In light of recent public statements and the public concern that has followed, I wish to provide clarity regarding the construction of the new building of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). I fully understand the concerns raised by Members of Parliament and by the community. The construction of our new hospital is one of the most significant national infrastructure projects currently underway, and transparency and accountability remain essential. Since the beginning of 2026, I have been in close and continuous contact with the management and Supervisory Board of SMMC, as well as with Social & Health Insurances SZV. Several meetings have been…
Author: The Publisher
The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM)takes this opportunity informs the general public on certain measures being taken in connection with the commencement of the 46th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, which will take place from March 5th to March 9th, 2026. During the Regatta period, KPSM will implement several road safety and traffic management measures to ensure the safety of all road users and to secure the free flow of traffic, particularly along Union Road, which is expected to experience increased traffic due to Regatta-related activities. Traffic Diversion – Union Road (Weekend Measures) During the Regatta weekend,…
The Dutch police forces of the Dutch Caribbean, united under the College van Korpschefs, hereby announce the launch of a coordinated Interinsular Gun Buyback and Firearm Surrender Action. This joint initiative is a collaborative effort of the police organizations of the Dutch Caribbean and is supported by the Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Aruba, and the Caribbean Netherlands, including Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. One Approach For the first time, all islands within the Dutch Caribbean will simultaneously conduct a firearm surrender and buyback program. The main objective of this coordinated action is to provide individuals who are…
From Entrepreneur to Business Developer For most of my professional life, people have known me primarily through aviation. Businesses like AirSXM.com, ReyJets.com, and HeliSXM.com naturally shaped that perception. Aviation has always been my passion and remains at the core of what I do. However, over the past few years my work has evolved into something broader. What started as entrepreneurship is now increasingly becoming business development. This transition is not just about building companies. It is about building ecosystems of opportunity that benefit partners, friends, and business associates along the way. Seeing Opportunities Beyond One Business Entrepreneurs typically focus on…
“Equality is a promise, but not a reality” THE HAGUE – Rabin Baldewsingh, the national coördinator against discrimination and racism was presented with the first copy of Kadushi’s Prikkeljaar 2025, a collection of fifty columns written by retired journalist Rene Zwart. Baldewsingh wrote the introduction to the book and in it, he makes clear why Zwart’s work matters. “Who really wants to understand what is happening in the Caribbean part of our kingdom must be prepared to look beyond the governance language, the conference tables in The Hague and the written policy intentions. Those who want to know how life…
The Executive Council of Saint-Martin has approved continued financial support for 19-year-old cyclist Jahkim Carty, enabling him to further his professional development with the UCI Team Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur. The partnership, initially established in 2025 to enhance his visibility and promote Saint-Martin, will continue in 2026 with an individual grant of €16,000. Born and raised in Saint-Martin, Carty discovered his passion for cycling at an early age. He grew up in a family that nurtured ambition and dedication. By the age of six, he was already part of the Vélo Club de Sandy Ground, where he began to cultivate the discipline, stamina, and focus that would define him…
MARIGOT– The Executive Council of Saint-Martin reviewed and approved a wide range of administrative, urban planning, and cultural matters affecting the French side of the island. 29 deliberations were considered, covering building permits, land use, exceptional aid, scholarships, and authorizations for foreign workers, among other areas. The Council reviewed 19 urban planning applications, ranging from simple renovations to new construction projects across the island. Urban planning decisions are critical for managing land use, environmental impact, and economic development, particularly in a territory that has held responsibility for urban planning and construction since 2012. Highlights from the session include: Land transfer The Council also examined 55…
WILLEMSTAD – The Common Court of Justice has sentenced former Central Bank President Dr. Emsley Tromp on appeal to a 6-month conditional prison sentence for using a forged loan-agreement to enrich himself. The court ruled that Tromp has seriously damaged the trust the community should be able to have in a person in his position. Tromp, who is 66, currently lives in the United States. René Lourents, at the time adjunct director for corporate relations and facilities management at the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten (CBCS) established the Curacao Fashion Group at Tromp’s request on March 12, 2009.…
By Hilbert Haar Putting Curacao and St. Maarten together in a monetary union was never the brightest of ideas. The politicians of these two autonomous countries have proven that they are unable to work together in a sensible way. Therefore, it cannot surprise anyone that the CBCS supervisory board has been without an appointed chairman for four years. There is of course a lot of bickering about which country should nominate and appoint a candidate for that position. This is an unavoidable dispute because the law that rules the central bank does not contain any provision to settle this matter.…
By Hilbert Haar There is a weird Dutch tradition that has found its way to the Caribbean. It is harmless and it does not solve anything but it cost at least some money. Let me explain: if there is a problem, the Dutch tend to establish a committee that has to analyze the situation and (hopefully) come u with a workable solution. I cannot remember a single committee that actually achieved what it was expected to achieve. This thought came to me after the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation decided to charge a committee of experts with the task to come up…
