July 10, 2026 No comments
USM Supports National D.E.A.R. Reading Initiative
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) proudly opened its campus on Wednesday evening in support of the National D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Movement, an island-wide literacy initiative led by CLIMB SXM. Community members, students, faculty, staff, and partners gathered on the USM campus for 30 minutes dedicated to reading, demonstrating that literacy is a shared responsibility and that reading can bring communities together. The event encouraged participants to step away from their daily routines, pick up a book, and simply enjoy reading. Attendees were invited to bring a book of their choice, with many choosing works by local and Caribbean authors, reinforcing the importance of celebrating the region's literary voices. Among the...
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July 10, 2026 No comments
MP Ottley Calls on Govt to Immediately Reduce GEBE Base Tariff due to July Fuel Clause Increase
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley is calling on the Government of St. Maarten to take immediate action to provide meaningful relief to the people by reducing GEBE’s base tariff, especially in light of the recently announced increase in the fuel clause. The MP stated that while families and businesses continue to struggle under the weight of rising living costs, the Government has failed to exercise the authority it has to intervene and protect consumers from escalating electricity bills. “The people of St. Maarten cannot continue to shoulder the financial burden of inefficiency, poor management, and a lack of accountability. Government must act now by reducing the base tariff so that some sort of relief can be...
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July 10, 2026 No comments
Preparing for Extreme Heat Starts with Understanding Your Climate Risk. Explore the St. Martin Climate Impact Atlas
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) warns of a high risk of excessive heat from July through September 2026, the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) is encouraging residents to take the necessary precautions during periods of extreme heat while also increasing awareness of how climate change is impacting the communities in which they live and work. According to the Meteorological Department, above-normal temperatures, warmer nights and an increased likelihood of heatwaves are expected over the coming months. These conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses while placing additional pressure on public health, water resources, energy demand, infrastructure and the island's natural environment. As climate change continues to increase the...
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July 10, 2026 No comments
NV GEBE Announces Increase in Fuel Clause as of July 10, 2026
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - NV GEBE wishes to inform the community that the electricity fuel clause has been increased to XCG 0.49, effective today, July 10, 2026. This increase will be reflected on the July 2026 electricity invoices, which are scheduled to be distributed beginning Monday, July 13, 2026. This increase reflects ongoing fluctuations in international fuel prices, which continues to affect the cost of the imported fuel required to generate electricity in St. Maarten. As the island relies heavily on imported fuel for power production, these changes directly impact the cost of providing electricity, which are outside the control of NV GEBE. At NV GEBE, we understand that many households continue to face financial challenges, and would like our customers...
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July 10, 2026 No comments
Eight years later: Most recommendations for Point Blanche Prison Still Not Implemented
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In a follow-up inspection in which the fieldwork was carried out during the period of June to October 2025, the Law Enforcement Council (the Council) has determined that implementation of previous recommendations by the Council for the Sint Maarten Penitentiary and the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) remain significantly delayed. The Council carried out an inspection into the treatment of detainees, social reintegration, and isolation cells. The inspection shows that of the Council’s seven recommendations, only one has been fully implemented, one has been partially implemented, and five have not been implemented. Of the two CPT recommendations, one has been implemented — namely, the...
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