WITU: CBA Misses the Mark Once Again on Vacation Allowance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Each year, teachers and non-teaching staff of public and subsidized schools count on receiving their vacation allowance. For many families, this payment helps cover planned expenses, family obligations, and much-needed time to rest and recharge after a demanding school year. It is not a bonus, a favor, or an unexpected benefit. It is a legal entitlement.

Pursuant to the relevant provisions governing vacation allowance, including Article 24 of the ordinance regulating vacation, vacation allowance and exemption from duty for civil ...

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The Council observes risks associated with the screening of justice personnel.

PHILIPSBURG:---   The screening of justice personnel is a measure designed to promote integrity within organizations. In its recently published report, the Law Enforcement Council concludes that the manner in which (potential) justice personnel are screened or re-screened does not always comply with applicable laws and regulations. Its inspection reveals that although all organizations require at least a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for an appointment in accordance with the law, certain organizations deviate from existing screening proc...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APS Announces Third Consecutive Pension Increase and Surpasses Cg 1 Billion in Assets.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 11, the Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) presented its clean audit report to the Minister of Finance, further underscoring the fund’s strong financial performance and long-term stability.

APS has announced a 0.92% pension increase, marking the third consecutive year that pensioners will benefit from indexation. The increase is made possible by the fund’s healthy coverage ratio of 116.23% and is based on consumer price index data. The adjusted pension amount is expected to be paid in July 2026, with retroactive ef...

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Budget 2026: Education gets Naf. 117 million, Tourism Naf. 47.8 million — But where is the growth strategy?

~More than NAf. 164 million allocated to two critical Ministries as Questions mount over outcomes and economic vision.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government's 2026 Budget reveals a striking reality about Sint Maarten's priorities: more than NAf. 164.9 million will be allocated to the country's Education and Tourism ministries, yet the budget provides limited evidence of how those investments will translate into measurable economic growth, workforce development, or national competitiveness.
According to the draft 2026 Budget, the Ministry of Education, ...

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