August 20, 2026 No comments
SCDF Reminds Public Carnival 2027 Registration Closes September 1
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is reminding the general public that registration for Carnival 2027 will officially close on September 1, 2026. Registration will close for troupes, booths, pageants, bands and the calypso competition. Registration for season passes will open at a later date. Interested persons can register through the SCDF’s new digital platform, www.sxmcarnival.life, which quickly grew in popularity during the Carnival 2026 celebrations in April. Registration can be completed directly at www.sxmcarnival.life/registration. The SCDF said the platform represents an important step in modernizing the way Carnival information, registration and participant engagement are managed. Early registration allows the foundation to finalize key preparations, assess participation levels, organize logistics and ensure that Carnival 2027 is planned in...
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August 20, 2026 No comments
ECYS Minister Clarifies Reports on School Gym Closures
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Melissa D. Gumbs, took time to address rumours that several schools were not briefed about the pending closure of their gymnasiums. In a media statement provided on Thursday evening, Gumbs provided background to the purpose for the closures and the efforts by the National Recovery Programme Bureau to communicate with all stakeholders involved. “For several months, I have spoken about the ongoing projects under the Trust Fund that relate to ECYS,” Gumbs stated. “ERP-1, under which the repairs of school gyms and sports facilities falls, is currently in the mobilization and preparation stage. As per the contractual requirements under the Trust Fund, site possession is handed over to the...
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August 20, 2026 No comments
PJIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS BEGUN CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CURBSIDE CHECK-IN FACILITY
SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is pleased to announce that construction has officially begun construction on its new Curbside Check-In facility. This is an important infrastructure improvement designed to add much-needed capacity, improve operational efficiency and provide passengers with a more convenient and seamless airport experience. The project forms part of PJIA’s continued commitment to strengthening and modernizing its facilities as the airport continues to grow, responding to increasing passenger and operational demands. Once completed, the new Curbside Check-In facility will provide departing passengers with the opportunity to check in, tag their luggage before entering the terminal while creating an additional processing point outside of the main terminal check-in area. By moving part of the check-in process curbside, PJIA...
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August 20, 2026 No comments
Prime Minister Mercelina Expresses Solidarity with Peru Following Powerful Earthquake
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, on behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, has expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Peru following the powerful earthquake that struck the country on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The earthquake occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time, with its epicentre near Coracora in the Ayacucho region. The Geophysical Institute of Peru recorded a magnitude of 7.2, while the United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 6.7. Tremors were felt across several regions, including the capital, Lima. Preliminary reports indicate that persons were injured and that homes, healthcare facilities, a school and other infrastructure sustained damage. Peruvian authorities continue to assess the full...
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August 20, 2026 No comments
Minister of Finance Gumbs Moves to Introduce a Pension Contribution for Political Officeholders
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Honorable Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs is moving forward with the introduction of a pension contribution for political officeholders, which include Ministers, the Minister Plenipotentiary and Members of Parliament, as part of her broader efforts to strengthen fiscal responsibility, fairness and accountability in the management of the country's finances. The initiative follows a review which established that political officeholders presently do not make an employee contribution toward the pension benefits attached to their political office. This has been the situation since 10 October 2010. Minister Gumbs noted that Article 30 of the National Ordinance Pension Regulation Political Authorities provides for a contribution to be regulated by National Decree, containing general measures. According to Article 30 of said National...
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