May 29, 2026 No comments
Dutch Caribbean Research Week: speakers announced and programme live
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Dutch Caribbean Research Week (DCRW2026) proudly announces the keynote and plenary speakers. From 17 to 24 June 2026, leading voices from research, policy and society will come together for six thematic conference days across six Caribbean islands. With the full programme now published on www.dcrw.nl, participants may explore an engaging week of keynote lectures, plenary sessions, panel discussions and cultural intermezzi, all centred on issues that matter to the Dutch Caribbean. Keynote speakers Across the six conference days, the following keynote speakers will deliver addresses that frame each day’s theme and stimulate dialogue between researchers, policymakers and societal partners: Stephanie Croes (Aruba) Soraya Verstraeten (Curacao) Elly Rojer (Bonaire) Oliver Klokman (Saba) Raymond Jesserun (Sint Maarten) Island Governor...
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May 29, 2026 No comments
SXM DOET 2026 Concludes with Tremendous Success. 1,300+ Volunteers & 83 Projects
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On May 15 and May 16, 2026, communities across Sint Maarten came alive as SXM DOET 2026 successfully hosted its 12th impactful year of a weekend of volunteerism, community engagement, and positive change. Celebrating a dozen years of DOETing, this year’s edition proved to be a large and inspiring year. Under this year’s theme, “From Jump Up to Step Up,” SXM DOET 2026 encouraged individuals and organizations not only to celebrate community spirit at this year’s three-week long carnival celebration, but to also actively step forward and make a meaningful contribution toward the betterment of Sint Maarten. More than 1,300 volunteers came together island wide to participate in 83 community projects organized by foundations, schools, non-profit organizations,...
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May 29, 2026 No comments
NV GEBE Provides Transparency about Fuel Clause Mechanism
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - NV GEBE wishes to provide customers with further clarification regarding the fuel clause reflected on the May 2026 electricity bills. As St. Maarten relies heavily on imported fuel for power generation, fluctuations in international fuel prices directly affect generation costs. These costs are provided to NV GEBE on a monthly basis by SOL Antilles N.V. (SOL Group) and are incorporated into the fuel clause calculation. The fuel clause is not a new charge, nor has its calculation method been changed. It is a long‑standing, cost‑reflective mechanism that has formed part of NV GEBE’s approved tariff structure, by the Government of St. Maarten, for over 15 years. The mechanism allows actual fuel costs billed by SOL for...
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May 28, 2026 No comments
MP Doran Raises Concern Over Criteria Used in General Practitioner Approval Process
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Egbert J. Doran raised concerns based on statements made by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina in Parliament regarding the approval process for a doctor to practice as a general practitioner in St. Maarten, the MP said in a press statement on Thursday. The Prime Minister stated that the advice before him concerned the denial of an application because the doctor did not have the specialization as a family doctor. He later stated that only four of nineteen general practitioners in St. Maarten have that specialization certificate. MP Doran’s concern was whether the Prime Minister knowingly approved a doctor despite concerns raised in the advice, and whether personal knowledge of the doctor influenced that...
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May 28, 2026 No comments
Caribbean police chiefs elect chief of police Carl John as new ACCP Chairman
SINT MAARTEN/SURINAME (PARAMARIBO) – Chief of police Carl John of Sint Maarten has been elected Chairman of the ACCP. The election took place during the 40th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), held from 11 to 15 May 2026 at the Royal Torarica Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname. Chief of police John had served as First Vice Chairman since 2025 and now succeeds the outgoing chairman. The election of chief of police John as Chairman of the ACCP further strengthens the position of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands within the regional police and security structure. As chairman, he will play an important role over the coming year in regional police...
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