St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Chaos in VROMI: Minister Gumbs Jr. Relieves Top Civil Servants in Dubious Move.

ruanpompier26082025 PHILIPSBURG:--- In a move that reeks of political vendettas and administrative chaos, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. has “relieved” two senior civil servants—Head of Infrastructure Charlon Pompier and Head of New Works Kurt Ruan—from their duties. The letter informing them of this decision, however, raises more questions than it answers.

The letter, which failed to follow basic administrative procedures, was not booked in by the Division of Internal Affairs (DIV) and lacks a DIV number—a glaring oversight for such a significant action. While the Minister claims the two are not suspended, all the hallmarks of a suspension are present: their access passes revoked, phones disconnected, and emails blocked. The lack of transparency and procedural adherence is alarming, leaving the public to speculate about the true motives behind this decision.

The Front Street Repairs: A Convenient Excuse?

Speculation is rife that the Minister’s fury stems from the Front Street Road repairs conducted in March 2025 while he was conveniently vacationing in Miami. With Carnival Parade preparations looming, VROMI had just two weeks to repair the road. Given the urgency, the Ministry adhered to the procurement for paying contractors and requested multiple quotations from all civil works contractors registered at the Ministry of VROMI for the execution of similar infrastructure works. It was mentioned that VROMI used these procedures just three years ago.

The repairs were completed on time, but the Minister only begrudgingly signed off on the work order months later in July, reportedly displeased with the choice of contractor—a local company he personally dislikes.

This raises a critical question: Is the Minister’s decision to relieve Pompier and Ruan from their duties a retaliatory act against their involvement in the Front Street repairs? If so, this is not just petty, it’s a gross misuse of power.

A History of Tension and Retaliation

Charlon Pompier, a founding member of the Party for Progress (PFP), has been a thorn in the side of the party leadership for some time. Known for his outspoken criticism of the party’s ad hoc decision-making, Pompier has refused to compromise his integrity, even when pressured to leak confidential information. Most recently, he filed a formal complaint against the Secretary General, further straining his relationship with the party.

Pompier also raised red flags when Minister Gumbs Jr. controversially withdrew a contract from Avyanna and handed it to All Waste in Place, despite legal advice warning against such a move. The legal counsel explicitly cautioned that this action could have serious repercussions, yet the Minister proceeded, ignoring the advice of his own experts. Pompier’s principled stance on this issue likely made him a target for retaliation. Not to mention the Chief of Staff of the Minister of VROMI Cabinet is affiliated with All Waste in Place… This, of course, shows that the Minister has blatant corruption in his cabinet.

A Pattern of Abuse?

The Minister’s actions appear to be part of a broader pattern of political interference and abuse of power. By sidelining experienced civil servants like Pompier and Ruan, Gumbs Jr. is not only undermining the Ministry’s operations but also sending a chilling message to others who dare to question his authority. The lack of transparency, procedural irregularities, and apparent personal vendettas are deeply troubling and demand immediate scrutiny.

What’s Next for VROMI?

The public deserves answers. Why were Pompier and Ruan relieved of their duties without a clear explanation? Why was the letter not properly processed through DIV? And most importantly, is this yet another example of political interference in the civil service?

Minister Gumbs Jr. owes the people of this country an explanation. Until then, the stench of corruption and political vendettas will continue to hang over VROMI, eroding public trust in the Ministry and its leadership.

Annual Health, Sport & Culture Expo Returns on August 30, 2025

expoflyer25082025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Departments of Sport, Culture, and Collective Prevention Services are pleased to announce the return of the Annual Health, Sport & Culture Expo, taking place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the John Cooper Jose Lake Ball Park.

The Expo, a signature community initiative, is designed to promote health awareness, physical activity, and cultural enrichment within the community of Sint Maarten. This year’s program will once again highlight the importance of wellness and healthy living through a variety of interactive and educational activities.

The Expo will feature:

Free health screenings including Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and HIV testing.
A Police Obstacle Course Challenge, open to the public, to test their skills and endurance.
Interactive fitness and cultural classes, including Zumba, Capoeira, and Yoga.

