January 19, 2026 No comments
SG Arnell submits VSA end-of-year report in line with principles of Good Governance and Transparency
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, announces that the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Ms. Joy Arnell, has submitted the Ministry’s end-of-year report in accordance with Article 9 of the “Organisatiebesluit VSA”. In fulfillment of this legal obligation, the heads of departments submitted written reports to the Secretary-General prior to January 15, outlining the activities carried out during the preceding year, key developments, and other matters relevant for inclusion in the Ministry’s annual report. These submissions form the foundation of the consolidated report prepared by SG Arnell and stafbureau. While the legal deadline for submissions by department heads has been met, the document is currently...
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January 19, 2026 No comments
KPSM Enforcement Operations Continues Resulting in Four Arrests, Multiple Weapons Seized
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) reports the successful execution of enforcement operations across the island from Monday, January 12 through Sunday, January 18, 2026. The KPSM Team, operating in conjunction with the Uniformed Patrol Division (BPZ), deployed strategic controls at identified high-risk locations to aggressively combat criminal activity and restore order to our communities. Four (4) individuals were taken into custody for several criminal offenses: Stolen Vehicle Recovery – Arlet Peterson Road A suspect was apprehended operating a stolen white Kia Picanto during a traffic stop. Several Scooters were impounded for traffic violations, lack of proper documentation (license, insurance, registration, road tax, helmet use) or non-compliance with safety laws, Shooting Investigation – Armed Suspect Arrested A suspect...
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January 19, 2026 No comments
MP Doran Questions Silence on Sister Marie Laurence School Reconstruction
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Egbert J. Doran is raising concerns over what he describes as a lack of communication from Minister of ECYS, Melissa Gumbs, regarding the future of the Sister Marie Laurence School. While acknowledging that the demolition of the former school building was a necessary and long-awaited step, MP Doran says the process appears to have stalled at precisely the moment when clarity is most needed. Since the demolition several months ago, he notes, there has been no public update from the Minister on when reconstruction will begin or how the project is expected to move forward. “The demolition marked progress,” Doran stated. “But progress without follow-through is not enough. Once that phase was completed,...
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January 19, 2026 No comments
SHTA, NIA, Amstel Bright Launch Annual 2026 Calendar at D’s Beach Bar
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Last week Thursday, D’s Beach Bar formed the backdrop for the launch of the 2026 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) Annual Events Calendar. The “Cultural Icon,” National Institute of the Arts (NIA), was officially presented with the calendar by Zoila Sanchez Contreras of main sponsor Amstel Bright, distributed by Divico Distributors, marking the start of the 2026 calendar’s circulation. Sanchez Contreras shared the calendar with Shannell Bucknor, Mila Grandtner, Nyah Kalmera, and Shiloh Bedminister of NIA. A joint photo of these artists at the historic Fort Amsterdam, taken last year, was selected as the featured image for the 2026 calendar. As Cultural Icon, NIA now follows in the footsteps of past honorees such as...
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January 19, 2026 No comments
Island Gems supports NIPA Breakfast Programme with Kitchen Equipment
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Island Gems Charity Foundation has donated essential kitchen equipment and serving items to support the upcoming Breakfast Programme at the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), helping ensure that students begin their school day nourished and ready to learn. Island Gems Charity Foundation, the island’s oldest all-women charity organization, made the donation following a request from NIPA, which is preparing to launch the programme in February. NIPA is Sint Maarten’s tertiary vocational education institution, serving both full-time students and working adults through programs in healthcare, hospitality, business, ICT, and technical trades. Many of its students come from households facing financial or social challenges. As a result, the institute plays not only an educational role, but also a supportive...
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