October 17, 2025 No comments
VROMI Takes Mitigation Action Against Flooding Caused by Rising Fresh Pond Levels
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) — The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has taken proactive measures to mitigate flooding across the community following recent heavy rainfall. Due to the rising water levels of the Fresh Water Pond, VROMI has initiated controlled spillover into the Great Salt Pond. This measure helps to balance the water levels between both ponds and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. Simultaneously, the Great Bay Channel is being opened to allow for the regulated release of excess water into the sea. This combined effort is part of the Ministry’s ongoing water management strategy to safeguard residents, property, and public infrastructure during periods of intense rainfall. The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution...
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October 15, 2025 No comments
Ministry of VSA Minister of Health Brug Outlines Path Forward for SZV
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In a continued effort to strengthen the transparency, accountability, and longterm sustainability of the Social & Health Insurances (SZV), Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, has outlined a clear set of directives and reforms to guide the institution into a new phase of responsible governance. The recently appointed Adjunct Director, Mr. Felisie, who will serve as Temporary Director as of October 15, 2025, has been formally instructed to carry out several key assignments, aimed at improving financial oversight, strengthening strategic planning, and rebuilding public trust in SZV. Among the immediate priorities: Mr. Felisie has been instructed in accordance with Article 21, Subsection 8 of the SZV Ordinance, to conduct an independent financial...
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October 15, 2025 No comments
Former MP forfeiture case heard in court
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Court of First Instance heard on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the forfeiture claim (ontnemingsvordering) filed by the Prosecutor’s Office OM SXM against A.A., a former Member of Parliament, in connection with the vote-buying case known as “Aconitum”. The Prosecution is seeking the recovery of XCG 168,189.58, representing salary and transitional allowance (wachtgeld) received by A. since his election in January 2024. According to the OM, these payments are the direct proceeds of criminal acts, namely election fraud and perjury, which enabled his swearing-in as Member of Parliament on February 10, 2024. A verdict in the forfeiture case is expected to be delivered on October 22, 2025, at 8:45am. In January 2025, A. was convicted in first instance...
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October 15, 2025 No comments
Minister Brug meets with UNOPS reps regarding new Sint Maarten Detention Center
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Hon. Richinel Brug, met with representatives of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as part of ongoing preparations for the construction of the new Sint Maarten Detention Center. During the meeting, UNOPS representatives sought guidance on the legal framework surrounding the employment of foreign labor. Minister Brug provided clarification on local labor laws and procedures and was assured by UNOPS that local regulations would be respected. As Minister of Labor, Minister Brug emphasized that strict adherence to local labor laws is essential, particularly in relation to subcontracting opportunities and ensuring tangible benefits for the local labor market. “While we welcome international partnerships,...
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October 15, 2025 No comments
SCDF launches 2026 Carnival schedule: 31 days in celebration of 55 years of fettin'
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has unveiled the 2026 Carnival Schedule of Events for local, regional, and international audiences. In 2026 St. Maarten celebrates 55 years of its largest cultural event with a record 31 days of Carnival, including pre-Carnival activities. “We will showcase our Carnival culture in all its splendor, and we invite the world to Come, Experience LIFE,” said SCDF President Edwardo Radjouki. Pre-events begin in March 2026. The official season opens April 10 with the opening of Carnival Village and closes May 5 with the burning of King Momo. “We are always excited for Carnival, and even more so for our 55th,” Radjouki said. “We have a schedule filled with culture,...
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