Official
NHC tracks storm-force non-tropical low off US East Coast
The National Hurricane Center said a storm-force non-tropical low remains frontal a few hundred miles off the US mid-Atlantic coast.
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
27 storiesWeather
1 story
Government
11 storiesIn brief
PRO plans Bonaire meeting with European Parliament members
PRO's Bonaire branch plans a free 28 October meeting with MEPs Marit Maij and Mohammed Chahim on Europe and the island.
In brief
Wescot-Williams raises referendum rules at constitution panel
At a 12 October constitution panel, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams said referendum procedures need an ordinance now under consideration.
Official
Gumbs says new zoning plan needed as tender closes 30 October
Government says a new zoning plan is needed to replace 2014 plans and guide development, with tender proposals due 30 October.
In brief
Mercelina discusses oversight, economy and Trust Fund projects in Netherlands
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina’s Netherlands visit included talks on public oversight, economic resilience and Trust Fund projects.
In brief
Gumbs says proposed 2027 road allocation is Cg5 million
Minister Patrice Gumbs says the proposed 2027 road allocation rises to Cg5 million, with another Cg4 million sought for resurfacing.
In brief
Breadfruit Tree Initiative remains in preliminary planning
Minister Claret Connor says pest-control concerns are being discussed as government develops its Breadfruit Tree Initiative.
In brief
Dutch Parliament website disabled after PHP security alert
The Tweede Kamer disabled its website on Wednesday 21 October after CERT-EU warned of two critical PHP vulnerabilities.
In brief
Curaçao targets FAA review in 2027 and explores U.S. preclearance at Hato Airport
Curaçao plans to seek an FAA aviation assessment in 2027 while exploring U.S. border preclearance at Hato Airport.
In brief
Arrindell attends Armenia independence reception in The Hague
Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell represented Sint Maarten at Armenia’s 35th independence reception in The Hague.
In brief
Gumbs says government regained 17 hectares for proposed terrestrial park
VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs said four Cul-de-Sac parcels totalling 172,626 square metres are back under government control.
In brief
Detention reform programme sets staffing, education plans for new Point Blanche prison
UNODC says the 2025-2029 detention reform programme has set staffing plans and expanded education, health and sports activities.
Crime & Court
1 storyIn brief
Court of Appeal gives three 12-year terms in fatal Defiance shooting
Three men were sentenced on Monday 19 October to 12 years each for manslaughter and illegal firearm possession.
Business
4 storiesOfficial
St. Maarten and St. Martin plan Taste of the Caribbean return
A joint announcement says a culinary team from both sides of the island will compete in Barbados this November.
In brief
SLAC plans temporary move to PJIA Ferry Dock during Simpson Bay dock works
Port St. Maarten Group says SLAC plans to move its public services to the PJIA Ferry Dock; vessel clearances remain in Point Blanche.
In brief
TEATT grants Philipsburg shop opening exemption for three public holidays
TEATT says shops in Philipsburg may open from 6am to 6:30pm on St. Maarten’s Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
In brief
Bonaire inflation rises to 5.9% in third quarter
CBS said year-on-year inflation reached 5.9% on Bonaire and 5.2% on Saba, while St Eustatius recorded 4.5%.
Community
10 storiesIn brief
Professor Densil A. Williams receives Jamaica’s Order of Distinction
UWI Mona Principal Professor Densil A. Williams received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in the Commander Class.
In brief
Carbon-Jno. Baptiste receives FAO recognition in Rome
Dominica’s Gilles Carbon-Jno. Baptiste was recognised by the FAO on Thursday 15 October during the World Food Forum 2026 in Rome.
In brief
Dominica schedules National Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant
Dominica’s National Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant is scheduled for Wednesday 21 October at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility.
Official
CPS urges healthy habits during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
CPS urged women to consider healthy habits, breast changes, family history and professional advice during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In brief
Anglican Church plans homecoming services in Philipsburg and Marigot
The Anglican Church will hold homecoming services on Sunday 25 October for members who have stopped attending regularly.
In brief
Five coach-training courses planned before 2027 Special Olympics Kingdom Games
Five sports training courses are scheduled in Sint Maarten for 14 and 15 November ahead of the 2027 Special Olympics Kingdom Games.
In brief
MHF says 24-hour crisis line is available for adults and children
The Mental Health Foundation said its confidential crisis line offers emergency mental health support for adults and children around the clock.
In brief
St. Maarten Golf Association team places second at Anguilla tournament
The St. Maarten Golf Association said its 12-player team finished second in low net at a regional tournament held 10 and 11 October.
In brief
MPC beats CBA 51-44 to retain school basketball title
Milton Peters College retained the PSA interscholastic basketball title with a 51-44 win over CBA, the association said.
In brief
Samantha 2 towed to St Eustatius after engine shutdown
Five passengers were aboard MV Samantha 2 when it lost engine power returning from St Kitts; stranded Saba passengers later returned home.
