July 22, 2026 No comments
MP Lewis Calls for Immediate Action Against Illegal Transportation Operators
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) and Vice Chairman of the Justice Committee, Lyndon Lewis, is calling on the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyligar-Marten, and the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, to immediately strengthen the enforcement of laws governing illegal transportation services operating throughout Sint Maarten. MP Lewis expressed serious concern over the increasing number of individuals providing illegal taxi, bus, and tour services. These individuals are legally required to hold permits or licenses, undergo inspections, and obtain authorization to carry out said services. According to MP Lewis, numerous complaints have been brought to his attention regarding private vehicles being outfitted with taxi and tour signs while operating...
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July 21, 2026 No comments
Heyliger-Marten convenes BTP review. GEBE to substantiate tariff information by July 27
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten met with the Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) on Tuesday to assess the implementation of the new supervisory framework for utilities company GEBE and establish the status of BTP’s review of the latest fuel-clause adjustment. BTP informed the Minister that GEBE submitted most of the information requested in its July 13 letter. However, portions of the documentation were unclear and require further substantiation before BTP can complete its assessment. BTP has given GEBE until July 27 to provide the additional information. GEBE has indicated that it intends to meet the deadline. The meeting also confirmed that BTP did not receive the supporting information needed to validate the latest...
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July 21, 2026 No comments
Caribbean Literature Day 2026 Celebration Highlights Growing Literary Voices and Strengthens Culture of Reading
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Sint Maarten Library, Conscious Lyrics Foundation, and Tiny Lib’s Coffee & Soda Biscuits Association extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who viewed, supported, and engaged with the Caribbean Literature Day 2026 Children’s Literature Authors Panel. The virtual commemoration connected audiences from Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, the wider Caribbean, and beyond in celebration of local literary voices and Caribbean storytelling. Introduced by the House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) in 2020 during the 18th annual St. Martin Book Fair, Caribbean Literature Day honors Caribbean writers, poets, storytellers, publishers, educators, and readers while recognizing literature’s role in preserving the region’s history, culture, traditions, languages, and identity. As part of the St. Martin Book Fair 2026’s literary engagement, this year’s...
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July 21, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell attends Bastille Day Festivities in The Hague
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, the Honorable Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, attended the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, 2026, at the Embassy of the Republic of France in The Hague. The minister joined members of the diplomatic corps representing numerous countries, senior government officials, and other invited guests in commemorating France's National Day and celebrating the longstanding ties of friendship and international cooperation between France and its diplomatic partners. Minister Arrindell was hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Francois Alabrune and his wife Jacqueline Alabrune. The national French celebration provided an important opportunity to reflect on the unique relationship shared by the people of Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin. While Bastille Day is a celebration of the French Republic's...
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July 21, 2026 No comments
Two Governments Abstain. One People Unheard
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The ONESXM Association is expressing serious concern following a vote at the United Nations Economic and Social Council in which both the Republic of France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands abstained on a resolution related to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The resolution was adopted with 31 votes in favour, one vote against, and 17 abstentions. For St. Martin, the vote carries particular significance. Our island remains administered by two colonial powers. Yet when both governments were called upon to take a position on an international resolution concerning decolonization, the people of St. Martin were not consulted. Two governments voted. One people were unheard. The ONESXM Association is not only concerned about the...
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