PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable demissionaire Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Omar Ottley, along with the Council of Ministers, has decided to revert to the legally established calculation method for persons aged 60 and older. This decision came after concerns from the executing agency were raised about the negative impact of the new calculation method, implemented in 2013 as a pilot, on seniors.

Under the new calculation method, seniors who previously received the full amount of aid, FLS. 505, saw their benefits reduced to either FLS. 267 or FLS. 400, depending on their circumstances. Minister Ottley responded swiftly to these concerns, taking action ahead of the approval and implementation of the draft of the lbham financial aid ordinance, which is currently undergoing legal processes.

The decision aims to ensure that seniors qualifying for financial aid receive an amount that increases their spending capacity, aligning with the government's objective. While the revised calculation method will not take effect immediately, it will be implemented within the coming months. This delay will allow the executing agency to adjust internal procedures accordingly.

Minister Ottley emphasized the urgency of this decision, stating, "We must ensure our seniors receive the support they need to maintain their quality of life. The increase in financial aid is a step in the right direction toward achieving this goal. The public should also be aware that an increase for all vulnerable groups is also in the works."

PHILIPSBURG:--- District Governor of Sub-District 60B, Lion Dr. Carlisle Goddard, PMJF recently made his official visit to the St. Maarten Leo Club, St. Maarten South Leo Club, and the Sint Maarten Lions Club.
The District Governor was met upon his arrival by a welcoming delegation that included Lion Felix Richards, President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, Zone Chairperson 2B, Lion Oralie Boirard, MJF, Past District Governor Lion Wally Havertong, PMJF, and Lion Dennis Lake.
The District Governor's visit included an enlightening radio interview streamed live on the “Viewpoint with Wendell Moore” show, in which he expounded on the responsibilities of a District Governor and shared his experiences visiting the various Lion and Leo clubs within his District, which comprises 16 English—and Dutch-speaking islands, with St. Maarten included.
A courtesy visit was made to the President of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, during which the two leaders discussed the role of social entities in communities, partnerships with Governments, and the work of the Sint Maarten Leos and Lions Clubs. District Governor Lion Dr. Goddard also met with the Caretaker Government's Hon. Prime Minister Ms. Silveria Jacobs, who is an Honorary member of the Sint Maarten Lions Club.
The District Governor had the chance to visit the "Nature Nurtures" Project, an educational community service project of the No Kidding with our Kids Foundation that introduces young people to various facets of agriculture, while on his tour of the island to observe several service projects.
District Governor Lion Dr. Carlisle Goddard attended separate meetings for the Lions and Leos during the evening. During these meetings, the District Governor engaged in lively and passionate discussions about recruiting new members and carrying out worthwhile community service. He emphasized the significance of being adaptable in these times as members discover chances for deeper community service.
Prospect Lindell Wilson and his fellow Leos were proud when the District Governor inducted them into the St. Maarten South Leo Club during the meeting.
The Sint Maarten Lions Club has served its community for over 53 years. District Governor Lion Dr. Goddard took the opportunity to congratulate Lion President Felix and the membership on the outstanding work they have done and are still doing on the island.
The Sint Maarten Lions Club honored its four Past District Governors during the visit, which was led by District Governor Lion Dr. Carlisle Gooddard, PMJF.
The District Governor’s theme for this Lionistic year is: “I Am Because We Are,” which focuses on the concept and Ubuntu spirit of family. Lions and Leos demonstrating the “Heart of a Lion” in their recommitment to each other and the community. In summary, remembering “who we are and why we serve”.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Destination: St. Maarten/St. Martin was well represented by the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2024. At this year's convention, STB, represented by Cherinah Franken - Head of Product Development & Visitor Relations, and Rosette Generlette-Pantophlet, Secretary & Product Development Assistant, hosted an interactive and informative workshop for 100+ travel agents, eagerly anticipating poignant selling points to promote destination St. Maarten among their customers and associates. Themed "EXPERIENCE Sweet St. Maarten/St. Martin," this immersive workshop was facilitated by IMBRACE Group's CEO, Jacqueline Louis, with supporting performances by Funtopia's cultural ambassadors.

All core aspects of St. Maarten's tourism products were passionately shared with conference attendees through a multi-sensory presentation. This included using vibrant visuals, rhythmic local music, cultural singing, and dancing, along with a sweet and savory taste of Colombier Guavaberry and tarts. Strategically designed to awaken the minds, souls, hearts, and spirits of all participants, compelling information regarding the destination of St. Maarten was uniquely intertwined. The details ranged from the local history, geography, culture, and ecology - including beaches and St. Maarten's diverse landscapes, agriculture, and adventures, to cruise ports, hotels, restaurants, transportation, events, and activities, as well as the countless sites to see, things to do and places to go on the island.

