October 02, 2025 No comments
ODM: Remain Vigilant. Additional Storm Formation Anticipated
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Clive Richardson, says the past two weeks have been active with the formation of two additional storms. Therefore, ODM is calling on the community to remain vigilant and monitor weather reports. The Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science in its most recent seasonal forecast of October 1, 2025, says they anticipate above-normal storm formation activity for the next two weeks. CSU adds that weather forecasts models signal for potential development in the central tropical Atlantic east of the Leeward and Windward Islands and in the northwest Caribbean/Gulf. Nine named storms have formed to date with the last one being Imelda. Out of the...
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October 02, 2025 No comments
IETA Reports Increased Enforcement and Fines in Transport Sector
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), Section Transport, has announced stronger enforcement in the passenger transport sector. In 2024, fines totaled XCD 12,250.00, but by September 2025 the figure had already reached XCD 13,975.00 — surpassing last year’s total before the end of the year. Department Head Lucien Wilson stated: “The results show that when enforcement capacity is effectively applied, it directly improves compliance and fairness within the transport sector. These fines are not only about penalties, but about ensuring that operators uphold their obligations and that the public and our visitors can rely on safe, orderly, and transparent services.” Section Head of Transport Brittany van Heyningen added: “It is not the intention for an extraordinary police...
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October 02, 2025 No comments
Court of Appeal Upholds Minister of Justice’s Lawful Approach to Early Conditional Release
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Joint Court of Justice has upheld the careful and consistent approach taken by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling in handling requests for early conditional release (VI). In its ruling of September 25, 2025 (HAR-85/2025), delivered by a three-judge panel, the Court dismissed an inmate’s appeal, making clear that early release is not an individual right, but an exceptional measure applied only under specific circumstances. The Court recognized that the Minister exercises this authority responsibly and without arbitrariness, guided by objective criteria. Priority is given to inmates proportionally closest to their regular VI date, ensuring a fair and transparent process. The Court made clear that early release cannot be claimed at fixed percentages of a sentence,...
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October 01, 2025 No comments
IPKO Sept. '25 concludes with visit to His Majesty the King and the signing of the Agreements List
SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS - On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations continued. In the morning, delegations met separately to review the draft Agreements List. Following these discussions, the IPKO Presidium convened to amend and approve the draft before further handling in the plenary session. At midday, the delegations were received by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at Palace Noordeinde in The Hague. After being formally introduced to His Majesty, which was followed by a group photo, members of the delegations engaged in discussions with the King on their role as representatives of the people, the experiences of citizens across the Kingdom, and opportunities for practical cooperation within the Kingdom. The September 2025 IPKO officially concluded with the unanimous approval of the Agreements...
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October 01, 2025 No comments
MOONLIGHT GOLF LIGHTS UP MULLET BAY GOLF COURSE
SINT MAARTEN (MULLET BAY) - Lately 20 avid golfers split up into 5 teams and headed out to Mullet Bay Golf Course to show off their skills in the softly star-lit darkness. The moon decided to do a “no show “but each team had two flashlights to see their way and desperately try to hit the illuminated golf balls. Each team was trying to score as low as possible. After a fierce battle, lost balls and near misses the winner of this year’s Moonlight Scramble was the team comprised of Floor, Ryan, Appie and Arjen who ended the 10 holes stroke play event with a total score of 36 net. Four teams scored the exact same net score with one team sadly...
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