July 06, 2026 No comments
APS provides updates on financial status and indexation
SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - On May 4th, 2026, the Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) finalized its financial statement 2025 with a clean (unqualified) opinion. In 2025, APS continued to build on the solid foundation of previous years, with a strong focus on governance, investment policy, and organizational resilience. The Board and management operated in an environment characterized by economic uncertainty, geopolitical developments, and increasing regulatory and societal expectations. APS pursued a prudent and forward‑looking course, with careful attention to risk management, transparency, and balanced decision‑making. Managing Director of APS, Mr. Oscar Williams said, “We are pleased to announce that in the month of July, the pensions will be increased retroactively from 1 January 2026 with 0,92%, which is based on the...
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July 06, 2026 No comments
Fix the Incomplete
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By the General Audit Chamber) - A budget without up-to-date financial statements is like marking an assignment before the student has completed the work. The cover page may be neat. The introduction may sound promising. Some answers may even be correct. But if key sections are missing, the teacher cannot give a fair grade. The same applies to public finances. Government may present a new budget each year, but without reliable financial statements, Parliament and the public do not have the full answer sheet. We can see what government plans to spend, but not clearly enough what was actually collected, spent, owed, corrected, or left unresolved. The General Audit Chamber has reported this concern repeatedly. Financial statements are supposed to...
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July 05, 2026 No comments
Minister Heyliger-Marten uses busy cruise day walkthrough to assess Boardwalk
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten conducted an extensive walkthrough of the Philipsburg Boardwalk, using one of the area’s busier cruise days to assess enforcement concerns, beach vending operations and the overall visitor experience. The visit was carried out alongside the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) and followed the submission of a detailed IETA assessment outlining operational concerns along the Boardwalk and beachfront. Two large cruise vessels were in port during the walkthrough, giving the Ministry an opportunity to observe the Boardwalk under heavy visitor traffic. The Minister was accompanied by members of her Cabinet, IETA’s Department Head, Section Head, Economic Controllers and other Inspectorate representatives. The walkthrough covered the...
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July 05, 2026 No comments
Disney Cruise to expand St. Maarten presence following Disney Destiny's inaugural call
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Disney Destiny's inaugural call to St. Maarten on July 1 ushered in a significant expansion of Disney Cruise Line's presence on the island, marking the first of three scheduled Disney visits in 2026, with approximately 14 calls expected in 2027 and further growth anticipated in 2028, according to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten. Speaking during the inaugural visit onboard the ship, Minister Heyliger-Marten described the occasion as an important milestone in the growing partnership between Disney Cruise Line and St. Maarten. "This year, Disney Cruise Line is scheduled to make two calls to St. Maarten. In 2027, that number is expected to grow to approximately 14 calls, and by 2028, we intend...
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July 05, 2026 No comments
Four youngsters arrested following fight near the Festival Village
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) remained actively engaged in ensuring public safety during the Buss Di Chain Cooler Fete held last evening at the Joselyn Arnell Festival Village. During the event, police officers responded promptly to a physical altercation involving four young men. Officers quickly brought the situation under control and arrested all individuals involved. They were subsequently transported to the Philipsburg Police station for processing. As a result of their actions and disorderly behavior, all four individuals will remain in custody pending further investigation. KPSM also wishes to remind the public that law enforcement officers will maintain a strong presence at public events. Anyone choosing to engage in criminal, violent or disorderly behavior should expect...
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