November 10, 2026 No comments
Investigation continues into firearms found in luggage of passenger from Saba
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The investigation into three firearms found in the luggage of a woman arriving in Sint Maarten on a flight from Saba is continuing. On the instruction of the Prosecutor’s Office the woman was arrested by Customs officers after the firearms were discovered in her luggage. The weapons were confiscated. During questioning, the woman stated that she was unaware the firearms were in her luggage. Further investigation corroborated that account. As her continued detention was no longer necessary for the investigation, she was released from custody on the instructions of the prosecutor. A related investigation is being conducted by the BES Prosecutor's Office. In Sint Maarten, the Forensic Investigation Unit (FO) must still examine the firearms and prepare a report on...
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November 10, 2026 No comments
USM and TU Delft Invite Public to Test Innovative Home Design Tool
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - How can we build homes that are safe, comfortable in the heat and affordable? To help answer that question, a free online tool has been developed that shows how design choices affect the cost, hurricane safety and indoor comfort of a house. The tool was developed by Dr. Eng. Arch. Aga Kus, postdoctoral researcher at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands, who has worked with the University of St. Martin (USM) for the past five years on safe and affordable housing for the island. "Everyone has an idea of what their dream house would look like. Yet in the design process, safety is often prioritized at the expense of how the house looks, and...
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November 10, 2026 No comments
Gerbert Kunst to depart as the Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, & Sint Maarten
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Gerbert Kunst will leave the position of the Representation of the Netherlands in Willemstad as of the 1st of March 2027. The assignment is being terminated early at his request due to personal circumstances. Gerbert Kunst was appointed as the Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten on the 15th of May 2025. Gerbert Kunst: “Over the past years, I have had the privilege of experiencing in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom how we can achieve results through connection and equality. I have done so with great pleasure. Driven by the strong conviction that, as four equal partners in the Kingdom, we can achieve more together than each of us could alone....
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November 09, 2026 No comments
Minister of VSA Connor St. Martin Day Message
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – “As is our custom on November 11th, we celebrate St. Martin Day. We honor an island that has shared one land, North and South, for nearly four centuries,” Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Minister of VSA) Claret Connor said on Monday, November 9th, 2026, in his pre-St. Martin Day Message. “We are reminded of the values that define us as a people: unity, compassion, resilience and the spirit of sharing. “St. Martin Day is more than a celebration of our heritage and traditions. It is a reminder to look out for one another, support our communities and ensure that no one is left behind. “As Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, I remain...
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November 09, 2026 No comments
Island Gems supports English–Dutch workbook for primary school pupils
SAINT-MARTIN (FRENCH QUARTER) - Island Gems Charity Foundation fully funded the production of Birds Around Me / Vogels om mij heen, an English–Dutch workbook for primary school pupils in Grade 4 and above. Pupils can colour illustrations of local birds and read about them in both languages. Les Fruits de Mer identified the need for the workbook through a survey of teachers, who highlighted a shortage of English–Dutch reading materials for primary school pupils. The workbook gives pupils a way to practise Dutch while learning about birds they can see around the island. “Dutch remains important for further study and many careers,” said Island Gems President Alita Singh. “When children can practise the language with a book about their own island, they...
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