In brief
Jetten tells UN Caribbean Kingdom has felt climate impacts longer
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten told the UN that Sint Maarten and other Caribbean countries have felt climate effects longer.
Friday 25 September 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
27 storiesGovernment
11 stories
In brief
More than 90 attend succession land townhall in Great Bay
More than 90 residents attended a succession land townhall where MP Darryl York sought feedback on proposed Civil Code changes.
In brief
St. Maarten’s first-quarter surplus rises as public debt increases
The People’s Tribune reported that St. Maarten recorded a Cg 38.6 million first-quarter surplus, while public debt rose to Cg 1.2713 billion.
In brief
Audit report flags accountability gaps in Minister Plenipotentiary Cabinet funds
An Audit Chamber report reviewed by The People’s Tribune questions oversight of about XCG 1.9 million allocated yearly to the Cabinet.
In brief
Bill changing BES governance laws cleared for Council of State advice
A bill to amend the WolBES and FinBES laws affecting Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba can now go to the Council of State.
In brief
Jonathan Johnson nominated as Acting Kingdom Representative from 1 January 2027
Jonathan Johnson is due to become Acting Kingdom Representative for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba on 1 January 2027.
In brief
Netherlands considers water cremation under proposed funeral law
A proposed Dutch law could allow alkaline hydrolysis, or water cremation, alongside burial and flame cremation.
In brief
Anguilla prepares rules for party boats from St. Martin and St. Maarten
Anguilla is drafting changes to cruising permits and customs rules for visiting party boats, with public consultation planned.
In brief
Six candidates seek Saint-Martin Senate seat
Saint-Martin’s 25 grand electors will choose one senator on 27 September, with six candidates reported by Faxinfo.
In brief
Perry Geerlings named Sint Maarten member of Financial Supervision Boards
Perry Geerlings is due to join the Cft on 1 October for three years, replacing Julisa Frans as Sint Maarten’s member.
In brief
Sint Eustatius to hold council, Electoral College elections on 17 March 2027
Sint Eustatius voters are scheduled to elect a seven-seat Island Council and Electoral College on 17 March 2027, 721 News reported.
Crime & Court
2 storiesIn brief
Woman sentenced after partner suffers boiling-oil burns
Faxinfo reports that L. received a 24-month sentence after J. suffered second-degree burns from boiling oil on 24 June.
In brief
Police arrest suspect after firearm threat complaint in St. Peters
Police arrested a suspect in St. Peters after a firearm threat complaint and confiscated a gun, KPSM said.
Business
5 storiesIn brief
CBCS says Sint Maarten growth needs stronger resilience and broader investment
The CBCS says Sint Maarten must strengthen disaster-risk financing, infrastructure and public services as tourism-led growth continues.
In brief
CBCS forecasts 3.1% growth for St. Maarten in 2026
CBCS expects St. Maarten’s economy to grow 3.1% in 2026, while inflation is projected to rise to 2.8%.
In brief
SEDC to launch AI training programme for small businesses
SEDC will launch a 12-session AI programme for up to 20 local business owners from 19 October, Soualiga Newsday reported.
In brief
Anguilla delegation meets yacht industry at Monaco Yacht Show
Anguilla tourism and port officials are meeting yacht-sector representatives in Monaco ahead of the upcoming yachting season.
In brief
Ottley, Kotai review Aruba electricity pricing during WEB visit
MPs Omar Ottley and Viren Kotai reviewed Aruba utility WEB’s pricing and fuel-cost approach during a 24 September visit.
Community
9 storiesIn brief
Leann Richardson visits classrooms during Literacy Month
Senior Carnival Queen 2026 and Miss St. Maarten Leann Richardson read with students and joined a radio discussion on literacy.
In brief
Lacroes urges men to discuss prostate cancer screening with doctors
MP Francisco A. Lacroes urged men to learn their family history and discuss prostate cancer screening with a doctor.
In brief
Fire engine driver training planned on Bonaire from 28 September
The Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department will hold weekday fire engine driver training exercises on Bonaire through 9 October.
In brief
Three SXM Paws puppies visit PJIA airport adoption initiative
Soualiga Newsday reports that Asher, Theo and Felix joined PJIAE’s Paws in Flight Saturday adoption-awareness effort.
In brief
BookStart campaign closes with celebration at Emilio Wilson Park
Soualiga Newsday reported that about 100 people joined the Sint Maarten Library’s BookStart campaign closing on 19 September.
In brief
Public voting opens for Rotary Sunset teacher video competition
Voting is open until 30 September for 29 student videos honouring teachers, with prizes for winning students and teachers.
In brief
Five operating room assistants graduate in Curaçao
Five people received operating room assistant diplomas in Curaçao, The Daily Herald reported, citing the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature.
In brief
MOVE FOR HER sets 5 million-step breast cancer awareness challenge
Fitness Attitude Gym Club B.V. and Rooted by Linda will run a 24-day October step challenge supporting breast cancer awareness.
In brief
Friendly Island Softball Classic to raise funds for St. Maarten 37ers U13 team
A Locals vs. Tourists softball game is scheduled for 26 September at Jose Lake Ball Park to support the St. Maarten 37ers U13 trip to Aruba.
