PHILIPSBURG:---  During the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley highlighted the dire need to resolve lingering issues regarding national decrees and payments for justice workers. The meeting, convened with the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, was instigated by a request co-signed by MPs Ottley,  Francisco Lacores, and Lyndon Lewis based on growing frustration from justice workers over delays in securing their rightful compensation and placements.

Kicking off discussions, MP Ottley underscored the sensitivity of the matter. “Justice workers have suffered for many years, and the issue at hand is not just about delayed payments, it’s about restoring trust and fairness,” he said. Ottley highlighted the unrest and discontent among personnel, cautioning against the public sentiment becoming further inflamed. He noted that some justice workers feel that the Ministry of Justice's communication is lacking transparency. "People are eager because this concerns their livelihood and their rights," he stated, emphasizing the moral and legal responsibility of Parliament and the Ministry to expedite solutions.

Clear Calls for Action

Ottley’s tone was resolute yet balanced. While commending the Minister for her willingness to tackle the issue, he did not shy away from constructive criticism and advice. He urged the Minister to accelerate the process while cautioning against striving for an unattainable level of perfection. “You cannot and will not ever please everyone,” he noted, warning that fixating solely on objections could derail progress. Instead, Ottley encouraged focusing on executing the process efficiently and ensuring that the majority of justice workers promptly receive what is owed to them.

He also underscored the necessity of robust communication with stakeholders, particularly the unions. “The unions must be carried along at every step,” Ottley insisted, citing their critical role in fostering understanding among justice workers to prevent unnecessary friction.

A Plea for Avoiding Escalation

MP Ottley’s comments reflected the concerns of many who fear the issue could snowball into significant unrest if not handled urgently. He cautioned that delays or mishandling of justice workers’ grievances could prompt public protests and damage public perception of the Ministry’s ability to manage its workforce fairly. "Avoid, at all costs, a protest and a show in front of the government building," he warned. For Ottley, the stakes extend far beyond bureaucracy; the situation impacts real lives, families, and the stability of key institutions.

A Commitment to Accountability

Ottley also used the platform to hold Parliament and the government accountable. He called on the Chair of Parliament to ensure that the Minister commits to concluding the process quickly and that answers to questions raised during meetings are provided within agreed timelines. He pointed to other delays in responses from Ministers as unacceptable, indicating a strong stance on governance and responsibility.

Key Questions Raised

Among his pointed questions, Ottley inquired about timelines for resolving issues specific to the prison workers, many of whom have gone years without appropriate placements or legal decrees. He also asked about the broader financial implications of updating LBs for justice workers and sought clarity on whether the ministry is prepared to meet the resulting budgetary demands. Ottley further sought clarification on the planned payment structure, urging communication to manage workers’ expectations effectively.

Leading with Empathy

Throughout his contributions to the meeting, MP Ottley maintained a tone of empathy and pragmatism. While emphasizing a results-driven approach, he demonstrated sensitivity to the frustrations and needs of justice workers. His balanced advocacy reflected frustration with delays without undermining the complexities of managing such an expansive undertaking.

Concluding his remarks, MP Ottley pressed the Minister to maintain focus and dedication while speeding up the process. “Get it done,” he stressed, reinforcing the situation's urgency with a direct and results-oriented message.

MP Ottley's concerns highlight a collective effort in Parliament to address the longstanding grievances of justice workers. His contributions emphasized efficiency, communication, and accountability as the pillars of effectively resolving this issue.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- This week marks Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week which is from May 06 -12. The theme for the week is: Small Bite Big Threat! “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction.”

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is committed to keeping the public informed and making frequent ‘calls to action’ to the community to take action and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

CPS is appealing once again to continue to take action after every rainfall event to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and in doing so protects our community from mosquito borne diseases.

At the 17th Special Session of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government on public health threats held in November 2014, the Heads approved a proposal for the establishment of an annual Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the burden of vector borne diseases in the Caribbean remains a significant challenge, and Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week (CAMAW) is vital to addressing this issue by ensuring that you, the public, are informed and empowered to make a difference.

CARPHA adds that the theme, "Small bite, big threat," alongside this year’s slogan, ‘Stop disease transmission, start source reduction,’ serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for proactive measures against these arboviral vectors. By destroying mosquito breeding sites, we prevent them from multiplying and potentially limit the spread of these terrible diseases.

The objective of such a week is to strengthen existing initiatives and mobilize the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites from public and private places.

CPS supports the CARPHA campaign this week and appeals to the community to always be on alert to act right after a rainfall event to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of water.  This is not a lot of water, and plant saucers are one of those unassuming places that can gather a small amount and still be a huge breeding site for your backyard mosquito.

Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are unfortunately man-made.

For issues surrounding mosquito breeding sites, contact CPS’ vector control team by calling 542-1222/1570 or 914. Ask to be contacted by the vector control team.

