In brief
Anguilla plans three SOFAR buoys for ocean data
Anguilla’s Disaster Management Department says three donated SOFAR buoys will be deployed during 19 to 23 October 2026.
Thursday 22 October 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
22 storiesWeather
1 story
Government
13 storiesOfficial
STAT launches website and interactive statistics dashboard
Government of Sint Maarten says STAT launched a website and dashboard for exploring official statistics on Thursday 22 October.
Official
Gumbs says Road Fund legal work is aimed for completion in 2028
Government says VROMI will receive Cg 5 million in the 2027 budget if Parliament leaves the line item unchanged.
In brief
Government commissions feasibility study on Development Bank
Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs said Government is assessing a Development Bank and has made no decision to establish one.
In brief
Civil servants expected to receive 2.5% indexation and back pay on 23 October
Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs said civil servants are expected to receive a 2.5% salary indexation and back pay on Friday 23 October.
In brief
Mercelina visits Philips Healthcare during Netherlands mission
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina visited Philips Healthcare in Best on 22 October to discuss medical technology and remote clinical support.
In brief
Ottley cites 1,085 undocumented students in case for residency law
MP Omar Ottley told Parliament that 1,085 undocumented students attend local schools as he defended a proposed residency law.
In brief
Public consultation on National Gambling Ordinance opens 26 October
Government of St. Maarten will accept public comments on its draft National Gambling Ordinance from 26 October to 4 December 2026.
In brief
Doran flags six-month gap in Social Economic Council board
MP Egbert J. Doran said on Thursday 22 October that the non-functioning SER Board could delay legislation requiring council advice.
In brief
Audit Chamber says Road Fund objection procedure remains open
The General Audit Chamber told Parliament on Thursday 22 October that its Road Fund objection procedure remains unresolved.
In brief
VROMI to block illegal wastewater pipes connected to drains and roads
VROMI says it will block illegal wastewater connections to public drains and roads and monitor breaches of disposal rules.
In brief
Lewis raises small-jurisdiction security needs at ParlAmericas congress in Chile
MP Lyndon Lewis called for regional cooperation, resourced justice institutions and workable security laws at a ParlAmericas panel in Chile.
In brief
Aruba AG warns of pressure on democratic rule of law
Attorney General Amalin Flanegin cited crime, disinformation and declining trust during a Curaçao court ceremony on Friday 16 October.
In brief
Gumbs says developers fund two infrastructure PPPs
Minister Patrice Gumbs said government funded Billy Folly Road upgrades while developers are paying for two other PPP projects.
Business
2 storiesIn brief
WIFOL signs two labour agreement amendments with Oyster Bay companies
WIFOL signed two Collective Labour Agreement amendments with Pearl Development N.V. and Iron Shore Management.
In brief
Wingo mystery flights bring Colombian visitors to St. Maarten
Two Wingo flights arrived from Bogotá and Medellín on 22 October for a four-day mystery holiday, with about 400 people staying at Divi Resorts.
Community
6 storiesIn brief
NAGICO health fair set for 14 November at Baco Richardson Stadium
NAGICO Insurances says its 2026 Health & Wellness Fair will offer free screenings, activities and two new competitions on 14 November.
In brief
DUO to offer student-debt help in Sint Maarten from 23 to 27 November
DUO will assist former students in Sint Maarten with 2027 student-loan repayments, income details, arrears and account access.
In brief
Sister Marie Laurence school reconstruction moves into steel erection phase
Seven containers of steel have arrived for Sister Marie Laurence Primary School as reconstruction work advances in Middle Region.
In brief
Curaçao preparedness expo includes first island scavenger hunt
The Ami ta Prepará preparedness expo on Saturday 17 October gave visitors emergency advice and awarded a Cg2,500 scavenger-hunt prize.
In brief
Youth Brigade receives funding for instruments and leadership training
The Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation said three organisations funded instruments and leadership training for Youth Brigade members.
In brief
Parliament President meets USM foundation-year students
USM said Parliament President Sarah Wescot-Williams discussed governance and school transport concerns with Caribbean Foundation Year students.
