PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which starts June 1 and runs through November 30, will start on Wednesday, April 15. This is mainly for new entities that have never applied for a pass and for those whose passes have expired.
There are two types of passes, the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass. No passes will be issued to business owners, except for some exemption categories as noted below.
The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property. No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours. This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.
Potential applicants have until Friday, May 29, 2026, to provide all relevant information for the pass request process.
Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years. The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.
The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass which is valid for two-years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).
The crucial organizations listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.
The Office of Disaster Management, which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2026 hurricane season and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.
Please note that company passes will be accepted during curfew hours from the following institutions: Sint Maarten Medical Center and White & Yellow Cross Foundation.
The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.
An application form can be requested by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Emails should include the following: Name of business or organization; A short description of activities of the business or the organization; Request for either disaster or hurricane pass.
When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:
- copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2026 for businesses.
- proof of 2026 registration at the Chamber of Commerce, for organizations.
- copy valid Sint Maarten ID-card of applicant.
- Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office, this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is accepted as well.
- One (1) passport picture for new applicants, to be sent in JPEG-format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person clearly indicated.
The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill, by Friday, May 29, 2026, with all necessary documents attached.
Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.
Nature Foundation urges the EU to scale up overseas biodiversity funding at OCTA Ministerial Conference.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, a local environmental conservation non-profit, was among a small group of delegates at the high-level OCTA Ministerial Conference on April 11 in Aruba, to present on the need for increased, long-term biodiversity funding across Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). Part of the 21st OCTs-EU Forum, the occasion allowed beneficiaries of the BESTLIFE2030 Programme to communicate directly with top-ranking ministers and regional authorities of OCTs, the European Commission, Member States, and regional stakeholders.
Project Manager Sabrine Brismeur, a resident of Saint-Martinois parentage, represented the Nature Foundation alongside three other program beneficiaries from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Eustatius, along with IUCN BESTLIFE2030 coordination team. Over the course of an hour, the group made the case for why the EU must continue to scale up investment in biodiversity initiatives in the OCTs, drawing on their direct experience implementing various projects.
The invitation also served as an opportunity for the Nature Foundation to share its experience and feedback on BESTLIFE2030 directly with its coordinators. EU-funded programs like BESTLIFE2030, while incredibly valuable, are noted for their rigorous administration and reporting requirements, which can be difficult for small, capacity-strained organizations to meet. Communication and relationships between on-the-ground practitioners and high-level grant administrators are essential to improving the conditions and outcomes of successful projects.
"These sorts of programs are critical to our work on Sint Maarten and allow us to carry out projects that are innovative, targeted, or long overdue," said Brismeur. "Funding for biodiversity conservation among our islands is low, especially for extremely small NGOs like the Nature Foundation — which does not benefit from sustainability or nature fees, head taxes, environmental fines, or even nature park entry tickets, since we are the only island in the Dutch Caribbean without a terrestrial park.”
Programs including BESTLIFE2030 — a grantmaking mechanism focused on preserving and restoring biodiversity in the EU's outermost regions (ORs) and OCTs — are funded by the EU to advance shared global biodiversity commitments. Through the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sint Maarten is party to various treaties including the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol and the 30x30 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
"Biodiversity conservation is not just about wildlife itself, but about how species and ecosystems help sustain economies, generate savings, feed populations, improve health, protect infrastructure, and root culture," said Brismeur. "For example, our project ties together the capacity of sustainable fisheries and elasmobranchs - sharks and rays - to provide long-term benefits for our local fishers.”
The Nature Foundation would like to sincerely thank the coordinators of IUCN BESTLIFE2030 Programme and OCTA for the invitation and opportunity, as well as the policymakers, politicians, and civil servants present in the room for listening and considering the presentation.
The Nature Foundation's BESTLIFE2030 project, MENAA (Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Advocacy), seeks to build a foundation for the long-term success of Sint Maarten's marine and coastal areas, particularly for sharks and rays. Research shows that local waters serve as a nursery for species including tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. These animals are crucial for reef health and fishery stability but remain threatened by poaching and ghost nets, despite existing local protections. Learn more about the program at https://naturefoundationsxm.org/projects/menaa.
The BESTLIFE2030 Programme is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
VROMI Officially Opens Billy Folly After Sint Maarten’s Firstb Public Private Partnership Pilot Delivers.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) is proud to announce the official opening of Billy Folly Road (Pelican) following the successful completion of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure pilot project. The milestone was celebrated last Friday at the invitation of the business sector with a reception that brought together private investors, government officials, and project partners whose collective commitment made this achievement possible.
