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Registration for Dutch Caribbean Research Week 2026 now open

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24 of June 2026, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) will organise the fifth Dutch Caribbean Research Week (DCRW2026). This week will be packed with lectures, panel discussions, cultural intermezzi, poster presentations and networking opportunities. The call for abstracts and registration is now open.

This year, DCRW features physical events on all six islands: Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Maarten, and Sint Eustatius. These events will also be streamed live, and you may follow the programme online, to provide access for as many interested people as possible within and outside the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Due to the 6-hour time difference, the programme will take place in the morning for the Caribbean region and in the afternoon for the European Netherlands. More information about the physical events will follow soon.

DCRW 2026 has six themes spread over the days when a different island welcomes you each day. The themes are derived from the upcoming Caribbean Research Agenda:

  • Education, Research & Technology in the Caribbean | Aruba
  • Health & Healthcare in the Caribbean | Curaçao
  • Social Behavioural Science in the Caribbean | Bonaire
  • Ecology & Environment in the Caribbean | Saba
  • Culture, Literature & Arts in the Caribbean | Sint Maarten
  • Governance & Law in the Caribbean | Statia

Do you want to present your research plans or research results during the Dutch Caribbean Research Week? This is your chance! You can give different types of presentations, and depending on your location, you even have the possibility to present to a live audience. Please submit your abstracts here: https://www.dcrw.nl/abstracts

Please submit your abstract before Sunday 15 February 2026, 23:59:59 hours AST (Atlantic)/ 05:00:00 hours CEST.

Registration

DCRW2026 is a free event. Registration for participants is now open. Please register here: https://www.dcrw.nl/registration

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CBP BES organizes symposium on digital data and privacy within the Kingdom

BONAIRE (KRALENDIJK) - In the context of Data Privacy Day, the Commission Supervision Personal Data Protection BES (CBP BES) highlights the importance of protecting personal data within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. To this end, CBP BES will organize a symposium on digital data and privacy within the Kingdom on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.

The digitalization and exchange of data between governments and organizations are increasing at a rapid pace. This calls for careful consideration in the areas of privacy protection, digital security, and legal safeguards.

From various perspectives within the Kingdom, speakers and participants will engage in discussions on current developments and practical issues.

The symposium will take place on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, from 08:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Plaza Resort Bonaire. On Thursday, 29 January 2026, in-depth workshops will be held at Corallium Hotel & Villas Bonaire.

These will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering further substantive insight through practical examples.

Participation in the symposium and the workshops is only possible with prior registration. Access passes can be collected on 26 and 27 January, between 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m., at the CBP BES office at Kaya Industria 15E, next to Qredits.

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Arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Injured Hiker

SABA (THE BOTTOM) - On Saturday, the 17th of January 17, 2026, at around midnight, a 23-year-old man with the initials D.G.S.G. was arrested on Thais Hill Road on Saba for driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect collided with two parked cars on the aforementioned street.

The suspect showed clear signs of alcohol consumption and was unable to provide a breath sample after several attempts. He was arrested and taken to the police station in The Bottom for further investigation. 

Injured hiker at Tide Pools Trail

On Friday, the 16th of January 2026, around 10:45 AM, the central control room received a report that a hiker had been injured at the Tide Pools Trail on Saba. A police patrol was sent to the scene. Upon arrival, the police found fire department and ambulance personnel placing a hiker with head injuries on a stretcher.

The victim, a female tourist, was taken by ambulance to the hospital for medical treatment.

 

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St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation (SEHCF) is Looking for a: Quality Manager

Manager Care Foundation SEU

SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD/ADVERTORIAL) - We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Quality Manager to join our team at SEHCF. In this position, you will lead our Quality team and play a crucial role in ensuring our organization's quality and safety of care and services.

This position requires an action-driven, motivational expert in quality management with strong leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of improving quality and safety in the health care sector.

As a Quality Manager, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, promoting, and optimizing our quality management policy. Together with the Quality team, you develop and implement a quality management system that complies with all applicable guidelines, quality standards and legislation.

