~Starting today, Monday~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation has joined the global effort to aid victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and the surrounding regions recently. As part of this initiative, the foundation will hold daily donation drives throughout April to raise funds for the relief efforts.

The drives will take place every Monday through Saturday, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, on Back Street in Philipsburg. The public is invited to join in, with volunteers seeking to extend compassion and solidarity to the people of Myanmar, in line with Tzu Chi’s core values of love and unity.

The foundation was moved to act after witnessing the distressing reports on Da Ai TV.

Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said that Tzu Chi Founder Master Cheng Yen’s teachings continue to guide the organization’s efforts, reminding everyone that “the greatest challenge today is the lack of good-hearted people.” St. Maarten volunteers continue to spread compassion by offering the public opportunities to do good, regardless of how small the gesture may seem.

In March 2025, Tzu Chi St. Maarten held eight fundraising activities to support local poverty relief efforts, benefiting approximately 1,000 families each month with food and care. The foundation focuses on the frequency of kindness rather than the size of individual donations. Volunteers believe that “goodness lies in the frequency of our kindness, not the size of our contribution.”

Over the course of these efforts, 38 volunteers visited 166 shops and received donations from 224 individuals, raising a total of $1,832.86 USD. One volunteer reflected: “When we go out, we are not just asking for donations — we’re sharing a chance for people to bring out the goodness in their hearts. More good people create more harmony in society.”

  Tzu Chi St. Maarten is grateful for the ongoing support of the local community, particularly in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria. As Master Cheng Yen often emphasizes, Tzu Chi’s aid is made possible through the generosity of people worldwide, and in turn, it is our responsibility to help others in need.

The organisation calls on everyone to continue supporting their mission and join the global movement of compassion and giving. “Let’s come together and send our love to Myanmar,” Tzu Chi St. Maarten urges, upholding the spirit of “Great Love without Borders.”

Donations can also be made to Tzu Chi’s WIB bank account number 21932201.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl York has sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina requesting an official update on the status of four motions passed by Parliament during the October 2024 budget amendment debate.

In his letter, MP York emphasized that the motions were approved with the understanding that they would shape government policy and action throughout the year. He noted that both Parliament and the public have a right to know whether these motions have been implemented, are in progress, or are still pending—along with any reasons for delay.

“As Leader of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister has a responsibility to communicate where each of these initiatives stands,” York wrote. “These are not symbolic measures; they reflect real priorities that impact the daily lives of our people.”

The four motions referenced in the letter include Mullet Bay and Environmental and Coastal Protection, Funeral Assistance Benefit for Civil Servants, GEBE Consumers Relief, and the Crime Fund Policy Plan Motion. 

MP York requested that the Prime Minister provide specific information on whether implementation has begun and, if so, to what extent. He also asked for clarity on any challenges or delays that may be affecting the execution of the motions.

Parliament didn’t pass these motions for them to collect dust. Inaction is not an option when the country expects leadership, accountability, and consistency in governance.”

MP York indicated he will continue to follow up on the matter to ensure accountability and transparency remain at the forefront of government operations.

Pond Island:--- TelEm Group is enhancing its “Always On Data service”, giving prepaid customers unprecedented control of their mobile data usage.
The new feature is available via the company’s new “Always On for Every Moment” campaign which kicks off this week.
The campaign is aimed at educating and engaging customers about the benefits of the new service for more efficient use of data and cost savings.

It is rolling out across various channels, including social media, radio, television, newspaper, and in-person events—ensuring that customers across Sint Maarten feel engaged and informed about the benefits of Always On Data.

“By making it possible for customers to opt in or opt out of this service at any time, TelEm is ensuring a seamless and customizable data experience to meet the individual needs of everyone,” says TelEm Group on the launch of its campaign.
The new service is aimed at prepaid mobile customers who can simply send an SMS message 'AO ON' or 'AO OFF' to 1000 to opt in or opt out of their data usage at any time.

“Subscribers can choose the convenience of automatic connectivity, deciding when to activate their data manually, or selecting one of TelEm’s many convenient 1-day, 7-day, or 30-day data plans for even more choice,” the campaign promoters say.
They say since introducing the Always On Data service, customers have been asking for even better ways to maximize their data usage and also better ways to keep track of data usage.
The company says it listened to its customers and came up with the expanded feature “Always On for Every Moment”.
“While the great majority of our customers have enjoyed the convenience of the service offered, we have nevertheless taken note of customer feedback to make the service even more flexible and tailored to individual needs with the new enhancements,” says TelEm Group.
The company says an educational video series will guide users on how to opt in and opt out of Always On Data. Additionally, practical data-saving tips will be shared, helping customers learn how to maximize their data and adjust smartphone settings for a more efficient experience.