The rehabilitation of Billy Folly Road was announced as a PPP initiative, combining a government contribution with funds raised by a coalition of local businesses and establishments. The completed project delivered much-needed sidewalks, a fully upgraded concrete subsurface, and a new asphalt layer. Critically, additional funding is being procured to address the long-standing drainage issue in the area. The result is a safer, more resilient road serving both residents and the many visitors who travel through the Pelican corridor. The Minister of VROMI thanked the Prime Minister for his efforts in realizing the project, which stemmed from a conversation between him and one of the hotels.
Minister Gumbs extended his deepest gratitude to each of the businesses whose financial contributions and corporate social responsibility made this project a reality: Simpsonbay Resort, Flamingo Hilton, La Vista, Simpsonbay Suites, Baker Suites, Market Garden, SMTA, Hollywood Casino, Splash Jewelry, Aquamania, Tepui Residences, Dollar Thrifty, Buccaneers Beach Bar, Peli Deli, and Sunset Spa. Their collective investment of USD $496,500 stands as a powerful demonstration of the private sector’s commitment to the island’s infrastructure and quality of life. “That idea of partnerships, when it comes to investments and maintenance, is key in making our island what it is and forms a cornerstone of our governing program. I thank you all for answering the call, coming together and being the trailblazers in bridging the gap.” Minister Gumbs stated during the reception.
Building on the success of the Billy Folly pilot, the Ministry is actively advancing negotiations for similar public-private infrastructure initiatives across the country as part of its commitment to delivering quality public works through careful planning, adequate financing, and transparent partnerships.
The Ministry of VROMI thanks the public for their continued patience and support as we work to improve current infrastructure.
MPC Honors CARIFTA 2026 Athletes.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Milton Peters College proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes who represented St. Maarten at the prestigious CARIFTA Games 2026 in both Track and Field and Swimming. Their dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship have brought pride not only to the school but to the entire nation.
A truly historic highlight came from CS1A student Nahjah Wyatte, who made history by becoming the first athlete from St. Maarten to win a medal in the Boys 800m event. Competing against the region’s best, Nahjah delivered an exceptional performance and secured the gold medal, etching his name in the record books.
His victory marks a significant milestone for St. Maarten athletics. Standing proudly on the podium, draped in the national flag, Nahjah symbolized not only personal success but also national pride. His achievement reflects the discipline, resilience, and determination required to compete at the highest level.
In addition to Track and Field, MPC also recognizes its student-athletes who competed in Swimming at the CARIFTA Games. These students demonstrated remarkable commitment and courage as they represented St. Maarten on the regional stage. Their participation alone is a testament to their hard work, countless hours of training, and unwavering dedication to their sport.
Moments like these go far beyond medals. They showcase the strength of character, focus, and ambition that our students possess. Whether on the track or in the pool, these athletes serve as role models for their peers and inspire the next generation to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics.
Milton Peters College remains committed to supporting and nurturing student talent in all areas. The accomplishments of these athletes highlight the importance of balancing education with extracurricular pursuits and demonstrate what can be achieved with passion and perseverance.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our CARIFTA athletes, with special recognition to Nahjah Wyatte for his historic gold medal achievement. Your school and your country are incredibly proud of you.
Extension of Confirmation Letter Deadline for Public Transportation Permit Holders.
PHILIPSBURG;--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) hereby informs all public transportation permit holders that the deadline for the submission of confirmation letters has been extended to May 8, 2026.
To facilitate compliance, the registration link will be reopened, allowing permit holders who have not yet completed the confirmation letter process to do so via the designated online portal: [Insert Official URL]. All previously communicated requirements and conditions remain fully applicable without exception.
This extension constitutes a final opportunity for permit holders to regularize their status. Priority attention will continue to be given to individuals who submitted their documentation prior to the February 27 deadline.
The Ministry, through the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), strongly urges all permit holders with outstanding permits to complete the process without delay. Failure to do so will result in enforcement measures, including classification as inactive in the transport registry and potential prohibition from operating, particularly in cases where road tax obligations have not been fulfilled.
For technical assistance related to the online application process only, permit holders may contact the Transport Control Unit via:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WhatsApp: +1 (721) 559-7685
Links:
- Individual Buses and Taxis: https://www.proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=
- Bus Companies, T-Plates and G-Plates: https://www.proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=nzxl6
All submissions must be completed online via the designated portal. Physical submissions at the office will not be accepted. Incomplete or offline submissions will not be processed.
The Ministry of TEATT remains committed to maintaining an organized, compliant, and efficient public transportation sector.