Your role involves close interaction with all staff members, ensuring they are fully engaged and equipped with what is needed to deliver the highest standards of care. You will also advise and support the management team on quality and safety-related matters, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards and regulations.

You will be responsible for:

Manage the Quality team: Support and empower the Quality team to deliver outstanding results in the most effective and efficient manner.

Develop and Manage a Quality System: Implement and oversee an integral (digital) quality management system.

Lead Improvement Projects: You perform the appropriate analyses and draw up improvement plans to elevate the organization to a higher level in terms of quality and patient safety.

Ensure Compliance: Coordinate with the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) to align quality improvement processes and make sure the SEHCF complies with all quality and safety standards and regulations

Advise Management: Support the management team with insights and updates on quality policy and compliance.

Conduct Quality Audits: Plan, coordinate and oversee audits and draft audit plans.

Analyze and Report: Monitor, analyze, and report on business processes and quality data (KPI’s).

Initiate Enhancements: Propose and lead initiatives for continuous quality and safety improvements.

Setting quality objectives and targets: Make a plan according to the SEHCF goals

Developing and delivering quality training programs: develop and deliver quality training programs for staff.

Ensuring structured and comprehensive yearly quality and safety report for the IGJ

Who are we looking for?

Educational Background: HBO bachelor's degree in health care management or quality management.

Experience: Experience within the healthcare industry.

Knowledge: Staying current/up to date with guidelines, procedures, legislation, and developments in quality management.

Skills: Strong communication, advisory and interpersonal skills with cultural sensitivity.

Languages: Fluency in English and Dutch.

Residency: Willingness to reside on St. Eustatius is highly preferred.

About St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation

The St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation (SEHCF) manages the island's premier and only medical facility.

Our dedicated team of 65 professionals includes nurses, doctors, supporting administrative staff, a midwife, a physiotherapist, a gynecologist, and specialized Practice Nurses for chronic care, ensuring comprehensive primary care services for our community.

At SEHCF, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our diverse range of healthcare services. From outpatient services featuring general practitioner care and visiting specialists to community (home) care, emergency response, inpatient care, physiotherapy, and advanced diagnostic services in our laboratory and X-Ray departments. In short, we deliver primary care+. We work hard every day to be a good primary care + medical center, continually enhancing the quality of care for the local population.

We work closely with various stakeholders in our daily operations. For elective specialist care and emergency referrals we maintain strong partnerships with medical centers in St. Maarten and hospitals in Bonaire and Curaçao. Additionally, we work closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport and local public health organizations like GGD and GGZ.

What we offer

Full-time position: 40 hours per week

Compensation: Bases on full-time employment, this position is classified according to the FWG system 3.0 and is scaled at level 60. The monthly gross salary starts from USD 4,334.00 to USD 5,989.00 (depending on experience)

Comprehensive Benefits: In accordance with the BES Health Care Collective Labor Agreement

Pension and Health coverage: Participation in the Dutch Caribbean Pension Plan and Zorgverzekering BES health insurance plan

Career Development: Opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality and safety of healthcare services in a close-knit community.

Interested?

We invite you to submit your resume with a cover letter, copies of your diplomas and certificates, and two references to SEHCF to Mr. Philip van Woerkom, Chairman of the Board of Directors, via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and cc: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Mr. Philip van Woerkom can also be contacted for questions via tell: +599 319-7279.

Closing date: February 19, 2026

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The Setai St. Maarten Announces Full Sellout of “The Martin” Building, a Milestone for the Development and St. Maarten’s Luxury Real Estate Market

SINT MAARTEN (INDIGO BAY) - The Setai St. Maarten— 205-key luxurious hotel suites and private villas set along the pristine shores of Indigo Bay. St. Maarten, is proud to announce the complete sellout of the “The Martin” building, marking a significant milestone for the development and the island’s evolving real estate landscape.

