PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current road safety enforcement measures in Sint Maarten, noting that the present approach is not sufficiently addressing the root of the problem.
“If someone can replace a confiscated motorcycle almost immediately, then the system is not solving the problem,” Lacroes stated. No helmet, no road tax, no insurance required, no driver's license, and no age check!
He pointed to the ongoing practice of confiscating motorcycles during police controls, while individuals can easily purchase replacement bikes without sufficient checks on licensing, insurance, or compliance. This, he argued, creates a cycle that undermines enforcement and allows unsafe practices to continue.
MP Lacroes had already taken a step in that direction by presenting a motion that was adopted on June 23, 2025, by this parliament, which called for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and coordinated policy measures.
However, enforcement alone cannot deliver the intended results if gaps remain in how vehicles are imported, sold, and brought onto the road. Without proper regulation at the front end, enforcement at the back end will continue to fall short.
Lacroes also noted concern that, despite the clear directives contained in the motion, a comprehensive update on its execution has not yet been provided to Parliament. In this context, formal letters have been addressed to both the Minister of Justice and the Minister of TEATT, requesting clarification on enforcement measures and the regulatory framework governing the sale and use of motorcycles.
“The people of Sint Maarten deserve a system that works from start to finish,” he said. “We cannot continue to operate in a way where measures are taken, but the underlying issues remain untouched”.
He called for better coordination among ministries so that enforcement, regulation, and public awareness are aligned and implemented effectively.
According to Lacroes, real progress in road safety will only be achieved when policies are not only announced, but properly executed and enforced across the full system.
He concluded that addressing road safety requires serious commitment, clear accountability, and a willingness to move beyond temporary fixes toward lasting solutions.
KPSM Urges Public to Act as Gun Buyback Program Enters Final Week.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is reminding the community that the Inter-Insular Gun Buyback Program has entered its second and final week, with the initiative set to conclude on March 30, 2026. Residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely surrender illegal firearms and help make Sint Maarten safer.
KPSM emphasizes that the buyback program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to turn in illegal weapons without facing prosecution for possession, while also receiving compensation based on the firearm's type and condition. This initiative is part of the Police Force’s broader efforts to reduce gun violence and remove illegal weapons from the streets.
Following the conclusion of the buyback program, KPSM will launch a targeted enforcement initiative titled “We Comin for It.” This operation will be driven by police intelligence and will involve coordinated actions, including searches of homes and businesses, the confiscation of illegal firearms, and the arrest of individuals found to be in possession of such weapons.
KPSM is making it clear that individuals found with illegal firearms outside the buyback program will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Sint Maarten's laws. Illegal firearm possession carries serious legal consequences, including criminal charges, potential imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
The Police Force is appealing to all residents to make the responsible choice by turning in illegal firearms before the March 30 deadline. This is a final opportunity to do so voluntarily and avoid legal consequences while helping to protect families, neighborhoods, and the wider community.
KPSM urges the public to work with law enforcement to create a safer Sint Maarten. By removing illegal weapons from circulation, the community plays a direct role in preventing violence and safeguarding lives.
Digital Government Transformation Project Officially Launches E-Services and Data Exchange Platform in Sint Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten has taken a highly anticipated step toward modernizing public service delivery with the official kickoff of the E-Services and Data Exchange Platform, a key component of the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP).
The Digital Leadership Team (DLT) launch event, held on Friday at the Government Administration Building, was attended by members of the Council of Ministers, led by the Honorable Prime Minister Luc F.E. Mercelina, Secretary Generals, and key stakeholders across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The initiative will enhance data exchange (interoperability) and improve access to government services.
The project focuses on the design and development of selected high-demand digital services, accessible through multiple channels, including an online portal. In addition, implementing an interoperability platform will connect six (6) government registries to enable secure, standardized data exchange across institutions.
This will improve the accessibility to civil registry, national identification, and business registration. It will also enable data sharing between government entities. It is supported by national digital identity solutions such as eID and eSignature.
The formal kickoff meeting served as a platform to align stakeholders and outline the roadmap for implementation. Representatives from registry application vendors also participated, reinforcing the collaborative approach required for the project’s success.