You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with supporting pictures and contact information to report a mosquito nuisance or request assistance.

Eradicating mosquito breeding sites should become a habitual lifestyle of each citizen, let us minimize the mosquito population at its source!

PHILIPSBURG:---  In a historic move to strengthen Sint Maarten’s disaster resilience and public safety infrastructure, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key telecommunications partners to implement the island’s mass notification system which is Cell Broadcast System (CBS).

The agreement was formalized between the Government of Sint Maarten, Bureau Telecommunications and Post Sint Maarten (BTP), Radcomm Corporation NV (Flow), and Telem Group of Companies. The project is funded by the World Bank-managed Trust Fund under the Emergency Recovery Project (ERP-1) and coordinated by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB).

This is the first component in the overall plan on early warning. The second step is formalization of the necessary framework for Early Warning, followed by Banding and Standardized messaging. 

"Today marks a milestone for public safety in Sint Maarten," stated Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. "The Cell Broadcast System will empower our government to swiftly and reliably communicate life-saving information directly to residents and visitors during emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or any other natural disaster."

Unlike conventional messaging systems, CBS delivers alerts instantly to all mobile phones within designated geographic areas, without relying on internet connectivity or pre-registered phone numbers—ensuring reliable communication even when infrastructure is compromised.

"Our people’s safety and preparedness are my administration’s highest priority," Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina added. "By harnessing this advanced technology, we are strengthening Sint Maarten’s resilience and enhancing our ability to protect lives when it matters most."

The $650,000 project includes the procurement and installation of hardware and software, training of key stakeholders, and the establishment of the Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE) and Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) at the Government Data Center. Following the first year, the Government will assume full financial responsibility for maintenance and operational costs, estimated at $95,000 annually.

The partnership outlines clear roles:

•      Flow and Telem will provide technical assistance and ensure seamless integration across their networks.
•      BTP will develop and oversee the regulatory framework.
•      The Government ICT Department and Office of Disaster Management will maintain and operate the system.

"This is not just a technological advancement—it’s a leap toward a safer, more prepared Sint Maarten," said Interim BTP Director Judianne Labega-Hoeve. 

"Collaboration among government, telecom providers, and international partners is key to making this vision a reality."

CBS is a globally recognized emergency alerting platform used in regions vulnerable to natural disasters. It ensures that critical warnings reach the public instantaneously, improving community response and minimizing harm.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and N.V. GEBE have signed a US$5.1 million agreement to begin underground placement of mid-voltage electrical cables and potable water pipes in four areas of Sint Maarten: Cole Bay, South Reward, Pointe Blanch, and on parts of A.T. Illidge Road. The works fall under the Emergency Recovery Project (ERP1), which will expand the island’s underground utility network and reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events.

The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina asserts that the initiative is an investment in infrastructure. “This activity is a step toward a future where the people of Sint Maarten can rely on modern, resilient, and sustainable utilities. It reflects our broader vision of building our country to be prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow with strength and innovation.”

More than 9 kilometers of overhead mid-tension and low-voltage electricity lines will be placed underground. In South Reward new water distribution lines will be placed with connections to individual homes. Safety and traffic management measures will be put in place in affected neighborhoods in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI).

Patrice Gumbs, Minister of VROMI, “Government is committed to enhancing infrastructure to match growing development and population needs; this collaboration ensures the delivery of long-awaited network improvements for the people of Sint Maarten and our commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking development.”

This latest initiative builds on underground cabling works first launched in 2022 under ERP1. At that time, more than nine kilometers of low-voltage electrical lines were placed underground in several neighborhoods within the Cul de Sac basin, along with the installation of water lines and future-ready conduits for fiber optic cables. These works supported the development of infrastructure to areas that suffered extended outages following the 2017 hurricanes. The newly signed agreement represents a continuation of that effort focusing now on mid-voltage lines and water distribution in the above-mentioned districts

Thomas Roggendorf, N.V. GEBE, Interim manager asserts that, “NV GEBE cares deeply about the community of St. Maarten. Projects like these are not just about infrastructure, they are about resilience. They allow us to restore vital services more quickly after a storm and ensure that our people are safe and supported. We are proud to be in partnership with NRPB that share our vision, because when we work together, we build back stronger and faster.”

Whilst Claret Connor, Director of NRPB adds, “The agreement reflects the Trust Fund’s commitment to improving essential infrastructure improvements that strengthen our resilience and safeguard communities. By advancing this work now, the groundwork is laid for a stronger and more reliable network that can better withstand future storms.”

Work is scheduled to begin in May 2025, and residents in the impacted areas will receive advance notice. GEBE confirms it will continue to post detailed updates on its Facebook page, including work schedules and traffic advisories.

The work is being implemented by N.V. GEBE with support from the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is financed by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is funded by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.