PHILIPSBURG:--- During Thursday’s Committee of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) meeting, Member of Parliament (MP) Ardwell Irion raised pressing concerns about the government’s handling of transportation licenses and the need for greater consistency in how such issues are addressed.
MP Irion questioned the government's approach to promoting meetings related to transportation licenses, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and equitable attention to all pressing matters within the sector. He pointed out that while certain meetings receive major promotion, including strong social media campaigns and videos, other crucial sessions directly impacting transportation stakeholders often go largely unnoticed.
“I would like from the government some type of consistency,” Irion stated, drawing a contrast between the selective promotion of meetings and the limited attention given to transportation license discussions that impact many within the community.
He also criticized the government for what he sees as an overall lack of transparency, particularly highlighting the inadequate promotion of meetings related to the 2025 budget amendment. Irion stressed that the government continues to make financial decisions, such as operating without an officially approved budget, which raises constitutional concerns. He called for significant fiscal matters, including future discussions affecting the transportation sector, to be promoted and addressed with the same seriousness and visibility as other high-profile meetings.
MP Irion concluded his remarks by urging the government to adopt consistent and transparent practices in promoting and managing all important meetings—especially those concerning transportation licenses—to ensure stakeholders are properly informed and involved.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  On Thursday, November 13, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted the Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, a highlight of the Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). This year’s keynote speaker was Jeanette Semeleer, President of the Centrale Bank van Aruba. In her address, titled “Aruba, From Isla Inutil to Isla Innovativo,” Mrs. Semeleer drew on Aruba’s experience with external shocks to emphasize that true economic resilience is not merely bouncing back, but also bouncing forward.
Since 1985, the Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture has honored Dr. Adlith Brown, who served as Coordinator of the Regional Program of Monetary Studies from 1980 to 1984, recognizing her regional vision, intellectual leadership, and policy insight.
Speaking on the AMSC conference theme “Resilience through Transformation,” Mrs. Semeleer outlined how Aruba is moving from “bouncing back” to “bouncing forward.” She highlighted diversification beyond tourism, investment in human capital, institutional capacity and independence, environmental stewardship, and the adoption of responsible tourism, green energy, the blue economy, and digital transformation. In addition, she underscored the value of prudent courage in crisis management, clear communication, and contingency planning to maintain confidence and stability. Mrs. Semeleer noted that global headwinds, notably geopolitics and climate change, make adaptation urgent, and argued that collaboration across public institutions and communities is essential to sustain innovation, build resilience, and secure long-term, inclusive growth.
Following a Q&A session with the audience, Richard Doornbosch, President of the CBCS, expressed his profound appreciation for Mrs. Semeleer’s collegiality and commitment, her years of dedicated service, and her balanced and forward-looking perspective.
A video recording of the 2025 Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture is available on the CBCS YouTube and social media channels.

Willemstad, November 14, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested five suspects in connection with a robbery and assault that took place in the vicinity of a gentleman's club in the Defiance area. The incident occurred on November 12, 2025, around 12:45 a.m.
Following quick police action, officers located and arrested all five suspects. The individuals arrested have the initials D.D., D.L.R.J., C.D., S.J., and F.P.K. Two of the suspects are female minors.
In this incident, four victims came forward and filed official reports of assault and robbery after leaving the club. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department are currently investigating the case. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a fatal shooting that took place in the Fort Willem area on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, just before 7:00 p.m.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered a young male victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives of KPSM, along with the Forensic Department, are presently on location investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

At this time, the investigation remains ongoing. KPSM will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

The Police Force urges anyone with information that may assist in this case to contact the police via +1 721 542 2222, the anonymous tip line at 9300, or send a direct message to the KPSM Facebook Page.

KPSM Press Release.