The campaign features well-known local influencers, community leaders, and everyday TelEm Group customers who are coming together to deliver the clear message that staying connected is essential, and TelEm Group is here to ensure that no moment is ever missed.

“With “Always On for Every Moment,” TelEm Group is putting the community first with a series of customer-focused initiatives, interactive events, and educational content.”

To further engage and connect with the community, TelEm Group will be hosting several Community Family Fun Days across Sint Maarten. At these days, customers can experience Always On Data firsthand, enjoy exclusive giveaways, and take advantage of special offers.

Customers will also have the opportunity to meet TelEm Group representatives in person, ask questions, and receive hands-on demonstrations of the Always On Data service and more.

At the heart of this campaign is the power of local voices, and for this, TelEm Group has partnered with familiar faces in the community—including influencers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes—who all rely on staying connected for their success.

For more information on Always On Data, visit www.telem.sx and follow TelEm on Facebook and Instagram (@Telem) to stay updated on upcoming events and campaign highlights.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United People's Party (UP), Member of Parliament Omar E.C. Ottley, issued a strong statement today condemning the Mercelina II Cabinet's continued failure to finalize and submit the 2025 budget. Ottley criticized what he described as a reckless and politically motivated rush to outdo the former NA-UPP government, which ultimately backfired and left the country in administrative and financial uncertainty. "Let us be absolutely clear," Ottley said, "this situation with the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT) was avoidable. The Mercelina Cabinet tried to claim political bragging rights by pushing a premature budget to Parliament riddled with mistakes, missing details, and technical inaccuracies—all in a hurry to beat the previous government's timeline. Instead of taking the time needed to get it right, they have jeopardized this country's governance and financial stability."

MP Ottley was referring to the formal notification issued against the Mercelina II Cabinet by the CFT warning that St. Maarten has no approved budget and the ultimatum given by the Dutch Government for St. Maarten to have its budget finalized by April 30, 26 days from now, "or else." Although Parliament approved a version of the 2025 budget in January, subsequent amendments revealed multiple flaws—so severe that the budget could not be enacted into law. The government is now forced to start the legislative process over, leaving St. Maarten without a proper budgetary roadmap three months into the fiscal year. Ottley warned that this misstep has real-world consequences. "This is not a game. Without a budget, government ministries are operating in limbo, public programs are being delayed, and taxpayer money is being spent without oversight. We are flying blind at a time when transparency and prioritization are most needed. This is a failure in leadership."

The severity of the situation has forced the Kingdom Council of Ministers in The Hague to issue an ultimatum to St. Maarten. The Council, acting on a formal warning from the CFT, now demands that the Mercelina Cabinet submit a finalized 2025 budget by April 30, 2025—or face potential consequences under the Kingdom's financial supervision framework. "This is an embarrassment on the international stage," Ottley continued. "It paints a picture of a government that is unprepared, disorganized, and unwilling to take responsibility. Even members within their coalition have challenged their rushed governing program, and now we are seeing the fallout." Ottley drew a stark contrast with the previous UP/NA administration, which he noted was the only government in St. Maarten since 10-10-10 to serve a full four-year term, making significant progress in restoring administrative order and cleaning up the financial mess left by a decade of unstable and short-lived governments. "For four years, we governed with prudence and vision. We stabilized the country and earned credibility both locally and abroad. This government has undone that progress within mere months of taking office."

The UP leader calls for transparency, accountability, and an immediate course correction. He is also demanding that Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs and Prime Minister Luc Mercelina explain to the people of St. Maarten how they intend to meet the April 30 deadline, what measures are being taken to rectify the budgetary errors, and how they plan to prevent future violations of the law and good governance. "This budget crisis is a test—not only of the Mercelina Cabinet but of St. Maarten's ability to govern itself responsibly within the Kingdom. If we fail this test, the consequences will be administrative, constitutional, and political. The time to act is now."

Ottley emphasized that St. Maarten's autonomy depends on sound financial governance. Failure to comply with the deadline may open the door to a Kingdom instruction, a serious intervention that could strip the country of budgetary control. "We must not allow our autonomy to be undermined by incompetence. The people of St. Maarten deserve better."