PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Sint Maarten Library, in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Tax Administration, hosted its second annual tax workshop at the Belvedere Community Center, where approximately 25 senior citizens gathered for an informative session.

Designed for persons aged 60 and over, the session included a practical presentation and an interactive tax case study, giving participants a clearer understanding of how to complete their income tax forms. The Tax Administration created an engaging and welcoming atmosphere, turning what can often feel like a tense topic into an experience that blended learning with moments of laughter.

The workshop was led by Tax Assessment Officer Mr. Marlon Kwidama, who provided clear guidance on the importance of timely tax submissions and how to complete the filing process with confidence. Seniors also received one on one assistance with their tax return forms and had the opportunity to ask questions for further clarification.

Also in attendance were Tax Assessor Ms. Lorraine Boasman and Public Relations Officer Mr. Kelron Bellot, who supported the initiative and engaged with participants throughout the session.

This joint initiative highlights the shared commitment of the Library and the Tax Administration to community outreach and public education, ensuring that seniors are equipped with the information and support needed to meet their tax obligations.

“With this partnership, we hope to foster an even stronger relationship with the Tax Administration and look forward to our next collaborative session next year,” said Ms. Francia Housen, Media Coach at the Sint Maarten Library.

This workshop was made possible by the Cyber Seniors team, J. Lambert, D. Helligar, and M. Spencer, under the leadership of Ms. Francia Housen. Appreciation is also extended to the seniors and the Tax Administration for their participation.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 14, 2026.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS) will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Question hour: Questions from MP D.C. Labega directed to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport regarding the levy on gasoline and diesel to fund sports programs (IS/941/2025-2026 dated April 8, 2026)

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.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is inviting local contractors and consultants to an informative session on bidding for an upcoming Sanitation (WASH) project in the Dutch Quarter. 

Led by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and implemented by UNOPS, this project builds upon the 9th and 10th EDF cycles, which initiated sanitation improvements in the Dutch Quarter. It represents a continuation of the program to modernize collective sewage and stormwater drainage in the area. The WASH project forms part of the Government of Sint Maarten’s broader commitment to strengthening essential public infrastructure and promoting sustainable development, particularly in densely populated areas. The works will be carried out with careful coordination and ongoing communication with residents as the project progresses.

To ensure this project benefits the local economy, UNOPS will host a webinar on April 21, 10:00 AM. The goal is to engage the local market and equip local firms with the technical and digital tools required to successfully bid on the project. 

The webinar is specifically tailored for construction companies with proven sanitation experience in Sint Maarten, as well as engineering and consulting firms specializing in the supervision of island-based sanitation projects. The webinar will feature an in-depth look at the project’s scope, requirements and timelines, as well as a comprehensive walkthrough of UNOPS procurement platforms, explaining compliance standards and the specific criteria used to evaluate bids. 

Interested parties should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register. 

Background. Dutch Quarter, situated in the Upper Princess Quarter Region of Sint Maarten and bordering the French side, is a densely populated area with a major road network that connects five larger communities, including Madam Estate, Middle Region, Belvedere, and Belle Plaine (French St. Martin). This road network facilitates movement for residents, visitors, and businesses. 

In addition to its roadways, Dutch Quarter manages stormwater runoff, directing water from elevated areas to lower regions, including the Middle Region District and much of the Defiance area, both located within the Dutch Quarter Basin. Existing water and sanitation infrastructure in the area had reached the end of its lifespan, increasing the need for a durable and sustainable solution. Minister Patrice Gumbs encourages all contractors to take part in this very critical project as we move to finalize the long-awaited sewage projects in the Dutch quarter. 

The new WASH project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), contributing to improved health outcomes and long-term environmental protection. The official launch reaffirms the Government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that strengthens public services, protects communities, and promotes sustainable development across the island.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 2026 Sint Maarten Biodiversity Fest has been officially scheduled and will take place over the weekend of April 25–26, 2026. The two-day event promises a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities designed to help participants discover the island and enjoy its incredible biodiversity.

The 2026 Biodiversity Fest is organized by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten and sponsored by Vogelbescherming Nederland, with support from local partners including Les Fruits de Mer and The Scuba Shop. Several environmental organizations will partner with the Nature Foundation to promote environmental awareness on the island.

Residents and visitors of all ages are welcome to participate. However, many activities have limited capacity and require advanced registration.

The program includes three activities on Saturday and two on Sunday, offering a diverse range of experiences for participants.

“These events help a wider audience discover, learn about, and better understand the importance of maintaining healthy biodiversity,” stated the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. “This annual event invites residents and visitors to explore and celebrate Sint Maarten’s rich biodiversity through a series of engaging and educational initiatives.”

The 2026 Sint Maarten Biodiversity Fest will kick off on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a beginner-friendly hike to the natural pools in the Point Blanche area. Following the hike, a free shuttle will transport participants to Amuseum Naturalis, where attendees will take part in an interactive exploration of the world of snails and participate in the Endemic Species Festival activities. In the evening, participants can enjoy a family-friendly activity focused on exploring nocturnal animals and their habitats.

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, participants will gather at The Scuba Shop in Simpson Bay for a guided snorkeling tour to discover the island’s underwater ecosystems and their relationships with the coastal biodiversity. The festival will conclude later that day with an ocean documentary screening at Van Dorp Spaces in Simpson Bay.

For more information on the Biodiversity Fest or any other events, please visit our website (https://naturefoundationsxm.org/2026-biodiversity-fest/) and our social media pages. 

We are also available by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call our office at +1 (721) 544-4267