January 15, 2026 No comments
Visitor Poll: Crime Is Dutch Side Visitors’ Most Pressing Concern, But Continuous Traffic Congestion & Bad Roads Outrank It
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Massachusetts-based travel writer Jeff Berger recently conducted an online survey in his “Everything SXM Facebook Group: designed to identify visitors’ main concerns about St. Maarten. The survey was launched just a day before the dramatic “smash & grab” robbery of a Maho jewelry store in December and its results reflect rapidly accelerating visitor concern with crime, traffic congestion, inadequate Dutch side road repairs, and other issues. 99% of respondents were stayover tourists (92%) and xPats (7%), who spend more time on the island patronizing Dutch side businesses than any other single tourist group. Details on the concerns discussed by tourists are below. Key survey results: --Crime was the number one concern of all stayover visitors: 28% of all...
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January 15, 2026 No comments
Consumer Prices Continue to Remain Stable in the 3rd Quarter of 2025
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Department of Statistics (STAT) reports a modest shift in consumer prices between the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2025. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 registered at 115.09, reflecting a 0.76% increase compared to Q2 2025 (CPI: 114.23). When comparing Q3 2025 (115.09) to the same period in 2024 (113.82), an annual increase of 1.12% is observed. In addition, the average CPI across the first three (3) quarters of 2025 shows a moderate increase of 1.09% when compared to the same period in 2024. These results indicate an overall environment of price stability, despite fluctuations across specific expenditure categories. Quarter 3 Overview (Q3 2025–Q2 2025) In Q3 2025, the CPI inflation increased...
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January 15, 2026 No comments
In Remembrance of Marc Marshall
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On behalf of the Board and staff of the Sint Maarten Library, the passing of Marc Marshall invites us to pause — not only in sorrow, but in reflection. Marc served as General Manager of the Sint Maarten Library for a period of two years. His time with the institution unfolded during a demanding chapter, marked by transition, pressure, and complex challenges. It was not an easy season, nor a simple role to carry. Yet even in turbulence, Marc showed up. He accepted responsibility at a time when the Library was navigating significant change, and he did so with commitment and resolve. He understood the weight of the position and the expectations that came with it. While circumstances...
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January 15, 2026 No comments
Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited Construction of the New Point Blanche Prison
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Justice has officially launched the construction of the new Point Blanche Prison, marking a major milestone within the Detention Sector Reform Program and a decisive step toward strengthening Sint Maarten’s justice system and improving detention conditions. The construction project, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) forms part of the broader Detention Sector reform Program led by the Ministry of Justice. It represents a joint investment of USD 52 million from the Government of Sint Maarten and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands. The new facility will be modern, resilient, and sustainable. It is designed to meet the highest international standards and ensure safe, humane,...
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January 15, 2026 No comments
Anguilla, Saba, and Statia to Host “Meet the Neighbors” SMART Program
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Anguilla, Saba, and Statia (St. Eustatius) will be the official host destinations of the “Meet the Neighbors” program in the 18th St. Maarten / St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART). This was announced today by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), in conjunction with organizing committee members Office du Tourisme (OdT), St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), and the Club du Tourisme (CdT). SMART 2026 will take place from June 22–26 and will be the third edition in its revised, expanded format. As a new element, “Meet the Neighbors” was added to the 25-year-old tradeshow in 2024 and 2025 to allow foreign tour operators and travel agents to explore a unique feature of destinations in the...
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