During the kickoff, the Digital Leadership Team introduced the project’s implementation partner, Orange Business Development Ltd. out of Bangladesh. Project Manager of the Orange Business Development Ltd. Shamim Hossain presented the project scope and outlined the strategic approach for execution, using local scenarios to better clarify the benefits of the outcomes. Senior Policy Officer and Work-stream 3 Project Manager under the DLT, Chard Charles provided an overview of the project’s roadmap and key milestones. He also detailed the roles and expectations of each stakeholder, emphasizing the importance of continued government-wide support to achieve the intended outcomes for Sint Maarten.
The event was officially opened by the Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, who commended the Digital Leadership Team for its consistency and dedication to improving public service delivery. He underscored the importance of building a digital government that is tailored to Sint Maarten’s unique context, while remaining inclusive and accessible to all citizens, including seniors and persons with disabilities.
“Even prior to reaching this stage, the project has already established critical groundwork, including the formation of the Digital Leadership Team, the development of a national digital strategy for both Government and country, the implementation of E-VROMI, cybersecurity training initiatives, ongoing legislative updates, and the design of a digital identification system (e-ID). A digital government transformation is inherently complex, comprising multiple interconnected components that must align effectively to achieve the desired outcomes,” stated the Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau, Claret Connor.
The kickoff marks the beginning of a collaborative journey toward a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric government. It sets the foundation for successful project execution, ensuring the delivery of all expected functionalities, outcomes, and long-term benefits for the people of Sint Maarten.
BTP congratulates St. Maarten robotics team on outstanding achievement.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) proudly congratulates the St. Maarten robotics team on securing an impressive 2nd place among eight competing countries. This remarkable achievement is even more inspiring given that the team had only a few weeks to prepare, while competing against teams with years of experience.
BTP extends its sincere appreciation to the teachers, the Science Fair Foundation, and all individuals involved for their dedication in guiding and supporting the students throughout this journey. Their collective efforts have played a vital role in this success.
As a proud sponsor, BTP remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote technology and innovation among young people. The organization will continue to work closely with schools and students to inspire and motivate the next generation to pursue careers in technology.
Director of BTP, Judianne Hoeve, stated:
“This achievement shows what is possible when our youth are given the right opportunities and support. We are incredibly proud of the team and remain committed to fostering talent and interest in technology across St. Maarten. I encourage all students to continue developing their technical skills and to pursue careers right here at home, as the technology sector continues to grow with opportunities in areas such as AI, robotics, and data centers.”
CBCS brings ‘Money Week’ to primary schools in Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank of Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has rolled out the educational project “Money Week” to primary schools in Curaçao and Sint Maarten this week. With this initiative, the CBCS aims to make children aware of the value of money, the importance of saving, and the need to make financial choices at a young age.
This week, all primary schools will receive a number of cash boxes containing play money banknotes and coins in the Caribbean guilder. Teachers can use these cash boxes during math lessons to teach money and financial topics in a playful, practical way.
Money Week opened in Sint Maarten at the Oranje Primary School. There, CBCS Sint Maarten interim director Dwayne, and Minister of Education Melissa Gumbs, jointly delivered a guest lecture to the children in group 5 at the school. Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs and CBCS employee Ghyslaine Rollocks-Petrona also contributed to the kick-off with a guest lecture at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School. During these guest lectures, students learn more about the new Caribbean guilder, and responsible money management is discussed interactively.
In Curaçao, Money Week was also formally opened with a guest lecture by CBCS President Richard Doornbosch, along with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and CBCS employee Shekinah Dare, at Kolegio San Hosé in Barber. The closing of the Money Week takes place on Friday, March 27, at the Johan van Walbeeckschool, where Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn, together with CBCS Executive Director Leila Matroos-Lasten, will deliver the final guest lecture.
In addition to the opening and closing lectures, CBCS staff will give guest lectures to group 5 students at various schools in Sint Maarten and Curaçao later this week. The primary schools, which had previously been informed about the project, responded particularly enthusiastically to the initiative. The CBCS received a large number of requests for guest lectures in a short period and is very pleased with the positive response from the schools.
With the launch of this project, the CBCS underscores its commitment to promoting financial self-reliance within the communities of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. In line with this social responsibility, the Money Week – inspired by the Dutch version – has been included in the CBCS's strategic planning for 2026–2028. Money Week takes place annually in March; the first edition runs this year from March 23rd through March 27th.
Willemstad, March 23, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN