Wednesday’s protest action in front of the airport.

~ Crucial union/management meeting set for Friday ~

 AIRPORT-- Multiple failed attempts at concluding negotiations between airport operating company PJIAE and trade union ABVO in recent weeks led to further frustration of airport employees, who amplified protest measures on Wednesday, July 1, by not only marching with signs and chants, but also effectively shutting down the airport to flights.

The Second Chamber’s Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations during a debate with State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops on Wednesday, asked about the 12.5 per cent across-the-board salary cut. (Suzanne Koelega photo)

 THE HAGUE--The Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament has no problem with the Dutch government setting firm conditions for the provision of financial help for Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, but it does have an issue with essential workers and those with lower salaries having to take a 12.5 per cent salary cut, especially when top civil servants and directors are spared.

The  Ministry of TEATT announced that businesses are allowed to remain open on Emancipation Day at their discretion.

Emancipation is indeed a public holiday celebrated on July 1st.

There are several activities that will be held on Emancipation Day in recognition of that day. The public is encouraged to participate as much as possible, and enjoy the festivities.

PHILIPSBURG--The Council of Ministers decided today, Tuesday, to postpone all commercial flights to and from the United States (US) for the next two weeks.

  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Ludmila de Weever said on Tuesday afternoon that government made this decision primarily because of the surging number of coronavirus cases in the US since last Friday.

  PHILIPSBURG--Flights out of Florida will not be allowed when St. Maarten opens up to international travel tomorrow, Wednesday, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Richard Panneflek told Members of Parliament (MPs) during a public meeting of Parliament that started this morning. He also said allowing flights from the rest of the United States (US) may be “pushed back” as well, but this is still to be decided by government.