PHILIPSBURG:--- As a hub for tourism in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten welcomes a significant number of visitors each year, especially during the peak season from mid-November to April. This influx of tourists, primarily from cruise ships and yachts, is vital to the island's economy. However, it also brings a considerable challenge: a dramatic increase in solid waste that strains the island's infrastructure and environment. The management of this waste, particularly from maritime sources, has become a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.

An Overburdened Landfill in Peak

The volume of garbage generated on the island escalates significantly during the tourist high season. Large cruise ships, such as the Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and the newer Star of the Seas, can bring thousands of passengers to Sint Maarten for daily calls. While these visits boost local commerce, they also leave behind a substantial amount of waste. A single large vessel can offload tons of garbage, contributing an estimated 25% to 40% increase in the total waste managed by the island during peak periods.

This surge places an immense burden on Sint Maarten's landfill. The rapid accumulation of waste not only accelerates the filling of the dump but also heightens environmental risks. Without a sustainable long-term plan, the island faces a future where its capacity to manage waste is completely overwhelmed, leading to potential health hazards and environmental degradation that could harm the very tourism product it seeks to protect.

Questions of Regulation and Accountability

A key part of the problem lies in the lack of clear, enforceable regulations for waste disposal from visiting vessels. While international conventions like MARPOL suggest that ports should provide waste reception facilities, the specifics of how this is managed, charged for, and enforced are often left to local authorities. The argument that Sint Maarten must accept this waste to maintain its status as a desirable port, especially for homeporting, doesn't fully address the lack of a system to manage the financial and logistical impact.

Currently, there appears to be no mandatory requirement for haulers to present a manifest detailing the origin and quantity of the waste they bring to the landfill. This lack of documentation makes it nearly impossible to track how much waste comes from cruise ships versus local sources. It also creates a system ripe for potential financial mismanagement. If multi-million-dollar cruise lines are paying for waste disposal, as is standard practice in ports worldwide, where is that revenue going? Without transparency, it's difficult to ensure that these funds are being reinvested into the island's waste management infrastructure.

The Financial and Logistical Disconnect

The current approach to waste management seems to be a missed opportunity for revenue generation. While Sint Maarten's landfill has equipment like a scale to weigh incoming trucks, this data is not effectively used to implement a "pay-as-you-throw" system for commercial waste from the maritime industry. These large corporations can and should pay for the disposal services they use. Implementing a fee structure for waste from cruise ships and yachts would create a much-needed revenue stream that could fund improvements to the landfill, support recycling initiatives, and enhance enforcement efforts.

The operations are handled by private haulers who have arrangements with the port and marinas. This setup means there is no direct relationship between the government-run landfill and the sources of the waste. Consequently, the government has limited control and visibility over the process, making it difficult to enforce policies or capture revenue.

A Path Forward: Recommendations for a Sustainable Future

Addressing Sint Maarten's waste management crisis requires a multi-faceted approach centered on accountability, regulation, and financial transparency.

1. Implement Mandatory Waste Manifests: Requiring all waste haulers to provide a detailed manifest upon entry to the landfill is a critical first step. This document should specify the source of the waste (e.g., cruise ship name, marina), the type of waste, and its weight. This data will provide a clear picture of the waste stream and enable accurate billing.

2. Establish a Clear Fee Structure: The government should implement and enforce a fair and transparent fee system for the

2. Establish a Clear Fee Structure: The government should implement and enforce a fair and transparent fee system for the disposal of commercial waste from cruise ships and yachts. This "polluter pays" principle ensures that the industries contributing to the waste problem also contribute to its solution.
3. Enhance Enforcement and Oversight: Stricter enforcement of waste management policies is necessary. This includes holding haulers and their clients accountable for compliance. The government must also increase its oversight of the entire waste collection and disposal chain to ensure transparency and prevent financial leakage.
4. Invest in Infrastructure: Revenue generated from disposal fees should be dedicated to a road fund and modernizing the island's waste management infrastructure. This includes exploring long-term solutions like waste-to-energy technology, expanding recycling programs, and planning for the eventual closure and replacement of the current landfill.

The challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By implementing robust policies, ensuring financial accountability, a

The challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By implementing robust policies, ensuring financial accountability, and fostering a culture of responsibility, Sint Maarten can protect its environment, improve its infrastructure, and build a more sustainable future for residents and visitors alike.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Increasing concern is being voiced regarding the overall performance and direction of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure (VROMI) under the leadership of Secretary General Mr. Kenson Plaisimond, who assumed the position on September 1st, 2024.

The recently issued report by the General Audit Chamber of St. Maarten highlighted significant shortcomings, citing that the Secretary General does not possess the technical expertise required to manage the Ministry or evaluate building permits effectively — one of VROMI’s core responsibilities. Research further indicates that Mr. Plaisimond’s professional background is limited to a Bachelor’s degree in ICT, with no prior managerial experience overseeing a ministry of this scale or complexity.

