In brief
SER submits report on Curaçao's proposed US$75 entry tax
Curaçao's Social and Economic Council has advised on a proposed US$75 entry tax for non-resident visitors, with lodging turnover-tax relief.
Friday 30 October 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
16 storiesGovernment
4 stories
In brief
Kingdom approves permanent Caribbean security monitoring role for Defence
The Kingdom Council of Ministers approved a permanent Defence monitoring role for Caribbean security developments on Friday 30 October.
In brief
APS says Finance Minister sought more detail on proposed 2027 budget
APS said its management and board met the Finance Minister on Thursday 22 October to discuss proposed 2027 allocations and forecasts.
In brief
Draft gambling law would require casino checks and advertising limits
A proposed National Ordinance on Gambling would require casinos to address gambling harm and restrict gambling advertising.
Business
5 storiesIn brief
Port Everglades considers US$1.7 billion cruise infrastructure programme
Port Everglades is considering a US$1.7 billion, 20-year programme to upgrade terminals, berths, roads and parking in Florida.
In brief
COCI submits proposal for electronic voting and longer election hours
COCI has submitted a proposal to TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten to introduce electronic voting and extend Chamber election hours.
In brief
Islandhopper adds Cessna 402 to Statia fleet for regional links
Dutch Caribbean Islandhopper said its ten-seat PH-DCE aircraft will be repainted on Statia before entering service.
In brief
Air Transat to run Montreal–St. Maarten route year-round from 2027
Air Transat says it will extend its Montreal–St. Maarten service into summer 2027 with one weekly flight.
In brief
Anguilla tops World Population Review Caribbean safety list
World Population Review ranked Anguilla first among six Caribbean destinations in its 2026 safety list.
Community
7 storiesIn brief
Dominica names 17 recipients for Independence honours
Dominica will honour 17 citizens at its 48th Independence National Observance Ceremony on Tuesday 3 November.
In brief
Telem recognised for support of Oswald Francis children’s book
Victorious Living Publishing says Telem’s September 2026 support helped distribute Oswald Francis’ book to schools and institutions.
In brief
Science Week 2027 set for 8–13 March
Ten high schools have expressed preliminary interest in Science Week 2027, the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation said.
In brief
MP Dimar Labega meets CFY students at USM
MP Dimar Labega spoke with University of St. Martin Caribbean Foundation Year students on Wednesday 28 October.
In brief
Ponum dance to feature at California dance therapy conference
Clara Reyes and Jonathan van Arneman will present Sint Maarten’s Ponum dance as a case study at a California conference.
In brief
Dutch House majority backs limits on generative AI in primary schools
A Dutch parliamentary motion backed by 88 lawmakers calls for limits on primary pupils’ use of generative AI tools.
In brief
PAHO and VSA revise Sint Maarten laboratory policy framework
PAHO/WHO says it supported VSA’s review of Sint Maarten’s laboratory policy, producing a framework for proposed revisions.
