VROMI: M/V Island Scout Vessel Sale Averted: Owner Settles Salvage and Removal Costs, Vessel Released from Sint Maarten.

islandscout05112024PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) would like to hereby announce the amicable resolution regarding the vessel M/V Island Scout IMO Number 9215220, which had been earmarked for sale pending settlement of outstanding salvage and removal costs.
The Island Scout, a 69-meter tug/supply ship, was initially beached on Great Bay during the passing of Tropical Storm, later Hurricane Ernesto, and subsequently salvaged and berthed at Port Sint Maarten. Following this, the Ministry of VROMI issued a liability notice to the vessel’s owner in compliance with Articles 12 and 13 of the National Ordinance for the removal of ships and wrecks. The notice stipulated the owner’s responsibility to cover the government’s costs for salvage operations.
An agreement was reached with JWvanStee, a maritime service company contracted to oversee the vessel’s salvage operation from Great Bay and towage to the Port of Sint Maarten. At the Port, an official inspection for a fit-for-tow certificate was performed. The owner of the M/V Island Scout expressed a commitment to pay all costs related to the salvage and towage operation. In the end, and just in time to avoid selling the ship, the owner provided full payment of the expenses, just under $ 70.000.00, one day ahead of the stipulated deadline on Tuesday, October 15th.
Minister Patrice Gumbs confirmed that, upon verification of the payment, the liability notice was officially lifted, returning ownership and control of the vessel to the ship's owner. Furthermore, Country Sint Maarten authorized the vessel’s removal from its jurisdiction and territory. The Island Scout departed on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, just in time for the 30th Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show.
“Ensuring the responsible handling of vessels within our jurisdiction is critical, particularly as we welcome visitors and partners to our shores," stated Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs. Together with the Ministry of TEATT, we will be working to regulate the vessels in our water, beginning with increased collaboration in this area and the establishment of a harbor master. We are pleased that, in the end, a cooperative resolution was reached, enabling the Island Scout to be released to the ship's owner.
For further information, please contact: Ministry of VROMI at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at +1 721 542-4292 ext 2973.

Integrity Chamber Launches New Season of "Let's Talk About Integrity" Video Series.

CAY HILL:---  The Integrity Chamber is excited to announce the launch of a new season of the “Let’s Talk About Integrity” video series, titled “Civic Participation and the Democratic System”. The series brings together a line-up of distinguished guests, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to critical topics.
This season’s episodes aim to inform citizens about the democratic system of Sint Maarten and encourage their involvement through different forms of civic participation. Active civic participation is important, as it allows citizens to make their voices heard on issues that affect the community and be involved in decision-making processes. It also allows citizens to hold government officials and elected representatives accountable.
The new season features insightful interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of democratic processes, the role and responsibilities of citizens, voter engagement after elections, and the importance of civic participation in strengthening democracy.
The first episodes are now available on the Integrity Chamber’s official Facebook page, with new episodes premiering each Friday at 8:00 am. Citizens are encouraged to tune in weekly to gain valuable knowledge and varying perspectives.
Follow the Integrity Chamber at Facebook.com/IntegrityChamber to stay updated on upcoming episodes and engage in the ongoing conversation about integrity.

CPS reminds persons to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), is recommending to persons to get their seasonal flu shot.

Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person and can affect anybody in any age group.

Experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person might get influenza (flu) by touching a surface or object that has influenza virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Influenza viruses can be detected in most infected people beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. People with flu are the most contagious during the first three days of their illness.

Check with your physician to see whether or not you are part of the high-risk group and be proactive. Get vaccinated and apply strict and consistent preventive measures to stop you from getting the flu.

Influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illnesses and deaths for higher risk populations. Vaccination (flu shot) is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Persons who form part of high-risk groups include people who are more likely than others to develop severe disease, resulting in hospitalization or death, if they should be infected. They include:
children aged six months to four years; the elderly 60-65 years of age; pregnant women (regardless of trimester must be discussed with physician); and immunosuppressed individuals or people with chronic medical conditions.

Front-line workers as well as health care workers who may be in contact with patients in these risk groups (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices), should get their flu vaccination.

Home care givers of persons with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality attributed to the flu should also get vaccinated.

People with flu can spread it to others. Most experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has influenza virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

People with flu are contagious Influenza viruses can be detected in most infected persons beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. People with flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness. Some people, including young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer periods of time.

Symptoms typically begin about two days (but can range from one to four days) after influenza viruses infect a person's respiratory tract. It is theoretically possible that before symptoms begin, an infected person can spread influenza viruses to their close contacts. Some people can be infected with influenza viruses and have no symptoms but may still be able to spread the virus to their close contacts.

Consult your family physician (house doctor) in due time once you don’t feel well, and do not place others at risk. Take the necessary preventive measures when in the vicinity of any sick persons. Apply strict cough etiquette and proper hand hygiene.

Eat healthy foods, get a lot of exercise, and maintain a good sleep schedule which is usually eight hours.

Milton Peters College Wins Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition 2024

mpcawards04112024PHILIPSBURG:---The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Annual Interscholastic Debate. The finals were held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the University of St. Martin (USM). This highly anticipated event brought together top young debaters from Milton Peters College and St. Dominic High, who engaged in a lively and thought-provoking discourse.
The moot for this debate was “Relaxed hair grooming rules are a distraction to learning.” ). Competing as the Proposition team from St. Dominic High were Tanya Halley (1st speaker), Adio Williams (2nd speaker), and Tamanna Sharma (rebutter). Representing Milton Peters College as the Opposition team were Asante Philips (1st speaker), Gabriella Pauletta (2nd speaker), and Isaiah Peterson (rebutter). After a spirited debate, Milton Peters College emerged victorious with an impressive total of 655 points, while St. Dominic High secured second place with 589 points.
Gabriella Pauletta of Milton Peters College was awarded the title of Best Speaker for the final debate with a score of 72 points. Notably, there was a tie for the Overall Best Speaker award between Gabriella Pauletta and Adio Williams of St. Dominic High, who received the Best Speaker award in debate one.
The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament congratulates all participants for their dedication and hard work in preparing for this event. We also extend our gratitude to the University of St. Martin for hosting the finals, providing a space where St. Maarten's youth can showcase their oratory and critical thinking skills. Special thanks to CC1 for providing water and beverages, and to Domino’s Pizza for their generous sponsorship of refreshments.

 


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