SIMPSON BAY:--- The recently concluded Dutch Caribbean Cooperation Association (DCCA) conference hosted by Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on St. Maarten brought together more than 150 international leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The conference program featured keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and workshops focused on inter-island connectivity, economic resilience, climate adaptation, and digital transformation.
Jonny Andersen, Chairman of the DCCA, highlighted in his opening speech that while the Dutch Caribbean has seen remarkable achievements in aviation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it also faces significant challenges. He outlined five critical areas that the DCCA believes require urgent attention: rising costs, sustainability, collaboration, advocacy, and accessibility.
"This year's DCCA Conference has showcased the power of collaboration and vision in driving meaningful change for the Caribbean region. The phased implementation of reduced Passenger Facility Charges, starting with Curaçao and Bonaire in January 2025 and Aruba in February 2025, marked an important first step in making inter-island travel more affordable and accessible. With special attention to key routes like Aruba-Curaçao, we are unlocking new opportunities for tourism and strengthening the bonds between our islands. As we embark on this journey, we are not just reducing fees—we are bridging distances and bringing our Caribbean family closer together."
"It was a great honor to host the third DCCA 'Flight to the Future' conference on St. Maarten," added Brian Mingo, CEO of PJIA. We were delighted to not only meet our colleagues from the DCCA, but also connect with the airport delegates and tourism boards from Anguilla and St. Barths. Inter-island collaboration is one of the top priorities for airports in the Dutch Caribbean and this conference provided a crucial platform to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on a collective path towards the future of air travel in the region."
MP Lacroes highlights urgent traffic congestion concerns and proposes ‘immediate Solutions’.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament, the Honourable Francisco Lacroes, has expressed serious concerns about the growing traffic congestion in several key areas of the island, including St. Peters, Sucker Garden, Simpson Bay, and the A. Th. Illidge Road. This issue has become particularly acute in the aftermath of heavy rains that have left roads riddled with potholes, mud, debris, and large puddles, significantly slowing down traffic.
Every morning, hundreds of children and working adults from St. Peters, Ebenezer, South Reward, and Saunders are stuck in gridlock from as early as 6:30 a.m., with some not reaching Carrefour's roundabout until close to 9:00 a.m. He said, "This is an unacceptable and stressful way to begin the day." He emphasized that while the damage caused by recent rains is evident, it is critical to move beyond identifying the problem and focus on solutions.MP Lacroes urgently calls on the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and the Ministry of Justice to address the situation. He proposed that both Ministries work collaboratively to implement measures to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during morning rush hours.
Among the proposed solutions is the feasibility of deploying additional police officers to critical intersections in the mornings to help manage and direct traffic flow. He also said consideration should be given to the suggestion made by some community members to temporarily restrict access to the two Saunders bridges for incoming traffic to Saunders while allowing only outgoing traffic to reduce the congestion caused by vehicles attempting to cut through secondary roads.
At the same time, MP Lacroes has asked whether there are plans from the Ministry of VROMI and the Justice Ministry to restore signage and introduce clearly marked merge lanes, which would help ensure smoother movement of vehicles and avoid unnecessary bottlenecks. MP Lacroes says the traffic problem is "not limited to St. Peters." He highlighted other major roads, such as A.Th. Illidge Road, and areas like Simpson Bay also face unusually high congestion, with motorists reporting delays significantly longer than usual. He stressed that these conditions are further exacerbated by the ongoing festive season preparations, which traditionally increase activity as residents and visitors shop for the holidays and more people are on the island.
"The damage to our roads has put an enormous strain on our infrastructure," MP Lacroes explained. He added that the holiday season will worsen the situation unless immediate measures are implemented.
MP Lacroes also touched on the parking challenges in Philipsburg, noting that the influx of vehicles over the past months has filled the town's roads and parking lots. This issue is expected to escalate with the holiday season approaching, further compounding traffic problems. He called for at least temporary solutions, such as designated parking areas or additional parking zones, to alleviate the mounting pressure on Philipsburg's roads. "This is not about placing blame but about taking immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens," MP Lacroes emphasized. He expressed confidence that the Ministries know the challenges and urged them to act swiftly, stating, "We cannot afford to wait while the situation deteriorates further."
The Member of Parliament concluded by reiterating his commitment to addressing the concerns of his constituents and collaborating with the relevant authorities to find practical, effective solutions.
Caribbean Airlines Earns 2024 Apex Four Star Major Airline Award.
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago:--- Caribbean Airlines has once again been awarded the prestigious APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Four Star Major Airline rating for 2024, based solely on the ratings of passengers worldwide. This marks the second year that Caribbean Airlines has achieved this distinction, underscoring the airline’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, consistent experience for its customers.
The APEX awards are unique as they are based entirely on neutral, third-party passenger feedback, independently certified and gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s most widely used travel- organizing app. For the 2024 awards, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across nearly 600 airlines worldwide, with only 8% of airlines achieving the Four-Star rating. Airline representatives accepted the award on behalf of Caribbean Airlines at the APEX ceremony in Long Beach, California.
Caribbean Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating: “This award reflects our passengers’ confidence in us. Whilst we are expanding, we remain focused on providing the best and consistent customer experience for each journey. To be recognized once again with an APEX Four Star rating is both a reward and a motivation for us to keep raising the bar in our service to the Caribbean and beyond. We thank our customers for this independent vote of confidence.”
Medera also extended his gratitude to the airline’s employees, noting, “Our team works with commitment and passion, and this award is also testament to their hard work. We also recognize and appreciate the support of our industry partners and stakeholders who play an integral role in our success.”
Caribbean Airlines operates the largest network in the region, with a commitment to enhancing connectivity and delivering exceptional customer service. The airline remains dedicated to continually improving its offerings and providing a travel experience that reflects the warmth and vibrancy of the Caribbean.
MP Omar Ottley wishes ‘strength and good health’ to St. Maarten’s Men on International Men's Day.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In observance of International Men's Day, Member of Parliament Omar EC Ottley extends heartfelt wishes to all men across our community and around the world. Today, it serves as an important reminder of the significant role that men play in shaping society and fostering a brighter future.
“On this International Men's Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the vital contributions of men in our families, communities, and nation,” said MP Ottley. “It is essential that we recognize the importance of guiding our young men to become responsible and prominent leaders within our country.”
International Men's Day is a time for men to acknowledge their responsibilities to their families, loved ones, and those who look up to them. “As we commemorate this day, let us encourage open dialogue about men's mental health, well-being, and the importance of positive role models,” said MP Ottley.
“I wish the men on St. Maarten and around the world much strength and health and a happy International Men’s Day.”
Committee of Justice to meet regarding proposal for a roundtable addressing several matters.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Justice of Parliament will meet on November 19, 2024.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 15.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. Proposal for a roundtable addressing the rise in crime, suicides and increasing violence within our schools (IS/216/2024-2025 dated October 28, 2024)
This agenda point was requested by MP S.D.M. Roseburg
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament