PHILIPSBURG: --- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor hereby informs the public that an Interim Inspector General has been appointed, effective February 2, 2026, for a period of two (2) years.

After several years during which the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (IVSA) operated without a permanent Inspector General, this appointment represents a significant and long-awaited step toward restoring effective oversight and enforcement. Minister Brug expresses his satisfaction that this longstanding matter has now been resolved and that continuity and leadership have been secured within this critical supervisory institution.

The Minister wishes to expressly commend the staff of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor for their resilience and professionalism in holding down the fort throughout this prolonged period without an Inspector General. Despite limited leadership capacity, the Inspectorate continued to carry out its mandate to the best of its ability, demonstrating a strong sense of duty and commitment to the public interest.

Minister Brug also extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Daphne Illis, who served on a temporary basis as Acting Inspector General. In addition, special thanks are extended to Ms. Fenna Arnell and the entire Department of Public Health, whose dedication and perseverance were instrumental in ensuring that, despite numerous challenges, the Inspectorate is once again under formal leadership.

It is important to note that the prolonged vacancy was largely due to structural constraints embedded in outdated legislation. Under current law, the Inspector General must be a qualified medical doctor or pharmacist. When combined with the salary framework applicable to the position, this requirement significantly narrowed the pool of eligible candidates, as no locally practicing medical professional could relinquish their existing role to assume the role. These circumstances further underscore the need for legislative modernization, which remains a priority of this administration.

The appointed Interim Inspector General, Dr. Alcala, was born and raised in Curaçao and studied Medicine at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. He brings extensive professional experience within the Caribbean region and has previously served as Interim Inspector General, equipping him with the expertise and contextual understanding required to lead during a period of reform.

In his capacity as Interim Inspector General, Dr. Alcala will provide strategic leadership and independent oversight to IVSA. His appointment forms part of a broader reform agenda focused on strengthening governance, enhancing supervisory capacity, and ensuring that laws and standards protecting workers, patients, and vulnerable populations are consistently and effectively upheld.

Dr. Alcala will work in close collaboration with the project team that commenced its activities in November 2025 under the Temporary Work Organization–funded IVSA Reform Project. This project aims to assess and improve the organization, execution, and effectiveness of the Inspectorate’s statutory mandate, while laying the foundation for a modern, professional, and independent supervisory authority.

Minister Brug reaffirms his commitment to moving beyond temporary measures toward sustainable institutional strengthening. The appointment of an Interim Inspector General is a responsible and necessary step to ensure stability, continuity, and progress while reforms are being implemented.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating the discovery of a deceased man found along Hysopp Road in Cay Hill.

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, shortly after 6:00 a.m., Central Police Dispatch received multiple reports about a man lying unresponsive on the roadside in front of several residences. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that the individual showed no signs of life. The body was discovered in an open area.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim's death was not due to natural causes.

The Major Crime Investigation Team, along with detectives and forensic experts, is actively working on the scene to uncover the circumstances surrounding this incident.

At this time, no additional details are available. KPSM will release updates as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 721 554 2222, 911, or via the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

SAINT MARTIN:--- In a decisive move against drug trafficking, the court has handed down severe sentences to individuals involved in a drug-dealing operation in Sandy Ground. The verdicts, announced following a thorough investigation and trial, reflect the justice system's unwavering commitment to combating illegal drug activities.

Sentences Delivered:

• For the three main dealers:
  • Prison terms ranging from six to seven years.
  • Fines between €10,000 and €20,000.
  • A 10-year ban from entering the territory.
• For their accomplice:
  • A 30-month prison sentence.
  • A prohibition on working in any capacity involving minors.

All four individuals remain in custody following the court's decision.

A Strong Message Against Drug Trafficking

These exemplary sentences underscore the firm stance taken by law enforcement and the judiciary in addressing drug-related crimes. The dismantling of this drug-dealing operation in Sandy Ground is a testament to the relentless efforts of the gendarmerie and the justice system to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.

The case serves as a clear warning to those involved in drug trafficking: such activities will be met with severe consequences. Authorities reaffirm their dedication to eradicating drug-dealing networks and maintaining the security of the community.

To: Chairpersons of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten
Subject: Request for Agenda Inclusion and Speaking Rights at IPKO February 2026
A coalition of youth representatives from the six Caribbean islands and the Caribbean community in the Netherlands has issued an urgent appeal to the parliamentary leaders of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. The request centers on the upcoming Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO), scheduled for February 17, 2026, in Aruba. The group seeks to address the climate crisis as a shared responsibility within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to advocate for structural solutions that ensure the rights and safety of Caribbean residents.
Climate as a Shared Responsibility
The youth representatives emphasize the existential threat posed by the climate crisis to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. While the Netherlands benefits from robust frameworks like the Delta Act and consistent financial support for climate adaptation, the Caribbean islands lack similar guarantees. This disparity leaves Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten vulnerable, as they are unable to independently access critical international climate funds due to their constitutional status within the Kingdom.
The group highlights the upcoming court ruling on January 28, 2026, in the climate case brought by eight Bonaire residents and Greenpeace against the Dutch State. This case underscores the need for a Kingdom-wide climate adaptation plan developed in close collaboration with local communities. The youth representatives view this as a precedent for safeguarding human rights through the Kingdom’s guarantee function (Article 43 of the Charter), while respecting local autonomy and self-determination.
Local Expertise and Scientific Collaboration
The Caribbean islands are home to a wealth of talent and expertise in climate science and adaptation. Initiatives like the Feelin’ Hot Tool demonstrate the capacity for local innovation, but these efforts often remain limited to short-term projects. The youth representatives argue for a structural approach to climate adaptation, rooted in collaboration across the Kingdom. They call for the Netherlands to facilitate resources while allowing the islands to lead, in line with the principle of mutual assistance (Article 36 of the Charter).
Formal Requests
The youth representatives formally request the following:
1. Agenda Inclusion: That climate adaptation and the implications of the upcoming Bonaire climate case ruling be added as a permanent agenda item for the IPKO meeting on February 17, 2026.
2. Speaking Opportunity: That Oriana Wouters, a youth representative from Aruba, be granted 5-10 minutes to present the local perspective during the opening of this agenda item.
A Call for Kingdom-Wide Action
The youth representatives stress that the IPKO is the ideal platform to address the Kingdom’s shared climate challenges. They urge the parliamentary leaders to seize this opportunity to foster collaboration and ensure a sustainable future for all parts of the Kingdom.
Signatories:
• Oriana Wouters (Aruba)
• Terence Ching (Curaçao)
• Riddhi Samtani (Sint Maarten)
Representing Caribbean Youth within the Kingdom
Footnotes
1. At COP30, international agreements were made to significantly increase financial resources for climate adaptation. However, the constitutional status of the CAS countries within the Kingdom limits their direct access to these funds, leaving them reliant on the Dutch government’s policies.
2. See also: Misiedjan, D.J.E. (2021). "Separate but equal in the protection against climate change? The legal framework of climate justice for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands."
This appeal underscores the urgency of addressing climate justice and adaptation as a Kingdom-wide priority, ensuring that no part of the Kingdom is left behind in the fight against the climate crisis.