January 27, 2026 No comments
New Course Tackles the Violence Hidden in Caribbean Homes. Grace Hill Bible University Responds to Surge in Domestic Abuse Cases
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The numbers are staggering: 840 million women worldwide have faced partner violence. On St. Maarten, domestic abuse reports surged after Hurricane Irma—and experts say most cases never get reported at all. Grace Hill Bible University's St. Maarten Campus is responding with a new specialized course—building on over a decade of training counselors, pastors and community helpers. "Domestic abuse isn't just 'out there'—it's in our churches, our workplaces, our neighbourhoods," says Dr. Nicole Francis Cotton, the program developer. "We're training healers for hurting homes." A 15-Week Path from Bystander to Helper The new Master's-level course, "Couples Counseling: New Insights into Ending Abusive Relationships," teaches counselors, pastors, social workers, and community leaders to recognize abuse early and intervene safely. Beyond physical violence, students learn...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
VROMI FLAGS IMPACT TO PERMITS BY FIRE DEPT GO-SLOW
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement addressing significant delays in the permit approval process resulting from ongoing go-slow action by the Fire Department. The situation has created a bottleneck affecting critical infrastructure projects across the country. The Fire Department's go-slow action has resulted in the suspension of fire safety inspections and approvals, which are mandatory components of the building permit process. This has brought about challenges in the permitting processing, compounding VROMI's already lengthy wait times and affecting projects of national importance. "As a civil servant I understand and acknowledge the frustrations of our Fire Department personnel," said Minister Gumbs. "However, I want to...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON MONDAY WITH INJURIES
SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - Officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) responded to a traffic accident resulting in injuries on Welfare Road on Monday morning, January 26, 2026. At approximately 6:17 a.m., several police patrol units and ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene near a well-known nightclub on Welfare Road. According to preliminary investigations, a passenger vehicle and a scooter were traveling in the same direction on Welfare Road from Airport Road toward Billy Folly Road. The scooter rider, apparently due to inattention, collided with the rear of the vehicle ahead. The collision caused the scooter rider to sustain a fracture to his right leg. After receiving first aid at the scene, the victim was transported by ambulance to the...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
MP Ottley: GEBE Billing System Still A National Crisis; Urgent Action Is Demanded
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Today, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley issued a stern reminder to the government regarding the ongoing crisis surrounding GEBE's billing system and the urgent need for immediate action to address the concerns of its clients. In recent months, the government has made a series of promises to the people of Sint Maarten that have yet to materialize, causing frustration and hardship for many households and businesses. MP Ottley highlighted several critical issues that have emerged from these unfulfilled commitments: A loan of 76 million guilders was taken out by the government for 3 generators that have not yet been ordered, it has now been over a year. This financial burden is being placed on the backs...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
Flow Partners with RISE Foundation to Support Vulnerable Families Through Project Hope
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Flow partnered with RISE Foundation to provide extended support to vulnerable families through the Foundation’s Project Hope initiative, delivering assistance that continues beyond the holiday season and into the new year. Project Hope is a targeted community initiative aimed at supporting families experiencing financial, medical, or social hardship during one of the most challenging times of the year. The initiative is structured to provide relief over multiple months, recognizing that the pressures faced by families do not end when the holidays are over. As part of this initiative, RISE Foundation collaborated with Leaders for Change Foundation, which worked closely with families within the community and conducted the initial needs assessment to identify those most in need of...
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