January 28, 2026 No comments
MP Wescot-Williams Advances Parliament-Led Community Development Initiative Through District Councils
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah A. Wescot-Williams has submitted a proposal to the Parliament Committee on District Councils calling for the exploration and piloting of a Community-Driven District Development Fund, a Parliament-initiated approach aimed at strengthening resident participation in small-scale district improvements across Sint Maarten. The proposal responds to long-standing calls from communities for greater involvement in shaping their immediate environments, particularly through practical projects such as beautification, improved lighting, playground upgrades, and safer public spaces. “Communities know what their districts need,” MP Wescot-Williams said. “When residents are given structured opportunities to identify priorities and contribute to solutions, supported by transparency and proper oversight, the results are more visible, trusted, and sustainable.” MP Wescot-Williams explained that the initiative...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
New Course Tackles the Violence Hidden in Caribbean Homes. Grace Hill Bible University Responds to Surge in Domestic Abuse Cases
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The numbers are staggering: 840 million women worldwide have faced partner violence. On St. Maarten, domestic abuse reports surged after Hurricane Irma—and experts say most cases never get reported at all. Grace Hill Bible University's St. Maarten Campus is responding with a new specialized course—building on over a decade of training counselors, pastors and community helpers. "Domestic abuse isn't just 'out there'—it's in our churches, our workplaces, our neighbourhoods," says Dr. Nicole Francis Cotton, the program developer. "We're training healers for hurting homes." A 15-Week Path from Bystander to Helper The new Master's-level course, "Couples Counseling: New Insights into Ending Abusive Relationships," teaches counselors, pastors, social workers, and community leaders to recognize abuse early and intervene safely. Beyond physical violence, students learn...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
SAM Hosts Historic First Congress. Honors Community Leaders and Takes Action for Inclusion
SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - The Soualiga Action Movement (SAM) successfully held its first official congress on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Paradise Hall in Cayhill, marking a significant milestone for the young political movement. The congress brought together party members, invited guests, and community stakeholders for an afternoon focused on vision, leadership, accountability, and action—core principles that define SAM’s mission for St. Maarten. The congress program featured reflections on SAM’s vision and mission, addresses from party leadership, and a keynote contribution by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who provided insight into the state of affairs within the Ministry of Justice. Party President Ernest Sams also addressed the gathering, while Deputy Leader Cecil Nicholas and Leader MP Franklin Meyers reaffirmed SAM’s...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
VROMI FLAGS IMPACT TO PERMITS BY FIRE DEPT GO-SLOW
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement addressing significant delays in the permit approval process resulting from ongoing go-slow action by the Fire Department. The situation has created a bottleneck affecting critical infrastructure projects across the country. The Fire Department's go-slow action has resulted in the suspension of fire safety inspections and approvals, which are mandatory components of the building permit process. This has brought about challenges in the permitting processing, compounding VROMI's already lengthy wait times and affecting projects of national importance. "As a civil servant I understand and acknowledge the frustrations of our Fire Department personnel," said Minister Gumbs. "However, I want to...
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January 27, 2026 No comments
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON MONDAY WITH INJURIES
SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - Officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) responded to a traffic accident resulting in injuries on Welfare Road on Monday morning, January 26, 2026. At approximately 6:17 a.m., several police patrol units and ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene near a well-known nightclub on Welfare Road. According to preliminary investigations, a passenger vehicle and a scooter were traveling in the same direction on Welfare Road from Airport Road toward Billy Folly Road. The scooter rider, apparently due to inattention, collided with the rear of the vehicle ahead. The collision caused the scooter rider to sustain a fracture to his right leg. After receiving first aid at the scene, the victim was transported by ambulance to the...
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