In brief
York questions 2027 budget plans, road funding and hospital readiness
MP Darryl York pressed ministers for timelines and details on relief measures, road funding, GEBE investments and hospital operations.
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
18 storiesGovernment
13 stories
In brief
Kotai calls for study of joint authority for airport and port
MP Viren Kotai asked government on Wednesday 4 November to assess a joint authority or holding structure for PJIA and Port St. Maarten.
In brief
Kotai seeks answers on Setai permits and possible court action
MP Viren Kotai asked VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs on Wednesday 4 November about Setai permit delays and possible legal action.
In brief
Government awaits documents for Social Economic Council appointments
Employee organisations agreed to submit Social Economic Council nomination documents within two weeks, while employer groups were also asked for information.
In brief
Wever proposes temporary GEBE fuel clause freeze at 30 cents per kWh
MP Christopher Wever on Wednesday 4 November urged ministers to examine a temporary reduction in GEBE’s fuel clause from about 45 cents per kWh.
In brief
Doran questions VROMI tender, road funding and Alegria permit talks
MP Egbert Doran raised questions in Parliament about a garbage tender, road funds, development permits and 2027 budget plans.
In brief
Ministry says Point Blanche prison site can move to demolition phase
The Justice Ministry said excavation and security fencing at Point Blanche have progressed enough for targeted demolition to proceed.
In brief
Meyers proposes development tax and wider tax reform in budget debate
MP Franklin Meyers urged new revenue measures, including a development and environmental impact tax, during Parliament’s 2027 budget debate.
In brief
MP questions 2027 support, health referral and borrowing plans
MP Veronica Jansen-Webster questioned VSA funding, medical referral timelines and proposed borrowing during the 2027 budget debate.
In brief
King Charles condemns slave trade but gives no formal apology at Commonwealth meeting
King Charles III expressed sorrow over slavery’s legacy at a Commonwealth meeting on Tuesday 3 November, but did not offer a formal apology.
In brief
Kaya Grandi drainage work underway in Kralendijk
Bonaire government says Phase 3 work on Kaya Grandi includes a larger drainage conduit and at least 10 new street gullies.
In brief
Minister seeks review of US preclearance plan for Princess Juliana airport
TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten asked Parliament to reconsider a 2018 US preclearance concept estimated at US$82.6 million.
In brief
Minister to seek BTP advice on immediate GEBE tariff changes
TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten said on 3 November she intends to ask BTP which GEBE tariff measures can be taken now.
Business
1 storyIn brief
ING to open branches on Sint Eustatius and Saba in November
ING says it will open branches on Sint Eustatius on 24 November 2026 and Saba on 26 November 2026.
Community
4 storiesIn brief
Six finalists to perform in I Love SXM Song Challenge finale
Six artists will compete live for US$2,000 in prizes at the I Love SXM Song Challenge finale on Saturday 7 November.
In brief
SXM Muscle Mayhem set for 4 December at Belair Community Center
The St. Maarten Bodybuilding & Fitness Association will hold SXM Muscle Mayhem 2026 on Friday 4 December, with five competition categories.
In brief
Team St. Maarten & St. Martin trains for Taste of the Caribbean
A four-member team representing both sides of the island is training ahead of Taste of the Caribbean, which begins in Barbados on Monday 16 November.
In brief
SMAF holds final team-building session before OECS championships
SMAF held a final session on Sunday 1 November as its 26 athletes, coaches and leaders prepared to leave for Saint Lucia.
