May 01, 2026 No comments
Labor Day Message from NAPB-Sint Maarten
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Today, as we celebrate Labor Day, we do more than recognize the contributions of workers to our societies and economies. We also reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect, empower, and advance the interests of working people. Labor Day is rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and solidarity. The rights many workers now enjoy—fair wages, safer working conditions, reasonable hours, leave benefits, and protection from exploitation—were not freely given. They were won through the determination and unity of trade unions and the workers who stood together. But while we honor our past victories, our focus must remain firmly on the future. The world of work is changing rapidly. New technologies, shifting labor markets, economic uncertainty, and evolving employment models present both...
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May 01, 2026 No comments
Together We Rise: Embracing Tripartism for a Stronger St. Maarten
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As we mark Labour Day 2026, the Employers Council of St. Maarten — representing the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, the St. Maarten Timeshare Association, the Indian Merchants Association, and the St. Maarten Marine Trade Association — invites the entire community to reflect on this year’s theme: Tripartism. Together, our member organisations represent approximately 561 registered businesses and 12,079 employees. These are not just numbers — they are our neighbours, our colleagues, our community. What Is Tripartism — And Why Does It Matter? Tripartism is the principle that government, employers, and workers must work together as equal partners to shape fair, productive, and sustainable labour policies. It is not a new idea. The Philadelphia Declaration of...
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May 01, 2026 No comments
Minister Brug congratulates workers on Labor Day
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, extends warm and heartfelt congratulations to all workers across the country. “Today, we recognize all workers across Sint Maarten, but especially the single parents working long hours to provide for their children, the individuals balancing two or three jobs just to make ends meet, and the seniors who continue to work beyond retirement age to support themselves and their families.” He continued by acknowledging the many individuals who support the fabric of society each day. “We recognize our frontline workers who keep our communities safe and healthy, our teachers who help shape and guide our children, and all those whose efforts—often behind the scenes—make it possible...
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April 29, 2026 No comments
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten Starts First Official Visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in Sint Maarten
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten will visit St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Aruba and Curaçao from 8 to 14 May 2026. It will be Jetten’s first visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in his capacity as prime minister. The visit will start in Sint Maarten, where the prime minister will learn more about reconstruction efforts, law enforcement, good governance and cooperation in the event of disasters and crises. He will speak with various organisations about the issues that matter to local residents, including youth, care and welfare, tourism and entrepreneurship, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The fact that this visit is taking place right at the start of his term of office highlights the importance...
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April 29, 2026 No comments
Court Convicts R.B. to Six-Months and J.A.D. to Four-Months in Bribery Case
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has today, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, ruled in the "Lisbon" case, which concerns official bribery, the Court of Justice stated in a press statement. The statement says that the main suspect R.B. was suspected of having allowed himself to be bribed by three people as a member of the Parliament of Sint Maarten by, among other things, accepting bribes in exchange for favoring these people. “The General Court has now ruled that bribery cannot be proven in two cases. In one case, bribery has been established: the Court has declared proven that R.B. has favoured co-defendant J.A.D. in exchange for, among other things, money and airline tickets. “The General Court...
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