GovernmentIn 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.
Government
Parliament, ministries and policy
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Sint MaartenGovernmentIn brief
Lacroes, Ottley press VROMI on sewage, garbage and abandoned vehicles
MPs Lacroes and Omar Ottley asked VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs for action on sewage, waste collection and vehicle wrecks on 20 October.
GovernmentIn brief
Meyers calls for tourism to bear more waste-management costs
MP Franklin Meyers urged government on Tuesday 20 October to reconsider how tourism-related waste collection and disposal are funded.
GovernmentIn brief
MPs seek answers on wastewater plant and waste contracts
MPs Egbert Jurendy Doran, Ardwell Irion and Darryl York questioned VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs on Tuesday 20 October.
GovernmentIn brief
Gumbs updates Parliament on Nature Policy Plan targets and funding
VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs outlined work on marine protection, mangroves and enforcement as MPs questioned staffing and funding.
GovernmentIn brief
Proposed Kingdom Act would approve St Eustatius-Kitts maritime treaty
A proposed Kingdom Act seeks approval for a 140-kilometre maritime-boundary treaty signed in 2024 by the Kingdom and St Kitts and Nevis.
GovernmentIn brief
Gumbs gives updates on school, library and sports facility projects
Education Minister Melissa Gumbs said school, library and sports projects are advancing, with three major facilities hoped to open by early 2028.
GovernmentIn brief
KPSM warns of heavier traffic in Philipsburg and Simpson Bay
Police have urged road users and transport operators to allow extra travel time as visitor activity increases.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch maritime bill would not automatically extend enforcement powers to Sint Maarten
A Dutch bill filed on Friday 9 October would expand action against suspicious ships, while Caribbean countries retain responsibility for their laws.
GovernmentIn brief
Arrindell takes part in Netherlands wastewater programme
Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell joined a five-day Netherlands programme on circular economy and wastewater management.
GovernmentIn brief
Dominica Electoral Office continues voter ID card distribution
Dominica’s Electoral Office says eligible citizens can continue collecting voter ID cards after the voter confirmation exercise.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch government says Caribbean forensic psychiatric care capacity is insufficient
Dutch State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen said Sint Maarten judges cannot order TBS psychiatric treatment under current law.
GovernmentIn brief
Mercelina asks Netherlands to deepen foreign-affairs cooperation
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina sought closer support for Sint Maarten’s foreign-relations department during talks in The Hague.
GovernmentIn brief
Curaçao associate-membership treaty goes to Dutch Parliament
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen submitted Curaçao’s CARICOM associate-membership treaty on Monday 19 October 2026.
GovernmentIn brief
Sigmar Carmelia installed as president of Joint Court of Justice
Sigmar Carmelia was installed on Friday 16 October as the 26th president of the Joint Court of Justice, setting access and local talent as priorities.
GovernmentIn brief
Arrindell offers condolences on death of former Cabinet director Cornelius James
On Sunday 18 October, Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell offered condolences following the death of former Cabinet director Cornelius James.
GovernmentOfficial
Sigmar Carmelia installed as president of the Common Court of Justice
The Hof van Justitie said Sigmar Carmelia was installed as the new president of the Common Court of Justice on Friday 16 October.
GovernmentIn brief
KPSM says senior officers completed leadership training
KPSM says several senior officers completed a leadership programme aimed at supporting operational-level work.
GovernmentIn brief
Netherlands plans anti-ship missile capability for Caribbean
The Netherlands plans to add anti-ship missiles to its Caribbean military capability, alongside a permanent Marine Corps company in Curaçao.
GovernmentOfficial
Mercelina meets Dutch foreign affairs minister in The Hague
The Government of Sint Maarten says Prime Minister Dr. Luc F. E. Mercelina met Dutch Minister Tom Berendsen on Friday 16 October.
GovernmentIn brief
Bonaire agrees 15-point governance plan after Dutch concerns
Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg cited reports of political interference and slow decisions as Bonaire agreed to a 15-point plan.
GovernmentIn brief
Bonaire receives first bus for planned public transport network
Bonaire received its first public transport bus on Wednesday 14 October, with service expected to start by the end of January 2027.
GovernmentIn brief
Connor considers breadfruit tree distribution for households and communities
VSA Minister Claret Connor said the ministry is considering distributing breadfruit trees to support local food production.
GovernmentIn brief
Sint Maarten MPs visit Curaçao prevention centre and Joint Court
Sint Maarten’s parliamentary delegation visited Fundashon Prevenshon and the Joint Court in Curaçao on 14 October.
GovernmentOfficial
Court orders US$30,916 estate payment after home is allocated
The Court of First Instance allocated a Sint Maarten estate home to four heirs and ordered a US$30,916 payment to another heir.
GovernmentIn brief
Government plans Simpson Bay Service Center reopening after maintenance review
Government plans to reopen the Simpson Bay Service Center after reviewing maintenance and oversight of public buildings, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said.
GovernmentIn brief
Arrindell and Port St. Maarten CEO discuss maritime ties
Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell and Port St. Maarten CEO Alexander Gumbs discussed maritime training and European links.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch government proposes extending US surveillance agreement in Curaçao and Aruba
A Dutch government report dated 12 October says it seeks to extend US unarmed surveillance access at Curaçao and Aruba airports until 2031.
GovernmentIn brief
Mercelina links further GEBE relief to unpaid bills
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said further GEBE consumer relief must be weighed against unpaid electricity bills and fuel costs.
GovernmentIn brief
VSA Inspectorate reform proposals move to review
Minister Claret Connor says proposals to reform the VSA Inspectorate have been developed, with draft legislation under review.