January 29, 2026 No comments
Education: The Strongest Foundation for Sint Maarten’s Recovery
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By Lilia Burunciuc) - Last year, Sint Maarten conducted its first country-wide assessment of early-grade learning. One finding stood out. Many children could read words aloud with confidence yet struggled to fully understand what they were reading. For many parents, the results were revealing because they helped pinpoint where their children were struggling, making it clearer how they could support learning at home. Many were able to step in - reading together more intentionally, slowing down, asking questions, and focusing on understanding rather than speed. This seemingly simple intervention is setting Sint Maarten’s children on a different path altogether, one that places them in a much stronger position to succeed in the future. As the world marked International Day...
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January 29, 2026 No comments
Motion Tabled regarding Handling of Fire Department and Emergency Services Issues
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Parliament of Sint Maarten today debated a motion sharply criticizing the manner in which the Prime Minister has handled long standing issues affecting the Fire Department, Ambulance Services, and key departments under his responsibility, according to a press release from Member of Parliament (MP) F. Lacroes. The motion highlights a pattern of neglect and inadequate support that has negatively impacted the functioning of essential public services and overall public administration. The motion recalls that the Prime Minister, in his capacity as Minister of General Affairs, is legally and politically responsible for the proper functioning, administration, and oversight of the portfolios of Legal Affairs, Personnel and Organization, Facilities, the Department of BAK, and the Fire Department....
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January 29, 2026 No comments
Solicitor General Boswijk awarded French judicial honour
SAINT-MARTIN (MARIGOT) - Solicitor General Robbert-Jan Boswijk has been awarded the Médaille d’honneur des services judiciaires by the French Ministry of Justice, in recognition of his team’s exceptional contributions to international judicial cooperation. The honour was granted by official decree of the French Minister of Justice and published in the Bulletin Officiel des Décorations, Médailles et Récompenses. Boswijk received the distinction at the gold level (échelon or) and à titre exceptionnel, a category reserved for outstanding services rendered to the judicial system. Boswijk, who is part of the of the Office of the Attorney-General of Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, was nominated for his and his team sustained efforts to strengthen judicial cooperation between the Dutch Caribbean and...
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January 29, 2026 No comments
Second Fatal Pedestrian Incident on Thursday. Garbage truck hits pedestrian
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is investigating a second fatal traffic incident that occurred within a 24-hour period. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Central Dispatch received a report of a traffic accident on Nisbeth Road involving a garbage truck and a pedestrian. Traffic officers, patrol units, and ambulance personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim who had been struck by the garbage truck. The victim was provided with medical assistance at the scene and was subsequently transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment. Police later received confirmation that the victim succumbed to his injuries. The Traffic Department of KPSM is currently conducting an...
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January 28, 2026 No comments
MP Wescot-Williams Advances Parliament-Led Community Development Initiative Through District Councils
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah A. Wescot-Williams has submitted a proposal to the Parliament Committee on District Councils calling for the exploration and piloting of a Community-Driven District Development Fund, a Parliament-initiated approach aimed at strengthening resident participation in small-scale district improvements across Sint Maarten. The proposal responds to long-standing calls from communities for greater involvement in shaping their immediate environments, particularly through practical projects such as beautification, improved lighting, playground upgrades, and safer public spaces. “Communities know what their districts need,” MP Wescot-Williams said. “When residents are given structured opportunities to identify priorities and contribute to solutions, supported by transparency and proper oversight, the results are more visible, trusted, and sustainable.” MP Wescot-Williams explained that the initiative...
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