Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current road safety enforcement measures in Sint Maarten, noting that the present approach is not sufficiently addressing the root of the problem. “If someone can replace a confiscated motorcycle almost immediately, then the system is not solving the problem,” Lacroes stated. No helmet, no road tax, no insurance required, no drivers license and no age check! He pointed to the ongoing practice of confiscating motorcycles during police controls, while individuals remain able to easily purchase replacement bikes without sufficient checks on licensing, insurance, or compliance. This, he…
Author: The Publisher
Philipsburg, St. Maarten — Science Week 2026, held March 9 to 21, 2026, brought together students, educators, professionals, and community stakeholders in a dynamic celebration of curiosity, innovation, and discovery under the theme “Innovate for Wellbeing.” The week of activities highlighted the growing interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) across the island, while also reinforcing the importance of innovation in addressing real-world challenges and improving community wellbeing. Science Week officially launched with an inspiring opening ceremony featuring addresses by Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation; Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina; and Minister…
Philipsburg, St. Maarten — The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation is proud to announce that SXM Tech Tides, the island’s first robotics team to compete at a regional level, has achieved an impressive 2nd place finish among teams from eight countries at the OECSRA (now ECRIA) Super Regional Robotics Challenge, held in St. Kitts, earning both the Code Mastery Award and the Digital Engagement Award. Students Jacob Boxshall of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School and Akash Pillai of St. Maarten Academy represented the 10-member team and delivered an outstanding performance on the regional stage. Their robot, the Soualiga Seaside Sweeper (SSS-37),…
Sint Maarten, March 21, 2026 Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes is urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to eliminate the double application of Turnover Tax (TOT) on fuel prices, an unnecessary and inflation-driving practice that is directly contributing to the record-high costs currently burdening residents at the pump. Recent price buildup data published by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT) confirms once again that Turnover Tax is being charged twice: This practice results in Sint Maarten residents paying Turnover Tax on top of Turnover Tax, a multilayered burden that amplifies fuel price increases…
PHILIPSBURG — Member of Parliament Darryl T. J. York is urging the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) to take immediate action to adjust taxi tariffs following the sharp increase in fuel prices now impacting drivers across St. Maarten. Effective March 22, gasoline prices have jumped by approximately 24.6%, while diesel, heavily used by commercial operators, has surged by 39.7%, placing significant strain on taxi drivers and the broader transport sector. York emphasized that this call is not sudden or reactionary. He has been raising concerns about taxi pricing since January, when formal inquiries were submitted to…
THE HAGUE – The court of appeal in The Hague has confirmed a ruling issued by a lower court on January 17, 2024 against the operators of online gambling sites. These companies demanded that the court declare actions taken by the Dutch Authority on Games of Chance and the Dutch public prosecutor’s office be declared unlawful because they violate the free movement of services within the European Union. Like the lower court, the Court of Appeals acknowledged that a prohibition on offering online gambling limits that free movement, but it also ruled that the ban on offering such services are…
By Hilbert Haar Sint Maarten is the undisputed counterfeiting capital of the Caribbean and the counterfeited brands hardly take any action against it because the market is so small. As long as the costs outweigh the benefits, counterfeiters can do whatever they like. Casino-owner Francesco Corallo must have thought something like this when he (allegedly) decorated his Vegas casino in Cole Bay with Louis Vuitton themed decorations. He even outfitted his staff with counterfeit Vuitton uniforms. But in this case, these decisions are already having consequences and there is potentially more to come. On behalf of Vuitton, Disosa Property Protection…
PHILIPSBURG – Casino-Owner Francesco Corallo is in trouble with the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton over alleged trademark infringements. His Vegas casino, located on Union Road in Cole Bay, is using the Louis Vuitton logo and monograms without permission. Louis Vuitton is a registered trademark with the Bureau for Intellectual Property in St. Maarten. According to a report in Antilliaans Dagblad, Vegas is even using Louis Vuitton-themed uniforms for its staff. This way the casino willingly benefits from Louis Vuitton’s global reputation and exclusivity. Wiek Herben, a Curacao-based attorney who works for Disosa Brand Protection Services says that the protected…
PHILIPSBURG-Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina on Wednesday opened the Council of Ministers press briefing by addressing growing tensions within the monetary union between St. Maarten and Curaçao, emphasizing that recent developments surrounding the Centrale Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS) have intensified public and political debate on the future of the shared financial system. The Prime Minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing governance dispute at the CBCS, which has reignited questions about the long-term viability of the monetary union. While both countries had previously supported the transition to the Caribbean guilder, the current situation has underscored the need for renewed dialogue and careful reassessment. “The Central…
MARIGOT–The Executive Council of the Collectivité of Saint‑Martin has approved a series of construction and urban planning projects aimed at modernizing public infrastructure, expanding housing, and improving accessibility across the French side of the island. Among the most significant decisions is the rehabilitation of the Saint‑Martin Psychiatric Hospital, a critical facility within the Centre Hospitalier Louis Constant Fleming. The psychiatric department at Louis Constant Fleming serves patients with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. The hospital also coordinates with regional healthcare facilities in neighboring French territories, such as Guadeloupe, for specialized or long-term care that cannot be…
