November 26, 2025 No comments
Court of Appeal confirms conviction of former MP
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Court of Appeal has delivered its ruling in the criminal case against former Member of Parliament A.A., confirming the earlier conviction related to election-fraud offenses. The Court upheld the original conviction and provided additional reasoning in support of its decision. In its findings, the Court concluded that A.A. knowingly engaged in conduct connected to the 2024 election period involving vote-buying. While the Court held that election fraud, in principle, warrants an unconditional prison sentence, it determined that a reduced sentence was appropriate in light of A.A.’s personal circumstances following the end of his parliamentary function, the significant social impact of the proceedings within a small island community, and the fact that a forfeiture measure would also...
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November 26, 2025 No comments
CBCS announces new XCG 30+ Million Bond Issue on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Thursday, December 4, 2025, there will be a bond issue by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) on behalf of the country of Sint Maarten. This bond issue has the following specifications: XCG 30.300.000,-- bond with duration of 30 years. The interest rate is based on the Dutch yield curve as of December 2, 2025. The yield as of October 6 for a 30-year loan was 3.441%. The bond will have annual annuity redemption starting on December 4, 2026. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Dutch State Treasury Agency (DSTA) will be allowed to subscribe, and after that up to Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 12:00 P.M., the general public will be able to subscribe...
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November 26, 2025 No comments
GKI Caribbean Summit brings together regional land Governance leaders
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Caribbean Summit 2025 begins today, Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Simpson Bay Resort, ahead of the official opening ceremony and discussions scheduled for tomorrow. The four-day summit, running from 26–29 November, brings together land administration leaders, technical experts, and strategic partners from across the Dutch Caribbean. This year’s summit welcomes approximately 65 attendees, representing government agencies, technical institutions, regional partners, and private-sector innovators working to advance land management and geospatial information systems. Hosted by Kadaster St. Maarten in collaboration with DataAxis, the event focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating the digital transformation of land governance. Participants will engage in discussions, case-based learning, and knowledge-sharing on innovation, data accessibility, sustainable spatial development, and future-ready...
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November 26, 2025 No comments
AUDIT CHAMBER PRESENTS REPORT ON PERMIT PROCESS TO MINISTER OF VROMI
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The General Audit Chamber officially handed over its audit report on the building permit issuance and denial process to the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs during a productive meeting focused on transparency, efficiency, and reform. The audit examined the legal framework, procedural integrity, and data usage in St. Maarten's building permit process (2020-2024), a critical system for managing development on an island with limited land resources, fragile ecosystems, and infrastructure constraints. The report is intended as a roadmap to reduce fraud risks and improve efficiency in permitting processes. The audit revealed that St. Maarten's permitting framework is fragmented and outdated. The Building and Housing Ordinance of 1935 remains the primary...
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November 26, 2025 No comments
Police Investigating Recovered Stolen Vehicles & Stone-Throwing Incident
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating an incident in the Quilletor Drive area, near Madrid Drive, where two suspected stolen vehicles were discovered. The situation escalated when officers were pelted with stones while one of the vehicles was being towed. A police patrol responded to the location after an individual reported finding a vehicle previously listed as stolen. Upon arrival in the Quilletor Drive area, officers located a vehicle showing clear signs of tampering. Shortly afterward, a second suspicious vehicle was found nearby. Both vehicles displayed indications of theft and were confiscated along with items found inside. While one of the vehicles was being removed by a towing company, officers were suddenly attacked with stones...
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