SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) — The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has formally submitted a legal advisory concerning the constitutional role of the Governor of Sint Maarten to the Council of Ministers (CoM). In the interest of transparency, the advisory has also been shared with His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Members of Parliament.

The advisory, prepared by constitutional expert Prof. Dr. Arjen van Rijn, was commissioned following developments in January 2026 related to the handling of an administrative matter and the associated decision-making processes within Government.

The report provides a detailed legal analysis of the Governor’s dual role as both the constitutional head of the Government of Sint Maarten and as the representative of the Kingdom Government. It further examines the limits of the Governor’s authority within that framework and the principle of ministerial responsibility.

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional boundaries, “This advisory provides critical guidance on the proper functioning of our constitutional system. It reinforces a fundamental principle: that the elected Council of Ministers carries the political mandate and responsibility to govern, and that this mandate must be respected at all times.”

The advisory concludes that certain actions taken during the January 2026 events exceeded established constitutional boundaries and risked undermining the political primacy of the Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed that the matter is about protecting institutions, “This is not about individuals; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions. Sint Maarten is a constitutional democracy, and we must ensure that the separation of roles and responsibilities remains clear, respected, and upheld.”

The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of learning from the situation and preventing future ambiguity, “We have a responsibility to address this matter with maturity and resolve. Clear constitutional boundaries are essential to good governance. Where those boundaries are tested, it is our duty to reaffirm them decisively and constructively.”

Prime Minister Mercelina indicated that the Council of Ministers will deliberate on the advisory.

“Our focus now is on strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that our constitutional framework continues to serve the people of Sint Maarten effectively and without ambiguity.”

The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to transparency, the rule of law, safeguarding the constitution and the continued strengthening of its democratic institutions.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sjamira Roseburg has welcomed the outcome of a recent meeting with the Social Economic Council (SER), highlighting steady progress in the legislative process.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that the SER is actively reviewing two important amendments, one related to the LTU and another concerning the rental law.

The amendments have been sent to the SER to assess the possible socio economic impact, meaning how these changes may affect people, businesses, and the wider community.

This step is important to ensure that the proposed laws are not only good on paper, but also practical and fair in real life. Once the SER provides its advice, the feedback will be taken into account and added to the amendments where needed.

This will allow the proposals to be further refined before continuing through the legislative process.

MP Roseburg noted that this stage helps to strengthen legislation by ensuring it is based on real situations and actual impact.

The amendments will continue to move forward once the advice from the SER has been received, reviewed, and adapted where necessary.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Cabana Bar & Restaurant located at Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm Resort near the Simpson Bay Bridge is a place to visit while you enjoy your stay on the ‘Friendly Island.’

Bill H. from Saint Louis, Missouri, told Tripadvisor that Cabana is a great pool bar and restaurant. “The food is very good. The service is great! Kenny at the pool bar took very good care of us…attentive, courteous and knows his cocktail.”

James W.R. from Altamonte Springs, Florida, in his Tripadvisor review stated the following about Cabana: “Ate there twice, lunch and dinner. Good afternoon happy hour, 4-7. Fun place to hang out and talk with other guests.”

Make sure to check out Cabana Bar & Restaurant which offers American, Caribbean and Barbeque dishes.

They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For the local scene its a great location to meet up with friends as well.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) – Several guests vacationing on the ‘Friendly Island’ from Aylesburg, United Kingdom, reviewed Cabana Bar & Restaurant located at Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm Resort near the Simpson Bay Bridge via Tripadvisor, and found the location of the restaurant to be lovely and were pleased with the food.

The guests said in their Tripadvisor review: “This is in the Royal Palm Resort where we stayed. Had lunch and dinner here and happy with food and service each time and a lonely location right next to the see. Clean and modern. Worth a visit.”

Make sure to check out Cabana Bar & Restaurant which offers American, Caribbean and Barbeque dishes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

Don't forget to check it out for 'Happy Hour' every afternoon.