In brief
Lacroes, Ottley press VROMI on sewage, garbage and abandoned vehicles
MPs Lacroes and Omar Ottley asked VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs for action on sewage, waste collection and vehicle wrecks on 20 October.
Tuesday 20 October 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
19 storiesGovernment
8 stories
In brief
Meyers calls for tourism to bear more waste-management costs
MP Franklin Meyers urged government on Tuesday 20 October to reconsider how tourism-related waste collection and disposal are funded.
In brief
MPs seek answers on wastewater plant and waste contracts
MPs Egbert Jurendy Doran, Ardwell Irion and Darryl York questioned VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs on Tuesday 20 October.
In brief
Gumbs updates Parliament on Nature Policy Plan targets and funding
VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs outlined work on marine protection, mangroves and enforcement as MPs questioned staffing and funding.
In brief
Proposed Kingdom Act would approve St Eustatius-Kitts maritime treaty
A proposed Kingdom Act seeks approval for a 140-kilometre maritime-boundary treaty signed in 2024 by the Kingdom and St Kitts and Nevis.
In brief
Gumbs gives updates on school, library and sports facility projects
Education Minister Melissa Gumbs said school, library and sports projects are advancing, with three major facilities hoped to open by early 2028.
In brief
KPSM warns of heavier traffic in Philipsburg and Simpson Bay
Police have urged road users and transport operators to allow extra travel time as visitor activity increases.
In brief
Dutch maritime bill would not automatically extend enforcement powers to Sint Maarten
A Dutch bill filed on Friday 9 October would expand action against suspicious ships, while Caribbean countries retain responsibility for their laws.
Business
3 storiesIn brief
Republic Financial Holdings names leadership successors for 2027
Republic Financial Holdings said Richard S. Sammy left on 14 October and Karen Yip Chuck was selected for top posts from 1 January 2027.
In brief
FCCA projects global cruise passengers will reach 46 million by 2031
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association says global cruise passenger numbers could rise from about 37 million in 2025 to 46 million by 2031.
In brief
Fifth edition of Where’s Where magazine goes online
TelExcel Caribbean B.V. has released a free 146-page digital edition of Where’s Where featuring 18 sector interviews.
Community
8 storiesIn brief
UN schedules Eastern Caribbean youth disaster risk webinar
The United Nations Barbados & Eastern Caribbean multi-country office will hold a youth disaster risk webinar on Wednesday 21 October at 3pm AST.
In brief
TelEm schedules T-Hunt for 29 November
TelEm’s second T-Hunt is set for Sunday 29 November, with US$3,000 in cash prizes and teams of up to four people.
In brief
TamLeo Books reads St. Maarten children’s story at Miami school
TamLeo Books founder Tamara Leonard read with third-grade students at Miami Springs Elementary School on Tuesday 20 October.
In brief
Nine nations to sail Caribbean Dinghy Championship in Simpson Bay
The Sint Maarten Yacht Club expects 70 competitors in 53 boats for the Caribbean Dinghy Championship from 22 to 25 October.
In brief
Vernice Bellony receives OECS Credit Union Pioneer & Legacy Award
Dominican credit union figure Vernice Bellony received the OECS Credit Union Pioneer & Legacy Award after involvement in the sector since 1956.
In brief
Dominica Social Security director Janice Jean Jacques Thomas to receive national award
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Janice Jean Jacques Thomas will receive a national award on 3 November 2026.
In brief
Statia alliance circulates petition to move First Salute commemoration to The Hague
The St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance has circulated a petition calling for the First Salute 250 commemoration to move to The Hague.
In brief
JCI Dutch Caribbean convention set for 22-24 October in Sint Maarten
JCI SXM ACTION will host trainings, a General Assembly and awards events, with six Sint Maarten TOYP nominees.
