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.
Government
Parliament, ministries and policy
295 stories · page 6 of 10Older government stories
Sint MaartenGovernmentOfficial
Simpson Bay dock closes for refurbishment
The Government of Sint Maarten says Immigration services have moved to the PJIA Ferry Dock while Simpson Bay dock is rebuilt.
GovernmentOfficial
Government says Rolandus Canal repairs are planned in Suckergarden
The Ministry of VROMI says a US$750,000-plus project will repair a canal section, road, bridges and railings in Suckergarden.
GovernmentOfficial
Government says Sint Maarten held first Human Rights Conference
Government says the 9 October conference followed a Council of Europe visit focused on detention judgments and reform.
GovernmentIn brief
Kingdom justice ministers create shared-services working group
Kingdom justice ministers agreed to review shared justice-service financing and assess capacity gaps across the Caribbean countries.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch privacy groups seek injunction over Meta AI glasses sales
Dutch groups Offlimits and The Firewall are seeking a court injunction to stop Meta AI glasses being sold in the Netherlands.
GovernmentIn brief
Arrindell attends presentation on Dutch monarchy and colonial history
Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell attended Leiden University’s release of research into Dutch royal colonial history.
GovernmentIn brief
Roseburg visits Curaçao Tourist Police as Sint Maarten pilot is planned
MP Sjamira Roseburg said she visited Curaçao’s Tourist Police to learn from its operations before Sint Maarten’s planned pilot.
GovernmentIn brief
Doran congratulates Cicilia on becoming AVP leader
National Alliance faction leader Egbert J. Doran congratulated Wendrick Cicilia, who succeeds Aruba Prime Minister Mike Eman as AVP leader.
GovernmentIn brief
BES unemployment benefit applications open 1 January 2027
SZW says workers on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba can apply for temporary unemployment benefit from 1 January 2027.
GovernmentIn brief
Report says US$102,525 transfer case was not pursued over capacity limits
A research report says a 2022 case involving US$102,525 in transfers was referred to prosecutors but not investigated further.
GovernmentOfficial
Government outlines Under the Hood activities at prison and Miss Lalie Center
Government says the project’s first phase ended after two months, with newsletters, clubs and creative activities at both facilities.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch State Secretary Van der Burg visits Savaneta Marine Barracks
Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg visited Aruba’s Savaneta Marine Barracks on Monday 12 October with Prime Minister Mike Eman.
GovernmentIn brief
GEBE shifts senior relief applications to Social Services for 2027
From 2027, the Department of Social Services will assess applications and choose beneficiaries for GEBE’s senior relief programme.
GovernmentIn brief
SER Curaçao presents 2025 report calling for growth to improve daily life
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas received the SER Curaçao 2025 annual report, which links growth to jobs, services and household well-being.
GovernmentIn brief
Study finds St. Maarten slavery history absent from shared exam requirements
A government-commissioned study says shared history exam requirements do not cover St. Maarten’s slavery history.
GovernmentIn brief
WIFOL board election challenged in injunction application
Attorney Cor Merx says a court application seeks to void WIFOL’s new board election over alleged bylaw breaches.
GovernmentIn brief
Arrindell attends Armenia independence reception in The Hague
Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell represented Sint Maarten at Armenia’s 35th independence reception in The Hague.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch party PRO to launch Bonaire branch on 28 October
Progressief Nederland will present a Bonaire branch on Wednesday 28 October, though it has not decided on the 2027 Island Council election.
GovernmentIn brief
Dutch committee examines 1 July Kingdom-wide holiday as surname plan is delayed
A Dutch committee is examining a Kingdom-wide 1 July holiday, while free surname changes on three islands are delayed to mid-2027.
GovernmentIn brief
BES archive agendas outline plans for laws and digital systems
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science said signed archive agendas set out infrastructure plans for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
GovernmentOfficial
Government release calls for constitutional referendum on Sint Maarten’s future
A Government of Sint Maarten release calls on Parliament to resume electoral reform and consider a constitutional referendum.
GovernmentIn brief
MP Sjamira Roseburg says she paid own way to Curaçao summit
MP Sjamira Roseburg said she paid for an October Curaçao visit to attend a regional leadership summit and plans to follow up on talks about crime prevention.
GovernmentIn brief
Wescot Williams says she initiated referendum ordinance
Parliament President Sarah Wescot Williams said she initiated a referendum ordinance to set rules for future status votes.
GovernmentIn brief
Veenendaal and Nauta say autonomy strains Caribbean governments
Wouter Veenendaal and Oberon Nauta proposed a larger Kingdom role and stronger Caribbean representation.
GovernmentOfficial
Government Constitution Day message cites resilience and social concerns
On Sunday 11 October, Government of Sint Maarten marked Constitution Day with a message on resilience, public services and youth opportunities.
GovernmentIn brief
Roseburg calls for action on living costs and stronger Kingdom voice
MP Sjamira Roseburg used a Constitution Day message to call for lower household costs and greater Caribbean influence in Kingdom decisions.
GovernmentIn brief
Curaçao summit brings regional leaders together on cooperation and growth
Leaders from Curaçao, Jamaica, Aruba and Suriname met on Friday 9 October, with a joint declaration scheduled for Saturday 10 October.
GovernmentIn brief
MP Lyndon Lewis marks Prison Week with message to prison staff
NOW MP Lyndon Lewis marked Prison Week on Wednesday 7 October, praising prison personnel and calling for staff support.
GovernmentIn brief
BTP review of GEBE fuel charge moves to SOL inquiry
TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten said on Wednesday 7 October that BTP is seeking more documents from fuel supplier SOL.