All 28 Pinel suites in the two-story Martin building have officially been sold. The investment was done by the Dutch Caribbean Real Estate Fund (www.dutchcaribbean.com) who structured the asset for an international group of investors.

This milestone reflects growing global interest in The Setai St. Maarten and sustained demand for ownership opportunities in St. Maarten. With more than 40% of the currently released buildings sold, early buyer engagement continues to outpace expectations.

Located directly on the beachfront on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, The Setai St. Maarten blends world-class design with private ownership and fully serviced resort living. Signature amenities will include a beach club with dedicated cabanas and butler service, a Les Clefs d’Or concierge team, three pools, including an adults-only oasis, a 30,000 square foot Destination Spa, tennis and pickleball courts, on-beach water sports, a children’s playroom and childcare program, and access to a protected nature reserve.

Extending this same standard of excellence to its culinary program, the resort will feature five restaurant concepts, including Ocean Grill Beach Club and Jaya, both inspired by the acclaimed culinary concepts of The Setai, Miami Beach.

Ownership at Setai St. Maarten unlocks a curated set of Setai privileges, designed to enhance everyday living while strengthening the long-term value of the residence. Construction of The Martin is underway and slated for completion in time for 2028 with occupancy beginning shortly thereafter.

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Burglary at Minimarket. Money Stolen. Traffic Check Results in Two Fines

SABA (THE BOTTOM) - On Thursday, the 15th of January 2026 a burglary was reported at a minimarket on Samuel A. Charles Street on Saba. Unknown persons gained access to the building and took an amount of money. The case is under investigation, according to the press release from the Corps Police Caribbean Netherlands (KPCN) on Friday.

On Wednesday, the 14th of January 2026 a planned traffic check was conducted on J.Z. Ridge Road on Saba. During the check, ten (10) vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in two fines being issued. 

1x for driving without a license plate;

1x for driving without valid insurance.

The police will continue to carry out these types of checks to ensure the safety of all road users. It is very important to obey the traffic rules and thus contribute to safe traffic on the island.

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DFS organizes first testing program for 2026 at Carrefour Market Bush Road on Saturday

SINT MAARTEN (GEAT BAY) - The Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten (DFS) board, extends their sincere wishes for a safe and successful 2026 to the communities of the country.

The Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten hereby would like to inform the general public that it will be having their next testing morning on Saturday January 17, 2026, at the “Carrefour Market”, Bush Road.

The program for the general public consists of testing and providing information about Diabetes (glucose), cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI at “Carrefour Market.” The testing and information will take place from 10.00 am till 12.00 noon.

The DFS tests are free of charge for the public.

“We would like to encourage the general public to continue testing on a regular, because you might have Diabetes and don’t know.

“Diabetes and other chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and other chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and continue to be a treat to the economic development of the region.

“We want to keep warning the general public to keep monitoring your food intake and try to keep checking yourself.

“Our aim as Foundation is to continue giving the necessary support and care to prevent Diabetes, and increasing awareness on its consequences to the general public of St. Maarten.

“Our foundation is looking for volunteers to help us with our aim with prevent diabetes, give support and care to persons with Diabetes and to increase more awareness about Diabetes and its consequences on St. Maarten,” DFS said in a press statement on Tuesday.

DFS can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Parents & Guardians Reminded about Q&A Session on Tuesday at MPC

SINT MAARTEN (SOUTH REWARD) The management of SVOBE schools (Milton Peters College-MPC and Sundial School) would like to remind the parent(s)/guardian(s) of 5th and 6th grade students (Group 7 & 8) at primary schools about the upcoming Q&A information session for prospective students of the SVOBE schools.

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Milton Peters College

During this session, representatives from both schools will provide valuable information about the education offered at the SVOBE schools (Sundial School and Milton Peters College).

Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers to help them make well-informed decisions when completing the Educational Report.

The SVOBE is looking forward to welcoming parents and guardians on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Milton Peters College.

