PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl T. J. York is urging the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) to take immediate action to adjust taxi tariffs following the sharp increase in fuel prices now impacting drivers across St. Maarten.

Effective March 22, gasoline prices have jumped by approximately 24.6%, while diesel, heavily used by commercial operators, has surged by 39.7%, placing significant strain on taxi drivers and the broader transport sector.

York emphasized that this call is not sudden or reactionary. He has been raising concerns about taxi pricing since January, when formal inquiries were submitted to the Minister regarding the long-overdue taxi fare structure. To date, no response has been received.

“This is not a random call for action. Since January, I have been asking for clarity on taxi fares and the status of the pricing list. Today, fuel prices have increased by as much as 39%, and still, there has been no response. The time to act is now,” York stated.

Taxi drivers, already operating within tight margins, are now being forced to absorb steep increases in fuel costs without any clear mechanism to adjust fares. For many, this translates directly into reduced income despite increased working hours.

“Adjustments cannot exist on one side, the gas stations, of the equation while the other, taxis, is expected to absorb the shock.”

York stressed that what began as a concern has now become a direct economic burden due to prolonged inaction. When international price shifts are reflected immediately, but local realities are left unaddressed, it raises serious questions about policy priorities.

“Our taxi drivers are the backbone of our tourism industry. The reality is simple. Costs have gone up overnight, but policy has stood still for months. Taxi drivers cannot operate on silence. The time for discussion has passed. The time for action is now,” he added.

Curaçao:---  The Director of Bureau Telecommunications and Post Sint Maarten (BTP), Judianne Hoeve, delivered a strong and timely message on data sovereignty and Caribbean collaboration at the Caribbean Data Center Conference held in Curaçao. The event brought together ministers, regulators, policymakers, ICT professionals, and senior data center representatives from across the region.

In her address, Hoeve emphasized that data centers are no longer “invisible infrastructure,” but are now critical to national security, economic development, and digital trust. She highlighted the growing importance of Caribbean countries working together to ensure that data is managed securely, responsibly, and in ways that benefit the region.

“For small island states like Sint Maarten, digital infrastructure is not just about technology; it is about resilience, economic opportunity, and protecting our digital future. We must collaborate as a region to build trust, strengthen our regulatory frameworks, and ensure that we are not left behind in the global digital economy,” said Hoeve.

Hoeve also moderated a high-level panel discussion on “Regulation for Trust”, guiding an important dialogue among industry leaders and regulators. Key topics included the shared responsibility for trust in the digital ecosystem, balancing regulation with innovation, strengthening cybersecurity and resilience, and addressing the growing importance of data sovereignty and artificial intelligence.

The discussion highlighted several regional challenges, including limited resources, increasing cyber threats, fragmented regulatory approaches, and the need to keep pace with rapid technological developments such as AI. Panelists agreed that greater cooperation between Caribbean countries is essential to address these challenges effectively.

For Sint Maarten, the discussions underscore the importance of investing in secure digital infrastructure, strengthening regulatory oversight, and building regional partnerships. This will help ensure that the country can safely store and manage data, support business growth, and protect its citizens in an increasingly digital world.

BTP remains committed to playing an active role in regional and international discussions, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote trust, security, and innovation in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes is urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to eliminate the double application of the Turnover Tax (TOT) to fuel prices, an unnecessary and inflation‑driving practice that directly contributes to the record-high costs currently burdening residents at the pump.

Recent price buildup data published by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT) confirms once again that Turnover Tax is being charged twice:

1. First TOT charge is applied on the maximum wholesale price.
2. Second TOT charge is applied again on the consumer retail price.

This practice results in Sint Maarten residents paying Turnover Tax on top of Turnover Tax, a multilayered burden that amplifies fuel price increases and inflates the final cost per liter beyond what is reasonable.

“With fuel prices climbing to unsustainable levels, our people are suffering,” stated MP Lacroes. “When TOT is charged twice, it becomes a form of hidden double taxation. In a time when families are struggling with high living costs, the government should not be adding unnecessary layers of tax on essential commodities such as gasoline and diesel.”

The latest price adjustment shows gasoline rising from 2.288 to 2.850 XCG per liter and diesel jumping from 1.918 to 2.679 XCG per liter. These increases hit working families, taxi and bus drivers, small businesses, and the entire economy. The double TOT included in the new buildup only worsens the situation.

The current fuel price buildup shows the concrete savings that residents would experience if the Turnover Tax were corrected. Today’s pump price for gasoline stands at ANG 2.850 per liter, but removing only the second TOT layer, the retail TOT would immediately reduce the price to XCG 2.714 per liter, a 4.77% decrease. If the wholesale TOT were removed instead, the price would drop to XCG 2.722 per liter. However, eliminating both unjustified TOT layers brings the price down even further to XCG 2.592 per liter, a full 9.05% reduction. Diesel shows the same pattern: the current XCG 2.679 per liter would fall to XCG 2.551 with retail TOT removed, ANG 2.558 with wholesale TOT removed, and XCG 2.436 if both TOT layers were eliminated, saving residents approximately XCG 0.243 per liter. These figures demonstrate that correcting the double‑taxation practice delivers immediate and meaningful relief to the public.

MP Lacroes emphasized that eliminating the second TOT layer can be implemented immediately through a ministerial decision (MB). “There is no legal or economic justification to continue taxing the people twice on the same product. Removing the double TOT will provide instant relief at the pump and ease inflationary pressure across all sectors,” he added.

The MP is formally calling on the Minister of TEATT and the Council of Ministers to:

• Immediately remove the second layer of Turnover Tax applied at the consumer level,
• Review the fuel price buildup mechanism to ensure transparency, and
• Implement consumer-protection measures to prevent unnecessary tax layering in the future.
• Find other revenue generating measures to supplement the budget that will not burden the people

“As representatives of the people, we must act now. High prices are squeezing every household, and government must take responsible steps to reduce the burden wherever possible,” said MP Lacroes.

MARIGOT:--- The French Gendarmerie has issued an urgent public information alert following the worrisome disappearance of two teenage girls in St. Martin. Authorities are asking for the public's help to locate 14-year-old Etaicha Baly and 15-year-old Blandine Pierre, who have been missing since March 19, 2026.

According to the official alert, the two friends met near the Concordia neighborhood after their school classes ended. They did not return to their respective homes afterward. While the Gendarmerie notes that the girls have a history of leaving without parental permission, authorities are treating their current absence with high concern and urgency.

Police have provided descriptions to help the public identify the missing teens:

• Etaicha Baly: Born July 12, 2011. She has dark, curly hair, which she recently wore styled in two buns on top of her head.

• Blandine Pierre: Born January 19, 2011. She has dark hair styled in braids or twists.

The Gendarmerie urges anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Etaicha and Blandine to come forward immediately. Time is a critical factor in ensuring their safe return.

If you see the girls or have any details that could assist the search, please dial the emergency number 17 right away.

You can also contact the Judicial Support Section of the Saint Barthélémy and Saint Martin Gendarmerie directly by calling 05.90.52.33.88. Alternatively, you can provide information in person at their station located at 80A route de la savane, 97150 St