“The Health, Sport & Culture Expo is about bringing our community together to learn, move, and celebrate wellness,” said Jonelle Richardson, Head of the Department of Sport. “It is an opportunity for everyone to take part in activities that benefit both body and mind, while also enjoying the diversity of our cultural practices.”

Eva Lista–de Weever, Head of Collective Prevention Services, said, “CPS is pleased to take part in this year’s Expo and remains thankful for the continued collaboration with government partners and community organizations as we work together to promote healthy living.”

In addition to health and sport, the Expo will also highlight Sint Maarten’s vibrant cultural scene. The Department of Culture emphasizes the importance of the creative industry in the country’s development. “The development of the Cultural Creative Industry on Sint Maarten continues to be at the forefront of the agenda of the Department of Culture. As such, the department is encouraging all residents in our community to come out, partake and experience the diverse groups that will be featured at this year's Health Sport & Culture EXPO 2025.”

The general public is encouraged to come out and take advantage of this free and accessible event, designed to promote wellness, community spirit, and healthy living across Sint Maarten.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: John Cooper Jose Lake Ball Park
💰 Admission: FREE

The Committee of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication of Parliament to meet with SXM TAXI regarding its Smart Transportation Solution for Sint Maarten’s Taxi Industry.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (CTEATT) will meet on August 26, 2025.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of SXM TAXI will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Presentation by SXM TAXI on its Smart Transportation Solution for Sint Maarten's Taxi Industry (IS/1108/2024-2025 dated June 2, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

Caribbean Risk Conference Unveils Bold Agenda to Tackle Climate, Economic and Digital Disruptions, and Social Fragmentation.

August 25, 2025: An ambitious agenda, covering the multiplicity of risks that cut across every dimension of national development, has been unveiled for the 2nd Wider Caribbean Regional Risk Conference, set for September 3–4, 2025. The event, which will be delivered online and in-person in Barbados, is being jointly hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), CCRIF SPC – the Caribbean and Central America parametric insurance facility and development insurer, and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The conference agenda reflects the scale and complexity of the challenges facing the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) and over 40 high-level experts from Caribbean, Central American and international organizations are confirmed to participate. Speakers and presenters will discuss the economic, social and environmental risks being faced by the WCR, as well as governance challenges and share best practices, lessons learned and innovative solutions to advance the sustainability agenda of the WCR.

Organisers are aiming to attract more than 2,000 participants – virtually and face-to-face – to share their views, perspectives and lived experience. Speakers, panelists and other participants will draft policy statements to help shape initiatives and solutions to advance collective action to address the challenges faced across the WCR.

The conference includes 7 panel discussions and 3 café corners or expert dialogues covering topics such as:

· Economic Tensions, Uncertainty and Geoeconomic Confrontations: Navigating these new Global Economic Relations

· Sovereign Risk and Financial Sustainability in the Caribbean: Strategic Financing and MDB Interventions

· Loss and Damage and Climate Finance: Emerging Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

· The Region's Response to the Global Sense of Social Fragmentation

· The Role of Nature-Based Solutions: Keys to Building a Resilient Caribbean

· Unlocking Private Sector Potential & Risk-Sharing Solutions for Sustainable Development

Sessions will probe the ripple effects of intensifying global trade tensions, new tariff regimes, and shifting supply chains on the region’s growth prospects. Participants will also engage with rating agencies, central banks, and multilateral institutions on strategies to strengthen sovereign risk management, enhance fiscal resilience, and navigate the debt vulnerabilities that limit development space for SIDS.

The conference will also explore the new threats posed by misinformation and disinformation, while looking at both the threats and opportunities posed by AI. Focus will also be placed on sharing the importance of scaling up efforts around detection and attribution science as countries in the WCR seek to address climate justice issues by enhancing climate-related loss and damage estimations and increasing access to climate finance.

Private sector development will also be in the spotlight, with leaders from finance, multilateral development banks, and entrepreneurship addressing how innovative risk-sharing mechanisms, blended finance, and co-financing models can unlock access to capital for micro, small, and medium enterprises and strengthen regional supply chains.

