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
“Know Your Rights” Campaign Launched to Empower Workers and Employers
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labour, Richinel Brug through the Department of Labour proudly announces the launch of its “Know Your Rights” campaign, a public awareness initiative aimed at strengthening the understanding of labour laws, promoting fair workplace practices and encouraging compliance across St. Maarten. This campaign comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding misunderstandings of employee rights and employer obligations. Through clear, accessible information, the Department seeks to ensure that both workers and employers are equipped with the knowledge needed to foster safe, fair, and productive working environments. The “Know Your Rights” campaign will focus on key areas including: Employee rights related to wages, working hours, and leave entitlements Employer obligations under applicable labour laws Procedures...
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April 14, 2026 No comments
Police Controls Around Festival Village. 30 Persons and 12 Vehicles Inspected
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs the public that intensified controls are currently being carried out in and around the Festival Village, both before, during, and after scheduled shows and events. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure general public safety and to maintain proper traffic flow in the area during this busy period. Patrol officers are actively conducting checks aimed at preventing incidents and promoting a safe environment for all visitors. As part of these operations, officers are carrying out preventative searches specifically aimed at detecting and preventing the possession of illegal narcotics and firearms. During one of the recent control operations, officers stopped and searched a total of 30 individuals, while 12...
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April 13, 2026 No comments
OCTA Ministerial Conference Convenes in Aruba to Shape Future of OCT–EU Partnership
ARUBA (ORANJESTAD) – The Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) convened its annual Ministerial Conference in Aruba, bringing together political leaders and senior representatives from across the OCTs to discuss the future direction of OCTA and its partnership with the European Union (EU). The meeting was opened by OCTA Chair and Prime Minister of Aruba, Mike Eman, who emphasized the importance of a strong, unified OCTA. He highlighted the organization’s strategic role in maintaining close engagement with the European Union and underscored the shared responsibility of OCTs as Europe’s frontline presence across the Caribbean, Pacific and Artic regions. A central focus of the conference was the need to strengthen OCTA’s institutional capacity, governance, and financial sustainability. Delegations emphasized improving coordination, accessibility for...
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