Staff Morale and Internal Operations Deteriorating

Since his appointment, there has been no Ministry plan, strategic direction, or formal outline presented by the Secretary General on how he intends to address the challenges facing VROMI. Staff members within the Ministry report low morale, lack of motivation, and increasingly heavy workloads, stemming from chronic understaffing and an absence of administrative leadership.

Sources within VROMI describe the internal climate as “uncertain and directionless,” noting that operational matters are often delayed or left unattended.

Deteriorating Public Infrastructure and Delayed Responses

Across the island, residents and businesses continue to express frustration with:

- Proliferating potholes and declining roadway conditions

- Delayed or insufficient repairs to critical infrastructure

- Persistent flooding issues, even during moderate rainfall

- Slow response times to public concerns

Despite the urgency of these matters, there has been no comprehensive strategy communicated by the Ministry on how these challenges will be resolved.

Outstanding Policy Matters Remain Unaddressed

The community also awaits clarity and follow-up on the Deedum Arrest and the Land Issuance Policy, both of which remain unresolved and have yet to be formally presented to Parliament. Stakeholders emphasize that these matters carry significant implications for governance, public trust, and land management across St. Maarten.

Travel Without Tangible Outcomes

Since taking office, Mr. Plaisimond has frequently accompanied the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs Jr., on official travel. However, Ministry staff and the public alike question the lack of measurable results, noting that key problems continue to escalate despite these trips.

A Call for Immediate Action

With escalating operational deficiencies, worsening public infrastructure, and declining staff morale, stakeholders stress that urgent corrective action is needed. Effective leadership, technical competency, and a clear strategic plan are essential to restoring the Ministry’s capacity to serve the people of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday morning, December 8, 2025, the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, together with Chief Prosecutor M. Ridderbeks and the Chief of Police Carl John, held an urgent meeting at KPSM police station during an active, coordinated law enforcement operation.
The visit was timed to support the operational work underway and to receive direct briefings from the teams executing ongoing enforcement actions. Minister Tackling, Chief Prosecutor Ridderbeks, and Chief of Police John met with operation leaders to reinforce the government’s full backing and to ensure they have the resources and interagency cooperation required.
Their presence underscored the Government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to a firm, united, and uncompromising approach to public safety. Both officials expressed appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the officers involved and reiterated that the safety of residents and visitors remains the government’s highest priority.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Minister Tackling convened an urgent high-level coordination meeting at the KPSM station with the leadership of the Coast Guard, Immigration, Customs, and Police (KPSM).
The purpose of the meeting was to synchronize operational strategies across all agencies, ensuring a unified response and accelerated cooperation in the ongoing fight against criminal activity.
“Effective law enforcement requires unity of purpose,” stated Minister Tackling. “Today’s coordination ensures every agency is aligned, sharing intelligence, and acting together with a clear, common strategy to protect our communities.”
Additionally, the Minister made clear that the Justice Chain must act as a single, coordinated system, with shared responsibility at every level. She reaffirmed that resilience must come not only from the government, but from the justice chain as a whole.
The meeting solidified the government’s comprehensive approach to public safety, bringing the collective capacity of all law enforcement bodies under a strengthened, unified operational framework.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The police force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) reports the arrest of two individuals following a significant narcotics seizure and the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, and other items connected to suspected criminal activity.
On Monday, December 9, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, KPSM officers conducting intensified controls targeting criminal activities throughout Sint Maarten stopped and searched a vehicle in the Middle Region. During a thorough search of the car, officers discovered a large quantity of narcotics and a substantial amount of cash concealed in a black bag.
The driver, identified by the initials I.J.G-M., was immediately arrested and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation.
Given the significant quantity of narcotics found in the suspect's possession, KPSM consulted with the Public Prosecutor's Office. Following this consultation, authorization was granted to search the suspect's residence on Arch Road.
During the execution of the house search, officers made several additional critical discoveries:
• One firearm with ammunition and multiple magazines
• Ski masks
• A bulletproof vest
• A large sum of cash
• Various other items believed to be intended for use in criminal activities
All seized items have been confiscated as evidence. A second suspect, identified by the initials R.A.G. and identified as the father of the initial suspect, was also arrested at the residence in connection with violations of narcotics and firearm laws.
KPSM wishes to emphasize its unwavering commitment to combating criminal activity on Sint Maarten. These intensified controls are part of an ongoing, proactive approach to ensuring public safety and security across the island.

"Criminals should take clear notice: KPSM, in close collaboration with our justice partners, will continue to execute our mandate with determination and vigilance. KPSM is dedicated to making and keeping Sint Maarten safe for all residents and visitors."
Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. They face charges related to narcotics possession, illegal firearm possession, and other criminal offenses. Additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators analyze all seized evidence.
The general public should be aware that these types of actions will continue in the coming days.
KPSM urges anyone with information related to criminal activity to contact the police at +1 721-542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.