In addition, recognizing that nature remains the region’s first line of defence, discussions will explore the role of ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions in buffering climate risks, and the investments needed to scale up adaptation through the blue, green, and yellow economies. Another session will confront the rise of inequality and fragmentation in Caribbean societies, examining how community leadership, innovation, and policy reform can prevent instability and reinforce cohesion.

The conference will also include a Youth Forum - where 6^th form students and other young persons from throughout the region will engage face-to-face and online to discuss their ideas around risk in their countries and communities, and solutions and visions for advancing sustainable development in the WCR.

Registration for the 2nd Wider Caribbean Regional Risk Conference is now open at: Registration - Caribbean Regional Risk Conference.

The full conference agenda is available at: 2nd Wider Caribbean Regional Risk Conference.

Aviation Internship Program Cari-Aire Gets Official Relaunch.

aviationinternship25082025 AMSTERDAM:--- The aviation internship program Cari-Aire was officially relaunched last week. This took place at the Office of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten in The Hague. This internship program aims to strengthen the aviation sector on all six islands. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) and the Caribbean aviation authorities, implemented in collaboration with the WeConnect Foundation. Four interns will begin a five-month internship in September with the aviation authorities of Sint Maarten, at the healthcare institution Fundashon Mariadal (in collaboration with Bonaire Airport), and at Saba Airport.

Relaunch

The first cohort of the Cari-Aire program has now graduated. Antillean Ghyslaine Sambo, for example, successfully completed her internship with the aviation authorities of Curaçao. She looks back with satisfaction and believes she learned a great deal from her practical experience: “I did a trial internship, so I was deployed in a versatile way. I especially enjoyed the fieldwork and found it educational!”

Aruba native Charles Huntington interned with the Aruban aviation authorities. It was so successful for both parties that he was offered a full-time position. This summer, he completed his Aviation studies at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and was able to start immediately. From Aruba, he explained his enthusiasm: “Arriving in the middle of Carnival season was wonderful, of course. But my internship wasn't a vacation; I read and learned a lot about the local context of Aruba, which is truly different from the international context.”

New interns

Two of the four interns are studying Aviation at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS). Twenty-three-year-old Timo Jansen will be working at Fundashon Mariadal in Bonaire to help develop a drone corridor for pharmaceuticals. “That involves a lot of regulations, and I'm looking forward to conducting a thorough risk analysis.” Lucas Bol, a third-year student, is starting at the Sint Maarten Aviation Authority. "In short, I'm going to help improve the flight operations manual." The islands are still uncharted territory for both students, and they are eager to get started.

The third new intern is Aquilla Pemberton, who will also be applying her knowledge and skills to the aviation authorities on her native island of Sint Maarten. She studies Law at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and is looking forward to further exploring aviation from a legal perspective. Her fellow student, Lissa Laguerre, will begin her internship at Saba Airport in September. "I was born in Curaçao and am very excited to get to know Saba and contribute to it."

Strengthening the Aviation Sector

All efforts are focused on expanding specialist knowledge within the aviation sector. This is achieved, among other things, by promoting substantive expertise, such as training lawyers, technicians, and operational specialists. This is necessary because the aviation sector also faces challenges such as finding qualified personnel and an increasingly aging population. Maurits Paauwe, involved with Cari-Aire on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, expressed the importance of the internship program as follows: “As interns, you contribute to real challenges faced by various employers. This directly contributes to strengthening aviation in the Caribbean, a key goal for us at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.”

Commitment

On behalf of WeConnect, Cari-Aire program manager Pam Evertsz expressed her satisfaction. “The success of this internship program hinges on the willingness of our partners and stakeholders to adapt quickly; I am proud that we have achieved this again.” She offered encouragement to the interns: “You will enter an international work environment where you will learn to collaborate with other people and other cultures.”

The Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten and the staff of the Cabinet of Aruba were present at the launch. Everyone wished the interns the best of luck. There was much appreciation for this wonderful collaboration within the Kingdom and the hope that the Cari-Aire aviation internship program will bring even more students to the islands in the future.

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