Furthermore, STB's participation included an on-site display booth that showcased the destination to thousands of Conference attendees at the Broward/Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. Direct one-on-one interactions and ongoing networking also promoted St. Maarten by providing pertinent information to busloads of inquisitive participants.

Working seamlessly together, Team St. Maarten successfully achieved the desired objectives, which included raising awareness and inciting the desires of travel agents to visit and explore destination St. Maarten personally. Many conference attendees expressed their inspiration and enthusiasm to keep the island at the forefront of their minds by encouraging CLIA's wide-ranging global membership and their respective customer bases to vacation on the island.

Internationally recognized as the only official conference of the cruise industry, CLIA Cruise360 brings together travel professionals, cruise line representatives, ports, destinations, industry suppliers, and CLIA-preferred partners for a truly panoramic view of the cruise industry. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and widespread industry stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.

CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity and 54,000 travel agents, including 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world. Jointly, CLIA's membership encompasses the world's largest cruise industry trade association, which provides a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the wake of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the formation of the new government in St. Maarten, the Honorable demissionair Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), and Member of Parliament for the United People’s Party, Omar Ottley says, "Formateur Dr Luc Mercelina should be more forthcoming about the results of the screening process in the interest of transparency to the electorate.”

As St. Maarten finds itself embroiled in a political saga during carnival, the fate of ministerial candidates hangs in the balance. The public, ministerial candidates and their families are now gripped by uncertainty as the screening process for potential ministers unfolds amid allegations of lack of transparency and political maneuvering. A major concern is the prolonged delay in announcing the screening process results, with no information forthcoming from the Formateur, leaving many candidates in limbo.

At the heart of the controversy lies the screening law, a fourteen-year-old statute designed to ensure ministerial candidates meet the requirements for holding office. However, without clear-cut criteria outlined in the law, there have been accusations of the process being manipulated to exclude certain candidates from assuming ministerial roles. Dr Luc Mercelina, the appointed Candidate Prime Minister tasked with forming the government, has come under fire for the perceived lack of transparency and communication surrounding the screening process. Speaking on behalf of the United People's Party, Ottley has called for swift action to resolve the impasse and avoid further delays in government formation.

"Enough is enough," declares Ottley. "The people of St. Maarten deserve a government that works for their interests, not one shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty. It's time for the Formateur to stop playing games and clarify which candidates will be sworn in."

The situation has reached a boiling point as conflicting reports emerge regarding the status of ministerial candidates. While newspaper articles hint at a full slate of seven ministers being sworn in, press releases from coalition parties hint at potential issues with certain candidates failing background checks.

As the clock ticks down to the swearing-in ceremony, tensions run high. The public and even the President of Parliament remain uncertain about the swearing-in date of Thursday this week as she, too, has yet to be informed. Ottley's impassioned plea for transparency resonates with many, who fear that the prolonged uncertainty may undermine the stability and effectiveness of the new government.

Amid the turmoil, Ottley remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the democratic principles upon which St. Maarten's governance is built. "We cannot afford to let political gamesmanship overshadow the will of the people," he asserts. "Either candidates are sworn in, or they're not. It's time for decisive action."
As St. Maarten braces for the next chapter in its political saga, the nation's eyes remain fixed on the screening process's outcome. It hopes for a resolution that will pave the way for a government that truly serves the interests of its citizens.

Ottley reflected on his struggles with the screening process, where he was kept from being a minister for 14 months until he challenged the outcome and was vindicated of any wrongdoing and allowed to serve as a minister, where he earned the title of "Minister of Everything" based on his work ethics. After 14 years of this challenge, as an MP, I am hopeful that something will finally be done to make the process clear. Ottley expressed his shared sentiments for candidate ministers, such as MP Christophe Emmanuel, Raeyhon Peterson, and others, who should not have to sit on "pins and needles" waiting to learn if they will be allowed to serve their Country.

He said that as Ministers, the present government had not been allowed to work for over three months because the demissionair status of the Ministers sitting means that the Country has had slow to little progress for over three months. A further delay will weaken the island's economy.

Even the civil service have expressed their concerns of uncertainty about what policy priorities to continue to invest time in knowing the current position of Dr. Luc Mercelina on certain subjects. For example, the draft law SAAHA also known as Ottley Cares which will not only allow for sole proprietors, bus drivers, taxi drivers, etc to enter SZV.