GovernmentIn brief
Fire commanders agree to expand CAS-BES cooperation
Fire commanders from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands set joint priorities for 2027.
Government
Parliament, ministries and policy
294 stories · page 1 of 10Latest in Government
Sint MaartenGovernmentIn brief
Aruba Parliament seeks Dutch explanation of Beatrix notes on Betico Croes
Aruba’s Parliament unanimously passed a motion asking the Netherlands to clarify 1983 notes by then Queen Beatrix about Betico Croes.
GovernmentIn brief
Doran seeks ministers’ review of annual St. Martin Culture Week
MP Egbert J. Doran has asked ECYS and TEATT to assess an annual St. Martin Culture Week, including costs, funding and implementation.
GovernmentIn brief
Government, GEBE sign agreements for three Cay Bay generators
Government and N.V. GEBE signed agreements for three generators with about 27 megawatts of capacity at Cay Bay.
GovernmentIn brief
Peterson calls for review of capital gains tax on real estate profits
MP Raeyhon Peterson urged a review of capital gains and short-term rental taxes during the 2027 budget debate on 4 November.
GovernmentIn brief
Peterson plans amendment to shift 80% of Parliament travel budget to school repairs
MP Raeyhon Peterson said on Wednesday 4 November he plans to direct 80% of Parliament’s travel budget to public-school repairs.
GovernmentIn brief
Irion questions revenue collection and proposed fees in 2027 budget debate
MP Ardwell Irion questioned whether government is collecting debts from larger businesses before adding charges for residents.
GovernmentIn brief
Wescot-Williams asks government for account of its progress
MP Sarah Wescot-Williams asked the Council of Ministers for a coordinated assessment of its record during the 2027 budget debate.
GovernmentIn brief
Roseburg presents draft laws in 2027 budget debate
MP Sjamira Roseburg presented draft measures on electricity rates, room tax, temporary contracts and social protection on 4 November.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch Caribbean Integrity Summit opens, runs through 6 November
The fourth Dutch Caribbean Integrity Summit opened on Monday 2 November, with 23 organisations and representatives taking part.
GovernmentIn brief
Lacroes seeks joint revenue session during 2027 budget debate
MP Francisco Lacroes proposed a closed-door Parliament and government session to develop revenue measures and address financial pressures.
GovernmentIn brief
De Weever calls for review of economic development responsibilities
MP Ludmila de Weever urged closer coordination between Finance and TEATT during the 2027 budget debate on 4 November.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn 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.
GovernmentIn brief
MPs press ministers on GEBE relief and projects during 2027 budget debate
MPs Omar Ottley and Lyndon Lewis raised questions on electricity relief, public spending, employee payments and delayed projects on 3 November.
GovernmentIn brief
TEATT outlines Cg 22.5 million in proposed 2027 capital investments
Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten presented draft plans including a Cg 10.5 million MET and Civil Aviation building.
GovernmentIn brief
Prime Minister and GEBE manager to sign agreement for power engines
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and GEBE Temporary Manager Iris Arindell are to sign an agreement for generation engines.
GovernmentOfficial
Government says Arrindell attended UNESCO racism and discrimination forum
The Government of Sint Maarten says Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell attended UNESCO’s fifth global forum in The Hague.
GovernmentIn brief
VROMI outlines Cg 10.5m for roads and Cg 7.1m in new 2027 investment requests
VROMI presented 2027 priorities including road works, waste management, housing, a Belvedere cemetery site and permit digitalisation.
