April 15, 2026 No comments
CPS Urges Immediate Action Following Heavy Rainfall to Prevent Mosquito Breeding
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is urging residents to take immediate action following the heavy rainfall experienced on Tuesday, which significantly increases the risk of mosquito breeding across the island. Health authorities warn that the combination of rainfall, warm temperatures, and urban conditions creates an ideal environment for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to breed. This mosquito, which is commonly found in and around homes, lays eggs in stagnant water collected in everyday items such as buckets, tires, flowerpots, and clogged drains. CPS is therefore calling on the community to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to eliminate standing water. Dengue fever can cause symptoms such...
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April 14, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell has High-Level Meeting with EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela
ARUBA (ORANJESTAD) – The delegation of the European Union (EU) headed by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, and the delegation of the Netherlands, led by Minister for Kingdom Relations, Erik van der Burg, together with representatives of the Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), convened for a high-level meeting to reinforce cooperation and address shared strategic priorities. The delegation of Sint Maarten was headed by the Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell. During the discussions, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to the OCTs, highlighting a doubling of the OCT financial envelope to support, among others, sustainable development, digital and maritime connectivity, disaster risk reduction, and the energy transition. A shift toward larger, coordinated, and investment-ready projects was emphasized,...
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April 14, 2026 No comments
Disaster/Hurricane Pass Application Process Starts April 15. Deadline is May 29
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts June 1 and runs through November 30 will start on Wednesday, April 15. This is mainly for new entities who have never applied for a pass and for those whose passes have expired. There are two types of passes, the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass. No passes will be issued to business owners, only with some exemption categories as noted below. The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property. No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours. This can only take place during...
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April 14, 2026 No comments
Minister Brug highlights benchmarking mission to strengthen VSA’s Inspectorate
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) has successfully completed a benchmarking mission to Aruba and Curaçao in support of the ongoing reform of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (IVSA). The delegation, consisting of representatives from the Public Health, Labor, and Social Development departments, met with a wide range of ministries, inspectorates, and public institutions in both Aruba and Curaçao. These included inspectorates of public health, labor, social development, and education, as well as departments responsible for human resources, elderly care, food safety, and public health governance. The mission had multiple objectives, including gathering input for the ongoing IVSA reform and advancing preparations for the establishment of a...
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April 14, 2026 No comments
VROMI OFFICIALLY OPENS BILLY FOLLY FIRST PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PILOT
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) is proud to announce the official opening of Billy Folly Road (Pelican) following the successful completion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure pilot project. The milestone was celebrated last Friday at the invitation of the business sector with a reception that brought together private investors, government officials, and project partners whose collective commitment made this achievement possible. The rehabilitation of Billy Folly Road was announced as a PPP initiative, combining a government contribution with funds raised by a coalition of local businesses and establishments. The completed project delivered much-needed sidewalks, a fully upgraded concrete subsurface, and a new asphalt layer. Critically, additional funding is being procured to address...
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