PHILIPSBURG: --- In significant development today, the Council of Ministers (CoM) has rejected the Prime Minister's request to suspend Suenah Laville-Martis, Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA). The imposed measure has been lifted, granting Laville-Martis access to all digital platforms and government buildings, except the Government Administration Building and events attended by the Prime Minister. This decision will remain in effect until the ongoing criminal investigation is concluded. A formal letter from the Prime Minister to Laville-Martis is still pending, SMN News has been reliably informed.

Background and Escalation

The controversy began when Laville-Martis was denied access to government facilities and platforms, a move she publicly condemned as unjust. She maintained her innocence and demanded a public retraction from the Prime Minister, even threatening legal action if necessary. The situation sparked widespread debate about transparency and due process within the government.

Operational Impact on the Ministry

The absence of Laville-Martis had disrupted the Ministry’s operations, as Minister Richinel Brug highlighted. He described her role as pivotal, likening her to the "backbone" of the Ministry’s strategic and operational framework. While Laville-Martis continued to work remotely, the lack of physical access created logistical challenges, slowing decision-making and affecting the Ministry’s efficiency.

Ministry’s Resilience Amidst Challenges

Despite these disruptions, the Ministry has pressed forward with its initiatives, including expanding community services through VSA help desks. Minister Brug defended the timing of these efforts, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to serving the public, even under challenging circumstances.

Moving Forward

Today’s decision by the CoM marks a turning point in this ongoing saga. While Laville-Martis regains partial access, the investigation continues, leaving some questions unanswered. The public and stakeholders now await further developments, including formal communication from the Prime Minister.

This resolution underscores the importance of accountability and effective governance, as the Ministry strives to restore normalcy and focus on its mission to serve the people of Sint Maarten.

SAINT-MARTIN:--- The Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin issued a public safety announcement on January 26, 2026, calling for increased vigilance following two recent armed robbery attempts in the Nettlé Bay area.
In response to the incidents, which occurred near 166 Route de Baie Nettlé, the Prefect has reactivated the official anti-armed robbery protocol. This measure aims to enhance security and counter the immediate threat.
The communiqué strongly advises residents and visitors to avoid the specified sector of Nettlé Bay during nighttime hours. The official recommendation is to stay clear of the area from 9:00 PM until the early morning.
Authorities have confirmed that the Gendarmerie will maintain a heightened operational presence to address these criminal acts. Intervention capabilities will remain in place as long as the threat persists, ensuring the protection of the community. The public is urged to remain cautious and heed the official guidance.

~A new opportunity is opening doors for young talent on Sint Maarten.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Starting February 1, 2026, the EY Young Talent Fund will officially become available to aspiring young people on the island, supporting their growth, development, and future success.

Originally established in 2017 by EY in partnership with the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) to celebrate EY’s 70th anniversary, the fund was launched to invest in the next generation of talent on Curaçao. One year later, it expanded to Aruba, followed by Bonaire four years later. Now, in its ninth year, the EY Young Talent Fund is proudly expanding to Sint Maarten. This expansion reflects EY’s continued commitment to nurturing Caribbean talent and creating equal opportunities for young people across the region.

The EY Young Talent Fonds op Naam focuses on motivated and talented youth aged 13 to 18 who demonstrate strong potential in their chosen field — whether in arts, culture, sports, education, or other areas of development. Special attention is given to young people and families who may not have the financial means to fully fund their own development.

Eligible applicants must live on Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, or Sint Maarten and show clear ambition, dedication, and talent in their discipline.
Successful applicants may receive up to XCG 10,000 (USD 5,495) per school year (August–July). Applications are reviewed monthly.
Applications must be submitted digitally via:
www.cultuurfondscaribischgebied.com/geld-vragen/
Applicants aged 13–17 must submit their application with the support and signature of a parent or guardian.
Deadlines and review dates can be found on the CCG agenda page:
https://cultuurfondscaribischgebied.com/vergaderagenda/

With the launch on Sint Maarten, the EY Young Talent Fund continues its mission to empower young people, unlock potential, and invest in the future of the Caribbean.

Let your talent grow. Apply and take the next step.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Tax Administration, Inspectorate Department, is reminding all businesses, employers, and financial administrators of the February 2, 2026, deadline for submitting the Summary Wage Statement (Verzamelloonstaat) and Third-Party Statement (Opgaaf Derden) for 2025, as required under Article 45 of the National Ordinance on General Taxes.

The Summary Wage Statement provides a record of all individuals employed by a business, including directors, supervisory directors, and individuals working exclusively on a commission basis, while the Third-Party Statement records individuals or entities that have provided services outside of an employer-employee relationship.

To facilitate the submission process, businesses with fewer than five employees may submit the forms in hard copy, while businesses with more than five employees are required to submit the information digitally via USB flash drive.

The Tax Administration encourages all businesses and employers to submit their documents on time to avoid penalties and ensure continued compliance with national tax regulations. Under Article 21a of the National Ordinance on General Taxes, the Inspector of Taxes can impose a fine of up to Cg. 5,000 if the requested statements, based on Article 45, Sections 2 and 3, are not submitted, submitted late, or submitted incomplete.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration by telephone at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, via WhatsApp at 556-3699, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..