 

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Continuation Urgent Public Meeting of Parliament for deliberations on issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on January 8, 2026.

The Public meeting was adjourned on November 5, 2025, and will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations on the issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten

  1. The recent nomination of the Chairman of the CBCS by the Council of Ministers 
  2. An update on the ENNIA situation 
  3. Developments concerning Mullet Bay (IS/092/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley and MP F.A. Lacroes.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

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Prime Minister Mercelina Provides Update on Developments regarding the US and Venezuela

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has expressed deep concern for St. Maarteners and visitors currently abroad, particularly those in the United States and Europe, as regional aviation disruptions continue to affect travel to and from the island.

Special attention is being given to students expected to return home ahead of the resumption of school on Monday, as well as families and visitors impacted by widespread flight cancellations.

“My thoughts are with all St. Maarteners and visitors who are currently stranded or facing uncertainty abroad,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. “My government is actively engaged with airport authorities, airlines, and Kingdom partners to provide support wherever possible and to ensure that clear, reliable information is shared with the public.”

Upon receiving confirmation of these developments, Prime Minister Mercelina immediately held two separate telephone conversations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Dick Schoof, and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David van Weel, to ensure that St. Maarten remains fully informed and aligned within the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the situation continues to evolve.

The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor international and regional developments impacting aviation operations across the Caribbean, following the issuance of a NOTAM affecting Caribbean airspace, with specific implications for U.S.-registered aircraft.

Based on the latest confirmed information from Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), airline operators, and Kingdom partners, all flights involving U.S.-registered aircraft are cancelled at this time, with the notice remaining in effect for a minimum of 24 hours and subject to extension.

“This situation does not involve the closure of St. Maarten’s airspace,” Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized. “Our airspace remains open. However, due to international aviation safety protocols and the current NOTAM restrictions, U.S.-registered aircraft are unable to operate, and several airlines have taken precautionary operational decisions.”

In addition to the grounding of U.S.-registered aircraft, several non-U.S. airlines have independently scaled back or cancelled operations out of an abundance of caution. As of this morning, KLM (Amsterdam) and Air France (Paris) flights to St. Maarten have been cancelled, along with multiple flights operated by U.S. carriers including JetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, Spirit, and Frontier from various U.S. cities. Regional airlines, including WINAIR, St. Barth Commuter, Tradewind Aviation, and SXM Airways, are also expected to scale down or temporarily suspend certain services.

In direct contact with WINAIR Chief Executive Officer Mr. Hans van Velde, the Prime Minister was informed that WINAIR’s Curaçao–Aruba–Curaçao flights have been postponed for today only. WINAIR will operate an additional recovery flight once full operations resume to accommodate displaced passengers from these two destinations. All the remaining WINAIR routes are proceeding as per the normal schedule at this time.

Passengers are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for rebooking options and to rely solely on official airline and airport communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

After careful assessment, the Prime Minister determined that activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is not required at this time. However, in anticipation of increased congestion around Princess Juliana International Airport, the Prime Minister engaged directly with Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) Chief of Police Carl John to ensure adequate traffic management and public order in and around the airport area.

“We are taking measured, calm, and coordinated steps,” the Prime Minister stated. “Public safety, orderly traffic flow, and clear communication remain our focus.”

The Government of the Netherlands has reaffirmed that the safety of Dutch nationals remains the highest priority within the Kingdom. Dutch nationals currently in Venezuela are advised not to go out into the streets, to register with the Ministry’s information service, and to inform family and friends of their well-being.

“At this moment, there is no indication of further escalation,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded. “Nevertheless, we remain fully engaged, vigilant, and in constant communication with our Kingdom partners and local stakeholders. The people of St. Maarten will be kept informed as the situation continues to evolve.”

The Prime Minister also ensured that a letter was electronically sent today to the Parliament of St. Maarten, addressed to the Honorable President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, providing a status update on these developments. “This step reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping Parliament fully informed as we continue to address matters of national importance,” the Prime Minister concluded.  

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